Racist voters spell trouble for Obama in West Virginia?

Of course, if they vote against Obama they must be racist! After throwing around the race card for six months, now Obama supporters are worried about it coming back to bite them, to funny.

The media is stupid. They really don’t understand the harm they do by giving voice to the race issue. You can’t argue racism away. Logic simply doesn’t play a factor in the reasoning(or lack there of) in a prejudice person. I have friends that you could consider racist. They’re apprehensive to date white women who have been with black guys or they have an unjustified hatred of certain aspects of black culture. I could call them out on it but it would do nothing to change their beliefs.

What is the point in driving a wedge between our friendship with a disagreement when we share so many interests? In this situation you have to take the good with the bad and hope in the passing years this person will learn his prejudices are wrong. You can’t force someone to do it just by bringing it up. This is exactly what is wrong with the media.

Integration does not work when you constantly throw it the face of white people.

Run to do even a slight precept, and flee from transgression; for precept draws precept in its train, and transgression, transgression; for the recompense of a precept is a precept, and the recompense of a
transgression is a transgression. Mishnah, Abot 4.2

So you can insult white people, or more importantly racist white people but what is the point? Cry all you want about their fears and prejudice and tell everyone you can that you’re worried. Its really ridiculous to throw a wedge between white Americans because you’re only going to make them mad and mad people are stupid people.

How can the color of Obama's skin be a factor when people spend a fortune at tanning salons trying to buy that color? In the sixties the Democrats went to the South and registered the blacks to vote. Then Lyndon Johnson signed civil rights into law. People switched to the Republican party in droves so they wouldn't be in the same party as them. It has stayed that way, with most younger people not even knowing why they are Republican. Their parents were, so they were too. Well, times are a changing. People have started thinking and Republicans are changing parties because things are a damned big mess. They want change and they don't care the color of the person or the party that changes things. Yes, we can seems to reflect their thinking.

Has anyone ever thought that it's not because he's black but because he's less qualified. I'm white and I'd vote for him if he was more qualified (and less cocky- I like someone who has a bit more humility) -not because of his skin color. When his supporters cry "the race card" it's also unfairly labeliing many white people as racist and this is a reverse prejudice that no one likes to talk about. If you don't just vote for the "right" candidate regardless of gender or color- then I'm sorry but you are doing an injustice to the truth.

Judging from some of the comments here, I'm assuming some of you haven't read the LA Times article this post links to. If you think Obama being black in a state like West Virginia is a non-issue, you're delusional.

Part of the reason his candidacy is historic is because of his race. Contrary to some statements made here, Obama makes every effort to AVOID playing the "black candidate" card that many who've come before him have, but obviously the media will be unrelenting on this point.. considering it IS so incredible he's the first black person to be a serious contender for the president.

From the article:

"Neil Gillies, an Obama supporter who runs a local environmental nonprofit group, glumly recounted the gibes that his wife, a schoolteacher, hears regularly from her students. "They're convinced [Obama] is a Muslim, a terrorist, a guy who's coming to take away their guns," Gillies said. "It's just sad.""

Obama will lose in November, if the Dems don't count the votes of Florida and Michigan and put him up the the nomination against McCain.

It is almost comical to read how people think racism will not play into the race. Makes one wonder whether they've done much traveling across America. Makes one pretty certain, they are not black or people of color. Most of us, know from painful experience, just how much racism still pervades our country.

With the way Obama and his supporters have slung sexist and ageist slurs at Hillary Clinton and now Obama is taking the lead at throwing ageist attacks at McCain, he shouldn't be surprised that the Republican attack machine will turn around and throw racist and anti-muslim slurs at him.

People who throw stones, most often get stones thrown back at them. Obama says he takes a higher ground, but his words and actions, show a different Obama than the hope his followers want so desperately to believe in.

Hey I read the article you just failed to see the point I was trying to make. Just because Obama is the first real black contender (whatever that means) doesn’t make it that historically significant. Is air force one going to get hydraulics? Is the national anthem going to be revamped by Jay-z? What does it really mean to have a real black contender or president, seriously? It’s a footnote at best and it’s shoved down our throats by

A People who hold up our progressive ways like a kid displaying his crayon drawing to his mother

And

B Pessimists who have to say that a black guy will never be elected whether they endorse him or not.

The media is distracting everyone with race instead of promoting a healthy discussion. Every time a white person reads an article about this stupid issue his/her mind is diverted from what really matters. Why do we need to discuss race when we could be talking about what Obama really stands for? Like Julie said this is exactly what we don’t need.

