April 06, 2015

Menendez's #IStandWithBob prompts support, parody

Campaign for indicted senator provides mixed bag of responses

By Daniel Craig
PhillyVoice Staff

United States Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, who pleaded not guilty to recent corruption charges after being indicted by a grand jury in his home state, has launched a campaign asking constituents to pledge their support.

The campaign includes a video of Menendez highlighting his accomplishments in the Senate and dismissing the charges against him. The charges allege that Menendez used the power of his Senate office to benefit Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen's financial and personal interests and accepted gifts from Melgen:

Menendez also launched a website, where supporters can donate money to his defense funds. According to NJ.com, the senator has already raised and spent more than $1 million on legal bills prior to the indictment.

An accompanying Twitter account started the hashtag #IStandWithBob to urge people to express their support of Menendez. Some used #IStandWithBob in ways that the Senator hoped:

#IStandWithBob @Menendez4NJ because he has helped so many Sandy Victims that were taken advantage of! Keep fighting Bob! We got your back!
— J S (@jscola11) April 4, 2015

@SenatorMenendez has been a tireless advocate for his constituents and his community. Proud to call him a friend. #IStandWithBob @cmgpino
— Ingrid (@IngridDuran) April 2, 2015

.@IStandWithBob because I am proud to have him representing the great state of #NewJersey #IStandWithBob pic.twitter.com/jxoPpYy7tE
— Jeff Pickens (@jeffpickens) April 3, 2015

.@SenatorMenendez has done so much for NJ and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence that is all Americans' right #IStandWithBob
— Vincent Prieto (@VincentPrieto) April 2, 2015

#IStandWithBob because he stands for New Jersey. #NJCommonSense pic.twitter.com/V6T7uBujYI
— Erica Daughtrey (@erica8117) April 3, 2015

Others used the hashtag to parody and criticize Menendez:

#IStandWithBob cuz he's more loyal to rich Florida people than to average NJ people.
— Jay Lassiter (@jay_lass) April 3, 2015

#IstandwithBob on the balcony at Caso de Campo, overlooking the polo courts as the palm trees sway in the breeze.
— briandonohue (@briandonohue) April 2, 2015

Bobby #Menendez is a white-collared crook. The people of New Jersey want him to step down from his elected position. #IStandWithBob
— JustAnAverageJoe (@JoePaFailed) April 3, 2015

#IStandWithBob because I don't feel comfortable living in a world where politicians can't game the system to help donors. #FreeBlago too!
— a Josh Fisher (@FishJer) April 3, 2015

Opting for pure silliness instead of political support, user @NJHighlands tweeted pictures of other famous Bobs, both real and fictional, using the hashtag:

Better call Saul. #IStandwithBob (Odenkirk) pic.twitter.com/JlRA7h4pms
— scott olson (@NJHighlands) April 2, 2015

The Times They Are A Changin' #IStandwithBob pic.twitter.com/ERqSgEKllm
— scott olson (@NJHighlands) April 2, 2015

"Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?" -- Bob Marley #IStandwithBob pic.twitter.com/CgjWWCMgaK
— scott olson (@NJHighlands) April 2, 2015