Political Ruminations

Christine O'Donnell Clueless That the Separation of Church and State is in the Constitution

OMG. O'Donnell is a freaking MORON. Think Progress:

Yesterday, in a debate with Democratic opponent Chris Coons at Widener University Law School in Delaware, O’Donnell accused Coons of “constitutional ignorance,” saying “perhaps they didn’t teach you Constitutional law at Yale Divinity School.” But when Coons defended his position against teaching creationism by citing the First Amendment’s prohibition against establishment of religion, O’Donnell inquired, “that’s in the First Amendment?“:

Coons said that creationism, which he considers “a religious doctrine,” should not be taught in public schools due to the Constitution’s First Amendment. He argued that it explicitly enumerates the separation of church and state.

“The First Amendment does?” O’Donnell asked. “Let me just clarify: You’re telling me that the separation of church and state is found in the First Amendment?”

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” Coons responded, reciting from memory the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“That’s in the First Amendment…?” O’Donnell responded.

Later in the debate, O’Donnell stumbled when asked whether or not she would repeal the 14th, 16th, or 17th Amendments if elected. She asked the questioner to define the 14th and 16th amendments, adding: “I’m sorry, I didn’t bring my Constitution with me.”

Go to 2:50 to listen to the incredulous crowd laugh at her. And laugh, and laugh.

Thank God she's losing. These Tea Party people are utterly ignorant, particularly when it comes to knowledge of the constitution they claim to so love.

h/t Bob Cesca

Chris Coons Ahead of O’Donnell in Delaware

Tea Party Republican Christine O’Donnell vs Democrat Chris Coons in Delaware, and Democrats are in the lead. Nate Silver with the good news:

Democrats are also close to closing out the race in Delaware, with new polls showing Chris Coons with leads of 17 and 19 percentage points over his controversial opponent, Christine O’Donnell, possibly expanding what had already been a double-digit lead. Like Ms. McMahon, Ms. O’Donnell’s campaign is flush with cash, thanks to a burst of donations from conservative and Tea Party activists following her victory in the Republican primary last month. But Ms. O’Donnell’s polling deficit will be difficult to overcome and the race is perhaps best considered a curiosity rather than an integral part of the Senate picture.

A word of caution. We can't afford to count Christine O’Donnell out in future elections. She is tenacious, and has lost elections in the past. She is someone to watch, if only so that we can kick O'Donnell and her nutjob views down the road in her future attempts at legitimacy.