The problem isn't just toxic political rhetoric

Politicians across the political spectrum have called for calming political rhetoric after the attempted assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. The problem is, though, treating political opponents as enemies isn’t just a rhetoric issue.

Take Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee and chairman of the Jan. 6 committee. Thompson recently had to fire one of his staffers after she wished for a second shooter to target Trump to not miss next time. More alarming, though, is that Thompson introduced a bill just three months ago trying to strip Trump of his Secret Service protection if Trump were to be sentenced to jail time.