Rep. Lewis: McCain Sowing Seeds Of Hatred

Civil Rights Veteran Compares Candidate To Segregationist; McCain Calls Comment "Brazen, Baseless And Shocking"

(CBS/AP)  Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and veteran of the civil rights movement, says the negative tone of the Republican presidential campaign reminds him of the hateful atmosphere that segregationist Gov. George Wallace fostered in Alabama in the 1960s.

Republican candidate John McCain on Saturday called Lewis' remarks "shocking and beyond the pale."

In a statement issued Saturday, Lewis said McCain and running mate Sarah Palin were "sowing the seeds of hatred and division, and there is no need for this hostility in our political discourse." He noted that Wallace also ran for president.

"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," said Lewis, who is black. "Because of this atmosphere of hate, four little girls were killed on Sunday morning when a church was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama."

One of the seminal events of the civil rights movement was the bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church on Sept. 15, 1963. Four black girls died in the blast, which was linked to a Ku Klux Klan group.

Late Saturday, Lewis released another statement saying it was not his "intention or desire" to directly compare McCain or Palin to Wallace.

"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."

Lewis' comments follow widely reported examples of anger at McCain rallies that has been aimed at Obama, the first black man to be a major party's nominee for president. During some rallies featuring McCain and Palin, supporters have shouted "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar" and even "off with his head."

The outbursts came amid a harshly personal line of attack against Obama by the Republican campaign. McCain and Palin have said Obama failed to tell the truth about his ties to 1960s radical William Ayers, had a radical agenda on abortion, and wasn't really known to voters. Last weekend, Palin signaled the uptick in the criticism when she charged that Obama was "palling around with terrorists," a reference to Ayers, and that he didn't see the U.S. as others did.

McCain drew boos at a town-hall meeting Friday in Minnesota when he defended Obama after a supporter said he feared what would happen if Obama were elected president. He also cut short a woman who said Obama was an Arab, and he called his rival "a decent, family man."

On Saturday, McCain called on Obama to repudiate Lewis' remarks. While dismissing the comparison to Wallace, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said Lewis was on target in other ways.

"John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night, as well as the baseless and profoundly irresponsible charges from his own running mate that the Democratic nominee for president of the United States 'pals around with terrorists,"' Burton said in a statement.

In his remarks, Lewis also said: "As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. They are playing a very dangerous game that disregards the value of the political process and cheapens our entire democracy. We can do better. The American people deserve better."

McCain rejected any comparison to Wallace.

"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," McCain said.

Several times on the campaign trail this year, McCain has praised Lewis, invoking the Congressman's name in connection with Dr. Martin Luther King and telling the civil rights veteran's story during an event in Selma, Ala.

During the primary campaigns, on Martin Luther King Day, CBS News asked all the candidates to reflect on the civil rights leader's legacy. McCain noted that he was in a prison camp in Vietnam when King was assassinated, but referenced Lewis, a disciple of King's.

"I did not know Dr King," McCain said. "But I know John Lewis, and I know what he represents. And John Lewis and I may disagree on some issues, but that's the kind of person I think are true American heroes."

In April, while in Selma, Ala. -- the backdrop for a milestone civil rights march on March 7, 1965 -- McCain commended the bravery of those who marched that day, including Lewis, who suffered a fractured skull from a beating during the protest.

In August, while appearing at a forum on faith, McCain 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.

[smurfcrusher]

Strong words, but the Republican convention was clearly lily-white.

[rsoxfan1123]

It''s not so much that McCain is sowing it as racism is rearing its ugly head now that his campaign is in jeopordy. Even McCain, who definitely did fan the flames early on (anything to get votes) has been getting a little nervous as his klan rally type meetings have been getting increasingly out of hand.

[idlepugilist]

Sales people know it''s easier to pull back from the "big" sale instead of selling small and trying to upsell. The McCain campaign has simply dumped fuel on the right wing hate machine that really came into adulthood with the radio extremists several years ago. Now that he and Sarah have people chanting hateful rhetoric, John can appear to be the Good guy (in the White hat!) by dispelling suggestions that Barack is, indeed, pure evil based on whatever FOX said the other night. Time for another beer, and tune in O''Reilly.

[pugster]

The Media ignored the fact that many blacks cause many racial tension towards many non-blacks over the last 20 years. Why do we care about this Cracker Lewis?

