Answers to twitter question:
Tweet from DishonorPolitic on Nov. 25, 2020:
Who do you think said each of these dishonorable things this month, Biden or Trump? 1) “He’s done a lot of stupid, mean things.” 2) “He’s against God.” 3) “They’re bad people, they’re horrible people…”
Answers:
- Biden on Nov. 1, see below
- Trump on Nov. 2, see below
- Trump on Nov. 25, see below
Recent Dishonorable speech in politics
(Not necessarily the most dishonorable things said – just some excerpts)
May 3, 2021:
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, May 3, 2021 tweet:
“The Biden Administration’s recent statements that the surge in illegal immigration is not due to their policies is insane, offensive, and just plain wrong.” [Included in the tweet was a link to a Fox News article titled, “Border surge not Biden’s fault despite lifting restrictions: White House chief of staff.” Graham also tweeted 4 replies to his original tweet, including one that said, “If you don’t understand and acknowledge that the Biden policies are what is causing the surge — there is no hope it will be fixed.”]
Dishonorable speech categories:
#11 misrepresenting reality through over-simplification (“Biden administration’s… statements that the surge in illegal immigration is [sic] not due to their policies is… wrong”), #13 offering opinion as fact (“insane, offensive, and just plain wrong”), #4 (level 1) implying incompetence (“insane”), and #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“offensive”). In his reply to his tweet: #13 offering opinion as fact (“what is causing the surge,” “there is no hope,” and “fixed”).
Suggested more honorable version:
I don’t agree with the Biden Administration’s recent statements indicating the increase in apprehensions of undocumented immigrants isn’t due to their policies. I believe at least part of the increase is due to their policies and this should be acknowledged if it’s to be changed.
Apr. 25, 2021:
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders (who caucuses with Democrats), Apr. 25, 2021 tweet:
“A $15 minimum wage is supported by: 89% of African Americans, 87% of Democrats, 76% of Latino Americans, 73% of Asian Americans, 62% of all Americans. It’s time for Congress to stop listening to greedy CEOs and start listening to workers who are tired of making starvation wages” [Note: I added some punctuation for where he had items on separate lines. In the tweet was a link to a tweet by the Pew Research Fact Tank that included a link to the poll upon which Sanders’ numbers were based.]
Dishonorable speech categories:
#11 misrepresenting reality by cherry picking (for not mentioning the percentage of White Americans or Republicans who favor a $15/h minimum wage), #12 (level 1) declaring bad intent (“greedy CEOs”), #15 promoting victimhood and entitlement (“tired of making starvation wages”)
Suggested more honorable version:
A $15/h minimum wage is favored by: 89% of African Americans, 87% of Democrats, 76% of Latino Americans, 73% of Asian Americans, 62% of all Americans, 51% of White Americans, 28% of Republicans. I believe it’s time for Congress to act in line with what the majority of Americans favor: raising the minimum wage to $15/h. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/04/22/most-americans-support-a-15-federal-minimum-wage/
Apr. 20, 2021:
Republican Senator Ted Cruz, Apr. 20, 2021 tweet:
“The most important political shift of the last decade is that the Republican Party became the party of working men and women. It’s because Democrats care more about money from California billionaires than the jobs of steelworkers and truck drivers.”
Dishonorable speech categories:
#12 (level 1) declaring bad intent (“Democrats care more about money…than jobs”), #13 offering opinion as fact (“most important political shift”), #11 misrepresenting reality by cherry picking (“the jobs of steelworkers and truck drivers”), #11 misrepresenting reality via over-simplification (“the Republican Party became the party of working men and women,” “it’s because”)
Suggested more honorable version:
In my opinion, the most important political shift of the last decade is a 12-point increase in blue-collar voters who identify as Republican, & 8-point decrease for Democrats: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/meet-the-press/gop-rapidly-becoming-blue-collar-party-here-s-what-means-n1258468. I don’t agree with the president revoking the Keystone pipeline permit – I don’t feel any possible environmental benefits outweigh the resulting loss of energy security and jobs.
[Here I’ve assumed that Cruz holds the opinions I’m indicating he does.]
Apr. 13, 2021:
Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Apr. 13, 2021 tweet:
“Daunte Wright’s killing was not a random, disconnected ‘accident’ – it was the repeated outcome of an indefensible system that grants impunity for state violence, rewards it w/ endlessly growing budgets at the cost of community investment, & targets those who question that order.”
Dishonorable speech categories:
#12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“indefensible system”), #13 offering opinion as fact (“not a[n]… accident,” “indefensible,” “rewards”), #11 misrepresenting reality – over-simplification (“impunity for state violence”), #11 misrepresenting reality – cherry picking (“at the cost of community investment”)
Suggested more honorable version:
Daunte Wright’s killing was not a random, disconnected “accident,” in my opinion. I believe contributing factors include officials & laws that grant impunity for certain state violence, police budget increases that I believe reward such violence and would be better spent investing in communities, & people who are critical of those who question the situation. [I’ve assumed that Ocasio-Cortez believes the things I’m suggesting she does.]
