Is Trump’s talk helping ISIS? Is it fair to say so?

Czin, “but it does nothing to improve our standing in the world.”

“Simply put, if Rand Paul had a foreign policy slogan, it would be – The Rand Paul Doctrine: Blame America. Retreat from the World,” Czin added.

Why did the DNC get so heated?

Because Paul suggested that toppling Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad — an Obama administration objective — might create instability that would ultimately benefit ISIS. (Disclosure: I co-authored Sen. Rand Paul’s 2011 book “The Tea Party Goes to Washington.”)

Just as the instability after our intervention in Libya helped the Islamic State. Just as ourwar in Iraq created the original conditions for the rise of ISIS. Just like some top military experts say might happen if we try fight Assad and ISIS simultaneously.

Yet the DNC was incensed by the suggestion that U.S. actions could possibly be to blame, in any way, for empowering ISIS. To suggest this, they charged, was “isolationist” or tantamount to “blaming America first.”

Which prominent Democrats will now speak out against Hillary for blaming America first for saying Trump’s behavior is helping ISIS?

None. Because it’s absurd. It’s always been absurd. Saying that America, or her politicians, sometimes do stupid things is a plea to stop doing stupid things.

It’s not anti-American. It’s pro-America.

And it shouldn’t matter if it’s Democrats or Republicans who’re called out for being stupid.

The foreign policy debate in this election is not between Republicans and Democrats. It’s between those in both parties who either voted for or still defend the U.S.’s interventions in Iraq, Libya and Syria (Clinton,Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie) and those who’ve been critical of those interventions (Bernie Sanders, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and yes, Trump).

All of these candidates, on either side of this debate, do not agree on all the particulars of their respective positions. Some critics of reckless interventionism, particularly Cruz and Trump, have made outlandish statements that indicate they would probably not hesitate to make the same mistakes again.

But trying to douse criticism by saying critics are “blaming America first” isn’t an actual argument.

It’s a cop-out. It’s purpose is to shutdown debate.

Right now, Hillary Clinton, Marco Rubio, the Obama administration, Jeb Bush, conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, liberal columnist Ruth Marcus, the USA Today editorial board, and many more, are saying Trump’s rhetoric contributes to ISIS’ strength.

It’s an opportune moment to remember that saying American politicians’ actions can, and often do, unintentionally help our enemies — and also to remember that it’s not blaming the U.S. or its people to say so.

In saying the U.S. should ban Muslims, Donald Trump is no doubt giving ISIS a gift.

Just like the U.S. gave ISIS a gift when we invaded Iraq in 2003. Just like we helped ISIS when we intervened in Libya in 2011. Just like we aided ISIS by arming the Syrian rebels in recent years.

The evidence is in. Anyone running to be commander-in-chief should at least look at it.

Pointing this out isn’t “blaming America first.” It’s putting America before politics.