Don't assume that a vote against Obama isn't racist...
We are less than four weeks away from electing our next president and many news outlets are voicing a concern many Democrats are too fearful to look at closely: silent racism. Conservative pundits and news outlets are trying to pretend it doesn't exist, with headlines like "Don't Assume That A Vote Against Obama Is Racist" or "Get Ready For Cries Of Racism At Every Turn."…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - diana hartman
soooo, if david duke waxed as poetic about mccain as farrakhan has about obama, and mccain did anything to distance himself from duke, but the left didn't think it was enough, then would that mean mccain was still associated with, responsible for and accountable to the things duke said?
'cos if not, dan's whole farrakhan-obama connection is unraveled like a rope that's been left to dangle from a tree for the past 40 years...
27 - Lee Richards
If Obama were white, he would have had a consistent double-digit lead in the polls, so race is one factor in the election.
Racism, though, won't decide this election. Obama's campaign has put together a coalition of diverse elements--white, minorities, women, young people, liberals, independents, unions, etc.--against a currently unpopular president and party that McCain represents.
I live in Virginia, former capital of the confederacy, once segregated top-to-bottom, where blacks were systematically disenfranchised until the 1960s, and a consistent red-state in presidential elections since 1964.
So what happeened when a black Democrat ran for governor here? He was elected, the first elected black governor in any state. Doug Wilder put together a solid coalition to win. He couldn't have won without the support of white(southern)voters that he convinced to ignore his race and join his coalition.
If racism couldn't defeat a black candidate in a smaller venue where its effects would be magnified and greater, its influence is likely to be diluted among the more diverse popultion of the whole country.
The ecomonic issues today are color blind, and voters will primarily be casting ballots to 1)choose someone they think may be able to come up with some original and workable solutions, and 2) punish anybody they can for allowing the mess to happen.
28 - Dr Dreadful
Ruvy, I get where you are coming from, but you are trying to divorce democracy from capitalism and they are one in [sic] the same.
That's not quite true. It's perfectly possible to have capitalism without democracy. Look to China for the most obvious modern case, but even a cursory examination of history will yield countless examples.
There's a much better case, though, for arguing that you can't have true democracy without capitalism.
29 - Dave Nalle
I agree that racism may be a factor in people voting against Obama, but my perception of it is rather different from what I keep seeing from the left.
Like Dawn, Lisa and others, I've talked to a lot of voters. The mild expressions of racism I've seen have pretty much universally come from Democratic or independent voters and almost never from Republicans or voters on the right. Those who oppose Obama most strongly seem to oppose him primarily on an ideological basis. Those who oppose him on the basis of race seem more likely to agree with him ideologically, but are just uncomfortable with him for vague reasons which include race at least subconsciously.
I see a peculiar form of racism in play here. Sure there are some hardcare racists out there, but they are small in number and easy to write off as irrelevant. They're going to vote insanely and for stupid reasons no matter who is running. The racism which really matters comes from people who basically are NOT racist in their normal life, but when put on the spot and having to make a decision, a mild subliminal racism surfaces in the form of wavering and doubt.
If the Republicans had nominated someone more ideological than McCain these people would have bitten the bullet and voted for Obama, but subscribing to a generally moderate political philosophy and perhaps nudged by a very mild and unacknolwedged uneasiness about race they shy away from Obama and move towards McCain because he seems like a viable alternative.
I hate to see the GOP which was founded on opposition to racist policy and which has championed liberty for all minorities benefit from this, but they and McCain do appear to be unintended beneficiaries of cultural squeamishness. In any other situation I don't think it would be a big issue, but in this highly contentious election it does seem to make a difference.
That difference will come when those moderate and uneasy voters, many of whom may have previously professed support for Obama, find themselves in the privacy of the voting booth and pull the lever for McCain on a momentary impulse driven by a lingering doubt that those who are so inclined can certainly class as racism.
Dave
30 - Dan(Miller)
Re comments # 24 and 26: I made no comment on the video other than that it is interesting, as I think it is. Make of it what, if anything, you wish.
Dan(Miller)
31 - Baritone
Doug,
"Making blanket accusations of anyone who votes against Obama as racist..."
I don't believe anyone here said that. At issue are "closet" racists who say one thing and vote another. It's happened before and will likely happen this time.