Apr. 6, 2021:
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Apr. 6, 2021 tweet:
“Thank you to @SecCardona for joining @SenWarren and me to talk with student borrowers about their experiences with student debt. President Biden can #CancelStudentDebt and help close the racial wealth gap.”
Dishonorable speech categories:
#11 misrepresenting reality – cherry picking (not noting that “student borrowers” was 4 black student borrowers – this may not accurately represent black student borrowers in general, or Hispanic borrowers, etc.), #11 misrepresenting reality – cherry picking (only giving one possible effect of canceling student debt, i.e., closing the racial gap), #3 shaming – (“…Biden… can… help close the racial wealth gap.” May be taken to imply Biden should help close the racial wealth gap by canceling student debt, and is bad if he doesn’t)
Suggested more honorable version:
Thank you to @SecCardona for joining @SenWarren and me to talk with 4 black student borrowers about their experiences with student debt. The racial wealth gap is a multi-faceted issue (e.g., see https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/02/23/some-say-debt-forgiveness-would-lessen-racial-wealth-gap-others-say-it-would-make-it). I believe #CancelStudentDebt would help close the racial wealth gap and this outweighs the negatives such as not encouraging fiscal responsibility among borrowers.
Mar. 29, 2021:
President Joe Biden, Mar. 29, 2021 briefing:
[After talking about some governors and local leaders dropping mask mandates.] “The failure to take this virus seriously – precisely what got us in this mess in the first place – risks more cases and more… deaths. Look, as I do my part to accelerate the vaccine distribution and vaccinations, I need the American people to do their part as well. Mask up. mask up. It’s a patriotic duty. It’s the only way we ever get back to normal – to cheer together in stadiums full of fans; to gather together on holidays again safely; go to graduations, weddings.”
Dishonorable speech categories:
#12 (level 1) assuming bad intent (“failure to take this virus seriously,” “patriotic duty” – implies if you don’t mask up, you’re not patriotic), #13 offering opinion as fact (“seriously,” “what got us in this mess”), #11 misrepresenting reality (“only way” – mass testing could be another way)
Suggested more honorable version:
I believe we should all be taking precautions against this virus very seriously, because if we don’t, we risk more cases and especially because we risk more deaths – possibly of people close to you or someone you care about. The government will be working to accelerate the rate of vaccinations, and I’m asking you, the American people, to please, please wear your masks so that we can all help each other fight the spread of this disease. And I believe, each time you mask up we’re a step closer to getting back to normal – to cheering together in stadiums full of fans, to gathering together on holidays safely, and to going to graduations and weddings.
Mar. 23, 2021:
Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy, Mar. 23, 2021 tweet:
“The votes in #IA02 were counted, recounted, and certified. @RepMMM is the indisputable winner and will serve out the term she rightfully won. RT to tell Pelosi and the radical Democrats to stop trying to steal the seat!” [note RepMMM is Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks; I believe “RT” means retweet]
Dishonorable speech categories:
#12 (level 1) assuming bad intent (with “steal the seat”), #8 vague terms that generally bring up negative emotions (with “radical”), #31 (level 2) misleading for material gain (for “indisputable” – it appears it can be legally “disputable,” as NPR described), and #13 offering opinion as fact (for “rightfully”)
Suggested more honorable version:
The votes in #IA02 were counted, recounted, and certified. RepMMM was declared the winner and seated in the House – I believe rightfully so. It’s my hope that the House Administration Committee will act quickly to reject the challenge by her Democratic opponent. [note, I’m assuming McCarthy does in fact believe and hope for the things I’m saying he does]
Mar. 16, 2021:
Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, Mar. 16, 2021 speaker.gov blog post:
Headline: “Republican Lawmakers Must Hate Reading the Local Papers.” Sub-headline: “Frontpages across Republican Districts Tout Benefits of Bipartisan American Rescue Plan.” Body: “Maybe someone should rescue House Republicans from Rescue Plan headlines. The American Rescue Plan that they unanimously voted against is overwhelmingly popular and has earned praise from local outlets across the country for the help it’s bringing to their local communities.” [The blog had one more sentence, and then photos of the frontpages of 9 local newspapers from Republican congressional districts.]
Dishonorable speech categories:
#13 offering opinion as fact (“overwhelmingly popular,” “praise,” “tout,” “bipartisan” – according to merriam-webster.com, “bipartisan” means “of, relating to, or involving members of two parties, specifically: marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties.”), #20 (level 2) mocking (“Republican lawmakers must hate…,” “maybe someone should rescue House Republicans…”), #11 misrepresenting reality through cherry picking (mentioning “benefits” and “help,” without mentioning any negatives such as deficit increases; also, are there local media reports that list negatives?)
