Gooses and Ganders

At Kennedy v. The Machine, Gary throws his support behind the Kennedy campaign’s response to Rosie O’Donnell’s slam on Christianity:

“Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state.”

The Kennedy campaign response:

“Comparing Christians to suicide bombers is so far beyond acceptable public discourse, it’s shocking to even hear something like this in the 21st century.

“I call on Amy Klobuchar to immediately return Ms. O’Donnell’s $2,100 and repudiate her extremist remarks. This is what happens when you’re so dependent for fundraising on extreme liberals and the Hollywood crowd.”

O’Donnell’s remarks are ignorant and offensive, but sorry, Gary, tarring Amy Klobuchar with them is a cheap tactic. I spent a lot of cycles defending Michele Bachmann from critics that wanted to tar her with advocating abolishing public schools because that was the position of some of her contributors. I’ll do no less for Klobuchar.

Just as voters are entitled to think what they will about Bachmann based on who supports her, voters are entitled to make the same judgments about Klobuchar. But neither is under any obligation to turn down campaign funds from groups or individuals with unpopular or just plain ignorant points of view. Making a public display of calling on Bachmann and Klobuchar to do so simply cheap theatrics – regardless of which party is doing it.

Update: This from the DCCC --

Disgraced Ohio Republican Bob Ney Pleads Guilty in Abramoff Case, Will Minnesota Republican Kline do the Right Thing and Return the Tainted Cash?

( Washington , D.C. ) – Today, Bob Ney pleaded guilty in the ongoing federal investigation of corruption and influence peddling. Ney pleaded guilty to charges of making false statements and conspiracy to commit fraud and violating post-employment restrictions for former congressional aides for his role in the scandal surrounding admitted felon and former Republican super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. . . .

As Ney pleads guilty today, many Minnesota families are wondering how closely their member of Congress is to this ring of corruption. In fact, John Kline has taken at least $1,000 from Bob Ney during his time in Washington. Will Kline do the right thing by the families they represent and send back Ney’s tainted money?

I don't know what constitutes "many," but it's probably about the same percentage that are concerned about what Rosie O'Donnell thinks of Christianity -- not many. Nonetheless, if Klobuchar should give back the $1,200, should Kline give back the $1,000? If one does and the other doesn't, is that really some sign of character? A grand here or their is pocket change in a congressional campaign.

Don't these campaigns have anything more substantive to talk about?