No one is above fair criticism, including @Ilhan. But when most of the complaints are vague claims that she seems “too interested in publicity” or “not trustworthy,” then just admit it’s because she’s a hijab-wearing Somali refugee so that we can have a real conversation. (1/4)

So infrequently (read: never) have American institutions called out popular criticism of Ilhan Omar for what it is: xenophobia and islamophobia. I won’t address the @GOP because we already expected this from them. But @DNC, @NPR, and so many others: You are failing us. (2/4)

Little about Ilhan’s personal life, her character, or her political views makes her so distinct from other progressive congresswomen that she’s deserving of the constant, targeted objections to her place in our government and in this country. (3/4)

But the attacks go on. And they’ll continue to go on until we have a frank conversation about the xenophobia and, specifically, islamophobia in our government, our news, and our communities.

That is all. (4/4)