[idlepugilist]

xcentpro, you seem to forget two facts. Obama was born in the United States, making him as American as you are (I''m assuming you''re American). And the media doesn''t dwell on John McCain''s middle name - nor do I care what it is.

[cmp271]

The GOP rallies are white because the blacks are in the closet and afraid to admit they are also GOP!!

Hussein Obama is a Muslim, and he is also a black racist agains whites. A bigot!! Why would anyone vote for him.

This is another sad ploy by the racist black leaders trying to play the race guilt card on white America. Don''t fall for it!!! Vote for McCain!

The sixties were 40-FORTY YEARS AGO-get over it. Many of the youth voting today do not know what happened back then or really do not care.

Its the blacks who have to keep bringing up this garbaage and feel they are owed! I got news for all of you-you got your silver platter for forty years, get off your lazy rears and support yourselves!!!

[rsoxfan1123]

Shame he didn''''t say the same thing about those shouting ''''kill Obama.''''


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by rudy654 at 12:36 AM : Oct 12, 2008

Exactly right. McCain is getting a little worried about some of the right wing nutcase racists and he probably should be. Look at the McCain/Palin mob on youtube- its lke a step back on the evolutionary scale or something.

[bbrundj]

When two poker players finally call, all cards should be shown. The presidency is not immune from hiding anything about the person elected. Quit leaning on the old race malady, and vote for the right person. We only have 2 choices, that is horrible enough, without creating more hostility for hostility''s sake.

[joereed007]

Instead of preaching unity and inclusiveness, the McCain campaign is playing a dangerous game of divisiveness unlike anything I have ever witnessed. McCain/Palin supporters yelling "Off with his head", "Kill Him", "Terrorist" while McCain and Palin say nothing is beyond appaling. They do not deserve to lead this great Country.

[rsoxfan1123]

In his remarks, Lewis also said: "As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all. They are playing a very dangerous game that disregards the value of the political process and cheapens our entire democracy. We can do better. The American people deserve better."


It''s GOP desperation. They''ll say or do anything to try to win.

[vietvet06]

John McGoo almost failed at the Naval Academy, was marginal as a Naval Officer and Aviator, thinks he can bully his way and likes to hit women. He''s the best the GOP could put up for president, and then what??? He announces his penchant for tight skirts and the GOP goes along with his VEEP selection. What a loser...and Rush, don''t you need to talk about boys on the side????

[rsoxfan1123]

vietname21- it''s not just commenting. The crowd are screaming out death threats and being encouraged by McCain/Palin in addition to shouting out racial slurs. That is totally unacceptable for a presidential candidate to have at his rally. Last I checked we''re in 2008.

[sick-of-lies]

The truth is out. Go check FactCheck.org about Obama and Ayer. http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/he_lied_about_bill_ayers.html

[sick-of-lies]

The truth is out. Go check this out about Obama and Ayer.
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/he_lied_about_bill_ayers.html

[lastdance127]

McCain and Palin

All They are doing is : Demonstrating and Exposing the Hypercritical Culture of : Republican NAZI Fascist Party
Family Values - Family Morals and Family Ethics

The Republican NAZI Fascist Party
Finally is Showing its True Colors

[lastdance127]

Cindy McCain - Like - Sarah Palin is simply displaying Their
Attitude of an : Angry, Bitter - Emotionally Disturbed and
Emotionally Frustrated Woman

Like - Sarah Palin - She is simply VENTING her
Anger and Emotional Discord
In a last ditch attempt to try, Without any Success,
To Defame : Obama

Sarah Palin has a History of : NOT
Being able to control her Anger and Emotions
Trooper-Gate is clear Evidence to that ! !

The Prisons are Full of People,
Who cannot Control : Their Anger and Emotions
Cindy McCain - Like - Sarah Palin can clearly identify
With each and every one of them ! !

If these women gets a Real Position of Power and
They get : Angry or upset with something

The People of the United States Will feel the Wrath of :
These Angry and Emotionally Disturbed and
Emotionally Frustrated Women ! !

(note : Hitler was an : Angry - Emotionally Disturbed and
Emotionally Frustrated Man)

Hitler - Someone - That each Supporter of :
The Republican NAZI Fascist Party can Clearly Identify with.
Their Actions and Behavior - are the Same and it _ Says it All ! !

