Some Twitter users labeled House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) a “hypocrite” on Wednesday after he called identity politics and tribalism “morally wrong.”
“Twenty-first-century technology has proven that tribalism and identity politics is effective. More to the point, which is even worse, people make money off of it,” Ryan said at a WisPolitics Q&A in the Capitol.
“Internet, money has proven identity politics and tribalism works. It’s politically effective. It’s morally wrong, but it’s politically effective,” he added. “What bothers me is it’s being practiced on both sides: the right and the left.”
Check out Ryan’s comments from the 24-minute mark here:
Tweeters called out Ryan for being “complicit” with President Donald Trump’s administration, which they said had done more to push forward tribalism and identity politics than anyone else:
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
You are unraveling the institutions you clain to support. You are a smug hypocrite.
— CJ (@_eng_CJ) September 13, 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
The capacity of Ryan to deny the reality that's right in front of his face remains remarkable to me. But only barely. Ryan, McConnel and so many other spineless Republicans have really ratcheted down my view of human nature. Sad to say.
— Steven Beschloss (@StevenBeschloss) September 12, 2018
Ryan conceded that “the extreme partisanship and tribalism that dominates today's politics is extremely effective at turning out voters and winning elections, but said it was morally wrong” is the most Paul Ryan-esque thing ever said.
— Timothy Kenison 🌊 #ProtectMueller #VoteGillum (@TimothyKenison) September 12, 2018
Feckless. Complicit. Coward
"It's morally wrong, but it's politically effective."
— SherryLiz (@SherryLiz) September 13, 2018
Paul Ryan refuses to admit to his complicit behavior in the insanity that is this current presidential administration. As a former Wisconsinite, as well as Janesville
Resident born and raised, I am ashamed of this imposter.
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
Seriously. I almost have more respect for the strong partisans who own what they’re doing. I just started teaching a class on Congress and Public Pollcy and it’s hard for me not to roll my eyes when Paul Ryan’s name comes up.
— Miranda Yaver (@mirandayaver) September 13, 2018
Paul Ryan has been a tremendous disappointment. I’ve heard people that know him say they cannot believe how he has capitulated to DJT. If this has been a test of integrity and backbone, he failed miserably!
— SD Cincy (@sdCincy) September 12, 2018
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.