Ain't Buying The Simplistic "Racist" Meme

Update: The Other McCain pretty much agrees with my take on this.

The LA Times has another in a long line of media stories on why whites may not vote for Obama because he is black. But every story I've read leaves out some important details.

It remains unclear how racial unease will factor into election-day decisions come November. Those hidden impulses are elusively difficult to capture in polling. But seasoned Democratic players here reckon that some racially tinged voting will inevitably occur far beyond Hardy County's cresting hills.

Whether it's politically correct to say it, or not, additional facts are worth acknowledging. This isn't someone named Colin Powell. The candidate's full name is Barack Hussein Obama. Tell me, how many Americans do you know by the first name of Barack, let alone his middle-name? Have you ever known one?

Yes, there may be some white voters who will shun Obama simply because he is black. But that strikes me as a bit simplistic in this case. Frankly, I'm not sure a white individual by the name of Barack Hussein Obama could win the presidency.

Ultimately, Obama may be one too politically correct bridge too far to go given current demographics. Like it or not, along with whatever number of whites harbor concerns over Obama's color, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that an equal number have more concerns over his ancestry and given name.

Frankly put, even in 2008, the name Barack Obama just doesn't sound American. He is. I am not questioning that. But appearances mean a great deal. And Obama appears to be some configuration that probably strikes a good percentage of the population as something other than mainstream American. And that, more than just his color, will likely spell his doom when it comes to a general election.

The media obsession with the racism meme, without acknowledging the entire picture, is simply a symptom of a media that's stuck on old stupid, offering little if any genuinely intelligent, deep, or honest analysis of the entire picture.

But then, there's nothing new in that, I suppose.

Comments

[Fred Beloit]

I believe this post is correct. Add to it the key ravings of Wright: U.S. government gave AIDS to the black community, committed genocide, brought 9/11 on itself, etc. Add more: the numerous votes of "present" (a real courageous stand to vote "present"), the lack of national government and management experience (Just how is he qualified to lead the country?), and that nasty, poor-mouthing, whining wife of his. Who knows what other bad stuff will come up about him?
I just can't see him being elected president of these 58 states.

[yo]

For them, it simply Has to be racism, because the only other option is that they picked a sub-standard candidate. Cog-dis. They cannot, will not accept that premise. Makes their collective head hurt. So, we will be hearing for the next six to seven months that if we don't elect him, we're racists. Not that it takes Nostradamus to predict this future.

[Spartan112]

So you're saying it's not the candidate that's too black, but rather his name? Well, I feel much better now.

[waka waka]

If you're stupid enough to vote against the man because of his name, then you wouldn't be voting for a Democrat in the first place. THAT'S the ugly truth here, not closet racism.

[Peter]

Yup, it has to be pure racism. Or pure anti Muslim that I won't vote for the most liberal guy in the entire Senate. Never mind that he consorts with Dorhn and Ayers. Never mind that he is a product of the Chicago Machine. Never mind Rezko. Never mind Wright.
Unless I go against every truth I've learned in sixty years and vote for Obama, I'm a racist! Damn! We don't own a single white bedsheet, either. I guess it's off to Bed, Bath And Beyond. Wonder how they make those hats so pointy? I guess I'll have to ask Byrd, a Democrat.

[jharp]

OK invasion fans. Another chance for us to unilaterally invade another country.

I'm sure this one won't give you the hard on Iraq does as we be dropping food and not bombs.

How about it rightwingers. Time to act and fuck what the rest of the world says?

"That's why it's time to consider a more serious option: invading Burma. Some observers, including former USAID director Andrew Natsios, have called on the U.S. to unilaterally begin air drops to the Burmese people regardless of what the junta says. The Bush Administration has so far rejected the idea - "I can't imagine us going in without the permission of the Myanmar government," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday - but it's not without precedent: as Natsios pointed out to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. has facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid without the host government's consent in places like Bosnia and Sudan."

