FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The national dialogue just doesn't seem to get any gentler. Right-wing conservatives like Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh are now out calling Judge Sonia Sotomayor a "racist."[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/05/28/art.gingrich052809.gi.jpg caption="Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is among several prominent Republicans who have called Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor a 'racist.'"]
They are pointing to comments that the Supreme Court nominee made in 2001, when she said, "a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.".
Gingrich goes so far as to say that a white racist male nominee would be forced to withdraw and so, too, should a racist Latina.
The White House is pushing back, saying it's important for anyone in this debate to be "exceedingly careful" in how they describe different aspects of the confirmation process. And Hispanic leaders warn that critics risk alienating Latinos if they appear to be judging Sotomayor before she can even defend herself; nominees traditionally don't say anything publicly ahead of their confirmation hearings.
As Ed Rollins writes on CNN.com, the battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party has now spilled over into this Supreme Court confirmation debate. He says critics who have been unable to attack President Obama think they can smear him with his court pick. But Rollins says there can be no debate over Sotomayor's qualifications, and warns Republicans that this confirmation "is not the battle to be waged and it won't be won."
Here’s my question to you: Does it hurt the GOP when Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh call Judge Sonia Sotomayor a "racist"?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ron from Pennsylvania writes:
Jack, As a former Republican, I wake up every day and wonder how much more damage GOP politicians, pundits and radio talk show hosts can do to their party. Amazingly, every day they find new ways to look dumber, more out of touch, and more extremist in their views.
Pat from Florida writes:
Your questions are so obviously pointed, Jack. There is nothing wrong with questioning the nominee's intentions. The Supreme Court is our final defense against increasing attacks on our liberty. You and Sotomayor could benefit from a little impartiality.
John writes:
Obama has pulled one from George Bush senior's playbook. Clarence Thomas is on the far right, and yet because he is black, the left couldn't fight hard to stop his nomination. Sonia Sotomayor is too moderate/liberal for the right, and yet because she is Latina, opposing her is fraught with danger. The real question is: why pick her now? The balance of the court is not on the table.
JW from Sacramento, California writes:
The Republican senators are going to attack. That's what the Republicans have become – that's all they are now. Let them have at it, and let the American people see what they are and judge them for what they have become: the party that's in the pocket of Southern, right-wing Christians and corporate interests.
Martin from Shoreline, Washington writes:
No. What hurts is that no one is calling her a sexist as well. Racism and sexism are not about using the "n-word" or the "b-word". It is about thinking your race or gender is superior. Sotomayor clearly thinks she is superior as a woman and a Latina.
James writes:
Republicans are really struggling. If Mother Theresa were still alive and a Democrat nominated her for humanitarian of the year, I have no doubt there would be Republican opposition. They are a ship run aground and their tired passengers are trying to survive on red herring.