The GOP would have more credibility …
posted at 3:50 pm on June 16, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Share on Facebook | regular view
… if its staffers would quit sending out e-mails like this:
Newscoma posted details of a racist email sent from Sherri Goforth, legislative aid for Sen. Diane Black (R-Gallatin). The email depicts the Presidents of the United States with President Barack Obama as a pair of eyes in a black background.
I spoke with Sherri Goforth minutes ago to confirm she sent this email. She confirmed she had sent it and also said she had received a letter of reprimand from her superiors but said she will stay on the job.
When I asked her if she understood the controversial nature of the photo, Goforth would only say she felt very bad about accidentally sending it to the wrong list. When I gave her a second chance to address the controversial nature of the email, she again repeated that she only felt bad about sending it to the wrong list of people.
… and if the staffers in question would quit offering excuses like this:
“I went on the wrong email and I inadvertently hit the wrong button,” Goforth told NIT. “I’m very sick about it, and it’s one of those things I can’t change or take back.”
You can see the image at the link; I’ll skip reproducing it here. It’s well described by Nashville Is Talking, and it’s undeniably racist in nature. Given that, I’m at a loss as to why the Tennessee GOP kept Goforth in her position. Part of her job, whether explicitly stated or not, isnot to embarrass the Republican Party. Goforth just got an epic fail on that key mission. Keeping her, especially after the apology not for sending the picture at all but just for sending it to the wrong people, gives the distinct impression that the GOP considers this a minor issue and not a major blow to our credibility with black voters.
Tommy Christopher calls this the worst apology of the week. So far, it might be the worst apology of the year.
Conservatives just spent the last week roasting David Letterman for his crude and misogynistic remarks about Sarah Palin’s daughters. We need to demand the same level of responsibility from our own side, especially from within the Republican Party.
Update: AC Kleinheider says Ms. Goforth isn’t really a player in the game. I understand what he’s saying, but I think he underestimates how this can damage the party. If secretaries at the Tennessee Democratic Party were passing along racist or misogynistic e-mails, Republicans would rightly rip the Dems for it.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 ... 7 8 9
The GOP in TN acted equally as crazy during the election – driving voters away from the GOP in droves.
They are a bunch of Far Right loons.
AprilOrit on June 17, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM
To summarize your stream of consciouness above: I’m a programmed robot racist black man unable to think for myself. That may be true (in your fantasy world) but you still can’t dance.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 4:54 PM
I’d agree with this, except the image sent by this person didn’t include a face, rather merely a set of eyes.
One thing is for certain though: we need a national campaign to stop the usage of the term “paddy wagon”, whether people understand the term’s origin or not… (yes, that was sarcasm)
What I would have simply dismissed as a nonsensical photo had I received this email, I see now would have gotten me in a lot of trouble at work if I’d asked someone what it meant. That’s a sobering thought in our bankrupt American culture.
Send_Me on June 17, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Yours certainly taught you what to think, but no, no one can teach you how.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM
I guess Aristotle and Plato were just pissing in the wind then. I don’t know about you but my teachers/parents taught me to use empirical data and experience to form my own conclusions. Turn off Hannity and Rush, you’ll feel a lot better about the real world.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 5:02 PM
I seriously doubt that. I made no comment on their ideology.
chris999 on June 17, 2009 at 5:10 PM
You mean consciousness, and I’m only postulating that it’s possible. The more you write, the more it becomes probable.
It’s certainly no fantasy of mine. You seem to enjoy seeing racist stereotypes confirmed, but I don’t. I generally prefer to see people as individuals.
I find it hilarious that you keep harping on the dancing theme as though it’s some kind of thorn to me. Unlike your small package, my dancing is just subset of my personality, not the whole of it.
Thinking and passing on that knowledge, and teaching others how to think belong to two different categories. I didn’t assume I’d have to explain that to you, but I understand how horrible government education is. I’m a big supporter of vouchers.
You needed someone to teach you that? Toddlers can figure out how to utilize knowledge from experience, so can dogs. It’s something most are born with.
Even still, that’s not how you think, it’s what you use to think. Again, there’s a difference, and I wouldn’t even argue that it’s subtle.
Assuming I listen to either of course. But hey, I’m white, so I must, right? I sit in my pickup truck, not dancing, listening to Rush and Hannity with my brother.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 5:24 PM
I don’t think the lessons “took”.
Whats the empirical evidence that you used to conclude that Esthier watches Hannity and Rush and that causes her a bad feeling about the “real” world?
Sounds more like the product of relativist mindset deluded with their own infallibility.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Thinking and passing on that knowledge, and teaching others how to think belong to two different categories.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Umm, ok. Aristotle and Plato taught their students how to utilize logic and analysis…that means how to think.