[tally]

i'm not voting for obama because HE's the racist.

[Lily]

I'm not voting for him primarily because his policies are too liberal. Call me racist, I don't care.

[LOL]

If you think some whites in this country are not racists, then you're an idiot. Look at the forthcoming results in West Virginia and Kentucky--two very racist states.

I'm not saying every anti-Obama person is a racist. But since I live in Ohio, where people fly confederate flags for one reason, I can tell you that much of the anti-Obama sentiment is based on racism. It's cool though, once he gets elected, you will all be forced into Reparations Camps. I can't wait.

[Lala]

I'm not voting for BO because he campaigned in 57 states.

[syn]

I can't vote for Obama because he sends a tingle up Chris Matthews' leg.

[tec]

Obama is not black, he is european, arab and then black. Less than 12% of his blood line in African, and in that, there are more than just black peoples in africa. There is racism all right, Obama is exposing the racist hatred toward white people. 94% of black voters were only for Obama, does that make them then racist? Yep, 64% of white voters for Obama, 6% of black voters for Hill. Yep, it seems black people are more racist than white people. Sorry.

[tec]

LOL: I lived in Atlanta, a very racist place to be, also Puerto Rico, also another anti-white place. Racism isn't exclusive to white people. We just get all the blame while the hatred towards white people is just counted as "payback" for things that happened long before we were born. Why aren't Jewish pople more upset for all the things that happened to them throughout history?

How about this, find another country where they have all the social programs, free education opporunites, everything in the world out there to help people reach up. But with all the free stuff comes dependency. Where else in the world can you be a complete failure with no ambition and still go to bed with a full belly? And then curse then Nation that fed you.

It is time to stop playing the victim card. People are really getting sick of it, and the power of tossing out the "Race Card" is ebbing from over-unjustified-use and shakedowns by Jesse and Al.

After all, it is the era of the Illegal Alien. Can't blame us for everything, sometimes ya gotta take a look in that mirror and point a finger there.

[Pete]

http://rsmccain.blogspot.com/2008/05/obama-cant-count.html

God help us if this fool gets elected. And a Harvard graduate too? They must be so proud.

[Lala]

One candidate was mocked for not being able to spell. Let's see what happens to the guy who doesn't know how many states are in his country.

[shockwave]

*It's cool though, once he gets eleted you will all be forced into Reparations Camps. I can't wait.*

Spoken like a Nazi, which is what you fuckers are. However, my AK-47, my M-4, and my BAR take issue with you. I pray you assholes try it. I would love a face-to-face with you little fascist bastards.

[seekeronos]

"--- I'm sure this one won't give you the hard on Iraq does as we be dropping food and not bombs. ---"

Invading Myanmar and/or dropping bombs would be just as unconstitutional and interventionist as air-dropping food, but I'd probably not lose any sleep over it, if we did air-drop the food and humanitarian relief.

I mean, lofting pallets of food into a country might not be truly considered an act of war, no?

[jharp]

Invading Myanmar and/or dropping bombs would be just as unconstitutional and interventionist as air-dropping food, but I'd probably not lose any sleep over it, if we did air-drop the food and humanitarian relief.

I mean, lofting pallets of food into a country might not be truly considered an act of war, no?

I think it's an excellent opportunity to evaluate how the U.S. should react to bad situations. Whether it be a horrible dictator, natural disaster, or a government whose policies we don't like.

And I agree with your observations.

My 2 cents. Don't act unilaterally.

[jharp]

Invading Myanmar and/or dropping bombs would be just as unconstitutional and interventionist as air-dropping food, but I'd probably not lose any sleep over it, if we did air-drop the food and humanitarian relief.

I mean, lofting pallets of food into a country might not be truly considered an act of war, no?

I think it's an excellent opportunity to evaluate how the U.S. should react to bad situations. Whether it be a horrible dictator, natural disaster, or a government whose policies we don't like.

