Still, it was a mistake to say they “originally came from other countries,” when only Omar was born abroad. And by telling them to “go back,” he gave his divided opponents a fresh reason to unite against him.

Earlier Tuesday, he defended himself, saying “Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don’t have a Racist bone in my body!”

Later he tried to refocus his criticism, telling White House reporters the four Dems “could leave, or they could stay, but they should love our country.”

The president should end the frenzy and clear the air by acknowledging the wider perception and, with modesty, emphasize that he had no racial intent.