| − | On November 9, 2017 (1 month and 3 days before the general election), ''[[The Washington Post]]''<ref>Pappas, Alex (November 11, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/11/roy-moore-slams-washington-posts-political-agenda-as-denies-sexual-misconduct-accusations.html Roy Moore slams Washington Post's 'political agenda' as he denies sexual misconduct accusations]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 12, 2017.</ref> published an article with allegations of four women claiming that Moore sexual abused them 34 years prior, with three of the accusations not even involving lewd acts done by Moore<ref>Klein, Aaron (November 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/09/after-endorsing-democrat-teenagers-judge-fires-back-denial/ After Endorsing Democrat in Alabama, Bezos’s Washington Post Plans to Hit Roy Moore with Allegations of Inappropriate Relations with Teenagers; Judge Claims Smear Campaign]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> – in several aspects besides their authenticity, these accusations mirrored the Access Hollywood recording ''The Washington Post'' released 1 month and 2 days prior to Donald Trump's election. Many people across the political spectrum jumped to conclusions almost immediately after the allegations were revealed. [[Establishment]] Republicans tried to force Moore to step down simply upon hearing of the allegations.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (November 9, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/9/gop-to-moore-step-down-allegations-teen-sex-true/ Washington GOP tries to oust Republican nominee Roy Moore in Alabama Senate race]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> [[RINO]]s, including [[Mitch McConnell]],<ref>Multiple references: | + | On November 9, 2017 (1 month and 3 days before the general election), ''[[The Washington Post]]''<ref>Pappas, Alex (November 11, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/11/roy-moore-slams-washington-posts-political-agenda-as-denies-sexual-misconduct-accusations.html Roy Moore slams Washington Post's 'political agenda' as he denies sexual misconduct accusations]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 12, 2017.</ref> published an article with allegations of four women claiming that Moore sexual abused them 34 years prior, with three of the accusations not even involving lewd acts done by Moore<ref>Klein, Aaron (November 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/09/after-endorsing-democrat-teenagers-judge-fires-back-denial/ After Endorsing Democrat in Alabama, Bezos’s Washington Post Plans to Hit Roy Moore with Allegations of Inappropriate Relations with Teenagers; Judge Claims Smear Campaign]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> – in several aspects besides their authenticity, these accusations mirrored the Access Hollywood recording ''The Washington Post'' released 1 month and 2 days prior to Donald Trump's election. A few days later, a woman represented by the prominent left-wing feminist attorney and Democrat Party activist Gloria Allred made additional accusations.<ref>Mason, Ian (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/13/beverly-young-nelson-roy-moore-gloria-allred/ Gloria Allred Presser: Beverly Young Nelson Says Roy Moore Sexually Assaulted Her at Age 16]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 14, 2017.</ref> Many people across the political spectrum jumped to conclusions almost immediately after the allegations were revealed. [[Establishment]] Republicans tried to force Moore to step down simply upon hearing of the allegations.<ref>Dinan, Stephen (November 9, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/9/gop-to-moore-step-down-allegations-teen-sex-true/ Washington GOP tries to oust Republican nominee Roy Moore in Alabama Senate race]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> [[RINO]]s, including [[Mitch McConnell]],<ref>Multiple references: |
| − | *Moran, Sean (November 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/09/mcconnell-leads-establishment-republicans-effort-push-roy-moore-out-alabama-race/ Mitch McConnell Leads Establishment Republicans in Effort to Push Roy Moore Out of Alabama Race]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Kamisar, Ben (November 9, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359654-mcconnell-moore-should-step-down-if-allegations-true McConnell: Moore should step down if allegations true]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> [[John McCain]],<ref name="StepDownGOP"/> [[Mitt Romney]],<ref>Quinn, Melissa (November 10, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mitt-romney-roy-moore-is-unfit-for-office-and-should-step-aside/article/2640298 Mitt Romney: Roy Moore is 'unfit for office and should step aside']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Starr, Penny (November 11, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/11/failed-presidential-candidate-romney-advises-roy-moore-step-aside/ Failed Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Advises Roy Moore to ‘Step Aside’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 11, 2017.