Some members of the national media suggested Friday that Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib described President Trump as a “motherfucker” in part because Trump himself has invited this sort of language into the national political debate.
“Does anyone think Rashida Tlaib would feel the liberty to scream ‘motherf*cker’ during any other admin?” reporter Isaac Saul tweeted. “This is exactly what Ds feared and Rs seemed so unmoved about: the denigration of our politics.”
Saul added that more conservatives should stand up to Trump and the things he says.
If more conservative politicians and pundits stood up to Trump there’d be some moral high ground to stand on. But there isn’t, really. It’s just Ds half heartedly scolding her and Rs being mocked for feigning indignation. We’ve arrived in a new political era where this is normal.
— Isaac Saul (@Ike_Saul) January 4, 2019
Others noted the Access Hollywood tape when Trump could he heard saying “grab her by the pussy.”
“I’m apalled [sic] Rashida Tlaib said ‘motherfucker.’ She should’ve said ‘grab them by the pussy.’ Or perhaps ‘moved on her like a bitch.’ You know—civil language befitting the solemnity of the office,” an analyst with Rewire.News posted to Twitter.
I’m apalled Rashida Tlaib said “motherfucker.”
She should’ve said “grab them by the pussy.” Or perhaps “moved on her like a bitch.”
You know—civil language befitting the solemnity of the office.
— Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) January 4, 2019
A journalist with the Young Turks questioned if Republicans criticizing Tlaib’s language were aware of some of the things Trump has said.
“Republicans who are shocked and chagrined by Rashida Tlaib’s lack of traditional D.C. decorum…Do you know who your president is?”
Republicans who are shocked and chagrined by Rashida Tlaib’s lack of traditional D.C. decorum…
Do you know who your president is?
— Emma Vigeland (@EmmaVigeland) January 4, 2019
Journalist SE Cupp said that she disagreed with the language Talib used, saying that even though Trump has contributed to making comments like these more common in politics, that other lawmakers should not follow suit.
“Trump has coarsened the language around politics to a really disturbing effect,” Cupp said. “The response should not be to match it. The response should be to rise above it and present clear policy arguments.”
“Trump has coarsened the language around politics to a really disturbing effect. The response should not be to match it. The response should be to rise above it and present clear policy arguments” —@secupp on Rep. Tlaib’s comments about Trump impeachment https://t.co/3ZxIiX6HqC pic.twitter.com/nhY1ULuyua
— New Day (@NewDay) January 4, 2019
After being sworn in to the 116th Congress Thursday, Tlaib said that “we’re gonna go in and impeach the motherfucker,” when talking to her supporters about Trump.
