White House Smacks Gingrich For Calling Sotomayor A Racist

The White House hit back at Newt Gingrich on Wednesday for a twitter post made by the former House Speaker accusing Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor of being a racist.

Early on Wednesday, Gingrich put up a post on twitter rapping Sotomayor for saying that her background as a Hispanic female allowed her to understand cases in a different, better, manner than her white male contemporaries.

"Imagine a judicial nominee said "my experience as a white man makes me better than a latina woman" new racism is no better than old racism."

Asked at the daily briefing to respond to the tweet, spokesman Robert Gibbs offered a bit of thinly-veiled shot at Gingrich and warned against the escalation of racially heated rhetoric.

"I think it is probably important for anyone involved in this debate to be exceedingly careful with the way in which they've decided to describe different aspects of this impending confirmation," said Gibbs. "I think... when people of American and the people of the Senate get a chance to look at more than just the blog of a former lawmaker that they will come to the same conclusion as the president did... I think that when people get a chance to look at her record, I feel certain that partisan politics will take a back seat to common sense and open-minded decisions based on a full examination of the record and I think that that's what every Supreme Court and judicial nominee deserves."

Playing up the racial aspect of Sotomayor's candidacy is a dangerous proposition for the conservative community, with the risk of offending wide swaths of Hispanics omnipresent. To this point, the charges of reverse-racism have been primarily trumpeted by non-elected officials. But as Greg Sargent pointed out first, the director of new media for the Republican National Committee, Todd Herman, re-tweeted Gingrich's post, bringing the line of attack ever closer to the rank-and-file GOP.

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Comments

[OptimusMaximus]

IMHO, Newt is the most forward thinking American statesman we have. I urge everyone to take off their ideological blinders, visit his American Solutions website, and give him a listen.

He is exactly correct that we concentrate way too much on what divides us, when there are serious issues facing the country on which a majority of voters can agree to a solution. We should be concentrating on those issues a majority of us agree on, instead of spending so much of our time on the areas of disagreement.

He has been much maligned, and it is worth your time to listen to some of his ideas.

Here is an excellent starting point for giving him a listen. Well worth three minutes of your time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15D3ElV1Jzw

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

He's been much maligned because HE is making comments that malign him. He's doing a wonderful job on his own without anyone else helping him.

IMHO nobody is going to care if he's "the most forward thinking American" when he continues to make himself look like just another bitter Republican.

[OptimusMaximus]

Yea, you should be so successful.

Since when does repeating a nominee's own words, and making an absolutely accurate comment about those words make you a bitter Republican anywhere but in a liberal's mind?

You sound sorta bitter yourself.

[MainSpark]

Thank you, grandfather Gingrich, for your insightful post.

You state that he is "exactly correct that we concentrate way too much on what divides us..." The problem you've missed is that, well, he *makes* those comments which actually cause the division.

But don't overlook how much *good* he's doing for the GOP.

[OptimusMaximus]

One of my hopes is that he will return to the political arena. He is not divisive to anyone with a logical, open mind which I believe applies to the majority of American voters. You do have to get aroung the MSM's characture of him, but the majority of his ideas are spot on.

Please tell me which postions he's championed that you feel are divisive.

I would love to debate those points with you.

Go ahead, give me your best shot.

[gatogato]

He is a serial adulterer. To the point it would make Roman Polanski blush. He had to resign due to an ethics problem. Are you kidding? Why not just bring back Bubba?

[OptimusMaximus]

He was cleared of ethics charges, but you libs conveniently bury that fact. He was charged with 84 violations of House ethics rules by that paragon of virtue, David Bonior. 83 of the 84 charges were dropped, and the IRS cleared him of the remaining charge, which was providing inaccurate financial statements about a college course he was teaching. The libs literally crucified him by calling it a partisan course. If only you guys were so concerned about ACORN's activities...