</ref> [[Jeb Bush]],<ref>Samuels, Brett (November 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/360143-jeb-bush-joins-republicans-calling-on-moore-to-step-down Jeb Bush joins Republicans calling on Moore to step down]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref><ref>Key, Pam (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/11/13/jeb-bush-roy-moore-step-aside-need-stand-decency/ Jeb Bush: Roy Moore Should Step Aside, We Need To Stand For ‘Decency’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> [[John Kasich]],<ref name="Kasich">Manchester, Julia (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/359785-kasich-gop-cant-support-roy-moore Kasich: GOP can't support Roy Moore]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> [[Jeff Flake]]<ref>Carney, Jordain (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/359865-flake-on-moore-defenders-this-cannot-be-who-we-are Flake on Moore defenders: 'This cannot be who we are']. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> (who endorsed the left-wing Democrat candidate<ref>Thomsen, Jacqueline (November 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360190-flake-ill-support-the-democrat-over-moore-in-alabama-senate-race Flake: I'll support the Democrat over Moore in Alabama Senate race]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref>), [[Bob Corker]],<ref>Carter, Brandon (November 11, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/359916-corker-roy-moores-nomination-was-a-bridge-too-far-for-gop Corker: Roy Moore's nomination was 'a bridge too far' for GOP]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 11, 2017.</ref><ref>Moons, Michelle (November 11, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/11/trump-trashing-sen-bob-corker-slams-alabama-voters-nomination-of-roy-moore-a-bridge-too-far/ Trump-Trashing Sen. Bob Corker Slams Alabama Voters’ Nomination of Roy Moore, ‘A Bridge Too Far’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 11, 2017.</ref> and the establishment Senate Leadership Fund<ref>Samuels, Brett (November 9, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/359695-mcconnell-linked-group-attacks-breitbart-for-defending-roy-moore McConnell-linked group attacks Breitbart amid Roy Moore furor]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> (which, despite its stated mission to help elect Republicans, refused to help Moore upon hearing the allegations<ref>Hagen, Lisa (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359814-nrsc-will-no-longer-fundraise-for-roy-moore GOP Senate committee will no longer fundraise for Roy Moore]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Pappas, Alex (November 10, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/10/gop-senate-campaign-arm-drops-out-fundraising-agreement-with-roy-moore.html GOP Senate campaign arm drops out of fundraising agreement with Roy Moore]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Starr, Penny (November 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/10/senate-funding-group-axes-moore-support-before-dust-settles-on-sexual-misconduct-claims/ Senate Funding Group Axes Moore Support Before Dust Settles on Sexual Misconduct Claims]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref>), either called outright on Moore to leave the race or attacked those defending Moore. These GOP members did this due to their preexisting dislike of Moore and his conservative and Christian positions,<ref name="Kasich"/><ref>Samuels, Brett (November 12, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360022-gop-rep-moore-disqualified-himself-from-senate-long-ago GOP rep: Moore disqualified himself from Senate long ago]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 12, 2017.</ref> something seen in the fact that they remained silent about the concurrent sexual misconduct allegations surrounding liberal Republican [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref>Moran, Sean (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/13/senate-republicans-condemn-roy-moore-yet-silent-george-h-w-bushs-sexual-assault-allegations/ Senate Republicans Condemn Roy Moore, Silent on George H.W. Bush Allegations]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> Moore strongly denied the allegations,<ref>Delk, Josh (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/359848-roy-moore-these-allegations-are-completely-false Roy Moore: ‘These allegations are completely false’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyle, Matthew (November 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/10/judge-roy-moore-on-hannity-radio-these-allegations-are-completely-false-and-misleading/ Judge Roy Moore on Hannity Radio: ‘These Allegations are Completely False and Misleading’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyle, Matthew (November 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/10/judge-roy-moore-establishment-republicans-democrats-washington-post-may-have-colluded-in-smear/ Judge Roy Moore: Establishment Republicans, Democrats, Washington Post May Have Colluded in Smear]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> stated that McConnell should step down instead,<ref>Anapol, Avery (November 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360119-moore-mcconnell-is-one-who-should-step-aside Moore: McConnell is one who should step aside]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref><ref>Moran, Sean (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/13/judge-roy-moore-urges-mitch-mcconnell-to-resign-he-has-failed-conservatives-and-must-be-replaced/ Judge Roy Moore Urges Mitch McConnell to Resign: ‘He Has Failed Conservatives and Must Be Replaced’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> and, like Trump before him, stayed strong and refused to step down.