Santorum - No Credibility - So Sad

2012.talkingpointsmemo.com

Yesterday in Lady Lake, Florida, Rick Santorum chose not to correct a woman at his town hall meeting who referred to President Barack Obama as "an avowed Muslim".  It is disappointing to say the least that there are still Americans who find it acceptable to paint the President as a Muslim and not entitled to hold the Presidency.  More disappointing is that a candidate for the Presidency of the United States chose not to correct this ignorant and racist woman.  For me, Santorum lost all credibility when he made the decision not to rebuke this woman. 

I am thoroughly disappointed and disheartened that he chose not to correct this woman and rebuke all of what she said about our president.  The lady also said, "He has no legal right to be calling himself President."   Santorum should have said proudly, "Barack Obama is our freely elected president and is a Christian, not a Muslim."  Then he could have made clear all the things that he takes issue with the president on.  For a man who lives a Christian life and demonstrates high moral values, he compromised all of that with his failure to respond.  For me, it is critical that a presidential candidate calls racism for what it is.  Pandering to ignorant people may win you votes but it won't win you The White House. 

One of the most significant moments in the 2008 election was when the Republican nominee, John McCain, corrected a woman who basically was saying much of the same in one of his town hall meetings.  He won everyone's respect that evening for not allowing such rubbish to stand.  He responded in a most appropriate fashion saying that Barack Obama was a good man.  Then he went about indicating the differences between him and Obama.  It was a proud moment for him and for all of us who respected him for it. 

Americans need to shout down the racism that continues to permeate our politics, our communities and our daily lives.  Presidential candidates need to lead on such issues and Rick Santorum chose not to.  His failure to respond is very disheartening.  He indicated that he has no responsibility to correct such thinking.  He's wrong.  He has every responsibility to do just that. 

Leaders make choices all the time.  Make decisions all the time.  His failure to lead on this one issue places him clearly in the camp with the likes of Sarah Palin, Michele Bachman and Donald Trump.  I thought so much more of this man.  Obviously, votes in Florida trump common decency.  Shame on you Rick Santorum.