Tennessee's Republican Party is showing a lack of class, conscience and self-respect with its decision to refer to the presidential candidate as Barack Hussein Obama.
Yes, it is the man's name -- a derivation of the name of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. But Tennessee's GOP is hoping the name will inspire fear in the uninformed and subtly raise questions about the candidate.
It also could be a boon to Hillary Clinton, who the GOP believes could be more easily defeated by John McCain.
It's a move that even turns McCain's stomach. The GOP candidate was introduced at an Ohio speech by conservative radio squawker Bill Cunningham who repeatedly used Obama's middle name. McCain later said such stunts won't happen again on his campaign.
This decision by Tennessee's Republican Party shows that its leaders have such a low regard for the American system that they believe cheap stunts like this are acceptable behavior when asking voters for the privilege of running their government.
If this is an indication of the values held by Tennessee's Republicans, then it's an embarrassment to have their names on a ballot. Those seeking to represent the public should aspire to higher ideals.
-- Jim Grinstead
UPDATE: Sen. Lamar Alexander took the state party to task on the issue and TNGOP has reversed its position.
Comments