McCain needs to take a good long look at what he's doing. He's encouraging all this mess with his "pitbull" VP up to her winking eyes in hate and racism.

If someone shoots and kills Obama a good deal of the blame will land at the feet of McCain and Palin for inciting all this mess.

Why in the world would Sen. Obama repudiate the TRUTH that Rep. John Lewis has stated.

What McCain and Palin need to do is apology to Sen. Obama and ALL of the America people for their hate-filled remarks and for wasting time in this election, turning the page from the economy, and turning to their old stale and dirty politics of fear, hatred, and division !

McCain-Palin's campaign is in the toilet. The question now is how will they exit - as someone who tried to focus on the economic wows with real solutions, or as someone who spent all of their time in negativity and divisions. I wonder which one will they choose.

I truly hope everyone will turn the page on this old dirty stale politics, and choose a better path. It's time for the American people to get it right and NOT vote for McCain-Palin, instead vote for change. It's time for this country to turn the page and seek a new and better future for ourselves and our children.It's time for REAL change in Washington, it's time to elect Barack Obama for president !

Obama-Biden are the wiser and stronger team to solve the crucial challenges we have in this nation and abroad !

The republican party has failed with Bush/McCain. Now McCain/Palin and they have added Cindy to the mix are just trying to add hatered and division to the already angry and hurting American people. Please McCain go to your retirement while people still think kindly of you.

Actually leaders of the KKK have stated they want Obama to win, their numbers have gone down because more people are tolerant or don't care about color these days, and the KKK thinks Obama and people upset with the direction of the nation will increase their numbers. Obviously, they don't have to wait that long with McCain/Palin inciting hatred wherever they can.

It's a dangerous thing, this inciting of hatred… only days before JFK was shot, a "Treason" ad with JFK's picture and his "treasonous" acts ran in a Dallas newspaper…

This is 2008 NOT 1960. Time to turn the page and look for a better tomorrow.. America are you ready? The whole world is watching us how we conduct ourselves.

to many people believe that in todays' society, blacks, whites or all america will stand for this non-sense. slavery days are over and the Karl Rove fear tactics want work this time. My only comment is to tell folks that when, not if this thing finally blow, be prepared to defend yourself and stand up for what is right. According to mulitple news sources, the economy crisis were caused by lending to blacks and minorities (what ever). Bottom line McCain, if this thing turns into a war, we will have you and your pitbull soccermom to thank. remember George Wallace sicked the dogs on blacks (us), this time it will be diffrent.

Obama has to say NOTHING! The McCain campaign has become an incredible cesspool.

McCain and Caribou Barbie have been telling lies and inciting hatred because they don't have anything substantive to talk about. The Republican crowds can protest all they want that they're not covert racists but everyone knows the truth.

Not only should Sen Obama not repudiate Rep Lewis (A man whose opinions McCain says he respects), But more people need to point out McCain has no clothes and Palin is far too stupid to have any authority in America. ( Even dumber than W ).

I am concerned for the safety of Sen Obama, if anything that happens it will be completely Sen McCain and Palins fault.

I'm saying No to 4 more years of the most horrible and criminal administration in history

Noble Americans, let us work to mitigate the risks possed by McCain/Palin by voting Obama/Biden which represents the new face of America. We need to resolve the our economic issues at home and reclaim our respective and leadersship in the world. Let us stop McCain now and prevent him from crashing this nation just as he crashed 3 US jets as a pilot

Does it matter who said what now?
I could not stand sending Hillary Clinton back to the White House and neither can I see a Democrat in the White House to help a Dem-controlled Congress drag us into more trouble after the 700-billion bailout.
I am with President George Washington. Partisan politics is no good.

The McCain & Palin campaign should look in a mirror first!

What John McCain and Palin
are doing is more detrimental than a "blatant" racist. It
is beyond disturbing and it is beyond belief that a person who is
running for the President of the United States could be so divisive. He is purposely feeding into racism and prejudice. It has been a sad and frightening week to watch as McCain and Palin fuel the flames of racism in our country. Our beautifully DIVERSE country!

When Barack Obama is elected President of the United States it will be an incredible day! We can celebrate unity and diversity. Barack Obama has given his all to get to this point and I know that he will give his all to us as the President. I can not wait to celebrate!

Our children are experiencing this historical moment and it is only the beginning. Barack has broken down barriers and It has not been easy but he has faced it with dignity and determination. Before Barack there were many more African Americans who whittled away at these barriers to allow him to break through. It has been such a long journey. I am thankful to each and every person who struggled but kept pushing forward.

Barack Obama is intelligent, level headed and has all of our best interest at heart. He will be our next President!

Thank you Barack and Michelle Obama!

Impeach McShame's smart mouthed, eye candy power abuser now!!! She is the pig in lipstick who is inciting the mobs!

John McCain is a very pathetic and desparate man. All I hear is the rhetoric that he hides behind and all I see is an egotist trying to attain the top postion of the presidency any way he can.

The only people that need to apologize are John McCain and Sarah Palin. They have done nothing but spew fear, hatred and division when this counrty desparately needs to be pulling together. We don't need a bully and his parrot running this great country further into the ground. We need a leader.
Obama 08

Please, please, please, John McCain cry me a river!

Anonymous said…
On Daily Kos, an interesting article about the building of the Palin's house, and how it coincided with the building of the super new sports complex, and how Todd Palin says he built it with the help of some friends!!!
Hope we have some investigative reporters out there who could do some follow up, do you have any Alaskan bloggers?

i am have been writing to Republican senators and congreeman that McCain and Palin sound like KKK cheer leaders. They are disgusting. Palin is clearly a cessionist and traitor. She should be prosecuted for treason

this whole thing is just plain stupid….sadly, there are lot of folks buying into it. Of course it is dangerous what the campaign is doing, most of all Palin. Only ignorance and arrogance can do that. Igniting the base feelings of a mob is bound to create disaster…do they know what they are doing or are they that ignorant? In terms of Palin whatever she advocates and stands for is just empty rethoric. I am a working mother of 2 healthy children…for her to be pro life and not being at home with them is not pro family, opposite. It is ruthless self-importance.