Suggested more honorable version:
Headline: Local Papers report on some benefits of American Rescue Plan. Body: According to a Pew Research Poll conducted the first week of March, 70% of Americans “favored” the $1.9T American Rescue Plan legislation as they understood it at the time. Local outlets across the country have reported on some of the benefits of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in terms of money that it will provide to their local communities. While the Act is likely to increase federal budget deficits in the short-term (the CBO estimated a $1.2T increase in the deficit for 2021 and $0.5T for 2022 based on a March 6 version of the bill), we believe the benefits of this legislation outweigh the negatives.
[Note that when I wrote the more honorable version, I made the assumption that Pelosi believes the benefits outweigh the negatives.]
Mar. 11, 2021:
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Mar. 11, 2021 tweet:
“I’ve voted for several of President Biden’s nominees. But his choices to lead Interior and the EPA appear eager to restart the left’s war on domestic energy. Kentuckians know that when radical policies are on the table, it means their jobs and pocketbooks are on the menu.”
Dishonorable speech categories:
#8 vague terms that generally bring up negative emotions (“left’s war,” “radical policies”), #13 offering opinion as fact (“appear eager,” “Kentuckians know”), #12 (level 1) implying bad intent or beliefs (“left’s war,” “radical policies,” “jobs and pocketbooks are on the menu”)
Suggested more honorable version:
I’ve voted for several of President Biden’s nominees. But I don’t believe his choices to lead Interior and the EPA would be good for domestic energy. I believe their likely policies would negatively impact the jobs and pocketbooks of many Kentuckians.
[Note that I’ve made the assumption that McConnell believes the things I’m saying he does when I wrote the more honorable version.]
Feb. 27, Mar. 4, 2021:
Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy, March 4, 2021 tweet:
“First, they defunded the police. Next, they’re going to come for your guns. And with HR 1, they want to use federal money to fund their campaigns so they can stay in power—permanently. The Democrat agenda, ladies and gentlemen.”
Dishonorable speech categories:
#7 (level 2) misrepresenting what someone does to make it look bad (“defunded the police”), #11 future prediction (“they’re going to”), #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“come for your guns”), #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“so they can stay in power”), #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“the Democrat agenda”)
Suggested more honorable version:
House Democrats passed a bill (https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1280/BILLS-117hr1280ih.pdf ) that doesn’t, in my opinion, provide sufficient funding for the regulations it would apply to police. Some Democrats have introduced bills that increase certain firearm waiting periods (H.R.125 – see congress.gov) and limit who can purchase firearms (H.R.882). House Democrats passed H.R.1 (https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1/BILLS-117hr1ih.pdf), which would use federal money to fund political campaigns, I believe making it more likely that Democrats get elected. Do you support these bills?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Feb. 27, 2021 tweet:
“To Congressional Republicans, conspiracy theories are more important than the American people. Last night, they voted against providing aid for vaccines, schools, families and children. Whose interests are they serving?”
[refers to a tweet by Ari Berman (a journalist for “The Nation”) that said: 76% of Americans, including 60% of Republicans, support Biden’s covid bill but 0 House Republicans voted for it. A perfect illustration of American politics right now]
Dishonorable speech categories:
#8 vague terms that generally bring up negative emotions (“conspiracy theories”) #12 (level 1) declaring bad intent (“more important than the American people”), #7 (level 2) taking what someone does out of context to make it look bad (“they voted against…,” without mentioning other considerations such as the budget deficit, or other provisions in the bill that some may disagree with), #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“Whose interests are they serving?”)
Suggested more honorable version:
Last night, House Republicans voted against the $1.9 trillion stimulus package, Bill H.R.1319 (https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1319/BILLS-117hr1319eh.pdf). The bill would increase the federal deficit in the short-term, while providing aid for vaccines and to schools and families, among other things. We believe the benefits outweigh the potential downsides.
Jan. 20, 2021:
Preliminary analysis of Joe Biden’s U.S. presidential inauguration speech for dishonorable speech, Jan. 20, 2021:
(Video)
President Biden spoke for about 21 minutes. In my opinion, his speech was primarily honorable in its message and content. He did use some dramatic language such as “winter of peril,” “cry for survival (from the planet),” and “heal a broken land [America],” but this was not deemed sufficient to call these out as specific examples of dishonorable speech. He also used some vague terms that he did not define precisely, such as “unity.” This made it difficult to analyze if there was dishonor in his statements involving those words.
