Tim Russert, in front of millions of Americans on Tuesday night, was quick to force Barack Obama to denounce Louis Farrakahn repeatedly until he worded it to Russert's satisfaction (evidently "unacceptable and reprehensible" didn't quite get the job done). Despite the fact that Obama never sought Farrakhan's endorsement, Russert felt this line of questioning was appropriate given Farrakhan's intolerant remarks about Jews in the past.
Okay, fair enough. But if that's the case, then why isn't he pressing John McCain about radical religious extremist uber-nut John Hagee?
Mr. McCain, who has been on a steady search for support among conservative and evangelical leaders who have long distrusted him, said he was "very honored'' by Mr. Hagee's endorsement. Asked about Mr. Hagee's extensive writings on Armageddon and about what one questioner said was Mr. Hagee's belief that the anti-Christ will be the head of the European Union, Mr. McCain responded that "all I can tell you is that I am very proud to have Pastor John Hagee's support.''
Notice the "been on a steady search" part. If Obama had actively sought Farrakhan's endorsement, his campaign would be over. Watch the video above. McCain is downright proud of this Hagee endorsement.
Hagee was, if you'll remember, the guy who said that Hurricaine Katrina was God's revenge for a gay pride parade. He thinks war with Iran is essential so as to bring about Armageddon (when you can say bye-bye to the Jews). But as Glenn Greenwald says, he's a white Christian evangelical bigot, and therefore entitled to respect from the pundit class:
[W]hite evangelical Ministers are free to advocate American wars based on Biblical mandates, rant hatefully against Islam, and argue that natural disasters occur because God hates gay people. They are still fit for good company, an important and cherished part of our mainstream American political system. The entire GOP establishment is permitted actively to lavish them with praise and court their support without the slightest backlash or controversy. Both George Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sent formal greetings to the 2006 gathering of Hagee's group.
By contrast, black Muslim ministers like Farrakhan, or even black Christian ministers like Rev. Jeremiah Wright, are held with deep suspicion, even contempt. McCain is free to hug and praise the Rev. Hagees of the world, but Obama is required to prove over and over and over and over that he does not share the more extreme views of black Ministers.
How come Tim Russert -- in all the times he sits and chats with Lieberman, McCain and various high Bush officials -- never reads all of the inflammatory, disgusting, crazed "Rapture-is-Coming/ All-Jews-will-Burn/ Kill-All-Muslims/ Hurricanes-are-Punishment-against-Gays" pronouncements from John Hagee and James Dobson and Pat Robertson and demand that John McCain and George Bush and Joe Lieberman "denounce" those views and "reject" their support? What's the difference, exactly?
Enter...Bill Donahue.
Yes, Mr. Catholic League/Chocolate Jesus himself, who is (justifiably) miffed that Hagee refers to Catholics as "'The Great Whore,' an 'apostate church,' the 'anti-Christ,' and a 'false cult system.' Glenn Greenwald interviewed him yesterday:
Donohue was particularly insistent that McCain's behavior would severely harm his standing with Catholic voters -- the group of voters which Karl Rove maintains is the key group for enabling the GOP to win: "This thing seems to be to be blowing up in his face. McCain has stepped in it big time."
It's significant that this is not a partisan issue, both sides of the political spectrum are in agreement that McCain should be forced to account for this. Even the National Review is applauding Glenn Greenwald's efforts on this front.
It's going to be hard for Russert to garner an audience to address this matter that is quite as big as he did in a Presidential debate, so I'm going to make a suggestion here that I never thought I would...
(*sharp intake of breath*)
...he needs to have Bill Donohue on Meet the Press.
Fair is fair, right?
Jane Hamsher blogs at firedoglake.com
Follow Jane Hamsher on Twitter: www.twitter.com/janehamsher
The "my Jesus is better than yours" or the equivalent "my God is better than yours" is proof that any form of extremism is a detriment to faith. Just as the term "God's chosen people" to refer to the Jews seems to imply that if I'm the chosen one I'm better than you! Remember God didn't choose you.
The above is available in extreme dosis all over the world and McCain should be asked if his brand is the right one! I believe the framers of the Constitution realized this many years ago and rightfully decided to include that idea called separation of church and state. I believe we should be cautious to vote for candidates that receive religous endorsements because to me its seems to be debilitating the separation clause of the Constitution. Oh that's right Republicans have been doing that for the last eight years...no wonder its cool to receive endorsements from zealots and or biggots, even if they are evangelical ones!
the hateful remarks of Hagee and the like; nor will he follow-up on his demand during the last debate for Hillary's income tax returns. It was reported last night that the Clintons were terrified that they would be asked to produce their records before the Texas, Ohio, Vermont, Rhode Island, primaries. One thing you can bet on is; if he doesn't follow-up, John McCain will do it for him.
Texas Death Match, Live On Fox!
p.s. I approve this FAUX News Alert. Sun Fat Moon, God's Supreme Editor, Washington Times
http://www.armchairsubversive.org/
Hagee is a quack and a bigot whose followers are not watching his sermons to be entertained, by *agree* with him. If Hagee was a real man of the cloth, he would be denouncing the depravity, corruption, and utter hypocrisy of the "Gang of Pedophiles" rather than endorsing a candidate who has tacitly *ignored* and *enabled* a laundry list of corruption, cronyism, and criminal acts if only by his silence. Were Hagee a Christian IMHo he'd be denouncing the "Sodomite" propensities of the "Repedophiles" rather than condemning innocent victims of a natural disaster.
I'm an old fisherman, "genseric," so I know *red herrings* when they're tossed my way.
Leland R. Erickson
Citizen
And McCain not only doesn't renounce or denunciate this dunce's moronic views, he embraces Hagee in all of his religious idiocy. What a total dip-shit idiot.
Remember, John McCain was not really a war hero. He lost five very expensive American planes (3 of them in training) before he was shot down over N. Vietnam after only 20 hours of combat. He was a bad pilot, before he was a prisoner-of-war (and he got special treatment because his father was a 4-star Admiral in charge of the War).
John McCain is a total suck-up to George W. Bush and the religious right (Hagee) now that he's running for President.
Hagee has been working with the Jewish community since the early 80s in a supportive way, and has lately sponsored "Nights to Honor Israel" , gatherings which honor Jews in the local community and in Israel and raise funds for needy Israelis. I wouldn't call that anti-semetic, but that's just me.
Not everyone can handle Hagee's personality, but I haven't seen too many, even Jesus, who was loved by all........go figure.
I mean, Farrakahn? Even the name sounds scary and foreign.
I almost WANT to be hated by a man with a good Christian sounding name like Hagee.
McCain is complaining. About unfair press treatment. McCain.
Look, as Obama and Clinton supporters, I'm sure we have disagreements about whose candidate the media favors more. But we can all agree that there is not a single politician on earth who the media carries more water for than John McCain.
I thank you, Jane Hamsher, for this article!!!