Despite many more important things going on in the world this week, there's a lot of talk about former President Barack Obama's birthday celebration, especially from people critical of the event.
Madison Cawthorn, the Republican Representative of North Carolina, decided to wade into those waters himself. However, his comments didn't go over well, as people online shredded his comparison.
On Twitter, Cawthorn asked why there were different reactions to Obama's birthday party during a pandemic versus Texas Senator Ted Cruz's trip to Cancun during a record cold snap in February.
These are very different things, but Cawthorn acts like it's some kind of "gotcha."
Barack Obama, who is not holding public office or representing the people anymore, held his birthday party at his home in Martha's Vineyard on Saturday. The event was scaled back amid criticism of having it at all during a resurgence in cases across the country.
Black masks were offered to guests who were also confirmed to be vaccinated. The event was held outside, though with 400 guests in attendance for the former president's 60th birthday, it's easy to see why some thought it was an issue.
By contrast, Ted Cruz, who is still one of the senators for Texas, decided to try and jet off to Mexico as a major winter storm in the state knocked out power, leaving thousands without heat and killing 100 people. When he was caught, Cruz was shamed enough to return to the states and claim he never intended to stay.
Basically, the two events have nothing in common and no reason to be compared.
That's not to say there weren't reasons to criticize Obama's party.
There are just bigger issues to consider.
Cawthorn, the youngest member of congress and guy known for calling it a lifelong dream to visit Hitler's vacation home, should be used to making foolish statements and getting dragged for it online.
Aside from the aforementioned "vacation home" incident, Cawthorn has been a very vocal critic of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, and one of the few authoritative voices in government providing solid advice since the start of the pandemic.
Lately, Dr. Fauci has warned about the possible dangers of the delta variant, which led to Cawthorn calling him a "punk" who "lied to the American people."
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