Racism backfires
Amid all the talk of white people who won't vote for Obama and how much of an issue this is is or is not, you have to wonder whether some of the attacks from outside the Democrats' camp in November might rebound against the attackers and rather assist the candidate.
This seems typical of what he will face - and what his supporters already have to deal with as revealed in this piece.
And yet after the infamous Macaca incident one of the driving forces behind Senator Allen's subsequent departure from politics was his abandonment by previous supporters, particularly white suburban women.
So attacks using race may well backfire on those who employ them - and benefit the Democrats in some of areas where they really do have to win...
UPDATE:
The news that John Edwards is backing Obama does nothing much for him it seems to me but does real damage to Hillary Clinton - nobody serious jumps onto a sinking ship.
She wants the superdelegates to believe Obama is a sinking ship. An already difficult case to make just got even trickier...
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Does John Edwards' openly-stated support for Barack Obama have implications for his (Edwards') possible selection as Obama's November running mate?
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Darryl,
I think it implies he won't be the VP nominee, because it would indicate a quid pro quo. I hope this is precisely the reason Jim Webb is lying low.
Edwards apparently is interested in becoming Attorney General, but talk is just talk. We'll see in due course. Obama is blessed by a richness of possibilities for his administration, and not a few of the folk mentioned in VP speculation may well end up with cabinet posts.
A fair wind and a bright day.
xx
ed
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As I have said previously sadly Hillary's most loyal supporters and Hillary herself with some comments are letting themselves down badly taking the campaign to gutter levels!
Hillary had the opportunity to do what is right and she refused that offer, now her campaign seems to be to destruct The Democratic Party, if this should ever be the case they will never be forgiven!
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Edwards' support will be valuable to Obama in terms of appealing to working class voters and taking on the issues that he championed during his campaign. Kathleen Sebelius from Kansas is my guess for a running mate for Obama.
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McCain would have to pick 'Macaca' as his running mate to stand a chance against Obama this November- unfortunately I don't think he has the courage or imagination to choose him. Shame.
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One America!
John Edwards speaks, and it's inspiring!
xx
ed
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Hillary is sticking with the race because politics and the craving of power is her life. She doesn't have a strong, loving marriage - it's more of a professional relationships.
She will say and do anything to gain power because the pursuit of it is all that she has. A bit of racism, gutter politics or obfuscation is fine if that's what it takes. She needs a husband to be president so Bill is still in tow for now.
Hillary will no doubt get a senior senate position but that's not the same as wielding executive power.
She is no better or worse than many other power cravers the world over. I suppose such characters are a necessary evil.
We will find out in due course if Obama is different and if the say anything/ do anything approach of the Hillary camp causes long term damage to her reputation.
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Hillary's "white-people-vote-for-me" argument is so absurd and I can't believe the mainstream US media and even the international media keep perpetuating this obvious lie.
Look, Obama DOES have some problems with "working class white people" between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains. But how could Obama win Iowa, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Utah, Nebraska, Washington, Maine, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Vermont, Wyoming, US Democrats abroad - and will win Oregon, South Dakota and Montana...if white Americans didn't support him? Could these states *be* any whiter?
Obviously, it makes no sense. Hillary is becoming crazy and she seems "more determined than ever!" to lose this nomination will as little grace and dignity as possible. If Hillary were a good Democrat, she would promise to help Obama with that very narrow group of white voters who don't feel comfortable with him instead of race-baiting and dividing us.
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this is interesting, more evidence of prejudice and ignorance against Obama
http://therealnews.com/id/1507/20080514/Obama+faces+racism+in+West+Virginia
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More evidence if it were needed of the lengths to which Hilary Clinton will stoop to gain power - or in this case to make life as difficult for Obama as possible because of her own sour grapes at the situation.
I sincerely hope she gets absolutely nothing from Obama - no post, no special position - nothing. She has done nothing but undermine the Democrat Party so why should the party reward her for it.
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To be fair, Hillary has moderated her tone in the last few days, and no longer seems to be in 'attack' mode. She has defended Obama against the Hamas slur, and has pledged quite plainly to "work my heart out" for the eventual nominee.
Meanwhile, George Bush compares Obama to Nazi Appeasers.
And, Keith Olberman has a go at Bush for giving up golf, in respect for the dead US soldiers....
Ah, the joys of the never-ending-election-season...
xx
ed
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This is hilarious!
