DISCLAIMER: This article was first published on September 10, 2024
Lauren Boebert, the Republican congresswoman from Colorado’s 3rd District, has become one of the most divisive figures in American politics since she took office in 2021. Known for her provocative remarks and hardline positions on several issues, Boebert thrives on controversy. However, her recent attempt to take a shot at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on social media quickly backfired, with people calling out her hypocrisy and lack of professionalism. The responses highlight a growing frustration with Boebert’s style of politics and her questionable legislative record.
Boebert’s Divisive Rhetoric
Boebert’s rise in politics has been fueled by her combative rhetoric, frequently targeting Democrats, progressive movements, and those she views as entrenched in the political establishment. Her outspoken approach often paints her as a champion for conservative ideals while criticizing what she perceives as the failures of Washington insiders. Her tweets and public statements are filled with conspiracy theories, personal attacks, and far-right talking points. While this might endear her to her base, it alienates a broader audience, including her own constituents who are increasingly dissatisfied with her focus on creating chaos rather than solving problems.
In this particular case, Boebert criticized Governor Tim Walz for an incident during the Minnesota State Fair where Walz reportedly avoided answering a question about Israeli hostages that were executed by Hamas. The criticisms would have gone unnoticed if not for the fact that Walz was in front of children at a family-friendly event, and the question was inappropriate for the setting. Furthermore, Walz has a long history of supporting veterans and military families, making Boebert’s attack seem all the more disingenuous.
Tim Walz ran away from cameras when asked about the six hostages killed in Gaza.
We’ve got a Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate who can’t give an answer without their team crafting it first.
That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice. That’s not acceptable.
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) September 2, 2024
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People quickly pointed this out in the responses to her tweet. One user, Francisco Vives, emphasized that Walz was simply behaving responsibly around children, something Boebert has failed to do in her own career. Let’s be absolutely 100% clear. Bibi Netanyahu is a criminal who should finish his life in jail.
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation wrote this: An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has confirmed that the Israeli army implemented the so-called Hannibal Directive on October 7.The Hannibal Directive is a controversial Israeli military procedure designed to prevent the capture of its soldiers, even if it results in their own deaths. Israeli forces have killed their own citizens.”
- Israel keeps killing American citizens who peacefully protest their 75 years of occupation, ethnic cleansing and pseudo theocratic apartheid state. Via the JacobinGiven that the Israeli military has itself now killed more than forty-thousand people, engaged in sickening sexual torture, and now also killed US citizens, what does that say about the Israel Defense Forces? And why is the US government still giving such an institution billions of dollars in military aid?
- Reuters says this:Palestinian health authorities say Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes.
- Lastly – Israel is an absolute disaster that the United States needs to stop sending free money to. If they want to prosecute their war of terror intentionally murdering Palestinians over and over – then let’s stop sending them money that could be better used for Americans instead of harming America’s position in the world. Israel is trash.
Boebert’s Legislative Record: Where’s the Action?
Beyond her divisive rhetoric, Boebert’s actual legislative accomplishments have been few and far between. As a representative, her role is to advocate for and pass policies that benefit her district and the nation. Yet, when examining her record, it becomes apparent that she has focused more on stirring the political pot than delivering meaningful change.
Since being elected, Boebert has introduced several bills, but the vast majority have either died in committee or have little chance of advancing. For example, she introduced the “No Mask Mandates Act” and the “Protecting America’s Energy Jobs Act.” These proposals were more symbolic than substantive, catering to her base’s disdain for government regulations and environmental protections. However, neither bill addressed the pressing issues her constituents face, such as economic recovery, healthcare access, and infrastructure improvements in rural Colorado.
When it comes to bipartisan efforts, Boebert has been almost completely absent. In a time when collaboration is increasingly needed to tackle complex issues like the opioid crisis, affordable housing, and climate change, Boebert has preferred to grandstand rather than reach across the aisle. As a result, she has been largely ineffective at passing any significant legislation that would improve the lives of those in her district.
Her refusal to engage in bipartisan work contrasts sharply with other members of Congress, including many Republicans, who have managed to negotiate important deals even in a highly polarized environment. This lack of productivity has not gone unnoticed by her critics, both in Colorado and across the country. Instead of governing, Boebert seems more focused on building her brand as a firebrand conservative by leaning into culture wars and controversial statements.
Hypocrisy and Political Theater
Another reason Boebert’s recent criticism of Walz backfired is the blatant hypocrisy. Boebert, who ran as a champion of “draining the swamp” and putting the needs of her constituents first, has shown little interest in the responsibilities that come with being an elected official. Several respondents to her tweet pointed out that Boebert has held few, if any, town halls in her district—an important way for representatives to engage directly with their constituents. Instead, she has spent much of her time in Washington, D.C., chasing headlines and boosting her national profile.
The carpetbagger who ran from her own district because she was going to lose has something to say about cowardice. Good one.
— ❤️🔥 A To The Z ❤️🔥 (@A_tothe_Z_Amber) September 2, 2024
What if Tim Walz didn’t want to misspeak in case (and hopefully) hostage negotiations are being made as you attempt to read this tweet? @laurenboebert pic.twitter.com/jbYw0WlKct
— WhiteDudeForHarris (@quadcarl_carl) September 2, 2024
Liar liar keep throwing things against the wall and try to find something, lol 64 days
— JoeyBonanno (@RealJoeBonanno) September 2, 2024
The slut chimes in
— Carson West (@CarmenW78321492) September 2, 2024
Lauren Boebert is taking credit for Biden and a Harris reducing prescription costs.
Because there is absolutely NOTHING she did for her constituents.
But Biden and Harris did a whole fucking lot!
— Amy’s id 🌊💨I dissent! 🗳️💙 (@ChaosExhaustion) September 4, 2024
Oh honey, you ran 198 miles away from your home district to carpetbag in CD4. Are you sure you should talk about running away?
— NanaG-no fux left to give (@quiltsbypagan) September 3, 2024
This sentiment is growing not only among those who oppose Boebert but also among voters in her own district. Recent polling has suggested that Boebert is in danger of losing her seat in the upcoming election. Her opponent in 2022, Adam Frisch, came surprisingly close to defeating her, and with growing dissatisfaction, she could face an even tougher challenge in 2024.
A Tumultuous Path Forward
Lauren Boebert’s attempt to attack Tim Walz may have backfired, but it is emblematic of her larger political strategy. She relies on creating division and chaos, hoping that the attention will bolster her standing among her core supporters. However, as her legislative record shows, this approach has come at the cost of meaningful governance.
Her ongoing reliance on political theater rather than action leaves her vulnerable to criticism, especially as voters become increasingly frustrated with her lack of accomplishments. As she gears up for another election, Boebert will need more than just inflammatory tweets to convince her constituents that she’s more than just a mouthpiece for the far-right.
Featured image via public domain + AI