Illinois Republicans and Democrats angry over internet memes posted by parties

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - Republicans and Democrats are both angry -- and apologetic -- about internet memes posted by party organizations.

The chairman of the Kankakee County Democratic Party says he regrets comparing a Ku Klux Klan hood to President Trump's "MAGA" caps.

That post was taken down, as was another targeting four Democratic congresswomen, even as the president attacked them again Monday.

"What’s the difference between a Klan hood and a MAGA hat? The Klan hood was made in America," said a meme posted last week by Kankakee County's Democratic Party chairman, John Willard.

“If I had it do over, I would certainly find a more appropriate way to get my message across,” Willard said.

The Kankakee Democrats' post was taken down over the weekend, and Willard, a 70-year old retired construction worker, told FOX 32 he does not believe supporting President Trump is equivalent to joining the Ku Klux Klan.

Not as conciliatory, the Council on American Islamic Relations is angry that the Illinois Republican County Chairmen's Association used a "Jihad Squad" meme attacking four Democratic congresswomen, two of them Muslim.

“Making America great again is not making America hate again. There's a stark difference between the two. And it's time this president and those who support him understand the difference,” said Ahmed Rehab, executive director of CAIR.

“It’s repugnant and foolish,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“Internet memes that've been posted by both parties on different partisan websites highlight something that I think most people in this state understand. Both political parties are run by a bunch of knuckleheads,” said Dan Proft, talk show host of AM-560 The Answer.

If there is any bright side to this sad and sorry tale of over-the-top internet excess, it is that Illinois Republicans and Democrats are capable of expressing regrets.