;-)
ed
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Racism has not and will not backfire because it's alleged status in America is over stated. The simple truth is that Americans are suspect of Obama because of his policies and his associations, not his color. Remember, it is Obama who identifies himself as African American even though he is half caucasion. One would think he would be the perfect candidate to identify himself as only American but of course, this would not serve his political needs. Now, to th policies and Associations. The policies are bad if you have a molecule of conservativism in your blood. For example, if you understand that raising taxes does not help the economy or as another example if you understand that the social welfare system forever pushed by liberals has created an addicted underclass that is growing, you would believe Obama's policies to be defective. Race is not the issue, policies are.
Next problem with Obama, his associations. His associations are bad because they are anti-american and more importantly anti-freedom. (What is Anti-american really, isn't the nation state over-rated) For example; taxes takes a person's productivity, raising them takes more of the person's productivity. Pay fifty percentk of your income in taxes and that's one half of your productivity, half a slave sort of. Not very free. Yes the anti-american anti-freedom slogans of Obama's association are indeed couched in racisim by Obama's friends, but for those who object to the slogans, it doesn't matter what color the messenger is. The fact of the matter is that America has embraced minorities in all aspects of our society. Good Americans are indifferent to color and judge by competency, morality, and integrity. More and more though, the left wing who appear desirous of transmogrifying the U.S. into a 1970 U.S.S.R. society, play the "race card" when you simply disagree. Evidently the new rule being put in play by the left is this, "If you don't agree with me, you're a racist!" The reality that keeps me going is that the hardworking self sufficient conservatives can survive and afford their life styles without the liberals, but the liberals starve without the hard working self sufficient conservatives. Are there really people out there who believe that a remora can live without a shark? Do folks not realize that it is really bad for parasites to kill the host? Maybe in New Zealand where I just might take my guns, skis, family, money, and oh yeah, freedom.
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Edwards would be great as Attorney General, Secretary of Labor, or Secretary of Health and Human Services.
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Shawnbb:
Get off your PC soapbox. She is stating a fact, just as it is A FACT that 90% of blacks are voting for Obambi. If you think that statement is racist is says more about you than Clinton. Racism is not just a so called white problem.
Obambi will loss and I can't wait to tell you I told you so. Part of me wants Clinton to get out just so I can see the GOP rip Obambi apart, but then part of me wants the US to have the best leader.
Why hasn't Obambi tied it up since he has?
1) one-sided press coverage, have you watched MSNBC?
2) Devoted followers, yes your a sheep!
3) A democratic leadership that have been against HRC from the start
When will you so-called educated people wake-up! In fact I'm probably to most educated on this board, in degree terms. Yet I seem to not like Obambi, this is because as a scientist I solve problems for a living and I know rubbish when I hear it. Obama is talking rubbish, where are the details where is the plan. Nowhere, no plan, all talk, talk. HOw think about that when you're voting, think about your kids, your job, your wife, who will deliver? Because other people will and in Nov it will be Obambi you are the weakest link goodbye
Fight to the last HRC never give-up!
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One of the features of this campaign, which isn't often metioned in postings, is Sen. Obama's fine handling of these sensitive issues.
His deft ability to strike balances between polarised points of view was well described in a recent NYT feature piece (which I think Ed provided a link to in a previous Justin blog post).
To vote for an Obama Presidency would be an evolutionary step for America. especially following the footsteps of a fine thinker such as this.
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So many people are going to be so, so disappointed. I pity you.
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Hadleyreetz
I imagine you'd be able to take your guns to NZ - from wikipedia
"New Zealand gun law is covered by the Arms Act 1983 and the Arms Regulations 1992. In order to own a firearm, a person must obtain a firearms license. These are issued by the police and enable holders to own and use sporting rifles, shotguns and ammunition. In order to obtain a license, applicants must pass a test on 'safe and responsible firearms use, ownership, and storage'. They must also be a 'fit and proper person' to hold a license, based on a background check, and the license may be revoked for a variety of reasons."
But in many ways, especially seen through the prism of your world view, NZ is a very liberal country. For example they voted in the first transgender politician
How about an ex-stripper for the Senate? I think it would do ya'll a lot of good!
;)
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For #13, 15, and anyone else who says race is not an issue, look at the WV polling. That is the voters themselves saying they voted based on race, not the "anti-Hillary" media.
Will Obama disappoint? Possibly. Will Hillary? Not in my book. She has a proven track record of doing whatever it takes to further her own aims. I am sure she will continue to sell out the American people.
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All this Hillary bashing is misconceived. If she somehow manages to convince enough super-delegates to vote for her, then she has won fairly according to the rules. The rule of law underpins everything the Western world believes in after all.
However, I think it's pretty clear she will not win and when that happens I confidently expect her to whole-heartedly support Obama. When that happens, the vast majority of her supporters will follow her.
