Mary Frances Berry, Professor of American Social Thought and History at the University of Pennsylvania and former assistant secretary for education in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Carter Administration, appointed to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission in 1980 by Jimmy Carter, appointed chair of the Civil Rights Commission in 1993 by Bill Clinton, who refused to seat Peter Kirsanow, lawfully appointed by George W. Bush in December 2001 to replace Commissioner Victoria Wilson, who’s term had expired.

“Tainting the tea party movement with the charge of racism is proving to be an effective strategy for Democrats. There is no evidence that tea party adherents are any more racist than other Republicans, and indeed many other Americans. But getting them to spend their time purging their ranks and having candidates distance themselves should help Democrats win in November. Having one’s opponent rebut charges of racism is far better than discussing joblessness.“

H/T Politico