This notion that racism is no longer a viable issue in this country is ludicrous. Certainly, it is less rampant, less overt than in years past, but it still exists and will doubtless have an effect on the presidential vote come November 4th.
I still see people flying the "stars and bars" from flag poles in their yards, and/or having "stars and bars" license plates. I hear people talking about the election in public places with many stating loud and proud how they'd "never vote for no n....r!"
Just a few days ago I heard a fellow in a local restaurant exclaim hotly that he won't vote for "that darky Obama because he's a muslim and a terrorist."
I, too, don't see how one could consider blacks voting for Obama as racist. Even if it is, can you blame them? Any people who have lived essentially under the thumb of a distinctly separate and abusive ruling class for what is now over 300 years - over half that time as literal slaves - would hardly be considered remiss if they stood up and cheered in support of one of their own in Obama's position.
But for most, I doubt that it stops there. To believe that it does is just another slap in the face of black citizens who make their decisions no less intelligently than the rest of us. To some, that may not be saying much, but it does serve to reinforce the essence of equality due people of all races, cultural and ethnic backgrounds in this country - even Arabs and Muslims.
Further, it is my opinion that the tactics taken on by McCain/Palin against Obama are dangerous. The verbal responses from some of their audiences reveal a level of hatred and disdain that is being further inflamed by the accusations coming from the Rep candidates. I guess they figure that McCain will be a shoo-in if Obama winds up dead.
B
32 - Dawn
Lee I hope and pray you are right on your last two statements.
As I watch the stock market plummet and the broad ripple effect it is having on global markets and domestic financial markets I sense fear. People are starting to panic and the fever pitch is becoming palpable. McCain and Palin are doing an incredible, but despicable job of preying on people's insecurities right now.
We have three or so weeks to go and I predict with great certainty the McCain camp will sink to levels we thought unimaginable in modern times. I may sound like a paranoid loon, but the McCain/Palin ticket, with the help of the fear-mongering right will do ANYTHING they can to stay in power.
They know that a paradigm shift will occur should Obama become our next president and if they interject enough panic with the growing uncertainty they might be able to squeak out a win.
Americans must remain focused and not allow themselves to be distracted from their jobs of picking the BEST leader for these troubling times.
We need new, fresh and well-thought out ideas and leadership, not more fear, scare tactics and boogeymen.
McCain, should he win or lose, will look back at this in his dying days (and in his case in the not to distant future) and feel tremendous shame for what he has done. Not only is he destroying his reputation and dignity, but in the process, trying to destroy another man's. I hope he can live with himself when all is said in done, because I know he knows that the path he has chosen was not putting "country first" but himself first.
That's not patriotic, that's just the same selfishness and greed we've seen destroy this country -- and now potentially -- the world.
33 - Clavos
500000000
34 - Dawn
Dave Nalle said:
The mild expressions of racism I've seen have pretty much universally come from Democratic or independent voters and almost never from Republicans or voters on the right. Those who oppose Obama most strongly seem to oppose him primarily on an ideological basis. Those who oppose him on the basis of race seem more likely to agree with him ideologically, but are just uncomfortable with him for vague reasons which include race at least subconsciously.
Dave you just made my case for me. If you read what I wrote, my concern for racism in this campaign wasn't from Republicans. They weren't going to vote for Obama anyway. My concern is the undecided/swing/independent voter who is susceptible to hearing Obama's plan and message and liking it, but as easily susceptible to silent cues and undertones of racism.
I have a relative who I love dearly and would never consider themselves a racist who basically said what you said above "vague reasons" which could be subconsciously racist. So the next question I would like conservatives and Rep. to ask themselves is "If we figured out that subconsciously some people might be a bit racist and afraid to vote for Obama, do you think McCain's campaign advisers haven't figured that out as well."
As Captain Jack Sparrow might say, "We are agreed in principle, now we are just haggling over the price."
Seriously, is there anyone out there savvy in politics who genuinely thinks McCain and Co. aren't playing to those "subconscious vagaries" in swing voters minds when they mention "terrorist, Muslim" and my new favorite, "that one."
We are all scared for our future, but that simply means we must be more diligent and thoughtful than ever. Panic mode is NOT what we need.
