We can debate about whether it should be normal, but clearly it is, right? For example we have the Darwin Award, where we mock people who actually died (not just rhetorically). I’m not the least bit edgy as far as millennials go, and I’ve made the joke that “the best thing Trump could do for the GOP is to get assassinated.” It always gets a laugh.
The firestorm is entirely because Tan is rich and Asian. There’s always been a taboo on “punching down,” but in recent years in certain circles politicians have moved positions in the hierarchy.
I mean, that's part of it, but if look at the quality of some of the analogies being made on this thread, "objectively not smart" on its own is clearly not sufficient to cause a firestorm.
Wishing death on a political opponent in a venue where they're sure to see it and might view it as a threat. Joking about someone who foolishly brought about their own death. They're exactly the same thing!
