If the phrase “illegal immigrant” is a racist or white nationalist phrase, racism and white nationalism are nonsensical terms. But they are real. Use of the phrase illegal immigrant is a legitimate phrase. But the left, frequently with help of the media, decides that every conversation must be on their terms and any phrase they do not like is racist or bad.
Likewise, you have people like Elizabeth Warren out attacking Fox News for perpetuating white nationalism and she is being cheered on by much of the left for doing so and some in the media.
Over at CNN, you’ve got Brian Stelter being passive aggressive about Mitch McConnell offering prayers for victims.
There’s really no reason for any Republican to engage on this issue or on gun control because if they do not agree 100% with the left, they’ll just be labeled a bigots, white nationalists, and enablers of mass murderers.
When “illegal immigrant” is “othering” and perpetuating white nationalism, we’re done having serious conversations. And, sadly, we are done. There’s just no reason to engage on the issue with the political left or much of the media.