McCain, whom until about 5 weeks ago I could have lived with as president, has lost my respect, and likely his own. Which may explain his bizarre behavior.
35 - maskay
Economically, things stink right now. But I think the author goes off on a tangent from her point to go on a bush bashing trip. It takes away from her credability. And her opinion on Sarah Palin is evident. Was Biden even mentioned in this article?
As for the economy, I think there is enough blame to go around. But I think its unfair to put all the blame on a president, regardless of party. Congress has a roll in this also, as do world events. It's amazing that this decline didn't happen after 9-11, and it took this long. Economies go up. And then down. And this one will go up again, regardless of who sits in the oval office.
Couple things to think about---the large company I work for began having trouble, and first round of layoffs, in March of 2001. The industry I was in as a whole was having problems. Was the GWB's fault, 3 months in?
The 10 cities with the highest poverty rates in the nation have been controlled by the same party for years (Detroit, Buffalo NY, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Miami,St. Louis, El Paso, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Newark.) What conclusion can be drawn from that?
36 - Arch ConservativeWith each passing day it looks more and more like Eight Ball Barry is going to be o
"I bet more whites will vote for Obama because he is black than will blacks."
If you're talking raw numbers I agree. There are a lot of moronic moonbats out there itching to pat themselves on the back.
If we're talking percentages you're dead wrong. There is a silver linging in that for conservatives like myself though. After four years of Barry's horribly unAmerican socialist leadership the nation will be itching for a fire breathing conservative, capitalist loving Republican in 2012.
37 - Dawn
#35
I didn't mention Bush much at all, he and his administration are old news. I am concerned with the next president. That's of greater importance. If you wish to debate whether Bush was a great president, or is responsible for many of our current crises, that's a debate you will have to have on your own.
Bush is no longer relevant.
38 - Lori
Well written Dawn. Nail on the head.
39 - Dawn
#36, Your horns are showing. Better put those away before your scare the innocent people who want the world to be a better place for everyone, not just the "privileged few" the conservatives think deserve it.
In lighter news, Halloween's just around the corner, good thing too. We will need all the candy we can get to sweeten the bitter bile building up in those "red" states.
40 - Clavos
maskay,
Miami is and has been, since a few years after the Cubans arrived, a Republican town; for years, three of our four congressclowns have been Republicans.
41 - Mark Saleski
Your horns are showing
those aren't horns, they're bolts.
42 - El Bicho
"As Captain Jack Sparrow might say,"
I believe that's one of (George Bernard) Shaw's.
43 - Dawn
Possibly EB, but I know Capt. Jack uttered it too ;)
44 - zingzing
dave: "I hate to see the GOP which was founded on opposition to racist policy and which has championed liberty for all minorities benefit from this, but they and McCain do appear to be unintended beneficiaries of cultural squeamishness."
you think that the gop (as smart as they are at winning elections,) is getting ANY unintended effects? do you really think that, what with the republican party's largely white base, they're really going to let obama's race play absolutely no role in their strategy? come on, dave. that would be a monumental mistake. for their own good, they have to use it. and they have been. if you think otherwise, you're blind (and stupid).
that said, the dems are using obama's race as well. but there are no unintended effects. that much is obvious.
45 - Dawn
Don't think the Conservatives are angry and inciting fear and hatred. The quote below says it all (from Politico.com):
So, on top of everything else we have to worry about, how long until we have to fear civil unrest because we might have a Democratic, liberal, black president?
Nice, very nice.
46 - Jordan Richardson
This is like a bad game of Sim City.
47 - Matthew T. Sussman
Not true at all. Our splines are in no way reticulated.
48 - Baronius
Matt, I recognize that from SimCity, but I can't place it. Please elaborate.
49 - Zedd
Dan,
"he embraces a strict black identity, and all the victimhood he can glom onto, despite his privileged upbringing."
What is a Black identity? Do share.
Dan Miller,
"It would be absurd and un-American to vote against Senator Obama because he is Black."
Unfortunately, this would be a VERY AMERICAN thing to do. Let's all step back and look at things as they really are.
"for the simple reason that he is Black. That is, to my mind, no less disgraceful. "
Actually that is a constituancy issue. People vote for a person who they feel is most like them. Biden likes to talk about being from the working class. McCain likes to talk about his military record to vets. Palin is attracting dumb soccer moms. Obama will apeal to people who think he understands their condition.
