As the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court fuels an uptick in protests and activism from the left, Republicans are using fear mongering tactics and criticism of the “mob” to energize Republican voters.
As The Washington Post notes, the talking point has been perpetuated by several noteworthy GOPers in recent days, suggesting a coordinated campaign by Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) bragged on Monday that Republicans “stood up to the mob.” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) criticized Democrats last week for encouraging “mob rule.” Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on Friday seized on President Donald Trump’s latest suggestion that those protesting Kavanaugh’s confirmation are “a paid mob trying to prevent senators from doing the will of their constituents.” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) tweeted criticism of the media’s coverage of the “angry mob” of protesters storming the “steps of the Supreme Court building.” Trump even chimed in on Saturday night during a rally, as the Post notes, calling Democrats an “angry mob.”
Painting Democrats as members of an unruly anarchy has been “effective,” according to an adviser to Sen. Ted Cruz’s campaign, Jeff Roe who said Republicans are using it “everywhere” because it works.
“Their tactics are too hot. They insult Republicans and turn off independents even more than the prospect of impeachment does,” he told the Post.
“Mob!” “Mob!” “Mob!”
“Death Panels!” “Death Panels!” “Death Panels!”
“Benghazi!” “Benghazi!” “Benghazi!”
“Emails!” “Emails!” “Emails!”
Mob? Didn’t see any clubs, guns or swords. This is what Democracy looks like! When you try to put people on the bench by dishonest, undercover means, people get upset.
THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!
Fear and smear is all they’ve got.
Yep. If you think sexual assault should be taken seriously you’re basically an antifa at this point. I think two things: this idea that the base is totally energized now is a load of crap. And the people that are really energized (read: enraged) aren’t on your side, fellers. But yeah, keep on talking about mobs who said and did vicious things like saying “You’re telling me that my assault doesn’t matter! Look at me when I’m talking to you!” Saying it in tears. Because that’s how mobs act. Keep it up, you sons of bitches.