Erdogan's Revolting Remarks Re "Racist" Zionism Threaten to Derail John Kerry's Turkish Delight

Even though the UN Sec'y Gen sat through the Turkish P.M.s comments without saying a word, the U.S. is condemning them in no uncertain terms:

In Washington, U.S. National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor said the characterization about Zionism, the movement to establish and maintain a Jewish state, was "offensive and wrong." 

"We encourage people of all faiths, cultures, and ideas to denounce hateful actions and to overcome the differences of our times," he said. 

The uproar threatens to overshadow Kerry's previously planned visit to the Turkish capital, where he had hoped to spend much of his time discussing the crisis in neighboring Syria and coordinating plans with the Turks to assist the Syrian opposition, which is fighting to oust President Bashar Assad.

Bummer. It should be noted that this represents something of a volte face for Kerry, who has spent many years sucking up to Assad.

Maybe Kerry should nix the sucking up to Muslim strongmen, at least for now.

Update: John Kerry, the man who gave us Who-gives-a-stan.