The Washington Post reports on the debate between Senator George Allen and challenger Jim Webb. One of the reporters questioning the candidates asked what is probably the single stupidest question from this election cycle at least: Gee, Senator Allen, are you a Jew?
First came Sen. George Allen's Macaca Moment. Then we learned of challenger Jim Webb's thoughts on the "horny" women of the Naval Academy.
Now, just when you thought Virginia's U.S. Senate race couldn't get any weirder, the Jews of Tunis are making a cameo.
At a debate in Tysons Corner yesterday between Republican Allen and Democrat Webb, WUSA-TV's Peggy Fox asked Allen, the tobacco-chewing, cowboy-boot-wearing son of a pro football coach, if his Tunisian-born mother has Jewish blood.
"It has been reported," said Fox, that "your grandfather Felix, whom you were given your middle name for, was Jewish. Could you please tell us whether your forebears include Jews and, if so, at which point Jewish identity might have ended?"
Allen recoiled as if he had been struck. His supporters in the audience booed and hissed. "To be getting into what religion my mother is, I don't think is relevant," Allen said, furiously. "Why is that relevant — my religion, Jim's religion or the religious beliefs of anyone out there?"
"Honesty, that's all," questioner Fox answered, looking a bit frightened.
"Oh, that's just all? That's just all," the senator mocked, pressing his attack. He directed Fox to "ask questions about issues that really matter to people here in Virginia" and refrain from "making aspersions."
"Let's move on," proposed the moderator, George Stephanopoulos of ABC News.
What in the hell is wrong with journalists today? Dana Milbank, the reporter then goes on to explore whether Allen is Jewish. Why is this an issue? Read the whole thing. Allen is rightfully angry about this.
UPDATE: Dean Barnett thinks this has already seriously damaged Webb. He missed an enormous opportunity here.
I wonder why being asked if his mother was Jewish is “making aspersions.” Does he think that being associated as a Jew is a slander? Hmmm….
More like it’s a WTF question to ask.
Apparently there is some history here. He claims that his grandfather was in a concentration camp but then at other times refuses to say that his mother is/was Jewish. I agree it’s a bit WTF but then again, Rebel flags, pictures with the CCC, Macaca, etc leads some to wonder what this guy is about when it comes to minorities and Jews are a minority.
And that still doesn’t answer why he thinks having Jews in his family is an aspersion does it? Would he have reacted this way if he was asked if his father was a born again Evangelical? Maybe it’s nothing but to me, hmmm…
Allen’s going for the redneck vote.
That’s what the confederate flag and it’s “tradition”, as well as the noose, macaca, and the other coded words are about.
He got called out on his statements about his grandparents.
The aspersion is that he might be “on the wrong team” from those who’s votes he seeks.
It is, whether you get it or not, an out-of-bouds question for a reporter to ask.
Period.
I would feel the exact same way no matter what party the politician was in and no matter what the question about the religion of relatives was.
You got it Gaius.
Let’s keep religion out of politics!!
There’s no room at that inn!!