Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BumRushDaShow

(171,432 posts)
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 08:22 PM Apr 14

Republican Senator Says War Is More Important Than Your Pocketbook

Source: The New Republic

April 14, 2026 / 11:42 a.m. ET


Republican Senator Roger Marshall wants Americans to stop complaining about gas prices because they’re necessary for “national security.”. Speaking on Newsmax’s Wake Up America Tuesday morning, Marshall was asked about the Iran war, and the Kansas politician was dismissive of its negative economic effects on the American people.

“I’m sorry the gas prices are going up, but help is on its way, and your national security, yes, is even more important than your pocketbook,” Marshall said.

Marshall doubled down when asked how long Americans would be paying higher energy costs, saying, “I think back to my grandparents and their generation that served in World War II.”

“Could you imagine trying to tell the president, ‘Look, you only got so many days to defeat Hitler or defeat Japan?’ We have to do it till we get the outcome that we want. I hope it’s weeks and not months, but at the end of the day, Americans are going to be safer,” Marshall said.

Read more: https://newrepublic.com/post/209038/republican-senator-marshall-iran-war-worth-higher-gas-prices-pocketbook






Aaron Rupar
@atrupar
·
Follow
Sen. Roger Marshall: "I'm sorry that gas prices are going up, but help is on the way, and your national security is even more important than your pocketbook."
8:14 AM · Apr 14, 2026
52 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Republican Senator Says War Is More Important Than Your Pocketbook (Original Post) BumRushDaShow Apr 14 OP
If we had been attacked, I'm sure we'd all be pitching in but we weren't. We bombed Iran twice Deuxcents Apr 14 #1
The very definition of "specious reasoning" Roy Rolling Apr 15 #30
Here be a dragon 🐉 for ya! mwmisses4289 Apr 15 #31
Well, senator, go to your local office and join the military if it's so important. sakabatou Apr 14 #2
I second your motion..............and this Marshall guy is an idiot............... turbinetree Apr 14 #3
Clearly Akakoji Apr 15 #20
Or if he's to old, send his sons, daughters, grandkids, neices and nephews! mwmisses4289 Apr 15 #33
REC THIS times a bluestarone Apr 15 #37
Hey Roger Marshall, MarineCombatEngineer Apr 14 #4
I approve this message! sheshe2 Apr 14 #10
Thank you sheshe2. MarineCombatEngineer Apr 14 #13
Barry Mcguire's lyrics sheshe2 Apr 14 #16
Barry McGuire MarineCombatEngineer Apr 15 #17
Yup. sheshe2 Apr 15 #18
Trumpedo and his criminal cabal, MarineCombatEngineer Apr 15 #19
IF and i say IF these bastards do what i'm feeling they will do to our great country, i only wish bluestarone Apr 15 #38
From Pink Floyd dem4decades Apr 15 #28
I appreciate your service, your awareness and your speaking up. dem4decades Apr 15 #27
It's always the Guard or Reserve guys, who spent their entire time in uniform counting paper clips. paleotn Apr 15 #49
Republican Senator is full of shit and backing a losing horse. Martin68 Apr 14 #5
His future security depends on bankrupting us now. dickthegrouch Apr 14 #6
The MAGA campaign slogan IronLionZion Apr 14 #7
Fuck Off Nazi ***** Cha Apr 14 #8
A gross characterization and comparison. Bristlecone Apr 14 #9
If oil is a matter of national security, then the oil companies should be nationalized. ChicagoTeamster Apr 14 #11
War is more important than your pocket book But Farmer-Rick Apr 15 #39
And in the meantime, As long as Israel keeps bombing Lebanon, Iranian missiles hit Israel, and Iran just got more parts ChicagoTeamster Apr 15 #40
Good question all, Farmer-Rick Apr 15 #44
What that repuke says is, he doesn't suffer with his big salary Justice matters. Apr 14 #12
He also believes in ivermectin. Read his bio. littlemissmartypants Apr 14 #14
This war was fought by the US for Israel and because of Epstein. Intractable Apr 14 #15
that POS comparing this crap to WWII Skittles Apr 15 #21
Well, it could be the beginnings of WWIII! Intractable Apr 15 #23
yup, there was a reason America entered WWII Skittles Apr 15 #24
Dear Senator Asshole, Did Congress declare war? No? Then fuck off you useless piece of shit!!! cstanleytech Apr 15 #22
Roger Marshall represents Kansas. raccoon Apr 15 #25
I have him for a Senator, he's a Trump ass kissing jackass Bengus81 Apr 15 #32
Then why war when this country won't be worth "saving"? no_hypocrisy Apr 15 #26
Unless of course it affects his pocket book. Irish_Dem Apr 15 #29
He's actually running for reelection. boonecreek Apr 15 #34
Except it's Kansas. maxsolomon Apr 15 #41
They've had a Democratic governor (Laura Kelly) since 2009. boonecreek Apr 15 #46
Where I grew up they would say he is "suckin' off of the public tit". twodogsbarking Apr 15 #35
When is the cease fire, well, over? twodogsbarking Apr 15 #36
Dear Senator Fucknuts (yeah, YOU Marshall!!), MyOwnPeace Apr 15 #42
From KS here Racygrandma Apr 15 #43
He's up for reelection this year PghTiny Apr 15 #45
Same for YOU, dude. calimary Apr 15 #47
Not going Rebl2 Apr 15 #48
MaddowBlog-Republican senator, seeking re-election, urges public to stop complaining about gas prices LetMyPeopleVote Apr 15 #50
Our actions are shameful. I do not like bullies. walkingman Apr 15 #51
What a f-ing idiot.. raising2moredems Apr 15 #52

