NJDC Retracts Earlier Statement, Praises McMahon Apology and Statement
Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases
WASHINGTON, DC - National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) President and CEO David A. Harris issued the following statement retracting his earlier comments about Representative Michael McMahon’s (D-NY) campaign:
At the time of this morning’s statement, we had initial press reports in hand but not all the facts. Now that we have the facts, including Congressman McMahon’s comprehensive apology, we must retract our previous statement and thank Congressman McMahon not just for his quick actions but his clear sentiments. His reassurance that what took place is ‘in no way indicative of my beliefs or of my campaign’ is deeply appreciated, as is his assertion that ‘any comments that could serve to divide our community along religious or ethnic lines have no place in our community or my campaign.’ These statements and his comprehensive apology, combined with his swift action, put this issue to rest as far as we are concerned.
It remains wrong to ‘count Jews’ or to perpetuate stereotypes about the Jewish community, but it is now clear that any such behavior here was that of an individual, and that the candidate had no knowledge of it. Mike McMahon’s swift actions in this matter should be commended, not condemned.