Also, may a recommend a study on what racism is. Racism is not prejudice (even if this matter is neither about prejudice nor racism)?
Ruvy,
You are suggesting because he was raised by Whites, people shouldn't be afraid of him. Also most Whites have not had the experiences, education, cultural exposure that he has. If exposure is the litmus test for worthiness, can we then assume that Obama is better than most Whites? Just a thought.
50 - Zedd
Dave,
Bless you.
"who oppose Obama most strongly seem to oppose him primarily on an ideological basis. Those who oppose him on the basis of race seem more likely to agree with him ideologically, but are just uncomfortable with him for vague reasons which include race at least subconsciously."
Did it ever come to mind that if he were a Republican and there was no other person who was Rep to vote for that those sentiments would come out? Just wondering if you considered that little ditty.
51 - Zedd
Folks,
Shock of a lifetime.
You mean there are people out there who will not give a job to a person who they believe can do the job better, simply because he is Black? WOW. Now why haven't those crazy radicals not mention that before? You'd think people would be frustrated or something about that.
Welcome to our American kids. Now lets grow up.
----
I love the idea of turning more Black because some guy that I don't know got elected President. I guess I like being Black (whatever that means). I can't wait to be more Black.... Abysmal stupidity. But it's accepted because the lack of knowledge is about an irrelevant matter.
52 - Clavos
What is a Black identity? Do share.
Just a WAG, but could it be that black experience which you're forever telling us we whites can't understand?
53 - Dave Nalle
Did it ever come to mind that if he were a Republican and there was no other person who was Rep to vote for that those sentiments would come out? Just wondering if you considered that little ditty.
Were that the case it would certainly need to be considered. My experience in Texas has convinced me that being black is a major political asset within the Republican party, but there's no reason to think that's a universal phenomenon. My observation is that most Republicans aren't at all interested in issues of race one way or another, except to be almost pathetically enthusiastic when they encounter someone who is darked skinned and shares their beliefs.
Dave
54 - Dawn
I think you are right Dave, most "real" Republicans wouldn't disqualify a Republican candidate based on racial differences. But to me, the evangelical base isn't what I consider real Republicans, but rather a separate group that have hijacked the RNC, much to the party's detriment. McCain was a hopeful (if not somewhat liberal) candidate to bring the Republican party back around, but he went to the dark side by catering to that base of angry, hate-filled Christian right.
The same group I like to call McCainiacs and are full of rage and anger, are really starting to frighten people. Seriously, McCain/Palin need to tell these nuts at their rallies to calm the "f" down.
Kind of makes you wonder who associates with radicals doesn't it?
55 - Cindy D
"I Don't Mess With Black Men"
Palin's Racist Remark
56 - Cindy D
It would be hard to ask Palin to ask the crowd to calm down, she's pretty busy whipping them into that hateful frenzy.
The salon story Meet Sarah Palin’s radical right-wing pals (see page 2) She has a history of negative campaigning. Why else would she send out mailers billing herself as the "Christian" when running against a Lutheran named Stein, except to appeal to anti-Jewish sentiment by the suggestion he might be Jewish?
McCain, is another story. I agree, I think this is something he'll regret being a part of.
57 - Clavos
Cindy,
I went to the site you linked in your comment #55.
You're spreading a completely unsubstantiated allegation which is coming from only one individual, with no witnesses to the alleged incident, and which allegedly took place a long time ago.
I'm surprised (and disappointed) at you.
58 - Jordan Richardson
No different than the continued linking of Obama to Ayers and the inference that the two of them "pal around."
59 - Clavos
Apart from the fact that my comment wasn't addressed to you, Jordan, two wrongs don't make a right.
60 - Cindy D
Clav,
I have been waiting for that piece to come out since I learned of Royal's scheduled press conference.
I find no reason to doubt Royal. Palin has problems with both Native Americans and African Americans who reside in Alaska. And at this point I feel she should explain herself regarding his claim.
In looking at Palin's history she opposes Native American rights. She ignores the black community.
I'll say this much, I could have written that the comment was a claim. I guess I feel a bit disappointed in myself for just writing the title like that. I guess I felt justified because it was the title of the piece. In retrospect, I wish I had changed it.
