Never let a crisis go to waste – that’s the number one rule of politics.

While America digs out from 3 mass shootings in the span of two weeks, Democrats fighting for their party’s nomination have taken the opportunity to weigh in on the chaos.

Beto O’Rourke didn’t mince words, directly calling Trump a racist and making his responsible for the shootings.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg was also quick to get in on the blame game, although slightly less pointed than Beto. The 2020 candidate said Trump’s rhetoric was responsible and that he encourages White nationalism.

“Yeah. I mean, at best he’s condoning and encouraging white nationalism … It is very clear that this kind of hate is being legitimized from on high.”

Tapper: Do you [think President Trump is a white nationalist]? 

Pete Buttigieg: "Yeah. I mean, at best he's condoning and encouraging white nationalism … It is very clear that this kind of hate is being legitimized from on high."
Via CNN pic.twitter.com/gvqPA82NNM

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 4, 2019