CNN

Yep people this what Democrats think of the south ...and you wonder why they cant ever compete in presidental elections. the left has the biggest prejuduce and are the biggest hypocrits

Dear jeff you have a brain. have you cheked lately. do you relize the deverseity of this sport? guess not. well let me fill your , well i was going to say dumb ass, but i wont, in. there are folks of all walks and backrounds that enjoy this sport. if this comment were said about attending a nba game what do think the fall out would have been? I live in a town where the average home costs 750,000.00. know where im more at home? at any race track. there are real people that care about one another. when was the last time you had a news event about a brawl at a nascar event. never! it doesnt happen. as deverse as the crowd is we love the sport and in this country have a right to enjoy it with out some loud mouth, no nothing, never been to a race , dumb ass like you or the senator making comments. go to a race see what i mean.......

Imagine if he were a Republican who said the same thing to a group of people BEFORE attending an "Ice skating show"?

Who would rightfully be offended then?

Think about it.

We non-liberals would say, that was a dumb thing to say and you liberals along with the MSM would have this as story one, page one for a week.

like republican reps hang out with rednecks at nascar? they are about big business not ignorant rednecks they just use them to get elected

Only red necks go to Nascar and they shouldn't be allowed to vote anyway.

How do you immunize yourself from the truth....the Dems know how to do that. And those filthy Southern Republicans are going to give the pansy Dems some dread disease....it won't be a backbone I am sure. What bums

where's the outrage for benny,s comments about nascar, if a rep would have said what he said yoiu liberals would still be talking about it, that makes you seem very hipocriticle in reporting, and finally the only global warming is between al gores ears, and that,s all that's in there.

Do these same staffers ride the subway in Washington, DC without their hepatitis, tetanus and other shots?

Do they ever go to Walter Reed hospital to visit our troops? Without their hepatitis, tetanus and other shots?

Me thinks the Congressman opened mouth and inserted foot!

"Seems that we are a culture of 'C+' aspiration, where everyone has to avoid offending the delicate sensibilities of middle-class Christian white Americans, perhaps the least (actual) put-upon class of humans in the world"

–

I would challenge this statement. In fact the last bastions of permitted "group bashing" are White – Male – Fat – Christians. Choose one or take them all ... writing offensive remarks assumes the offended individual will be "tolerant".

Write something offensive about Jews (2800 angry posts and counting), Gays, Blacks, Women, etc – and be prepared to be labeled: homophobic, sexist, racist, etc.

How about a LITTLE bit of honesty?????

Oh yeah – forgot one more – rednecks are ok to insult. Right??

"Seems that we are a culture of 'C+' aspiration, where everyone has to avoid offending the delicate sensibilities of middle-class Christian white Americans, perhaps the least (actual) put-upon class of humans in the world."

Sean-I will be shamelessly stealing this gem!

This isn't as much of an issue as some would suggest.

Lots of employers recommend immunization before attending large events with thousands of people. My company does it every year, and even brings in medical staff to give the shots. It's cheaper than paying for sick employees.

Diseases can spread easily in large crowds of people. It's a fact.

This isn't a social statement, it's a precaution.

Strike another (pseudo) victory for Republican mud-slinging tactics. What makes so-called middle-Americans think that anyone in the Republican party is 'in touch' with their concerns, or comes from a background that resembles their own at all? Is it only because they pepper their speech with hackneyed, Cold-war era phrases like "red-blooded, patriotic Americans?" How boring; Repubs are going to have to start getting a bit more creative if they think that Rove-style divisiveness is going to keep working. Feel free to stay in that box, that stereotype, if it makes 'middle-Americans' feel better about yourselves. Republicans play the game of setting Americans against each other around these arbitrary lines of class, religion, sexuality and allegiance. However, every single major Republican politician is likewise a member of the 'elite', according to the calumnious criteria with which they charge their equally privileged Democrat counterparts. I thought it was part of the American dream to better yourself, to earn more, to become well educated, to have the right to intelligent and strong leadership. Seems that we are a culture of 'C+' aspiration, where everyone has to avoid offending the delicate sensibilities of middle-class Christian white Americans, perhaps the least (actual) put-upon class of humans in the world. However, the last two election results show that this self-styled 'class' of voter is quite far from the majority interest; and personally I am happy to enjoy car-racing and football and barbecues, but I don't think I want Ricky Bobby leading the country (which compared to Bush would still be an improvement..).

do you they make an immunization for stoooooopid? I'm in Florida, I could sure as hell use one.

