The entire dynamic is tiresome. An associate of one of the Democratic presidential candidates says something intemperate, the other campaign is “Outraged!” and calls for resignations and dismissals fly. Both sides insist these dust-ups are character tests for the rival candidate. The “umbrage wars,” as John Dickerson calls them, began in earnest 13 months ago after David Geffen insulted the Clintons, and it’s been raging ever since.
It’s tiresome, of course, because in most instances, the fights seem pretty irrelevant. Most Americans haven’t heard of the associates in question, and don’t much care what they said about the opposing candidate. The media tends to love the drama, but it usually feels more like a manufactured controversy, meant to give otherwise bored reporters something to do.
But the real problem with these generally trivial flare ups is that once in a while, one candidate associate says something truly offensive. Take Geraldine Ferraro, for example, who appears to have lost her mind.
To briefly recap, Ferraro, the Democratic VP candidate 24 years ago, launched a bitter attack against Obama a few days ago, suggesting he’s fortunate to be a black man. “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position,” she said. “And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”
The Clinton campaign responded with the single gentlest rebuke imaginable, with Howard Wolfson saying, “We disagree with her.” When the Obama campaign pressed for a more forceful response, Ferraro went completely over the edge.
“Any time anybody does anything that in any way pulls this campaign down and says let’s address reality and the problems we’re facing in this world, you’re accused of being racist, so you have to shut up,” Ferraro said. “Racism works in two different directions. I really think they’re attacking me because I’m white. How’s that?”
Ferraro added, “Every time that campaign is upset about something, they call it racist. I will not be discriminated against because I’m white.”
It’s breathtaking to see someone destroy their own reputation with such ugly nonsense.
Responding to the substance of Ferraro’s remarks is difficult, given that her comments were so ridiculous, but there’s simply nothing to bolster the notion that the Obama campaign is criticizing her because of the color of her skin. That’s … what’s the word … insane. Indeed, “Every time that campaign is upset about something, they call it racist”? I’d love to know what examples she’s talking about.
No one is trying to “discriminate” against Ferraro, they’re simply arguing that Clinton’s presidential campaign, which has been quick to pounce on intemperate remarks from Obama associates, should disassociate itself from someone making racially-charged comments.
Susan Rice, an Obama adviser, called on Clinton to repudiate the remark in an appearance today on MSNBC.
“That is a really outrageous and offensive comment,” Rice said. “I think if Sen. Clinton is serious about putting an end to statements that have racial implications, that diminish Barack Obama because he’s an African-American man, then she ought to really repudiate this comment, and make it clear there is no place in her campaign for people who say this kind of thing.”
Complicating matters, the Clinton campaign has been a little clumsy in its response.
* First, the campaign said it “disagrees” with Ferraro.
* Second, the campaign said Obama aides were playing the race card by criticizing Ferraro (which doesn’t appear to make any sense at all).
* Third, Clinton personally tried to dismiss Ferraro’s comments by criticizing all surrogates who push the envelope: “It is regrettable that any of our supporters on both sides, because we’ve both had that experience, say things that kind of veer off into the personal.” Clinton did not, however, specifically denounce (or reject) Ferraro’s remarks.
* Fourth, the Clinton campaign finally got around to saying, “[W]e reject her remarks.”
As for Ferraro, it’s a genuine shame to see someone of her stature fall apart like this. She was a pioneer and a Democratic leader, and she’s thrown her reputation away. It’s painful to watch.