<ref>Kamisar, Ben (November 9, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359713-moore-after-sexual-allegations-i-refuse-to-stand-down Moore after sexual allegations: 'I refuse to stand down']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Kew, Ben (November 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/09/judge-roy-moore-responds-wapo-smears-will-never-give/ Judge Roy Moore Responds to WaPo Smears: ‘I Will Never Give Up’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> Conservative Republicans, including [[Steve Bannon]], continued to stand by Moore.<ref>Hayward, John (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/11/13/bannon-republican-establishment-media-launched-weaponized-hit-judge-moore/ Bannon: Republican Establishment and Media Launched a ‘Weaponized Hit on Judge Moore’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> | + | *Moran, Sean (November 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/09/mcconnell-leads-establishment-republicans-effort-push-roy-moore-out-alabama-race/ Mitch McConnell Leads Establishment Republicans in Effort to Push Roy Moore Out of Alabama Race]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Kamisar, Ben (November 9, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359654-mcconnell-moore-should-step-down-if-allegations-true McConnell: Moore should step down if allegations true]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> [[Paul Ryan]],<ref>Dinan, Stephen (November 14, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/nov/14/paul-ryan-says-roy-moore-betraying-his-voters-stay/ Paul Ryan says Roy Moore is betraying his voters by staying in race]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 14, 2017.</ref> [[John McCain]],<ref name="StepDownGOP"/> [[Mitt Romney]],<ref>Quinn, Melissa (November 10, 2017). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/mitt-romney-roy-moore-is-unfit-for-office-and-should-step-aside/article/2640298 Mitt Romney: Roy Moore is 'unfit for office and should step aside']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Starr, Penny (November 11, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/11/failed-presidential-candidate-romney-advises-roy-moore-step-aside/ Failed Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney Advises Roy Moore to ‘Step Aside’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 11, 2017.</ref> [[Jeb Bush]],<ref>Samuels, Brett (November 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/360143-jeb-bush-joins-republicans-calling-on-moore-to-step-down Jeb Bush joins Republicans calling on Moore to step down]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref><ref>Key, Pam (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/video/2017/11/13/jeb-bush-roy-moore-step-aside-need-stand-decency/ Jeb Bush: Roy Moore Should Step Aside, We Need To Stand For ‘Decency’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> [[John Kasich]],<ref name="Kasich">Manchester, Julia (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/359785-kasich-gop-cant-support-roy-moore Kasich: GOP can't support Roy Moore]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> [[Jeff Flake]]<ref>Carney, Jordain (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/359865-flake-on-moore-defenders-this-cannot-be-who-we-are Flake on Moore defenders: 'This cannot be who we are']. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> (who endorsed the left-wing Democrat candidate<ref>Thomsen, Jacqueline (November 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360190-flake-ill-support-the-democrat-over-moore-in-alabama-senate-race Flake: I'll support the Democrat over Moore in Alabama Senate race]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref>), [[Bob Corker]],<ref>Carter, Brandon (November 11, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/359916-corker-roy-moores-nomination-was-a-bridge-too-far-for-gop Corker: Roy Moore's nomination was 'a bridge too far' for GOP]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 11, 2017.</ref><ref>Moons, Michelle (November 11, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/11/trump-trashing-sen-bob-corker-slams-alabama-voters-nomination-of-roy-moore-a-bridge-too-far/ Trump-Trashing Sen. Bob Corker Slams Alabama Voters’ Nomination of Roy Moore, ‘A Bridge Too Far’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 11, 2017.