When it comes to campaign rhetoric, sometimes it seems like anything goes on the Republican side. They know their voting base is primarily older white voters. In an effort to reel them in, playing to their sense of fear of non-white, non-Christian people is an easy go-to. While nearly all of the slate of Republican candidates has said something horrendous, none do it quite so loudly, proudly, and consistently as Donald Trump.
In the past he's trashed Hispanics (Mexicans in particular) and "smart" women (those who don't know their place is in the kitchen and bedroom, apparently). Muslims are an easy target as well. When you target fellow Americans, however - regardless of religion - then your words get a closer look.
Trump has claimed that "thousands" of people were dancing in the street in Jersey City, NJ on 9/11 as the towers fell. On it's surface, it seems like a typical exaggeration. It is of course dog-whistle "racism", attempting to cast suspicion on fellow Americans based on their religion (and possibly ethnicity). It's the sort of talk that can lead to stochastic terrorism (which is a bit ironic, when you think about it).
Trump said he saw the video on TV, but no video can be found to support his claim. There is some evidence that he may have seen a hurried news report that there were celebrations, but
that report was debunked the same day.
I know it's not true, because I was there.
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