Regardless of what Sanders has said to defend Trump, I think there is merit in the idea that public figures (politicians, talking heads, reporters, celebrities) should avoid using metaphors and figures of speech that include violent imagery. When they use a poorly chosen phrase, an apology is appropriate, IMO.
It is wrong to paint cross-hairs on a map and say that you are “targeting” your political opponents. It is also wrong to use the phrase “lopping off heads.” It is wrong when the President talks about roughing up reporters, hecklers, and protestors. It was wrong when Kathy Griffen held a faux severed head of Donald Trump. There is a small but not insignificant number of mentally unstable folks listening. It’s important to not embolden or encourage them to take action.
