I think the point the OP was making (correct me if I am wrong) is that the banning of political discussion may have been a bad idea as it was obvious that this was going to happen.

The leading Republican candidate has been constantly talking about these types of bans yet discussion on HN was not allowed during a time where perhaps discussion could have prevented Trump gaining power.

Now we are in "cure" mode. It would have been better to prevent this from taking place.