I am amazed and utterly dismayed. I've read most of these if not all of these comments. I've read about liberals who are upset that the conservatives have made an issue about this. I've also read about conservatives who are upset that the liberals are upset about it. I've seen references to Rush, Bush, Kennedy, and a few others.

First of all, while I'm not the least bit interested in NASCAR, I'm not going to call people who enjoy it fat or lazy or dumb. No. I'm happy that people who enjoy NASCAR are getting to do what they enjoy. If watching a group of cars go around in a circle many times really fast makes them happy, then more power to them. They have just as much right as the rest of you to pursue happiness so long as it doesn't infringe on another's right to do the same.

Second, Neither party is truly in touch with the American people. Both parties are quite guilty of making comments and taking actions that have had negative results. For all those liberals who are about to tell me otherwise, think about NAFTA. For all those conservatives who just said, right on, CAFTA doesn't inspire much confidence either.

The One and only post that I found worth reading was from A Farmer in Farmer City, IL. And, he/she is absolutely right. Those who believe that winning is the only important thing and that it doesn't matter how we get there should not be allowed to vote. And, I'm talking about both sides conservative and liberal. Simply put, those of you who are in this flame war for the sake of putting down another have made the issue, your whole political beliefs, so personal that you can't possibly think straight.

And, the last time I checked, that NASCAR fan that some of you are so fond of putting down works in the auto parts store or changes tired or serves meals, or puts out fires, and arrests criminals, builds your roads, or builds buildings, or cooks at restaurants, etc., etc., etc. Gee, they sound like those very same people many of you like to call Working Class Americans that you so claim to love. Now, not all Working Class Americans are NASCAR fans but many are.

And, while we're on the subject of Working Class Americans, do all of your consider Actors and Actresses and Politicians and Sport Personalities and other Rich people not Working Class too? Most of them had to work hard to get there. Tiger Woods wasn't born a professional golfer. He has to work very hard to get there. Paul McCartney wasn't born a musician. He had to work very hard to get there too. So did almost every famous person who know.

RIDICULOUS
To take a recommendation given to staffers on a fact finding mission this far is moronic! when the last Republican-led congress woke Pres. Bush at 3:00am in the morning to have him hault procedures that would allow Terri Shiavo to rest in peace, he cited he did it to be in the side of caution, after ALL courts in the land had given the O.K. That I believe was a much bigger outrage than what the Republicans seem to be offended by... so perhaps the congressman is over-concern... he did not make those recommendations to the public, he never suggested ALL AMERICANS SHOULD VACCINATE before attending, why couldn't the republicans be mature enough to question him in private about it and RESOLVING the situation... this is TOTALLY POLITICAL and it is a VERY CHEAP SHOT.

They took out the lead in the gas there,finally,to restore three or four IQ points in the crowd but you're still breathing in the benzene! You're an idiot for exposing yourself and your children to this poison. Watch it on TV and spare yourselves the cancer. This is a REAL threat,not a viral scare! This is what they're hiding with this. Put up a phony issue to hide the real one. Remember-there is no b-3 bomber okay?

NO SURPRISE HERE. The Democrats in Washington State government in Olympia, WA spurned a development proposal for a NASCAR track in their state this year saying they didn't want 'that kind of people' making up their neighborhoods. Democrats continually have a 'hand out for begging and a mouth full of much obliged'. They are full of themselves in SNOBBERY but very light headed in SUBSTANCE. No 'meat and potatoes' for the masses. Only wine and lobster at the tables of the False Overseers.

Ha ha, is this really the kind of press releases they are putting out now?

Sad.

