MSNBC’s Katy Tur explodes at conservative Erick Erickson in clash over Trump’s violent rhetoric

On MSNBC Thursday right-wing blogger Erick Erickson challenged host Katy Tur's claim that Donald Trump's candidacy lowered the bar on the public discourse, fostering an environment that's led to threats against lawmakers and public figures.

Erickson claimed that violent rhetoric has always been with us. He also criticized protesters for chasing lawmakers out of restaurants.

"I think both sides need to calm down," Erickson said. "It's not helpful to say who started it."

"With all due respect sir," Tur retorted. "I think everyone has to take responsibility for their own actions and their own way they respond to this presidency, etc. I don't condone anything that's happened to Susan Collins or Ted Cruz or anyone getting yelled out of a restaurant."

"But I do think it's pretty clear when you're talking about this toxic political environment that ... it started mostly with Donald Trump in 2015," Tur said. "He began his campaign by calling Mexican rapists," Tur pointed out. "He repeatedly cheered on crowds that were screaming 'lock her up' for Hillary Clinton."

Erickson tried to speak over her, citing the falsehood that President Obama had suggested bringing a gun to a knife fight. Tur refused to let him hijack the discussion with false equivalencies.

"No no no no," Tur exclaimed. When he tried to interrupt again, she shot back, "Let me finish. This is my show."

"Have you ever heard a politician, other than Donald Trump, say 'I'm so proud' or give a kudos to another politician who body slammed a reporter? Have you ever heard that form anybody else, other than Donald Trump?"

"He advocates violence or celebrates violence," Tur said.

Erickson told Tur her blood pressure was rising.

"To say that the bar did not get demonstrably lower when Donald Trump started running for office is offensive," Tur concluded.

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