Calif. Dem: Lying Ryan Is Like Goebbels

The head of the California delegation to the Democratic National Convention has triggered a storm of criticism after he compared Paul Ryan's "lying" to the actions of Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. “They lie and they don’t care if people think they lie," John Burton told KCBS-Radio, referring to Ryan's GOP convention speech, which was roundly criticized for several inaccuracies. "As long as you lie, Joseph Goebbels, the big lie, you keep repeating it.” Burton later told KGO-TV: "Joseph Goebbels’ concept was the big lie. If you tell it enough, people will think it’s the truth.”

The Obama campaign immediately distanced itself from the comments. "That obviously doesn’t reflect the views of the campaign,” said an Obama for America spokesman. “That doesn’t have any place in the political discourse here in Charlotte.” The Republican Jewish Coalition lashed Burton for offending Holocaust survivors and their families for "partisan gain." Burton yesterday insisted to the San Francisco Chronicle that he "did not call Republicans Nazis, nor would I ever." In fact, "I didn't even use the word," he added. “If Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, or the Republicans are insulted by my describing their campaign tactic as the big lie—I most humbly apologize to them or anyone who might have been offended by that comment.” (More California stories.)