Hate to say we told you so, but, well, we told you so.
On Monday, Mark Halperin, the influential political reporter at Time, suggested John McCain should "allow some supporters to risk being accused of using the race card when criticizing Obama" and "emphasize Barack Hussein Obama’s unusual name." Last night, the McCain campaign enlisted well-known racist Cincinnati right-wing shock jock Bill Cunningham as a warm-up act for McCain rally and Cunningham repeatedly used Obama's middle name Hussein—which is a fairly common name, albeit the same as former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein—and derided him as a terrorist sympathizer. As we said, it's a preview of the general election campaign. YouTube below
Cunningham called Obama "the great prophet" who had a "vision" he "had just met with Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and was set to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il ... and saddle up next to Hezbollah" to "sing Kumbaya together." Cunningham encouraged the "liberal media" to "peel the bark off Barack Hussein Obama." Media Matters reports Cunningham later appeared on FOX "News" Hannity & Colmes and used Obama's middle name seven times.
Speaking to reporters after the rally, McCain apologized for the remarks. "Whatever suggestion was made that was in any way disparaging to the integrity, character [or] honesty of either Sen. Obama or Sen. Clinton was wrong, and I condemn it." McCain also said Obama's middle name was "not" an appropriate topic for discussion. An Obama campaign spokesman accepted the apology and said "the candidates will attempt to keep it respectful and focused on issues."
Cunningham's racist on-air tirades are the stuff of legend and it defies reason the McCain campaign was not aware of his background. It's sort of like that scene in Casablanca where Captain Renault says, "I'm shocked, shocked to find gambling at ... "
McCain Condemns Remarks on Obama [LA Times]
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Yes, no surprise here.
Lance that boil, let the pus run all over Grampa Munster's "Straight Talk Express" and look like a pissy ancient crank.
Ain't gonna work. Ain't gonna win.
Posted by: Andy in Seattle | 27 February 2008 at 21:16
Yeah, McCain was "suprised," had no idea that inviting this radio shock-jock might present such hateful things. No, not at all.
Props, hell no. McCain knew damned well what he was unleashing. He's playing it both ways.
My advice was to the Dems, not the Grand Old Party. I don't expect the GOP to distance themselves at all from their racist/sexist/xenophobic fringes except when forced to, and even then I question the sincerity.
Posted by: Andy Niable | 28 February 2008 at 11:07
What is utterly embarassing is that in that pic above, there are a Black guy and Black woman holding up McCain signs while this pasty asshole opens his inbred mouth. Talk about "jews for Hitler" with tans!
Posted by: IsleZeus | 28 February 2008 at 20:47
Zeus, you're absolutely right. there are two men and one woman. I made a mental note while watching the piece and totally forgot to include. Thanks!
Posted by: Rod Mc | 28 February 2008 at 21:32
I fully expect the McCainiacs to sprinkle as many colored folk as they can in and among the photo-op background crowds... but somehow if they're running against biracial Obama or the rainbow that Hillary would unfurl, it won't quite work...
Posted by: Andy Niable | 29 February 2008 at 13:50