In U.S. House speaker battle, threats aimed at lawmakers undermine democracy

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speaks during a press conference Friday at the U.S. Capitol. The race to the fill the vacant post of House speaker has included accusations of bullying and death threats. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

A democratic form of government cannot flourish if people use violent threats to settle political disputes.

The many threats levied against Republican House members during last week’s voting for a new House speaker were nothing more than an effort to shape — fix — the outcome by frightening lawmakers.