Senator Bernie Sanders Smeared

For John, BLUF:  The blot of Antisemitism has perhaps reared its ugly head.  If not directly, then indirectly.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

---

I have been wondering how to deal with this creepy question from Ms Diane Rehm of NPR.  Fortunately, Blogger and Law Professor Ann Althouse helped me out.

Did NPR host Diane Rehm just make an honest mistake when she said to Bernie Sanders "Senator, you have dual citizenship with Israel…"?

Sanders corrected her, and she immediately stepped back saying, "I understand from a list we have gotten that you were on that list, forgive me if that is…."

Why would she say something wrong like that and embarrass herself if she weren't making an honest mistake? Why would she float an accusation right in front of Sanders, if she knew it was wrong, when he'd smack her down instantly?

First, dealing with dual citizenship.  It is a real thing.  The US Supreme Court says if you hold dual citizenship you can vote in foreign elections without giving up your US Citizenship.  The thing is, for the President of the United States to have dual citizenship just seems unsatisfactory.

All that said, I think the US Congress should pass legislation eliminating dual citizenship.♠

Moving on, Senator Bernie Sanders rocked the Clinton Campaign with a Wisconsin straw poll last week of 41% to Hillary's 49%.  That makes him a threat to Ms Clinton.

So, what was Ms Rehm's motivation here?  Was it just her age?  She is 78, but frankly, I would find that agism repulsive.  Was she trying to knife Senator Sanders?  For Ms Clinton?  Because of her Arab heritage?

The motto for the 2016 Campaign appears to be "Go Ugly Early".

Hat tip to Ann Althouse.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Yes, our youngest was born in Germany, but he has not retained dual citizenship.