DNC chair Wasserman Schultz under fire for Jim Crow comments
Washington (CNN)-Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz might "say anything," but she also might take it back. After being blasted by opponents for invoking Jim Crow during a critique of voter identification laws backed by Republicans, the congresswoman admitted using the "wrong analogy."
When asked about the measures including identification requirements and shorter windows for early voting Sunday, the Florida congresswoman told Roland Martin, CNN contributor and host of "Washington Watch" on TV One, "You have the Republicans, who want to literally drag us all the way back to Jim Crow laws and literally-and very transparently-block access to the polls to voters who are more likely to vote for Democratic candidates than Republican candidates." But she later backed down.
Wasserman Schultz also compared the controversial measures to poll taxes, fees historically used to keep African-Americans from voting that were abolished in 1964.
"Photo I.D. laws, we think, are very similar to a poll tax," she said Sunday. "Just look at African-American voters as a snapshot. About 25 percent of African-American voters don't have a valid photo I.D….the reason it's similar to a poll tax is because you've got the expense. You've got the effort."
During the interview Wasserman Schultz also railed against measures proposed by Florida GOP Gov. Rick Scott that would require photo identification, calling them "barriers" to those trying to exercise their right to vote.
"There is so little voter fraud, which is the professed reason the Republicans are advancing these laws," she asserted. "You're more likely to get hit by lightning than you are to see an instance of voter fraud in this country."
"Republicans are imposing laws all over the country, acting like…voter fraud is rampant, and it's ridiculous," Wasserman Schultz claimed.
The National Republican Congressional Committee fired back Monday and accused the four-term Democratic congresswoman of making "absurd accusations" and "offensive remarks."
In a statement the Republican committee said, "Wasserman Schultz will 'literally' say anything."
"After a week of fact-checks debunking her absurd accusations about the GOP plan to save Medicare, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz is back at it again spouting offensive and outrageous statements," said the NRCC.
Wasserman Schultz responded Monday by dialing back her comments.
"Jim Crow was the wrong analogy to use," she said.
"I don't regret calling attention to the efforts in a number of states with Republican dominated legislatures, including Florida, to restrict access to the ballot box for all kinds of voters, but particularly young voters, African Americans and Hispanic Americans."
Wasserman Schultz was elected chair of the Democratic National Committee in early May, following the resignation of former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, who is now pursuing a seat in the U.S. Senate.
From CNN Politics
- Florida legislature passes bill allowing carry of concealed weapons without a permit
- 10 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2024
- Untitled
- Manhattan DA's office again slams House GOP's efforts to investigate Trump probe, says approx. $5k federal funds used
- Can Trump still run for president? Your top indictment questions, answered
- Donald Trump has been indicted. Here's what we know
She was absolutely right. Voter suppression is voter suppression.
What's she got to be sorry for? She's absolutely right.
She should not have backed down in my opinion. It is what it is – since the Republicans took over the House, they have tried to put women back into the dark ages. I suppose that's why so many Republican women like Sarah at the beginning (and some still do) – after being oppressed with no voice for so long, they felt they had a voice.
Why would she back down... she is right.
Even the Republican strategist admit they hope for low voter turnout.
Truth
She should apologize profusely for telling the truth.
When you look at the social law construction that the GOP is pushing legislature right across the country it does seem like they trying bring back the Jim Crow law days. She was right in saying that
Why retract this statement? It's pretty much the gist of what is happening. A rose/supressed vote by any other name ...
Truth hurts. Im not mad at her.
Besides Jim Crow laws.. I'm sure there is A LOT the Conservative Right would LOVE to take us back to.
She is correct; Republicans are trying to make it more difficult for minorities to vote who are more likely to vote for Democrats. It's not the same as Jim Crow, but it is just as bad because it potentially have the same effect...some African Americans not voting because they can't meet the requirement.
Rep Wasserman-Shultz was entirely right when she said what she said about the GOP/ts taking us back to pre civils right and voting laws for requiring photo IDs to vote because they know that a lot of seniors don't have photo IDs and it would cut down the Dem votes which would benefit the GOP/Ts.
She got history correct and it's important to know the history of "Jim Crow" whether you disagree or not.
the truth hurts. the repugs are trying to do whatever it takes to beat president obama. it did not work in 06, and it will not work in 2012.
Why did she back down?? She was dead right.
The only acces being restricted is by those that are not legitimate voters. The Democrats want to enable any illegal to vote, thereby denying Americans THEIR vote. They want to damage the integrity of our elections. People need IDs for all kinds of things in this country. Why is voting any different?
Requiring ID is voter suppression? Are you for real? Some stores require ID to use a credit card. Is that shopper supression? Instead of facing REAL issues, these hardcore liberals just attack with no basis.
Why did she back down? The Repub measures on identification and challenging voters is exactly a throwback to the Jim Crow laws. Both are targeted methods to prevent blacks from voting. The woman needs to stick to her guns. The truth is the truth.
How does a voter showing identification supress voting. Certainly if you are to be responsible enough to elect the officials who govern our country, an I.D. should not be so daunting?
According to a recent poll, 40% of Mississippi Republicans believe that interracial marriage should be outlawed again. Banning interracial marriage would be one step in a return to the "Jim Crow" era. I don't believe that the Congresswomen's remarks were that far off-base.
She should not have EVER backed down! She is absolutely, 100% correct about the GOP/Teahadists' lust for the Jim Crow days.
Come 2012, vote ALL Republican/Teahadists out of the House, limit their presence in the Senate, and definitely keep them as far away possible from the White House. Send them packing at the state level as well! It's time to move our country forward!
Debbie Wasserman Schultz is absolutely on the money on this one!!!
GOP grand plan is to suppress votes if you are deemed as voting for their opponent....its their code word for labeling people unAmerican and Unpatriotic!!!!
she right...
Thing is– she's right.
well it's true and I won't take it back.
I say use the analogy. Republicans ARE trying everything they can to steal the 2012 elections – and that includes putting as many roadblocks between a voter and the polls as possible.