And I agree with your observations.

My 2 cents. Don't act unilaterally.

[SacTownMan]

Harpo you did read Dan's post right? I just want to understand the workings of the moonbat mind that somehow spins off from one topic to another so easily. Do you take medication for your ADD?

Grandma's little Barry (the first to be tossed under the bus) is married to a bitter America hater. She displays her parenting skills by taking her kids to an even more bitter white hating preacher. It would be kind of like taking the kids to the Klan meetings on Sundays. I wonder if they got to wear the cute little hats and everything.

Barry's handlers realized that Wright was a racist lune after he already invited him to the presidential announcement. That's no problem they just hide the little racist in the basement till it's over. I bet they really like the new preacher, the one Obama claims is "a wonderfull young man". The hand picked "Black Theology" replacement that calls Moses a "thug" and uses easter Sunday to accuse folks of lynching Wright. Funny my Priest used Easter Sunday to praise the risen Christ.

He then uses a terrorist white couple to help start his political ambitions. But only refers to him as a college professor in one of his "I can no longer disavow my racist preacher than the black community" moments. Only problem is the preacher gets a push under the bus a couple of weeks later.

He has no history of co-operation with the "other side" He votes right down the party line just like his hack leader Harry tells him to. Oh wait, he does like to just vote "present" a lot doesn't he?. A real uniter eh?
He wants to use the Jimmy Carter style of diplomacy and give legitimacy to Iran, Hamas and others. Maybe he could have a little meeting with the "President of Canada" just before he attacks Pakistan.

[bobInStamford]

"Spoken like a Nazi, which is what you fuckers are. However, my AK-47, my M-4, and my BAR take issue with you. I pray you assholes try it. I would love a face-to-face with you little fascist bastards."

Heavens! This is clearly a redneck who could use some re-education. Such anger, such patriotism. Best wishes in guarding your trailer, hero! The evil-doers certainly have it marked as a high-value target!

[SouthernValues]

You redneck racist ditto heads are fools. You have more concern about a non-American sounding name ( what ever the hell that means ) than the relevant issues facing this country. You have blindly voted and supported an individual with the intelligence of a house plant. A political idiot, who believes he takes guidance from some magic sky man, Bush is incapable of changing unsuccessful tactics and responding to real world results. This Nation is crumbling physically, economically and spiritually and you sincerely believe Obama’s name or skin color are more germane to the discussion. What is it – your belief that your race makes you superior or a simple ignorance is bliss perspective.

[redherkey]

SacTownMan: We learned recently from a psychologist friend of the family that many leftists are affected with something called "Oppositional Defiance Disorder" (ODD) - not quite the ADD of your quote, but apparently a real and growing disorder. We've got a kid in the wife's school district that called in bomb threats and has been nothing but a messed up emo disrupting the institution in his quest to punish everyone for his self-induced suffering. From my understanding, ODD-afflicted individuals define themselves in opposition to what they perceive to be the authority figures around them. Rather than tackling behaviors that lead to ongoing failure, the ODD individual attributes that to the perceived authority and then does everything the opposite to defy that authority, believing it will confound and damage this projected target of hate. Unfortunately it just guarantees they'll lose the job, fail the course, lose friends and continue down the path of perpetual loser.

Wright's church was a cult of ODD. His message was continually anti-success, since success was attributed to be a "white thing." Ever since learning that Obama mentored under Wright, I've seen him in a new light. His inner loser is there to see - loathing, hating and self-doubting. His North Carolina speech had a few dead giveaways, while he was giving his most lifeless performances yet. Michelle is even more interesting to watch from the ODD context. She can't hide it like he can. She's a token graduate, let in and allowed to pass with others who actually had a right to be at that institution. She's in a token job once again granted because of her skin color and association to her husband. Life has to be truly miserable for her and she justifiably has a lot to hate. The unfortunate thing is that ODD behavior tends to perpetuate and exaggerate the outcomes that support their conspiratorial conjectures.

