Noted psychologist Jordan B. Peterson — a prominent author, professor and public speaker well-known for his logical and rational thinking on most matters — sent his social media followers into a tailspin Friday with an unexpected opinion.

Peterson tweeted that embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh should “step down” if confirmed to the high court and allow a “less divisive” figure to step forward in his place.

“If confirmed Kavanaugh should step down,” Peterson tweeted Friday afternoon in response to a post asserting that either outcome for Kavanaugh — confirmed or denied to the court by the Senate — would be damaging to the nation.

If confirmed Kavanaugh should step down. https://t.co/UwsH52ts3b — Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) October 5, 2018

Call to step down

Several hours later, Peterson clarified his initial tweet with a second that read, “I’m not certain that is the right move. It’s very complex. But he would have his name cleared, and a figure who might be less divisive might be put forward.”

I’m not certain that is the right move. It’s very complex. But he would have his name cleared, and a figure who might be less divisive might be put forward. https://t.co/oNQB2bRsC7 — Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) October 6, 2018

Peterson further explained his thoughts with a pair of tweets Saturday morning.

I was thinking all this whole trying to plot out a strategy that would be least damaging, on the whole. And I’m not jumping up and down claiming to be correct. Thought is experiment, not reality. https://t.co/1A6roINK5o — Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) October 6, 2018

Needless to say, Peterson’s call for Kavanaugh to step aside — particularly in light of the literal gauntlet of dirty smears, embellished accusations and uncorroborated allegations he had just survived — didn’t sit well with many of the psychology professor’s followers.

Pushback from supporters

Several of Peterson’s followers pointed out that Kavanaugh’s stepping down after being confirmed would essentially cede victory to the Democrats and liberal media who’d just attempted to destroy his career and reputation, not to mention placed his family at risk of harm and threats.

Others pointed out the lack of logic in Peterson’s brief tweets, with some patiently awaiting a thorough explanation of his thoughts.

Still others pointed out the irony of the fact that, just hours earlier Friday morning, Peterson had rightly tweeted, “Don’t apologize unless you have done something wrong.”

Don’t apologize unless you have done something wrong https://t.co/cnKaDkJOUr — Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) October 5, 2018

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Jordan Peterson is generally well-regarded as being a thoughtful person who bases his statements on logic and reason, but this call for Kavanaugh to step aside for some new nominee — as if the Democrats and media wouldn’t attack the next individual just as hard — was both illogical and unreasonable.

Unless Peterson offers up some sort of rational explanation for his suggestion soon, he could see a dip in his credibility and popularity among independent thinkers.