But hey, I’m white, so I must, right? I sit in my pickup truck, not dancing, listening to Rush and Hannity with my brother.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 5:24 PM
That would certainly explain a lot.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 5:32 PM
No, they really didn’t. They showed them how they did that, but thinking isn’t like a math test where all you have to do is copy the other person.
Same way he “knows” I own a pickup truck and can’t dance. It’s my skin color.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 5:40 PM
I guess the GOP drove away enough voters to win both houses of the TN legislature.
Oh, wait… that just proves that AprilObit is just brain dead.
Right_of_Attila on June 17, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Thinking is a process which they taught. How sad that this basic principle is incomprehensible to you. Unless you have some type of organic brain defect this is just sad.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 5:49 PM
I don’t want to speak for her, but I think her point is that by being in power, the TN GOP is alienating national potential GOP voters, which is pretty much the point Ed is making here about credibility.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 5:50 PM
Organic brain defect? As opposed to a non organic brain defect? Is this really how you want to show your “intellectual superiority”?
This keeps getting more enjoyable. Sure you’re not really a white conservative just faking? It would sure explain a lot.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:01 PM
So says the angry black kid whose mama could not even afford to send him off for a real education? No wonder you have such a hang up about “home schoolers” What is the equivalent up in the syphilis capital of America? Section 8 schooling?
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Oh My…what a rational response. Such depth. You sure are some kind of out of the ordinary thinker. In a class by yourself actually.
If you would have paid attention in class, you wouldn’t have to stay and study all by yourself.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:01 PM
You make this too easy:
Definition of Organic brain syndrome
Organic brain syndrome: Psychiatric or neurological symptoms, including problems with attention, concentration, and memory, confusion, anxiety, and depression, arising from damage to or disease in the brain. Also called organic mental disorder. See also: Neurobiological disorder.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:03 PM
And yet you weren’t talking about a syndrome.
Let me slow this down for you…
or⋅gan⋅ic
/ɔrˈgænɪk/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [awr-gan-ik] Show IPA
–adjective
2. characteristic of, pertaining to, or derived from living organisms: organic remains found in rocks.
3. of or pertaining to an organ or the organs of an animal, plant, or fungus.
4. of, pertaining to, or affecting living tissue: organic pathology.
de⋅fect
/n. ˈdifɛkt, dɪˈfɛkt; v. dɪˈfɛkt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [n. dee-fekt, di-fekt; v. di-fekt] Show IPA
–noun
1. a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in an argument; a defect in a machine.
2. lack or want, esp. of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect in hearing.
A brain is by definition organic. You’re the robot, remember? If it has a defect, then it is an organic one. If it is impaired, that’s something else altogether.
If you want to be understood, then choose your words carefully.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 6:02 PM
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:02 PM
I feel like I’m in the movie Deliverance…
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:11 PM
Find your dad yet?
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:13 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:11 PM
And what part of “arising from damage to or disease in the brain” do you need help with?
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:13 PM
And don’t forget guys, it’s not racist, cause he’s not white. It’s OK for him to be a bigot and become the very thing he likes to pretend he hates, cause it’s only wrong when the other guy is doing it.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:13 PM
None. What part of defect do you need help with?
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:15 PM
I was just mitigating your comprehension problems.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:16 PM
So in your poor person education, syndrome and defect are synonymous? Guess it saves money that way?
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:18 PM
By screwing up your own words? That’s generally an obstacle to comprehension, but considering your reliance on government for information, it’s not all that surprising that you think otherwise.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:19 PM
It was only screwed up in you mind dear.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Close enough right?
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
You may want to also go google what “mitigate” means. Your use of the word in this context makes little to no sense.
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
“you mind”? I’m sure if I were as smart as you that would make sense.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Now you’re scaring me.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:23 PM
He’s likely using a thesaurus, hoping bigger words will make an impact. I used to make the same mistake in junior high.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:23 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:21 PM
You should focus less on typos and utilize your brain to keep up. You’re falling way behind.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Of course, I am a B.E.D.
Oh and since you are a master of the English language, can you tell me what “pre-deortained” means? Spike Lee used it when describing Little Idi and I can’t seem to find a Webster entry for it.
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:28 PM
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Look it up, it’s probably in the same dictionary as “misunderestimated” See under George Bush.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Maybe you should turn off that “How To Be a Leftie–Tape 1″ you have on in the ‘repeat’ mode, and learn how to rid yourself of that bad feeling you have about the real world.
You can do it!…I’m pullin’ for ya!..but you have to want to get better.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 6:35 PM
You missed my earlier post here. I’m on top of the world. I’m loving this new world order stuff doncha know…you betcha!
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Sorry but the New World Order is the domain of rich white guys and the Illuminati…know what I be sayin?
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:39 PM
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:39 PM
You mean the same rich white guys with their hats in their hand to Pres. Obama?
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:42 PM
know what I be sayin?
