Richard Hanania's Tweet on Attraction to Teens Ignites Widespread Outrage

Richard Hanania, president of the Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology (CSPI), has sparked significant controversy with a recent social media post discussing attraction to teenagers and the definition of pedophilia. In the tweet, Hanania stated, "Once in a while, I feel explain that being attracted to teens is not 'pedophilia' and it makes me feel very good about myself because I get to observe that I make stupidest people on both the right and left mad. What better indication can there be that you’re right?"

The statement, posted on X, drew immediate and widespread condemnation from various online communities, with many users expressing disgust and alarm. Critics highlighted the sensitive nature of the topic, emphasizing the legal and ethical distinctions surrounding consent and the protection of minors. The tweet is seen by many as a deliberate provocation designed to elicit strong reactions.

Hanania is a political scientist and online personality known for his provocative commentary and conservative viewpoints. He founded the CSPI, a think tank that supports research on ideology and government policy. His work has appeared in mainstream publications, but he has also been at the center of numerous controversies.

A significant part of Hanania's controversial past includes revelations from 2023 that he previously wrote for alt-right and white supremacist publications under the pseudonym "Richard Hoste." Under this alias, he advocated for eugenics, made racist remarks about various ethnic groups, and expressed misogynistic views. Hanania subsequently acknowledged and disavowed these writings, stating he found his past beliefs "repulsive."

Despite his disavowal, Hanania continues to publish controversial opinions, often leveraging social media to engage in what he describes as challenging established norms. His recent tweet aligns with a pattern of making statements that generate intense debate and anger across the political spectrum, a reaction he appears to welcome as validation of his positions. His academic affiliations have also faced scrutiny due to his contentious public statements.