Defense Secretary James “Mad Dog” Mattis sent social media into a tizzy on Wednesday when he issued a statement threatening North Korea. And Twitter appears to be divided across party lines.
“The DPRK must choose to stop isolating itself and stand down its pursuit of nuclear weapons,” Mattis said, referring to North Korea. “The DPRK should cease any consideration of actions that would lead to the end of its regime and the destruction of its people.”
Mad Dog’s statement comes less than 24 hours after President Trump warned North Korea of “fire and fury” if they continue to act aggressively toward the United States. Many conservatives are excited that Mattis is using harsh rhetoric, while the left fears the worst from a possible Trump-prompted war.
“Trump, Mattis, et. al. would rather blow up the world than go to jail,” one user wrote.
Others expressed pleasure with Mattis’ harsh statement.
“We cannot be bullied. We need to show strength. That’s how you stand up to a bully,” an observer with different views said. Check out more reactions here:
Pro-Mad Dog Twitter:
Well, at least we have a "Mad Dog" to step in and be the voice of reason.
— Ted Cox (@tedcoxchicago) August 9, 2017
Mattis has spoken. You better stand down North Korea. Mad Dog doesn't play. pic.twitter.com/XoKrz4VOEA
— Padmé Amidala (@greeneyedlucy84) August 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/JonasOlssen_/status/895333971961053185
Finally an administration that doesn't bow down to these thugs! How refreshing.
— MPL (@FinfanMPL) August 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jenica__Joy/status/895338167498293248
https://twitter.com/Michael31158/status/895337802342084608
https://twitter.com/TruckerBobS/status/895337229886775297
https://twitter.com/NateTCross/status/895337110638436353
https://twitter.com/Bcalsh/status/895336872573935616
https://twitter.com/volsrbest/status/895336821273513984
Unlike someone we know spouting on twitter, Mattis actually means business. Hopefully now they'll listen
— The Real Baker ☕ (@Ewoek22) August 9, 2017
Anti-Mad Dog Twitter:
You're not part of the solution Mattis, you're part of the problem. pic.twitter.com/9e3RsUpKYC
— Brian (@BrianMScott) August 9, 2017
So we are relying on Mad Dog to moderate tramp? How will that turn out for us. https://t.co/uVPN7FcMYR
— Scott Weil (@spiritofernie) August 9, 2017
Maybe a guy called "Maddog" should not try to do diplomacy. https://t.co/N6gXg6dBwy
— Jacquie (@After_Words) August 9, 2017
Should have known better than to hope a guy nicknamed Mad Dog would be a moderating influence. https://t.co/IkkUUc6WzP
— Pastor of Muppets (@JackInBlack76) August 9, 2017
The moniker "Mad Dog" implies not a tenacious demeanor but one of insanity. https://t.co/AgktxxFHUm
— IrishDem ❄️? ☘️ (@RealBlue75) August 9, 2017
Not helpful … Mattis warns North Korea of 'destruction of its people' https://t.co/T5dFpMzeP1
— (((TheRReport))) ? (@TheRReport) August 9, 2017
Why is Tillerson playing this thing down and Mattis playing it up? Not encouraging. https://t.co/CXsx1pP3DN
— Peggy Blair (@peggy_blair) August 9, 2017