… Unless Republicans step up to the plate and put a stop to John McCain and Sarah Palin’s attempts to fire up the crowd. Normally, this responsibility would fall to John McCain, but as this seems to be his entire campaign strategy I’m not counting on him doing the right thing.
And you know what? I’d be right. As I typed this post the McCain campaign issued a statement that demonstrates his intention of doing nothing to rein in his mob. In fact, it seems he plans on inflaming the situation further.
“Barack Obama’s attacks on Americans who support John McCain reveal far more about him than they do about John McCain. It is clear that Barack Obama just doesn’t understand regular people and the issues they care about. He dismisses hardworking middle class Americans as clinging to guns and religion, while at the same time attacking average Americans at McCain rallies who are angry at Washington, Wall Street and the status quo,” reads a statement from spokesman Brian Rogers. “Even worse, he attacks anyone who dares to question his readiness to serve as their commander in chief in chief. Raising legitimate questions about record, character and judgment are a vital part of the Democratic process, and Barack Obama’s effort to silence and shame those who seek answers should make everyone wonder exactly what he is hiding.”
Talk about irresponsible.
Thankfully, other Republicans are speaking up: “John Weaver, the Senator’s former top strategist, has said McCain is making a tactical mistake by letting abusive hecklers have their voices heard during his forums. David Gergen, a longtime Washington strategist, has warned that the rhetoric from these attendees could “lead to some violence.”
Veteran Republican Congressman Ray LaHood criticized Sarah Palin in particular, saying her rhetoric did not “befit the office she’s running for.”
McCain is on dangerous ground. He’d be wise to tread carefully.
Editors Note:
Now you have some homework for this weekend.
Call Mike Castle and leave a message urging him to release a statement condemming McCain/Palin inducements to hatred and civil unrest. Wilmington Office: (302) 428-1902
Write an email to Delaware State News “Sound Off” asking your fellow Delawareans not to allow themselves to be swept up in the unAmerican hatred and divisivness that John McCain is whipping up among his supporters. soundoff@newszap.com
Write a letter to the News Journal “Letters to the Editors” asking your fellow Delawareans to be patriots by turning away from bitter animosity and calls to violence that undermine our democracy. Link to Form
Update: McCain corrects supporter at rally who claims Obama is an Arab. Says Obama is a decent person, and gets booed.
Can McCain put the genie back in the bottle? I really hope so.