Let’s point out that the moment a public intellectual engages the dirty unwashed

Let’s point out that the moment a public intellectual engages the dirty unwashed masses (the public) there are certain defensive techniques you adopt because of the tendency of some (ignorant, opinionated males) to engage in ad-homs, psychologizing, and moralizing.

So you have choices to stop them poisoning the well. Door number 1, 2, or 3.

… 1) Use them: return the insult and restate the central argument using the idiot as a relay station, and use KOTH games to make others force them out of the discourse.
… 2) Insult, dismiss and block them
… 3) Ignore them altogether