Prominent democrats from accros the U.S. make public remarks slamming various races, religions, and cultures. Hillary Clinton, Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, and Mark Warner, to name a few. They either deny it, in spite of the footage being played, or they just refuse to answer the question. And while Senator Allen's innocent remark is now believed to negatively impact his future chances of a presidential campaign, nobody even hints that Hillary or Mark Warner would even have to explain their worse comments.

please, you really can't believe that that was an innocent comment. And maybe "welcome to america" to a native born virginian was also innocent. I can't wait to for the results in two months to watch that racist lose the race and the republicans lose majority. I hope Mr. Sidarthe (the macaca) has the opportunity to welcome Mr. Allen to America and "the real world of virginia" when the voters put an end to dirty racial politics

Connie -- What about Webb's anti-Semitic cartoons used against Harris Miller? Of course, they don't count because only Republicans can be bigoted. I'd say that use of a racist cartoon by Jim Webb, which required premeditation, is much worse than Allen's off-the-cuff, but stupid comment.

I think Allen said a stupid, insensitive thing. When you say a stupid, insensitive thing you should sincerely apologize for it. I think he's done that now, and I hope he's learned something. You're never too old to learn.

I don't want to cast stones at either candidate. I'm not perfect. Allen isn't perfect and Webb isn't perfect. I don't think anyone should cast stones at either of them, because none of us are perfect. Most of us have the luxury of living our lives outside the public eye and outside the pages of the newspapers, so we get to pick and point at the dumb foibles and choices of public figures. I don't expect public figures to be perfect. I just expect them to exercise a little common sense and to be open and apologetic when they or those who work for them have done wrong.

I don't think Allen is a racist. I do think he said a stupid, insensitive thing. I don't think Webb is anti-Semite, either. Ditto. These are two men who have a long history of service and who see things differently. I'd rather focus on the local, national and international issues that are behind this race, how the candidates see them differently, how they'd approach them differently, and what they propose to do to serve you and me if we vote for them. Back to basics, please.

So, enough with "Macacagate" and with bringing up old cartoons from the Webb-Miller primary. Let's focus more on what the candidates have to say about the issues.

After reading these comments, the only thing I can say is this:

Politics, gag, it's rotten.