I voted early for OBAMA. Everytime Mc Cain/Palin is on T.V. I change the channel. Have we forgot this is THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA year 2008 not the 1960.

McCain has always been a feisty dude and he is doing the best he can with a terrible political party that has no hope of winning after what Bush has done. I believe that we will start to see a more graceful side to McCain as the election date draws near and, after seeing he has no chance, he will be doing what he can to at least make the Republican brand palatable for the future. I still can't help but respect a guy who, when offered release from a Vietnamese prison camp, refused unless his fellow prisoners could go with him. Don't get me wrong, however. I wouldn't vote for the guy, but I do admire what he has achieved in his life.

Be careful Ridegway…your mullet is hanging awfully low, and you're looking a bit red about the neck.

If you don't think the so-called Bradley Effect isn't alive - just look at the McCain rally with all those angry people. That's the Bradley Effect unfolding right before your eyes. Add that to the 18 million Hillary supporters who Obama raised his middle finger to and see how many return the gesture on election day. Yep, that's what I call Rock The Vote.

Forget it McCain … you and Hateful Barbie have sown the seeds. Now you think all you have to say is "don't be scared of Obama"? Not only are you using racism to try win an election … you ARE INCITING FEAR IN UNITED STATES CITIZENS … isn't THAT terrorism?????? Domestic terrorism?????

I watched the one lady in the red shirt who said Obama was an Arab. She was truly scared. She believed in what you told her to, "Who is Barack Obama?" "He pals around with terrorists." She believed you and now she is scared. Are you happy now?

You are a disgrace!

Obama/Biden 08-12

As a white American, I can only say that Rep. Lewis did not say anything that was not true. The McCain-Palin ticket for the last two weeks have been stoking the crowd to make these vile and down right threatening statements. After watching some of their townhall rallies I thought I was watching a Ku Klux Klan or Skin head rally instead of a Presidental rally. If anything happens to Senator Obama, John McCain has a lot to answer.

@ Ridgeway - You can tell a lot a bout a man based on the comments he is willing to attach to himself in a public forum. "Shock of shocks a black guy supporting Obama." I wonder if you even see the irony in your own statement. I hope you're able to step outside your little box one day and see that the world truly is a big, wonderful and diverse place.

The Obama was right to repudiate the comparison to Wallace and the 60's, but the statements by Lewis are not wrong. It is sad state of affairs when a politician is being begged by his supporters to attack a man not on his policies, but on surface issues never fully researched, but brought to the forefront as if they were cold hard facts. I'm sorry, but some of these people are finding it hard to hide their hoods.

Obama/Biden '08

I respected McCain in the past. I am ashamed that I ever wanted to vote for him. He has turned the Republican Party into a hate group. I have voted Republican all my life. I can never again.

McCain is the candidate and therefore, responsible for his campaign. Who is giving these hatemonkers the microphone and putting them in the position of doing introductions? McCain and his people that's who.

And this Palin evil-doer…the hockey moms and the women who have spewed that "she's just like me" or "one of us" - that scares me if it's true. So many with so much hate inside.

I pray for our country and it's survival through this and for Senator Obama's safety. A good man trying to honor his country by doing good.

Hatred begets Hatred.

Everyone needs to take a deep breath and think pleasant thoughts to soothe their emotions at this point. We will each have a chance to vote very soon, and our voices will be heard in this great democracy we love.

P.S. I'm a white person in KY voting for Obama.

With the rhetoric of the McCain campaign…..especially Palin's hateful and snarkey comments….what do they expect? Of course the lunatic fringe comes out and it's fueled by the inuendo and outright comments of both the candidates…..especially Palin who relishes her job as being the attack dog for the campaign.

We know John McCain fought for this country honorable. Let’s be very clear, he is rewarded immensely for his service. I don’t know what else he wants from this country? There are very less fortunate veterans virtually from all the wars this country fought. The homeless veterans do not complain that they are not presidents, they complain because their country reneged on its promise to them.

Representative Lewis was at Selma. He is simply calling out McCain/Felon and comparing what he sees now with what he saw then. The truth hurts, and if McCain/Felon cannot see it - then shame on them. Of course they see it - of course they know they have gone too far - thats why McCain is pulling back on the hate speech.

Should Obama repudiate Lewis for speaking his opinion? - NO - Obama has nothing to do with it

I can't wait to see the newest installment of McCain's 'I'm a POW Hizzy Fit' to run away from another problem he created.

What kind(s) of medication is McCain on?

Are you serious okay, now my opinion, McCain is getting senile!!!!!! nothing makes sense that comes out of his mouth SCARY

silly…you can dish it but can't take it ??

McCain
isn't
Able

Good going Mr. Lewis!

These guys have no shame.

Racism still exist. It is in the hearts and mind of many. But we need change. Barack Obama as president will give a new face worldwide of America. Electing him as President can be a dose of medicine throughout the United States that will minimize the effects of racism. It is not surprising that the sixpackers showed up shouting racist remarks.

Message from the Alien world…Palin will never be welcomed by any country outside of the USA

Representative John Lewis told the truth. The people at the McCain/Plain campaign events have begun to behave as if they were at KKK rallies. The McCain/Pain rallies have become Obama hatefests. Genetically, Obama is just has much White as he is Black. Some of the people who "fear" or hate him the most will benefit much more from an Obama presidency that they would a McCain presidency. Forget about race, think about your economic interest.

CNN

I no longer feel safe with John McCain in the United States. The Klan sees him as their new leader and it would be a shame that a vote for McCain is a vote for the Klan.

How do we as concerned citizens have McCain arrested?

Thank you in advance!

