Race as a political issue

[d-ray657]

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? We want dirty laundry.

Regards,

D-Ray