Deuxcents

(27,475 posts)
1. If we had been attacked, I'm sure we'd all be pitching in but we weren't. We bombed Iran twice
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 08:30 PM
Apr 14

And this second time was an agreement with Bibi because TSF felt it in his bones. This is unnecessary and we’ve not been told the reasons why, what the are plans and what is expected when goals are achieved. There is no comparison with this and the mission in WWII and to equate the two is gaslighting, which we’ve had our fill of.

Roy Rolling

(7,673 posts)
30. The very definition of "specious reasoning"
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 08:51 AM
Apr 15

By MAGAt logic, I am a dragon killer.

I have been protecting Washington, DC from dragon attacks all year.

The fact there are no dragon attacks is proof of my protection power.

Give me all your money.


mwmisses4289

(4,557 posts)
31. Here be a dragon 🐉 for ya!
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 08:59 AM
Apr 15

Or perhaps two! 🐲🐉🐲
Along with their unicorn handler!🦄

sakabatou

(46,238 posts)
2. Well, senator, go to your local office and join the military if it's so important.
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 08:52 PM
Apr 14

PUT YOUR OWN BOOTS ON THE GROUND!

Akakoji

(549 posts)
20. Clearly
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 01:44 AM
Apr 15

But he certainly feels at home on Newsmax. Where is he even from? Wait, funny I was going to say what a Moran!

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,163 posts)
4. Hey Roger Marshall,
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 09:17 PM
Apr 14

Last edited Tue Apr 14, 2026, 09:54 PM - Edit history (1)

I know you served 7 years in the Army Reserves, but never in combat, so, here's my proposal,
go volunteer for combat duty in the Gulf then, and only then, can you endorse sending young service members into combat in Iran, otherwise, shut your fucking pie hole.
Let's compare your time in service compared to mine and many other DU members:
I served 35 years as an active duty Marine, 3 combat tours, 2 in Vietnam, 1 in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, I was wounded twice in Vietnam but still returned to full fill my 2 tours.

What danger did you face in peace time?

You are nothing more than a fucking Chicken Hawk who's willing to send our sons and daughters into actual combat all the while collecting a paycheck from the people of America.


Master Gunnery Sargeant Dware (Ret.)
USMC- 1964-1999.
Semper Fi.

Fuck off you piece of shit.

MarineCombatEngineer

(18,163 posts)
13. Thank you sheshe2.
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 11:32 PM
Apr 14

Nothing pisses me off more than some fucking chicken hawk who is willing to send my sisters and brothers in arms into harm's way all the while sitting behind a desk, collecting a paycheck courtesy of the American people who never served a day in his life in combat facing a determined foe.

sheshe2

(98,163 posts)
16. Barry Mcguire's lyrics
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 11:51 PM
Apr 14

They have been playing over and over in my head.

