A questioner at Penn State last night said he could trigger me by saying “gender is non-binary,” and then called me a “dumbass.” Here’s what I told him.

So this man didn’t come up with a question he just came up to act tough this is embarrassing for him and I hope he’s ashamed

The grace shown by @VivekGRamaswamy is remarkable. He recognizes this young, indoctrinated undergraduate is not someone he should crush on camera, even after he is called a dumbass. He's patient, and merciful, and has the wherewithal to Steelman his argument. Incredible 🇺🇲

People start throwing insults and name-calling when they're faced with facts they can't refute. It’s easier for them to attack the messenger than confront the truth.

He wasn't open to hearing you. His body language and constant desire to get the mic back shows that he's so steadfast in his views that he's unwilling to even have open, constructive dialog.

This is another reason why the dept of education must be abolished.

The best part is that in a clash of thoughts @VivekGRamaswamy turns an insult into an invitation for higher discourse, proving debate can indeed be both an art and a shield. Hats off to him ❤️

I love how you can talk to people who are hostile and have opposite views and show them respect and intelligence in your replies. This is the way hearts and minds are changed.

“Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.”-Epictetus

Strong response.

So this young man has learned in K-12 and now in college that “words are violence”, and that wrong thoughts shouldn’t be allowed. This is what critical conscience thinking is and what it does to young people. So your beliefs are not just your beliefs, your words “hurt people”.