@mike_kraft it's worth remembering that, in a genuinely representative house of representatives, there will be 4-5 congresspeople belonging to any 1% fringe. representation doesn't imply mainstream. ascertaining power depends upon judgement calls on who else is persuaded or skill at leveraging not-always-democratic institutional levers.
every one who speaks publicly fair game! but taking a side with a caricature in a polarizing conversation may not be a useful way to advance civilized goals.