The Cowardice of Ann Wagner

She flipped on the Jim Jordan vote, because of course she did.

When asked if she would support Jim Jordan on October 12, 2023, Ann Wagner said, “Absolutely not.”

Four days later and apparently a world away, Congresswoman Wagner just released this statement:

“Jim Jordan and I spoke at length again this morning, and he has allayed my concerns about keeping the government open with conservative funding, the need for strong border security, our need for consistent international support in times of war and unrest, as well as the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation.”

“Jim Jordan is our conference nominee, and I will support his nomination for Speaker on the House floor."

What is going on? For one, it seems that Sean Hannity is putting pressure on GOP House members to vote for Jordan, (no, you’re not crazy…that Sean Hannity.)

Sean Hannity's Fox News show is reportedly involving itself in trying to get Republicans to elect a new speaker, including by asking moderate GOP lawmakers why they aren't supporting Ohio congressman Jim Jordan for the role.

Axios reporter Juliegrace Brufke revealed an email from a member of Hannity's team named "Stephanie" sent to a few House Republicans seeking a response as to why they aren't backing Jordan for House speaker.

But, the biggest issue in my view with Ann Wagner’s flip is this part of her statement endorsing Jim Jordan stating, “the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation.”

I know we often live in the upside-down world by for Pete’s sake…claiming to stand with Jim Jordan against child exploitation is too much—Wagner has gone too far.

In 2018, several former athletes Jim Jordan coached at Ohio State came forward to describe a lurid atmosphere surrounding the school's wrestling program when Jordan was an assistant coach. The allegations centered around sexual misconduct by Richard Strauss, a doctor who was on the faculty and medical staff.

These former athletes have been crystal clear in their allegations that Rep Jordan absolutely knew about the abuse they suffered under Dr Strauss. Rep Jordan has continued to deny these allegations.

Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s entire political platform is standing against sex trafficking. It has been Wagner's signature issue — almost a singular issue in her Congressional career and yet she flip-flops to vote for Jordan as Speaker while he has never had to answer for what he knew about the Ohio State sexual misconduct.

I find it perverse for one to say they stand for those who have been trafficked and sexually abused while standing and smiling to endorse the likes of Jordan—and don’t forget Ann’s love for Trump.

Ann is a coward. She does not stand with sexual assault victims.

~Jess