MSNBC’s O’Donnell: 91-Year-Old Woman Who Died During Bridge Closure Will Be Christie’s Willie Horton

https://youtube.com/watch?v=nP4NXDdxby4

The story of a 91-year-old woman who died after first responders were delayed due to the closures on the George Washington Bridge, which have been linked to individuals within Chris Christie’s administration, could be as devastating to the New Jersey governor’s presidential campaign as an escaped convicted murderer, says one MSNBC host.

“In politics, she, when we have her name, is going to be the Willie Horton of Chris Christie’s presidential campaign,” Lawrence O’Donnell said on his show on Wednesday. “Opponents are going to pin that name on him: ‘This woman is dead because of action taken by him.’” O’Donnell also said that even if it comes to light that the woman did not die as a result of the delays, opponents will still use her death against Christie.

Horton was serving a life sentence in Massachusetts when, while released as part of the state’s weekend furlough program, he never returned and went on to commit more crimes, including armed robbery and rape. During the 1988 presidential campaign, Horton’s story was used against Democratic candidate and Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis.