Mackler to Corker: 'We need more than timid, hollow words'

Democratic challenger James Mackler and U.S. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tennessee) share one common perspective — the President Donald J. Trump's White House is in "a downward spiral." 

Mackler stopped for a visit in traditionally Republican Williamson County on Thursday night, where he shared his pitch to run against his entrenched U.S. Senate incumbent. His first stop of the day was in Chattanooga before making his appearance in Franklin, an area where Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by a 63-29 margin in November. 

"I think at this point we heard that we are in a downward spiral, and it's important to note he said 'they,'" Mackler said in an interview with the USA TODAY NETWORK - TENNESSEE. Earlier this week, Corker acknowledged he felt the White House needed to regain control in the wake of reports that Trump revealed classified information to Russian officials. 

More:Corker: Trump White House in 'downward spiral' following Russia classified leak report

"Sen. Corker tried very hard to become a part of this administration, and now he's trying to distance himself from it. But we need more than timid words of hollow disapproval," Mackler said.

The 2018 election cycle is the first time the Nashville attorney has entered the political arena. Before he stepped away from Frost Brown Todd LLC and Bone McAllester Norton, PLLC to run for office, Mackler served in the 101st Airborne Division as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot.

More:Nashville attorney, Iraq War vet announces Democratic run for Corker's Senate seat

The father of two said he thought the country stood at a unique time in history, but thought officials in Washington, D.C., should take the process one step at a time. On Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee a Russian investigation. Mackler also didn't believe Congress should run straight to talks of impeachment of the 45th president of the United States. 

And while Corker sits as the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Mackler said he wanted results from the independent counsel before he thought any additional investigations should open. 

"I think the appointment of a prosecutor now is a great first step," he said. "From my experience as a prosecutor, when the rule of law breaks down, it has tragic consequences. So, this is an important first step to getting to the bottom of this Russian involvement."

Mackler said since his launch of the campaign, he's watched the Trump White House and Congress "manufacture crisis after crisis." 

"We need a senator who will stand up, and stand up for what's right," he said.

 Reach Emily West at erwest@tennessean.com; at 615-613-1380; or on Twitter at @emwest22.