From the state that brought us Cynthia McKinney comes John Lewis another mental midget. The guy is barely articulate and remains stuck in the 60's. He's a racist of the highest order and I am disappointed McCain would pander to him. I don't know what McCain expected. If you lay down with dogs you get fleas. Shock of shocks a Black guy supporting Obama.

Deal with it McKKKain– you and your dimwitted pit bull in lipstick have riled up the your followers into a dangerous frenzy by feeding their racist fears.

Rep Lewis was 100% right to call you on it.

This is good. This is really good. It's like purging out the remaining ills within our society. Boil up the scum and scrape it off the top. The Dixiecrats have emerged, their children have embraced a better day, and a healthier mindset and it ills them that they've chosen a better value system. The McCain/Palin ticket have forced them out of hiding. They yell insults such as 'terrorists' and 'socialist'. They invoke fear in the hearts of others and use threats to express their own fears. They say things like 'he's Muslim, 'he's Arab', 'that one', and 'I'm angry that 'That Obama' has gotten where he is'. The faux Republicans are horribly fearful of what's to come, not realizing that they fear their own shadows. We knew you were hiding inside the Republican Party, posing as Christians. When this is over, in about a year, we will be on our way to a better America. You will be left behind.

Racism is alive and well. I believe mccain/palin is trying to incite a riot. However, Obama/Biden will win in landslide.

I continue to hear mccain/palin talk about everything, but the issues that face America. I believe that they do not have any idea to help America. I heard palin say today, "they will clean up our trillion dollars of debt in their first term."

I do not care to hear anything that she speaks about. I also believe that she continues to ask the question, "who is Barrack Obama?" I really would like to know who is "Sarah Palin." I need her to go back to Alaska and look for Russia from her house and give Monegan his job back. Oh!!!!!! please take the first dude with you.

See McCain, see what you started. If only you had run an honest campaign, none of this would have happened.

Wallace came around and admitted he was racist, McCain has yet to do so.

OH POOR BABY MCCAIN>……its OK for you to slam Obama but NOT ok for others….you two-faced angry old man, go hide your face in shame somewhere !!!!!

John McCain has for years talked about how much he respects John Lewis and the things he has done. He has cited Lewis's name during this campaign as a man he counts as a friend. John Lewis has been through the wars in this country. He has been on the receiving end of violence. When John Lewis, and every political spokesperson in the country outside the McCain campaign, says that McCain and Palin are provoking people to violence, John McCain should listen. Instead of attacking Lewis, McCain should look in the mirror and in his heart. John McCain knows better than what he's doing. He gave his campaign over to Rove likes/Bush likes and they're taking McCain places he said he'd never go. If John McCain doesn't want to be compared to George Wallace, he should stop doing George Wallace like things. At a time when so many people are fearful, it is a grave mistake to whip them from fear to blaming all their problems on Obama to rage–and violence could be close behind. Stop it while you still can John. You've always liked and respected John Lewis. Consider that he's seen it all before and maybe he's right now too.

McCain hasn't tried to encourage hatred, he has tried to bring up legitimate questions, and Obama is the one who has been dishonest. Fact - Obama was friendly with Bill Ayers and had a far deeper relationship than just living in the same neighborhood. Maybe in your opinion that is not an issue that your care about which is fine. In SOME voters opinions that relationship and the dishonesty that accompanied it is an issue. Raising the issue and allowing voters to decide is what democracy is about. Trying to supress any negative comment under the banner of racism is despicable and Obama's supporters should ask themselves what they really stand for….

McCain surrogates have been openly promoting politics of fear. Fear worked in 2004 and they want to go to the same playbook.

Any chance that McCain and Palin had of getting my vote are now gone forever. McCain and Palin should be ashamed of themselves. This is exactly what happens when you sow the seeds of lies, distortion and hatred. Palin's action in particular are completely inconsistent with the Christian faith that she professes so profoundly. With McCain being 70+ years old, could you imagine a country run by Palin? America would be the laughing stock of the world. McCain should immediately apologize to the country for inciting horrible memories from generations past. This is sShameful and disgraceful for our country and the political process.

John McBush is really out of touch,,,,,, As demostrated by his misunderstood perception of John Lewis`s well explained displeasure of the explosive race baiting tenure of he and Sarah Palins week or more of lies and desparate attempts to , gather support for his failing campaign .
He should have realized that we are living in the twenty first century , not back in the days of lynching American citizens just because of their color .
John McBush / Sarah Palin , really need to stop and think about the consicquences of their ill-concieved attempt to demonize Barack Obama …..

Lewis was right….McCain allowed Palin to incite crowds and she just smiled as "crazies" shouted dispicable things……they both allowed the atmosphere to fester and it wasn't until McCain felt the backlash that he decided to make any attempt to try to stop the hate that he and Palin seeded…………..how sad that we still have this type of behavior
in our political process……what a horrible example of democracy this is to our youth…….I expect more from those who want to represent the USA………

Tuth always hurts, didn't McCain know it?

Why should Obama retract a statement that he himself did not state????

I suppose the silver lining in this is that McCain can only shrink his support by encouraging extremism.

McCain has become small and pitiful. John Lewis spoke the truth and McCain the coward hides behind Sarah the Stupid. Look what you've become John. Who are you?

Obama can't repudiate the truth. It's about time someone has the courage to call McCain and Palin out for what they are doing.

if you watched Palin give her speech when McCain named her as a running mate you knew she was full of herself and hate. Obama 08.

I think McCain is running a hate talk racist campaign…stick to the economy and issues people care about. Palin is a waste of time and energy with a foul mouth.

Why should Obama repudiate the truth! McCain and Palin are holding kkk rallies, appealing to the lowest element, they are feeding off this trash that they spew, in particular palin! The are inciting people to violence, they are on a slippery slope and a few semi nice words from mccain, only because it's hurting him politically, doesn't change what they've done and what she continues to do! They are both dishonorable!

where have you been

when your "supporters" have been throwing rubbish of hatred

at senator obama right under your nose?

what nerve…

we the people may not be geniuses but

we aren't that stupid!