Keep that ODD framework in mind (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppositional_defiance_disorder for a quick read) - I see we have a few sufferers here. Guys... you're not fooling anyone. If you get angered and have to misrepresent yourself, or spew the kind of crazy talk SouthernValues rants with, you really do have a problem. There's a reason you can't keep a job and are mooching off of family members. It won't get better without help. Life doesn't have to suck and you sure don't have to drag us into your misery - call your county health services on Monday to ask for assistance for your ODD.

[Fred Beloit]

red's comment got me to thinking: "She's in a token job once again granted because of her skin color and association to her husband."

How is it that Ms. Obama's employer allows her to be away from work so often and for such long periods of time campaigning for her husband? Doesn't she have important tasks to accomplish at her "job"?

[redherkey]

Fred, that's an excellent point. Unless she's taken a leave of absence without pay, her extended departure should be recognized as a campaign donation by her employer (which would be illegal per my understanding).

Then again, Barack, Hillary and John McCain don't seem to show up very often at work either, but certainly get their full compensation. It's possible that Michelle just figures this is what work is like given her husband's infrequent presence in D.C. I think John Edwards said it right: "There are two Americas..." those that have to work to get paid, and those that just loot from others for their extravagant livelihood. Given the Rev. Wright's $10 million house paid for by his church, Barack seems to have learned much from his mentor.

[redherkey]

Fred... I found info on Michelle's facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Obama/22092775577?ref=mf) that says she's indeed on extended leave from her job. She's doing the proper thing. Unfortunately he isn't, though he's far from unique.

Hey Congress, how about about pay-go for your paychecks? Redherkey's PayGo-NoShow-NoGo Act of 2008 proposes that Congresspersons shall receive proportional pay for in-session days attended. Show up for 100% of in-session days, for a minimum of 80% of the scheduled day? You earn pay for that day. Miss 10%? Get docked 10% in your gross pay. A minimum of 80% attendance is necessary to receive benefits; otherwise we'll consider you part-time employees and disqualify you from health care, pension, and other benefits. Want to run for another job that takes your full time campaigning? Resign.

PayGo-NoShow-NoGo... recommend it to your Senator or Representative today.

[LOL]

"Spoken like a Nazi, which is what you fuckers are. However, my AK-47, my M-4, and my BAR take issue with you. I pray you assholes try it. I would love a face-to-face with you little fascist bastards."

ROFL you thought I was being serious? What a joke you wingers are.

[syn]

"Barack, Hillary and John McCain don't seem to show up very often at work either, but certainly get their full compensation."

Nutty Identity Politics aside, I believe the real reason why all of these presidential candidates encourage so much distrust among the populace is because they are all current members of the worst Congress in the history of the United States.

[Worst President Ever]

I don't really care what our president's name is or his racial makeup. Yes, the Republicans want the electorate to get bogged down with that type of trivial issue since they have basically nothing to run on. But once the the discussion turns to REAL issues that affect everyday Americans, the Republicans what they do have to say is out of step with what the electorate wants.

And after the fiscal performance of Republican presidents over the last 30 years, It's beyond me why anyone would trust them with our tax dollars. Fact is "Tax and Spend" Democrats are much better at running the fiscal side of our government.

It's going to be an ugly, ugly year for Republicans.

Get used to it because it's coming in Novement: President Barack Hussein Obama.

[waka waka]

Hey wingnuts - Cindy "Her own personal JET" McCain will "never" release her tax returns, even if she becomes First Lady, because you plebians don't deserve to know how much your president is worth. So much for being a public servant. Who's elitist now?
I can only IMAGINE the howls of hysteria that fat p.o.s. Rush "Oxycontin/Viagra" Limbaugh would emit had Michelle Obama pulled the same stunt.
Cindy McCain: "Let them eat cake!" These ultra-rich country clubbers HATE you and laugh about you when they're having cocktails with their REAL friends in Hollywood. But Obama has a scary middle name. Suckers

[bobInStamford]

It will be a great day when B. Hussein Obama gets that silly 2nd Amendment eliminated. The 'necks will have to find new toys to play with.