Rep Thompson should have recommended that his staff get immunized for red-state stupidness. If these people vote republican in the alleged numbers that has been mention then they do come down with extreme mental discombobulation from attending such events.

Any Republican that would get outraged over this non issue instead of a 9 trillion dollar national debt truly shows their disconnect with America.

Posted By Rodney Dallas TX : October 12, 2007 9:19 am

Rodney, the Kool-aid reference has nothing to do with he color of your skin it is in reference to the liberal Kool-aid.

What stereotype are you trying to put across?

Bottom line is he said it, no matter where he is from, it came across as Nascar people are dirty.

Imagine if he were a Republican who said the same thing to a group of people BEFORE attending an "Ice skating show"?

Who would rightfully be offended then?

Think about it.

I am a "yankee" who loves car racing, but doesn't just sit there drinking beer, I really enjoy the sport.

Sorry Laurinda, this is in response to you:

TOM FROM DEDHAM, MASS..I am embarrassed that your state would keep that old drunk Kennedy as your senator all these years.

Posted By laurinda.ny : October 12, 2007 9:49 am

This has to be a "fake laurinda", as the real one would know better than to try and paint ME with the same Kennedy brush just because I am from Mass.

About a hundred of my friends and family will be attending the "Ted is dead" party I am having when he goes, complete with "Chivas, Chowda and free driving lessons for the first 20 at the door".

Food and drink will be free as any socialist would expect, and if it happens during the week, no problem, take the day off, as he never worked a day in his life.

If anyone get's pulled over just say it was sleeping pills that you took or simply use the famous Kennedy saying "Do you know who I am"?

This sort of reaction from the republicans just shows how desperate they are. As usual they are trying to focus attention on a non-issue because they have no plan, are wrong on the war, the economony, health care, and just about every other issue.

When we have major problems today in the world the republicans are focused on the only issues that matter to them: abortion, guns, and the Bible. They use these issues to get themselves elected. In fact if abortion became illegal, they would lose one of their campaign wedge issues.

I agree S Carey..it's so funny that these same groups of people, these "red-blooded (like no one else is), patriotic nascar nation that get so "offended" at the insinuation that they have..oh god.. no not...germs!!!
are always talking about them liberals trying to spin things and blah blah blah..when it's so clear that the "patriotic" republicans are assuming they're all (nascar nation) ignorant anyway and believe any spin they throw out..so that's an easy vote for the "red blooded" party..play victims..oh brother..whoever doesn't see the irony in this must sincerely be a "toofless, uneducated, inbred"..let go of the complex already..

You've got to be kidding me, now we have to divide all our sports into red and blue too?

I've never voted Republican, I'm not religious, I graduated from one of the most reputable public universities in the country, and I've been a NASCAR fan since I was 10 years old.

I'm not fat, I very rarely drink beer, and I'm far from unintelligent. Lazy, now that one I'll give you. But I work 50 hour weeks anyway.

The rest of us democrats need to realize that we have neither a monopoly on tolerance, as evidenced by many of the above statements, nor on intelligence, as evidenced by the fact that we're about to nominate Hillary Clinton to be our candidate for the presidency.

Being a democrat doesn't make you immune from being a complete idiot, and being a NASCAR fan doesn't make you diseased, toothless, or drunk. Or Republican. If anything this is a blue-collar sport, not a red-state sport.

For those of you telling me I should follow a "real" sport, I ask which one? One of those with all the drug-tainted records and terrible role models? No thanks, I think I'll stick to NASCAR and the NHL. Then when I have kids I won't have to explain why I'm investing so much time in watching people that are killing dogs and taking steroids.

Grow up. All of you.

Eric – NY,

The quotes were to cite the CNN article. Are you suggesting CNN misquoted or incorrectly paraphrased Bennie Thompson?

And I must applaud you. You easily made an idiot of yourself by attempting to take my words of sarcasm and use them as statements of facts.

Actually Eric, I've been to quite a few NASCAR races – even worked a few. You, on the other hand, couldn't tell the difference between your ass from a roof flap. Metrosexuals like yourself enjoy lattes and tennis.

I would do the same, not because its NASCAR, but any event where there are alotta people in a tight spot, diseases spread...

Its good to know that the Democratic Party still believes in its core values of tolerance and inclusion... Or was that just a 2000 presidential campaign slogan?

Good Lord, spare me the idiotic Republican rhetoric and absurd spin! What a freakshow!

"What's up with you crazy liberals? I thought your focus was "if it feels good do it.'" – Tom

Why is it that those who know nothing about Liberalism, cannot define it, have never read a book on it by someone who understands it, and don't know its history (or any other history), are the ones who are always defining it?

I think anyone going to, or through, Congressman's Thompson third world state of Mississippi should be immunized.
The Great-grandson of the "Mad potter of Biloxi."

They should add a shot to prevent rednecked-thyria...the condition where you marry your cousin at 14, believe the world is flat, and that gays should be killed on sight. NASCAR people are fat, lazy, idiots who watch a car go in circles because they don't have the intelligence to keep up with a real sport. They are also the type of people who voted for and gave the current idiot in chief Bush.

About a hundred of my friends and family will be attending the "Ted is dead" party I am having when he goes, complete with "Chivas, Chowda and free driving lessons for the first 20 at the door".

Food and drink will be free as any socialist would expect, and if it happens during the week, no problem, take the day off, as he never worked a day in his life.

If anyone get's pulled over just say it was sleeping pills that you took or simply use the famous Kennedy saying "Do you know who I am"?

As an avid NASCAR fan, I would like to give a shout out to all you dems driving those little go-cart hybrids. I'm the guy in the big SUV that's passing you on the right with less than an inch to spare. Don't you just love that sucking sound followed by those uncontrollable rear-end wiggles? I do.

Oh, and just so you'd know... I'm usually jamming to "Highway to Hell" when I hang that finger out for you..

I once insulted a bunch of NASCAR fans at a party. They started following me as I drove home. I wasn't at all nervous. I calmly, and obeying the speed limit, made a right turn, and lost them.

And no, I do not watch NASCAR or attend such events. I have a brain.

Nor do I, but to suggest such things are for "brainless" people is rather absurd. My bet is you can't even fix your own car and have to take it to a mechanic for so much as an oil change.

Racing is a very interesting sport and degrading the intelligence of a whole group just because you don't like it is kind of pathetic. I listen to Bach and enjoy existentialism.

every member of the democratic party should immediately apologize for this outrage! come on. get over it.

TOM FROM DEDHAM, MASS..I am embarrassed that your state would keep that old drunk Kennedy as your senator all these years.

Im sorry but is this AMERICA, of whiny people who want to complain about NASCAR because people just want to kill another mans sport, or people have nothing better to complain about like poor poeple who need immunizations.

What's up with you crazy liberals? I thought your focus was “if it feels good do it".

Are you guys flip- flopping?

Remember a few weeks ago, a huge rally in Jena Louisiana? Didn’t some of those people involved in that come to and address congress. I heard no precautions initiated then. We have large gatherings all the time. Concerts, parades, sporting events, I mean its clear that this guy targeted NASCAR fans.

These are the red blooded Americans. People on here ask what that is. It’s the people make this country great. It’s the back bone of America. The little people in the back ground you don’t see. It’s the people who will stop beside the road and help you change your tire. It’s the people you can count on in a crunch. It’s the people who have your back and you have theirs. It’s the people who will dig in a fight for what’s moral a decent.

NASCAR is the heart of America and have a prayer before every race. They aren't afraid to mention the word "Jesus".

The dumb dems have went to far on this one.

Take a good guzzle of the Kool-aid "Rodney" and understand he meant it that the "hicks or rednecks" were dirty.

I go to Louden NH all the time and I find his comments disgusting and indefensible.

We vote, and we will vote in unison against bigoted Democratic views.

