Political Rant: I Don't Care What the McCain Campaign Says, It's Still Hateful

Hello Bloggers - If you read my earlier posts you would understand why I would like to agree completely with Rep. John Lewis (D) of Georgia, veteran of the civil rights movement, who said over the weekend that the negative tone of the McCain presidential campaign reminds him of the "hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s."

One example is the photo accompanying this post. It was quietly released by the McCain campaign accompanying some daily news, and Reuters used it online. Say it so John? I don't care what you say, that photo is designed to anger Appalachian swing voters

Self-righteous McCain called Lewis' remarks "shocking and beyond the pale" on Saturday. Really Senator, how? Unfortunately the Obama campaign responded by saying the he doesn't believe McCain or his policy criticism is at all comparable to Wallace and his segregationist policies. Barack, that's not what John Lewis was trying to say. He said that he was creating a similar "hateful atmosphere."

I agree with Lewis that McCain and Palin are "sowing the seeds of hatred and division," and there is "no need for this hostility in our political discourse." He rightly said that "George Wallace never threw a bomb. He never fired a gun, but he created the climate and the conditions that encouraged vicious attacks against innocent Americans who were simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights."

Late Saturday, Lewis released another statement saying it was not his "intention or desire" to directly compare McCain or Palin to Wallace. I agree, he never said that. It was the stupid campaigns saying it. Lewis was being more general.

"My statement was a reminder to all Americans that toxic language can lead to destructive behavior," he said. "I am glad that Sen. McCain has taken some steps to correct divisive speech at his rallies. I believe we need to return to civil discourse in this election about the pressing economic issues that are affecting our nation."

McCain's response was absurd. "I am saddened that John Lewis, a man I've always admired, would make such a brazen and baseless attack on my character and the character of the thousands of hardworking Americans who come to our events to cheer for the kind of reform that will put America on the right track." You liar, he didn't attack your character or your supporters, just the atmosphere you were allowing to develop around you.

Reuters reported in August that McCain, while appearing at a forum on faith, was asked to name three "wise people" he would listen to. He cited Lewis as well as Gen. David Petreaus, head of U.S. troops in Iraq, and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, a top adviser to his campaign. In my opinion, he needs to listen to Lewis' wisdom now and stop driving the hate machine.

Monday's Political Rant #1 - Michael

Political Rant: McCain, Palin, and the Nation's First Campaign Klan Rallies

Good Morning Bloggers - I would like to talk about McCain's latest campaign tactic. While watching Hardball yesterday I was struck how the pundits agreed - Pat Robertson and the more moderate ones - that the current tactic of stirring up the base will only lead to putting off the independents and moderate Republicans. I agree completely. This tactic has to hurt McCain, not help him.

Over the past few days we've listened to McCain and Palin spew garbage at their "rallies," while their audiences shout "terrorist," "Nobama," "traitor" and "socialist" at the mention of the Democratic Senator. The audiences have been filled with boos and rude gestures. One rally supposedly featured a large number of middle fingers, along with shouts of "treason," "kill him," and one actual report of a "lynch him." The really incredible thing is that the corporate media isn't making a big deal out of it. They're talking about the candidates, but they're not talking about the wackos in the audience very much at all. It's bizarre.

This goes beyond the base, my friends (spoken annoyingly), this is more akin to a KLAN RALLY! The only thing missing is the burning cross. What do they think they're doing? This is insane. It's DANGEROUS to stir up those kinds of people. They could KILL somebody. They might even turn against us, the average Obama supporters, like dogs ready to tear at red meat. Trust me, I've almost been bashed for my beliefs, so I know how dangerous fanatics can get.

McCain and Palin need to switch gears. Somehow I think it's a long shot since they seem to be running out of ideas. After the Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers attacks they will find other ways to stir the base over the weeks ahead, while sticking to what works. Let's see, what pisses rednecks off? They'll probably move on to his "conflicted heritage," his father's muslim roots, how annoyingly smart he is, the way he's too elegant, how classy and cultured he is, the way he's too dapper and statesman-like, and finally end by criticizing his big ears. Oh yea, and he's an "elitist." Oh my God, what idiots.

To be very blunt, the people at those rallies are nuts, and they don't read much either. They're blaming the Democrats for the financial crisis, and they want McCain to "throw all the Democrats in jail" when he "wins" in November. In Wisconsin yesterday one fan said, "I can't stand to look at him, I don't trust him. I don't like the circle of friends he keeps, and I don't like his policies. I'm pissed off by it. I'm beyond mad. How is he climbing up in the polls?" I'll tell you how, he's the better candidate.

McCain's supporters are showing the same hatred for the media. Palin is even encouraging them to hate the media. She criticizes the press at most of the rallies. "It's dangerous territory whenever I suggest the mainstream media isn't asking all the questions." The crowds then go wild, shouting and cursing at the media in attendance. McCain's advisers are saying that their crowds are "spirited" and "frustrated" instead of "hate-filled" and "crazy" like any good psychotherapist would tell you. They dismiss the crowd's angry tone as "unrepresentative" of their campaign." Yea, right.

I can't believe we have another month of this crap. We've moved from a legitimate, dirty campaign, to a bloody cock fight in the deepest, darkest, foulest backwoods. When is the next rally boys? Do I bring a sheet? McCain, Palin and the Republicans are inciting anger they may not be able to control. Somebody is going to get hurt. If it isn't the Senator himself (God forbid), then it's going to one one his supporters. The people attending their rallies are crazy, and they shouldn't be stirred up. I am scared something ugly is going to happen. I hate to predict it, but somebody is going to get seriously injured or killed, and probably soon.

Friday's Political Rant #1 - Michael