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Krauthammer: Why Ayers, Rezko Matter

Obama's links reveal his character, despite what media say

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 10, 2008 12:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – Raising the specter of Barack Obama’s ties with the likes of Bill Ayers is perfectly legitimate, and John McCain's only fault is that he didn't start sooner, writes Charles Krauthammer in the Washington Post. These associations “provide a significant insight into character” and “are particularly relevant” for a candidate “as new, unknown, opaque, and self-contained as Obama,” he writes. But mention the links and the media bemoans “dirty campaigning tinged with racism and McCarthyite guilt by association.”

The Ayers, Tony Rezko, and Jeremiah Wright connections reveal two things about Obama. One: “his cynicism and ruthlessness.” He was willing to use unsavory characters to launch his political career. Two: while Obama doesn’t agree with Wright's or Ayers’ views, he “clearly did not consider these views beyond the pale,” Krauthammer writes. "For many years he swam easily and without protest in that fetid pond."

Indicted political fundraiser Antoin Tony Rezko  has been linked to Obama.
Indicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko has been linked to Obama.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Barack Obama speaks during a rally Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, in Cincinnati.
Barack Obama speaks during a rally Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008, in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
This May 17, 1982 file photo shows Bill Ayers, a former member of the Weather Underground, who has been linked to Obama.
This May 17, 1982 file photo shows Bill Ayers, a former member of the Weather Underground, who has been linked to Obama.   (AP Photo/David Handschuh)
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Would you attend a church whose pastor was spreading racial animosity from the pulpit? Would you even shake hands with—let alone serve on two boards with—an unrepentant terrorist? - Charles Krauthammer, Washington Post

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