Coburn: Fingers point back at GOP?
Two Republican senators, John Ensign and Tom Coburn, have broken with many in their party, including chairman Michael Steele, to defend Harry Reid. I’m going to take them at their word that they’re tired of Washington’s game of gotcha politics:
“Washington plays a game of gotcha,” Coburn said, according to the Tulsa World. “It pains me that Republicans are saying Harry Reid ought to step down. When you point a finger, you have four fingers pointing back at you. There is not anybody in Washington who has not said something that could be judged inappropriate and wrong.”
But it’s probably also true that Coburn and Ensign are more concerned with Coburn’s second point about fingers pointing back. If Republicans are going to expand the definition of racism to include remarks that are merely awkward and stupid, a lot of Republicans could suddenly find themselves accused of racism.
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75 comments Add your comment
Swami Dave
January 12th, 2010
12:33 pm
Actually, Democrats and liberals have already redefined racism to include remarks that are “awkward” or “stupid” so long the individual who voiced them is a Republican or conservative. It is only in the hypocritical case that the speaker is a Democrat or liberal that a mere apology serves to cover the offense.
-SD
Ragnar Danneskjöld
January 12th, 2010
12:39 pm
Coburn would be my first choice for president in 2012. Decent fellow, staunchly conservative.
uga_b
January 12th, 2010
12:42 pm
How many fingers point back at you during a backhanded compliment?
Jema
January 12th, 2010
12:42 pm
Let’s face it, even the best get racist at times. Like Obama, he has said some nasty things about Whites in the past. Like in Dreams of my father, he wrote: “The title of Reverend Wright’s sermon that morning was ‘The Audacity of Hope’… Rev. Wright explained [in his sermon]…’it is this world, a world where cruise ships throw away more food in a day than most residents of Port-au-Prince see in a year, where WHITE FOLKS’ GREED runs a world in need, apartheid in one hemisphere, apathy in another hemisphere …That’s the world on which hope sits’!”
http://obamareport.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-doesnt-michelle-obama-ask-harry.html
I couldn’t care less, they’re all of the same ilk. Birds of feather, that’s all.
What'sup!
January 12th, 2010
12:45 pm
“There is not anybody in Washington who has not said something that could be judged inappropriate and wrong.” There is not anybody anywhere who has not said something that could be judged as inappropriate and wrong! Why! Because we can no longer speak our minds as we might “offend” someone!!!! When is it going to dawn on people that not saying something doesn’t keep people from thinking it or saying it to their friends or family members in private. I say get over it! In fact, I don’t really see anything that offensive about Reid’s remarks. He obviously thought it or else he wouldn’t have said it. And all that this kind of behavior (both Reid’s and the Republicans) does is make saying an apology a joke!!!
Cosby Smith
January 12th, 2010
12:47 pm
Just another case of the stupidity and double standard in Washington. Trent lott removed but Harry stays. How about looking beyond the hype, seeing all, both Republicans and Democrates as theiving lying crooks who will stpo at nothing for power. All should go the GOOOH, sign up and send them all a’packin!
Carter is a Fool
January 12th, 2010
12:53 pm
Another racial column from Cynthia. Suprising, NO.
Road Scholar
January 12th, 2010
12:55 pm
Swami dave: Poor baby! Both sides have taken heat on what they have said. It’s the meaning of what they said that should be examined.
Shawny
January 12th, 2010
12:55 pm
This post is pointless. Two GOPers said don’t throw stones, and Cynthia takes this as a knock on the GOP. That is because she wants to knock them so badly, that when 2 do something right, she still can poke them in the eye. Sad.
Real
January 12th, 2010
12:57 pm
It’s a systemic and growing problem of PC, i.e., fear to say or do what is right for fear of offending, double standards, throwing ethics to the wind, and power at any cost…
pat
January 12th, 2010
1:05 pm
Reid should step down because he’s to stupid to hold the position he’s in. Only people who support reid are dumber than him. I rather have a steaming pile of dog crap in the senate than him….Oh wait, I guess there’re equivilent. At least dog crap can say stupid stuff.
jconservative
January 12th, 2010
1:33 pm
“Trent lott removed but Harry stays.”
Please, let’s not re-write history. Lott was not removed as Republican leader in 2002 because of Democrats criticizing his remarks at Thurmond’s birthday party. Lott was removed by pressure from the Bush White House. Lott has said this publicly and privately many times over the years.