Thank you John Lewis for speaking out…. Thank you Republicans who have spoken out also…. we NEED the good people of America to speak out and stop this HATE SPEECH. We have to be UNITED to deal with this FINANCIAL CRISIS…….. P-L-E-A-S-E-

Farakan and Wright are not running for President McCain and Palin are.

I am Caucasian. I am also Jewish. The McCain/Palin rhetoric and the response from many of their supporters is terrifying. They have deliberately painted Senator Obama as an outsider, as radical, as someone who "pals around" with terrorists. The mob mentality that they have generated is terrifying to me because it is so close to the mentality that Hitler generated and that resulted in the deaths of millions of Jews, gypsies, and homosexuals. I applaud John Lewis for speaking the truth. McCain and Palin should be ashamed of themselves for pandering to the ugliest and most base elements that unfortunately still exist in this society.

This is exactly what McCain and Palin wanted!

I'm watching the presidential race from the UK and I try to keep up with all the cable and national news channels in the US… I always knew America had an under-belly but I thought the country was ready to turn a page on the past and looking forward to the future for all Americans.

When I listen to Palin, I see a young woman being profusely lead by a political machine she does not fully understand, she's a puppet for the McCain campaign and should be held equally accountable for her grave mis-judgement. McCain as gone through a series of bad calls throughout is campaign, he as struggled to get his message of change across to the American people and has he flounders and his numbers in the poll falls, he clutches by his finger tips and resorts to dividing a nation as his ambition looks more and more like a pipe dream…

Lewis is candid is remarks and I totally agree with his view point… So here's the question as McCain looks for a way out of this storm he has brewed, should Obama come to his aid and help him diffuse this detonator?.. NO!… McCain as brewed it, let him drink it!..

To Tim who said: "Right, angry white people are not acceptable today. Angry black people are always welcome at Obama's church".

First of all Tim, Rev. Wright's church had nothing to do with politics - the media made it a political circus. Nowhere in any of Rev. Wright's sermons did we hear him saying - Kill, Kill - off with their heads. Obama has rebuked Rev. Wright's comments - so let's move on.

We are talking about racist and hatred being discussed in political rallies - FOR PRESIDENT.

Finally, you just compared the rallies to Jeremiah Wright - so then you are saying that what they were doing is no different than Jeremiah Wright's church. Then it is bad in your opinion? Therefore, Rep. Lewis was right in his comments - he rebuked McCain/Palin for not stopping this hate. THANK YOU REP. LEWIS

Obama for President 2008

Next Week Mccain Will Come Out With A Klan Suit On And Start Chanting White Power!

Obama should NOT repudiate anything! McCain looks like an apple in a sea of oranges at these rallies, you can tell he know's this hatred and division is wrong, but stopping the comments may lose him some votes. HOW PATHETIC!

Barack Obama is a human being for Christ's sake! Are you so upset and afraid that he is simply better than you that you would condone someone pledging to take his life.

If you truly love America as you say you will, you will want what is best for it, a president who has the judgement, the humility to ask when he doesn't know, the intelligence to solve economic crises, and the moral character to lead the land.

Please people be responsible people. Look past color for once in your lives. WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2008

What is wrong with you people? If Obama were white you wouldn't hear remarks made like this from Lewis. McCain/Palin are only telling it like it is!! And you call it racism? O brother!

Mr. McCain-
you should be ashamed of yourself.
you are not a man of honor.
you are weak in your approach.
you first sign of weakness was selecting Sarah Palin as your running mate.
both you and Sarah Palin are encouraging hate and destruction.

we are a peaceful people, we believe
that all people are created equal, we believe in self respect, we believe
in peace.

you sir dwell in a cesspool of lies, hate, dishonor and disappointment . more importantly you and your vp pick call forth that same attitude in the minds of the people that support you.

do you see where you stand and who stands with you? do you see what you have created? do you take responsibility for your choices? are you proud of what you've done?

your wife should be so lucky to stand next to, much less in the shoes, of a man that has not only proven his worth but his honor in
being a leader. if she above all people should be in support of you
acting and treating your opponent with respect. there is more to being a wife much less a first lady than hosting tea party and redecorating the White House. Mrs. McCain- help your husband your husband out here!

everything you touch and say turns to hate. that is what you and Sarah Palin stand for- you are hate mongers.

search your soul Mr. McCain & Mrs. Palin (what is left of them) ask
yourself if you have enough left in you to buy it back…or have you gone to far.
John McCain you should not only apologizing to Mr. Obama -you should vote for him. He is exactly all that you wish you could be!

Lewis is right— you reap what you sow McCain…you and Palin have whipped up a biased fury with racially tinged speeches and insinuations. Now that you can't control it you are trying to blame Obama and his supporters.

Barack is right…I'm not looking for a present to divide us…I am looking for a president to lead us.

The way you have tacked back and forth…evenb this week, proves you are unfit to lead us.

As a Canadian, who has been following the US elections, I am appalled at the resurgence of rascism that has surfaced at the Republican rallies. Senator Palin has shown the world what an un- worthy, lying and disgraceful, power-hungry moron she is. I feel sorry for the Amercian public should the Republicans win this election. This is absolutely shameful.

Lewis is right.

Lewis is not a spokeman for Obama. Consequently, he has the right to voice his own opinions. I don't see McCain apologizing for Palin, who speaks on his behalf.

Palin should be removed from the ticket. She has single handedly put us back in the 60's.

I am disgusted about what accusations Lewis is claiming upon McCain. It is typical of Lewis. Consider the source. Can't we ever get past this Lewis. Give it up already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama responds
Obama spokesman Bill Burton gives little ground to McCain's outraged response at John Lewis's evoking George Wallace:

Senator Obama does not believe that John McCain or his policy criticism is in any way comparable to George Wallace or his segregationist policies.

