It's no secret that Republicans love riling up the culture wars. But in a recent campaign speech, Trump spelled out the cynicism behind that strategy... and, @mehdirhasan says, he channeled past bigoted politicos to do it. WATCH:

Republicans are turning to every trick of “whataboutism” they can find in the wake of former President Trump’s indictment under the Espionage Act. But so many of the claims from Trump’s defenders are outright false. It’s time to #DebunkThatTweet.

When @JohnKiriakou was charged under the Espionage Act for exposing the CIA’s torture programs, Republicans called him unpatriotic. So, @mehdirhasan asks, what does he make of today’s GOP being, “totally fine with Trump keeping national defense secrets in the bathroom?”

“Nobody ever said the Espionage Act was unconstitutional in every application.” @JameelJaffer explains that, while the Espionage Act has been abused to punish whistleblowers and publishers, that’s not the case with Trump’s indictment.

“Donald Trump is a traitor,” @WalshFreedom tells @mehdirhasan about the national security implications of the classified docs case… and he warns we can’t afford to “normalize” him.

"This is only the beginning if it ratcheting up," @FrankFigliuzzi1 says about the violent rhetoric from some Trump supporters after his indictment. He tells @mehdirhasan it will only get worse as more details emerge.

“This judge has complete control.” Retired CA Superior Court @judgecordell lays out the many ways Aileen Cannon, the Trump-appointed judge overseeing his classified documents & national security case, will be able to manage the trial.

.@MehdiRHasan lays out 5 ways to talk about Donald Trump “the federal defendant"... and how to stop the ex-president and his gaslighting friends from cynically reframing one of the biggest political stories of the modern era.

“First, it’s Trump. Next, it’s you.” Trump allies would have you think he’s the first to be prosecuted under the Espionage Act, that ordinary Americans could be next. But take a look at all the people who Trump’s DOJ helped send to prison for the same crime! Start the clock!

In tonight's #handover, @MehdiRHasan and @AymanM discuss the GOP's argument that Donald Trump shouldn't be prosecuted. "To all mafia bosses in America, run for the Republican presidential nomination. Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz will say you should be left alone."