As a professor of persuasion and political rhetoric, I have long been fascinated by the use of the term “whining,” especially as it applies to political candidates criticizing their opponents.

This used to be more the province of Republicans, who would accuse liberal opponents of being insufficiently tough when attacked — “Get over it, this is the big leagues.” But the charge is relevant and can apply to any politician who doesn’t like being criticized — by which I mean all politicians, naturally.