But John Lewis was right to condemn some of the hateful rhetoric that John McCain himself personally rebuked just last night, as well as the baseless and profoundly irresponsible charges from his own running mate that the Democratic nominee for President of the United States ‘pals around with terrorists.’

As Barack Obama has said himself, the last thing we need from either party is the kind of angry, divisive rhetoric that tears us apart at a time of crisis when we desperately need to come together. That is the kind of campaign Senator Obama will continue to run in the weeks ahead.
Burton also sent over several comments from Republicans (after the jump), including former top McCain aide John Weaver, expressing discomfort with McCain's and Palin's rhetoric.

Last time McCain voiced outrage at the suggestion, from Obama himself, that he would use race against the Democrat, Obama quickly backed down. But the terrain has changed, and it seems to be a fight Obama is now comfortable having, perhaps in the hopes of amplifying a backlash against McCain.

The rally footage I saw on CNN was the WI man who said "socialist" and named Pelosi and Reid. I do not understand Lewis' comments as they relate to the civil rights movement. Futhermore, did not some of the angry/support comments come from a African- American man?

Am I missing some other rally components, if so which ones.

Obama - inspires
McCain - incites

This is one more indication that John McCain has lost control of his own campaign, the campaign is being run the the far right fringe, which Sarah Palin is their puppet.

Sarah Palin is the dangerous one on this ticket, she is ruthless, ignorant, unethical, and to top it off is overly ambitious.

I am not an American but Ijust wounder aloud if in America political campaigns are above the law.Was the 60's era remarkable in American history? The world is watching.

Sarah Palin reminds me alot like Hitler. She could easily be the drving force of a bunch of new browshirts and jackbooted thugs…you had better watch out for this wannabe Hitleresque female.

McCain & Palin spent the last two weeks trying to tie Obama to a former terrorist and now they are surprised they are bringing out the extremists and racists. They thought that out really well ahead of time…… dirty politics breeds dirty results.

I agree with Lewis. John McCain being forced to defend Obama against the angry racist mob proves that they are an angry racist mob. Duh.

Rep. Lewis is correct. Any intelligent thinking person knows how dangerous the recent rhetoric has been at the McCain-Palin rallies.

Thank you Mr. Lewis. Our political leaders have a very serious and ethical responsibility to maintain a climate that is representative of our democracy in their campaigns. Who remembers Joe McCarthy ?

No apology is owed. Wake up McCain the truth was spoken.

By the way, John McCain and the RNC need to apologize to the American people, The citizens of Illinois and students at UC.

If McCain is defending the people that have sent hate filled emails and scream hate speach about Obama at his rallies… that IS HUGE NEWS. You betcha.

As an immigrant i am scared of Mccain/palin campaign.This is exactly how immigrants face with USCIS. It seems that whoseever name appears to be exotic or Musilum as a terrorist. The campaign not realised that the America's future relation with foreign nations based on mutual respect. I think America is much more better than Mccain/palin beliefs. The world is watching America.We don't expect such kind of opinion from great nation.

well guys, I would say a little truth is in Lewis' comments. He's not wrong.
Look at McCain's rallies, I'm really FRIGHTENED; some right-winged extremist might kill Obama before Election Day. Imagine what would happen to that country, if this nightmare became true.

I hope it won't be so.
And I hope America votes AGAINST racism and FOR OBAMA!

Obama/Biden in a landslide!

Oh My!!! Looks likes McCain/Palin has caused quite a stir!!!! Oh and not "Ms. TrooperGate!!! LOL…

God said there will be false witnesses….watch out McCain/Palin…
GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY….AND SARAH, YOU ARE WHAT KIND CHRISTIAN???

You are a mean, power hungry and have a dark spirit….Anyone who has someone pray witches away from them……That's insane….And you ask Who is Obama?…..WHO IS SARAH PALIN?

May God Bless us all….

John McCain was a dedicated, patriot, public servant for decades. First in the Navy, then as an elected Official he served our country. Now he has sold his soul in the name of becoming president.

Ya'll come out to NASCAR Monday to see Sarah Palin in Virginia. Already 100,000 tickets have been subscribed to.

She buried Obama in the debates by drawing 10 million more people to her debate and then drew 60,000 in Orlando for what is becoming for her—a mini rally. This woman draws em in.

Sarah Palin 2012 & 2016′–President

THANK YOU, Congressman Lewis!
May our nation's violence be healed.
Peg

Wasn't Bull Wallace a Democrat.
Ironic that one of the biggest racists of all time belonged to the same party as you congressman.

Perhaps you should read the blogs here and see some of the hate from your own side of the political spectrum.

The kind of racial hatred that members of republican audiences have recently been spewing is not only what the extreme right wants, it's what they also feel and believe. Especially Palin. She is completely evil. Should Senator Obama be elected, as I pray he will be, the U.S. Secret Service had better be on their game.

I don't think McCain is a racist but I don't know about Palin but John Lewis comments came to late after McCain said that Obama would make a good president John McCain know the race is over because he almost started a cival war a race war divided the great USA like someone wants to do in Alaska. OBAMA/BIDEN 08 MIGHT GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE BEST TAG TEAM.

maccain and the huntress palinremind me of the old line

ARE YOU TO BELIEVE WHAT I TELL YOU OR WHAT YOU SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES

mccain thinks he's dealing with people he can manipulate with always saying "My Friends."
I don't have friends who incite racial tensions, lie in in the face of the truth and picks vp for votes for votes not because of the talents she has other than making babies. "…he who votes mccain gives up all hope

john bracci"

It's true! Too many people have been getting the feeling that these McCain/Palin rallies resemble those of the Klu Klux Klan…It's been terribly scary to watch. I'm afraid that if those two get in there, there will be NO one there to represent me. When I look at these rallies I don't see any representation of myself. When I hear people in the audience at the Palin rallies say "Kill em! Kill Obama!" there is a problem. Anyone that sees it differently is obviously a stark ignorant and racist supporter.

