CNN’s Mary Katharine Ham: I’m Bothered By Suggestion That Ryan Owens’ Widow Was ‘Only a Political Prop’
Towards the end of today’s broadcast of CNN’s Inside Politics, CNN contributor Mary Katharine Ham spoke out against anyone who is criticizing Carryn Owens, widow of Navy SEAL William ‘Ryan’ Owens, and her decision to attend last night’s presidential address.
“I don’t know Mrs. Owens but I was bothered by the suggestion that she was only a political prop,” Ham stated. “That she was only exploited.”
The Federalist writer went on to mention how she was widowed herself recently — pointing out her husband wasn’t military, but she was left with two young children — and that Carryn Owens knew what would occur in that moment. Essentially, that her deceased husband would get hailed as a hero and the whole country would know his name going forward.
“So I don’t want to take that away from her when we discuss this,” she noted. “Yes, it’s a Washington event, but let ourselves have that moment, let yourself have that moment because it was really human, whether or not there were politicians involved. It was beautiful.”
This comes on the heels of a series of tweets Ham sent out following the address, where she took umbrage with those saying Carryn Owens was exploited.
For those lamenting Carryn Owens’ “exploitation,” let me offer some thoughts. I’m not asking you to like Trump or credit him for that moment
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
But what you can & should do is credit her. Maybe a SEAL wife who’s been through, God willing, worst life will give her, can handle Trump.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Maybe a SEAL wife knows exactly what she’s doing & doesn’t need you to explain it to her. Maybe she needs things you don’t know much about.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Maybe a widow raising 3 children knows how important it is to keep his name & memory alive, & that this moment is bigger than Trump or you.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Maybe she knows one day she will show them this video & tell them the President of the United States & all the nation honored him.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Maybe she thinks it might teach her children the strength & courage of their dad (& mom!) to watch her stand up tall even when it hurts.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Maybe all that is more important than your angst about which president is involved & how. Just bc she’s crying doesn’t mean she’s a victim.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Maybe, probably, very likely, she’s a badass. You and your kids are in my prayers, Carryn. Do what you gotta do. Proverbs 31:25
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) March 1, 2017
Watch the clip above, via CNN.
[image via screengrab]
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