I have a lot of respect for Sohrab Ahmari. A noted Catholic intellectual and opinions editor for the New York Post, Ahmari started an important conversation about the philosophical (and theological) differences among conservatives, and how they shape the movement’s future. That being said, he lost some of that respect last night.

Ahmari faced National Review’s David French last night during a debate at the Catholic University of America for the first time since publishing his now notorious essay, “Against David French-ism.” In the essay, Ahmari argues against civility as a primary value. This is a culture war, Ahmari argues, and that means conservatives must be willing to fight. He reiterated this sentiment last night. Civility, Ahmari argued, is akin to surrender. Fight, or “sit this one out,” he told French.