Palin started the name calling and ever sinc the McCain campaign reaks of natzism. Calling Obama terroist, unamerican and getting the crowd to yell terroist, get him, kill him crowds at a Palin rally yelling at a tv black sound men to "get down boy".What does all that tell you.
All the McCain campaign is missing are the BROWN SHIRTS.

Right On Lewis! The Conservative Right that seems to play up to the values of the religious population has hit an all time low.

Read the Book of Proverbs and see how McCain & Palin are really off base with their party lines.

Proverbs 6:12-19 (NIV) A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart - he will always stir up dissension. Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant: he will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy.
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, A FALSE WITNESS THAT POURS OUT LIES AND A MAN THAT STIRS UP DISSENSION AMONG BROTHERS.

While John McCain and Sarah Palin are not the only leaders in our great nation that have fallen short in regards to the teachings in Proverbs (Rev. Wright for example), they are the ones who are running for the highest offices of our country. Their hunger for power and greed has motivated them to stoop to such levels as endangering the life of their opponent by false accusations, striking fear into the hearts and minds of those they can.

People that listen to and believe the lies that come out of the McCain/Palin camp and aren't able to, or are unwilling to discern the truth have no right to cast a vote. We need to vote responsibly!!!

I am appalled at the question posed by the woman at MCain's campaign stop. She thought Obama was an Arab. Okay…does she not know that you have to be BORN IN THE USA to run for President? Why is this woman voting?

Hats off to Obama for NOT responding negatively to the McCain/Palin "verbal Dynamite". Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Christian for Obama ! !

Rob, have you heard Wright and Farrakhan say anything about McCain and Palin? Are either one of them running for office? Perhaps you should look into some of the ministers that support McCain/Palin, you will see that they are not to different than things Wright and Farrakhan have said.

Apparently he can dish it out but he can't take it. After everything said by his campaign last week why should we expect Obama to apologize?
After the results of Palin's hearing why should we listen to her at all?

Could this possibly be a set up, to bring race to the front and center by two ol buddies? Just sayin!!

The comments are not beyond the pale. Rather they are perfectly fitting. You can't blame Rep. Lewis for having strong feelings about that sort of hate speech (from Palin) when he has had dogs turned on him in the south. I was disgusted when some young guy at a rally stood up and asked McCain something about turning the hound on Obama. There's no ambiguity about the historical implications of that and if I recall correctly Mccain smiled or laughed.

While McCain has since called for the rhetoric to be turned down I question what took him so long or is he playing it both ways? He should spare us the faux outrage - his unqualified runningmate is an instigator and that's evident for most to see.

(Please post CNN - my comments never seem to make it on)

JUST IMAGINE OBAMA's TWO LITTLE GIRLS and IF THEY HEARD that RALLY WITH PEOPLE yelling KILL THEIR DADDY…

just take a minute and think about that

this is awful

We have so many nuts in our world and it doesn't take much to set them off. When McCain and Palin rattle off as they have all week they stir these nuts up. This can lead to something very dangerous. They don't care. Those two will say and do anthing to win this election. They had better be careful. When McCain defended Obama the crowd booed him. He is lucky they didn't turn on him. That could happen so him and ugly girl need to shut their mouths, John Louis said a good thing and nobody owes McCain any apology…Doraine in Tx

Why should Obama apologize for Mr. Lewis' (very truthful) comments? It defames Palin? What is she doing?!

Isn't it just like the Republicans to demand apologies when others speak the truth about them yet it's fine and country first and American to attack others about untruths?

"If Obama Loses" et al. America, may ll higher powers protect her, i s a free land. Ditch your racism. You are making our children cry and you are dishonoring the soldiers that have fought for nd still fight for our rights and liberties. I am white. And I I crumble when I read and hear you spewing. Its sickening.

If you look out in the crowd there are some angry people and they keep asking HOW DID OBAMA GET THIS FAR, what that suppose to mean, Obama has ran his campaign like non other he has done a great job bringing people together, I live in the SOUTH I see stuff like this everyday, thats why SOUTH CAROLINA will always be a red state it's people like this that will never accept a black person it's sad but true.

Senator McCain, John Lewis spoke the truth. Your campaign has sunk to a new low in American politics. We the people deserve better. You've demonstrated a total lack of character in allowing this hate mongering at your rallies. SHAME ON YOU!

The McCain's camp tries to divert attention once agian. McCain camp has explicitly called Senator Obama as a terrorist and induced volience and hostility in their rallies. Sarah Palin, as a hypocrit, needs to answer her abuse of power.

A town hall meeting .. in ohio 80 years old White Lady from small town ohio .. in her town There is no progressive talker right-wing talkers on radio all day.

she ask obama a one question ?… she asked him Who Are You? Obama responded to.. I Am Your Son …don’t let them scare you” ….She definately had tears in her eyes .she is voting for obama..

This is a very frightening issue generated by far right conservitive thinking. Taking us to ta place where we are better than all others. There is only one GOD and God belongs to all people on earth.

My racist family in Michigan is supporting Obama. That should tell you something right there.

When you bring absolutely nothing to the table, this is what you have to resort to. So here we go again. The Democrats throwing out the race card once again. No wonder there is so much hatred out there. When you have people like Lewis constantly bringing race up when nothing is there. For all of you supporting his comments, you too are part of the problem.

It's not McCains fault that there are people out there that are sick of Obama skirting all of the tough questions. I guess most Obama supporters feel it is ok that a person Like Bill Ayers could have some sway with the presidency. The same guy that tried to kill cops and our service members. Maybe cop killers are ok to Obama supporters, but it scares me to death that Ayers will someday be in the white house laughing at all of the men and women who go out there ever day and protect us. Bill Ayers setting foot in the White House will be the ultimate insult to all of our public servants. What a shame that Obama supporters dont care about that.

