Democratic Candidate’s ’86 47′ Post Sparks GOP Outrage in New Hampshire

Democratic Candidate’s ’86 47′ Post Sparks GOP Outrage in New Hampshire

Republicans in New Hampshire are voicing strong criticism after Democratic congressional candidate Maura Sullivan shared a social media post featuring a photo of herself next to a sign reading ’86 47.’ Some GOP members interpret this as a coded message supporting violence against President Donald Trump. The political firestorm highlights the charged atmosphere as the campaign for the 1st Congressional District heats up.

Maura Sullivan’s Background and Recent Activism

Maura Sullivan, a former Marine Corps officer, brings a rich background to her candidacy. She served in Iraq and held positions at the Pentagon and Veterans Administration under President Barack Obama. Sullivan attended a ‘No Kings’ protest in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where demonstrators gathered nationwide to oppose what they perceive as Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.

During the rally, Sullivan shared a photo on social media where she stood alongside a fellow veteran who held a sign proclaiming ‘Veterans for Democracy.’ However, the sign also bore the phrase ‘Foxtrot Delta Tango,’ in addition to the controversial message ’86 47.’

Understanding the Controversy Behind ’86 47′

The phrase ‘Foxtrot Delta Tango’ employs the NATO phonetic alphabet to create an acronym, often seen as a derogatory reference aimed at Trump. The term ’86’ has long been utilized in the restaurant industry to indicate that a menu item is no longer available. In military and casual contexts, it can also signify the elimination of something—or someone. Over recent months, this phrase has emerged in GOP discussions as a potential call for Trump’s removal.

The controversy intensified when former FBI Director James Comey faced backlash after he posted a similar ’86 47′ message on social media. Following considerable uproar among conservatives, Comey deleted his post and issued an apology.

Context of Violence in Politics

Sullivan’s post arrived just hours after tragic shootings that claimed the lives of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota. The violence is being reported as politically motivated. State Representative Melissa Hortman, a former speaker of the Minnesota House, and her spouse lost their lives; Senator John Hoffman and his partner sustained critical injuries. These shootings serve as a grim reminder of the current climate of political violence.

In light of the Minnesota attacks, Sullivan’s campaign responded robustly. Campaign manager Nick London emphasized Sullivan’s devastation over the tragic events. London stated, ‘Maura is outraged and heartbroken about the assassination of a public servant in Minnesota. She believes there is absolutely no place for violence in our politics, regardless of party or affiliation.’

Sullivan’s Stance on Military and Politics

London further defended Sullivan’s protest on Saturday, asserting that she stood with both her fellow voters in New Hampshire and millions of Americans opposing Trump’s treatment of servicemembers. He argued, ‘If the President truly cared about veterans, he would prioritize enhancing healthcare at the VA, expanding mental health services, and supporting military families.’

Immediate Fallout from Sullivan’s Post

Republicans wasted no time in responding to Sullivan’s post. New Hampshire GOP Chair Jim MacEachern condemned it, asserting, ‘I knew Maura was cozying up with the extreme radical left, but this is a step too far. Calls for political violence like this have no place in New Hampshire.’

Vice Chair Hollie Novoletsky, a contender in the upcoming GOP congressional primary, added, ‘Whether the target of an assassination is President Trump or a Democrat State Rep in Minnesota, it is unacceptable. You’d think as a “Veteran for Democracy,” Maura would understand that.’

Political Implications for New Hampshire’s First Congressional District

The scandal drew further scrutiny from the National Republican Congressional Committee, which oversees the House GOP’s campaign efforts, aiming to reclaim control in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District after eight years of Democratic representation. NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole branded Sullivan’s association with the sign as ‘dangerous and disqualifying.’ She called for Sullivan to apologize, remove the photo from social media, and step back from the congressional race.

This situation underscores the challenges Democratic candidates face as they navigate a polarized political landscape. Sullivan’s candidacy symbolizes a new generation of politicians seeking to assert themselves but also exposes them to the fiery scrutiny of their opponents.

The Path Ahead for Sullivan

As Sullivan continues her campaign, she must balance her military background and commitment to democratic values against the backdrop of sharp criticism from the GOP. With political violence increasingly scrutinized, her actions and public perception could play crucial roles in shaping the outcome of her race.

The forthcoming months are pivotal as the political stakes rise in New Hampshire and across the nation. Sullivan’s ability to connect with voters and clarify her stance on such sensitive issues will be vital for her campaign’s success.