Adam Hamilton responds to Trump’s ‘perverted pastor’ remarks in Kansas

Kansas Democratic Senate candidate Adam Hamilton said it was “pathetic” for President Trump to call him a “perverted pastor” at a Sunday rally in support of Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.).

“I think it’s sad, it’s pathetic to be calling a pastor a pervert and all the things that he’s been saying,” Hamilton told NewsNation’s Mills Hayes on Monday.

Hamilton said he took Trump’s Sunday insults , which echoed attacks the president made against Hamilton at another October rally , as an “honor.” The Democrat added he is praying for both Trump and Marshall.

Hamilton is locked in a tight race that could make him the first Democrat to represent Kansas in the upper chamber in nearly a century.

“I’ll just say, it doesn’t bother me,” Hamilton added of Trump’s remark. “I feel like that says more about him than it says about me.”

Hamilton said Trump — who hit Hamilton over his support for transgender rights — held the rally two days before Election Day to boost the Republican in a race most did not expect to be competitive just a few months ago.

The president originally canceled the rally but ended up appearing anyway after forcefully pushing back on reporters questioning his motive for the cancellation.

“He’s come here at the end of a long day, and he’s come here desperately trying to save my opponent, Roger Marshall, and I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton has consistently portrayed himself as a centrist as he tries to win in a state Trump carried by more than 16 points two years ago. Despite the conflict, Hamilton said he will work with the president on anything that would benefit Kansans.

“Anything the president wants to do that’s good for the people of Kansas, I will be his best partner here,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton, the longtime pastor for one of the largest United Methodist churches in the nation, said there is no need to be squeamish over his ties to the church and that he believes the separation of church and state is “very important.” A supporter of same-sex marriage and abortion rights, Hamilton also addressed concerns from Christians about his views on the issues.

“There’s room for people to have differences of opinion on things,” Hamilton said. “If you’re not in favor of same-sex marriage, then be who you are. But do it lovingly.”

As for his chances of winning, Hamilton said he is “cautiously optimistic.”

“I do think we have a really good chance to win on election night,” the pastor said. “It’s going to be fun.”