I’m speaking to its original, pre-nazi roots. It’s a legitimate German word, and the concept was elucidated by a legitimate German philosopher, either before Hitler was born, or when he was still wearing lederhosen.

It’s not something that has a direct and unavoidable connection to Nazi era Germany, like eugenics or Arianism. It isn’t advocating for a greater Deutschland and simmering over all of that great land the useless Slavs are inhabiting.

It’s a legitimate concept. This politician should be able to speak about it and not be assumed to be a secret Nazi. Ask him questions, review his actions, encourage clarity.