When we concede to the demand that we criticize our opponents in terms that won’t offend them (out of fear that we only help them when we do otherwise), we assume that these people are engaging us in good faith in the first place. 1/
If someone suddenly supports @realDonaldTrump and policies because @RashidaTlaib cursed him, that someone simply needed an excuse to act on what she/he already believed. 2/
Manufactured outrage has been a staple in the Republican playbook since I learned how to walk. Worrying about it will only tie your hands and put a frog in your throat. 3/
Last point, I am not a politician (obviously), but I would urge the freshman class on the Hill not to concern themselves with worries about overreach. Historically that has been (and remains) the language of the status quo—their way of containing substantive change.
I couldn’t resist. Civility ought to be the norm. But sometimes civility masks cruelty. We should keep our heads about us and engage these folks accordingly. But I refuse to allow the likes of @jasoninthehouse to clutch his pearls.
Act on principle. Get clear on your vision for the country. Understand what is needed to make it a reality. And act accordingly. Everything else is a distraction.
