What is meant by anti-American?

Posted: Monday, October 20, 2008 4:38 PM by Cathy Finkler

by Chris Matthews

Last Friday, we had an extraordinary claim made here on Hardball. U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann said this about the Democratic nominee for president:

CHRIS MATTHEWS: So this is a character issue. You believe that Barack Obama may -- you're suspicious because of this relationship -- may have anti-American views. Otherwise, it's probably irrelevant to this discussion.
REP. MICHELE BACHMANN, R-MINN.: Absolutely. I absolutely...
MATTHEWS: Do you believe that... Barack Obama may have anti-American views?
BACHMANN: Absolutely. I'm very concerned that he may have anti- American views. That's what the American people are concerned about. That's why they want to know what his answers are. That's why Joe the plumber has figured so highly in had the last few days...
MATTHEWS: OK. I just want to get off this...
BACHMANN: What I would say is that the news media should do a penetrating expose and take a look. I wish they would. I wish the American media would take a great look at the views of the people in Congress and find out, are they pro-America or anti-America? I think people would love to see an expose like that.

What are we to make of this? An elected member of Congress says that a major party candidate may be anti-American, may be out to work against the interests and values of this country? May be an enemy?

What do we make of the call by a member of Congress for the press to launch an investigation of the U.S. Congress -- on her colleagues who have taken the oath to support the Constitution, of whether they are traitors or not. An investigation into people working against the interests and values of the United States? What are we to make of such a call?

Finally, let's get our vocabulary straight. What do we think is meant by this term "anti-American?" Is such a word being thrown around out of belief or for a partisan purpose?

It's impossible to know, given that we can't read minds. What would it mean if we read somewhere that a Canadian candidate for high office had just stood accused of being anti-Canadian? Would we treat that as absurd or what?

Let's hear what General Colin Powell had to say on the subject Sunday:

COLIN POWELL, FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE: If you are an American, you're an American and this business, for example, the congressman from Minnesota who is going around saying "let's examine all congressmen to see who is pro- America, and who is not pro- America." We have gotta stop this kind of non sense. Pull ourselves together, and remember that our great strength is in our unity, and in our diversity. That was really driving me, and put this on people like Mr. Ayers, are trivial issues, for the purpose of suggesting that Mr. Obama would have some kind of terrorist inclinations. I thought that was over the top. It was beyond just good fighting back and forth. I think it went beyond.

Yes, let's agree that it "went beyond."

Watch the complete video of Chris' response.

Click here to read and watch Keith Olbermann's Special Comment Monday: He lists examples of hateful, divisive politics from the right that actually do more to undermine America than the bogus accusations of anti-Americanism being leveled against Barack Obama.

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Comments

The people I feel sorry for her with the Congresswoman's comments - are those that voted for her. They have to be so humiliated by her "went beyond" comments. I really would like to know what she stood for that got her elected.

Peggy J. Toland (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:49 PM)

This woman, Rep. Bachmann, has succumbed to the worst of Rovian divide and conquer Republican politics. Is this the best they can do, to assail character instead of positions? Agree or not, at least McCain is talking about issues now (taxes, though the Socialist label is inaccurately shrill) instead of all Ayers all the time.

Gen. Powell was right to bring up Rep. Bachmann's divisive, suspicious comments as a reason Republicans are losing the American electorate now. Powell had an idea for months that he'd prefer Obama, but in his wise and deliberate manner, he waited until all 3 debates were over to give his old friend McCain the benefit of the doubt. When the tactics of McCain and Palin became clear, he made his opinion known in a respectful, thorough manner.

Powell hasn't changed his Republican ideals for a fiscally-responsible, smaller government. He hasn't left his Party. But the Republicans of the Bush Administration, copied nearly intact by McCain's policies, have completely excluded Moderates like Powell. I know how he feels because I was once a moderate Republican. But our ideals are more faithfully served by Barack Obama now, not by neocons, Karl Rove, the Bush Administration, John McCain, and certainly not this McCarthyist Michelle Bachmann.

Chris, thank you for calling her out!