There were some instances in which President Biden offered opinion as fact, such as, “…we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities. Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.” The word “much” involves opinion, since what one person thinks of as “much” may not be what another person does. However, since this is a political speech, and some expression of opinion by the candidate could reasonably be considered more as a call-to-action than just a statement, I do not call out these instances as dishonorable.
I believe the biggest issue with the speech, in terms of honorability, was that, in general, it may have been overstating a problem or its level of risk, thus promoting fear and anger. With terms such as “broken land” and “uncivil war” (as between red and blue states), it offers opinion as fact, and, in my opinion, promotes a narrative of division and widespread uncivil discourse that may not be representative of most Americans. It may be that the media and social media amplify uncivil discourse, and thus bias our perceived levels of division. In this speech, President Biden generally talked about unity, which I believe is a good thing (at least in how I define unity below), but if he’s overstating the level of division to begin with, he’s, in a way, propagating it. This is because, by encouraging us to believe there’s currently more division than there is, we’ll tend to focus on division rather than what unites us. Division by way of uncivil discourse and violence is damaging, but I believe it’s most honorable to be precise and accurate in calling it out and representing its level of damages. Terms like “broken land” and “uncivil war” don’t do this.
In addition, these specific lines contain dishonorable speech, in my opinion, as outlined below:
“Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen, it will never happen, not today, not tomorrow, not ever.” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 2) name calling/insults (“mob”); #12 (level 1) declaring bad intent (“thought they could use violence to…”); #11 misrepresenting reality (future prediction – “it will never happen”). Suggested more honorable version: Here we stand, just days after a group of people used violence to temporarily stop the work of Congress to certify the election results. Our democracy was not stopped, and I believe we must work to make sure it never is – not today, not tomorrow, not ever.
“Without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only chaos. This is our moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.” Dishonorable speech categories: #11 misrepresenting reality (exaggeration/black and white fallacy – “no” and “only”); #13 offering opinion as fact. Suggested more honorable version: Without unity, that is, the great majority of people united in upholding basic principles of humanity such as being able to disagree without resorting to violence, I believe peace is much more difficult to achieve, as is progress. In my opinion, this is a moment of challenge, and unity is the path forward.
Jan. 6, 2021:
Donald Trump, U.S. president, Jan. 6, 2021:
(Video; Transcript)
“This was a fraudulent election, but we can’t play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special. You’ve seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home at peace.” Dishonorable speech categories: #5 (level 1) accusing someone of wrongdoing without supporting data, #1 (level 3) name calling/insults (“evil”), #11 misrepresenting reality (mind reader – “I know how you feel”). Suggested more honorable version (assuming Trump believes these things): Perhaps you, as I, believe some degree of election fraud led to my opponent winning the Electoral College vote. Even if that’s true, I believe we have to have peace. So please go home. We love you. We don’t want anybody hurt. Now go home and go home at peace.
Note: Trump made the statement “We don’t want anybody hurt” earlier in his speech. The statement, “we love you,” may be honorable speech if it’s meant as loving people for being human beings, regardless of their actions, good or bad.
Joe Biden, U.S. president-elect, Jan. 6 2021:
(Video; Transcript)
“Let me be very clear. The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are. What we’re seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent. It’s disorder. It’s chaos. It borders on sedition, and it must end now. I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward.” Dishonorable speech categories: #13 opinion offered as fact, #12 (level 1) declaring someone to have bad intent or beliefs (“dedicated to lawlessness”), #8 using vague terms that generally bring up negative emotions (“extremists,” “mob”). Suggested more honorable version: I do not believe the relatively small group of people who used violence to break into the Capitol represent a true America – do not represent who the vast majority of us are. I call on these people now to leave peacefully and allow the procedures of our democracy, which include mechanisms of peaceful dissent and protest, to go forward.
Dec. 28, 2020 & Jan. 4, 2021:
Donald Trump, U.S. president, via Twitter, Jan. 4, 2021:
(Tweet)
“The ‘Surrender Caucus’ within the Republican Party will go down in infamy as weak and ineffective ‘guardians’ of our Nation, who were willing to accept the certification of fraudulent presidential numbers!” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 1) name calling/insults, #11 misrepresenting reality (future prediction), #5 (level 1) accusations of wrongdoing without supporting data (“fraudulent”). Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Joe Biden, unofficial U.S. president-elect, Wilmington, DE, Dec. 28, 2020:
(Video; Transcript)
“We were briefed on the steps needed to clean up the humanitarian disaster that the Trump Administration has systematically created on our southern border. We will institute humane and orderly responses [to asylum seekers].” Dishonorable speech categories: #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“systematically created”), #10 saying something’s bad without acknowledging the good parts of it (Trump’s southern border policies), #13 opinion offered as fact (“disaster”). Suggested more honorable version: We were briefed on the steps needed to institute what I believe are more humane and orderly responses to asylum seekers along our southern border.
