Eric Holder doubles down on ‘when they go low, we kick them’ remark: ‘Stop the fake outrage’

Former Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday defended his comments which surfaced earlier this week in which he said when Republicans “go low,” Democrats should “kick them,” calling on critics to “stop the fake outrage.” 

“OK, stop the fake outrage,” Holder, who served in the Obama administration, tweeted. “I’m obviously not advocating violence. (In fact, when I was AG violent crime in the US was historically low.)”

“I’m saying Republicans are undermining our democracy and Democrats need to be tough, proud and stand up for the values we believe in – the end,” he added.

Ok, stop the fake outrage. I’m obviously not advocating violence. (In fact, when I was AG violent crime in the US was historically low.) I’m saying Republicans are undermining our democracy and Democrats need to be tough, proud and stand up for the values we believe in – the end.

— Eric Holder (@EricHolder) October 11, 2018

Holder’s defense came a day after video circulated online of the former attorney general speaking at a campaign event for Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams (D).

“Michelle [Obama] always says, you know, ‘When they go low, we go high.’ No. When they go low, we kick them.” Holder said. “That’s what this new Democratic Party is about.”

{mosads}Holder later clarified in his speech that he wasn’t advocating for violence. 

But Republicans quickly seized on the comment, with President Trump on Thursday accusing Holder of engaging in dangerous rhetoric. 

“He better be careful what he’s wishing for. That’s a disgusting statement for him to make. For him to make a statement like that is a very dangerous statement,” Trump said during an interview on “Fox & Friends.”

The president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., also said “leftists have really lost touch” in response to the comment. 

Former first lady Michelle Obama also pushed back against Holder’s remarks, saying on “Today” that “fear is not a proper motivator.” 

“Think about how you want your kids to be raised,” Obama said.