John Lewis is one of three wisest people McCain will rely on if he becomes President.

[dkf]

That is such a load of pandering crap.

Seriously, is that even a consideration? I'd like to know what position McCain is going to put John Lewis in.

How often do they talk anyway?

Its laughable.

[Avalux]

1. I'm going to sound stupid, but who is John Lewis?

I missed that along the way somewhere....

[TwilightGardener]

3. I believe he is a Congressman and civil rights activist.

[dkf]

5. Civil rights leader and black member of the House of Representatives.

[Avalux]

6. Thanks. Got it now and yes - LAUGHABLE. n/t

[grantcart]

59. exactly 12 people outside of DU knew that he was referencing that Lewis

His answer to this shows that he either knew the question or his handlers guessed it.

[cyndensco]

78. My husband and I were in disbelief.

Could it be that John Lewis? Yeah, he knew the question.

He also wanted to talk about the horrors in "Rwanda."

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. African-American Democratic Congressman from Georgia, civil rights leader

http://johnlewis.house.gov/

[TwilightGardener]

2. Yeah, that's to make up for McBigot fighting against MLK Day all those years...

I'm just SUUURE that Mr. Lewis admires McCain right back, huh?

[dkf]

8. Well apparently John Lewis has been a key advisor of McCain's for years.

Yeah right!

[Iris]

11. oy! You scared me for a moment!

I've voted for John Lewis repeatedly!

[marmar]

4. Mierda del toro.....

A big heaping pile of it. ..... The pander-bear is at it again.

[lamp_shade]

9. I wonder how John Lewis feels about this. I'm sure we'll find out.

[Iris]

12. I hope so. He's not one to be silent about something like that! n/t

[blogslut]

10. Total crap

I am dying to hear what John Lewis thinks about McLame's comment.

[Spazito]

13. Yep!

McBush tried to pander to as many sectors as he could in listing his three "wisest" people:

The General = rah rah war supporters

The Female CEO = rah rah Hillary supporters

John Lewis = see, I like black people

It was beyond hilarious in it's transparency, imo.

[Lucinda]

14. McCain has spoken of his admiration of Lewis before.

I think he genuinely respects the man.

There are lots of things to hit Mccain about, but I dont think this is one of them....

[dkf]

15. The question wasn't who you admire, its who you rely on.

[gblady]

18. it was who is the wisest person...

that you would rely on in your administration.

[Lucinda]

22. And I see no reason to think he wouldn't ask Lewis for council

Obama speaks very highly of Lugar and appears to value his opinion. I see a lot I like in Olympia Snowe. The us against them mentality isn't really reality for many who work in congress.
And hasn't been part of Obama's message either...

[dkf]

24. Obama and Lugar are in the Senate. Therefore they speak and work together.

McCain is in the Senate and Lewis is in the House.

I'm curious to know how often they speak. If they haven't had a meaningful conversation in the last year, would you consider McCain a liar?

[Lucinda]

29. They had the public exchange back in April about McCains comments on the stump about Lewis

I have no idea how often they may speak or run into each other in DC.

I also don't feel the need to paint McCain as a liar to support a Democratic POTUS.

[dkf]

32. I'm not doing it to support Obama. I think he is lying.

and so blatantly that I find it hilarious.

[Lucinda]

34. Why do you think he'd pick Lewis with that audience?

What the gain?

[TwilightGardener]

37. Because it sounds good to look like you give a shit about civil rights, no

matter what the forum or audience. Please, since you're here on DU to defend McCain, list all of the work and positions and legislation that McCain has made to promote blacks and civil rights.

[Lucinda]

43. LOL

You're funny.

[TwilightGardener]

51. You now officially look like an ass. You have no answers to back

up your assertions that McShithead cares about civil rights.

[Lucinda]

56. You don't deserve an answer dear. You attack me implying i'm a McCain apologist

and seriously expect me to chat with you?

You're funny. Seriously.

[TwilightGardener]

63. You don't have an answer--that's why.

[dkf]

40. His audience was the TV audience.

He had to throw something to the independents before he scared them with his bellicosity and his anti-choice rhetoric.

[Lucinda]

42. I dont think so......

He's spoken about Lewis for a while now, it isnt a new name for him...and he's got trouble with his own base...guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one

[dkf]

45. His base is the MSM and independents.

[Lucinda]

58. Well the MSM are certainly his cheerleaders.

And they haven't wasted any time proving it. I was referring to the Rep base though, which has been very unhappy he was the nom. At least the ones in my little corner of the world.

[TwilightGardener]

49. What does he disagree with now, in relation to his base? Besides

a weak stand against global warming and ANWR drilling? What aren't they happy about? He's now pro-life, he's doing his best to constantly suck evangelical dick, he's now FOR Bush tax cuts (used to oppose them), now FOR offshore drilling, promotes endless war in Iraq, bellicose towards Russia--wants a new Cold War, threatens war with Iran, surrounds himself with folks like Randy Scheuneman, Hagee, Lieberman, John Bolton, all the best of the neocon/Second Coming nutcases. Please tell me how he's not actively bending over for his "base". Show me how he's still the "honest maverick" of your fantasies.

[bornskeptic]

60. So you believe that when he has a tough decision to make as President

he will call a conference with General Petraeus, John Lewis, and the ceo of Ebay?

[dkf]

64. haha that is such a laugher I can't stand it!!!

[TwilightGardener]

46. I'm waiting...since you think McCain genuinely loves black people

and cares about civil rights...what are his votes on affirmative action? Social programs designed to help minorities and poor people get ahead? Was he out front during the Katrina debacle, trying to rally Americans to help the poor blacks of NOLA the way he tried to rally us to Georgia's cause? Did he vote for, or actively OPPOSE, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.? Did he or did he not recently suggest "clamping down" on inner cities in a "surge" against violence, and treating the residents of those cities as we treated Iraqis in Baghdad? I'm waiting for you to prove your assertions, since you think McCain is an honest champion of civil rights.

[Spazito]

52. LOL, I am hearing the sound of crickets....

I wonder why?

[Lucinda]

57. Because the doggie isn't worth my time.

[Spazito]

65. Of course not....

When one cannot produce proof of what one espoused, the only response can be "not worth my time". A poster is better served if they would just admit they can't prove their post, they just "feel" it is true. Not doing that states, glaringly, the poster didn't have a leg to stand on in the first place.

[Lucinda]

62. I assume he loves his daughter. Perhaps you don't?

[TwilightGardener]

66. ??--his daughter isn't black. She's from Bangladesh.

Holy God, you're ignorant.

[Lucinda]

73. There was my point...

"Here" is you missing it...

[cyndensco]

79. Maybe he'll rely on him next MLK Day to hold his umbrella at the Lorraine.

[Bluerthanblue]

19. I wish I shared your

faith in McCains authenticity. The entire 'tone' of his remarks last night made it difficult to hear it as anything more than "pandering" and self-promoting.


Can you send me a bit of your good faith ?

I really hate feeling this cynical.

[Lucinda]

25. LOL

I get the caution. He IS a politician.

I've seen nothing in McCain that makes me feel he panders though. Every Rep I know, and I know many, don't like him because he doesn't tell them what they want to hear.

I think he's probably a pretty good guy.

Doesn't mean I agree with him much, or want him as POTUS, but I don't have to make him a villian in order to support our candidate. It's a little too simplistic an approach for me.

[dkf]

27. Maybe that used to be true. But he made a deal with the Fundies and

now all he does is pander.

You ever heard him say he would be a pro-life President with pro-life policies before? First time I heard it was last night. How long has he been a politician? Forever!

[TwilightGardener]

28. You have to be the least-informed person on DU, if you don't think

McAsshole is a shameless panderer. If you still think he's a Mavericky Good Guy, then you seriously don't belong here.

[Lucinda]

30. Well I'm not going anywhere.....so I guess you'll just have to ignore me

[TwilightGardener]

31. It's sad, because you're definitely not on our team.

But I'm going to follow you around and call you on your bullshit.

[Lucinda]

33. I think Obama would disagree with you.....happy following

[dkf]

44. I admire that you still see McCain as he was. But he's changed.

Look at John Edwards. Some people don't do well when they run for President and McCain is one of them. He has sold his soul to be President.

[Lucinda]

54. I lost what respect I had for him as a politician in 2000

when he let junior run over him and yet quickly stepped back into the fold. But that's political survival so I understand it. It's also why I could never be a politician.

I see politics and politicians as being on a continuum. And issues like abortion are slippery for people who factor their faith into their views. When that's combined with adamant single issue voters, it's got to be a tough road for all of them to walk.

People, and some issues are complex. With a few exceptions, I dont think politicains break down into absolute good and evil piles. I also don't need to vilify anyone to make choices. And I've seen a LOT of that going on online over the years.

[TwilightGardener]

61. Tell me what you admire about McCain. Is it his willingness to speak

out against the book by Corsi? Ooops, he laughed it off. Is it the fact that he still disavows the swiftboaters and smear artists? Oops, he's using some of them to help his campaign. Is it his strong stands on the issues? Oops, he's flip-flopped on nearly ALL of them to appease his base, except endless war. Is it the way he stands up to the "agents of intolerance" of the religious right? Ooops, he's in bed with them now. Is it the principled folks he surrounds himself with--all the various lobbyists, Rove's protege who's now running his campaign, Phil "Enron Loophole" Gramm? Is it the way he treats his wife (you know, the cunt/trollop)? Is it the way he's welcoming 527's to influence the election in his favor, totally subverting his big (phony) CFR crusade of years past? Is it his sharp memory and command of the facts? Is it his steadfast refusal to use his POW years for political gain? (oops, he's now a noun, a verb, and POW). Please let me know why you think he's decent, and not just another vicious Republican asshole.

[Lucinda]

68. LOL

You're a persistent pup. But you're wasting your time dear. I don't wanna play with you today...

[TwilightGardener]

70. You were pwned.

[Lucinda]

72. LOL

[Bluerthanblue]

41. FOUL-

bad form Wienerdoggie.

Anyone who demands lock-step perspectives among Democrats, or for that matter human beings might do well to take a step back and re-evaluate their vision.

If we cannot tolerate someone who chooses to see others in a generous or optimistic light, we are headed towards becoming a pretty dark and ugly mess.

[TwilightGardener]

48. Nope. Perfectly good form. I don't demand lock-step. I DO demand

truth.

[Bluerthanblue]

50. truth about one's perspective is

relative.

You and I see McCain as manipulative and mean spirited- Wlucinda doesn't view him as being knowingly malicious. That is a 'judgement call'- not something that is black/white. Wlucinda isn't saying they support McCain, simply that they percieve McCain to personally 'own' what he claims to believe.

[TwilightGardener]

53. When I said he/she was the least-informed person on DU, I meant it.

That was an honest assessment, because anyone who's been watching this campaign for any length of time knows all about McCain and his many, many dishonest, pandering positions, dick moves, and outright lies. Of course, I'm trying very hard not to outright call this person a troll, but it's difficult. I can't believe someone on DU, at this late date, thinks McLame is a "genuine maverick" whose heart is basically in the right place. It's insane.

[Bluerthanblue]

55. your assessment of Wlucinda isn't what I'm calling foul on-

it is your statement that they "don't belong here".

You can only speak for yourself, as all of us do. Your opinion of who belongs here is just that, your opinion. I would not want your opinion to be adopted as 'rule', because if it was, this world- DU the Democratic party, this nation would be a pretty closed minded, and intolerant place.

