Elizabeth Warren’s advisers are encouraging the Massachusetts senator to apologize for a DNA test she took earlier this year that was supposed to “prove” her Native American ancestry.
For years, President Trump has mocked Warren over her false claim of being Native American. Here’s just one example of his incisive mockery:
Warren attempted to deflect Trump’s attacks and get an early start on her rumored 2020 campaign by releasing a video detailing her quest to finally determine her Native American ancestry.
My family (including Fox News-watchers) sat together and talked about what they think of @realDonaldTrump’s attacks on our heritage. And yes, a famous geneticist analyzed my DNA and concluded that it contains Native American ancestry. pic.twitter.com/r3SNzP22f8
— Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethforma) October 15, 2018
The results were, in a word, underwhelming. It was determined that Warren could be 1/1024 part Native American. It’s impossible to determine, because the test didn’t even use Native American DNA as a reference point. (RELATED: Elizabeth Warren Provides “Evidence” She’s Native American.)
Of course, that kind of scant evidence of ancestry doesn’t exactly help her case. In fact, judging by the reaction of some Native American advocacy groups, it actually hurt Warren’s legitimacy. The Cherokee Nation attacked Warren’s stunt, saying she is “undermining tribal interest.” (RELATED: Cherokee Nation Denounces Elizabeth Warren’s DNA Test Claims.)
Cherokee Nation statement: “Senator Warren is undermining tribal interests with her continued claims of tribal heritage.” pic.twitter.com/qkMOAJZpsc
— Eric Bradner (@ericbradner) October 15, 2018
Now it looks like Warren’s test is getting even more heat, as top advisors are actually encouraging her to apologize for the entire thing. From the New York Times:
Advisers close to Ms. Warren say she has privately expressed concern that she may have damaged her relationships to Native American groups and her own standing with activists, particularly those who are racial minorities. Several outside advisers are even more worried: They say they believe a plan should be made to repair that damage, possibly including a strong statement of apology.
The advisers say Ms. Warren will have to confront the issue again if she announces a presidential campaign, which is expected in the coming weeks, and several would like her to act soon.
That’s right: Elizabeth Warren’s publicity stunt that was supposed to jumpstart her campaign was so bad, she’s being encouraged to not only drop it, but apologize for it.
Just imagine President Trump’s reaction. After mocking her incessantly, she may apologize for the one thing she did to shut him up. It doesn’t get much better than that.
To recap: One of the Democrats’ top 2020 contenders with a national image and identity may have to apologize for trying to prove she’s part of a minority. And she may apologize for trying to pull a stunt to humiliate President Trump.
Perhaps it’s better if Warren doesn’t run. Her campaign tactics are a little too, pardon the pun, off the reservation.
