Jennifer BenderyVerified account

Assuming the facts are accurate (which at best I am guessing they are cherry picked and carefully presented) what are we to think about an administration that deliberately uses intelligence agencies to thwart their political opposition including monitoring campaign conversations?

Ugh I don’t know where to start with that. 1) whataboutism is the weakest of tactics, 2) you’re acting like investigating Trump’s campaign was a political vendetta with absolutely no probable cause whatsoever, which is ridiculous

“Whataboutism” was a term invented to provide cover for attempting to fend off charges of hypocrisy. There appears to be insufficient cause for the FISA warrants. But when they are released we shall see.

There is no way to examine differential investigative and prosecutorial treatment of potentially criminal activity without engaging in what has come to be called “whataboutism.” Frequently it is an attempt to minimize the serious problems with selective prosecution.

“Whataboutism” is also the only effective way to point out the selective outrage that seems to have become common in the media. An example is the difference in treatment of Farrakhan and Alex Jones. They are both nuts and Farrakhan thinks Jews are the problem.

Maybe—I’m all for nuance. But this argument tactic is also the road to nihilism. Fine, point out hypocrisy where you think it exists. But it doesn’t negate the principle at work.