Friday, October 10, 2008

Somebody is going to get hurt...

The frenzied hate being drummed up at the McCain-Palin rage rallies has gone beyond a sort of amusing parody into the danger zone. It gets worse every day and if the candidates don't call for calm soon, it's probably only a matter of time before one of their more enthusiastic fans turns the chants into a rampage. Hard to see how they can consider this a wise or honorable strategy. It's damned dangerous.

Meanwhile, here's some notable quotes on the subject:

Steve Benen: "Weaver added that the Republican Party should be "ashamed" if it allows this to continue. Given what we've seen of late, they should be ashamed anyway."

Josh Marshall: "Borderline criminal incitement will do that. But hey, whatever it takes."

Joe Klein: "McCain hasn't done the right thing all year. His campaign is appalling, as the New York Times editorial board said today--and more, it is a national disgrace."

Former Republican Gov. of Michigan, William Milliken: ""He is not the McCain I endorsed. I'm disappointed in the tenor and the personal attacks on the part of the McCain campaign, when he ought to be talking about the issues."

Greg Sargent: "The point is, McCain is letting this whack-job fear and hysteria ride across the board, and is even encouraging it. That's news, and you'd think it would get some serious and aggressive treatment from the big news orgs."

WSJ: "Mark Salter, a senior McCain adviser, says Sen. McCain is "happy" with the campaign. "We believe we can turn this around and fight our way back," Mr. Salter said."

But at what cost Mr. Salter? It reminds me of that old saying about burning down the house to get rid of a mosquito.

Update: More quotes and it's useful to remember, we've seen this before.

Update Two: Yet more reactions.

[More posts daily at The Newshoggers and The Detroit News.]

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6 Comments:

Blogger spocko said...

You are correct. And someone HAS already been hurt. But not bad enough or connected directly enough.

I wrote about this last year at this time.

http://www.spockosbrain.com/2007/10/what-happens-day-after-they-spill-blood

4:53:00 PM  
Blogger Litzz11@yahoo.com said...

Weaver added that the Republican Party should be "ashamed" if it allows this to continue. Given what we've seen of late, they should be ashamed anyway."


Indeed, that is exactly what I thought when I drove past my local McCain/Palin campaign HQ today. I thought, you know what this piece of public sidewalk needs? A rally of Obama supporters shouting "stop the smears!!!!!"

5:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What scares me is that these mobs might go after John McCain himself.

They're there for Mooselini, not him.

He's playing with fire and he doesn't realize it.

5:17:00 PM  
Blogger Libby Spencer said...

Spocko, I forgot about that but I recall it now that you mention it. That was a real low in the smearosphere.

SoBeale, what a great idea.

Apprentice, I've had that same thought myself.

6:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wrote about the physical risks Obama faces a long time ago. In fact, I'll be surprised if there is not some kind of attempt made on his life. He is much to conscientious, progressive and intelligently and methodically in tune for the American people to understand. So, being the violent, ignorant mob they have become, someone will just try to take him out. God help us if they succeed.

6:05:00 AM  
Blogger Libby Spencer said...

I think we're all worried about that Brian. But it's not even just Obama. A crowd that bloodthirsty can be incited into going out and just hurting random Obama supporters.

8:13:00 AM  

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