Senators in both parties said Sunday they’re worried that political rhetoric from all sides is dividing people and tempting them to commit dangerous or uncivil acts.
Sen. Chris Coons, Delaware Democrat, said there is a clear difference between liberals who shouted over Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings, saying they exercised their constitutionally protected free speech, and professed Trump supporter Cesar Sayoc, who is accused of sending mail bombs to Democrats.
Yet he also criticized Rep. Maxine Waters, California Democrat, for suggesting protesters should confront and bother Republicans when they’re out in public.
“One of the things that really concerns me, that weighs on my heart, is the ways in which our president and a number of other national political leaders of both parties have used their megaphones in order to inspire and instill and energize folks based on division rather than based on unity,” Mr. Coons told CBS’s Face the Nation.
Mr. Sayoc was arrested and charged Friday, one day before a gunman opened fire at a Pittsburgh synagogue, killing 11, while shouting anti-Semitic comments.
The accused gunman, Richard Bowers, had posted online about conspiracy theories regarding the migrant caravan and groups that aid refugees, causing some to point the finger back at President Trump and his strident rhetoric on both topics.
Rep. James Lankford, Oklahoma Republican, noted that Mr. Bowers didn’t appear to be a fan of the president.
“I believe the same shooter was condemning President Trump,” Mr. Lankford told CBS, referring to online postings in which Mr. Bowers referred to the president as a “globalist.”
“I don’t see how you connect Present Trump to a person who is deranged going into a synagogue,” he said.
Mr. Lankford also criticized liberal voices who’ve shouted down the other side on college campus and Justice Kavanaugh.
Yet he also found fault with Mr. Trump, saying he’s responsible for his tone.
“I think the president needs to be more clear in his rhetoric, and doesn’t need to be as caustic in his rhetoric,” Mr. Lankdford said.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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