An Enemy Elected to Congress?

A lot of people think CNN is way too liberal, but not so much. Consider right-wing host CNN Headline News' Glenn Beck
[whose program is actually syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks which is owned by radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications on more than 160 radio stations across the country. see our post here]

Here's an exchange (via Media Matters) that is greatly significant of the rampant anti-Muslim views in some American right-wing shows. Beck interviews Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN), who became the first Muslim ever elected in Congress.

BECK: History was made last Tuesday when Democrat Keith Ellison got elected to Congress, representing the great state of Minnesota. Well, not really unusual that Minnesota would elect a Democrat. What is noteworthy is that Keith is the first Muslim in history to be elected to the House of Representatives. He joins us now.

Congratulations, sir.

ELLISON: How you doing, Glenn? Glad to be here.

BECK: Thank you. I will tell you, may I -- may we have five minutes here where we're just politically incorrect and I play the cards face up on the table?

ELLISON: Go there.

BECK: OK. No offense, and I know Muslims. I like Muslims. I've been to mosques. I really don't believe that Islam is a religion of evil. I -- you know, I think it's being hijacked, quite frankly.

With that being said, you are a Democrat. You are saying, "Let's cut and run." And I have to tell you, I have been nervous about this interview with you, because what I feel like saying is, "Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies."

And I know you're not. I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way.

ELLISON: Well, let me tell you, the people of the Fifth Congressional District know that I have a deep love and affection for my country. There's no one who is more patriotic than I am. And so, you know, I don't need to -- need to prove my patriotic stripes.

BECK: I understand that. And I'm not asking you to. I'm wondering if you see that. You come from a district that is heavily immigrant with Somalians. And I think it's wonderful, honestly, I think it is really a good sign that you are a -- you could be an icon to show Europe, this is the way you integrate into a country. I think the Somalians coming out and voting is a very good thing. With that --

ELLISON: I'd agree with you.

It is no less than racism and in fact, Back uses the very same rhetoric device of many racists who love to point out that "they know black people" and "like them" and even "do things with them". It's the same thing, only with Muslims. Beck has even been to a mosque... Imagine that! how open-minded!
If you watch the video (here on Media Matters), you will see how Beck stresses with a great contemptuous tone the word "democrat" and "Minnesota". Such a classic!