De Blasio: Trump Comments On Muslim Soldier's Parents Will Sink Campaign
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Bill de Blasio slammed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump Monday for his war of words with the bereaved parents of a Muslim soldier who was killed in Iraq.
As WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini reported, de Blasio said he believes Trump's decision to criticize Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of slain Army Capt. Humayuk Khan, will be the final nail in the coffin for Trump's presidential campaign.
"There are still some unifying realities in American life. We are tremendous respect for our military. And we have ultimate respect for families who have lost their children serving their country," de Blasio said. "You cannot insult one of those families and get away with it."
De Blasio said he especially appreciates the outcry for Trump's fellow party members, such as U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)
For his part, Trump refused to back down Monday. He complained anew that he had been "viciously attacked" by the Khans.
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On Twitter, Trump said Khizr Khan "viciously attacked me from the stage of the DNC and is now all over T.V. doing the same - Nice!"
In a second tweet Monday, Trump said: "This story is not about Mr. Khan, who is all over the place doing interviews, but rather RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORISM and the U.S. Get smart!"
Advised that Trump was watching on Tuesday, Khizr Khan said on CNN Monday that Trump needs to find more "empathy" and find a way to work together with others.
Khan and is wife also said they would like to step away from the public feud with Trump.
"I really want to maintain mine and my family's dignity. I spoke what was appropriate, and if he's watching, just imagine – there is no need to comment the way he commented, that initiated this conversation. I again say, we want to maintain our dignity. We want to maintain my family's dignity; my son's dignity, and his sacrifice," Khizr Khan said of Trump on CNN Monday. "And he should listen to America; what America and the world is telling about the remarks; about the lack of empathy, and that's all I wish to convey to him – that a good leader has one trait."
Khan also told CNN Monday: "We want to be out of this controversy. That is not our style. This is not our path.'' He said "there was no need'' for Trump to comment further, saying "We want to maintain our dignity.''
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
