So, there’s that

[Dub]

Excerpted from an “Analysis” piece in today’s Washington Post by Philip Bump.

“What’s your message for voters of color who are concerned that without the John L. Lewis Voting Rights Act,” he asked, “they’re not going to be able to vote in the midterm?”

“Well, the concern is misplaced,” McConnell replied, “because if you look at the statistics, African-American voters are voting in just as high a percentage as Americans.”

Of course I don’t believe McConnell thinks black people aren’t Americans, he just spoke faster than he thought. A pretty common faux pas for politicians. But did the unnamed reporter Bump is quoting really not know the difference between John L. Lewis and John R. Lewis?

Sigh.

[theevan]

John L. Lewis' eyebrows could make a fine fur collar.

[Dub]

Of course we probably have ‘Holers to whom the name John L. Lewis is unfamiliar. I, of course remember his name in the headlines.

[John B]

Jan 20, 2022 16:31:46 GMT -5 Dub said:

Of course we probably have ‘Holers to whom the name John L. Lewis is unfamiliar. I, of course remember his name in the headlines.

My AP History class in the second semester of my junior year in HS was American history from the civil war to the present. It might a well have been the history of the labor movement from the civil war on. I was going through a lot at that time, didn't care for the teacher (for no good reason, really) and came about 5 points away from earning an F. I've forgotten much more than I ever learned in that class.

But I never will forget the Eyebrows of John L. Lewis.

[Cornflake]

I give everybody a pass. McConnell had a verbal lapse as we all do. But I couldn't have told you these guys' middle initials.

[jdd2]

My reading is that he's covering/running interference for biden's ukraine comment.

[John B]

Jan 20, 2022 20:14:39 GMT -5 Cornflake said:

I give everybody a pass. McConnell had a verbal lapse as we all do. But I couldn't have told you these guys' middle initials.

The voting act is the John Lewis Voting Rights Act (no middle initial). John L. Lewis was known by his full name with middle initial, so I bet "John L. Lewis" just rolled off his tongue.

[james]

Here's a link to Bump's article in which he talks more about McConnell's claim and how "Awkward phrasing isn’t the only problem with his argument".

www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/01/20/mcconnell-waves-off-voting-concerns-since-black-people-turn-out-heavily-americans/

[Dub]

Jan 20, 2022 20:14:39 GMT -5 Cornflake said:

I give everybody a pass. McConnell had a verbal lapse as we all do. But I couldn't have told you these guys' middle initials.

I don’t remember John L. Lewis ever being referred to as John Lewis. It was always John L. and he was in the news a lot. He retired in 1960 so people who began following the news after that time might not know of him.

John L. Lewis was born in Lucas Co., Iowa and there is a museum there dedicated to his memory.

[Marshall]

My middle initial is F. I wouldn't want you confuse me with the other Marshall Hjertstedts in the world.
(My father was Marshall M)

[Dub]

As Country Joe McDonald might say, “Gimme an F!”