Posted By Tom Dedham, Mass : October 11, 2007 8:16 pm

So Tom in Dedham MA. Your comments above, "Take a good guzzle of the kool-aid Rodney" are quite offensive. Are you using stereotypes about black men? For Your Information, I happen to be a 30 year old white man. Embarrassed that I have the right to vote? Well I'm emabarrassed that your state elected Mitt Romney as a governor. What a hypocrit he is! Lastly, the Rep. is from Mississippi. Since your so into stereotypes, wouldn't you consider that a redneck hillbilly state who is probably a fan of NASCAR?

Don't presume that you know me. Trust me, everything you think you know is wrong.

I'm 43 now and have been going to NASCAR races since I was a teen in the south. I was at DEGA in the early 80's and if it has not changed, you probably need some kind of shot.

And the Conservatives say that Liberals seize on anything and make it political. If I were going into a crowd of thousands at the start of flu season I'd want an immunization too. Now lets talk about some issues...

I find it laughable that this is becoming an issue at all. The Republicans are grasping at something they hope will drive a wedge between some Americans and the Democratic party. If anyone stops to think about it, they will realize that in most states, teachers, healthcare workers, and any worker who works with a large population are required (or strongly recommended) to get these immunizations. The only one I wasn't required to get is the diptheria shot. Plus, these aides are studying a health situation at large events like Nascar. They will be in contact with hundreds of sick people while at hospitals and the medical tents.
I'm proud they chose Nascar events to do their study. It shows they recognize the millions of fans and are helping to find a way to keep us all safe.

That's why we have plenty of beer at the Nascar races, so we can wash our hands with the alcohol after peeing behind our camper. Can't wait for Hillary Clinton to attend a race and shout those famous words "Gentle Wash Your Hands" Democrats, don't you have something better to do like pass out more food stamps to the illegals!!

Wow. It's amazing how anyone would ever see liberals as arrogant and condescending elitists.

Yes, thank you CNN for being so balanced in your reporting. You certainly give no impression that Republicans are fair minded while Democrats are wild-eyed and sanctimonious. You dorks. This was advice given to health inspectors, not as you say "Democrats" giving commands to other Democrats. Tell you what Mooney and Walsh, why don't you both try working in a public clinic for a while and see how long you can stay away from getting your Hep vaccinations. Grow up, you nerds.

Much ado by the NRCC about nothing.

Are they THAT bored?

The grocery stores even have disinfectant wipes for their shopping carts...You don't know where other people have been. Why does it hurt to take precautions to protect yourself. I don't care for NASCAR, but that doesn't mean I'm not an American. The Republicans need to address some real issues, instead of grasping for straws.

I would also bet that the Republicans having this little tiff have never been to a NASCAR race either. And, if they do go, they probably wear their golf shirts buttoned to the top.

Let's be honest, the races attract all kinds of people. Some are very interesting, let's say.

(I grew up down South and my husband is an Ivy-educated PhD who loves and attends NASCAR races).

"Bigoted" and "racist" are not terms that apply toward rednecks. Last I heard, personality traits weren't a protected class. You people need to get a life. This story made me roll my eyes the instant I read it.

More proof that the Liberals are totally out of touch outside of Washington, DC.

"Yeah – we're all hill-billy toofless rednecks??"

Actually? Yeah.

Even if it was taken out of context, I still find the idea of being immunized against NASCAR fans pretty funny.

Why is it that Democrats always seem so elitist? It's because, deep down, underneath any of the "political correctness" we know we're right.

If you are still following the GOP at this point in your life after everything they've done, I really fear for the future of your children.

Wake up.

Certainly, all of our healthcare workers too have great prejudices against those who might be, but are without a doubt, infectious. Not only those dirty, terrible NASCAR fans but the entire population. There ought to be a law against that sort of thing, don't you think? I have to say that the republicans probably gained a whole lot of votes from our most intellectual portion of the country, those that couldn't possibly be identified as suckers to any form of negative propaganda. And another thing, what is so stock about these cars anyway?

