Time Reporter on Aurora Shooting: 'Sometimes There’s Nothing Wrong With Politicizing a Tragedy'

Michael Grunwald is doubling down on what many liberals in the media are only hinting at. "[T]here is nothing wrong with politicizing tragedy," the Time senior national correspondent wrote this morning, reacting to the Aurora movie theater shooting. "If advocates or experts or even politicians think their policy ideas can prevent the next Aurora—by preventing potential killers from obtaining guns, by making sure potential victims can carry guns, or by some other method—then by all means, now is the time to spread the word."

Grunwald's callousness on this count has generated criticism, and not just from conservatives. Noah Rothman of Mediaite complained:

His intentions may be good, and his motives are genuine and honest, but to suggest that on the day of such a disaster that it is appropriate for politicians to advance a legislative agenda – especially in an election year – is reprehensible.

[...]

There is nothing more sad and base than an ambitious advocate or politician who attempts to use an atrocity – not “tragedy” – like this to their advantage. And while the motives of policy advocates of something like gun control are good, careers are advanced by forwarding policy. There is no way to divorce career advancement from political advocacy, no matter how well intentioned the policies those advocates support may be.

That is why it’s inappropriate to talk politics today. As though anyone needed to be reminded of that.