I would suggest it is also probably better for the unpleasant racial and religious slurs against Obama to be exposed now so that the mainstream media will be aware of the facts and be forced to counter any proven mis-truths.
Moreover, I have faith that the great American public, nourished by Hollywood will join the dots between these attacks and counter-attacks and be able to construct what will be a typically American narrative.
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Chewbaccadefense:
I would have though "the most educated person on this board" would be able to spell and use correct grammar and punctuation. Also, using "Obambi" instantly discredits any argument you might have, as it comes across as incredibly immature and rather pathetic.
As for your comments:
Obama will lose? The GOP will rip him apart? He has beaten the strongest election campaign team in the history of American politics. Come from being an unheard of, to the presumptive democratic nominee. I think he can handle John McCain.
Devoted followers? I am a sheep for backing an inspirational man, whose policies I agree with?
A democratic leadership against HRC? Give one scrap of evidence for this. Or are you forgetting she had far more superdelegates that Obama did at the start of the campaign?
No polices? I have some advice for you. Read. Read his book. Visit his website. There is a virtual manifesto of polices available to see, you only have to look.
You are upset. Your candidate lost, I can understand that. But just try not to look so bitter.
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I particularly love this extract from Georgina Beyer's maiden speech.
"Mr. Speaker, I can't help but mention the number of firsts that are in this Parliament. Our first Rastafarian? our first Polynesian woman? and yes, I have to say it, I guess, I am the first transsexual in New Zealand to be standing in this House of Parliament. This is a first not only in New Zealand, ladies and gentlemen, but also in the world. This is an historic moment. We need to acknowledge that this country of ours leads the way in so many aspects. We have led the way for women getting the vote. We have led the way in the past, and I hope we will do so again in the future in social policy and certainly in human rights."
To a lot of Brits, the perception of NZ is that "it has more sheep than people". But compared to here, and obviously the USA - it is very progressive. Enjoy Mr. Hadleyreetz!
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MikeD_442 and other Obama supporters:
Obama seems to do well until he opens his
mouth and makes a remark which can be
taken out of context and used against him.
So far, though, he generally does a good recovery
job. It will be interesting to see if the McCain
campaign tries to attack him the way that
Hillary did, or if they concentrate on issues,
which is what most people really want to see.
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chewbaccadefense wrote: "Shawnbb:
Get off your PC soapbox. She is stating a fact, just as it is A FACT that 90% of blacks are voting for Obambi. If you think that statement is racist is says more about you than Clinton. Racism is not just a so called white problem.
Obambi will loss and I can't wait to tell you I told you so. Part of me wants Clinton to get out just so I can see the GOP rip Obambi apart, but then part of me wants the US to have the best leader."
__________
*yawn*
You just keep pretending the majority of voters this primary season are under some spell. The newest victims? John Edwards and the United Steelworkers. Try again.
You just keep pretending that because Hillary got spanked by Obama, naturally SHE is the right candidate to beat McCain...because it makes so much sense that the LOSING candidate is stronger. Try again.
You just keep ignoring the fact that the vast majority of people who have voted for Obama are "hard working white people" if it suits you, and you just keep imagining black votes count less if it bolsters your dead argument.
How have all these absurd and embarrassing arguments worked out for you so far? Oh yeah - Hillary LOST. We have chosen the better candidate and I am very proud to support Obama. If that annoys you, tough. It's called Democracy, which is something that Hillary fanatics can not contain their contempt of. All they can do now is insult the majority of American voters this primary season. In Hillaryland, it's WE who just don't get it. LOL.
Hillary nuts have truly lost all contact with reality. It's pretty hilarious, actually.
Game over. You lose. Now it's on to McSame.
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No doubt race is still a factor. There are people who will never vote for a "black" person. There are also people (not only blacks) who are glad to have a candidate of African ancestry who they can support, and who want race not to be a factor in elections (and in society generally). Every election year there are fewer of the former and more of the latter.
It may be that Clinton's large margin of victory in West Virginia was due to a high proportion of people in that state who will not vote for any black candidate. It remains to be seen how that factor will play in the general election. But we cannot know until it is tested by Obama's nomination. However it turns out, those who would refuse to support Obama because of his race are on the wrong side of history.
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Hadleyreetz, I agree that race is not as big of an issue as it has been in the past, but the reason Obama identifies as a black man is because that is how society treats him. No doubt he has been a victim of racial profiling and that alone indicates that we are not as far past our racial issues as we would like to believe.
While his associates are "anti-American" to some, they are entitled to their opinion - that's freedom. He is more liberal overall than HRC and that often leads to higher taxes, but considering he is the only candidate who hasn't written off economists I feel more confident putting our financial future in his hands than in those candidates who think temporarily eliminating an 18 cent tax on gas will do anything to stop the rising cost of our gas addiction.