Republicans will do anything to divert
attention from the fact that these same NASCAR fans are getting shafted
daily by the carpet baggers that are todays Republican Party. The middle-class blue coller americans that are the base of NASCAR are being lead down the path of distruction but can't see because of type of smoke being blown
by out of touch, republican elite

LOOKS LIKE THE LEFT WING LIBERALS LET THEIR MOUTH OVERLOAD THEIR BEHINDS. BUT THAT IS NOTHING UNUSUAL.

Now this is another dumb conversation. It is like the Rush Limbaugh "phony soldier" comment. It will blow over in a day or two.

No Democrat cares if a crowd of people want to pay to watch traffic. It keeps them out of pawn shops and cigarette stores.

Oh GOD! How thin skinned are these GOP'ers????

Can you believe this crap?

The joyboys have nothing to do other than whip around a track in a souped-up
expensive piece of advertising media on wheels that most of us could care less about ...but we fear being called "unAmerican" because their fetish is bull.......making money for a lot of dudes, yes......but bull.

You all need to understand that the recommendation to get immunized was to protect congressional staff from more than encounters at NASCAR. If you would have watched Lou Dobbs tonight, you would have seen Hayes get totally embarrassed by Thompson. Thompson made it clear that his aides would also be visiting prisons and hospitals. As an fyi, even kids get immunized to go to classrooms with far less bodies in them than a NASCAR stand, MORONS!

Mr. Hayes, we hope that you earn your little campaign contributions for doing public service announcements for NASCAR tonight. You look as dumb as your letter sounded.

Obviously Republicans are desperate if this is all they have to talk about.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM DUMMYCRATS?? THIS IS WHO THEY ARE. GOD, PLEASE BLESS AMERICA AND OUR TROOPS!!!!!1

Dear Mr. Thompson:
Not to worry about contacting any infectious diseases at a NASCAR race...
there's enough alcohol there to kill ANY germs you may be worried about!
Shame on you for your shallow, racist thinking!
WHO ELECTED YOU ANYWAY????!!!!! (Probably some poor fools running fevers, I'll bet!)

"While red-blooded, patriotic Americans were packing their coolers and gathering their families...."

So the "American Way" is to haul your your kids and your beer to the race track? Apparently I don't qualify as a red-blood patriotic American either.

Thompson's comments were germophobic. With comments like this one, he might be somewhat out of touch.

But ye gods, please come up with a better criticism than "real Americans pack their coolers and don't worry about germs". I'm so tired of Republican arguments that offer no substance or intelligence, but instead simply try to appeal to the patriotism of the masses. Does Thompson do a bad job? That would be a substantial criticism. If more Republicans offered substance instead of style, maybe they wouldn't have lost the congress and probably the presidency.

Most reasonable people would not get caught dead at a NASCAR event anyways, so why is this a problem?

The real hazard of Nascar was the lead poisoning and still is the benzene exposure which is only made worse by fly overs of military aircraft. The notion of being immunized has more to do with the fact that so many people were not while their children were. It's the same for concerts and sporting events,not to mention the closed environments of air travel. Just common sense.

Rodney, He didn't ask them to wash their hands he asked them to take serious precautions to go to a sports event. Would they need to be inoculated to go to an NFL game? This guy is an idiot! There are heaps and gobs of voters at them there thangs!

Isn't it ironic that a sport loved by so many on the right is based on a driver's ability go to left,left,left,left, le... as fast as possible while sitting on their, excuse the pun, "ass".

So what…..I disinfect my hands if I'm using the company fax machine. Lots of people could mean the flu. This is sad that republicans would say democrats are getting "immunized from NASCAR fans". I'm embarrassed to even be reading about it.

Posted By Rodney Dallas TX : October 11, 2007 5:57 pm

I am embarrassed to even think you have the right to vote.

Take a good guzzle of the Kool-aid "Rodney" and understand he meant it that the "hicks or rednecks" were dirty.

I go to Louden NH all the time and I find his comments disgusting and indefensible.

We vote, and we will vote in unison against bigoted Democratic views.

Holy Cow!! I shudder to think what I have to go through to attend a pro wrestling (or is that rasslin) match.

