This argument is a purposeful distraction by the administration's supporters. The focus should be on the fact that a protest was cleared so the president could do a silly photo op. A blasphemous photo op.
This "tear gas" argument is a red herring meant to distract from the real issue. And the media is falling for it.
You're slipping into the "4D chess" trap a bit. The "not tear gas" is merely banal grasping at straws to find any way they can to defend their behavior. Thoughtful observers will see that the defense incriminates more than it exonerates
This "tear gas" argument is a red herring meant to distract from the real issue. And the media is falling for it.