John Lewis vs. John McCain

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:01:08 GMT

The McCain camp’s quick defense of the violent expressions it had inspired in its supporters brings to mind the kind of public discussion that was circulating in Birmingham, Alabama, in September, 1963. I was beginning high school in Birmingham’s segregated school system that month. Opening of the schools was delayed as Governor George Wallace and Mayor Albert Boutwell maneuvered to try to prevent the court ordered desegregation of two Birmingham high schools. Public discussion was whipped into a frenzy by the ambitious politicians who talked about violence that might occur if the schools were desegregated. On Friday, September 13, Wallace announced his plan to run for president.

Two days later, the violence the world will never forget came to Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. The church is across the street from Kelly Ingram Park and was the staging grounds for major civil rights activities, such as the protests led 4 months earlier by Martin Luther King, Jr., and Fred Shuttlesworth, which had resulted in the use of water cannons and police dogs against peacefully protesting children.
During the break between Sunday School and church service, the bomb exploded at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, killing Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Addie Mae Collins and Carole Robertson, ages 11-14, and injuring others.

George Wallace, who Martin Luther King, Jr., said had “created an atmosphere of violence,” had the rewards of his self-fulfilling prophecy.

John McCain and staff, no thank you.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

JAB — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:06:26 GMT

Vote Obama/Biden 08... we need sanity in this crazy, hateful world.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Steeler fan Pittsburgh, PA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:06:57 GMT

John Lewis is speaking the truth. I know I shouldn't be surprised by the nerve of the McCain camp in their denials, yet I am. I hope the Obama campaign does not repudiate these truthful remarks.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

RT, Durham, NC — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:07:51 GMT

Why not condemn that pastor who said this prayer before McCain took the stage in Iowa? He said "I would also pray, Lord, that your reputation is involved in all that happens between now and November, because there are millions of people around this world praying to their god — whether it's Hindu, Buddha, Allah — that his opponent wins, for a variety of reasons," Conrad said.

"And Lord, I pray that you would guard your own reputation, because they're going to think that their god is bigger than you, if that happens. So I pray that you will step forward and honor your own name with all that happens between now and Election Day,"

As a Hindu, a) I am truly offended that they allow these kind of prayers at their rallies. Rally your base if you must, but please do not insult the rest of us. b) Hinduism is a religion, Buddha and Allah were people. Your ignorance insults me as much as your prayer. I can't believe that this is not a bigger story, given that in one fell swoop this guy has managed to insult more than half the world. And please, post this. None of my posts in the last 4 days have made it.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Julie Brooks Seattle, WA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:08:38 GMT

I totally agree with what John Lewis said. This has been my fear. When you hear people from Sarah Palin's audience yelling Kill Him, or other slurs, it reminds me of the 60's when bombs were thrown and people including children were killed. I do think Senator McCain and Governer Palin should take responsible and control of how they insite their crowds. McCain has stated he respects John Lewis's advice, I strongly suggest he listens to what is being said.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:08:40 GMT

As some one who lived through September, 1963, in Birmingham, John Lewis has it exactly right. To deny this is to have no concept of the truth.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Tony Rogers — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:09:10 GMT

McCain are you asleep? It is amazing that we follow these campaign alarms. But I am learning fast that the McCain campaign knows exactly what they are doing. They know that the media will follow red meat alarming statements before policy statements from either candidate/party. Congressman Lewis told the truth and McCain knows it but he also knows that if he makes a big fuss than he can turn next week in his favor. So I ask again is McCain sleep or is he playing games that he knows the media will pick up. He just told people at his rally yesterday that they should respect Obama. He knew that he had gone too far. I feel the same way. I can not believe how close these times feel to the "far past". I saw a special the other night about race relation in 1946 (a murder case) and when I thought about what Palin had been doing it was no different. McCain you are wrong because when people start to say that they will kill a senator or anyone else you are doing exactly what Congressman Lewis said. You are stoking anger and creating division. America is better than that.

