Mercedes Schlapp Accidentally Helps Biden By Comparing Him to Mr. Rogers

Mercedes Schlapp, a Conservative lobbyist and columnist who served for two years as White House Director of Strategic Communications and is currently working on the Trump 2020 re-election campaign, wasn’t enjoying Joe Biden’s Town Hall Thursday night, which was airing at the same time as Donald Trump’s Town Hall. Schlapp, a devoted Trump surrogate, was critical of the different tones between the Biden town hall, hosted on ABC by George Stephanopoulos, and the Trump town hall, hosted by NBC’s Savannah Guthrie. Guthrie questioned Trump for 18 minutes, often grilling him harder than previous debate moderators had dared, before opening the forum to audience members’ questions. Meanwhile, Stephanopoulos went straight to voters’ questions and allowed the former vice president to give sometimes long-winded answers.

Conservative critics insisted Stephanopolous went easier on Biden than Guthrie went on Trump, although the former Clinton staffer often interjected himself into the process, pressing Biden further on his answers. This still wasn’t good enough for Schlapp, who tweeted her displeasure with the process.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 03: White House Director of Strategic Communications Mercedes Schlapp speaks to members of the media on the driveway outside the West Wing of the White House January 3, 2019 in Washington, DC. House Democrats, who have reclaimed majority in the 116th Congress, have scheduled to vote today on a couple of bills that aim to end the partial government shutdown, which is on its 13th day. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

“Well @JoeBiden @ABCPolitics townhall feels like I am watching an episode of Mister Rodgers Neighborhood,” Schlapp tweeted, misspelling public TV icon Fred Rogers’ last name.

Twitter immediately sprung into action against Schlapp, who is married to Fox News contributor Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, the oldest conservative lobbying organization in the country. “Mr. Rogers” began trending beneath “#BidenTownHall” as Schlapp was trolled mercilessly for comparing Biden to one of the most beloved men in modern American history.

In his final broadcast, Mr. Rogers said:

"I know how tough it is some days to look with hope and confidence on the months and years ahead. But I would like to tell you what I often told you when you were much younger. I like you just the way you are." pic.twitter.com/OGdXxN2VvE

— Ellie Hall (@ellievhall) October 16, 2020

Biden TownHall drew 12.7 million total viewers.
Trump TownHall drew 10.4 million total viewers.

More People watched Mr. Rogers than Crazy Uncle.

— YS (@NYinLA2121) October 16, 2020

Photoshopped images of Biden as Mr. Rogers quickly began appearing on social media as well.

I want to to live in Mr. Biden’s Neighborhood ❤️ #BidenTownHall #BidenCalm #FridayFeeling ⁦@TeamJoe⁩ ⁦@JoeBiden⁩ #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/XmbzWNh9Jm

— T👻r👻 D🐈‍⬛bl💀n 🎃🧙🏻‍♀️ (@taradublinrocks) October 16, 2020

Good morning ☀️ pic.twitter.com/c2Q36eTwJR

— miranda frights 👻🎃🍁 (@emiranda_writes) October 16, 2020

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