[rsoxfan1123]

Such evil speech invites not only hatred, it is also a call for people to kill.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by rudy654 at 12:54 AM : Oct 12, 2008

It''s scary really. You scratch the surface of the right wing fundamentalists and there is all of this hatred. I am surprised that death threats like those that have been shouted out aren''t criminal.

[wevehadenuf]

The issue now is the economy. Barack will do a better job. Are you more greedy or racist? If the answer is racist you will go to a Mccain/Palin rally and scream for Obama to be killed and become a psychopath. Otherwise its time to get on board here, before China owns us and sells us for slave-labor...

[pensacola98]

I have to agree with Rep. John Lewis of Georgia. Our local sheriff election has taken a nasty and hateful turn to an alarming direction. One candidate has printed circulars and distributed them with a harrassing statement directed towards contributors of his opponent who were "Filipinos". This is distressing and very unpatriotic.

I credit the example above to some who followed the examples of the John McCain campaign and launched a divisive initiative that has taken election conduct back to the 1930''s when the civil rights were not respected of all our nation''s citizens.

This election excitement and participation is good for our country, but the disrespectful exhibitions of differences with hateful conduct is bad for our country.

The race card, the gender card, the ethnic orgin card, the religous card, were supposed to be removed from this deck before it was dealed and the game began.

[recowger]

How disgusting the democrats have become to have to sink this low.
Accuse McCain of racial hatred. This shows where the racial hatred lies smoldering in someone''s soul.
I am american indian. I have seen racial hatred like Lewis is trying to spread.

[faithwalker3]

So, now John McCain is a flaming racist because he chose to present the FACTS about Barrack Obama''s shady affiliations and the next thing we know there are going to be bombings in black churches nationwide...GIVE ME A FLIPPING BREAK!!!

It would not matter if Mr.Obama were black, white, or candy apple red; these issues would have still been brought out AND, they should be!

And, while we are discussing his affiliations...let''s discuss his plan to get the economy ''back on track''. Let''s see, hmmmm, he''s going to socialize health care and raise taxes on couples and business making more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars. How very ingenious of him...he''s going to raise taxes on the ONLY people who are, at this time, providing new jobs!

Mr. Obama may very well end up being our next president; should that be the case I will keep him continually in my prayers. After all, the decisions he makes over the next four to eight years will affect my nine year old son in major ways and that is my first concern.

[rsoxfan1123]

faithwalker3- have you seen some of the things that have been shouted out at McCain''s klan like rallies?

[terriyanabanks]

you know i hate that people feel that way it''s because they are very ignorant to the fact that we all bleed the same why can''t they just leave all of that pregudice alone. maybe they need to go back to school or something i think.Don''t you all agree.

[wevehadenuf]

Mccain wants to give huge tax breaks to corporations and oil companies while we are in the middle of the biggest financial crisis. Guess what genious, our country is going down the tank. Hard-working americans are producing the GDP for this country and getting very little in return. As we are doing this our tax dollars are being given to those who make millions and billions. Then they move jobs overseas and use bank accounts overseas and avoid paying taxes while we take it in the rear. I''m not falling for that B.S. There are plenty of people here willing to start new businesses and utilize the American workforce and if the others are unpatriotic and stupid enough to leave they will come here from other parts of the world. We don''t need the greedy idiots who have been pushing us around. Truth is, anyone with a "soul" will realize that we have to tax rich people right now to save our country, remember, "Country First"!!?? Mccain lied as we have the best tax structure for big business, that''s why our country is so profitable. There are so many loopholes the wealthy hardly pay any taxes at all. They will still be better off here anyway. The Mccain camp got themselves into this whole mess promoting hateful behavior and should be ashamed. He hasn''t a leg to stand on regarding economy and there is no way he can keep his promises under the current financial conditions for his rich pals.

[collis12]

I don''t understand why McCain and company are so shocked. Their recent choice of attack is the same reason why every first year law student is taught that yes the Constitution gaurantees free speech but it does not allow for you to scream fire in a crowded theater when ther is no fire. What McCain and Palin are dooing is clearly inciting violence. They are playing to the hatred and mindset of racists and klansmen. They are talking to "Joe SixPack, Hockey Moms, and all of the rest of the code names for the good old white American population." How many Black people were at those rallies and scremed "traitor, terrorist or cut his head off?"

