Put aside the policy fights for a moment: The debate over whether Trump administration officials deserve to peacefully eat a meal in public tells us a lot about Democratic politics in 2018.
Why it matters: Public shaming and incivility isn't just a nasty expression of outrage. It's targeted at making life difficult, and even serving as a deterrent, for public servants who carry out controversial agendas, writes Brian Beutler, the editor of The Pod Save America website.
Dividing lines:
The big picture: The pro-civility crowd is dominating the airwaves and establishment media. The verdict is less obvious on social media.
What they're saying:
P.S. Speaking of incivility: President Trump tweeted today that "Waters, an extraordinarily low IQ person... has just called for harm to supporters, of which there are many, of the Make America Great Again movement. Be careful what you wish for Max!"
Go deeper:
Rudy Giuliani has walked back that Fox News interview after Trump made comments on the former mayor before heading to the NRA's annual meeting telling reporters, "he'll get his facts straight... There has been a lot of misinformation. I say, You know what? Learn before you speak. It's a lot easier."
Giuliani's statement, issued this afternoon: "There is no campaign violation. The payment was made to resolve a personal and false allegation in order to protect the President’s family. It would have been done in any event, whether he was a candidate or not."
P.S. Trump's memorable lines today:
Rep. Steve Scalise, the Louisiana Republican who was critically shot on June 14, was originally moved out of the ICU on June 23. Now he's back in the ICU, according to a statement released by his office late Wednesday:
"Congressman Steve Scalise has been readmitted to the Intensive Care Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center due to new concerns for infection. His condition is listed as serious. We will provide another update tomorrow, July 6."
