Flake concerned about Trump for a ‘long time’ before presidency

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said he was worried about President Donald Trump years before his presidency and issues, such as his stance on the birther theory, shouldn’t exist in the political realm.

“For a long time, I’ve been concerned,” Flake said. “Way back before the campaign, when Donald Trump started, you know, years ago – questioning Barack Obama’s birthplace, for example,” he said during a Monday appearance on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.”

“That’s wrong. You just shouldn’t do that. It has no place in politics, but he’s continued. And he’s continued through the campaign and he’s continued through the presidency.”

The senator said Trump should focus on tackling big issues such as tax and immigration reform and working across party lines. Instead, Flake said, Trump has resorted to name-calling.

“These things are only fixed if we reach across the aisle – when both parties say alright, let’s share the political risk,” Flake said. “You can’t do that when you have a president who assumes the worst in people.”

In a recent speech, Flake said his Republican colleagues should not accept the actions of the president.

“At some point, this fever will cool and we will realize that anger and resentment is not a governing philosophy. You might be able to win an election here or there, but what are you left with?”

Flake, who said he will not run for re-election, said the conservative party has “drifted” and Republican voters have followed suit. He said issues have gone from traditional conservatism to cultural issues, such as flag burning.

“We’ve just gone further and further down that road,” Flake said. “Donald Trump latched onto that and put it in hyperdrive and I think, unfortunately, voters have kind of gone along with him.”

Related

Phoenix freeway closures: How to steer clear of roadwork this weekendPhoenix events calendar: Things to do this weekend and beyondPhoenix concert calendar: Nickelback, Def Leppard join list of upcoming Valley showsTwo suspects sought after $93K worth of high-end items, MLB gear stolen from storage unitShort-term rental properties keep Scottsdale police busySAFE Alert canceled after missing 85-year-old Glendale man returned home safely