A proud "Obamican" for Obama/Biden 08

Tackman, San Diego CA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:51 PM)

Give Chris Mattthews some credit. He coaxed and cajoled Michelle Bachmann and layed out just enough rope for her to hang herself.

Ken Lehn, Spring Valley, IL (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:52 PM)

It is really appalling that a person of congress would say this!Congresswoman Bachmann went beyond the pale.Perhaps it is she who the expose should be done on.Why is she voicing these sentiments now? Politics at its worse. And to think the whole world is watching idiots like she and Rush.

LaVern, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:52 PM)

Was she channeling Joe McCarthy? I fully expected her to call for a new HUAC. I have been a Republican for 40 years and this party is starting to really scare me.

Lyn

Lyn (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:53 PM)

I would be embarrassed if this was my representative. I feel badly for those in her state who are assumed to be "anti-american" because they are different from her. Can't say I would move to her state. How sad for this country.

Ready for change, Salt Lake City, UT (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:56 PM)

This stinks of McCarthyism and we cannot stand for this manner of representation from our elected officials. It is absurd and asinine to think that because a person is of another party, that he is somehow less American or Pro-Radical in his progressive beliefs because he would rather include instead of exclude those Americans that find themselves on the fringe of society; you know, the ones who are on the outside looking in. Our forefathers advised us that united we will stand but divided we will fall; and, the GOP has fallen from grace, no longer are they representative of the Grand Old Party that we grew to love in this country as the party of reformers. Now, they have been relegated to the party of fear and hate mongering, what a disgrace and a fall from grace.

L Staley, Hayward, CA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 7:57 PM)

Michelle Bachman left me speechless!!!On election day, I plan to have an "After You Vote Presidential Watch Party". My invitation will read as follows: Many struggles and much blood, sweat, and tears were sacrificed in order to get us even this close--the "possibility" of an African American becoming the president of this country; When we have listened to our parents and grandparents and their grandparents tell us stories of how much racism-related obstacles and hurdles they had to overcome to even get the chance to vote; and when we ourselves remember how many protests and organizations had to be formed in order to convince America that we too were even worthy to enjoy equal rights; and when we look in our children's eyes and try to make them believe that the hard-fought fight has paid off and that they too are worthy to be whatever they want, we owe it to them to cast the vote of choice. Ms Bachman, unfortunately, appears to be part of an elite group who would rather enjoy the past instead of embracing the future.

Anita H., East St. Louis, IL (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:00 PM)

Chris,
As a Minnesotan repeatedly embarrassed by Ms. Bachmann's absurdities, I appreciate your taking this on. She does not reflect all of us in this important state. I was raised, by a vet, to believe that the strength and majesty of the United States is in its freedom to express oneself. My dad did not fight that war to make sure that tax-phobic, common-good fear mongerers can rule our public speech. Please take her on - the media, for all its weaknesses, is our fifth estate. Thank you.

Bill Percy (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:01 PM)

Rep Bachmann represents the worst in America. She works to divide us instead of bringing us together to face the future. I hope the people of her district are bigger than that. I hope they can pull together with all the American people and work toward making America something the world points to when they talk about what a country should be.

madstork123, IA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:01 PM)

Let's get rid of this fool that is in congress. Her place in being a member of 45 year old senate hearings on un-american activities that investegated movie stars and business people after world war 2. How did thids fool get elected. Wisconsin...wake up!

Bob Levy,Seattle , Wash (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:03 PM)

Quite frankly (and this is a good term for her to look up and memorize) Ms. Bachmann's views and statements are perverse.

Eric Walters, New York, NY (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:17 PM)

This lady's comments are both scary and sad. It's a shame she wasn't born decades ago and could have assisted Joe McCarthy with his political witch hunt.

Jim, the Mississippi Delta (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:22 PM)

We,the people of the U. S have a choice. We either embrace hatred and fear tactics and all are citizens start to be suspicious of one another and live in the atmosphere of a "fascist" state or we demand from those who have and seek power to stop the accusations, innuendos and the abuse. it is time to stop the divisive tactics, examine the isues, put our financial house in order and be responsible and accountable Americans.

