Ayers hosted an event for Obama when the Democratic presidential nominee first launched his political career in Chicago. In 2001, he made a $200 donation to Obama's state Senate campaign. Obama, for his part, has condemned the crimes committed by Ayers and the Weathermen.
Like others, I'm troubled by Ayers. If he were indeed a close friend of Obama, it would be a deal breaker. I couldn't cast my presidential vote for a man who befriended a bomber. It's bad enough for Obama to sit passively through the ravings of a guy like Rev. Wright. But to befriend - or even associate with for the purpose of political advancement - a man who actually attacked the country is entirely another.
But if the facts suggest that Ayers is on the periphery of Obama's public life, it raises a different question: Should candidates be held accountable for the conduct of their acquaintances?
Because if we begin to judge people's character based on those in their orbit with whom they have no real relationship, I may as well surrender my pen.
While no one in any circle of my life has bombed a building in the U.S., there are some real characters - a few have done time, some have probably cheated on their wives, one I suspect of tax fraud and quite a number are in the DUI club. Should my acquaintances hinder my ability to be a journalist?
There's even a guy I know who is 50ish and still smokes pot. A better concert companion you will not find.
I have a distant relative who relishes paying the IRS far less than his fair share of taxes.
I remember when a onetime neighbor attempted to off herself. And another who, unfortunately, was successful.
Some guys I went to high school with ran a big bookmaking ring. One former public servant writes to me from prison and I write back.