Trent did not always toe the “party line” and had a habit to speaking before he thought an issue through (see Joe Biden). But it was the Thurmond remarks that gave the White House the excuse to get him canned.
The issue had died and was out of the news but the White House kept it going. When he resigned from the Senate in 2007 (for other reasons), Trent said that he would still be the leader if Bill Frist had not declared for Republican leader at the request of the White House.
See Lott’s book “Herding Cats: A Life in Politics”.
StJ
January 12th, 2010
1:35 pm
Freedom of speech should be taken away from those Evil White People, as they obviously abuse it any chance they get.
Peadawg
January 12th, 2010
1:45 pm
Reid is a Democrat, correct? I would loooooooove to see a Republican say the same thing. My bet’s on Cynthia, and everyone else, to bash him/her like there’s no tomorrow. Freakin’ hypocrites.
Joey
January 12th, 2010
2:22 pm
Examples of Democrat definition of racism:
Maccaca.
Geraldine Ferraro; “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”
Not Democrat racism:
Reid: “Negro dialect.”
RAMBLE ON!!!
January 12th, 2010
2:35 pm
Its funny cause it’s really the only thing Harry has said that’s ture. He’s “just a typical white guy”.
When a democrat finally says something that is true (which isn’t often), he has to apologize.
Cindy you don’t need to remind us. A member of the GOP that says anything about race will be branded a racist. Duh!!!
Its been known long before Trent Lott.
Turd Ferguson
January 12th, 2010
2:38 pm
Well dont go awry of the PC on WXIA chatboards. Or even worse, dont disagree with the majority as they will kick ya to the curb faster than one could say “Dookie-Shoot”.
I must say Ms Tucker is very, and I hate this term because its often times mis-used kinda like the misuse of closure but here goes, “tolerant”.
Frank the Tank
January 12th, 2010
2:43 pm
She has come around as of late, Turd.
Sunshine and Thunder
January 12th, 2010
2:54 pm
Cynthia,
Then you must agree that it was unfair that Trent Lott had to resign and it was also unfair that Rush Limbaugh had to refrain from buying into the NFL based on some unproven charge that he made racist statements.
mike
January 12th, 2010
2:59 pm
Actually, Tucker the mindless hypocrite is getting it backwards.
The truth is that Democrats expanded the definition of racism to include remarks that are merely awkward and stupid, and they are finding a lot of Democrats suddenly finding themselves accused of racism.
In short, the disgusting charges of racism that hateful liberals have been casting at Republicans is coming back to haunt them, whether is is Biden, Reid, or Bill Clinton.
Only a mindless hypocrite like Tucker could so twist this.
Turd Ferguson
January 12th, 2010
3:02 pm
Reids not resigning and the Dems not calling for same says more about him and them than if he had resigned due to Dem pressure.
Tink about it.
When one compares the situations of Reid vs Lott or Sharpton vs Imus etc its just more of the same double standard.
The Indpendents will favor heavily on this and other subjects come 2010 and 2012 elections.
mike
January 12th, 2010
3:03 pm
Sunshine –
“Then you must agree that it was unfair that Trent Lott had to resign and it was also unfair that Rush Limbaugh had to refrain from buying into the NFL based on some unproven charge that he made racist statements.”
LOL. You mean Tucker the mindless partisan demonstrating any intellectual consistency? LOL
Tom Middleton
January 12th, 2010
3:05 pm
Cynthia, those of us raised in the South know racism when we see it, and what Trent Lott said was racism beyond doubt.
I’ve heard the essence of his comments many, many times: If the South had been left alone to do things its way, there would have been no problems with race relations during the turbulent 60s and beyond.
In other words, if the white supremacists down here had been allowed to bomb, hang, shoot, and continue to oppress all those attempting full equality under the Constitution, there would have been no full equality and thus no “trouble.”
Contrast this with what Harry Reid said, and there’s no comparison. Obviously, Senator Reid’s comments, however badly worded, were directed toward the effort for full equality, not against, and it’s amazing to me we’re having to have this debate.
But even John McCain is equating what Lott said to Reid, but it’s a night-to-day comparison in terms of intent, and most of us can recognize it. How nice that two in the opposition party are now willing to move on, but I’m wondering if Senator McCain ever will. It’s sad, but I seriously doubt it!
.