PITTSBURGH (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:24 PM)

Someone plese let the Republicans know that the scare tactics from the 2004 election aren't going to work on the American people this year. Does anyone remember that the President Bush raised the terror alert level just days before the 2004 election?

David Walden, Crosby Texas (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:25 PM)

Bush, like McCain, represents the old bait and switch. Advertise one thing, offer another. And, doesn't Palin sound like a chip off the old Cheney bloc? She's nothing but a punchline and a tool.

Mic, Va (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:33 PM)

I have no problem with her statement.

thud,walnut creek,ca (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:33 PM)

I have to say that the republican party has reached an all time low. Fear is all they seem to know. I had never contributed to any campaign until this election.And I have just made my third small donation to the Obama campaign. I do not want my grandchildren to live in the United States of fear.

Judith Schaffroth Dumont New Jersey (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:36 PM)

I'm struggling to understand 'Anti-American.' I'm a legal alien, been here 2 years several months, & I easily am pro-American, even if only for selfish economic reasons. Hence my struggle to grasp 'Anti-American.' How can one be anti the source of their livelihood? How can a beneficiary of the opportunities that the world knows only these United States can offer be "Anti-American'? One may pretend to be, but is it actually possible? Sounds to me like what I've heard Americans refer to as an 'Oxymoron.' One may hold a view not shared by another, but I've trouble seeing how that qualifie as ill feelings towards ones country. But I'm only a visitor, maybe in time I'll understand.

Victor (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:37 PM)

Shame on you, Congresswoman, shame on you. You know who's unamerican? Palin and the succesionist movement.

Ashley, Reston, VA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:40 PM)

Well she's really no worse than Sarah Palin. She'd make a good SNL joke too... Laughing at them, that's about the most effective way to neutralize them...

Robert, Westbury, NY (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:45 PM)

While we are doing all this investigating into the "sentiments" of our officials, lets look into how it is legal for Sarah Palin (who basically never set foot out of Alaska before this year) is suddenly able to talk about running the country. No wait, that's just too rediculous. HEHE

Anthony, San Antonio, TX (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:48 PM)

We are the United states of America.With all due respects to this congress lady,I strongly feel that her statements will only make us the Divided states of America.I am amazed that an elected member of congress will make such an insulting comments. I only wish that her constituency throws her out in the next election.

Jag Nijhawan, Bellevue,NE (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:49 PM)

And to think that Colin Powell chose Sen. Obama because he's black nonsense. I wonder what is this lady got up her sleeves for americans. Surely nothing good. who voted for this lady. She's just a (RACIST) bottom line just like that scumbag Mr. Limbaugh. Thanks Chris, go get'em

Kevin Gray, San Antonio, Tx (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:49 PM)

This woman's comment's is the reason why this country is so bitterly devided; even to the point where colin powell had to endorse Obama.

Quincy Mendoza (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:50 PM)

I lived in Minnesota for 9 months on a work assignment, and observed the absolute idiocy of Michelle Bachman on more that one occassion. Minnesota rocks, and its people are wonderful. This lady is an embarassment to a wonderful state and its people.

Bill (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:52 PM)

She only stated what alot of people are thinking....I also have no problem with what she said....

Theresa Boston MA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:56 PM)

It is fascinating how small minded the world of attack politics makes us. The zero-sum game where "I am right, and you are THEREFORE wrong" makes it a quite logical step for the Congresswoman to divide pro-American from not. We should all be ashamed of ourselves for tolerating this level of ignorance. When did the art of political compromise and debate get so dumbed down? Why shouldn't we have smart and educated leaders who understand nuance and that the process of making progress is often in small and deliberate steps.

Tim Horrigan, Gilbertville, IA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:56 PM)

We lived in MN and I met Michelle Bachman before she ran for office. She is brilliant, has a law degree, is a dedicated Mom and hardworking for her district. Stop all the name calling and realize she CARES for her country and is giving her opiniated warning that something could be amiss because BO has aligned himself with many shady characters - and that certainly relects on his. America's traditional values are worth fighting for and we don't want to lose them. We value freedom and hope for the future, that means an income that is not overtaxed and a government that is not oversized.

