Trump Takes Aim At ‘Three Stooges’ Wielding GOP Primary Challenges

Joe Walsh and his wife Helene Walsh walk near the U.S. Capitol, Monday, November 15, 2010 in Washington, DC. The new congressman's emergence as a national advocate of fiscal responsibility has capped a remarkable and unlikely journey for a North Barrington, Illinois, native who has struggled with financial problems and legal disputes and has dramatically shifted some political positions along the way. (Brendan Hoffman/Chicago Tribune/MCT) — Joe Walsh and his wife Helene Walsh walk near the U.S. Capitol, Monday, November 15, 2010 in Washington, DC. The new congressman's emergence as a national advocate of fiscal responsibility has capped a remarkable and... Joe Walsh and his wife Helene Walsh walk near the U.S. Capitol, Monday, November 15, 2010 in Washington, DC. The new congressman's emergence as a national advocate of fiscal responsibility has capped a remarkable and unlikely journey for a North Barrington, Illinois, native who has struggled with financial problems and legal disputes and has dramatically shifted some political positions along the way. (Brendan Hoffman/Chicago Tribune/MCT via Getty Images) MORE LESS

August 28, 2019 9:18 a.m.

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President Donald Trump channeled his Tuesday night rage at three Republicans who have announced, or are considering, a primary run against him.

Can you believe it? I’m at 94% approval in the Republican Party, and have Three Stooges running against me. One is “Mr. Appalachian Trail” who was actually in Argentina for bad reasons….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2019

….Another is a one-time BAD Congressman from Illinois who lost in his second term by a landslide, then failed in radio. The third is a man who couldn’t stand up straight while receiving an award. I should be able to take them!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2019

The stooges in question are already-announced challengers former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) and former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld (R), and possible contender former Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC).

The tweets are the first time Trump has mentioned the mild-mannered Weld, who has been in the race for months. However, Walsh just announced his run last weekend and has pledged to “get in the President’s face every day” with frequent TV appearances and his typical brand of bombast. Walsh’s primary bid, while likely as long shot as Weld’s, has the potential to get under Trump’s skin far more intensely.

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