Race as a political issue
 

Ideology aside, I thought the way Barack Obama handled race in the 2008 political campaign was brilliant. He acknowledged his racial difference by appealing to a desire to overcome differences (No red states and blue states, etc.) Whether you think he followed through on that or not, it proved to be a good strategy for dealing with race. He dealt directly with race only after his guilt by association with Rev Wright required him to address it.

Several of us here, me included, have identified what we perceive as a racial element in the level or tone of the criticism of Obama. I haven't really observed that as an acknowledged position of his campaign or staff.

That's why it is puzzling to see Herman Cain throw out his race as a defense to allegations if sexual harassment. Isn't the real reason that he's the target of this type of attention that he is a politician, and better yet, a politician that is getting a lot of attention. What is a better way to get people to read your newspapers or blog than to get some dirt on a highly recognized figure. Why the Hell would anyone otherwise give a second thought to Lindsay Lohan's jailhouse fashions?:confused: We want dirty laundry.

Regards,

D-Ray

I concur that Obama found an ability to be "above" race and was made to appear ethereal by having done so when attempts were made to drag him down.

I found it refreshing as -- not that I agree with his politics -- the only other person I've seen throw the whole race part out with the bathwater was Alan Keyes. Of course, no "true" black man could ever vote for him... (sigh)

Wow, yet another way to talk about Cain's sexual harassment troubles. I bet it's killing you lefties that his numbers aren't falling, and campaign contributions have increased. As far as my tan brothers are concerned, Obama is no representative of them, or the American black man's struggles. His Momma was a trashy white woman, and we think his Daddy was a foreigner. Hell his ancestors were probably the black guys that were selling the blacks to slave traders. Wouldn't that be a hoot. Maybe that's why all the records on him are sealed.:D

TD, I think it's Cain's fumbling of the response that is the issue here. You know that it would be manna from heaven for Obama if Cain were to be the nominee. Romney is the biggest threat.

Regards,

D-Ray

Along with Huntsmann. However, neither Huntsmann nor Romney is looney enough for their base.

Huntsman hasn't been that exposed yet, so I'm not sure. I wouldn't be too surprised for Romney to catch the GOP nomination. I would suspect that there are plenty in the GOP camp that felt the way I did when Clinton was nominated. I converted to the Al Davis school of political theory - "Just win baby."

Regards,

D-Ray

I hope your wrong D. IMO Mitt would basically be a younger McCain.:( My perfect ticket would have Newt and Herman as a team.

That might be mine for a different reason.:p It could be the GOP version of George McGovern.

Regards,

D-Ray

+1 except Mitt's WAY smarter.

I for one never thought Bush the second had a chance the first time around. But he made it through the primaries. So I will have to see what happens now with the Republicans.


On the race issue I think it is an attempt to defect away from the issues.



Barney