61 - Jordan Richardson
Apart from the fact that my comment wasn't addressed to you, Jordan, two wrongs don't make a right.
I'm sorry, sir. Next time I'll know my place in the discussion.
Not to pry, but do you consider the Ayers accusations "wrong?"
62 - El Bicho
"My experience in Texas has convinced me that being black is a major political asset within the Republican party,"
That would explain why the six African-American members (three currently), who have served in the House of Representatives from Texas have all been Democrats and the two current African Americans serving in the Texas State Senate are Democrat. I don't have time to look through the assembly and we know there has never been put up a black governor. How exactly are you defining "major political asset?"
From #57 it appears Clavos has never been to The Drudge Report or many online political sites. That's stock and trade.
63 - Clavos
elbicho, regardless of how many outlets publish it, that one particular anecdote has only one source: an obscure musician who only recently surfaced with the "story," which was my point that you apparently missed.
64 - Clavos
Mr. Richardson,
Until real evidence is revealed, any allegations in reference to the relationship between BHO and Ayers that go beyond the facts of BHO and the bomber working together on the CAC and BHO later backpedaling fast to disavow the extent of his contact with a known terroristic and unrepentant bomber, yes. Those are established facts, anything else presented as facts is wrong, until real evidence is found.
But not to worry, the Messiah will be elected, the little people need him.
65 - El Bicho
I didn't miss it. That type of sourcing happens all the time on the Internet, which was my point that you apparently missed.
66 - Clavos
I didn't miss it; I dismissed it.
67 - Clavos
I stand corrected and apologize, EB. I DID miss your point.
68 - Zedd
Clav,
"Just a WAG, but could it be that black experience which you're forever telling us we whites can't understand?"
He seems to understand it. Thought we'd all get his perspective.
69 - El Bicho
Did you know there was gambling in Casablanca? ;)
70 - Dawn
Clavos, how can we take you seriously when you make comments like "messiah" and the "little people need him"? I am open-minded, but come on, that kind of childish behavior doesn't do much to convince anyone that the conservatives are open to other viewpoints.
71 - Zedd
Dave,
"My observation is that most Republicans aren't at all interested in issues of race one way or another, except to be almost pathetically enthusiastic when they encounter someone who is darked skinned and shares their beliefs."
Are you alright? Not being interested in issues of race is a little problematic. Since race matters. So the truth is they don't care. Not such a good thing.
Also, the over exuberance is a no no. It displays a lack of acceptance. Why would someones skin excite you? It's not unlike people who moved into my neighborhood years after I did, telling me I'm welcome. The nerve!! Whites don't own political thought. It's not genetic. Why be overtly excited because someone with more melanin than you thinks similarly to you, if you don't think about race.
None of what you say can be proven because there aren't that many Blacks who are active Republicans.
Also, obviously Dems are not as racist and prejudice as you think. They have the most Black office holders AND they were the first to elect a Black as the nominee.
I watched the Black Rep convention. It was a gathering of the most unfortunate Blacks in the looks department I had ever seen. Wow!! My brother even called me and said, "what is going on? Their all really ugly." I'm guessing the teasing over the years made them seek out a different community to belong to.... Someone said it was carny hour. Dang, just unfortunate all around or to use the vernacular, "tow up"!!!
Lastly, we don't have DARKED skin. You have Whitened skin. According to evolution. It's a freebie. Thought I'd help with that.
72 - Clavos
Clavos, how can we take you seriously when you make comments like "messiah" and the "little people need him"?
I was merely repeating the title he has been given by one of his most prominent supporters, Dawn.
The little people DO need him to lift them out of their misery; they are in fact, one of his largest constituencies, a substantial portion of his "base," just as the fundies are a substantial part of McCain's "base."
Lastly, I'm not advocating for anyone; I don't really care what people (little or otherwise) think of conservatives (or liberals, for that matter).
73 - Clavos
BTW, Dawn, congratulations on your choice of Obama pic in the story; it makes him look positively angelic and the kind of guy who will take care of all of us when he becomes the president.
74 - Clavos
None of what you say can be proven because there aren't that many Blacks who are active Republicans.
Exactly Dave's point, Zedd.
75 - diana hartman
#30
sooo, what was so interesting about it, and what do you make of it? for that matter, why did you post it?