Read other letters about this article

• Sunday, October 5, 2008 10:51 AM

  OMG, ya think?

  This from the AP today...

  "Palin's words avoid repulsing voters with overt racism. But is there another subtext for creating the false image of a black presidential nominee "palling around" with terrorists while assuring a predominantly white audience that he doesn't see their America?"

  Its nice to see a mainstream newspaper talk about the elephant in the room, but it does sort of highlight just how limited our discourse is in this country. The McCain campaign has been doing this kind of thing for months, and I've yet to hear a commentator or pundit note it as such. When you're standing in front of an all white crowd calling your black opponent an America hater and a pal of terrorists, the context seems obvious. I wish Obama could defend directly, but I'm sure he would be accused of playing the race card. I read an interesting analysis of why it is much more politically effective for a white candidate to accuse a black candidate of playing the race card, than it is for a non-white candidate to accuse the other of racism. Apparently, the majority white electorate having never been victims of racism, can't understand the big deal. So someone called you a n******, hey you guys use the word, etc (this is the main philosophical engine of Sean Hannity's spiel). They do know the fear of being accused of being a racist publically, however. Apparently, that's where their sympathy would lie. That poor man, he's being accused of being a racist. Do you know how damaging that can be to your reputation?

  —omooex Read omooex's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel