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Unrepentant Ayers: I Was 'Demonized'

Campaign piñata says of his radical past: We didn't do enough

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 14, 2008 8:56 AM CST

(Newser) – William Ayers broke his silence this morning on Good Morning America, and he was anything but repentant. The former ‘60s radical called the attacks on him “a profoundly dishonest narrative” designed to “demonize” him, ABC reports. But he didn’t apologize for controversial deeds by him or the Weather Underground, including the bombing of the Capitol. “The despicable acts were being done by our government,” he said, referring to the Vietnam War. “I never hurt anyone.”

“Frankly, I don’t think we did enough,” he said, “just as today I don’t think we’ve done enough to stop these wars.” Ayers also downplayed his connection to Barack Obama. “I am a guy around the neighborhood,” he said, adding that many people held home receptions for Obama. “I don’t buy the idea that guilt by association should have any part in our politics.”

[Images (2)]

[Videos (1)]

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This Dec. 3, 1980 file photo shows former Weather Underground member William Ayers as he enters the Criminal Courts Building in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Knoblock)

Bill Ayers talks about his relationship with Barack Obama in this YouTube screenshot.

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Williams Ayers talks about his relationship with Barack Obama in an interview on Good Morning America, Nov. 14, 2008. (brkcmo93)

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I don't buy the idea that guilt by association should have any part of our politics. - Bill Ayers

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 7 comments

Shannonals

Dec 3, 2008 3:39 AM CST

Facts or not, he wasn't found guilty. I don't approve of the man, nor do I condone his actions and/or his groups actions, but he was found not guiltly. The media interviewing him now, on the eve of his book releases is idiotic.

justme

Nov 16, 2008 6:53 AM CST

Never hurt anyone? The weather underground killed at least 7 innocent people. Bill and his wife were the leaders of the group. By law, they are guilty of murder. If the FBI hadn't blown the case, they would be serving life sentences, not lying to students and the media. Check your facts before you call this guy honorable.

Shannonals

Nov 16, 2008 6:28 AM CST

The news media shouldn't even be interviewing this man. I find it strange that they talk to him after the election, and on the eve of his book release

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Unrepentant Ayers: I Was 'Demonized'