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Ants Invade Houston, Eat Computers.
Is that what happened to the blog yesterday?
;-)
ed
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McCain's promise
You've gotta laugh!
xx
ed
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MMarcelo,
I'm really quite surprised that people were able
to see through the "gas tax holiday" scam.
What this proves is that all of the stupid people that I run
into daily must not vote in primaries. Hopefully,
they won't vote at all in the general election.
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Marcello,
Obama doesn't just "not dismiss economists", he has their attention:
Those are heavyweight economists, especially Paul Volcker, and an important endorsement!
Salaam, etc.
ed
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Welcome back, blog!
It was'nae me what broke it!
xx
ed
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How does the "Macaca incident" have anything to do with racism against Obama?
A better example of vicious attacks helping a candidate (which is by the way an obvious point already), would be the NYT innuendo-piece on McCain and that lobbist which gave him nothing but sympathy and a boost in the polls.
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After the blackout.
Dissappointed yet amused, with the continual black, black theme that is running through this blog, the election process, and the word blacks' 1001 negative meanings. Now on the web, all the derogatory offshoots of the word black are being slipped into the prose. Upon examination, yes it's difficult to find positives for the word black, but I managed to find a few.
Tried googling "black word" and ended up in an Australian aboriginal english site that immediatly informed me that Barrukka means talk. With my penchant for puns, I take it as a good sign seeing as the winner must use this facet to drag America and the world back from the brink following its' present path.
But what other daily expressions come to mind that are not negative? Here a few:-
Written in black and white- clear information. In the black- a positive financial balance. Black-belt - an expert in martial arts. The black - Snookers highest scoring ball. And what real womans wardrobe is complete without her little black dress!
My last positive word now doing the rounds is blackberry - The telephone with all and every function. The Clintons probably carry them - gee how they must hate that name.
So with black in mind, no such colourful negatives for Hillary. Lets hope she gets whitewashed from now on in.
Not under a spell. Just thinking black.
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@ Hadleyreetz - post 13.
I understand that, as an American, knowledge of anywhere other than america is not your forte, but you really ought to do a little more research before looking so foolish.
New Zealand has the following distinctly socialistic, "liberal" qualities:
1) a strong UK-style welfare state
2) a fair amount of public housing
3) a public health service with far more free services than the US
4) redistributive, progressive taxation to pay for all of this
5) far stricter gun control laws than the US
6) a party in power who are members of the Socialist International, and to the left of their UK counterparts.
good luck with the move!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Apparently truth hurts!?
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shawnbb and mike_d_422:
We will see what happens. I am confident I will be vindicated.
Mike_d_422,
As for your other comments I think they clearly demonstrate you have no arguments.
May be you should see:
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/16/little-interest-shown-in-clintons-call-to-seat-disputed-delegates/
I think it is common knowledge; at least on the US tv news I have watched that the Dem leadership are against HRC (in private). FOX news via H and C may have over stated this, nevertheless it is there. Also form an interview with Dean on various channels I got the impression he was pro-OBAMBI. Not to mention Pelosi made a thinly veiled request for HRC to pull out months ago.
Do you think, knowing now what we do about OBAMBI, he would be in the same position? NO! If the same system was used as the Reps (winner takes all) Clinton would have a won.
I believe in RESULTS not rhetoric, in solutions not empty promises. In reality, not fiction. Yes, Obambi will win the nomination, of that I have know doubt, unless he does something stupid. However he will lose the GC of that I have no doubt. Then the blame game will start and you Mike_d would be responsible for a republication in the white-house. Lets meet on this board in Nov, I can hardly wait!
Additionally, Mike_d can you outline for me in detail what OB's plans are for healthcare?
As a final comment yes you are a sheep. He is not inspiring and most of his policies he ripped of HRC. I see pass the spin and look at the reality, you clearly vote on personality not substance. I'd want the best CEO running my country not the most likable. Results, results results. Clinton - track record. Obambi - no record, except, that is voting present.
I look at this, as I always have done, as I hiring decision . As a CEO of my own company I guess that is something I have trained myself to do. I suspect Mike_d you enjoy being part of a so called 'movement'. In many ways you have been seduced by it. I on the other hand see the cold hard reality.
For example: I was speaking to students and asked them a simple question. Who is your competition? Each student looked around eyeing each other up. After a moment I said is it her is it him etc. No, your competition is in China and India and they value an education. Enough said.
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For all the Obama supporters I suggest you read this:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article3941450.ece
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Chewbacca,
I hear about Hillary's track record from you and others. Can you elaborate on what exactly it consists of?
