Skip to content
Lavina Jahorina

lavina-jahorina.com

Lavina Jahorina

lavina-jahorina.com

Colbie Holderness survived Rob Porter's abuse: Tells White House, don't call me weak

Toby Lambert, February 13, 2018

Colbie Holderness, the first wife of former White House staff secretary Rob Porter—and the woman whose bruised face you’ve probably seen pictures of—is now speaking out. Holderness responded in the Washington Post to Kellyanne Conway’s Sunday comments about Porter, including that “I have no reason not to believe the women,” about which Holderness wrote “I actually appreciated her saying that she at least did not not believe us.”

But I was dismayed when Conway, appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” went on to say that she does not fear for White House Communications Director Hope Hicks, who has reportedly been dating Porter. “I’ve rarely met somebody so strong with such excellent instincts and loyalty and smarts.”

Borrowing Conway’s words, I have no reason not to believe her when she says that Hicks is a strong woman. But her statement implies that those who have been in abusive relationships are not strong.

I beg to differ.

Recognizing and surviving in an abusive relationship take strength. The abuse can be terrifying, life-threatening and almost constant. Or it can ebb and flow, with no violence for long periods. It’s often the subtler forms of abuse that inflict serious, persistent damage while making it hard for the victim to see the situation clearly.

Holderness pointed out that “Abuse often doesn’t manifest itself early on—only later, when you’re in deep and behind closed doors. The really ugly side of Rob’s abuse only came out after we married, following three years of dating.” So Porter could be treating Hicks wonderfully right now and abuse could still lie down the road—something Conway should damn well know. After all, the man has abused two wives and one girlfriend that we know of. And, as Holderness writes, “smarts” and strength were required to get away from him. It takes strength to go to your Mormon bishop and talk about abuse and it takes more strength to leave when you’re counseled to stay. It takes strength to stand up for the truth when the White House is sending people out to praise your abuser.

As for “smarts,” however charming Porter is in person, anyone in the White House who believes Porter’s ridiculous explanations for the most egregious reported examples of his abuse should question themselves. Seriously, this guy is supposed to be such a shining intellect and yet his explanations seem to come out of some Clumsy Abuser Excuses 101 book.

Politics

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Categories

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Top 10 Best Lead Core Fishing Reels Comparison

  • Top 10 Best Lucas Fishing Reel Oil Comparison

  • Men Waxed Canvas Jackets

  • Champion Sling Bag

  • Top 10 Best Cast Iron Trivets Set Comparison

  • Trench Coat Men’s

  • Jackets Men’s Black

  • Leather Jacket Men India

  • Formal Black Jackets for Mens

  • Nike Bomber Jackets Men’s

  • Top 10 Best Mens Coats on Sale Comparison

  • Running Jackets Mens Winter

  • Preferring Others “Merry Christmas”!

  • Top 10 Best Okuma Fishing Reel Comparison

  • Exactly How to Buy Fabric Online For the Very First Time

  • Men’s Casual Pant Elastic Waist

  • Wood Adjustable Shelving Systems

  • What is the Best Mens Down Jacket?

  • Infant Moto Boots

  • Jackets Leather Suit for Mens

  • Lavina Jahorina: Top 10 Best Grizzly Drill Press Chuck Comparison

  • Best Anorak Jackets Mens

  • Show All Shorts Mens

  • Top 10 Best Fishing Reel Handle Knob Comparison

  • Parka Jacket Men Fishtail

  • Top 10 Best Concept Fishing Reel Comparison

  • Top 10 Best Brushed Steel Trivet Comparison

  • Leather Jacket for Mens in Uk

  • Top 10 Best Cetus Trout Spinning Fishing Reel Comparison

  • Long Men Peacoat Jackets

©2025 Lavina Jahorina | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes