American Morning
Avlon: 'Wingnuts' hit new congressional low
Editor’s note: John P. Avlon is the author of Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics and writes a weekly column for The Daily Beast. Previously, he served as Chief Speechwriter for New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and was a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/17/wingnuts.johnson.wilson.gi.art.jpg caption="Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)."]
Who knew that we could hit a new congressional low so quickly after the summer recess – or that the uncivil outburst would become a conservative rallying cry approaching absurd folk hero status?
But that’s what happened to South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson since he shouted “you lie!” at President Obama during a joint session of Congress last week.
It was, by all internal accounts, an unhinged moment of anger. Wilson apologized to the president soon after and was roundly criticized by the likes of John McCain and other leading Republicans. He became the face of our coarsening civic dialogue, a sign that Tea Party anger is gaining currency in Congress.
Then he started raising conservative cash by the boatload, as his local Democratic opponent did the same. Hyper-partisan talk radio came rallying to his side. Wilson said he’d stop apologizing and hired a media consultant. Soon it was Wilson who was playing the victim card, with online ads that proclaimed “Joe Wilson is Under Attack.”
At the 9/12 protests in DC, I saw dozens of signs expressing their solidarity with Wilson – “Joe Wilson speaks for me,” “Joe Wilson told the truth,” “He speaks for patriots,” and “Palin-Wilson 2012.”
This week, the House decided to offer the first formal resolution rebuking a congressman for speaking out while the president was giving an address in its history. Wilson deserved it for his wing-nuttery, but my guess is that it will only make him more of a martyr to the fringe.
That’s also likely to be the impact of one Democratic congressman’s argument for the official rebuke. Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia told reporters that Wilson’s ugly outburst "did not help the cause of diversity and tolerance with his remarks.”
No problem so far. But then Congressman Johnson brought the specter of the KKK into it. “I guess we'll probably have folks putting on white hoods and white uniforms again and riding through the countryside, intimidating people," he said. "That's the logical conclusion if this kind of attitude is not rebuked."
On "Wingnuts of the Week," we’ve condemned overuse of KKK, communist and Nazi references in domestic political debates from whatever the source. Wilson and Johnson’s remarks are not equivalent, but saying that idiotic incivility will lead logically to a resurgence of the KKK doesn’t help the argument or the healing process. The moderate majority of Americans see Wilson’s comments for what they are – an unhinged ugliness bubbling up around this president.
The wingnuts' increasing influence in American politics should be a wake-up call – it is a challenge to the idea that what unites us is greater than what divides us as Americans. Expect more turbulence this fall – and more reason for us to call out the extremes and keep them accountable.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John Avlon.
What’s on Tap – Friday September 18th, 2009
Here are the big stories on the agenda today:
- Sources say the threat is very real and the FBI is saying nothing. Terrorists in the U.S. plotting an attack on New York City subways or commuter trains. Raids in Queens set off red flags. And the investigation has spread all the way to the Rockies. We'll tell you what our sources are saying.
- It was a tragic case: a team pushing themselves to the limit at football practice. It ended with a teen dead, three days later. The coach, who was charged with reckless homicide, has now been acquitted. We'll tell you what happened in court and talk with one of the prosecutors in the case.
- Millions were spent at border crossings in the middle of no where, but is anyone any safer because of it? The CNN Special Investigations Unit has some tough questions for the Department of Homeland Security and members of congress.
- It’s becoming one of the biggest awww moments of all time. By now you’ve probably seen the little girl throw her dad’s prized foul ball back at the Phillies game. How would you react? Well, he reacted with love. And the whole family is here live!
Dressing the first lady
Fashion insiders have known about Isabel Toledo for years – they call her a designer's designer.
But most of America had never heard of her until Michelle Obama walked out on Inauguration Day wearing a lemongrass lace dress and coat designed by Toledo. It made her a household name.
We were there with her on Inauguration day, so eight months later, how's she doing? We went back to pay a visit, and boy, has her life changed.
Check out our behind-the-scenes photos by CNN Producer Ethel Bass.
We Listen – Your comments 9/17/2009
Editor's Note: Former President Carter’s remarks on racism continued to resonate with Thursday’s American Morning audience. The majority were in agreement with Mr. Carter’s assessment. Others objected, believing President Obama’s policies were at fault; and blacks, not whites, were using the “race card,” rather than concentrating on the issues.
Agree
- Dorothy: The sad state of America is the fact of the disbelief and the realization that RACISM is a fact in the US. RACISM is alive and when you do your jobs and investigate RACISM. President Carter is correct.
