Posted on 06/09/2005 9:46:28 AM PDT by West Coast Conservative
Leading Jewish Republicans are rejecting Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean's characterization of the G-O-P as "pretty much a white, Christian party." On "Fox and Friends," Republican Party Chairman Ken Mehlman said that would surprise "a lot of folks who attended my Bar Mitzvah."
Virginia Congressman Eric Cantor, who's Jewish, calls Dean's remark "hateful" and dismissive of "tens of thousands of Republican Jews across America."
Some prominent Democrats have distanced themselves from Dean's comments.
But on N-B-C's "Today" show, Dean defended his characterization of the Republican Party, insisting that the G-O-P has "the agenda of the conservative Christians."
Chief Deputy Majority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) released the following statement today regarding Howard Dean’s recent statement that the Republican Party is “pretty much a white Christian party”:
“I’m disappointed that the leader of the Democrat party finds it necessary to divide Americans by race and faith. America ’s families want to know how we can create the best jobs, give children the best education, and secure our nation from terrorists. They have no interest in playing Howard Dean’s games of division and hate.
“Republicans in Congress, along with President Bush, have a positive agenda that has resulted in economic growth, lower taxes and a more secure future for America ’s families. That is the kind of leadership the American people are looking for.
“Tens of thousands of Republican Jews across America , including myself, know that the Republican Party is a party of vision whose leaders understand the needs of American workers and families and the importance of spreading democracy in the Middle East . Leaders like President Bush have worked tirelessly to support our democratic ally Israel .
“I urge my Democrat colleagues in Congress to tell Howard Dean to apologize for his hateful and misguided statements.”
The Republicans are "a white, Christian party?"
Which party ran Kerry, Gore, Clinton, Dukakis, Mondale, Carter, McGovern?
The diversity party has never nominated a Jew, a black or an hispanic for President.
What has the nation come to when it's considered an insult to call someone a Christian?
I don't want him to apologizze. I want him to clarify it over and over. Every time he opens his mouth, it's more votes for Republicans.
This guy is gold.
As long as there's been other religions here on this soil.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
No, Howard, it is an agenda of conservative PEOPLE.
I agree. Geez, I hope he doesn't get fired. Dr. Dean is a proverbial treasure trove for the GOP!
He's also softer than a sneaker full of jello.
Oh, pardon me, that was taken out of context!
Bush got a large percentage of the hispanic vote, a larger percentage of the Jewish vote than in 2000 and around 40% of the asian vote. I'm assuming that he got at least 50% of the white vote.
I sure do. It is a blatant accusation that following Christian principles is bad public policy. He is trying to disqualify Christians, simply because of their strong faith, from participating in politics and berates them as if they were second class citizens.
This is in the same category as refusing to sell a house to a Christian. It's a violation of religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution and is a violation of federal law to discriminate against Americans based upon their religion.
As said, the left is attempting to make "Christian" a synonym for low-intelligence, intolerance, racism, homophobe, and any number of negative terms. And to the far left, being called a Christian IS an insult.
This is why I object to Dean's characterizing of the Republican Party.
He is using religion to separate, to polarize the people. Rather than trying to rally his followers and try to get them united, this maniac is trying to cause civil unrest.
Have we forgotten?
It's just that now the dems are pretending they're angry with Dean.
Dean is a moron. Thank God that he was selected to lead the Dem party.
Right you are.
Howard Dean, the greatest thing that has happened to the GOP since they won control of both the House and Senate.
Keep talking Howard, see how many swing voters and Democrats you can alienate.
That's not the point. . .stereotyping is never a good idea.
He insulted Christians who are (or at least WERE) registered Democrats.
He insulted Republicans that are not Christians (as the article indicates).
Not to mention the racial insult to any Republican that is not white.
Frankly, I love it when Dean sticks his foot in his mouth like this. Wins more converts to the Republican party.
Time out. Dean and the Democrats don't always use religion to polarize Americans. They only use it when they aren't using class, or race, or ethnicity, or sex to polarize Americans. Polarization oldest tradition of their party.
He's Rove's plant ;)
Dean is a Northeastern elite/snob version of Billy Carter. Except that he is far more destructive to the Dems than Billy ever was. Looking forward to Deany Beer. Long may he head the DNC...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.