West Virginia is not as backward as the article claims. I’ve been there several times. When I would go out to take advantage of the hills on my skateboard I didn’t cause an uproar. People were not running around their wrap around porches screaming, “Johnny go get the picture taker its one of those half breeds!” If the media would grow up and cover this election like adults Obama could have a chance.

Touch Art race will also be an issue to some but the point is that if we keep crying about it will only do more damage. We need to focus on the real issues. If Americas white population is not predominately racist (which I believe) then as I stated before, it only hurts us to keep race in the discussion. By the way I love how you try to say that I’m not black and have no idea how southern people feel.

If I was petty I’d send you a video of my white southern grandfather, my white southern father, my black mother and I. After that I’ll make a video of all my white friends. BTW I live in Florida. It doesn’t get any more southern than where I am at. See that’s the problem with the internet. People are allowed to make stupid accusations that they would never get away with in a face to face discussion.

Guessing from your AV I would say you’re much older than me. I’m going to assume this because I have no need to make baseless accusations. I went to primary school in a time where race was barely an issue. With every new generation negative sentiment between blacks and whites dissolves. So while I’m sure you have plenty of painful experiences with racism I doubt you really know what is going on with my peers today. Please I don’t need a white woman with an ulterior political motivation taking up the cause of MY people.

I’m here thank you. I can handle this discussion just fine. As an added note I’m not openly endorsing Obama so what is the purpose of bringing up his bad intentions? Wait a second! That’s right! We should be talking about real issues and not race. You see what I’m talking about now?

Easy, those two didnt run for president. Theres always going to be prejudice and racism here in the US and all over the world. Some things are never going to change so all we can do is live with it.

In West Virginia it could also be due to his pandering to the coal industry that is blowing up their state to strip mine it that many may not vote for him. Although, I do think there are those who will not vote for him because he is black just as I am sure there are those who have voted for him because he is black. The reality is that race is an issue to some just as gender is.

His race means nothing to me personally. His policies on climate change, war and terrorism, and healthcare do not excite me and I do not believe he is ready to lead this country. Unfortunately however, the media will simply lump all of us into one neat little category and call us all racists. I suppose that is so much easier for them to do than actually having to discuss issues.

lots of latent racism on this page.

that's a nice catch, Julie. I think that you exactly right, the race card was played by the media and not the Obama campaign. McCain speaks at Falwell's Liberty University and no one says boo. A black preacher says (before his insane rant at the NPC) 'godamn america' and suddenly people, because of the media, are up in arms.

i too think a vast majority of whites are ready to vote for a black man, just as there are plenty of men willing to vote for a woman. but divisive and condescending attitudes (hello touchArt) perpetuate and sustain silly labels and categories.

I have all the faith in the world that race will not be an issue in this campaign. Where are all the sexist, ageist slurs that Obama has thrown? I haven't heard them. The general population has questioned the wisdom of electing someone as old as McCain, with good reason he is seventy-two years old. Hillary is hands down the dirtiest campaigner in this race. Every time Obama tries to bring up the issues with McCain Hillary attacks him personally about being young inexperienced, naive.

What gets me is how guarded the candidates are, lately, when trying to say something without offending anyone in the process. Is this where we've ended up? Dancing around the obvious so as to not feed the Media Machine? Bleh.

Actually race was a factor with Colin Powell, one of the reasons he did not run for president was because he received death threats.

Let's not be naive, there are many racists in America who will never vote for a black person. That's not to say that there are many who could care less but to think that this attitude does not exist would be to deny the truth.

As a white guy, I say West Virginia is a waste of time, I have been there, DON'T Bother. LOTs of Morons. They should have to fill out an IQ test at Walmart to even vote. I doubt many can spell OBAMA.

Ricky84's response has nothing to do with what I wrote, nor what I think. I never gave one moment of thought to his race, where he comes from or who his family and white friends who he wants to flip me off to are. I respect his and every being's right to be.

His assumption that I am some old white woman who doesn't have a right to an opinion about "his people" is wrong. Raging at and about me is inappropriate.

The accusation that I am not in touch with young people is comical to my adult children 17, 20, 25 and 27 and all the people I work with of all generations, religions, races and ethnicities.

"divisive and condescending attitudes (hello touchArt)" is another of the many examples of the insults that Obama supporters and operatives hurl at people who won't join their "movement".

I am older than some on current and younger than others. My age and experience in many communities means I have seen things others may have not. As I respect your right to have your perspective and express your political opinion without insulting you, I expect that you will proffer the same human respect. Unfortunately, that has not been the tenor here too often. It is my understanding that the current community was created to expand communication.