Serial adulterer? Maybe, but he has converted to Catholicism and asked publicly for forgiveness..but hey, he's certainly not the paragon of virture of say, an Edward Kennedy, or a John Edwards, or any number of other liberal icons....

[AMERICANWOMAN99]

I agree! Newt is absolutely brilliant!! I hope he runs in 2012!!

[gatogato]

When it comes to brilliance Newt is "Palin" by comparison.

[RickD]

Newt's talents consist mostly of making personal attacks against other public figures.

As a legislator, his achievements were few. He "shut down the government", he drove the impeachment of President Clinton, and, generally speaking, he put his own lust for power overshadow any duties to the United States as a whole.

More than any other person in the country, Gingrich is responsible for the complete degradation of political discourse. Even more than Rove, and that is saying something.

The GOP will continue to wallow as a political force until Republicans reject Gingrich and Limbaugh as their standard-bearers. People just don't like those guys.

[OptimusMaximus]

The Newtster, as usual, is exactly correct.

[WebHubbleTelescope]

no he is exactly wrong

[AMERICANWOMAN99]

Nope! Newt is exactly CORRECT!! ...YOU are just plain ignorant.

[wfoster]

I can tell from your picture you have chosen you think that symbolism wrapping yourself in the American Flag and utilizing the picture of an American Eagle insure your intellectual superiority and patriotism. Real intellectuals do not need to stroke their egos to be superior and real patriots take action to support and defend the United States of America do and could care less about symbolic posturing an advertisement.

[OptimusMaximus]

Oh, you're psychic?

I chose my symbol for the same reason our founders, and others throught hsitory chose it:
}The eagle was a symbol born by men of action, occupied with high and weighty affairs. It was given to those of lofty spirit, ingenuity, speed in comprehension, and discrimination in matters of ambiguity. The wings signify protection, and the gripping talons symbolize ruin to evildoers. The eagle is held to represent a noble nature from its strength and aristocratic appearance, as well as its association with the ancient kings of Persia, Babylon and the Roman legions, having been the official ensign of those empires.] Thanks to http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp/keyword.eagle/qx/symbolism_details.htm
"
I chose my motto "Live Free or Die" from the Great State of New Hampshire, because I believe it accurately reflects my love of liberty, and my willingness to defend it.

I am more than happy to debate you on any topic you choose, and hope you will have enough respect to engage in an intellectual debate rather than cheap shots and ad hominem attacks on my character.

the great state of New Hampshire

[lilian101]

Its dangerous now to identify a Latina racist?
It would be more dangerous to confirm a racist to the US Supreme Court.

[RickD]

Actually, there is a long history of appointing racists to the Supreme Court.

Sotomayor is not a racist. If you read her entire speech, this would be obvious. Don't make your opinions based on spoon-fed sound bites.

[damebee]

Sorry you already have the rascists on the bench, Roberts, Scalia, Thomas

[OptimusMaximus]

Please give us some examples of their supposed racism.

Do any of you libs have logical arguments, or is the extent of your intellectual debating skills name-calling.

These are serious topics worthy of serious debate. Name-calling as debate was OK in grammar school, but really doesn't cut it as an adult.

[JustMe133]

God can these people be any stupider? LOL

[peacegurl48]

The GOP can say ADIOS to the few Hispanic votes they had.

[AMERICANWOMAN99]

That's all that the crooked left cares about; votes. They'll do ANYTHING to get votes.
Does ACORN ring a bell??? How crooked can you get!!?????

[RickD]

Yes, ACORN=crooked.

I know that's dogma on the right these days.

As for "caring about votes", gosh, that stings. It's like accusing basketball players of "caring about points".

[gatogato]

Yes - ACORN rings a republican bell. As in the Annenbergs. One of McCain's and the Republicans biggest donors and supporters. McCain was seen in a 2006 video giving ACORN congrats for its great work. Annenbergs fund and run ACORN, you little nut!

[damebee]

BS all Acorn did was register votes, where are you getting your information from Billo

[OptimusMaximus]

Gatogottagohas Annebergs on the brain.

