@Horace said:

Nothing logically wrong with a whataboutism argument

I have actually grown fond of Bolton’s distinguished and avuncular Mr. Dithers’ countenance during TV interviews.

Nothing logically wrong with a whataboutism argument, as long as it is used to combat a point about one side being preferrable to another because of anecdote x.

In grade school it was considered an exercise in compare and contrast.

It's true that whataboutisms are basically weak, but they are perfect to combat essentially weak anecdotal arguments about one tribe being superior to the other.

They also grow tedious very quickly and turn the debate into two dogs or dog packs barking while simultaneously chasing their own tails

@Horace said:

Nothing logically wrong with a whataboutism argument, as long as it is used to combat a point about one side being preferrable to another because of anecdote x. If the other supposedly inferior side has a counterexample anecdote y of the same or greater importance as x, then the original argument has successfully been defused by the whataboutism. It's true that whataboutisms are basically weak, but they are perfect to combat essentially weak anecdotal arguments about one tribe being superior to the other.

This is how humanity dies. Not with a bang, but with this really fucking annoying whining sound as we're all sucked into oblivion.

Thank you for reporting back.

Bluesky actually hates Bolton, which does make sense.

Perhaps, although his Cold Warrior understanding of global security no longer appears to be the dinosaur it was prior to 2014. That and he thoroughly understands Trump’s ineptitude in matters pertaining to foreign policy, security and defence

So their take is mostly the whataboutism about Trump doing the same thing.

That ought not to surprise you in the least. Whataboutism is a characteristic shared by the left and right woke alike. Why, just look at this forum the past number years.

@Mik said:

I suppose it was either that or financial ruin.

He could still do prison time, and the fine is up to two million dollars.