Democrats seem to have an issue using the term "radical Islam." This was displayed by presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley during their presidential debate on CBS on Saturday night.
According to Fox News, the candidates were asked to talk about the horrifying terror attacks in Paris and weigh in on the statement made by Republican bet Senator Marco Rubio that "we are at war with radical Islam."
Clinton, who is the Democratic frontrunner, said using the term "radical Islam" would be "painting with too broad a brush," so she would rather not use it. She also believes that the term is "not particularly helpful."
"I don't think we're at war with Islam," she explained. "I don't think we're at war with all Muslims. I think we're at war with jihadists."
Clinton expounded that the world is indeed at war with "violent extremists" and those who use religion for "power" and "oppression."
Sanders, on the other hand, does not think the term "is what's important" since the real issue is the mistreatment of women and children by the ISIS and al-Qaeda. He is worried that this treatment will become "a danger to modern society" so "American leadership can and must come together to destroy them."
As for O'Malley, he echoed the sentiments made by Clinton and Sanders and took care not to offend the Muslim community. "I believe calling it what it is... radical jihadis," he said. "Let's not fall into the trap of thinking that all of our Muslim-American neighbours in this country are somehow our enemies here. They are our first line of defence. We need our Muslim-American neighbours to stand up and to be a part of this."
