Posted on 02/27/2008 9:46:35 AM PST by SmithL
NASHVILLE - Tennessee Republican Chairman Robin Smith says she stands by the state party's use of "Barack Hussein Obama" in party criticism of the Democratic presidential candidate - even though John McCain says it's inappropriate.
McCain, holding a big lead in the Republican presidential race, Tuesday apologized for criticism of Obama by a radio talk show host who introduced McCain at a rally. Asked if it was proper to refer to Obama by using his middle name, the Associated Press reports that McCain replied:
"No, it is not. Any comment that is disparaging of either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama is totally inappropriate."
The state GOP on Monday issued a press release under the headline "Anti-Semites for Obama" that begins:
"The Tennessee Republican Party today joins a growing chorus of Americans concerned about the future of the nation of Israel, the only stable democracy in the Middle East, if Sen. Barack Hussein Obama is elected president of the United States."
The release cites Obama's support from Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan and other controversial figures.
Smith said today that McCain's comments do not change the state party's stance and the state GOP will continue to use Obama's middle name. That's no different than saying "Hillary Rodham Clinton" or "Richard Milhouse Nixon," she said.
"John McCain has to be elected. Robin Smith doesn't," she said. "We have a duty to inform the Republican base."
She said Farrakhan is known for "hateful, anti-Jewish, anti-Israel statements" and when the Nation of Islam leader "essentially endorsed" Obama, "it called out for our statement."
State Democratic Chairman Gray Sasser says the comments of Ohio radio show host Bill Cunningham that were repudiated by McCain are of the same tone as the Tennessee Republican criticism - "based on discredited Internet tall tales and innuendo that is designed to appeal to the worst in people."
He said other Tennesseee Republican leaders should follow McCain's lead and repudiate the tactics of Smith and the state GOP.
Hmmmm...I wonder of it’s too late for Barack to change his middle name.....
“Hussein” deflects attention from the real issue: Obama’s promotion and endorsement of anti-Semites, racists, and Catholic-haters. http://www.israpundit.com/2008/?p=93 for more.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.