Joan
January 12th, 2010
3:10 pm
Maybe we can just agree to let racist comments slide on both sides, and move back to being able to speak truth without censure. Wouldn’t that be refreshing in this world where political correctness makes you have to look for definitions for some of the terms used to avoid the “awkward” truth. You down with that Cynthia? We just let them all slide.
Jimbo
January 12th, 2010
3:26 pm
cythia you are the racist, go FOX NEWS!
*PROMOTE DRUG TESTING FOR WELFARE, SAVE MILLIONS. (Of course I mean save millions of lives here?! Now that is better than a politcally based unconstitutional obozoplan).
GOP Fantasy
January 12th, 2010
3:35 pm
This latest racial incident is a turning point has been reached in the debate between liberals and conservatives. Liberals don’t have to respond to the conservative drones any more. And shouldn’t. The American people are wise enough to decide for themselves who is electable. Liberals should just now govern, and let the Rush gossip machine implode.
Jimbo
January 12th, 2010
3:41 pm
GOP Fantasy, how did that Kool Aid taste?
mike
January 12th, 2010
3:50 pm
GOP Fantasy –
You are living on another planet
“Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans interviewed in national Gallup Poll surveys describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004. The 21% calling themselves liberal is in line with findings throughout this decade, but is up from the 1990s.”
http://www.gallup.com/poll/120857/Conservatives-Single-Largest-Ideological-Group.aspx
Democrats are about to get crushed in 2010 and watch how quickly they distance themselves from deeply unpopular liberal views.
Your ignorance is laughable.
Rev Al Sharptongue
January 12th, 2010
3:58 pm
Gee!! I do not know how Cynthia can put up with this mindless drivel that is always spewed at her from our so called rational thinking right wing citizens.
The posters show their intellectual inferiority constantly, they distort and whine about liberals and democrats all day. poor little insecure white victims..aaawwww
George
January 12th, 2010
4:22 pm
Hey Tom M. and CT- 4th generation Georgian here- this is the most rascist, hate filled, silly blog I have ever come across. An employee would be fired for referring to a fellow employee in the same manner old boy Harry did to the President. I know it makes you feel better to dribble on and patronize, but understand it is received in the full ignorance of which it is written-
EasternStarGeek
January 12th, 2010
4:23 pm
Hey, SD…
“Actually, Democrats and liberals have already redefined racism to include remarks that are “awkward” or “stupid” so long the individual who voiced them is a Republican or conservative. It is only in the hypocritical case that the speaker is a Democrat or liberal that a mere apology serves to cover the offense.”
Here, let me fix that for you:
Actually, Republicans and centipedes habitually project their hypocrisy onto everyone else but themselves, particularly when it involves things they are incapable of understanding, such as what is racism, and what isn’t.
Ridgerunner
January 12th, 2010
4:41 pm
Cynthia:
Your remarks are deserving of only two words …………. Double Standard.
J.R.
January 12th, 2010
5:21 pm
Everybody is racist to some degree, its just a matter of how much that determines how foolish you are. Every race has a certain prejudice toward their own, that’s just human nature. We are all more comfortable with people who look like us.
Given the problems that face our country today, and for the foreseeable future we need to put petty name-calling aside and find some middle-ground for fixing whats wrong with this country.
And every day I get closer to hoping the Mayans were right because I’m just about fed-up with you all. Now go away!
citizen
January 12th, 2010
5:47 pm
Well, it took a Democrat to explain the vernacular of the African-American dialect. Now, if they will give us a term for those baggy pants.
Bob
January 12th, 2010
5:57 pm
Why does Clinton get a pass on the house boy comment ?
tim t
January 12th, 2010
5:59 pm
so harry basically says darker african americans that dont talk like white people are never going to be elected to national office .
okiegal
January 12th, 2010
6:55 pm
Ragnar Danneskjöld, are you serious? Tom Coburn? I live in Oklahoma. You have no clue what Coburn is about. There is no way that man should ever be President. Coburn would let people die in the streets if it meant taking a penny from the uber rich.