This has nothing to do with slurs against NASCAR fans. These aides were going on a fact finding mission for health preparedness at large events. The event could have been a boy scout jubilee, or an anti-war demonstration. When large numbers of people are crowded together, disease transmission increases exponentially. As a physician, I would have added meningococcal vaccine to the list. And what is with the NRCC acting like NASCAR is a Republican event? And then worse, purposely misconstrueing vaccination recommendations in a pathetic attempt to gain some miniscule political advantage. The only offensive comments here were made by the NRCC.

Yet another example of democrats and liberals believing they are superior to the "little people" in the United States and "know best." After they've made all of America smoke-free, nuclear-free, gun-protection-free, trans-fat-free, toilets-that-work-free, humor-free, and Ann-Coulter-free, they'll make it fast-car-free. Gee, I can't wait for the day when we'll all be driving electric cars that can't go more than 20 miles per hour and can't be recharged because Gore's environmentalists have outlawed powerplants.

I think we should be immunized from democrats making dumb remarks. This is the kind of garbage that gives liberalism a bad name and loses elections for us. I am a democrat and I have no interest in watching "cars drive" but could care less that others do. Democrats should watch very closely what they say for the next year or so; otherwise it gets reported on here.

Another right wing distortion of the facts. Everyone should be immunized especially if travelin and meeting people in new areas. Rep Thompson gave good advice whether they were going to NASCAR or to a New York Yankees game.

The message is clear:

a) If a Democrat is concerned with the health of people at a big event where communicable diseases can be spread in a big crowd, he's the bad guy if the example he uses is NASCAR and the rich elitist pseudo-populist Republicans can pretensiously use it as a cultural divide issue. And what are the Republicans doing about disease? Nothing of course.

b) If a Dem goes to NASCAR it's his one chance to be around "real" Americans, since non-NASCAR people and Democrats aren't real or worthy or American.

Who is being elitist and divisive and pretentious and mean again?

Hey Henry Tucker, I find it interesting that you put quotes around *advised aides to get immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza before heading to NASCAR event* when the CNN article did not. It never says what his exact words were, merely paraphrases them. You imply those were his exact words and then condemn them.

Let's see how easy it is...

Henry Tucker, you called NASCAR fans "hill-billy toofless rednecks". As a NASCAR fan I find it insulting that you call me a hill-billy. It'd be nice to see you go to a NASCAR event and say that...how long before you get beat up? Go get back in your limo and prance back to your ivory tower where you can look down on the rest of us real Americans!

Hey you wrote those words, not me. I'm not the one who looks down on my fellow NASCAR fans as hill-billies & toothless. Why don't you actually go to some NASCAR events and meet some real Americans for a change?

I can certainly understand how a lot of people would find this offensive. For his sake, I hope Mr. Thompson was genuinely thinking of healthcare facilities and hospitals when he made the remarks.

Taking care of your health is a good idea. The Republicans like to act like they are "just one of the guys" but everyone knows they just want your vote and then they forget about you.

Boy the Reupblicans are sure desperate to use all they have left- "cultural" wedge issues that separate "real" Americans who like NASCAR and other red-state-associated stuff and us "fake" people who don't.

And if you act arrogant (like Republicans usually do) about supposedly liking such stuff, I suppose you're not pretentious or arrogant because you are part of the "right" part of the culture. But if you buy organic or don't go to church or drink lattes, you are automatically bad and elitist and pretentious because your part of the "wrong" part of the culture. Right, pundit believing conservatives?

And to think some of the commenters here are falling for this divisive non-issue. And how CNN spun it as "divide" issue where Dems supposedly don't "respect" the "real" people, when its really a case of a concern Congressman wanting to protect the health of people who attend big events with lots of people.

This was one staff member talking to his employees during the course of a business day. I fail to see how this represents the entire Democratic party.
Any logical thinker would clearly understand this. Narrow thinking only serves to reflect your own consitution.

fact: I love NASCAR
fact: I'm not a republican
fact: comment taken out of context.

Predominantly redneck NASCAR fans don't need immunizations, they need lobotomies.

