This article originally appeared on AlterNet.
In the weeks following the election, Donald Trump's tweeting has become an escalated concern due to the president-elect's unfiltered perpetuation of conspiracy theories.
"We thought that maybe if Trump became elected, if anyone thought that were possible, the tweets would stop," late-night host Conan O'Brien began, before proceeding to read Trump's latest tweets to former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
"In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally," Trump tweeted this past weekend.
In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016
"What's your take on him saying that?" O'Brien asked Sanders. "First of all, it's delusional," Sanders said in response, calling Trump's claims "totally insane." "Nobody believes that who studies elections and election patterns," he continued. But he also believes Trump's tweet was a dog-whistle for his own party. "When he says that, he's really sending a signal to Republicans all over this country—Republican leaders—and what he's saying is, We have got to suppress the vote," Sanders explained. "My own view is we have got to work overtime to bring more people into the political process, not make it harder for people to participate, but that's really what he's saying," the senator added. Trump topped his scary claim within 48 hours, revealing, once again, his lack of basic knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. "Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag—if they do, there must be consequences—perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail!" Trump tweeted early Tuesday.
Nobody should be allowed to burn the American flag - if they do, there must be consequences - perhaps loss of citizenship or year in jail! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 29, 2016
For Sanders, it was a question of priorities for the president-elect.
"Let's see, we have massive income and wealth inequality, we have 43 million people living in poverty, we have to deal with climate change, which is threatening the existence of the planet, and he's talking about three people who might burn the American flag?" the senator asked incredulously.
"But," Sanders added. "There's a hidden message in that, and that is, Be careful, if you are prepared to dissent."
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