THAT is what I called foul on, and your threat to follow WLucinda around is IMO 'poor form' and pretty childish.

I don't demand that everyone share my opinion of people, I do demand that they allow me to think what I think without risk of being threatened.

peace~

[TwilightGardener]

69. I won't allow people to spread untrue positive characterizations

of our Repub opponent on DU. I also don't allow people to spread untrue NEGATIVE characterizations of Repubs who are worthy of defense. I will follow them around and call them on their bullshit, if I think they're wrong. If someone wants to promote McCain as a "maverick" and a good guy on DU, you can bet I will be there to say something. And yeah, if someone is promoting McShit as an equally decent man (compared to Obama) who just happens to differ with Democrats on some policies, then they don't really belong here. That's my opinion, and I'm entitled to it.

[Bluerthanblue]

71. so, Wlucinda has to believe that McCain is a bad person

a worthless human being they don't belong here?




You sure you want to play by those rules???? How do YOU come up with the characteristics that are required to pass 'your' muster?

And who are YOU to be the 'decider'???


we aren't likely to ever agree on this- and IMO that is ok- I respect your right to believe what you do- and don't feel the need to bend you to my 'will' in order to feel that you have every right to 'be here' and participate fully in any and all discussions between who ever you like.

peace~

[TwilightGardener]

74. Well, I'm doing a public service by showing someone how they're

wrong, from my perspective and from use of facts and history. If Miss WLucinda has an armory of facts to prove that I'm wrong, and that McCain is indeed a sincere lifelong champion of civil rights (which is how this whole thing started), then we can have a true, reasoned, informed argument. But, that was not to be. I am the Decider in my own mind, same as you are in yours. The whole purpose of this board is to offer opinions and render judgment. I rendered mine on her stupid and baseless assertions that McCain is a big believer in civil rights, and that he gives a genuine shit about civil rights leaders like Lewis. She couldn't back it up with fact and legislative history, she just chose to take him at his word, which is intellectually lazy.

edit to add: so if someone here intends to ignore fact and reasoned argument and still make claims favorable to our GOP opponent, they don't belong here.

[gblady]

36. i don't think he was pandering to Lewis...

he was pandering to voters.

[TwilightGardener]

23. Please. He's McShame's chosen "token black" leader, for political purposes.

He couldn't give a shit about the civil rights movement, or black people in general--his entire legislative career proves it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

67. Yes but does John Lewis respect McCain?

That's the larger question here.

[Lucinda]

75. Dunno. But he responded well to McCains comments.

[elehhhhna]

16. We should overlay their voting records and ask McC WHEN he's going to start

listening to Lewis.

http://www.ontheissues.org/GA/John_Lewis.htm

http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/John_McCain.htm

[dkf]

17. I'd like to know a single thing he has relied on John Lewis for.

[gblady]

20. that would be...

very interesting to compare their voting records.
Great point.

on edit...
I looked briefly at their voting records
And they are about as diametrically opposed as they could be.

Talk about pandering to the max...
actually, his answer was a downright lie to the question asked.
who is the wisest person you would rely on for guidance in your administration.

[elehhhhna]

26. I'm looking at them now. Not aligned whatsoever. Surprised?

[TheCowsCameHome]

21. "My dentist, My barber, My friends"

Yuck.

[QC]

35. Sam Nunn was already spoken for. n/t

[Top Cat]

38. Bull

[monomach]

39. If John lewis is so incredibly wise and all...

Shouldn't McCain back the same candidate Lewis is backing?

You know...Barack Obama?

[WinkyDink]

47. McCain has single-handedly saved from extinction the Pander Bear.

But it sounded better to Middle America than "wife and Grandma", I'll bet.

[peacebaby3]

76. Well, if he is going to listen to and rely on John Lewis, then he is voting Obama for President. n/t

[butterfly77]

77. That is his newest strategy...

naming anything or situation that involves black people, the senior citizens who were black women in New Orleans, the NAACP and this garbage. He named them all last night.