He can't seem to comprehend it is irrelevant to the discussion of ACORN's proven record of illegalities, (from false voter registration, to violation of the non-partisan requirements of a registered 501C organization, pending investigations in several states, etc.) as to which candidates the Annebergs have contributed.

[brandalucia]

It is just great that liberals are so nervous about the Soniasoto nomination. She is in big trouble as she should be and it is her OWN MOUTH that has got her in this mess. Yes, her comments against white men are very racist and she should be called out. Thanks Newt.

[Ian Clark]

yawn

[damilitantone]

I'm not nervous at all. I expected folks like Gingrich and Limbaugh to talk their smack. Sorry that this 50-something year-old latina jurist hurt your feelings so badly. I guess you have every right to fear her, if you can be so upset over a statement she made eight years ago. I hope she doesn't say anything to make you unhappy over the next few days, or you might need to see a doctor to treat your angst. Poor baby.

[cirrus9]

"Soniasoto", wow! That's so unique. Yer special.

[damebee]

Who's nervous, except you jerks, not me, we have the votes

[applescruff]

Oh the poor down trodden Republican white male. They have sure had it rough compared to everyone else.Now there are all these inferior minorities wanting what they have and that just burns them to no end.

[brandalucia]

Yes, wouldn't you like to be a white male trying to win your case in Sonia's court? No way will she allow a white male to win in her court. She is a racist as she has pointed out in her own words in several speeches...the audio is out there.

[Ian Clark]

blah, blah, paranoia will destroy ya.

[damilitantone]

And she was nominated to the federal bench in New York by Daddy Bush in 1991. I guess she pulled the wool over Daddy Bush and his vetters, who surprisingly were probably mostly white men.

[cirrus9]

Poor, poor trash-talking nematode has panties in a conservo-bunch. Tsk. Tsk.

[RickD]

Now you're just making sh*t up.

[damebee]

And maybe you shouldn't boy if you are wrong, you are wrong Eat it

[DavidMcK]

However, these are the people who laugh at us all the way to the bank. I'll be so glad when America can get on with being a better country.

[whymaniawhy]

I think we can all agree that her comment was poorly worded. I think we can also agree that she is not a racist. Can we not also agree that diverse backgrounds and opinions on the court are a good thing. It's why we have more than one suprreme court justice. I think it is important that we have a good mix of viewpoints represented on the court. We already have many white men on the court. That viewpoint is well represented at the moment. Nothing to get too concerned about.

[damebee]

Frankly as a woman in business I would have said the same thing, white black or Hispanic, you guys suck and I'm glad she held her tongue, because I would have gone further.

[Alablanca]

GINGRICH IS PASSE - GO WRITE YOUR MEMOIRS, NEWT!

[juzcuz]

Yes, Gingpoor... write your memoirs on generic toilet paper so we can flush you and them down the tubes.

[brandalucia]

If Newt was so passe' why do his words appear every day on this website? He is very relevant and liberals know it...why else do you think they try to destroy him?

[wesinohio]

It's fun to watch him self-destruct.

[RickD]

He is on this website because CNN, Fox, the Washington Post, etc. all give him a platform to speak from. Why _they_ do this remains a mystery.

[damebee]

Excuse me we all know the media looks for a reason for being, without the Newt's what do they have, pity what we have come to! Where are the Peter Jennings of the news

[Acidic]

That's just ignorant and you know it. The media essentially chooses what the topic will be and they prefer wedges so that we are doing what we're doing right now. Engaged in discussion. Whether right or wrong, they decide what direction it goes and that needs to change.

[zerepas]

Gingrich is irrelevant.

[brandalucia]

That's why every peep he makes ends up on this website every day...oh that makes sense.

[mlr710]

Every peep made by Lindesey Lohan appears on this website everyday too.....irrelevance to the grand scheme of things apparently doesn't stop one from making the news rounds now does it?