[billpl-2009]

Lewis apparently never read Obama''s book

"...and make no sudden moves"

[Torilin]

Reject Barack Obama - NOT because of his skin color, but because of his deception and hatred of whites.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Posted by OneAmerican7 \

PROOVE that he hate whites! Guilty by association DOES''t count!!

[Torilin]

From Audacity of Hope: "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Posted by whiner245a

That doesn''t mean he is muslim it just says that it''s within his character to stand with those without voice in the political process. Do you understand what is justice for those without voice?

[lastdance127]

McCain and Palin

All They are doing is : Demonstrating and Exposing the
Hypercritical Culture of : Republican NAZI Fascist Party
Family Values - Family Morals and Family Ethics

The Republican NAZI Fascist Party and
Supporters of : The Republican NAZI Fascist Party

Are Finally Showing Their : True Colors

[wevehadenuf]

For the geniouses out there trying to pin their own prejudices on Obama, you may want to learn something about him first other than what you heard from your neighbor Cleetus, Obama is HALF black and HALF WHITE!

[stopsocialis]

Go buy the book and quit posting quotes that are obvious fabrications from a basturd racist such as yourself. This is why you people are losing.
Posted by rudy654 at 01:29 AM : Oct 12, 2008

you sound just like Jeremiah Wright. Anyone who disagrees with Obama on principle suddenly becomes a racist. So rudy, how long do you plan on playing this demented card? You''ve been doing it on these forums for weeks.

Can''t you see even remotely feel the evil in your heart? You must be able to feel something. There is good in you, I can feel it.

[stopsocialis]

PROOVE that he hate whites! Guilty by association DOES''t count!!
Posted by peanutcrisp at 01:24 AM : Oct 12, 2008

His associations tell the tale. Mainly his "spiritual mentor" Jeremiah Wright, who vehemently preaches against white people and who gave a lifetime achievement award to Louis Farakan, a viscious racist anti-semite.

You are known by the company you keep.

[Torilin]

Can''''t you see even remotely feel the evil in your heart? You must be able to feel something. There is good in you, I can feel it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------osted by StopSocialis

LOL, You sounded like an televised Evangelist.

[pensacola98]

I don''t believe that Rep. Lewis is calling John McCain a racist, but John McCain, himself, hasn''t done much to disspell that myth when he had the chance on the debates. Why didn''t John McCain look at Barack Obama in the eye? or at least his face??

What did he use "That One" in his reference to Barack Obama? That was clearly not an exhibition of respect, and claming the Maverick Card isn''t going to put the matter to rest.

Barack Obama has not exhibited any hatred for whites, or anyone. If he did, then explain why did he hired a white person to run his campaign financing operations?

I recognize that John McCain did temper some of his supporters'' outbursts of hatred, and disspell some of the false rumors spreading about Barack Obama. That is very admirable and encouraging.

Obama supporters stopped relaxing when they saw John McCain tempering his supporters, because they know that many undecided voters now have one less reason to decide against voting for John McCain. It was a very effective move on McCain''s part to face the boo''s and reverse the agression.

[Torilin]

You are known by the company you keep.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Posted by StopSocialis


Did I not say that "guilty by association" doesn''t count in this case? Or you just decided to ignore that?

[troutfisher4]

why do liberals get so angry over facts?

Posted by whiner245a


what "facts"?

[stopsocialis]

Obama''s racist rejection of his white American family

Link:

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/mostert/080418

[stopsocialis]

why do liberals get so angry over facts?

Posted by whiner245a


Because facts are their enemy. They only want to hear what makes them "feel good". That''s why facts disturb them. Because allot of facts don''t make them "feel good".

Obama has them all hook line and sinker because he''s a good speaker. He has them all deceived, and he wouldn''t have it any other way.

[troutfisher4]

Because facts are their enemy. They only want to hear what makes them "feel good". That''''s why facts disturb them. Because allot of facts don''''t make them "feel good".


Posted by StopSocialis


That is funny coming from a religious, anti-science zealot like you. You would not know a fact if it bit your fat arse!

