Twenty-one-term Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur is facing criticism from Republicans in her state over comments she made in a resurfaced interview where she compared Usama bin Laden and the United States’ war against terrorism with the Founding Fathers of the American Revolution. In a 2003 interview, Kaptur stated that before launching a military strike against Iraq, Americans should consider their own history and how the mix of religion and politics can be powerful. She compared non-nation-state fighters with religious purpose like bin Laden to the atypical revolutionaries that helped cast off the British crown during the American Revolution. Kaptur emphasized that the United States should not get “caught in the crossfire” of religious extremism in the Middle East.
Kaptur’s comments from 2003 drew criticism from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Thomas M. Reynolds, who called them “outrageous.” This criticism has been renewed by Kaptur’s critics in Ohio, including her Republican challenger, Republican Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin. Merrin criticized Kaptur for comparing a terrorist to the Founding Fathers and stated that she has lost touch with working-class people who love America. He emphasized that the Founding Fathers should never be considered in the same sentence as a terrorist who has caused harm to Americans. The NRCC spokesperson also condemned Kaptur’s comments and called for her to apologize.
In response to the criticism, Kaptur told the Washington Post in 2003 that her comments were intended to point out the rising revolution being felt across repressive regimes of the Arab and Islamic world. She clarified that her reference to the American Revolution was made in the context of the power of revolution and was not meant to equate terrorists with the Founding Fathers. Kaptur’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. The general election race in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District is expected to be tight, with Kaptur defending her seat in a district that Trump won by three points in 2020. The race is ranked as a “toss up” by the Cook Political report, with Republicans targeting it as an opportunity to hold and improve on their slim majority in the House.
Republicans have criticized Kaptur for her comments in a resurfaced 2003 interview where she compared Usama bin Laden and the war against terrorism to the Founding Fathers of the American Revolution. Kaptur emphasized the need for Americans to consider their own history before launching a military strike against Iraq and warned against getting involved in the religious extremism in the Middle East. Republican Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin, Kaptur’s challenger, condemned her for equating terrorists with the Founding Fathers and accused her of losing touch with working-class people. The NRCC also criticized Kaptur and called for her to apologize for her comments sympathizing with terrorists.
In response to the criticism, Kaptur clarified that her comments were meant to highlight the rising revolution in repressive regimes of the Arab and Islamic world. She explained that her reference to the American Revolution was in the context of revolution and was not intended to equate terrorists with the Founding Fathers. Kaptur’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the renewed criticism. The upcoming general election race in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District is expected to be competitive, with Kaptur defending her seat in a district that Trump won by three points in 2020. The Cook Political report has ranked the race as a “toss up,” with Republicans aiming to secure and enhance their slim majority in the House.