</ref> and the establishment Senate Leadership Fund<ref>Samuels, Brett (November 9, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/359695-mcconnell-linked-group-attacks-breitbart-for-defending-roy-moore McConnell-linked group attacks Breitbart amid Roy Moore furor]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref> (which, despite its stated mission to help elect Republicans, refused to help Moore upon hearing the allegations<ref>Hagen, Lisa (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359814-nrsc-will-no-longer-fundraise-for-roy-moore GOP Senate committee will no longer fundraise for Roy Moore]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Pappas, Alex (November 10, 2017). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/10/gop-senate-campaign-arm-drops-out-fundraising-agreement-with-roy-moore.html GOP Senate campaign arm drops out of fundraising agreement with Roy Moore]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Starr, Penny (November 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/10/senate-funding-group-axes-moore-support-before-dust-settles-on-sexual-misconduct-claims/ Senate Funding Group Axes Moore Support Before Dust Settles on Sexual Misconduct Claims]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref>), either called outright on Moore to leave the race or attacked those defending Moore. These GOP members did this due to their preexisting dislike of Moore and his conservative and Christian positions,<ref name="Kasich"/><ref>Samuels, Brett (November 12, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360022-gop-rep-moore-disqualified-himself-from-senate-long-ago GOP rep: Moore disqualified himself from Senate long ago]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 12, 2017.</ref> something seen in the fact that they remained silent about the concurrent sexual misconduct allegations surrounding liberal Republican [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref>Moran, Sean (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/13/senate-republicans-condemn-roy-moore-yet-silent-george-h-w-bushs-sexual-assault-allegations/ Senate Republicans Condemn Roy Moore, Silent on George H.W. Bush Allegations]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> |
| | + | Moore strongly denied the allegations,<ref>Delk, Josh (November 10, 2017). [http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/359848-roy-moore-these-allegations-are-completely-false Roy Moore: ‘These allegations are completely false’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyle, Matthew (November 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/10/judge-roy-moore-on-hannity-radio-these-allegations-are-completely-false-and-misleading/ Judge Roy Moore on Hannity Radio: ‘These Allegations are Completely False and Misleading’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref><ref>Boyle, Matthew (November 10, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/10/judge-roy-moore-establishment-republicans-democrats-washington-post-may-have-colluded-in-smear/ Judge Roy Moore: Establishment Republicans, Democrats, Washington Post May Have Colluded in Smear]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> stated that McConnell should step down instead,<ref>Anapol, Avery (November 13, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/360119-moore-mcconnell-is-one-who-should-step-aside Moore: McConnell is one who should step aside]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref><ref>Moran, Sean (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/13/judge-roy-moore-urges-mitch-mcconnell-to-resign-he-has-failed-conservatives-and-must-be-replaced/ Judge Roy Moore Urges Mitch McConnell to Resign: ‘He Has Failed Conservatives and Must Be Replaced’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> and, like Trump before him, stayed strong and refused to step down.<ref>Kamisar, Ben (November 9, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/359713-moore-after-sexual-allegations-i-refuse-to-stand-down Moore after sexual allegations: 'I refuse to stand down']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 9, 2017.</ref><ref>Kew, Ben (November 9, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/11/09/judge-roy-moore-responds-wapo-smears-will-never-give/ Judge Roy Moore Responds to WaPo Smears: ‘I Will Never Give Up’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 10, 2017.</ref> Conservative Republicans, including [[Steve Bannon]],<ref>Hayward, John (November 13, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/radio/2017/11/13/bannon-republican-establishment-media-launched-weaponized-hit-judge-moore/ Bannon: Republican Establishment and Media Launched a ‘Weaponized Hit on Judge Moore’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 13, 2017.</ref> and [[Mo Brooks]],<ref>Savransky, Rebecca (November 14, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/360237-gop-lawmaker-backing-moore-conservative-agenda-is-vastly-more-important GOP lawmaker backing Moore: Conservative agenda 'more important than contested sexual allegations’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved November 14, 2017.</ref> continued to stand by Moore due to the suspiciousness of the allegations and attacks, as well because of Moore's consistently conservative positions versus his opponent's left-wing stances. |