Democratic Denver mayor apologizes for flying to Mississippi after urging citizens to stay home for holiday

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, several high-profile politicians have been caught violating the orders and guidelines they expect everyone else to follow.

As a recent example, the Democratic mayor of Denver, Colorado, is facing criticism for taking a flight to visit relatives for Thanksgiving despite telling those in his city to stay at home.

“People look to us for guidance”

Michael Hancock reportedly even took time to tweet out a reminder that Denver residents should avoid travel just before he boarded a plane destined for Mississippi.

The apparent act of hypocrisy was immediately and widely denounced — including by state Rep. Kyle Mullica, a Democrat.

“Let’s be clear: As elected officials we are leaders in our community,” he tweeted. “People look to us for guidance.”

While acknowledging no leader is perfect, Mullica stressed the importance of leading by example.

Hancock apparently understood the impact of his actions, as evidenced in an apology he issued shortly after the negative press surrounding his holiday trip began circulating.

“As a husband and father”

After stating that his actions “disappointed many who believe it would have been better to spend Thanksgiving alone,” the mayor echoed Mullica in noting that his “conduct is rightly scrutinized for the message it sends to others.”

He stressed that he made his decision to travel “as a husband and father,” seeking forgiveness from “those who are angry and disappointed” because of his behavior.

Of course, he is hardly the first Democratic official caught violating his own coronavirus-related guidelines. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, for example, made headlines earlier this month when photos emerged of a crowded dinner party he attended with his wife, neither of whom was wearing a face mask or following social distancing recommendations.

Earlier in the year, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was caught without a mask for a hair appointment at a salon that was supposed to be closed in accordance with local restrictions. She later claimed she had been “set up” by the salon’s owner.

In Chicago, a maskless Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot addressed the city in front of a crowd of revelers to celebrate Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s declared victory — despite having stressed the importance of social distancing and imposed restrictions on the size of in-person gatherings.

The post Democratic Denver mayor apologizes for flying to Mississippi after urging citizens to stay home for holiday first appeared on Conservative Institute.