Ex-Kasich aide accuses Trump of ‘racist’ language about black Dem candidate

John Weaver, a Republican strategist who worked on Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s (R) 2016 presidential campaign, accused President Trump on Monday of using “racist” language to discuss Mississippi Senate candidate Mike Espy (D), who is black.

“@espyforsenate & his family — especially his grandfather — have served Mississippi for generations,” Weaver tweeted Monday night. “What a (not much) coded racist message from the ‘president*”

@espyforsenate & his family — especially his grandfather — have served Mississippi for generations. What a (not much) coded racist message from the “president*” https://t.co/e4lQ9WaMQp

— John Weaver (@jwgop) November 26, 2018

Weaver’s tweet came in response to Trump’s remarks at a rally for Espy’s opponent, embattled Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R). 

{mosads}”Oh, he’s far-left, he’s out there. How does he fit in with Mississippi? I mean, how does he fit in?” Trump told supporters in Mississippi on Monday.

Espy is competing in a heated runoff election Tuesday with Hyde-Smith, who has become mired in controversy over her remarks that she’d be “on the front row” if a supporter invited her to a “public hanging.” Hyde-Smith has said the comments were a joke.

Hyde-Smith has also drawn scrutiny for joking about making it more difficult for liberal students to vote as well as over a 2014 photo that resurfaced of her wearing a Confederate hat in a museum. 

Espy has also faced obstacles, with Republican attacks over a past lobbying contract with a West African despot and previous bribery allegations, though he’s been acquitted of all charges.