Dec. 10&21, 2020:
Kamala Harris, unofficial U.S. vice-president-elect, at a rally in Georgia, Dec. 21, 2020:
(Video)
“I was there [on the floor of the U.S. Senate] when the Republicans were trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act that they named Obamacare, that brought healthcare to tens of millions of people in our country. I watched as they dared to play politics with people’s lives and their wellbeing.” Dishonorable speech categories: #12 (level 1) implying bad intent (“dared to play politics”), #15 promoting entitlement/victimhood. Suggested more honorable version: I was there when Republicans were arguing for legislation to overturn the Affordable Care Act, an act that contributed to tens of millions of people getting health insurance in our country who didn’t have it before. I watched as these Republicans made arguments for legislation that would have likely resulted in millions fewer Americans having health insurance.
Mike Pence, U.S. vice-president, at a rally in Georgia, Dec. 10, 2020:
(Video; Transcript)
“I know we all got doubts about this last election. I know I do, but I actually hear some people saying, ‘If you’re in the Peach State, just don’t vote.’ My fellow Americans, if you don’t vote [in the Georgia Senate runoff elections], they win. If you don’t vote, there could be nothing to stop Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi from cutting our military, raising taxes and passing their agenda of the radical left.” Dishonorable speech categories: #5 (level 1) accusing someone of wrongdoing without supporting data (“doubts about this last election” implies wrongdoing by Democrats), #11 misrepresenting reality (over-simplification: “all” have doubts), #8 using vague terms that generally bring up negative emotions (“radical left”; “cutting our military” and “raising taxes” – where might cuts and raises be made?). Suggested more honorable version: I’d like to encourage you all to vote. If you prefer the Republican agenda over the Democratic one, as I do, please vote for the two Republican candidates for Senate. This will help avoid Democrats controlling both houses of Congress, and make it more difficult for them to advance their Democratic agenda.
Dec. 14&15, 2020:
Joe Biden, speech after the Electoral College vote, Dec. 14, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1338642204810596354; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-speech-after-electoral-college-vote-transcript-december-14)
“A few states went for recounts. All the counts were confirmed. The results in Georgia were counted three times – didn’t change the outcome. The recount conducted in Wisconsin actually saw our margin grow. The margin we had in Michigan was 14 times the margin President Trump won that state by four years ago. Our margin in Pennsylvania was nearly twice the size of the Trump margin four years ago. And yet none of this has stopped baseless claims about the legitimacy of the results.” Dishonorable speech category: #11 misrepresenting reality (by implying that the relative victory margins from 2020 versus 2016, when multiple factors were different, including total number of votes and mail-in ballots, hold significant relevance to whether one should bring claims of election fraud in 2020). Suggested more honorable version: A few states went for recounts. The victors in all the counts were confirmed. The results in Georgia were counted three times – didn’t change the outcome. The recount conducted in Wisconsin actually saw our margin grow. This is just a fraction of the data that’s led us to believe the election fraud claims of our opponent are without merit.
Donald Trump, via Twitter, Dec. 15, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1338852676654821376)
“68% error rate in Michigan Voting Machines. Should be, by law, a tiny percentage of one percent. Did Michigan Secretary of State break the law? Stay tuned!” Dishonorable speech categories: #11 misrepresenting reality (cherry picking data), #4 (level 2) implying wrongdoing. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Dec. 8, 2020:
Donald Trump, remarks at Operation Warp Speed Vaccine Summit, Dec. 8, 2020:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q7MxRsKxFQ; transcript: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-operation-warp-speed-vaccine-summit/)
(Regarding allegations of voter fraud) “Now, let’s see whether or not somebody has the courage — whether it’s a legislator or legislatures, or whether it’s a justice of the Supreme Court or a number of justices of the Supreme Court. Let’s see if they have the courage to do what everybody in this country knows is right.” Dishonorable speech categories: #11 misrepresenting reality (exaggeration – “everybody”), #4 (level 2) implied wrongdoing (if they don’t do what “everybody… knows is right”). Suggested more honorable version: We’ll see if our legal actions are upheld in the Supreme Court, and/or our legal arguments influence state legislatures to act.
Joe Biden, announcement event for Key Health Team Nominees and Appointees, Dec. 8, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1336383784128708609; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-announces-fauci-key-health-team-picks-briefing-transcript-december-8)
“Javier [Becerra, attorney general of California, secretary of health and education nominee] spent a career fighting to expand access to healthcare, reducing racial health disparities, protecting the Affordable Care Act and take on powerful special interests who prey on, profit off of people’s health from opioid manufacturers to big tobacco.” Dishonorable speech category: #14 (level 1) placing blame without looking at broader responsibility. Suggested more honorable version: Javier spent a career working to expand access to healthcare, reducing racial health disparities, supporting the Affordable Care Act and supporting law enforcement efforts and legal action against businesses and individuals that used illegal methods to sell opioids and tobacco products.