Please read everything in context "The aides were on a fact finding mission on health preparedness at large events." Large groups of people spread viruses....I love my child, but his daycare is like a virus factory. Does not mean that I am against daycares, it is just groups of people spread germs and NASCAR attracts large groups of people. If you believe that he was saying NASCAR fans are germ spreaders you are right, so am I, so is my son, etc. Please go hate on something more important like Ann Coultier the anti-semite.

Wow, it seems like the Republicans are really reaching for something to latch onto. This story REALLY made the political ticker?

What hysterical Republican spin!

Bennie Thompson doesn't speak for the Democratic party anymore than Ron Paul speaks for the Republic party, but I guess when you are a desperate minority party you will look to demagogue any issue you can.

Puh-lease!

Sincerely,

Bring on the Rovian attack machine

Obviously it was a joke, and would have laughed like hell. I know I wash my hands after going to the zoo. And what about all these red-blooded uhmurikuns that would not be caught dead anywhere near something like a museum, or a classical concert, or any kind of cultural festival that did not deal with whites? Get over yourselves.

And no, I do not watch NASCAR or attend such events. I have a brain.

One democrat in congress says something negative and all democrats in congress are condemned for it. That's really mature. I don't remember hearing any democrats condemning all republicans because a republican senator supposedly solicited gay sex in a bathroom.

If the staff members were advised to get immunization shots because they were going to be visiting health facilities, then why the non-story being created by "red-blooded Americans"?
I think the characters in the movie Talledega Nights are not too far off from representing MOST (not all) folks at these events. "Red-blooded American"....what the heck does that even mean? Ignorant and dumb? People who think 9-11 was related to Iraq? People who are against science and think we were created out of sand? People who get their "news" from Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter?
What a disgrace to the experiment in democracy this country set out to achieve.

Democrats may be for donkeys (they are pretty clever animals, you know), but, Republicans are for FOOLS!!

Are there going to be any warnings about precautions one should take before attending a San Fransisco street parade? I would suspect an air tight sanitary rubber suit and a clorox filled super soaker would be a good investment....but thats just me.

It only makes sense that if conressional staffers are going to be doing field studies on health preparedness at large events that they be immunized just like any other health care professional would be. To turn what is simply a medical precaution into a political argument is why two party politics sucks. Props to Rodney from Dallas for coming to the same rational conclusion. I also think it is funny that the NRCC things that NASCAR fans are represetative of the "rest of America". Lots of people, Republican and Democrat, are not NASCAR fans but still part of the "rest of America".

My parents are NASCAR fans and I've always posed the question to them "how is this considered a sport." I'm still waiting for a good answer. I move around playing video games more than these drivers do during a race. More power to anyone who wants to spend their time watching cars go in circles, but why call it a sport?

Anyone?

As for the comment, it was dumb and I'd like to see a quote to see if there was context, but the Republicans really seem to be grasping on this one by making it such a big deal.

So what.....I disinfect my hands if I'm using the company fax machine. Lots of people could mean the flu. This is sad that republicans would say democrats are getting "immunized from NASCAR fans". I'm embarrassed to even be reading about it.

This was an improper statement, I am a Democrat and a avid NASCAR race follower and will continue to be, the race fans didn't leave the Democratic party the Party left them.

NASCAR is the fasted growing spectator sport in the USA and the Democratic Donkeys are so arrogant and ignorant they insult the very people who can put them into office. Yet again showing that they are totally out of touch with reality. They only cater to their leftwing kook base. I'm not a fan of NASCAR either but please! NASCAR may be for red-necks, but DEMOCRATES ARE FOR DONKEYS!

Bennie Thompson advised "advised aides to get immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and influenza before heading to NASCAR event."

He didn't say "before going to the hospital" or "health care facility"... he said NASCAR event.

This will go over REAL well with average Americans, Mr Thompson! Glad to know prejudice still exists against racing fans. Yeah – we're all hill-billy toofless rednecks??

Oh by the way... us rednecks VOTE.

In more interesting House news, Democrats made two big recruitment coups today, in AK-AL and FL-24, putting those two races seriously in the map!