Today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette features an editorial titled "Hitler bombs/Santorum's filibuster analogy crosses a line."
Here's a little preview:
While most of his colleagues consider it a breach of manners to compare the loyal opposition to Nazis occupying Paris, it's par for the course for the Republicans' third-ranking senator, who tends to see the world in black hats and white hats.
Hours later, Mr. Santorum clarified that his Hitler remark was "meant to dramatize the principle of an argument, not to characterize" Senate Democrats. "My point was that it is preposterous for someone to trample a well-established principle," he said, "and then accuse his opponents of acting unlawfully when they try to re-establish that principle."
We don't expect Rick Santorum suddenly to adopt a tone of responsible moderation. But if there is one thing that U.S. politics can do without, it's this kind of rhetorical firebomb that some members of both parties like to launch at each other. Last night's bipartisan compromise in the Senate over judicial nominations, however, proved that the spirit of moderation is still alive.
Rhetoric such as Sen. Santorum's certainly makes headlines and helps a lawmaker get something off his chest. But poorly chosen words don't help the public understand the issue. Besides, it is not becoming to the senator. It does not elevate the office. And it ill-serves Pennsylvania.
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