House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) found himself in hot water after remarks he made at a WisPolitics Q&A panel that the Capital.
At issue was Ryan’s plaintive lament about the political expediency of identity politics. Ryan said:
“Internet, money has proven identity politics and tribalism works. It’s politically effective. It’s morally wrong, but it’s politically effective. What bothers me is it’s being practiced on both sides: the right and the left.”
Ryan blamed 21st century technology and “tribalism” for this rise in identity politics. He also had the audacity to say, “More to the point — which is even worse — people make money off it,” in reference to identity politics.
Twitter users were quick to roast Ryan for his hypocrisy.
This guy. He has zero capacity of moral leadership. He has systematically enabled a president who has pushed tribalism and identity politics and Who has seriously damaged democratic institutions. He needs to just leave the scene. https://t.co/dHNakzMMM4
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) September 12, 2018
There was no one, over the past two years, better positioned to combat those things than you, dude, and your were too cowardly and craven to do it. Spare me. Empty your desk and leave. https://t.co/eKJVpWsoot
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) September 13, 2018
Its my hope that everyone who aided and abetted this president is constantly reminded through their remaining years that in the time the country needed them most, they failed. It should haunt and follow them in all they do going forward. The damage to our country will last years.
— L J (@ljohnson333) September 13, 2018
One is surprised that Ryan actually included “the right” in his condemnation of this cynical but commonplace means of election. Since he’s retiring in January, perhaps we might hear some actual truth about the state of his party under Trump before he leaves office.
Maybe not.
