There was a time when Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Yuma) was called a “happy warrior” who worked hard on creating the perception that he was a smiling, sunny, cheery politician. This persona served him well in 2014, when Gardner won a narrow victory over incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Udall.

These days, the “happy warrior” has become more “used-car salesman” and is trending toward “callous dickhead.” Gardner was a guest today on “The Ross Kaminsky Show” on 630AM, and when the conversation eventually came around to the 2020 Presidential race, Gardner said this:

But the clear difference between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump: Donald Trump believes in America. Bernie Sanders does not. I’m not even sure Bernie Sanders likes America. [Pols emphasis] He’s embarrassed by America… …And so, while he very well may be the Democrat nominee, this will be the first time in a very — well, I can’t think of any other candidate who didn’t like America and is running for president. [Pols emphasis]

Really, Cory? Really?

This is the sort of mindless comment that your drunk uncle blurts out at Thanksgiving. It’s a stupid thing for anyone to say about another candidate for federal office, but particularly a colleague in the United States Senate. We’d have thought this type of comment would be beneath Gardner — yes, even Gardner — but there is apparently no gutter he won’t crawl through if it gets him a chuckle from a right-wing Republican.