The New McCarthyism

In its desperation, its last gasps of diversionary charges, the McCain-Palin campaign is trying to return America to the divisive and punitive days of the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy. First reactions suggest this tactic will be as successful as its disgraceful Ayers and Wright sideshows.

A Minnesota Republican congressional representative, Michele Bachmann, told MSNBC that Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) views were “un-American.” Her opponent received about $800,000 in donations when the public heard about her claim.

A McCain aide in Northern Virginia claimed that the northern (Democratic-oriented) part of the state isn’t the “real Virginia.” He had parroted the demagogic escalated claim of the vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Palin, who told partisan political crowds that certain regions of this country and its inhabitants are not the “real America.” As if Wasilla, Alaska, is more American than Newark, N.J., or Boston is more patriotic than Austin.

We are the United States of America, Gov. Palin, remember? We, the People, and all that. Attempting to inflame class or regional or political warfare is the real anti-American style. This time, the American public is not falling for the tactic.

Visit www.RonaldGoldfarb.com.