Cutting your losses and moving on so that you can be more effective and have a better life is not running.
Although I am not necessarily advocating HD push for D. I agree with you that he needs a strong response. A calm, measured, well-thought-out strong response. That may be just clear, concise words, it may be D, or something else.
There are things you don't joke about, there are things you don't bluff about, there are things you don't threaten. If you do, you reap what you sow.
Chrome
"Recollect me darlin, raise me to your lips, two undernourished egos, four rotating hips"
