smart enough person to make a precise argument when he wants to, so when he loads his words with pop culture references and described his opponents as “the mouth of Sauron,” I think it’s right to start with the political analysis.
FWIW I’ve often heard him make precise arguments while also using LOTR references and metaphorical language like this, so I don’t think is is a sufficient trigger for “he must be making a political statement and not a reasoned one”.
I specifically said you can interpret his statement on the level of a reasoned argument. Based on your response, you could also update in favor of seeing even his more reason-flavored arguments as having political functions.
FWIW I’ve often heard him make precise arguments while also using LOTR references and metaphorical language like this, so I don’t think is is a sufficient trigger for “he must be making a political statement and not a reasoned one”.
I specifically said you can interpret his statement on the level of a reasoned argument. Based on your response, you could also update in favor of seeing even his more reason-flavored arguments as having political functions.