Thread by @LarryGlickman

Stop using the words “Washington DC” or “politics,” to create an inaccurate both-sides narrative⁩. The actions of the Democrats described in this piece are not at all equivalent to those of Trump and his party. What makes what the Dems did “ugly”? /1 washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/…

The evidence that @byamberphillips adduces to show that the Dems are practicing “ugly” politics.
1) 3 Dem presidential hopefuls say Trump is a white supremacist.
2) Joaquin Castro publicized the names of Trump donors.
3) Corey Booker said “there is no neutrality in this fight. /2

There is more. There was an “ugly fight” over Dem Rep. Lucy McBath, who tragically lost a child to a gun death. The ugliness appears to lay 100% on the other side-a body representing House Republicans-which accused her of trying to “make a quick buck” for critiquing the GOP. /3

Also a protester at Senator MCConnell’s home shouted a “profane death threat.” Ok that’s pretty ugly, even granting Mitch’s refusal until now to allow a vote on gun control legislation passed in the House earlier this year./4

Back to the main charges. 1) isn’t there ample evidence that Trump’s words and deeds demonstrate that he is a white supremacist? The piece even cites a poll saying that most Americans think he has “encouraged white supremacy.” /5

Here is the category error: calling out Trump’s racism is simply acknowledging an ugly truth that we all must face. It is not practicing “ugly politics” to do so. /6

Perhaps the reason this is “not the politically unifying message you typically hear during moments of national tragedy,” is because many people believe this tragedy was not only preventable but stoked by Trump’s rhetoric./7

There is more to say about a framework that separates “grieving” and “healing” from politics but one could certainly argue that Beto O’Rourke is helping his community heal in part by honestly calling out Trump’s ugly history of dehumanization./8

How are the Democrats actions here (excepting the profane chant at McConnell’s home) “mean”? Recognizing Trump’s racism, highlighting his financial supporters (whose gifts are public information) who enable him, and recognizing that neutrality is not an option are not “mean.”/9

Forthright assessment of Trump’s character and recognition of the high political stakes seem a necessary element of a campaign to defeat Trump, not evidence of meanness or ugliness. /10