Limbaugh Compares Sotomayor Nomination To Picking David Duke
Rush Limbaugh is now comparing the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the idea of nominating David Duke:
"She brings a form of bigotry or racism to the court," Limbaugh said, later adding: "How can a president nominate such a candidate? And how can a party get behind such a candidate? That's what would be asked if somebody were foolish enough to nominate David Duke or pick somebody even less offensive."
Late Update: At the White House press briefing just now, Robert Gibbs was asked about the David Duke comparison and what Sotomayor would think of it. Gibbs searched for the words to answer the absurdity of it: "I don't think you have to be the nominee to -- (laughs) -- I don't think you have to be the nominee to find what's said today offensive." After noting that other Republicans have been condemning this kind of rhetoric, he said of the Ku Klux Klan comparisons: "It's amazing."
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
I didn't think they would actually go all in.
You can always count on Rush.
May 29, 2009 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wonder if Rush gave Tancredo a reach-around when they discussed this last night.
May 29, 2009 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
When it it came out that elderly white republicans were the happiest they obviously didn't have the ditto heads in mind.
May 29, 2009 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I don't think you have to be the nominee to find what's said today offensive."
I've occasionally been looking at Gibbs. I think he was a tad bit shaky at first, but I have to say that I'm starting to like the guy. Good comment.
May 29, 2009 3:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Its got to be a huge adjustment to have your words carry the weight of the Presidents, This Presidents no less.
He was comfortable during the campaign and he was effective, its seems he's gotten that comfort level back.
May 29, 2009 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like watching Gibbs, and agree that he is getting his legs under him.
What strikes me most about the news conferences is the stupidity of the White House press corps.
May 29, 2009 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think they need to ask more questions about whether or not Obama may have had been close to someone who got swine flu. :P
May 29, 2009 4:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
It becomes increasingly apparent to the middle of the political spectrum that everything the left said about the right over the last few years was correct. It's hard to believe there's this level of fear and racism in the vast right Wing until you actually see and hear it.
Thanks, Rush. Thanks, G. Gordon. Thanks, Tommy T.
And of course, thanks to Little Miss Deferment#5, Liz.
May 29, 2009 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clearly, the racist wing of the Republican party has displaced the religious-kook wing of the party. Now let's see how much longer moderates will continue to stand with their fingers in their ears, pretending that thier party represents principled positions!
May 29, 2009 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
If John Cornyn/Michael Steele are starting to sound reasonable you know we are in trouble...
May 29, 2009 4:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
It just came over MSNBC that Sonia Sotomayor
walking back on something she said in a speech in 2001 saying something to the effect she used a poor choice of words.
Well, she's showing her Democratic Party credentials, no backbone, always ready to go prone in front of the worst right wingers in the country, no matter that she has the support of the majority of Ameicans. She's a shoo-in to get the seat on the Court but still feels she must kiss the ass of the worst of the worst.
Limbaugh, Gingrich and Tancredo, etc. are dancing in the streets, giving each other high fives. I guess we can look for her to apologize for something soon.
I've went from strong support to apathy for her.
May 29, 2009 4:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, it was Gibbs who walked it back. And he admitted that he hadn't spoken to Sotomayor about it. And he didn't walk it back that much...more like a slight shuffle backwards. Still, I would have rather they didn't cave it to the attacks from the wingnut loudmouths and the Dem WATBs like Lanny Davis (please, go away already) and Chris Lehane. These guys were making themselves look so ridiculous and racists and sexist in their response to her non-offensive comments that there was no need to walk anything back. But that's the way the Obama WH plays it - whether or not it's right, they always want to appear to be the adults. Not what I would have advised, but it's their show.
May 29, 2009 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looks to me like the White House is doing the walking/talking. Your point about spineless Democrats still applies.
May 29, 2009 4:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
ogliberal, Schmedley,
Maybe I jumped the gun, I reported what I thought MSNBC said. Whenever I see a Democrat apologize due to right wing attacks I see red. If it wasn't her, then she has my full support. But now I'm pissed off at Gibbs.
Her best course is to ignore these low-lifes.
May 29, 2009 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
However, since this appears to be the WH strategy, expect Sotomayor to also slightly walk it back during her confirmation hearings and/or in any pre-confirmation interviews she may give in the media. (because you know they'll ask about it repeatedly)
So as Schmedley noted, "spineless" still applies.
May 29, 2009 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would have wished they had said nothing, but on the other hand, they DID NOT SAY that what she said was wrong did they? It's the same thing with Obama's bitter remarks during the primary, they did not say that Obama was wrong, but they did say that his wording could have been better. think they just wanted to point it out to the reporters who will be writing stories on it, that the words being bandied about could have been worded in a "better way", but in the context of the speech that was given as a whole, they were NOT RACIST or OFFENSIVE.
May 29, 2009 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is time for Americans to remind our government that there are 3 branches of government, not 1 or 2. Each one has a specific role. Each one should stick with what it is charged with doing under the U.S. Constitution. The courts are not charged with making policy. Nor should the executive branch adjudicate. Legislation needs to come from the people through our representatives or our own initiatives through the ballot box. Period. America will be better for it!
May 31, 2009 1:21 AM | Reply | Permalink