How to Win Every Debate on Political Violence

Facts that shut down the MAGA spin

You’ve probably seen that viral chart circulating on social media—often shared by MAGA supporters and right-wing influencers—falsely claiming that liberals are now the main source of domestic terrorism and political violence.

For instance, White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson posted that image and declared: “Democrats, calling your political opponents Nazis has consequences. Study: Left-wing terrorism climbs to 30-year high.”

If your MAGA friends, co-workers, or relatives try to throw this chart or claim in your face, don’t get flustered—get prepared. This step-by-step guide gives you the facts, context, and comebacks you need to shut down the spin and win every debate on political violence.

Step 1: Start With the Real Numbers

• Yes, left-wing attacks are up this year—but that’s only part of the story. The only reason left-wing attacks outpaced right-wing ones in 2025 is a sharp, likely temporary, drop in right-wing violence. Historically, right-wing terrorism has dwarfed the left.

• The last ten years at a glance:

  • Right-wing extremists: 152 attacks (nearly 4x the left)

  • Left-wing extremists: 41 attacks

  • Right-wing deaths: 112 (almost 9x the left)

  • Left-wing deaths: 13

• 2025 is a statistical blip, not a trend.
  Experts say the drop in right-wing attacks is because MAGA grievances are being addressed by Trump’s policies. That could change any time—and the pattern could easily reverse.

250925 Byman Left Wing

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Step 2: Context and Comebacks—What to Say When Confronted

When someone posts that chart or MAGA talking point:

• Acknowledge the spike, then zoom out:
  “Sure, left-wing attacks are up this year—but over the last decade, the right has committed FOUR TIMES as many attacks and caused almost TEN TIMES as many deaths.”

• Point out the selective outrage:
  “Why wasn’t there outrage when right-wing extremists were killing people every year? The numbers are clear: right-wing groups have been the dominant source of political violence for decades.”

• Highlight the nature of the violence:
  “Right-wing attacks are more likely to be mass-casualty events targeting minorities and political opponents. Recent left-wing attacks are mostly smaller, less lethal, and often target property or government sites.”

• Remind them it’s a temporary lull:
  “Even the researchers say right-wing attacks could come roaring back if the political winds shift. This isn’t a left-wing ‘takeover’—it’s a statistical outlier.”

• Bonus—Disarm the ‘both sides’ argument:
  “Of course all political violence is wrong. But if you want to stop terrorism, you have to focus on where it’s been the biggest threat: the right.”

Step 3: Use Their Own Sources Against Them

• Quote the study they’re sharing:
  The same study MAGA folks cite admits: “Left-wing violence has risen from very low levels and remains much lower than historical levels of violence carried out by right-wing and jihadist attackers.”

• Expose the cherry-picking:
  “If you only look at 2025, you’re missing the forest for the trees. Over time, the right-wing threat is overwhelmingly bigger.”

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Step 4: The Closer

• Don’t let them shift the goalposts:
  If they bring up specific incidents or “but what about…” arguments, circle back to the long-term facts.

• Stay confident and on message:
  “You can cherry-pick one year all you want, but the facts don’t lie. Right-wing violence has been, and still is, the biggest threat.”

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Whenever that misleading chart or talking point pops up, you’re now armed with the facts and ready to win the debate—every time.