The Synthetic Outrage Files

It's fair to assume that, anytime a politician uses the phrase "refuse to condemn" or one of its variants, the outrage behind the utterance is probably contrived so as to stoke fears and prejudices.

The phrase usually arises when someone or entity ; the other party pounces, not because they're really outraged (they are not), but because they believe that outrage rallies the troops. There's a circular logic employed, too. If you don't join the cavalcade of outrage, then you can be accused of "refusing to condemn" something.

The comment itself may indeed be offensive, but it does not follow that folks who are associated with the comment-maker have any duty to condemn, much less even mention the comments, especially because, when they do, they're playing onto the turf claimed by those outraged at the comments.

Therefore, the outrage directed at those who REFUSE TO CONDEMN something is logically synthetic. Of course they're NOT outraged. They're DELIGHTED, because they get to whip their opponents over the head with it.

It's the wimpiest form of guilt by association there is.

For example: liberals contrived outrage when John Boehner said this: "We need to continue our effort here because, Wolf, long term, the investment that we're making today will be a small price if we're able to stop Al-Qaida here, if we're able to stabilize the Middle East." Republicans, Sen. John Kerry said, should condemn Mr. Boehner.

And Republicans are outraged that Democrats refused to condemn the MoveOn.org ad and, now, Mitt Romney claims to be outraged that Hillary Clinton has nothing to say about the president of Iran's visit to Columbia.

Senator Clinton's refusal to denounce Columbia University for inviting Ahmadinejad to speak demonstrates weakness

The corrollary: when partisans claim that their rivals are hypocrites because they don't condemn every conceivable outrage.

Comments

What cerdibility does a phony like Romney have in criticizing other?

He is just a flipflopper who will say anything in greed of power.

Posted by tm | September 24, 2007 1:31 PM

very very very well put, Marc Ambinder. Ha!

Posted by Phoebe | September 24, 2007 4:58 PM

You took out why Boehner's comment was outrageous. You took out Wolf Blitzer's question. Maybe you disagree, but it is my view that the neoconservative Republicans truly think that the Americans lives given in Iraq is a "small price" to pay when matched against their extreme fear that we are involved in WWIII. It wasn't that it was a gotcha moment or a misstatement; it is that Boehner's remarks represent the real thinking among the blood thirsty neocons. They don't fight wars; they just like wars. And someone else can pay that price. Oh, and please -- comparing that with Moveon.org is laughable. Did you see John Kerry offer an amendment to condemn Boehner's remarks? No. The Democratic party is the grown up party these day.

http://www.vbdems.org/?p=1716

BLITZER: How much longer will U.S. taxpayers have to shell out $2 billion a week or $3 billion a week as some now are suggesting the cost is going to endure? The loss in blood, the Americans who are killed every month, how much longer do you think this commitment, this military commitment is going to require?

BOEHNER: I think General Petraeus outlined it pretty clearly. We’re making success. We need to firm up those successes. We need to continue our effort here because, Wolf, long term, the investment that we’re making today will be a small price if we’re able to stop al Qaeda here, if we’re able to stabilize the Middle East, it’s not only going to be a small price for the near future, but think about the future for our kids and their kids.

Posted by beachmom | September 24, 2007 7:14 PM