Dec. 1&2, 2020:
Joe Biden, announcing key economic team nominees and appointees, Dec. 1, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1333833357004664832; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-announces-economic-team-janet-yellen-press-briefing-transcript-december-1)
“And from the most unequal economic and job crisis in modern history, we can build a new American economy that works for all Americans, not just some, all.” Dishonorable speech categories: #15 promoting victimhood, #33 (level 1) promoting hate/prejudice (against those that the American economy “works for”). Suggested more honorable version: And from this significant downturn in GDP and increase in unemployment rate, we can raise ourselves up and build a stronger American economy with more opportunity for everyone.
Donald Trump, statement from the White House, Dec. 2, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1334240039639937026; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/donald-trump-speech-on-election-fraud-claims-transcript-december-2)
“My opponent was told to stay away from the election, don’t campaign. ‘We don’t need you. We’ve got it. This election is done.’ In fact, they were acting like they already knew what the outcome was going to be. They had it covered and perhaps they did, very sadly for our country. It was all very, very strange.” Dishonorable speech categories: #5 (level 1) accusing of wrongdoing without supporting data (“my opponent was told” – by whom?), #4 (level 2) implying wrongdoing, #13 offering opinion as fact. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Nov. 25, 2020:
Donald Trump, via phone to a PA State Legislature hearing on election issues, Nov. 25, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1331695288231333890)
(Talking about Democrats who allegedly “pushed” Republican observers out of a building where votes were being counted) “But they’re bad people, they’re horrible people, and they’re people who don’t love our country.” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 2) name calling/insults, #12 (level 1) declaring someone to have bad intent or beliefs. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion. “Suggested dishonorability sentence”: 15 years.
Joe Biden, Thanksgiving address, Nov. 25, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1331687232185372672)
“Our country is in the middle of a dramatic spike in [COVID-19] cases. We’re now averaging 160,000 new cases a day. No one will be surprised if we hit 200,000 cases in a single day.” Dishonorable speech category: #11 misrepresenting reality (if taken literally: mind reader; if taken figuratively: exaggeration). Suggested more honorable version: Our country is in the middle of a significant increase in [COVID-19] cases from what we had during the summer. We’re now averaging 160,000 new cases a day. It wouldn’t surprise me if we hit 200,000 cases in a single day. “Suggested dishonorability sentence”: 2 years.
Nov. 24, 2020:
Donald Trump, at the White House, Nov. 24, 2020:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jg6sXiLGWs)
(Talking about the Dow Jones Industrial Average going above 30,000 for the first time ever) “Nobody thought they’d ever see it.” Dishonorable speech category: #11 misrepresenting reality (if take literally: mind reader; if take figuratively: exaggeration). Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Joe Biden, in Wilmington, DE, Nov. 24, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1331296970321793024; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-announcement-transcript-november-24-key-cabinet-picks)
“The DHS Secretary needs to keep us safe from threats at home and from abroad and it’s the job that plays a critical role in fixing our broken immigration system. After years of chaos, dysfunction and absolute cruelty at DHS, I’m proud to nominate an experienced leader who has been hailed by both Democrats and Republicans.” Dishonorable speech categories: #4 implied incompetence/wrongdoing #10 saying something’s bad without acknowledging the good parts of it, #13 offering opinion as fact. Suggested more honorable version: The DHS Secretary’s job is to keep us safe from threats at home and from abroad and it’s the job that plays a critical role in fixing what I believe to be our broken immigration system. After years of what I consider to have been sub-par performance by DHS, I’m proud to nominate an experienced leader who has been hailed by both Democrats and Republicans.
Nov. 22, 2020:
Donald Trump, addressing the G20 meeting, Nov. 22, 2020:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY_RupFEgc8)
“The Paris Accord was not designed to save the environment, it was designed to kill the American economy.” Dishonorable speech categories: #12 (level 1) assuming bad intent, #13 opinion offered as fact. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Nov. 19, 2020:
Rudy Giuliani, press conference, Nov. 19, 2020:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq7TeUJwQD4; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rudy-giuliani-trump-campaign-press-conference-transcript-november-19-election-fraud-claims)
(Talking about potential voter fraud.) “Each one of these cities [Detroit, Philadelphia, other big cities] are cities that are controlled by Democrats, which means they can get away with anything they want to do. It means they have a certain degree of control over – certainly control the election board completely. And they control law enforcement. And unfortunately, they have some friendly judges that will issue ridiculously irrational opinions just to come out in their favor.” Dishonorable speech categories: #12 (level 1) assuming bad intent, #11 misrepresenting reality (exaggeration), #13 opinion offered as fact, #5 (level 1) accusations of wrongdoing without supporting data. Suggested more honorable version: We don’t agree with the decisions of some of the judges involved in our voter fraud allegation cases.
