The last couple of weeks, Republicans have raised one big question about Barack Obama: Who is he? <\/p>\n
Governor Sarah Palin has pushed the point, saying bluntly that the Democratic presidential candidate has palled around with terrorists.<\/p>\n
The pushback has been fierce, with some civil rights leaders accusing the Republican ticket of “playing with fire.”<\/p>\n
It’s perfectly appropriate, of course, to ask questions about Obama’s experience and his plans for America, should he win office.<\/p>\n
But this looks more like tribal politics. and Americans should reject it forcefully.<\/p>\n
Which isn’t to say that Obama is the better candidate, or should win. <\/p>\n
Perhaps McCain is more qualified, or has better ideas for leading the nation — or seems more sympathetic to the country’s pressing needs.<\/p>\n
But whenever one politician tries to delegitimize another, it should raise alarms. <\/p>\n
It’s one thing to out-argue, or out-think. But to suggest that another candidate is somehow dangerous or suspect — that’s simple demagoguery.<\/p>\n
When participants at Republican rallies accuse Obama of “treason,” or pray for a “Christian” victory over the Democrat, or accuse him of being a terrorist, McCain and Palin had a choice.<\/p>\n
They could repudiate that kind of rhetoric, in blunt terms; or they could listen and nod, suggesting a silent complicity. Too often, they chose the latter course.<\/p>\n
Whether he likes it or not, John McCain is fighting for the presidency at a historic time. <\/p>\n
First, America faces a monumental crisis, economically and in our civic institutions. We simply cannot tolerate more divisiveness. <\/p>\n
Second, McCain faces the first African American candidate with a significant chance of winning the White House. <\/p>\n
In a society where race has divided us for centuries — and where many of the great black leaders have been murdered — that raises the bar dramatically. <\/p>\n
In the end, Senator McCain — an honorable man, who has served his country for decades — should keep one thought in mind. <\/p>\n
If he and his proxies continue their attempts to disqualify Barack Obama, he may find his own legitimacy in tatters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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