Patti Erickson, Sun City West, AZ (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 8:59 PM)

I know history repeats itself, but I never expected it to all happen in my generation. First we repeat the Vietnam War (Iraq War), then all the economy woes are happening again like the depression, and now the McCarthyism fear and attitude. I guess we all have very short memories or we need to improve our history courses in school. We are suppose to LEARN from our mistakes NOT REPEAT THEM!! Politically everything is now WE and THEM. What happen to US? As in UNITED STATES. The next thing you know we will repeat the CIVIL WAR!!

Ginny, Bakersfield, CA (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:00 PM)

My way of dealing with people like her is to send money to Tinklenberg and hope he can beat her.
By the way, Chris Matthews....GREAT SHOW!

Carol Contreras (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:05 PM)

I applaud her view and truly believe most Democrats are Anti-American and they do want us to lose when they are not in power.

Also, for Powell to support Obama was quite obviously due to race alone.

Obama was against the war, but Powell made the case for it.

Obama was against the surge, but McCain was the ring leader and saved our honor and the war; Powell approved.

Obama is a true Socialist; McCain a Capitalist; Powell is a Capitalist.

Everything Powell praised about you would think he would praise McCain, but he picked Obama...because of race. He didn't want to be the one that prevented a black man from possible winning the presidency.

Jess, Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:07 PM)

I saw this exchange. How do people like her get elected?

Obama will win. Americans are and should be tired of this garbage. Stop with the fearmongering, Congresswoman. Go read a book and learn some manners.

sam (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:08 PM)

what are the qualities that are american is the question, remember freedom of speech and thought. she is a danger herself to know determine what is AMERICAN, it means different things trough out times to different people. i guess desperate means for deasperate people.

mary ft.walton beach fl. (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:09 PM)

I live among people like Rep.Bachmann and her views everyday. It sickens me that there are still people with so much hate in their hearts, isn't that the real truth about her speaking out in such a vicious way about anyone of us being anti-American. And that her right as a American living in a country that gives you the right of freedom of speech. And it's our right to go out and vote these type of people out of our political office where they can do harm to each and everyone of us.

Deborah Morris, Largo, Florida (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:10 PM)

I do wish that Obama would quit ALL negative ads. He can be as classy as Powell. I think it needs to be said Obama has more intellectual vigor. He consults with dynamic economists and insightful professionals
who are bringing fresh ideas. It is a brainstorming phase in our new collapsing economy. Lots of ideas, sift through them one by one. See what works. I think Obama is able to examine and evaluate better than McCain. God Bless John McCain. I hope he gets to serve in a role other than president. I think that Obama should look into the camera and say, "I know this is not over. And whichever side of the election that I land on, I promise to dedicate my work to overcoming partisan decisions." I hope that it is an all Democrat congress. Let's stop bickering like teenagers and get some things done.

Diana J. Dayton, Ohio (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:14 PM)

Well done Chris Mathews. Nobody can say Bachmann was speaking through a filter: you gave her plenty of rope, and she hung herself - willingly. I find it incredible that people like her can become part of the machine that runs America. How can she believe that it's still OK to propagate hatred between fellow Americans, during this time of economic crisis, at a time when the current administration has strengthened the hand of the folk who attacked America on 9/11? Nobody is calling Bush and the gang 'anti-American': just misguided. Without respectful discourse, no progress can be made. In a way her comments are good: by being open about such(also misguided - of course!) beliefs, her constituency can arrive upon a decision whether to re-elect her, based on a glaringly obvious inability for civilized discourse. Of course the frightening part is that she's a role-model simply because of her position, which means that she is responsible for encouraging many young people to believe that a different opinion is anti-American. Very 'George Bush', given her position is simply an extreme version of "you're either with us, or against us".

Simon J, Dunedin, New Zealand (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:14 PM)

Obama is a socialist? That is really the best you can come up with? So all of us (the majority of America) who see him as a symbol of truth and honor and freedom, what are we...a bunch of commies? thanks pal. See you on election day.