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1329531656894484480; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-kamala-harris-covid-19-press-conference-after-meeting-with-governors-transcript)
(Talking about Trump allegedly contacting Michigan election officials, and having a planned meeting with Michigan Republican legislators.) “And what the president’s doing now is really, it’s going to be another incident where he will go down in history as being one of the most irresponsible presidents in American history. It’s just not even within the norm at all. There’s questions whether it’s even legal…” “It’s hard to fathom how this man thinks. It’s hard to fathom. I’m confident he knows he hasn’t won and is not going to be able to win and we’re going to be sworn in on January 20th. But far for me to question his motive. It’s just outrageous what he’s doing.” Dishonorable speech categories: #11 misrepresenting reality (presenting allegations as truth), #13 opinion offered as fact, #4 (level 1) implying incompetence/wrong doing, #12 (level 1) implying bad intent or bad beliefs. Suggested more honorable version: If in fact the president has been contacting these officials, as has been alleged, I don’t know what his motive would be in doing it, but I believe it would be irresponsible.
Joe Biden, press conference, Nov. 19, 2020:
Nov. 16, 2020:
Joe Biden, speech on Nov. 16, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1328425157229113344; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-speech-on-economic-recovery-plan-transcript-november-16)
“…the President’s now existing remaining advisor on COVID is saying that they [governors] should resist [implementing mandates for wearing masks]. What the hell is the matter with these guys? What is the matter with them? Resist? … It’s totally irresponsible.” Dishonorable speech categories: #4 (level 2) implied incompetence/wrong doing, #19 (level 1) attacking someone’s personhood rather than their actions, #13 opinion offered as fact. Suggested more honorable version: I don’t agree with the decision by some governors to not implement mandates for wearing masks. While there may be arguments – and one of the president’s COVID-19 advisors may have some – for why they shouldn’t implement mandates, I believe it’s irresponsible.
Donald Trump, via Twitter, Nov. 16, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1328370030678044675)
“European Countries are sadly getting clobbered by the China Virus. The Fake News does not like reporting this!” Dishonorable speech categories: #14 (level 1) blaming without looking at broader responsibility, #1 (level 2) name calling, #11 misrepresenting reality (mind reader), #33 (level 1) promoting hate/prejudice. Suggested more honorable version: European Countries are currently seeing a wave of new COVID-19 cases.
Nov. 12, 2020:
Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader, via Twitter, Nov. 12, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/senatemajldr/status/1326996921450377218)
“It is sad to see leading Democrats including some Governors treat the vaccine news like a mixed blessing because it occurred under a Republican administration. Some things must be bigger than politics. Leaders should be cheering this on, not baselessly undermining science.” Dishonorable speech category: #12 (level 1) assuming bad intent. Suggested more honorable version: The latest vaccine news is good news – it shows great progress towards a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, although much work is left to be done.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, via Twitter, Nov. 12, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1326907013457178625; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-weekly-press-conference-transcript-november-12)
“If we do so [address the pandemic] scientifically, we will be able to open our economy, we’ll be able to open our schools safely, we’ll be able to do so in a way that recognizes the tragedy that has befallen us in our country because of the Republican denial of science and disdain for governance. So stop this circus and get to work on what really matters to the American people, their health, and their economic security.” Dishonorable speech categories: #14 (level 1) placing blame without looking at broader responsibility; #12 (level 1) implying bad intent; #8 using vague terms that generally bring up negative emotions (“circus” in the context of politics). Suggested more honorable version: If we do so [address the pandemic] scientifically, we will be able to open our economy, we’ll be able to open our schools safely, we’ll be able to do so in a way that recognizes the loss of those who’ve died.
Nov. 10, 2020:
Joe Biden at a press conference, Nov. 10, 2020:
(Analyzed from a transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-press-conference-on-affordable-care-act-transcript-november-10: video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhpuYxR-LMQ)
Regarding the Supreme Court hearing a case on the ACA: “So, this effort to bypass the will of the American people, the verdict of the courts in the past, the judgments of Congress, in my view is simply cruel and needlessly divisive.” Dishonorable speech category: #12 (level 1) assuming bad intent. Suggested more honorable version: This effort to invalidate the ACA, which a poll showed a majority of Americans said they wanted to keep, past court rulings have upheld, and Congress passed in a certain form, in my view is divisive.
