Decision 2012: Senator McCain Defends Clinton Aide

Described by the Secretary of State as her second daughter, Huma Abedin is Hillary Clinton's dear friend and closest senior aide. But, former presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann and four other Republican house members sent an official request to the Department of State alleging serious security concerns, claiming that "Abedin has three family members - her late father, her mother and her brother - connected to Muslim Brotherhood operatives." But another Republican, Sen. John McCain took to the Senate floor to say, "These attacks have no logic, no basis and no merit . . . nothing less than an unwarranted and unfounded attack on an honorable citizen, a dedicated American, and a loyal public servant."

Class discussion:Check news reports on Bachmann's claims and the reaction to her statements. What is the Muslim Brotherhood? How is it different than a religious party in Israel or another country? Who else has Bachmann attacked on the subject? Is it fair to question the loyalties of public officials because of their religion? When should the activities of a public official's family be examined? Should we check out the income and political ideas of spouses, children, parents and siblings of every official? How about cousins or grandparents? What is "guilt by association?" Bachmann is not the first to question or criticize public officials because of their family members. Find other examples.