"You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction"





MarineCombatEngineer

(18,163 posts)
19. Trumpedo and his criminal cabal,
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 12:13 AM
Apr 15

and those that didn't believe that he would do exactly what he said he would do.

bluestarone

(22,384 posts)
38. IF and i say IF these bastards do what i'm feeling they will do to our great country, i only wish
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:27 AM
Apr 15

someday i will meet up with people like you to STOP some of these BASTARDS!!! Edit to add THANK YOU for your service, i really mean this!!!!

dem4decades

(14,260 posts)
28. From Pink Floyd
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 06:26 AM
Apr 15

"Forward " he cried from the rear
And the front rank died
The general sat, and the lines on the map
Moved from side to side

dem4decades

(14,260 posts)
27. I appreciate your service, your awareness and your speaking up.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 06:23 AM
Apr 15

I'm so disappointed that many veterans and active service members support Trump and the Republicans. They buy the bull that is being sold to them that Republicans are the pro America and pro veterans party, all the while the Republicans are undermining America and gutting programs that help veterans. How can the Democrats appeal to veterans that have an aversion to seeing the truth. Thanks again.

paleotn

(22,537 posts)
49. It's always the Guard or Reserve guys, who spent their entire time in uniform counting paper clips.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 05:28 PM
Apr 15

dickthegrouch

(4,604 posts)
6. His future security depends on bankrupting us now.
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 10:05 PM
Apr 14

He thinks.
But his millions won’t buy him trustworthy slaves when humanity is at 10% of current numbers. He will starve (or better) too.

Cha

(320,122 posts)
8. Fuck Off Nazi *****
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 11:01 PM
Apr 14

Last edited Thu Apr 16, 2026, 03:20 AM - Edit history (1)

We'll decide what's more important...

I Choose Life.

Farmer-Rick

(12,761 posts)
39. War is more important than your pocket book But
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 11:02 AM
Apr 15

Never more important than pedo Trump's pocket book. Which is the whole reason for this war and the war in Venezuela.

Pedo Trump is using the US military like a mob boss using muscle for an extortion racket centered around oil.

When he wanted in on the toll Iran will charge for passage through the strait of Hormuz, that gave the whole game away. He's doing this for more money he can stuff into his pockets. He's upping oil prices on purpose after beating up Venezuela and taking their oil. With higher oil prices, the price of American oil goes up and up and up. Lining pedo Trump's bulging gold lined pockets. A plan Putin is quite happy with.

ChicagoTeamster

(1,167 posts)
40. And in the meantime, As long as Israel keeps bombing Lebanon, Iranian missiles hit Israel, and Iran just got more parts
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 12:04 PM
Apr 15

from China. And more anti aircraft systems. While the US needs Chinese components for the missiles and smart bombs we burned through in Iran. 850 tomahawk missiles.

AT the going rate who is going to run out first? Will Israel run out of interceptors before Iran runs out of missiles? What if China decides that it's okay to invade Taiwan? Will we have enough ordnance left to defend Taiwan? What if Iran finds a way to send small unmanned drone carrying subs that they launch off the coastal US ? Will we have enough to defend against them? Do we now?

What was so critical about attacking Iran that justified burning through so much specific ordnance without a plan for what the endpoint is or a plan to manage resources to cover other potential conflicts or defend the homeland ?

What justifies potentially committing ground troops to a land invasion?

If Israel can't or won't commit ground troops what is so important that the US should ?

Farmer-Rick

(12,761 posts)
44. Good question all,
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 03:00 PM
Apr 15

You lay out some inevitable consequences that a normal brain would have been weary of.

But pedo Trump doesn't see any other implications to his extortion attempts but his own possible profits. It's all about him and how he might profit from it. But because he sees no one else's motives and can not imagine anyone successfully standing up to his mocho posturing, he has a reckless disregard for the catastrophe he is creating.

Justice matters.

(9,988 posts)
12. What that repuke says is, he doesn't suffer with his big salary
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 11:19 PM
Apr 14

AND his free healthcare plan, for all him and his Republican accomplices care.

He's like telling the vast majority living paycheck to paycheck they can eat cake.

Intractable

(2,341 posts)
15. This war was fought by the US for Israel and because of Epstein.
Tue Apr 14, 2026, 11:43 PM
Apr 14

Trump promised no wars and reduced prices.

Intractable

(2,341 posts)
23. Well, it could be the beginnings of WWIII!
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 02:17 AM
Apr 15

Just joking on that. It seems the only ones who want this war are Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu.

raccoon

(32,440 posts)
25. Roger Marshall represents Kansas.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 05:25 AM
Apr 15

but plenty of states, mine included, have like-minded nitwits in office.

