The New Republic is an openly liberal publication, fighting tirelessly to advance progressive positions.

So when they publish articles with titles like, “If Chris Kyle Had Been a Muslim, We’d Call Him an Extremist,” it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

But even a site with positions as well-known as theirs can from time to time surprise – or at least confuse – the general public.

Take a look at what the site tweeted Tuesday at around 4:00 p.m. EST:

When faced with an intransigent, bull-headed governing body, Yeltsin did this: http://t.co/cUYGt6XaxVpic.twitter.com/zrRxRaj09V

— The New Republic (@tnr) October 1, 2013

The tweet is in reference to a New Republic blog post titled, "Two Russians Walk Into a Parliamentary Crisis..." The article uses the current fight in Washington to take a look back on one of the darker moments in Soviet politics -- and how Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin "resolved" it.

But the exact purpose of the blog post and its corresponding tweet is uncertain: Is it to say that things in Washington could be worse? Or is it a dark and wholly inappropriate suggestion?

Regardless of the intent, reactions on Twitter were far from positive:

Your point is? RT @tnr faced w/an intransigent, bull-headed governing body, Yeltsin did this: http://t.co/mRjSm3vmbHpic.twitter.com/uXjr9gFqHn

— Sean Geary Higgins (@SeanGHiggins) October 1, 2013

are you actually now insane? @tnr

— The_One_Who_Brings (@AceofSpadesHQ) October 1, 2013

@tnr Um, hey guys, what exactly are you calling for here?

— Stephen Gutowski (@collegepolitico) October 1, 2013

@tnr@freddoso An amazingly wrong use of a terrible analogy, and trivializes what happened in Russia by comparing it to a mere budget fight.

— Tom Nichols (@TheWarRoom_Tom) October 1, 2013

A spokesperson for The New Republic did not immediately respond to TheBlaze’s request for comment.

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Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

Featured image @tnr.

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