Just want to note that politics is literally "whenever it's convenient for me." Liberals in the last two years had been advocating for defending pedophiles as misunderstood individuals. Then, when it was brought to light a Republican nominee was accused of sexual allegations with a minor, they jumped all over condemning him.
were they defending pedophiles who actually molested children, or were they defending pedophiles with the urge but who do not act upon it
and who are "Liberals"
Trying to distinguish the thought of molesting a child and actually committing said act is still pedophilia, one in the same, as you have noted.
Also, the individuals you asked for, although I don't know what your assumption of a liberal is, were editors and bloggers for sites such as Vice, The Mary Sue, etc. Very leftist leaning. And before you ask, because I'm sure you will, the articles were removed shortly after the Breitbart editor made his comments.
Thought crimes and harmful actions absolutely are not the same. Trying to conflate the two just to justify voting for Roy Moore is pretty fucking gross, but pretty much what you'd expect for this nation's conservative party.
Would you give this sort of leeway to someone that held racist thoughts towards a minority, but didn't act on it? Be honest.
I wouldn't put that person in the senate either. ---