ICYMI: McEachin Condemns McConnell’s Comments on African American Voters

In case you missed it: Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) sent a letter to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemning a disparaging comment he made about African American voters. During a press conference, Sen. McConnell insinuated that African Americans are not American citizens, prompting a swift rebuke by Congressman McEachin.

"African Americans have been systematically disenfranchised for generations, and your comments are representative of the internalized racism and prejudice that our community continues to face today. For those sentiments to be expressed within the context of voting rights is especially concerning, as African Americans and other minority populations have been historically marginalized and shut out of our democratic processes," the letter read.

Read Rep McEachin's full letter to Minority Leader McConnell here. Read more in CNN, Huff Post, The Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and The Grio.

Virginia congressman blasts McConnell for comment on voters of color

By Eva McKend

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is facing fierce criticism for comments he made this week in response to a question about the concerns of voters of color.

Virginia Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin condemned the remark in a letter to the Kentucky Republican, saying, "I am writing today in response to your recent comment on voting rights in which you insinuated that African Americans are somehow not American citizens."

"This is 2022 and being American is not synonymous with looking or thinking like you. African Americans are, in fact, American citizens deserving of our recognition, respect, and equal protections under the law."

Mitch McConnell Actually Just Suggested That 'American' Means 'Not Black'

By Sara Boboltz

His phrasing sparked immediate backlash from Black lawmakers and many others, since African-Americans are, obviously, Americans ― yet the top Republican in Congress just suggested they are not.

Rep. Donald McEachin (D-Va.) sent a letter to McConnell's office in which he called the remark "appalling."

"Your comments give greater insight into your motivations for opposing voting rights legislation, and they are prejudicial and morally reprehensible," McEachin wrote.

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'I am American': Black Americans use social media to respond to McConnell's comments on voting

by Mariana Alfaro

An effort to change Senate rules to ensure passage also failed as two Democrats - Sens. Joe Manchin III (W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) - joined all Republicans in opposing the effort.

McConnell led his Republicans in sinking the voting legislation. "This is about one party wanting the power to unilaterally rewrite the rule book of American elections," he said this past week.

Amid frustration over the outcome in the Senate, McConnell's remark about Black Americans and voting sparked the most anger.

"African Americans are ARE Americans, 365 days a year," tweeted the Congressional Black Caucus.

"This is 2022 and being American is not synonymous with looking or thinking like you," Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.) said in a letter to McConnell. "African Americans are, in fact, American citizens deserving of our recognition, respect, and equal protections under the law."

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McEachin calls McConnell comments on voting by African Americans and 'Americans' 'appalling and deeply disturbing'

By Michael Martz

Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th, had a simple, visual message to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., this week over the Republican leader's apparent distinction between African American voters and "Americans."

McEachin tweeted a photograph of himself and his wife, Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin - both of whom are Black - next to a United States flag with the message: "We are American #mitchplease."

The congressman, who is seeking a fourth term in November, followed up with a much sterner message in a letter to McConnell on Thursday, the day after two Democratic senators joined with Republicans to block a change to Senate rules to allow a vote on legislation to protect voting rights.

"Your inability to recognize us as Americans is appalling and deeply disturbing," he said in the two-page letter.

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Black Voters Matter founder says Mitch McConnell's remarks were rooted in division

By Aisha Powell

His comments caused major backlash from politicians, leaders and members of Black community.

"This is 2022 and being American is not synonymous with looking or thinking like you," said Virginia Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin in an open letter to McConnell.

"African Americans are, in fact, American citizens deserving of our recognition, respect, and equal protections under the law," he added.

In addition, #MitchPlease began trending on Twitter, with many users calling out the Republican senator for his divisive commentary.

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