Indianapolis congressman Rep. Andre Carson is the latest public official to face backlash over his alleged ties to controversial National of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
Carson appeared on local station FOX 59 this week where he was asked about the claims leveled against him regarding a meeting with Minister Farrakhan, who has been known to make disparaging remarks about Jews and other groups. On Wednesday, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) called for the resignations of seven Democrats for their affiliations with the Black Muslim leader. Those members of Congress are Carson, and Democratic Representatives Maxine Waters, Keith Ellison, Danny Davis, Al Green, Barbara Lee and Gregory Meeks.
Carson was seemingly unfazed by the group’s effort, however.
“That organization doesn’t have any credibility with me,” he told FOX 59 host Angela Ganote. “I know they have a political agenda. The Congressional Black Caucus is asking that organization to condemn (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and the (Israeli) government for discriminating against Africans who are migrating, who are fleeing dictatorships, who are fleeing oppression.
“There’s a great deal of bigotry and racism happening right now they fail to condemn,” he added.
Carson went on to dismiss the group’s claims, saying his track record shows he’s spoken out against Islamophobia, xenophobia and homophobia. He mentioned, however, that he and other members of the CBC have met with Farrakhan to discuss important issues like racism and discrimination.
We talked “about anti-crime efforts, discrimination against women and those kinds of things,” he said. “But I condemn any kind of discrimination, and I’ve been consistent.”