Palin-Mccain have been stoking their campaign with rhetoric inciting hatred, not a difference of opinion. They only tried to tone it down when other Republicans expressed concern. They are pathetic and desperate. Mccain is not entitled to the presidency.

A town hall meeting .. in ohio 80 years old White Lady from small town ohio .. in her town There is no progressive talker right-wing talkers on radio all day. she ask obama a one question ?… she asked him Who Are You? Obama responded to.. I Am Your Son …don’t let them scare you” …
.She definately had tears in her eyes .she is voting for obama..

McCain's demand for an apology yet more race baiting. Who the hell do these jokers think they are fooling? Most voters aren't as dumb or as racist as McCain/Palin think. Voters know when the dog whistle is blown, and they don't want to vote for hatred.

Now McCain is attacking civil right's leaders? How much lower can they sink? Do the republicans really want another civil war? Is this what being a "patriotic American" is all about? Why are the conservative Christians not reprimanding their party for it's lies and tone? Democrats are referred to as "commies" and "baby killers." Our candidate is referred to as a terrorist sympathizer because he knows a professor who committed a crime when Obama was a CHILD!

And yet, the Democrats are not supposed to say anything? Something is terribly wrong in America. The Democratic party is a major AMERICAN political party. Our supporters and our candidates all require (and we need to start demanding) respect. We are every bit as patriotic as you. We are your friends, your family, your neighbors. I cannot help but believe that the future of our country depends on the Republican party rejecting their politics of hate.

All day long the MSM has been praising McCain for correcting the people at his rally who was lying about Obama. This is nonsense, he has only starting doing this since his own GOP people have said that he and Palin are playing with fire. He intended to do what he did, he is just pretending that he is concerned. He has run the most dishonourable campaign in the the history of electioneering.

Tell me one thing the McCain campaign has done to bring race into this contest. Please. I only ask for one. But without you asking, I will offer a couple of comments made by Mr. Obama or his "representatives":

-Barack Obama, at a rally earlier this year: "They want you to fear me. 'He doesn't look like you so you should fear him.'" And the Republican ticket has stepped over the line?

-Sen. Lewis' most recent comments: They are racially motivated, racially accusatory and without merit. Left wing media point to conservative comments such as these as derogatory, improper and racially motivated. Left wing media point to liberal comments, such as these made by Sen Lewis, as pointed and necessary in order to fight a clear racial overtone in the election.

If you truly want to leave race out of the election, then do not stir up unnecessary, ridiculous (for lack of a better word) CRAP and then scream malfeasance from the other side.

You may want to pray for our country as a whole; trust me, as bad of shape as this great country is in, the country need your prayers, not temporary politicians.

I have been a long-time fan of McCain, and I'm happy he has started to defend Obama's character; But he and Palin were the ones fear-mongering and driving people to the point of "terrorist!" and "Kill Him!" at their rallies. They should be ashamed, and THEY should apologize. If they didn't want this type of response, they should not have attempted to paint A US SENATOR as a Terrorist. Duh. . .

John McCain and Sarah Palin ARE provoking fear and hatred. Just this morning CNN had a story on its front page about the rise of "rage" in Republican constituents at town hall meetings.

What those of us from small town America know is that such words are actually very commonplace, but up until now they've been reserved for private conversations. Now, McCain and Palin have been using their fear mongering tactics to get people to speak out in public.

It's of course backfiring in terms of getting them elected, but what is truly sad is that what it IS doing is promoting and provoking a very intentional culture war that robs our politics of an air of civility.

John McCain says he puts country first, but my opinion is that if McCain's idea of putting "country first" is to divide the nation and have us revert to a 1960's "us vs. them" mentality in this country, then he certainly is NOT the man I want to be leading me in Washington. The Wallace comparison is entirely accurate.

Lewis is right. McCain / Palin owe the public a major apology. Mc Cains followers lately are as embarresing as they are . Obama don't
apologize

Sarah Palin could win this election if she didn't have McCain hanging around her neck like a huge albatross.

Sarah wants to take the gloves off and go after that woos appeaser–Obama but McCain is afraid. This is pathetic.

Bottom line–McCain loses big time and Sarah runs for President in 2012 and again in 2016 and wins easily.

I agree with Mr. Lewis, Palin knows how to stir up the haters and get them in a frenzy and then it all comes out, Palin is very smart in knowing how to say the right words to get the haters fired up. All I have to say to Obama is, don't stoop to their level.

Americans are better than racism. There are more good people in this country than divisive racists. And those people will be out in droves to vote. Republican ideas have been tried, and they are now proven to have failed. Time for change.

I Truly believe that when John McCain has a chance to sit down after this is all over and reflect, he will see the horrible movement that he has become a part of. He began to recognize it the other day when he started telling people that Obama is a decent person. He started doing that after the hate retoric became dominant at his rallies. Palin keeps on hating though.

There was actually a moment during one of his speaches when McCain slams Obama and then he gets a terrified/surprised look on his face when the cround responds with yells of 'terrorist' and other unpleasant terms. It was the next day when he started talking about decorum again. He is also seeing some of his regular supporters abandon and critisize him. Soon he will really understand why.

Perhaps in McCain himself, who claims to be bipartisan, had stood up to the lunatic at his Wisconsin rally who refered to Obama and Pelosi as hooligans and socialists he never would have worried about accusations such as this being made.

He claims to be a maverick who stands up to leaders in his own party but failed to take a leadership role at the rally where he COULD have directed people away from extremist remarks.

Maybe he was just afraid to do so with the pitbull by his side.