That video trailer is intense Jan, maybe I'll check that video out. Where can I get it?

I think Obama's style of politics just might not attract certain people like it does others. Some people are of course racist and will not even give Barack a fair shake, but I think that those people are a minority in this country. I also think a good amount of those people probably weren't going to vote Democrat in November anyways.

I think the real issue is Obama's rhetoric is not connecting with a certain culture in this country. I wouldn't pin it all on racism though.

Maybe Obama supporters (like myself) taking them seriously is a good way to get them to take Obama seriously.

I live in a state very simmilar only West Virginia has a higher pollution rating. Property values are low as well, and there is much poverty, and a large portion of our population is made up of the displaced appalachian steel and coal workers. My own grandmother came from the poorest county of Kentucky for that reason. That apalachian grandmother is a sixteenth african and is the great grand daughter of a freed slave and a Creek Indian. People are more complex than we often give them credit for. Appalachian voters are one of the disenfranchised groups in this country. I think that Baracks message of unity, and the Democratic plarform behind it is potent and it wont be prefaced by race. I think that the problem that most Obama supporters have with racialy charged comments is that they are often made with the preface, I'm not racist but, I don't want to be labeled as racist, and then that same preface is put in places where it doesn't belong. In reasoned debate, or in agruments as to experience. It invokes the spectre of race needlessy and thats irksome.

Wow TouchArt I really wanted to leave this alone but I’m sorry you’ve made me do this. Shady made it perfectly clear that he was white so you couldn’t have been talking to him. Marilynn’s remarks do not fit the bill either because she was pointing out an inconsistency in the reasoning of white people. Slow drive agrees with the article. John A’s remarks, while a little off key were addressing Obama supporters using the race card. This I disagree with by the way because what Obama was trying to say is that we shouldn’t make this an issue. He was not trying to say vote for me cause I’m part black and I’m oppressed.

Furthermore the article says exactly what you are saying so your comments can’t be directed at it or the white individuals interviewed within. So who the hell could you be directing your comment about not being black too? You go on to say that you respect every ones right to be but you fail to mention this elusive person who doesn’t believe in racism, and as you said is certainly not black. Really? I mean, REALLY? If I have made an error I’m sorry but it just seems a little ridiculous(or as you like to say comical) that you can’t even clarify who you were truly talking to.

You can’t say just because you have kids you get my generation anymore than you can say you understand black people just because you have black friends. Even if you were the coolest mom on the planet I don’t think you can say you get my generation. I’m sorry I just don’t buy it.

On a lighter note I apologize for coming off as inappropriate and offensive. Then again if you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen. Heated debates will be just that. I’m not going to politely tell you that I am a southerner or multiracial if you challenge my credibility intentionally or unintentionally. If you’re going to engage in an online debate I suggest you keep that in mind.

It doesnt matter what "racist" people think any ways! Lets all just point and laugh at them for being racist!

Racists in Virginia can spell? They probably don't vote anyway.

Wow, what a lively discussion after I invited everyone in my contact list to contribute. I think some people aren't addressing the issue in the article -- I'm not asking, "Does racism exist?" because we know that it does. I'm wondering if you guys think, as I do, that the media hyping of voters choosing foremost to not vote for a candidate based on race is accurate or not. If it's a self-fulfilling prophecy or not.

I think hotheaded Ricky84 and his whole flipping family (LOL) have it right that "The media is distracting everyone with race instead of promoting a healthy discussion" but look how easy it is to get distracted, offended and derailed by issues of race even amongst ourselves.

Julie: From my previous response: Unfortunately however, the media will simply lump all of us into one neat little category and call us all racists. I suppose that is so much easier for them to do than actually having to discuss issues. In other words I agree with you but again, I also believe that for some it is a reason.

Ricky64, You are rude, The fact is Obama so many are getting stuck on trying to make them selves out to be a non racist as if that is going to get you somewhere or make you feel all warm inside.

But in short you are SEXIST because while you are trying to make yourself out to be something your not you are doing a former First Lady of the United States injustice and she is a Women. Put WAIT you can justify that.

TouchArt is Older then You and so am I we have been around longer then you and the problem is called respect.
Want some HEAT I can throw you plenty

I have been listening to Obama's speeches everywhere he has campaigned on youtube. This man is just a bunch of fluff. He has no specifics, he repeats himself over and over with the same speech just moves his words around to make the speech sound different.

