Politicians are good liars. But some things are impossible to make them sound convincing.
Now a U.S. Congresswoman humiliated herself with a denial that anyone can see through.
Escalating Political Rhetoric and Its Consequences
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, appeared on CNN’s The Arena and dismissed claims that comparing political opponents to “H-tler” or “fascist” fuels political violence, calling such critics “absolutely wrong.”
This statement followed the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on September 10, at a Utah college campus, where bullet casings inscribed with anti-fascist messages were found. Crockett argued, “They don’t want American people to know any forms of history,” suggesting that her rhetoric is merely historical critique.
She further claimed that authoritarianism, which she associates with her opponents, threatens personal freedoms, stating, “The reality is that when we look at what is taking place, when you look at an authoritarian, and what they do is they try to basically say you have to do whatever the government says, even if that means that your personal freedoms are going to be subjected to whatever we say, whether it’s right or wrong.” Her defense hinges on distinguishing her rhetoric from direct incitement, but the inflammatory nature of such comparisons risks escalating tensions in an already polarized climate.
Deflecting Responsibility Amid Rising Tensions
During an appearance on The Breakfast Club, Crockett doubled down, referring to President Donald Trump as a “wannabe H-tler” and “Temu H-tler” in prior statements, while rejecting the notion that her rhetoric contributed to Kirk’s k*lling. She argued, “Me disagreeing with you, me calling you, you know, ‘wannabe H-tler,’ all those things are, like, not necessarily saying, ‘Go out and hurt somebody.’”
Crockett also accused Republicans of promoting violence, citing Trump’s rally rhetoric and ICE actions, saying, “It seems like violence is OK if it is only because the man that is currently serving in the White House asked for it.”
By deflecting blame and framing her opponents as the true instigators, Crockett sidesteps the potential impact of her words, ignoring evidence like the anti-fascist inscriptions at Kirk’s assassination scene, which suggest her rhetoric may resonate with unstable individuals prone to extreme actions.
A Dangerous Precedent for Political Discourse
Crockett’s refusal to acknowledge the risks of her rhetoric stands in contrast to calls for de-escalation, such as Sen. John Fetterman’s plea on CNN to avoid H-tler comparisons: “I think you just don’t ever, ever compare anyone to H-tler and those kinds of extreme things.” Fetterman, speaking before Kirk’s death was confirmed, emphasized the need to “turn the temperature down,” noting, “This is not an autocrat. This is a product of a democratic election.”
Crockett’s inflammatory labels, including calling Trump an “enemy to the United States,” amplify division and could inspire lone-wolf attacks, as seen in Kirk’s case and the July 2024 attempt on Trump’s life. Her rhetoric, while not explicitly calling for violence, creates a volatile environment where unstable individuals may feel justified in taking extreme measures.
Why Crockett Is Wrong and Her Rhetoric Is Dangerous
Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s dismissal of the link between her “H-tler” and “fascist” comparisons and political violence is misguided and dangerous. Her rhetoric trivializes historical atrocities while demonizing opponents in a way that can inflame unstable individuals, as evidenced by the anti-fascist messages found at Charlie Kirk’s assassination site.
Words carry weight, especially in a polarized climate where such comparisons can be interpreted as justifying extreme actions.
By deflecting responsibility and accusing her opponents of fostering violence, Crockett ignores the broader impact of her language, which risks normalizing hostility and escalating tensions.
Sen. Fetterman’s call to avoid such comparisons highlights a more responsible approach, recognizing that inflammatory rhetoric can contribute to a cycle of violence, regardless of intent. Crockett’s refusal to temper her language undermines efforts to foster civil discourse and endangers public safety by fueling division and potentially inspiring further acts of political violence.