ClassicCon on June 17, 2009 at 6:39 PM
That’s hilarious, cracker ebonics.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 6:46 PM
If their hats are in their hands, they aren’t rich.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:53 PM
I bet it seems like that sometimes doesn’t it?
…all you need is some old Spike Lee movies..”Democracy Now!” Tivo’d..and aimlessly vacuum the basement floor to keep the dust off your signed Obama poster (isn’t it amazing how his eyes seem to follow you around the room?!)..then flip thru the Malcolm X book and dream about the “New World Order” and drift…drift….drift….until you hear your Mom’s voice calling you up from the basement for dinner, and reminding you that you have to take the trash to the curb tonight.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 6:53 PM
OK, now I see. You have been yanking my chain all this time as no one could say such idiotic stuff with a straight face.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 6:55 PM
I stand corrected about saying idiotic stuff.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:01 PM
Like most relativists..which you seem to be imo, your ramblings have me lost as to what you’re trying to say.
What are you trying to say?
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Being lost is the least of your problems.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Ah, so good to know. Maybe now you’ll leave in shame.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:10 PM
Another lucid conclusion based in empirical evidence and rational deduction?
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:10 PM
You and Itchee must have skipped the same reading comprehension class.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:12 PM
So thats what you were trying to say? How can that be??
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Why not point out what you mean and clarify your point…if there actually was one?
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:16 PM
You’re a perfect example of someone who knows so much that just isn’t so. It’s beautiful. We point out that you’re using words improperly and you call us idiots for not understanding your mistakes.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Let it go Itchee. There is so much more other lernin’ you need to do in the meantime.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:18 PM
You’re a perfect example of someone who knows so much that just isn’t so. It’s beautiful. We point out that you’re using words improperly and you call us idiots for not understanding your mistakes.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Methinks you just summed up the divide between the left and the right quite nicely. Profound. HAHAHAHA
LSUMama on June 17, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Let what go?
Listen…if you can’t defend your comments, thats alright. I understand. Most relativists get lost after a couple of posts and when asked to clarify what it is they’re talking about, they realize that they have no idea. This is often very shocking to them, because many of them feel they have been very coherent, when they actually have been producing little more than word salad.
When this realization comes into focus, the easiest method of avoidance is to try and handwave it away.
I understand.
I think I hear your Mother calling you for dinner…or you can make up your own excuse to disappear.
Its O.K.
We understand.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Classic projection.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Evidenced by what, other than your own emotions?
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Which has been your argument the entire time, the more sophisticated “I know you are but what am I?” from racism to reading comprehension. Might help to get your own argument next time.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:40 PM
That was cogent.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:43 PM
There is no way robertnyc212 is a black guy. Only a fat, dumb, white liberal would so willingly embrace every single lame black stereotype as their own.
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 7:50 PM
dpierson on June 17, 2009 at 7:50 PM
The jig is up, you got me with one exception: I’m no liberal but you can call me Rush.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Now thats good.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Thank you. Your finally catching up.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 8:28 PM
Remind me again, Mr. Empirical Evidence, when was the last lynching at a GOP convention?
Chris_Balsz on June 17, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Chris_Balsz on June 17, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Uh oh, here comes the pine riders.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Chris_Balsz on June 17, 2009 at 8:32 PM
Sorry, I’ve dished out enough beat downs for today. You’ll have to wait your turn next time…I’m out.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 8:41 PM
You’re. You are using two words, not one.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM
I know, it’s late, my bad. But you can compare it to the other examples where I’ve spelled it properly. So thank you as I know that’s your (not you’re) basic function here. The next time I need to hire a secretary I’ll keep you in mind. Bye.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 9:02 PM
What, past your bedtime? Even in New York it’s still early.
And give you the benefit of doubt that you don’t extend to others even when you have ample evidence of their innocence to choose from and yet choose the one instance of their error?
It’s your rules I’m playing by here.
Sorry, but I don’t work for racists, and the editing you require is more than one person has time for. I’ve only corrected your spelling, not your punctuation.
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 9:26 PM
I think you’re punch drunk…kinda numb in fact.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 9:26 PM
You’re hired if you can correct this fine example of sentence construction:
“Which has been your argument the entire time, the more sophisticated “I know you are but what am I?” from racism to reading comprehension.”
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 7:40 PM
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Esthier on June 17, 2009 at 9:26 PM
What, past your bedtime? Even in New York it’s still early.
I was still at work revising a contract for a client. I derive what little pleasure from my miserably boring work by thrashing you repubs on HA. It’s a guilty pleasure I know.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 10:48 PM
“kinda” numb in fact.
