Is accusing someone of "praising segregationists", the same as calling that person a racist?

[still_one]

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=163004

Bottom line, did Biden "praise segregationists"?

To me it is one thing not to grasp the sensitivity in the use of certain words, but an entirely different

thing to accuse someone of "praising segregationists"

[Vegas Roller]

1. It was David Sirota's nefarious and perverted spin

on what Biden actually said.


He did not praise any segregationist. None.

[still_one]

5. Why is Booker using that characterization? Is it simply politics?

[Vegas Roller]

18. I think his initial reaction was premature

and instead of backtracking, he is doubling down so as to not appear weak.

[elleng]

2. Words are important. Putting such term as 'X praised segregationists' seems to suggest

racism. The suggester's intention can/should be questioned, imo.

[still_one]

3. Well said Ellen

[Skya Rhen]

4. It's a vicious, underhanded way to insinuate that the person doing the praise is like-minded.

It's similar to someone falsely saying that you or I praised Charles Manson. The intent would be to link us to him. Booker et al know what they are doing - they are skilled at using the right string of words in order to get a particular result.

[still_one]

8. Then Biden is in a no win situation. If he comes out and refutes it with a valid argument

like you just made, then most likely Booker will continue on his same course, and this will keep going.

If Biden doesn't say anything, if Booker leaves it at that, no doubt the media will continue to keep it alive

While not comparable, it does bring back swift boating

[emmaverybo]

6. I have read Booker's comments post-phone call and see he is doubling down, but I do not find

he accused Biden of “praising segregationists.” Is the news story headline the result of the telephone game—an original message transformed as it’s passed around?

[still_one]

9. If so, it would not surprise me for the media to propagate a misleading characterization in hopes of

attracting readers or viewers

[LuvNewcastle]

7. It's a load of bullshit. Biden didn't praise anybody.

Some people will do anything to win, and if that means painting a good man as a racist in order to take his higher position, then so be it.

[still_one]

10. It is doubtful it will elevate Booker in the polls, and as you said could possibily take Biden down

in the polls

[marylandblue]

11. Well, I do think he "praised segregationists" and I don't have a problem with him doing so,

but it is politically unwise because people might get the wrong idea.

Segregationists go in a box marked "bad" and generally people don't say anything good about "bad" people, even if it's just about getting things done in the Senate.

I think it's just a reality that some people won't understand a story like the one Biden told and then they get offended. It doesn't have to be faux outrage, they really might not get it.

[still_one]

12. I guess the question is, praising a segregationist for what? If it is for being a segregationist,

there is no middle road there. If however, it was to be able to work with him on some issues, that is entirely something different. No?

[marylandblue]

14. Yes, those are two entirely different things,

and he clearly was not praising segregation. But that's a bit of nuance that people might miss and therefore rivals can take advantage of.

[still_one]

16. Thank-you for helping me see that nuance. I think I understand what is happening now

[marylandblue]

17. You're welcome.

[madville]

13. What would Spartacus do?

One should ask themselves in these moments.

[still_one]

15. stage a revolt against Rome? Not sure if that will help in this situation

[quickesst]

19. If anyone....

... accuses Joe Biden of praising, lauding, extolling Eastland or any segregationist, they are either lying through their teeth, or sadly misinformed because they believe those who are lying through their teeth.