Rendell's at it again
You may have heard that Ed Rendell made some controversial remarks about Barack Obama and some voters' readiness, or lack thereof, for a black president. I just thought it would be worth noting that this sort of thing isn't a first for Rendell. He has a history of not having very much faith in the American people when it comes to their potential reactions to barrier-breaking candidates. I vividly remember the controversy -- and the wonderful New York Post headline, "DEM BIG STIRS VEEP FLAP" -- that he caused when he commented in 2000, during Al Gore's vice-presidential selection process, that: "I don't think anyone can calculate the effect of having a Jew on the ticket. If Joe Lieberman was Episcopalian, I think he'd almost be a slam dunk." Two days later, Gore picked Lieberman, and the rest is history. Say what you will about Senator Joe, but I don't think I've ever heard anyone contend that his Jewishness cost Gore the presidency.
P.S. These days, the far more controversial portion of Rendell's 2000 comments, among his fellow Democrats at least, would be his statement that Lieberman is "maybe the finest person in politics." Heh. You don't hear too many Dems saying that anymore...
I love Ed Rendell. He is such a Philly guy through and through. It's no secret that he is a big friend of the Clintons. Michael Nutter and him have been stumping for her hardcore this whole election season.
Rendell is a straight shooter regardless of whether you agree with him or not.
Posted by: Marty West | Feb 14, 2008 9:08:49 AM
Rendell is an idiot.
Posted by: Angrier and Angrier | Feb 14, 2008 9:18:57 AM
He's not the only one, Angrier. At least he's not a complete idiot.
Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie | Feb 14, 2008 9:29:25 AM
Rendell is a moron and I'm glad he is catching hell in the City of Brotherly love for such a stupid, idiotic statement to make....thanks Schilling
Posted by: CORNHUSKERS 94 95 & 97 | Feb 14, 2008 10:15:53 AM
People here in Philly LOVE Rendell. You don't understand unless you live here. He could come out and say "I want to kill babies" and Philly would cheer for him.
Posted by: Marty West | Feb 14, 2008 10:38:48 AM
We can infer from polls that 47% of voters simply won't vote for Hillary Clinton because she is Hillary Clinton. Something tells me that is a higher percentage than those Americans unwilling to vote for Barack Obama simply because he is black.
Posted by: Angrier and Angrier | Feb 14, 2008 12:01:02 PM
Rendell's occassional miscues notwithstanding, he was always a Dem I could stomach. He was a decent mayor of Philly when I lived there (especially compared to John Street), and has done okay as governor. He's no idiot.
Posted by: Joe Mama | Feb 14, 2008 1:26:37 PM
I'd venture to say that the number of folks who wouldn't vote for a black president wouldn't vote for Obama either way 'cause he's so damn liberal.
Posted by: Andrew | Feb 14, 2008 9:55:47 PM