This isn’t an issue of ideological debates, it’s literally just not understanding the difference in terms properly.

The United States has a form of government best described as a Representative Democracy. It is structured as a Republic, with Representatives elected through Democratic means.

Trying to dismiss improper usage of the terms is not what an “emotional meltdowns” is. That would actually be closer to what the OP is doing, trying to assert the incorrect usage of the terms in an attempt to be correct.