House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) avoided naming any names as he bemoaned how American politics has devolved into a "battle of insults" in a Wednesday address to fellow Republicans. While Ryan did warn against politicians playing into voters' "anxieties" and resorting to insults, he kept his focus toward the future, pushing the GOP to avoid becoming "disheartened" and to rise above the petty drama and focus on policy ideas.
"All of us as leaders can hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and decency. Instead of playing to your anxieties, we can appeal to your aspirations," Ryan said. "Instead of playing the identity politics of 'our base' and 'their base,' we unite people around ideas and principles."
Ryan then took his own advice, admitting that he has not always been right and backpedaling on "ugliness" he's spread in the past. "There was a time when I talked about makers and takers in this country... I realize I was wrong," Ryan said, adding, "We should demand better from ourselves."
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