On Friday, House Democrats found themselves divided and under attack from Republicans over a ceremonial resolution concerning the slain conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Dozens of Democrats had voted against honoring his “life and legacy” over what they said were his views on race, antisemitic rhetoric, and instances of tacit support for political violence—which meant they were also voting against the language condemning his murder. Many Democrats denounced the killing in separate statements, but Republicans clearly saw an opening: The R.N.C.’s comms shop blasted out a release declaring that, counting “present” votes and absences, “the majority of House Democrats just refused to condemn an assassination.”