[AMERICANWOMAN99]

Newt is awesome and should be our next two-term president!! VERY smart man!!

[cycle3man]

Thanks Newt. For giving us the Hispanic vote.

[jtmoney]

didn't we already have it?

[applescruff]

Keep it up Repubs. You are alienating the very people you need to ever again be elected to power.
You will fast be finding what it is to be one of these minorities you so obviously revile.

[OptimusMaximus]

What, you mean like the libs alienated the hispanics when they savagely attacked and prevented the appointment of Miguel Estrada to the DC Court of Appeals when he was nominated by Bush?

There's reams of evidence the Dems did everything possible to prevent his appointment becuase they feared he would be later appointed by Bush to the Supreme Court, and, like Clarence Thomas, they could not abide a minority with conservative opinions, and did not want him to be the second hispanic Supreme Court Justice.

You guys have a very selective memory....

[RickD]

Yeah, um, it turns out the Hispanics didn't care all that much about Miguel Estrada.

[mcriff]

JFrawley.... wrote:
"It seems very obvious that Ms. Sotomayor's assertion, if accurate, is indeed racism."
It is not at all obvious. Her statement is not racist, because it does not assign any innate superiority or wisdom to one race over another.
What it does, is postulate that the minority life-experience can be "richer" and more edifying. This may be hotly debatable, but it is not racist.

[whydodemshate]

Thank you (Smartest Person On Earth)

[OptimusMaximus]

I would love to hear your reaction if a conservative had said the exact words she used, and advanced your argument as a defense.

What nonsense.

[cirrus9]

More precisely, ethnocentricity.

[lilian101]

the truth here is that it's not a racist remark because it was a speech by a Latina about a White male. A latina cannot exhibit racist conduct regarding a White male, because civil liberties against racist conduct are reserved to minorities. Along those lines huh?
But equal protection and racism in the US until now is not dependent on being a member of a particular race or nationality. All are equally protected, until and unless Sotomayor rewrites civil rights protections and limits civil rights to certain favored classes.

[RickD]

Gosh it must be hard being white, eh?

[usawillprevail]

First of all if she gets in, the make up of the SC will NOT change! It will be as it was with Kennedy being the swing vote as he is on so many issues.

I think she will do whateve O tells her to do - if he tells her to ignore the constitution and do what he says instead, she will do it!
.

[LoyalOpposition]

IF she gets in? Yes, she is the next Supreme Court Judge. However, the damage to the RNC will be devastating because not only are the Hispanics listening and watching, mostly silently, but the attacks are so familiar to others that the resulting losses of support for the Republican candidates will certainly be a case of mixing apples with oranges and even uh, grapes!

[photobug]

You gotta love this denial.

Obama, the Constitutional lawyer and teacher is sure to be instructing "his" Supreme Court justice to ignore the Constitution, while the Bush administration was so fussy about making sure it followed the Constitution to the letter...

[lilian101]

Big O as in Oprah or just O as in Obama?

[MainSpark]

No, Big O as in, Oscar Robertson.

[JFrawley032759]

It seems very obvious that Ms. Sotomayor's assertion, if accurate, is indeed racism. There's no point in calling it "reverse racism," because racism is nothing but judgment of persons on the basis of race rather than character. I do not like Newt Gingrich, but his claim is not improper.

[applescruff]

She was answering a question regarding how being a hispanic could be of an advantage in making judgements. She was simply asserting that she thought her varied background could offer a valuabe point of view to the mix . She didn't say she would be better,just different and therefore an assett. .Amazing how those who have had complete control and influence for the history of this country are the ones who whine when a few of those from outside may get a position that was once exclusively theirs.

[joebftsplk]

Right on, Applescruff! Just as electing an African-American president has improved our nation's race relations, having a Hispanic judge on the Supreme Court will add to its perspective, insight and breadth of vision. After all, not every case that comes before the Court involves white males exclusively!