- Douglas: I am a white male baby boomer that grew up in the deep south (Mobile), and presently live in North Carolina. I heard someone mention that former President Jimmy Carter was irrelevant. Not so! He hit the nail square on the head and for those to deny what he said as true are living in a world that is far removed from reality. I was a 'freedom fighter' and crossed race lines during the sixties to fight for civil rights, knowing that not only was I fighting against Jim Crowe, but also for future generations against bigotry, hatred and oppression and for equal rights for all. The vitriol that has continued no matter how subtle it may seem to have been is there in the back roads of minds of small minded, undereducated people. The fight continues against such issues; anyone who spouts a belief in GOD and continues to do such does not understand GOD's love for all and thank GOD for persons like Jimmy Carter for taking a stand and telling it in the bully pulpit that he has access to, as we out here who do fight daily against those attitudes know exactly what he means. He is not our black president (Obama); he is our president!! Take out references to color!! +thank you.
- Bahe: My comment is for the question regarding Pres Jimmy Carters statement RE racism. I think the president is right. Racism is "bubbling" to the top in politics and in the news media, i.e., Lou Dobbs, RushBo, etc. I am Native American. I have lived through racism. I know what it's like. President Carter also has lived in an environment of racism. When you are a part of it either as it's victim or live along side it, I think you can tell what it is. Pres Obama tries to deny it because I don't think he has lived in a racist area. Or has never been affected by it up till now. Maybe his upbringing by white mom and white grandparents shielded him from much hate. But now he's in the real world. And Joe Wilson just showed him up front and personal about racism. I don't care much for either party, but I can admit to what I see. It's Racism!
Disagree
- Yvonne: It is NOT racism, it's the issues of Government control and the background and associations this President has! For Pete's Sake, just look at the issues and his background!!!
- Sharon: The only "racists" that I know are "black". THEY are the ones that keep playing the "race card". Many "whites" supported and voted for Obama. I even sang his praises in the beginning and made the statement that he could be the best president we have ever had. Then came the "czars" with their radical beliefs and agendas. Pelosi is brain dead. Obama is anti-American with his actions and agendas. Race has nothing to do with it. Government corruption, lies, deceit, and agendas has everything to do with Obama's falling popularity. We no longer trust or can believe that the White House has America's best interest at heart. I have never seen so much betrayal by an American administration nor "mainstream" media.
- Theresa: Mr. Carter and the rest who are promoting the racism card are off base, & are making fools of themselves & are creating division. Assuming the worst because of a few idiots makes a fool out of those who say this. I am insulted by such statements and views. I disagree with Pres. Obama's policies: abortion, immigration, health care take over, Medicare reduction of services. He is the most liberal person ever elected and his Senate record is more liberal (progressive) than Kennedy. I felt the same way with the previous Dem that ran for President if these were their policies. I would not vote for Ted Kennedy for the same reason. Does that make me prejudiced against Catholics? Oh, I am one. My daughter is the same race as Obama what difference does that make. It isn’t just Carter it is the media who keep raising this "possibility" to see if it has legs. YOU are supposed to be critical of the powers that be.. You had no problem with Bush why can't you investigate, check out and "pretend" that you are objective! Is there anyone there that can be an Edward R Morrow????
Who’s right in this debate? Is there a possibility that BOTH sides could be correct in their assessments on race?
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Rollins: Carter is wrong on Obama opposition
CNN Senior Political Contributor
Editor's note: Ed Rollins, a senior political contributor for CNN, is senior presidential fellow at the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency at Hofstra University. He was White House political director for President Reagan and chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/09/17/rollins.obama.tv.health/art.ed.rollins.courtesy.jpg caption="Ed Rollins says opposition to health care reform is about the substance, not the president's race."]
NEW YORK (CNN) - President Obama is about to undertake a full-scale blitz of all the Sunday talk shows to try to convince the American people one more time of the merits of his health care plan.
This is after he has spoken on the subject publicly more than 100 times and after he just gave a nationwide speech before the Congress and the country.
I know this is his highest priority, but what else can he say to turn around the nearly half the country that doesn't want his health care plan? And if he told us honestly that the plan he and the Democrats are proposing could cost you more and cut services for those on Medicare, even more people would be opposed.
This is now an inside game. There are House versions and a Senate version of the reform bill. It's a question of how do you get them passed and get them to a conference committee to work out the differences.
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