September 12, 2008
End of Community Organizer Debate?
During an event to promote national service last night, Sen. John McCain sought to downplay controversial remarks that his vice presidential candidate and other campaign supporters have been saying about community organizers.
According to The Chronicle, the Republican from Arizona said that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s comments were in response to charges that she lacks government experience. But, he added, “of course I respect community organizers. Of course I respect people who serve the community.”
The controversy started when during a speech at the Republican National Convention, Ms. Palin said, “Being a mayor of a town is like being a community organizer, but with responsibilities.”
In response to Mr. McCain’s remarks, two left-leaning magazines, The American Prospect and Salon, said the senator failed to quell the debate.
What do you think? Did Mr. McCain soften the concerns about Ms. Palin’s remarks?
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It wasn’t just Palin who insulted community organizers. Giuliani said Obama “worked as a community organizer,” then laughed and continued, “Okay, maybe this is the first problem on the resume.”
Both of these comments got lots of laughter from the Republican delegates. I think that tells us everything we need to know.
Until McCain can admit that the statements themselves were wrong, he doesn’t even have my respect, much less my vote.
— jcm Sep 12, 06:32 PM #
This nonsensical “controversy” and question miss the real point. The reason some make light of Sen. Obama’s experience as a “community organizer” is NOT because they aim to denigrate community activism or public service. Some unthinking people have even gone so far to say that others are using the term as a “code word” for “black,” unnecessarily making this into a racial issue.
Rather, it is because working (or volunteering) in a role like this is simply NOT a solid qualification to serve as chief executive of the United States of America.
I respect community organizers. My wife has been one in the past. But I do not believe their good work in this regard makes them eligible to lead the free world.
— ht Sep 13, 01:08 AM #