Bengus81

(10,308 posts)
32. I have him for a Senator, he's a Trump ass kissing jackass
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 09:00 AM
Apr 15


Here's a video of him walking out of a town hall filled with his Republican voters.

He's a flaming POS............

no_hypocrisy

(55,198 posts)
26. Then why war when this country won't be worth "saving"?
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 05:49 AM
Apr 15

No democracy

No economic opportunity and security

No trust amongst each other

Having a war for the sake of Dystopia makes no sense

boonecreek

(1,552 posts)
46. They've had a Democratic governor (Laura Kelly) since 2009.
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 04:35 PM
Apr 15

I'm not counting anything out this year. She's also running for reelection.
Maybe there will be a coattail effect.

MyOwnPeace

(17,602 posts)
42. Dear Senator Fucknuts (yeah, YOU Marshall!!),
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 02:10 PM
Apr 15

When your “Art-of-the-Steal” Supreme Commander tells you that he’s “won” - remember this:
PRESIDENT OBAMA had a treaty with Iran that had the ‘Strait’ open and free, AND an agreement for control of Iran’s nuclear activities - and it was agreed upon WITHOUT ANY military intervention.

So, what’s YOUR big guy gonna’ give you for what WE have invested in this bizarre, embarrassing farce?
Oh, and we had allies that were working with us too……….

Rebl2

(17,892 posts)
48. Not going
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 05:02 PM
Apr 15

to go over with MAGA, or anyone else for that matter, very well. Nobody, including MAGA wants a war.

LetMyPeopleVote

(181,261 posts)
50. MaddowBlog-Republican senator, seeking re-election, urges public to stop complaining about gas prices
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 06:59 PM
Apr 15

As GOP officials figure out what to say about prices at the pump, they should probably not follow Roger Marshall’s example.

Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, who’s up for re-election in Kansas, wants consumers to stop complaining about high gas prices because Trump needed to address Iran’s nuclear weapons ...

... which might make more sense, were it not for the inconvenient fact that Iran didn’t have nuclear weapons.

Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-04-15T17:02:42.965Z

https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/republican-senator-seeking-re-election-urges-public-to-stop-complaining-about-gas-prices

They should probably avoid following the example set by Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas. The New Republic noted:

Republican Senator Roger Marshall wants Americans to stop complaining about gas prices because they’re necessary for ‘national security.’

Speaking on Newsmax’s ‘Wake Up America’ Tuesday morning, Marshall was asked about the Iran war, and the Kansas politician was dismissive of its negative economic effects on the American people.


I’m sorry the gas prices are going up, but help is on its way, and your national security, yes, is even more important than your pocketbook,” Marshall said.

Sen. Roger Marshall: "I'm sorry that gas prices are going up, but help is on the way, and your national security is even more important than your pocketbook."

Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-04-14T12:15:12.895Z


.....Joseph Cirincione, the vice chair of the Center for International Policy and a longtime expert on nuclear policy, recently told MS NOW that even if Iran could have developed material to use in a nuclear weapon, that would be the first of multiple, time-consuming steps — steps that officials in Tehran had not yet taken before the American president launched this war of choice.

The day the war began, The New York Times reported:

He was not driven by an immediate threat. There was no race for a bomb. Iran is further from the capability to build a nuclear weapon today than it has been in several years, thanks largely to the success of the president’s previous strike on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, in June.

While Mr. Trump claimed Tehran was ultimately aiming to reach to the United States with its array of missiles, even his own Defense Intelligence Agency concluded last year that it would be a decade before Iran could get past the technological and production hurdles to produce a significant arsenal
.


With this in mind, the question is why the hapless junior senator from the great state of Kansas is so confused. It’s plausible to make a case that national security is more important than temporary hits to American wallets, but is Marshall prepared to make the case that illusory national security challenges are more important than consumers’ pocketbooks? Is this the message he’ll be emphasizing in the run-up to Election Day 2026?

raising2moredems

(759 posts)
52. What a f-ing idiot..
Wed Apr 15, 2026, 10:40 PM
Apr 15

and more proof Thomas Frank's book is spot on. National security my arse - may karma be a bitch with impeccable timing.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Republican Senator Says W...