Context is important

Can we have a little nuance on the $hithole comment?

Here is the quote attributed to Mr. Trump:

"Why are we having all these people from $hithole countries come here?"

First, I duly note that the President is actively denying this specific wording. Given other comments he's made, on the record, I personally assume it is a correct quote.

Argument 1:

Suppose I, as a rural Californian, said, "Why are all the people from that $hithole Los Angeles coming through here?"

Am I racist? Or am I "simply" expressing an active dislike for that city?

I gather that people excusing the quote are treating the quote in this way. "He's not calling all the people that, just the--you know--conditions there and all."

Argument 2:

When you balance his comment with the immediately-followed "why can't we bring in more Norwegians?" it equates black, brown, and Latinized nations with "$hithole" and a homogenously white nation as something to welcome to America.

Plus, you know, the ACTUAL WORDS.

Many of the times that Mr. Trump has made a speaking gaffe, his supporters will claim that when you look at such quote in context, it is more understandable as to intent. And most of the time, there's a modicum of truth to that.

In this situation, however, I feel he is damned both by the specific words as well as the context.

For shame, Mr. President.