In the ever-spirited world of politics, it seems some folks can’t resist the urge to lob a verbal hand grenade or two at their opponents. The latest such volley comes courtesy of Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat who’s quickly rising through the ranks in her party. In what many find a bit jaw-dropping, she’s labeled nearly 80 million Americans—supporters of former President Trump—as “mentally ill.” While that’s one way to make a splash, it doesn’t exactly endear her to 40 percent of the voters who helped the former president claim the White House.
Here’s a reality check: these so-called “mentally ill” individuals are the same hard-working patriots who contribute to the fabric of America every day. They are the farmers, teachers, business owners, and law enforcement officers who keep the country running smoothly. They are the ones you meet at the coffee shop or see coaching the local Little League team. Referring to Middle America’s backbone in such a derogatory manner is not just impolite; it shows a profound disconnect with the very people who keep this country ticking.
Jasmine Crockett, while perhaps enjoying her day in the political sun, might struggle with winning over the kinds of numbers her critiques suggest. It seems unlikely that calling a significant chunk of the electorate mentally unstable will win her accolades beyond the confines of her own party’s echo chamber. Last time anyone checked, that kind of rhetoric wasn’t exactly a winning strategy for garnering bipartisan support. Nevertheless, if she’s aiming to catalyze controversy over camaraderie, she’s off to a promising start.
The America First movement, which is strongly supported by President Trump’s base, represents a broad swath of the citizenry. These voters are interested in policies that prioritize their livelihoods and communities over broad and often abstract political rhetoric. If the rising stars in the Democratic Party wish to make inroads with this electorate, perhaps they could start by listening rather than labeling. It’s a novel idea, but acknowledging the genuine concerns of everyday Americans could be a refreshing change in today’s political climate.
So, here’s to hoping Jasmine continues to “rise” with such dazzling rhetoric—it promises to serve as a neat reminder for Republicans of how out-of-touch some segments of the opposition can be. Meanwhile, the rest of America rolls up its sleeves and gets back to work, focusing on the issues that truly matter to them. It’s a classic case of talking the talk versus walking the walk, and Middle America knows which one it prefers.