CNN Guest Asks 'For What Reason' Should Only Black GOP Senator Have Been Invited to Speak at MLK Event

USA Today columnist DeWayne Wickham on Wednesday scoffed at the controversy over the sole black U.S. Republican senator's non-invitation to the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

DeWayne Wickham asked why Sen. Tim Scott should have been invited to the 50th anniversary celebration of the "March on Washington." (CNN)

“And he should have been invited why?” Wickham asked on a CNN panel. “He should have been invited to speak for what reason?”

“He’s one of 50 senators,” Wickham added. “And he’s appointed, not elected.”

The panel was examining who did not attend Wednesday's rally. National Public Radio's Michel Martin said she was surprised that a president she covered, George H.W. Bush, was absent after his “very strong record on civil rights."

Both former Presidents George H.W. Bush or George W. Bush were invited to attend, but each declined due to health reasons -- George W. Bush recently underwent a heart procedure.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was not invited to Wednesday's 50th anniversary celebration of the "March on Washington." (AP)

President Barack Obama and former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter all spoke at the event. No elected Republicans spoke at the rally, which also heard from Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx and multiple members of the King family. House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor both declined invitations.

Scott's office said in a statement on his non-invite, “The senator believes today is a day to remember the extraordinary accomplishments and sacrifices of Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis and an entire generation of black leaders. Today’s anniversary should simply serve as an opportunity to reflect upon how their actions moved our country forward in a remarkable way."

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)

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