After Obama spoke out about this the other day another went off. Ms. Wallace jumped saying “Obama is attacking our followers”. And today the same thing. They know that the media loves this. After she made that comment this is what I thought:

Who are they talking to? I mean seriously can someone explain to me who they are talking to? For McCain and his staff to have come up with something such as that; this must have worked at some point. So since I am not someone who knows a lot about past strategies (in regards to what works or not) I’ m amazed at how stupid this sounds. This lady has to think that this works. And I would think that someone should be upset with her because she is obviously assuming people are stupid. Or does she know that the media will continue to let McCain get away with this (race baiting). It is one thing to suggest that a man is responsible for every person he comes across (including people in the grocery store) but now he can not even defend himself without being unpatriotic. They are dividing people. Though racism exist there has to be people thinking that wow "I have people I work with that I do love/like from a different race". I watched a special last night on race relations in 1946 (a murder) and then thought about McCain’s campaign and I promise you I could not tell the difference in now and then. This is at least what McCain wants you to think even though I know better. The media will never call him on this so maybe we can.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

James, AZ — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:09:23 GMT

It is about time someone of stature finally has the courage to say what everyone knows is going on; in a fit of desperation, the McCain campaign's final hail Mary is the tried and true in American politics, divide by race. Unfortunately, the MSM has been afraid to speak the truth, lest they be accused of playing the "race card" for Senator Obama.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Andrea, New York City — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:09:51 GMT

Everything that John Lewis said was true and the MccCain Campaign know it.—hence the defensive position.

You cannot play these kind of politics in a nation that has a long history of slavery, lynchings, the KKK and bombings of children in Sunday School.

You can see now who is UnAmerican.

Also considering that Palin and her husband have both involved themselves in activites that advocate secession from the US, all of this is not suprising.

What is pitiful is that Mccain has allowed himself to be brainwashed by these awful people.

This is not the America that we want to be under any circumstance.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Tony Rogers — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:10:58 GMT

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Jesse, St. Louis Park, MN — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:12:19 GMT

Hey McCain, he's just calling it like he sees it (and like the rest of us see it). I have never been so embarrassed of my own state as I was yesterday when the lady at the Lakeville, MN McCain/Palin rally called Obama an Arab.

I've been to Obama rallys and I've seen them on TV. Although there is a lot of anger toward the Republican policies of Bush and McCain, not once have I ever heard anybody say about McCain that we should "kill him", "off with his head", or "terrorist".

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Wow — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:12:25 GMT

Is John McCain kidding? Attacking his character? What world does McCain live in. He is trying to scare Americans with the "who is Obama" garbage. He has people yelling "Kill him" at his rallies. McCain has become a disgrace

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Don Judson, Woodburn, OR — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:12:35 GMT

Well Senator McCain said he would rely on Representative Lewis for advice - so he'd better listen! Implying Senator Obama associates with terrorists, that he is somehow "different" and not American is close to the racial epithets of Wallace. People who think he is an "Arab" or Muslim and and refuse the facts that dispute this should not be encouraged by the McCain/Palin ticket.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Cesaria, SF CA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:13:31 GMT

This coming from the man who along with his sidekick Palin has done nothing but involve themselves in baseless personal attacks this whole week? Hypocritical McCain indeed. Good on you Lewis. If McCain and Palin can't handle this heat they shouldn't have started themselves down the road to begin with.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

K Roman, Salt Lake City, UT — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:13:53 GMT

What right does Senator McCain have to call on Senator Obama for anything, especially asking him to censure 'one of the "wisest" men he knew and one whose advice he would seek as president'?
Race baiting by any means is still race baiting & is obviously still an accepted political ploy in the republican party's arsenal. . .Even though Palin is the one consistently remarking that Obama is 'not one of us,' it is ultimately Senator McCain's campaign & therefore, responsibility to shut her up; actually he should fire his entire staff of horrible out of touch Bush era advisors!
He - to this point - has been using the women - now even Cindy - to be his attack dogs & is reaping the rewards in incited'god & guns'crowds wherever he goes. I truly believed he was more honorable than this; what a difference a year makes!

John Lewis vs. John McCain

elephant watcher — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:13:58 GMT

John Lewis raises a valid point. Crowds in the fifties and sixties were riled up by "just words". The speaker may not have raised a hand to hurt anyone but their words incited others to feel justified in harassing and even harming people who did not look like them. The current level of discourse in the presidential race truly chills me to my core.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:14:01 GMT

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Robert, Sacramento, CA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:14:13 GMT

Why is it when someone says something negative about Obama it is taken as a racial attack? To equate McCain with Governor Wallace by Congressman John Lewis is just another example of the racial divide by the democrats, expecially the Black Congressional members. When will the blacks quit trying to make everything racial?

