Credit Where Credit Is Due

Via Steve Benen, kudos to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) for at least trying to lower the rhetoric in a fair and responsible way.

“I think the purpose of the town halls is for people to be able to express their views in an orderly and respectful manner, and that needs to take place on both sides,” said McMorris Rodgers, the fifth-ranking Republican in the House.

“I certainly don’t condone violence, I don’t condone calling President Obama Hitler and painting swastikas on signs at town halls,” continued McMorris Rodgers, vice chairwoman of the GOP conference.

One down, 217 more Republicans to go.

I wouldn't hold your breath on that however.

[UPDATE 6:01 PM] Perhaps this was generated by the fact that David Broder is mildly cheesed off at the GOP.

But not all the GOP leaders have gotten the message. Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who represents a heavily Jewish district in Florida, phoned me to complain that top House Republicans have not publicly repudiated Rush Limbaugh for his statements likening Obama's health policies to those of the Nazis.

Much improvement is needed in the health-care bills, but I think these angry opponents are playing with fire.

And now, thanks to McMorris Rogers, they have. All is forgiven, please continue scaring old people.