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I watched John Edwards deliver his obseqious betrayal of his old friends the Clintons and his capitulation to Obama, and immediately thought that he really must want the V.P. spot pretty badly. One word came to mind - hypocrite!
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A fair number of Hillary supporters, myself included, will not vote for an Obama candidacy as a protest to the Democratic Party Elders who have propped up Obama each time he stumbled. NH was the second state primary. HRC surprised everyone, including herself, by winning. Immediately Obama called in the heavy guns: Oprah, (who will have to decide for herself if a woman as rich and influential as she is, should be endorsing anyone in a primary); incumbent Democratic Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy. They chose between their two candidates, and this is where the problem is. As if they were not enough interference, Senator Bob Casey Jr. went against his own word not to endorse early: he did this because Obama was doing poorly in his state, Pennsylvania. And just to put icing on the cake, last week HRC won 2 to 1 in a smaller state, and the Dems trot out former Senator John Edwards to take the sting out of a huge embarrassment for Obama. So you see, it is not about race; it is about elected officials manipulating the vote of their own party. As serious as all the campaign issues that the US faces are, supporters of HRC also face a continuous effort by the party to favor Obama, and that is a grievous aberration of our voting rights.
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Noble Floridian
Wrong again!
xx
A fellow Floridian
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AAlvinTwiningham:
May be you show read this, from the horses mouth.
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/about/
Maybe give her a donation while you are there.
Also see:
http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Hillary_Clinton.htm#Health_Care
This is one of many issues you will find there
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Ed Iglehart, surely you don't believe that Edwards would not accept the VP post if offered! Edwards joined the parade of so-called friends of Hillary to defect to Obama, and if you don't think that they all expect something in return I suggest you also believe that our legislators in Tallahassee will agree to cut their salaries and benefits, as has recently been mooted by two brave souls up there. Enjoy the last cool breezes - summer is round the corner!
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Noble,
We'll see. I reckon it's gotta be Jim Webb. Edwards won't be wasted. He'll be put in a position where he can pursue his passion for helping ease poverty.
Obama has an enviable richness of talented folk around him, and the demonstrated ability to form an effective organisation. The senior advisors he's been accumulating are impressive, and I, for one, am a long-time admirer of Paul Volcker.
It's grey and cool here in Scotland today.
Salaam, etc.
ed
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The racist voting by 90% of Blacks for Obama does not seem to have backfired.
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jglammi,
The "racist" voting by blacks for Democrats:
So, it seems "the first black president" got the lowest (least racist?) proportion of the black vote received by Democrats in recent history....
Salaam/Shalom/Shanthi/Dorood/Peace
Namaste -ed
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This seems a rather one sided argument. Is the fact that many black Americans will vote for Obama simply because he is part black also racism? Wasn't it just last December or January when the media talked about whether or not Obama was black enough. Race will play a role in this election whether we like it or not, that is just a fact of the reality of life in America at the opening of the 21st century. So will the comments of Reverend Wright and of Obama's early upbringing in Indonesia. So will his elitism. Expect lots of dirt, distortions, and outright lies. Too bad it always comes to this. It will get a lot uglier before election day. Too bad Obama won't be cleanly defeated on the fact that he is far too inexperienced to be President yet, that he's taken no hard positions on many critical issues, and that his views are far too liberal when compared to mainstream American values. Were he white, I don't think he'd have a snowball's chance in hell of getting elected. I think either Dr. Rice or Colin Powell would have had a much better chance at becoming America's first black President.
If he loses, it will be ascribed variously to racism and the fact that he had not been bought by large corporate interests the way most politicians are.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Ed Iglehart: I thought you were a fellow-Floridian! Or maybe you moved to Scotland to escape the dog days of summer here in the Sunshine State. As you know we who sweat out the summer call such people "snowbirds".You lucky people!
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NobleFloridian,
Raised partly in Winter Haven, College in Gainesville (59-65), spent time in Ontario, Virginia and NYC. Scotland fulltime since 1972. I didn't flee the summers, but rather my native country's penchant for bombing non-combatant nations, e.g. Cambodia.
Tired of marching in protest, I walked.
Got kinfolk near Tallahassee, most of the rest are dead.
xx
ed
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I thought Clinton was playing the 'race card'. Selected photos with Latino children, comparing Obama with Jesse Jackson, etc. I think it is time for Hillary to quit the race and get behind Obama to elect a super and deserving candidate to the White-house. Despite all that the Clintons (Hillary and Bill) Obama maintained his regal stature...
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Justin:
I think racism will always backfires; because it is not acceptable behaviour....
~Dennis Junior~
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