Accuracy in Guilt By Association

The Republican campaign within the Jewish community in 2004 was often... well, to put it mildly, they didn't necessarily see themselves as bounded by reality.

Consider, as a telling example, this ubiquitous and false slur against Theresa Heinz Kerry.

But most relevant to today's news is this indefensible piece of direct mail sent out by the Florida and Ohio Republican parties to likely Jewish households.  In 2004, the Republicans had the gall to accuse John Kerry of an alliance with Mahathir, a vicious anti-Semite... when we now learn that, "Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Monday that disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was paid $1.2 million to organize his 2002 meeting with President Bush, but denied the money came from the Malaysian government."

Let's get this straight -- Republican superstar lobbyist Jack Abramoff works his mojo  successfully with the Bush Administration on behalf of vicious anti-Semite Mahathir... and Karl Rove and his minions sent out this libelous piece of mail to Jewish voters?

For more on why Mahathir's access to the Bush Administration was so good, consider this recent LA Times article:

One such GOP outreach featured Mahathir pictured beside Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John F. Kerry and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat above a Kerry quote in which he said "foreign leaders" wanted him to win the election. The campaign mailer suggested Mahathir and Arafat, "renowned for their hatred of the Jewish people," supported Kerry.

On one occasion, Abramoff — an orthodox Jew and a supporter of Israel — was asked whether he was comfortable representing a country led by a man known for anti-Semitic comments.

Abramoff responded, "They pay their bills on time."

And for more on late in the election Republican dirty tricks in Florida, please read this piece from the Miami Herald the day before the 2004 elections.

[Hat tip]

Comments

[steve expat]

Can anyone even conjure up something that the Bush Administration could do that won't just be brushed off by the media and the American people?

[Jeffery Faulk]

It's hard to believe, isn't it? These people have no shame. None.

[Dan]

"Can anyone even conjure up something ... that won't just be brushed off by the media and the American people?" No. I used to think that it would take one of them shooting someone and being seen with the smoking gun in his hands. But no, that won't do it either.

[anonymous]

The American people have stopped brushing it off. Of course, you wouldn't know that unless you follow the polls because the media & the Republican Congress continue to behave like nothing is going on.

This is a very shocking (also revolting) story, Jeff Hauser. It ought to be actionable, if not illegal. Some day....

[Jobe]

Why does this not surprise me.

[The Town Crier]

what else is new? whats ok for them is not ok for us and they will do whatever they need to to win despite how wrong it is and hope to never get caught. the couble standard is sick.

[Susan]

You guys should check out jewsforlife's website run by a Jewish Republican

[Ron Gillespie]

The only thing shocking about this is that former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir agreed to this!