[stopsocialis]

Did I not say that "guilty by association" doesn''''t count in this case? Or you just decided to ignore that?
Posted by peanutcrisp at 01:35 AM : Oct 12, 2008

Is that right peanutcrisp, and why is that, because YOU SAY SO?

So if this is the case, then why do you Obama supporters keep associating McCain with Bush?

the blatant double standards and hypocricy that comes from you leftists is off the charts.

Again, you are known by the company you keep, and Obama has had nothing but radical hate America hate Jews hate white people company advising him for his entire political career and adult life.

[troutfisher4]

You can see that he hates whites by the attacks his supporters make on McCain and Palin - obviously racist, sexist and elitist smears against the Republicans.

Posted by OneAmerican7


Using your logic, then McCain hates blacks because of his attacks on Obama.

Are all you McCain supporters this weak-minded?

[stopsocialis]

That is funny coming from a religious, anti-science zealot like you. You would not know a fact if it bit your fat arse!
Posted by troutfisher4 at 01:40 AM : Oct 12, 2008

I''m not anti-Science. I''m anti Darwinism, which isn''t science.

but keep up your hateful bigotry. We will fight your type in this country with our voices! We will be heard!

[troutfisher4]

I''''m not anti-Science. I''''m anti Darwinism, which isn''''t science.

but keep up your hateful bigotry. We will fight your type in this country with our voices! We will be heard!

Posted by StopSocialis


We already heard ya. That is why we are voting your bunch out of office!!!!

[troutfisher4]

I''''''''m not anti-Science. I''''''''m anti Darwinism, which isn''''''''t science.

StopSocialis


And you of course also deny global warming, and scientific evidence that the earth is 4.5 billion years old, and anything else that conflicts with your belief system. Sounds anti-science to me!

[redfromla]

"I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! "

That line so reminds me of the "Patriot" John McCain......

[stopsocialis]

Please, cite one direct quote from Wright that is anti-white.

I am waiting, Mr. Socie.

Posted by rudy654 at 01:42 AM : Oct 12, 2008

Even your Messiah Barak Obama claimed to "denounce" Wright''s anti-white statements. You liberals are so out in outerspace that you forget even RECENT history. Wow!


Here you go!:

Obama denounces his pastor''s anti-white statements

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/usa/news/article_1395476.php/Obama_denounces_his_pastors_anti-white_statements_00000401282858

Wright''s specific comment:

''Hillary never had a cab whiz by her and never pick her up because her skin was the wrong colour'' and that ''Hillary ain''t never been called a ***.''

-Funny how they call each other ******* however and somehow that''s fine.

They are black people, or brown people, and we are white people.

[stopsocialis]

And you of course also deny global warming, and scientific evidence that the earth is 4.5 billion years old, and anything else that conflicts with your belief system. Sounds anti-science to me!

Posted by troutfisher4 at 01:45 AM : Oct 12, 2008

LOL. Only arrogant people like yourself claim that "Science" has proven the age of the earth.

[troutfisher4]

They are black people, or brown people, and we are white people.

Posted by StopSocialis


And you are a RACIST.

[troutfisher4]

-Troutfisher, don''''t put effort on lost causes such as StopSocialis. He''''s vehemently againt anything that is not said by his preacher. He just can''''t stand up on his own and say No. I can see doubts into your thesis. He''''s just a follower of deniers of what Science has proved undoubtedly in the last 50 or so years.

Posted by trishab58


LOL, you are right. I have debated him many times.

[lastdance127]

MORE HEROES from
The Republican NAZI Fascist Party

S*E*X*U*A*L MISCONDUCT with UNDER AGE CHILDREN


Rep. Larry Craig (R. ID) ________ Rep. Ted Stevens (R. Alaska)
Rep. John T. Doolittle (R. Calif.) __ Rep. Gary G. Miller (R. Calif.)
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R. Calif.) ______ Rep. Rick Renzi (R. Az.)
Rep. Richard Curtis (R.WA.) _____ Rep. David Vitter (R-La.)
Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) ________ Rep. Bob Allen (R-Fla

All They Have Done is : To Demonstrate and Expose
The Hypercritical Culture of : Republican NAZI Fascist Party
Family Values - Family Morals and Family Ethics

The Republican NAZI Fascist Party and
Supporters of : The Republican NAZI Fascist Party

Are Again Showing Their : True Colors