Anthony, San Antonio, TX (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:17 PM)

So shocking and disappointed to hear one of our congress reps making such ridiculous statements...and on the air no less! She belongs in the McCarthy days. Glad she is not my California representative.

Jim Ferras (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:17 PM)

Sen. McCain tries to suggest he is not Bush, but all this 'fear-mongering' is classic Bush-Rove tactics. The lies, the deceit and preying on the lowest level of deception just so those who are naive and hunger for something, just anything will eat it up like it's sunday dinner's mashed potatoes. The divisiveness this Republican National Committee and it's constituency are perpetuating shows the world the how low US citizens will go to get their way. No wonder, we've lost the stature on the world stage that we've prided ourselves so long about. That to me is UN-AMERICAN!!!!!

eww (Sent Monday, October 20, 2008 9:18 PM)

One thing I love about Minnesota is the voters hold their representatives accountable. Voting for Michelle Bachmann is a vote for hatred, racism and ignorance. Do the right thing people, vote her and all of the rest like her out of office. We need to elect mature, serious leaders that will get down to business and get America back in business.

Dems 08 (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:02 PM)

Sarah Palin & McCain have recently called Obama’s tax plan Socialist as another good old scare tactic.

McCain voted for and supported the $700 billion bailout, which can be deemed Socialism. You might say, it is what is best for America or McCain was backed into a corner. So what about Palin? Time (oct 16) says that Palin’s latest tax plan and budget included additional taxes on the oil company (she trumps around that she took on big oil) and then used that money to give every Alaskan a $2400 tax rebate (money she wouldn’t have without the additional oil tax)? That smells a lot like socialism and her and 80 percent of Alaska is in favor of her.

Most Americans (excluding the top 1 percent that has 90 percent of the wealth) like socialism as long as it doesn't have that tainted title. What do they think of their school, fire & police dept, who serve all segments of society equally by taking money from all (usually taking more from those who have more).

ryan, alameda, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:37 PM)

There is a very strong tendency towards Mc Carthy-ism
Any dissenting view is automatically percieved as un-Patriotic. Duh---get a clue...the next generation has a very clear view.

Marc Palermo, New Britain, CT> (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:49 PM)

Chris, I watch your show every weeknight...I'm so tired of members of the House or Senate telling the media what the people want! I have to wonder if any of them know what we the people want...Everytime some member of the House or Senate say something Stupid, it's almost always something thepeople want to know...it's not true, What Ms. Bachmann was stupid, and you hit the nail right on the head...just another uneducated american...Go Get Em....

Eddie S. Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:49 PM)

At what point do we consider the actions, words and beliefs of McCain, Plain, Bush, Rove, Michele Bachmann et al Anti-American?

I am serious... at some point one has to question whether these people have read the constitution and more importantly believe in it. It is clear that many of them will not defend it.

We can argue that one's interpretation of the constitution is subjective and therefore its not anti-American to deny minorities the right to vote and that its ok to suspend the bill of rights.

In fact it would seem that everything the regressive right does and says is ok as long as we don't weaken the 2nd amendment. Though one could argue the 14th Amendment seems to bear much weight on the actions of these self-anointed defender's of what is American. Sadly no one is invoking it to protect us from the actions of these 'hardly' Americans.

Montag451 (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 7:51 PM)

Why is everyone so surprised about these awful comments and name calling coming from the Republicans. This is what they so do. They are a vicious, win at any cost political party, and that is why they love Sarah Palin so much. She call herself a pit bull with lipstick because she is tough, well we all know that pit bulls can be mean and dangerous. This is a soccer mom with a pretty face and a black heart and venomous tongue. The Republican Party has found their new leader, who is more than willing to play low and dirty.

Lynn, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 8:23 PM)

More Patriotic McCarthyism from a political party that is losing it's grip on power. "He's a Socialist, he doesn't wear the pin, he's from Chicago" (not REAL America), etc... Conservatives hold power by convincing large groups of people that they are not entitled to be full participants in politics because their views are not "American Enough". This election, it seems the more people that get involved, the more conservatives are marginalized. Strange how that works...

Stephen Kosinski, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 21, 2008 8:29 PM)

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