As I listen to the pathetic responses from Donald J. Trump’s defenders regarding those racist tweets and related statements about those four congresswoman, the more I am inclined to shake my head in total disgust.

The president told the four congresswomen, all Democrats of color, they could return to the countries “where they came from” if they “hated” America so much. They have been protesting Trump’s immigration policies and the treatment of migrant families — including children — who are seeking asylum as they flee countries in Latin America. Of course, it needs to be said again that three of the women were born in the United States; the fourth is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Trump’s congressional defenders, all Republicans, say the president’s remarks aren’t racist. He “never mentioned race” in the tweets, they say, adding that his verbal remarks also are silent on the race or ethnicity of the women. Therefore, they says, he hasn’t initiated a racist narrative.

To borrow a phrase: That is pure bullsh**!

Trump’s statements are commonly uttered to put down racial and ethnic minorities. Does anyone really believe he would have said a such a thing had the Democratic lawmakers been, say, blonde-haired, blue-eyed males who trace their ethnic heritage to western Europe?

That’s the point here. Trump didn’t need to invoke the women’s ethnicity to deliver a racist and sexist diatribe. He did not need to state categorically that he was angry with them because of their ethnic background or that they are females.

The tweets and his assorted public statements have been soaked in racist intent. He plays to his base, the folks who in that North Carolina political rally yelled “Send her back!” while their hero, Trump, stood there for 13 seconds letting them rant and chant their hatred toward one of the congresswomen.

When was the last time any of us have watched and listened to a president of the United States conduct himself in this manner? That’s right. Never! Until now!

Disgraceful.