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FIRST ON FOX — A controversial sign that displayed coded language directed at President Donald Trump and compared his supporters to Nazis made headlines after an event in Michigan attended by prominent Democrats, including gubernatorial front-runner Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Senate hopeful Mallory McMorrow.
The sign boldly stated “MAGA=NAZI” and “86 47.” The term “86” originally emerged from the restaurant industry, meaning to cancel or throw out. However, in underworld slang, it often represents a call to kill. The number “47” is frequently interpreted as a reference to the 47th president of the United States, Trump.
This issue gained further attention when James Comey, a vocal opponent of Trump, shared a cryptic image containing “86 47” on social media, which led to an investigation by the Secret Service due to its serious implications.
Earlier in the month, Lenawee County Democratic Chair Bill Swift and several local Democrats gathered in front of the massive sign, posing for a photo that was later shared on Facebook by the Lenawee County Democratic Party.
The photo was captioned, “LenDems at the Monroe County Democratic Party at the John Dingell Dinner.” Online commenters quickly criticized the local Democrats, calling their actions “entirely embarrassing” and accused them of alienating half of the country’s population.
The event on October 11 was dubbed the “John D. Dingell Unity Dinner” and featured keynote speeches from Benson and McMorrow. Benson is seen as the Democratic frontrunner in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
McMorrow, a state senator herself, is also gaining significant fundraising momentum and is viewed as a strong contender for a U.S. Senate seat. Together, they spoke at the event, which also welcomed Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber and Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Curtis Hertel Jr.
Political violence has emerged as a critical issue ahead of the upcoming election, particularly following the recent assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk and two attempted assassinations targeting President Trump. The environment around political rhetoric has intensified, and both major parties are keenly aware of the potential ramifications.
In response to the backlash regarding the sign, Andrew Mamo, spokesperson for McMorrow’s campaign, stated that the sign’s message was inappropriate and emphasized the need for thoughtful communication amidst these turbulent times.
Just a week after Kirk’s death, McMorrow had participated in a fundraising event hosted by liberal commentator Rebecca Schoenkopf, who faced criticism for her insensitive remarks about Kirk’s shooting. Schoenkopf, who runs a leftist Substack blog, had shared a mocking post about the incident, which added fuel to the controversy surrounding the Democrats’ event.
Following inquiries from Fox News Digital, a representative from McMorrow’s campaign highlighted her social media messages addressing the tragedy, stating that she expressed horror over Kirk’s death.
In addition to the backlash toward McMorrow, Swift faced controversy earlier this year for suggesting that Trump supporters should face execution during a radio interview. He labeled Trump as an “illegitimately and unconstitutionally elected insurrectionist president” and included incendiary remarks about the supporters he deems complicit.
The Lenawee County Democrats’ social media had shared alarming posts, including one advocating for the death penalty for Trump supporters, which stated, “They should be hanged by the neck until dead.” This rhetoric has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the promotion of political violence.
Swift defended himself in a lengthy statement, claiming that the interpretation of his statements towards political violence was erroneous. He reiterated that his commitment lies with upholding American democratic values and defending institutions threatened by Trump and his followers.
He further elaborated on his perspective, stating that Trump had campaigned using “Nazi rhetoric and ideology” and had allowed Nazi salutes at his inauguration. Such comments have raised serious ethical and political questions about the language used in political discourse.
Taylor, another prominent figure present at the dinner, asserted that they have no regrets about the photo taken with the contentious sign. He emphasized that the dinner aimed to promote unity against fascists rather than collaboration with them. He invited dissenting Republicans to join their cause, citing the negative impacts of Trump’s policies on American communities.
Inquiries to the Benson campaign for commentary on the situation went unanswered, highlighting the ongoing silence from key Democratic leaders amidst this brewing controversy. The fallout from this event may influence voter sentiment as both parties prepare for critical upcoming elections.
The implications of this incident extend beyond party lines, illustrating the growing polarization in American politics and how language can shape perceptions and actions. As the political climate continues to shift, the responsibility to communicate thoughtfully and avoid potential incitements to violence has never been more pressing.
