After Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson kicked off Thursday’s news cycle by asking, “What is Aleppo?” during an interview on “Morning Joe,” the Syrian city appeared among Twitter’s trending topics all day, generating nearly 200,000 tweets so far and showing no sign of slowing down.
Johnson has since released a statement explaining that he blanked, thinking Aleppo was an acronym of some sort, and that the gaffe simply proves that he’s only human — not that there was any doubt. For further reassurance, Johnson added that when he’s president, he’ll catch up quickly with the help of his daily security briefing, where he can ask, “What is Aleppo?” and not be ridiculed for it.
Started my day by setting aside any doubt I’m human. #WhatIsAleppo? My statement: https://t.co/CDKbaA288l
— Gov. Gary Johnson (@GovGaryJohnson) September 8, 2016
This statement from Gary Johnson is epic. Obtained by @DavidWright_CNN pic.twitter.com/y1vjx2n15X
— Ashley Killough (@KilloughCNN) September 8, 2016
Sen. Lindsey Graham wasn’t the only one who thought that blanking on Aleppo wasn’t helping the libertarian pet cause of marijuana legalization.
think about putting down the bong
— Mike (@FactsDontCare27) September 8, 2016
@maggieNYT @DavidWright_CNN Thought Johnson was giving up weed until after the election.
— Labrodabbit (@TrumpsShlong) September 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/wigyman/status/773946367844769792
@maggieNYT @DavidWright_CNN why didn't he just say "You guys know I like to burn one down, right?!"
— Robert Whelan (@whelfam) September 8, 2016
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@maggieNYT @DavidWright_CNN please ask if his memory is better when he is stoned and whether he was stoned on MSNBC today.
— Man Of Renown (@man_of_renown) September 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/whiteantifrgile/status/773943903032487936
Actually, a lot of people were perfectly mellow with Johnson’s explanation, and found his honesty refreshing.
https://twitter.com/mfisch4/status/773947120894214148
Honesty is a rare trait for politicians, he has my respect for that. If he's speaking truth.
— BlackTrain (@BlackTrain) September 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/FiftyBurger/status/773949551250141185
Speaking of simple honesty, credit the Washington Examiner’s Paul Bedard for what was likely the most honest comment on Aleppo anyone in the media will make today:
Don't u love the media. We're all experts on Aleppo, well, after a quick Goggle search… @GovGaryJohnson pic.twitter.com/anHPXa0gwf
— Paul Bedard (@SecretsBedard) September 8, 2016
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