I also noticed that he and his campaign PREYS ON THE YOUNG COLLEGE KIDS. Just as soon as he gets into your state, his campaign will hit those colleges because he knows these kids are vunerble. THIS MAN IS A PHONY AND HE IS A CON. He will not take any questions about his past and his associates like Rezko or terrosist Bill Ayers...etc. his comment is the following: "Look, I want to get beyond this, I want to look foward to the future, people don't want to hear about this," He will not answer specifics, all we know is that he stated on the last debate that he will raise taxes. He has no clue on the economy without taking Warren Buffet's words and using them as his own. PLEASE THINK BEFORE WE PLACE THIS INEXPERIENCE PERSON IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Current staffers made me edit my post. Ok I’m a hothead but I’m cute and I usually get away with this stuff. Apparently current staffers are A-sexual. Anyways I do think the media is spinning a lot of hype. I was born in the south and I’ve lived here my entire life and I know what it is like. I see the results of integration all the time. Hell I am the result of integration.

If Obama fails to get the white vote it will be because of a media and not racist southerners. Just the idea of southerners being inherently racist is RACIST!

Yes Malt when someone tries to deny my heritage I will be rude. Please make a note of this so you do not suffer the wrath of a pissed off Ricky. Respect is also a two way street. I didn’t insult Touchart on her opinion in respect to this discussion. I did so because she made an offensive accusation. If she is truly pained for those who suffer at the hands of racism then she should be smart enough to know that it is incredibly insulting for a black person to be told he is not black.

Obama's race will cost him some votes. Hillary's gender would cost her some votes. McCain's age will cost him some votes. What's the big deal? Romney's religion cost him the Republican nomination. That's just the way it is in America. Everyone has a bias! White, black, Republican, Democrat, it doesn't matter. People get behind people who think and act like they do. Everyone is different. A perfect world where everyone tolerates one another will never exist. Yes, there are some white people who will not vote for Obama because he is black. Yet, there are also some black people who will vote for Obama only because he is black. What's the difference?

Personally, I decided to not vote for Obama when I saw that he had been worshiping with a racist,bigot for the past 20 years. Why would I want someone in the White House who spends 20 years with this racist and then when he runs for president all the sudden condemns him. Hmmm? He's not my president.

Ricky64, One my name is not Matt

There is no trouble for Obama, it's just media propaganda to try to manipulate the American public. If it isn't a Federal crime, it certainly should be.

dabne, diode, clayjj05, maltest-whatever, JohnA - if you were a real person, you would know what to do and who to vote for. You are only susceptible to the manipulations because you allow yourself the same and similar self-deception. I pray for your souls. In the meantime, you would be best advised to not continue to deceive yourselves and pretend to know and understand the consequence of your position.

Thanks for participating in the "life experiment". At the end of this "life experience", you WILL be told where to go and what to do. Thank you!

For the rest of you; Vote for the politician who actually offers integrity, Vote for Obama.

Of course the media is making a bigger deal out of it than it is! That shouldn't suggest that the vast majority of this country isn't ready to look past the color of somebody's skin or their gender to elect who we each are entitled to trust. Well, I would hope we've progressed enough to do so.

Blog from feministe.us
March 30, 2008

Why calling out misogyny matters
Posted by: zuzu in Elections, Feminism, Misogyny
I’ve gotten a lot of criticism lately whenever I do a post about the primary, and, specifically, about misogynistic language or sexist framing used to tear down Hillary Clinton. Invariably, someone accuses (and it’s always an accusation) me of being a Clinton shill, or grills me about why I don’t write a whole bunch of balancing posts about racist language and framing being used against Obama, or tries to dismiss what I have to say because Clinton did X, Y or Z that the commenter found offensive.
I’m focusing on the misogynistic stuff thrown at Clinton because this, as you may recall, is a feminist blog. And while there are hundreds if not thousands of other blogs as well as entire networks and mainstream media outlets rushing to the defense of Obama (thus rendering anything I have to say pretty well redundant), there are few outlets calling out misogynistic attacks on Clinton and/or on her supporters. And it matters that somebody’s calling it out. It’s got nothing to do with who’s the better candidate, who should win, the “delegate math,” or what have you. Vote for whomever you feel like voting for; I’ve been on record from the beginning of the primary that feminists don’t have to vote for Clinton to be feminists, since feminists get to make up their minds the same as anyone else does. Of course, I’m also on record for letting the process play out, which seems to equate in some people’s minds to being pro-Clinton.
However, I have also been on record, for a very long time now, that using misogynistic language and framing to dismiss and diminish a woman y