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Laura, Orlando, FL — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:14:51 GMT

"Congressman John Lewis' comments represent a character attack against Governor Sarah Palin and me that is shocking and beyond the pale...."
______________________________________________

And attacking Obama's character by saying he "pals around with terrorists" isn't an attack on his character? Yeah, because a speach that incites people to say "kill him" and "terrorist" is what exactly? A "friendly gesture?" Come on! So it's ok for Palin and McCain to insinuate that Obama is a terrorist but not ok when someone says they are fueling hate when they do so? Obama has nothing to repudiate. McCain and Palin didn't feel it necessary to repudiate their followers when they yelled out racist remarks. Why should Obama say anything about someone calling them out on it?

John Lewis vs. John McCain

whomod — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:15:17 GMT

I'm watching MSNBC right now where David Shuster is implying that the comments by John Lewis are somehow too extreme and over th eline. Really?
I guess Shuster hasn't hard of this incident:
Man shot three times in street by racist gunman - for wearing Barack Obama T-shirt
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1070975/Man-shot-times-street-racist-gunman--wearing-Barack-Obama-T-shirt.html

or remembers this one:
FBI investigating after Obama effigy is hung from tree at campus of Christian university
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1065778/Four-students-suspended-hanging-Obama-effigy-tree-campus-Christian-university.html

Or doesn't recall that MSNBC reported on the "kill him" and "terrorist" outbursts by the McCain crowds a their rallies.

if this isn't stoking a climate of fear, anger, and violence, then I don't know what is..

I have plenty more examples if you think these are just 2 isolated instances. Here's some craigslist listings calling for assassination (courtesy of AmericaBlog).

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1xQeOPE9ePU/SO-uhtPokDI/AAAAAAAACqQ/cUn3i5MSuj4/s1600-h/craigslisthate.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1xQeOPE9ePU/SO-7MctOreI/AAAAAAAACqY/v0YKXICIIIY/s1600-h/craigslist2.jpg

You may want to turn a blind eye to or simply minimize what the McCain campaign has created but it's getting worse.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

sharroncarson, taylors, sc — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:15:38 GMT

John Lewis is right. There are alot of crazy people out there, and McCain and Palin are stirring the fire.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Dennis Boyle, Dallas, Texas — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:15:46 GMT

McCain has been forced to limit his rallies to shore up the dwindling Republican base. It certainly appears his audience has responded to the McCain Palin Smear tactics. Now McCain finally responded by mumbling to his audience that Obama is a decent man and that, as President, he would be safe? Either McCain is not control of himself or his campaign, or the polls showed them that the American Voters were finally sick and tired of the Rovian campaign tactics.

I know that the McCain campaign has been lying about the attendance numbers of his rallies. However accurate the numbers, the response of the crowd showed us some Americans are scared and angry. It was America at its worst. I live in Texas, where not too long ago an African American was dragged to death behind a pickup truck. The last lynching in Alabama took place in 1981.

There will always be radicals and conspiracy nuts that Politicians can energize. The McCain campaign has reaped the whirlwind and now it will die, hopefully not with a bang but a whimper.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

BG, Seattle — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:16:40 GMT

Finally! Someone saying what a lot of Americans are thinking. The two campaigns are not the same. There is a lot about McCain's associates, and prior military history that simply isn't discussed. Given how Kerry's military record was trashed, how is it that McCain's "songbird" history isn't used to question his judgment and/or loyalty. He isn't the only POW and there are many who never turned on thier country under extreme circumstances. I'm not saying that we should trash his military record. But I am tired of the double standards. Will his party acknowledge their actions "after" actual harm is done?

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Donna, Sun CIty West, Arizona — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:17:22 GMT

No, Mr McCain........ YOU and your running mate created this mess - YOU explain why your comments are not hate-filled and devisive. Senator Obama had NOTHING to do with this..... John Lewis was someone YOU deemed as one of the "wisest" men YOU knew and one whose advice YOU would seek as president......He is TALKING to YOU! I lived through the George Wallace hatered...... Please clean up your mess!

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Jen,. VA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:17:33 GMT

John Lewis is right. We, Americans, deserve better.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

cindy, oswego, il — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:17:47 GMT

please - who is inciting near riot level rhetoric here? McCain & his campaign especially his VP really crossed a line.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Geraldine hearn — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:18:06 GMT

Congressman John Lewis was correct. The proof lies it the crowds that Senator McCain attracts. I pray that Obama do not remove the band-aid that congressman Lewis had so bravely rendered by repudiating the truth.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Jackie, AL — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:18:10 GMT

Racist GOP bigots flock these rallies and then stand there ready like little match sticks. The along comes Sarah "Napalm" Palin to set the place on fire. McCain and Palin will burn the American house down to win this election. Whatever it takes.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Gerry Aubrey, Blue Bell, PA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:23:40 GMT