Greed disguised as a Christian. It is one thing to be a conservative, it is another to not give a damn about your fellow humans.
not a CT fan
January 12th, 2010
7:31 pm
I labeled myself “not a CT fan’ after reading CT’s blatantly racist (and very stupid) article criticizing the massive manhunt for Julie Love when the young woman went missing. (She wrote this before the age of internet and blogs.) So when CT points her racist fingers at others, she needs to remember that 3 of them are pointing right back at her.
ck hall
January 12th, 2010
8:27 pm
A Lot of Republicans already find themseleves accused of Racism. So what’s new in your lala land?
gadawg
January 12th, 2010
8:54 pm
My, my Cynthia you continue to present your self as a raciest negro. You were born in Alabama do you speak with a Negro dialect?
Pj
January 12th, 2010
9:30 pm
Jema, those statements were true, I know it hurts but look at the facts. Whites are 7% of the world population and control 90% of the worlds wealth. Now you know that because of colonialism of Africans(slavery) and neo-coloinalism (exploitation of African countries) of the darker skin people of the world (Africans,Asians,Native Americans) you name it, if they were darker whites took advantage and underdeveloped their countries.Now, I’m still a lover of all mankind and I love all people and we must all try to work and respect each other, first of all get your terms correct. Africans and African-Americans can never be racist-racism means white supremacy,because we can’t control the economic,political and social organizations of your communities. But we can be bigots and prejudice!Now Dr. Wright wasn’t lying he just told the truth. Also the statement that the senator made was racist, but that’s how he feels and unfortunately some ignorant whites still feel they just are a little better than anyone with darker skin, but we all know it just one race the human race, with many shades. But study the history of all people and maybe you will have a more balanced world view of people on the planet.
J.R.
January 12th, 2010
10:05 pm
Pj, buy yourself a dictionary. The definition of ‘racism’ is not white supremacy. The correct definition is; the notion that ONES OWN ethnic stock is superior. It is not limited to one race of people. I understand what you were trying to say about one race, but believe me racism is not limited to ignorant white people. First of all get your terms correct.
Dr. Ellen Brandt
January 12th, 2010
10:19 pm
Centrists – Who We Are and What We Stand For
Extremists have become so loud, they’re deafening. And because they shout in perfect sound bites, the media birddog their every rant, however irresponsible or outrageous.
But we believe the political tide’s about to turn with a vengeance. No matter their party affiliation or lack thereof, Americans are disgusted with those who harass to harass, obstruct to obstruct, tear down to tear down. Compromise, consensus, bridge-building, and respect for differing viewpoints have been the hallmarks of American life as long as there’s been an America. We’re certain they will be again.
Please read: The Rest of U.S. – Who We Are and What We Stand For
http://newcentristera.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/the-rest-of-u-s-who-we-are-and-what-we-stand-for/
If you like it, please circulate to your family, friends, and colleagues. Or perhaps to your favorite extremist!
Chris
January 12th, 2010
10:19 pm
Ms. Tucker,
You need to remember this little column that you wrote the next time someone who’s not a liberal says something inappropriate, racists, etc. You are a joke.
mike
January 12th, 2010
10:53 pm
PJ –
” Africans and African-Americans can never be racist”
Well, while we are all making up our own definitions of racism, I declare that white people can never be racist. Neither can guys named Mike. LOL
Sorry to tell you this buddy, but you don’t get to redefine terms to suit your own narrow minded and bigoted views.
Soothsayer
January 12th, 2010
11:02 pm
I think Cynthia must write like this else her Pulitizer will be taken back.
gwenbobi
January 12th, 2010
11:18 pm
I was surprised at how hateful most of the comments seem to be. Trent Lott had a long history of supporting racial discrimation, Harry Reid does not.
We are aware that whites speak differently of minorities in private conversations, just as minorities speak about whites in a different way in private conversations. It is not always what you say but what you do and the views that you support.Like the stupid speak of Fox news and the Glen Becks and Rush limbaugh’s of the world.
J.R.
January 12th, 2010
11:55 pm
gwen, the difference here is that Glen and Rush and Fox News speak the way they do in a public forum for everyone to see or hear. Many AA ministers speak to their black congregations about the evils of “Whitey” every Sunday morning. Its the same thing really.
hoads
January 12th, 2010
11:56 pm
Reid shouldn’t have to step down just like Lott should not have had to step down however, because of a double standard, Republicans do step down while Democrats protect their own. Republicans need to grow a spine and expose the Democrats “racism” charges as the low blow political tactics they are.
Gman
January 13th, 2010
12:10 am
You people obviously don’t know the meaning of the term “double standard” because if you did you wouldn’t use it in this case. Damn hillbillies!