Itchee Dryback on June 17, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Be careful Itchee, the spell check/punctuation police is on the prowl. I’d consider changing Itchee to Itchy as well.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 11:00 PM
I guess the spell check police are no longer on the prowl. I’m out.
robertnyc212 on June 17, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I see Robert may be in the house so I’m bringing this back up from page 7. I brought up the Dixiecrat thing though I didn’t use the word. Redneck Woman is pulling a Sean Hannity selected history trick; she’s technically right but thoroughly wrong. When I brought the issue up I knew someone might slap back. The change was regional not individual. I can’t recall any “Dixiecrats” that jumped ship like Sen. Shelby or Arlen Specter but the “Solid South” became solid GOP territory for one reason only, opposition to the Democrat “Civil Rights” legislative agenda including Affirmative Action and minority targeted welfare and social programs.
Redneck Woman says Robert and I don’t know history. Well Redneck, segregationist Geo. Wallace took Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisianna and North Carolina in 1968. Richard Nixon won them all in 1972. Do you think the populace of the South had a mass change of heart on Republican economic policy?
It was race that tipped the balance and everyone paying attention knew it. I bet I’m with you Redneck Woman on policy issues most of the time, but I’m not going to lie about the past to justify the present.
The Lord says the sins of the fathers will be visited upon his children for three or four generations. We’ve got one or two more to go before America’s paid her debt on race.
rcl on June 18, 2009 at 2:19 AM
“Whaddya mean “we”, white man?”
You’re running on fumes when you’re trying to extort me based on my supposed guilt for my grandparents.
Funny how the political movement based “only” on opposition to civil rights not only failed to assault civil rights, it also failed to condemn its own failure. That’s unlike any Republicans I ever met.
McGovern lost because his party is chock full of looney tunes.
Chris_Balsz on June 18, 2009 at 2:45 AM
talk about not knowing history….Nixon had a huge landslide all over the country…did the northeast vote for him because he was a racist???
laughable
and nixon instituted affirmative action…before 1972 I believe…sigh…
the Lord ain’t a big fan of twisting His words for your own political ends….
right4life on June 18, 2009 at 7:54 AM
Most of these posts is indicative of what’s wrong with this country and the republican party. Someone sent this cartoon to this woman and she didn’t have the sense to delete it. When this women’s boss didn’t see the position she put the republican party in by not deleting the cartoon is the only controversey. This was a bad joke. There have been bad jokes since the development of irony in the human brain. It doesn’t change the world, affect the country, influence the electorate or hurt anyone who isn’t looking for a reason to be upset. The left looks for and creates these controversies to keep continuous smoke screens up to blind the American people. If anyone thinks that there is not an organized, active office somewhere in this country with leftist operatives looking for opportunities like this then you shouldn’t be allowed to vote because you are out of touch with reality. And employees of that office send these manufactured scandals and controversies to the “useful idiots” among the psuedo-conservative punditry who aid them by fueling these controversies while trying to convince everyone that they are so enlightened and offended. The policies of the leftist democrat party have destroyed the black family and enslaved past black generations and generations to come in illiteracy, poverty and conflict. And the useful idiots of the republican party get their panties in a wad over stupidity like this.
peacenprosperity on June 18, 2009 at 11:38 AM
right4life on June 18, 2009 at 7:54 AM
“talk about not knowing history….Nixon had a huge landslide all over the country…did the northeast vote for him because he was a racist???
Good morning my Brother. You’re missing the point rcl was making. In the 60’s the repubs engaged in a southern strategy to win over the “cracker vote” and the WH. That is historical fact. And I believe you are referring to the Nixon win over McGovern which was indeed a landslide. rcl was referring to the Nixon win over HH which was by less than half a million votes. So without the cracker vote Nixon would have lost to HH.
robertnyc212 on June 18, 2009 at 11:39 AM
I don’t have a degree in communications and have never worked in the public relations field but I think this would have been long gone if the politician this dope worked for released this statement,
“Today I relieved “whatever her name is” from her duties in my office. An offensive, and frankly stupid, cartoon was forwarded to her and instead of deleting the cartoon immediately “whatever her name is” passed it on to others. I have no doubt that “whatever her name is” is in no way racist and my guess is that the person who sent her the cartoon is in no way racist. This cartoon is an example of the kind of simple minded and personal attacks that those of the opposing political philosophy have developed since they are unable to defend their own ideas or constructively refute opposing ideas. These tactics were glaringly apparent in the recent attacks on Gov. Palin and her family and the good citizens of this country who expressed their concern of the government policies through their participation in the recent Tea Party demonstrations. We are proud and confident of our philosophy and ability to communicate and implement them and do not need to resort to the tactics of the left. We will continue to openly and honestly communicate our ideas while always following the Golden Rule.”
But no, this idiot politician never realized the obvious or acted in a manner that would indicate she had any idea of how this stuff works. She fell right into the leftist trap and made things worse for herself and anyone connected to her.
peacenprosperity on June 18, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 ... 7 8 9