Donald Trump, via Twitter, Nov. 10, 2020:
(https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1326342742801326083)
“Andrew McCabe was exposed for who he is today in the U.S. Senate. He was totally destroyed – an ignorant fool.” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 1) name calling/insults, #13 opinion offered as fact. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Nov. 4, 2020:
Rudy Giuliani at Trump campaign press conference in Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 4:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxmQwQOaQgw; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/trump-campaign-press-conference-transcript-november-4-were-going-to-win-this-election)
Regarding there allegedly being some mail-in ballot counting without observation by Republicans: “What it says to me is this is a concerted effort of the crooks that run the Democrat Party. And you know these big city machines are crooked. You know that.” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 2) name calling; #12 (level 1) declaring someone to have bad intent, #10 opinion offered as fact. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
“This comes when you think you have so much power, and you [Democrats] own the media, that you can do anything you want.” Dishonorable speech categories: #12 (level 1) assuming bad intent, #11 misrepresenting reality (exaggeration). Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Joe Biden statement in Wilmington, DE Nov. 4:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vO52MWxTwBw)
No dishonorable speech identified in Biden’s approximately 6 and a half-minute speech.
Early morning Nov. 4, 2020:
Donald Trump press conference, early morning Nov. 4:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNZV7qezMM)
“Millions and millions of people voted for us tonight, and, uh, a very sad group of people is trying to disenfranchise that group of people. And we won’t stand for it.” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 2) insults, #5 (level 1) accusing someone of wrongdoing without supporting data. Suggested more honorable version: Millions and millions of people voted for us tonight, and I thank all of them.
Joe Biden speech in Wilmington, Delaware, early morning Nov. 4:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mqj9waqoelI)
No dishonorable speech identified in Biden’s 3-minute speech.
Nov. 2, 2020:
Joe Biden campaign rally speech, Pittsburgh, PA, Nov. 2, 2020:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBHaGqZnwuw; transcript: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/joe-biden-campaign-event-speech-transcript-pittsburgh-pa-november-2)
“Do you all realize that just as the pandemic started, the listed billionaires in America made another $300 billion? Not a joke, $300 billion they made in the middle of the pandemic. What’s going on here, folks?” Dishonorable speech categories: #33 (level 1) promoting hate/prejudice (against billionaires). Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
“Every time he [Trump] starts talking about corruption, I say, ‘Release your tax return. What in the hell are you hiding? What are you hiding?’” Dishonorable speech categories: : #4 (level 2) implied wrongdoing, #15 promoting entitlement (that the public is entitled to see Trump’s tax returns). Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Donald Trump campaign rally speech, Grand Rapids, MI, Nov. 2, 2020:
“Sleepy Joe Biden’s against guns.” Dishonorable speech categories: #1 (level 1) name calling, #7 (level 1) misrepresenting what someone says to make it sound bad. Suggested more honorable version: [give specifics of what you don’t agree with in Biden’s past support for and proposed future firearm policies].
“He’s [Biden’s] against God.” Dishonorable speech categories: #12 (level 1) declaring someone to have bad intent or bad beliefs. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Nov. 1, 2020:
Joe Biden campaign rally speech, Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 1, 2020:
(youtube.com/watch?v=h4QYJUi05-8&t=1178s)
“He’s [Trump’s] done a lot of stupid, mean things.” Dishonorable speech categories: #4 (level 1) implied incompetence, #12 (level 1) assuming bad intent. Suggested more honorable version: Trump’s done a lot of things I don’t think were good and I don’t agree with.
“He’s [Trump’s] too scared to challenge him [Putin]. He’s Putin’s puppy, that’s who he is.” Dishonorable speech categories: #11 misrepresenting reality through mind reader, #1 (level 2) name calling. Suggested more honorable version: no suggestion.
Donald Trump campaign rally speech, Dubuque, IA, Nov. 1, 2020:
(youtube.com/watch?v=pSfWre0hnmQ. Transcript used: https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/donald-trump-rally-speech-transcript-dubuque-iowa-november-1)
“We had the greatest economy in the history of our country, and then we got hit by the China plague, which we’re not going to forget.” Dishonorable speech categories: #4 (level 1) implied incompetence/wrongdoing, #14 (level 1) blame, #33 (level 1) promoting hate/prejudice. Suggested more honorable version: With the stock market at all-time highs, and the lowest unemployment rate in about 50 years, I’d say we had the greatest economy in the history of our country, before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“He [Biden] wants to raise your taxes. And it’s not him. He has no clue. He’s shot, okay? The guy has no clue. You know it, I know it, we’re all trying to be nice. But I knew him also for a while, he’s not a nice guy. If he was I wouldn’t talk this way.” Dishonorable speech categories: #7 (level 1) misrepresenting what someone says to make it sound bad, #1 (levels 1&2) insults, #13 opinion offered as fact, #25 (level 1) ends justify the means. Suggested more honorable version: Biden has said that, if elected, he’ll raise corporate tax rates, and taxes on people making more than $400,000 per year.