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Clinton Blames Blogosphere for Political Extremism
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 19, 2010
Modified Apr 19, 2010
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By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 19, 2010
Modified Apr 19, 2010
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Yesterday marked 15 years since the bombings in Oklahoma City killed 168 people, and former president Bill Clinton told CNN on Friday that he sees many similarities in the political climate between then and now. Last night he elaborated on his comments on ABC's "This Week," saying the level of political dissent from groups like the Tea Party is dangerous. "We shouldn't demonize the government or its public employees or its elected officials," he said. "We can disagree with them, we can harshly criticize them. But when we turn them into an object of demonization, we increase the number of threats."
Clinton's initial comments drew backlash from Rush Limbaugh, who said, "With this comment you have just set the stage for violence in this country. Any future acts of violence are on your shoulders, Mr. Clinton." Clinton said Limbaugh's response "doesn't make any sense," and said he just realized there were parallels between 1995 and now with regards to feelings of economic dislocation and identity politics. He also spoke against the "blogosphere and the right-wing media...who are saying things like 'if Idaho wants to secede from the union—the militia group out there—we'll back 'em," saying that kind of mentality can prey on vulnerable people looking for an excuse to get violent. At least the liberal media is safe!
However, he did defend the dissenters. "We ought to have a lot of political dissent...nobody is right all the time. But we also have to take responsibility for the possible consequences of what we say." You can read a full transcript of the interview here.
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bill clinton
blogopshere
oklahoma city bombings
right wing media
rush limbaugh
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