[shockwave]

"You thought I was being serious."

I've read enough of you Leftist scum's posts on everything from DU to Atrios to know that you are speaking for a large number of your kind. You got called on your fascist shit and now you're backing off. LMAO at your cowardnice.

[jharp]

At the polls, it has been a massacre. In recent weeks, Republicans have lost a Louisiana House seat they had held for more than two decades and an Illinois House seat they had held for more than three. Internal polls show that next week they could lose a Mississippi House seat that they have held for 13 years.

In the polls, they are setting records (and not the good kind). The most recent Gallup Poll has 67 percent of voters disapproving of President Bush; those numbers are worse than Richard Nixon’s on the eve of his resignation. A CBS News poll taken at the end of April found only 33 percent of Americans have a favorable view of the GOP — the lowest since CBS started asking the question more than two decades ago. By comparison, 52 percent of the public has a favorable view of the Democratic Party.

[seekeronos]

"--- At the polls, it has been a massacre. In recent weeks, Republicans have lost ...

... numbers are worse than Richard Nixon’s on the eve of his resignation. A CBS News poll taken at the end of April found only 33 percent of Americans have a favorable view of the GOP — the lowest since CBS started asking the question more than two decades ago. By comparison, 52 percent of the public has a favorable view of the Democratic Party. ---"

If so, this is because we are largely a nation of stupid sheep who have as a majority, completely disconnected ourselves from political discourse.

We'd much rather be plugged in to "American Idol" or "Family Guy" or whatever inanity passes for "sinnertainment" on the Devilvision.

If we were (as a nation) even had half the involvement of the typical voter a century ago, we would have many more choices than what the broken parties of the Democrats and the GOP have to offer. We might even have a greater number of constitutionalists in Congress like Dr. Ron Paul who have the guts to say NO to unconstitutional legislation and executives.

Between the corporate welfare politics of the "right", and the identity politics of the "left", we have both bankrupted this nation fiscally and spiritually.

[jharp]

"If so, this is because we are largely a nation of stupid sheep"

Hey seeker, we agree for the third time in three days.

Though on this one I think we disagree on who the sheep are.

Seriously, how can 33% approve of the GOP. Though the democrats have plenty of problems this GOP reign has been an unprecedented disaster.

McCain has two chances. Slim and none.

[LOL]

"I've read enough of you Leftist scum's posts on everything from DU to Atrios to know that you are speaking for a large number of your kind. You got called on your fascist shit and now you're backing off. LMAO at your cowardnice"

And I'm sure you're a brave patriot, defending freedoms over the internet.

I was making a joke, which I knew would set off the deepest fears of the wingnut mind. If you can't see that, then you really need to grow up and get out more. But asking a wingnut to go outside is like asking a politician to tell the truth.

[shockwave]

"..set off the deepest fears.."

Hahaha! That's funny, little Lefty, but typical of the cowards that inhabit the swamps of the Left. You accuse someone of fear as your ass goes over the hill running like hell. Go cry to your mommie, you little bastard.

[Worst President Ever]

"If so, this is because we are largely a nation of stupid sheep who have as a majority, completely disconnected ourselves from political discourse."

No, it means the public is exceedingly unhappy with what Bush and the Republicans have given them - Unending War in Iraq, Fixcal Deficits as far as the eyc can see - Thanks Fixcal Conservatives, Gas at $4 a gallon, an economy that scares just about everyone

[SteveC]

"OK invasion fans. Another chance for us to unilaterally invade another country.

I'm sure this one won't give you the hard on Iraq does as we be dropping food and not bombs.

How about it rightwingers. Time to act and fuck what the rest of the world says?"