Rep Lewis' comments are completely right. McCain and Palin were applauding those in the crowd who were yelling: Kill him, treason, Terrorist, Offer his head (speaking of Obama). Why didn't they come out and reject this type of behavior. It's so appalling to see these two candidates are enciting people to violence. They are using scare tactics to intimidate americans not to vote for Obama. They have to be ashamed of themselves. They couldn't talk about the economy because they are not up to the economic challenges. Palin is incompetent, she can't even answer questions to Journalists. They should be held accountable for any violence that may occur in the future. Palin started it last weekend by launching her vicious attacks against Barack Obama. They should appologize for it.

I don't see that this gentleman has said anything different from what I have been reading on these blogs for the last 3 days… SO I guess McCain would have Obama repudiate what so many .. many… Americans have already been saying. You to Senator Mccain should apologize also, for your supporters horrible and dangerous remarks.

Oh and then there was Sara "Burnedout"…(aka bernhard - comedian)

She said is Sara Palin campaigned in NY her "big black" friends would "gang rape" her….where's the outrage???? Where's Sharpton? Jackson? C'mon….double standard and strange bed-fellows.

Nice commentary at a woman's shelter for the abuse.

McCain is a consistant liar if it was not for the voters he would still allow the public to verbally lash out at Obama. He says his supporters legitamately care about Obama's record but they sound like an angry lynch mob and have not said anything of substance to support their fear.

John McCain was for decades a dedicated public servant, first in the Navy, then as an elected official. Now he has sold his soul in the name of being President.

Lewis is 100% right. John McCain's hate rallies are too extreme and with the economy as it is, violence can breakout and McCain and Palin are stoking the flames. McCain is showing himself as unworthy for the office of President.

It is about time that racial rhetoric in this country is being brought out of the closet and discussed in an intelligent manner. There is nothing wrong with Congressman Lewis' remarks. If McCain wants to bring his kind of dialog into the campaign then he has to deal with what the other side wants to say.

Obama / Biden in 08

It's the truth. McCain and Palin have been running on this hee-haw small-town ignorant hatred for a long time now, and the racial overtones need to stop. Just watch the video where the McCain fans are questioning Obama's "bloodlines".

Palin and McCain have purposefully and repeatedly whipped up their zealots into the kind of mob mentality that used to result in a lynching or two. You absolutely cannot deny that this is racially-oriented. The hatred on the white faces of those in the crowd is NO different than those in the lynch mobs of the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Thank you, Rep. Lewis for speaking the truth. There is no apology or repudiation necessary here.

If anything should happen to Barack Obama and his family, it will be on Palin and McCain's head. They would rightly be held wholly responsible and I shudder at the response of the American people.

Sarah, honey, it's time to go on home to Alaska, where they may or may not want you back. Senator McCain, you've shown your true, sad character and lost your honor.

And may none of us forget Emmett Till.

Unfortunately John McCain's comments on the condemnation betray him. To go so far as to demand an apology suggests that McCain's recent about face on those attacks is all about his falling polls not some new principle. John McCain apparently does not realize just how much damage he and Sarah Palin have done by convincing zealous supporters their opponent is anti-American. That is beyond the pale but then Palin was chosen to say their opponent is against God so she probably isn't even warmed up yet.

ROCKY & BULLWINKLE deserve each other

The republicans should hold a meeting with McCain and tell him he is in danger of painting their party as a racist party. The conservatives such as Hannity.Limbaugh,Ingram and others have already represented as such.this should stop before they go too far!

Mr. McCains's campaign needs to be careful with well worded, inciting, but veiled remarks on Obama. Now, after the race, sex education, terrorism comments, Sarah is turning her rhetoric on 'abortion' …. Please watch out Sarah in what you say at your events. There are a lot of extremist morons out there …. they just need some one to incite them to go berserk.

It is so freightening to hear such comments at the McCain/Palin rallies. For the both of them to stand there with such silly grins on their faces when hatred is being spoken all around them is insane. Even if you dislike or disagree with someone it is un christianlike to stand there and let that happen. Both of them makes me nervous, they will stop at nothing to win. If anything happens to Mr. Obama or his family the blood is on their hands. God protect this country from people like Mccain and Obama.

McCain has high praise for those who agree with him at any given moment.

McCain knows that Lewis is right, so he has to call on Obama to do the repudiating. I've lived through more than a dozen national elections and I've NEVER seen a ticket do more to incite hatred of its opponent. What McCain and Palin have been doing is all the more upsetting because they are clearly out of this election. Two angry, substandard politicians acting in a vindictive and destructive manner that will only serve to make bipartisan cooperation even more difficult for the next administration. Shameful.

thank you rep lewis all america knows what mccain and palin are doing its the only way they think they can win trying to divide americans lets face it we are all in a deep mess with this money issue its time to unite and elect obama and biden and get america back on its feet lets defeat moose and squirrel please america vote for the right team vote what you know in your heart is the right thing to do the whole world respects obama it is the right way to go beside mccain and palin can keep there day jobs many of want even have a part time job with mccain and palin

The straight talk express once again becomes the trash talk express. When will McCain finally come to his senses and realize all the terms used in his campaign such as "traitor", "Liar" and perhaps the most important one, "terrorist" have triggered hate mongering in a campaign that he himself said he will run as clean as possible. Perhaps being Old is one thing, but wisdom is reserved for only those who truly seek it. And clearly, John McCain is not one of those who has wisdom or shows signs of wanting it.

McCain & Palin,
If, God forbid, anything happens to this outstanding American citizen (Sen. Obama), you both will have blood on your hands. You will then will have to face the law, and the wrath of the nation.

The Republicans chose to go negative with their campaign rather than focus on the issue. Now they will not accept responsibility for their actions! McCain eventually accepted the Republican demands to appoint a brainless pitbull as his running mate. He should have shown guts and gone with his own choice. Someone with a brain capable of understanding the issues would have been a real help to the campaign. Where has the real McCain gone? Now he and his party have become totally reckless!

When you have nothing to say you say anything. The McCain/Palin ticket are horrific representatives of one of our major American political parties. Whatever the imperfections of the Obama/Biden tick