pawlenty092609
On the homepage
Health care
Out There
Sunday's paper
Access Vikings
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Pawlenty rejects notion that racism fuels anti-Obama sentiment
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty this morning indirectly rejected the idea that racism is behind some of the opposition to President Barack Obama.
“I think President Obama addressed that directly and said that he didn’t feel that was the case,” Pawlenty said in a WCCO Radio interview.
His comments came when asked about former President Jimmy Carter's and former Vice President Walter Mondale's arguments that Obama’s race is a factor in the animus against him.
"I don't like saying it," Mondale told the online news outlet Politico Thursday. "I don't want to pick a person, say, he's a racist, but I do think the way they're piling on Obama, the harshness, you kind of feel it.”
Last week, Carter was blunter in his remarks.
“I think people that are guilty of that kind of personal attack against Obama have been influenced to a major degree by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African-American,” Carter said at a town hall meeting.
When Obama was asked about the idea that racism was behind some of the opposition, he noted to laughs and cheers on David Letterman’s “Late Show” this week that he was black before he became president. And he told CBS’s “Face the Nation” last week that passionate opposition is nothing new in politics.
“What I think we have to remember is that at various periods in American history people get pretty rambunctious when it comes to our democratic debate. That's not new. And every president who's tried to bring about big changes I think elicits the most passionate responses,” Obama said.
Pawlenty today referred to Obama’s answer to those questions.
“I believe that President Carter and former Vice President Mondale are entitled to their opinions but I think the president himself is disclaiming that theory,” said Pawlenty, a Republican who has rejected many of the policies Obama has supported.
Recent State Politics stories
Ellison reveals cost of trip to Mecca: $13.5K - September 25, 2009
Ellison reveals cost of trip to Mecca: $13.5K - "I didn't do anything wrong," he said of how he reported it. More
- Emotions erupt over Hennepin County budget woes
- Backed by House, 6 patients sue Pawlenty, state officials
- As commission presses, Vikes will 'move on'
- Lowry Bridge, Saints, Como Zoo fighting for your money
- Minn./Wis. reciprocity: Will workers be torn between two tax bills?
- Sowing survivalism seeds on talk radio
- Minn. GOP biggest user of tax break Pawlenty axed
- Is Quist too conservative to beat foe he calls too liberal?
- Governors to Pawlenty: Let's talk
- Vikings: Plan to extend Dome lease 'a non-starter'
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
 Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! |
Win tickets to The Midnight Movie Society's screening of "Clue" at Red Stag Supperclub.Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh present the first meeting of The Midnight Movie Society at Red Stag Supperclub on Dec. 4, with drinking, dancing and a midnight screening of cult-classic film, "Clue." |
Comment on this story | Read all 167 comments | Hide reader comments