K jharp...we know where you racist douchebags really stand when it comes to the military, you hate them, we get it.

[syn]

"it means the public is exceedingly unhappy with what Bush and the Republicans have given them - Unending War in Iraq, Fixcal Deficits as far as the eyc can see - Thanks Fixcal Conservatives, Gas at $4 a gallon, an economy that scares just about everyone"

No doubt author of this rant is sexually fixated with President Bush.

[syn]

I am guessing jharp wasn't around when the same Leftist vicious hate was made against Reagan.

Jharp It's like you're fucking stuck in an endless loop of The Rockey Horror Picture Show's "Let's do the time warp again"

Could you fucking moonbat shitheads please find something a little bit more fucking original?

[shockwave]

"...gas at 4$ a gallon, an economy that scares just about everyone."

Hahaha...this is just too fucking funny. Now the big, bad Lefty's are scared of the economy. Hey, LOL, you need to advise your Lefty buddies to get out of the house more. They're scared of the economy. Fucking hilarious.

[jharp]

syn,

"Could you fucking moonbat shitheads please find something a little bit more fucking original?"

No, but thanks for asking.

I plan to stay focused on changing things and voting the group responsible out of office.

No one has fucked things up as bad as George Bush and company and I've had enough.

[jharp]

syn,

"Could you fucking moonbat shitheads please find something a little bit more fucking original?"

No, but thanks for asking.

I plan to stay focused on changing things and voting the group responsible out of office.

No one has fucked things up as bad as George Bush and company and I've had enough.

[jharp]

syn,

"Could you fucking moonbat shitheads please find something a little bit more fucking original?"

No, but thanks for asking.

I plan to stay focused on changing things and voting the group responsible out of office.

No one has fucked things up as bad as George Bush and company and I've had enough.

[Worst President Ever]

That's not a rant - those are the facts. Gas is $4 a gallon. McSame said he's willing to stay in Iraq for 100 years. George Bush inherited a balanced budget - he's almost doubled the deficit while in office, and deficts are projected out as far as you can see. And McSame wants to cut taxes more while keeping the war going full-throttle. And people are scared about what's going on with the economy - it's in recession, food prices are up, gas is up, foreclosures are up. But the dollar's down - way down.

Them's the pure and simple facts.

And next November - it's President Barack Hussein Obama.

[tec]

Invade Mexico Now. Lets take 'em, take the oil, take the agriculture, and sice they all seem to want to be here anyway, a bargin for all. Please let's take over Mexico. Oh for the love of God, I want cheap Tquila and 12-year old hookers. Not to mention that Meth will be cheaper and I need a new roof. Mexico, they want to take over the South-west, I say we beat them to the punch. Doesn't that fit with liberal needs, provide for the needy no matter how much they actually work for it or deserve it?
By God, oops not God, Lubs hate God, by, People, we will fight for the rights of all Mexicans.

[tec]

You can say all day how mad people are at the Reps, but at the end of the day, Dems have done nothing for all the talk and shown what spineless socialists they are. Hell, if a Dem wins this election I plan to quit my job and live off the government as for all the promises the Dems make, why work? I can live better off social services and pay no taxes than as a working American. Hell, I have seen that people living off the GOV have new cars, new furniture, cell phones, cheap housing and education aid....while as I as a tax payer have no car, no big screen, don't qualify for ED AID, and have to pay $1000.00 a month for rent and need two jobs. Please vote Dem so I can stop working so much....

[jharp]

"I can live better off social services and pay no taxes than as a working American."

Go get yourself an education. It is quite easy to make earn more money than welfare pays as long as you're of sound mind and body.

Which based on your post I'm not sure of.

[jharp]

"I can live better off social services and pay no taxes than as a working American."

Go get yourself an education. It is quite easy to make earn more money than welfare pays as long as you're of sound mind and body.

Which based on your post I'm not sure of.