Dean: Republican Party's Statement Rings Hollow While They Pay to Test How Far They Can Take Race and Gender Attacks
February 28, 2008
While Senator John McCain pledged on Wednesday to treat his opponents "with respect" and said that as the nominee he would "make sure that everyone within my party knows that this has got to be a respectful debate," the Republican National Committee is testing how far it can go in attacks against a potential woman or African American opponent. [Los Angeles Times, 2/28/08; Politico, 2/24/08]
Ironically, RNC Chairman Mike Duncan issued a statement today distancing the RNC from the divisive tactics of one of its state parties, claiming that the "RNC rejects these kinds of campaign tactics" and that "this election needs to be about the critical issues confronting our nation." But Duncan's statement comes just days after Politico reported that the "Republican National Committee has commissioned polling and focus groups to determine the boundaries of attacking a minority or female candidate, according to people involved." [Politico, 2/24/08; Politico, 2/28/08]
Not surprisingly, the "secretive effort underscores the enormous risk senior GOP operatives see for a party often criticized for its insensitivity to minorities in campaigns dating back to the 1960s." [Politico, 2/24/08]
"The RNC's statement today rings hollow given that it comes at the same time we've learned that the Republican Party is conducting polling and focus groups to test how far they can push the envelope in attacks on a woman or an African American candidate," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "If the Republican Party is sincere about wanting a campaign on the issues, why are they spending money to promote race and gender stereotypes? For too long these kinds of divisive tactics have been part of the Republican play book - from the southern strategy to scapegoating groups of people for political gain. It's time for the Republican Party to recognize that their words must match their deeds."
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