It's about time something was said. McCain and Palin here the blood thirty hate filled screams coming out of the audience and they SMILE! McCain, tohis credit, yesterday, began to show some dignity. The constant insinuation that Obama is a "terorist" and not one of us has to stop. This man is a model American citizen that whether you agree with him or disagree, he has earned more respect than MCain and Palin have shown. Now, let's take a look at Palin and her husband's ties to the AIP.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Libratine — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:23:46 GMT

"... shocking and beyond the pale"??? Please Senator McCain. Please. You need to apologize to the GOP for delivering he11 in a mooseskin handbag.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Jo Jo, Raleigh NC — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:24:06 GMT

John McCain wants Obama to repudiate his comments. Well, even though I think it is a little over the top, the issue is that Congressman Lewis lived through a time that we can never imagine. His perspective on race and seeing the result of anger stoked by racial bias, I can see how his reaction will be more pronounced. John McCain needs to step back and see the serious implications of what he has done and then offer an apology and remove his horrible ads and have Sarah Palin stop making her incendiary comments.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:24:40 GMT

If John McCain is half-way worthy to hold any office in the US government, he will apologize to John Lewis.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Gerry Aubrey, Blue Bell, PA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:25:15 GMT

It's about time something was said. McCain and Palin hear the blood thirsty hate filled screams coming out of the audience and they SMILE! McCain, to his credit, yesterday, began to show some dignity. The constant insinuation that Obama is a "terorist" and not one of us has to stop. This man is a model American citizen that whether you agree with him or disagree, he has earned more respect than MCain and Palin have shown. Now, let's take a look at Palin and her husband's ties to the AIP.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Rowena, VA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:26:54 GMT

I call on Senator McCain and Gov. Palin to immediately and personally refudiate and appologize to Senator Obama for all they has said over the past week or so that has cause most of America to agree with John Lewis. The supporters at McCain/Palin's rally took me back to those days in the 60's as they was shouting "terrorist", "kill him". I watched that rally just shaking my head, looking at the anger and disposition of his supporters thinking "OMG" (oh my God) why doesn't Gov. Palin stop this but she just laughed and aggitated it further. Senator Obama can respond to this news release as he desires but Mr. John Lewis was correct in his observations.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

dave, fort collins — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:27:36 GMT

This is exactly what I've considered...the McPhailin campaign should just give in to their inner Racist and start screaming "N*****R" and see what happens. they are a bunch of pathetic losers, and I don't give a ...well...about McSame "standing up to his racist 'Base'". He is a diminished and hollow shell of my choice in 2000. F' him.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

Sue Dubya — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:27:49 GMT

No, Senator McCain, you are most certainly NOT owed an apology! You and Ms. Palin and your followers are indeed stirring up racial divisions. If you doubt it, then just read the invocation that was given by a supposedly Christian minister just this morning in Davenport, IA:

“I would also pray, Lord, that your reputation is involved in all that happens between now and November, because there are millions of people around this world praying to their god—whether it’s Hindu, Buddha, Allah—that his opponent wins, for a variety of reasons," said the minister delivering it. "And Lord, I pray that you will guard your own reputation, because they’re going to think that their God is bigger than you, if that happens. So I pray that you will step forward and honor your own name with all that happens between now and election day."

No, Senator McCain, you owe the entire country an apology!

John Lewis vs. John McCain

oldugly Atlanta, Ga — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:28:20 GMT

i'm a 50 year old white wroking man. I know what it sounds like when someone is trolling for race and what Palin and McCain are doing is just that. They are whipping up the mean and ignorant classes with calling him a terrorist and reapeating over and over He's not like us.
Its BS, I know it, they know it and if you don't know it there is only one group you can belong to. See the above paragraph for that.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

DV, CA — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:28:43 GMT

Wow, that has got to be the most pathetic response from McCains camp so far. I guess Lewis on only wise if he agree's with you, eh McCain, you pathetic excuse for a human being.

You're being called on all the BS you have been pulling all your career. You should have thought of that before unleashing the attack dogs.

Come on, McCain supporters...spin it.

John Lewis vs. John McCain

sandi Goldsmith, Corpus Christi, TX — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:28:44 GMT

Palin & McCain (especially Palin) are trying to stir up the base. The fact that until McCain stepped in yesterday, no one was stopping these threats of "off with his head," "kill him," terrorist," etc. I envision those in the crowd making such comments as resembling the two that killed Matthew Shepard--ignorant, joe six pack, bigot types (including the sheriff) and that is extremely dangerous!!