" I can only hope that the Democrats do tone down the rhetoric. The rhetoric has been outrageous: The finger-pointing, the tone, the angst, and the anger directed at Donald Trump, his supporters – really, then, some people react to things like that; people get angry as well, and you fuel the fires. "
- Chris Collins

In the given statement, Chris Collins expresses his hope that Democrats will soften their rhetoric toward Donald Trump and his supporters. He highlights the intensity of criticism, including finger-pointing and angry reactions, which he considers excessive and inflammatory.

Collins's comment reflects a broader discussion about political discourse in America, emphasizing how heated language can escalate tensions further. By mentioning "fueling the fires," Collins suggests that aggressive rhetoric not only inflames existing anger but also draws more people into confrontational stances. This dynamic indicates a cycle where criticism begets counter-criticism, potentially worsening divisions within society. His statement is an appeal for moderation and civility in political debates to prevent further polarization.

Chris Collins is a former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives who represented New York's 27th district from 2013 until his resignation in 2018, following his indictment on charges related to insider trading. The quote highlights his perspective as someone involved in political discourse and the challenges he sees in maintaining constructive dialogue amid heightened partisan tensions.