Obama says Republicans will use race to stoke fear

[875000]

JACKSONVILLE, Florida (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama said on Friday he expects Republicans to highlight the fact that he is black as part of an effort to make voters afraid of him.

"It is going to be very difficult for Republicans to run on their stewardship of the economy or their outstanding foreign policy," Obama told a fundraiser in Jacksonville, Florida. "We know what kind of campaign they're going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid.

"They're going to try to make you afraid of me. He's young and inexperienced and he's got a funny name. And did I mention he's black?"

He said he was also set for Republicans to say "he's got a feisty wife," in trying to attack his wife Michelle.

"We know the strategy because they've already shown their cards. Ultimately I think the American people recognize that old stuff hasn't moved us forward. That old stuff just divides us," he said.

Obama, born to a white mother from Kansas and a black father from Kenya, has cast himself as a candidate who can bridge divides within the country, including those involving race.

It has been rare for him to bring up the topic during his presidential bid. In March he gave a widely praised speech on the subject after receiving criticism over racially charged comments by his longtime pastor.

Obama, who faces Republican John McCain in the November election, would be the first black U.S. president.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2040982720080620?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews&rpc=22&sp=true

[Parkbandit]

Once again, it's not Obama who is making race an issue in this election, it's his opponents. He's just a victim.

[Gan]

This is going to be an ugly election year. :(

[Daniel]

Once again, it's not Obama who is making race an issue in this election, it's his opponents. He's just a victim.

because obviously the Republican party is above such things and being naive is the way to effectively combat smear campaigns

[875000]

because obviously the Republican party is above such things and being naive is the way to effectively combat smear campaigns

Correct me if I am wrong, but the only person who has used Barak's raced against him in this election so far is Bill Clinton.

What party does he belong to again?

[Daniel]

I'll tell you what: If race never comes up in a negative way between now and October, I'll personally fly out to wherever you are and buy you dinner.

[Ilvane]

Why does it surprise anyone that it's going this way? No surprise here.

The Republicans used fear in the last election too, just in a different way..why should it change this time?

Not like the Democrats haven't broken out the old card either.;) hehe.

Angela

[875000]

Why does it surprise anyone that it's going this way? No surprise here.

The Republicans used fear in the last election too, just in a different way..why should it change this time?

Not like the Democrats haven't broken out the old card either.;) hehe.

Angela

I think Obama's recent statements say alot more about him than the Rebulicans.

Obama is the one claiming to be bringing about a new type of politics. Instead, he seems to be just repackaging the old.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

[Daniel]

You don't want my dinner??

[Tea & Strumpets]

I'll tell you what: If race never comes up in a negative way between now and October, I'll personally fly out to wherever you are and buy you dinner.

I think it's a bitch move to try to discredit expected criticism by implying that it's inevitably because of racism, which is what the comments quoted (by Obama) sounded like to me.

[Daniel]

I think it's a bitch move to try to discredit expected criticism by implying that it's inevitably because of racism, which is what the comments quoted (by Obama) sounded like to me.

Yea, because all the Barack HUSSEIN Obama is a muslim who swore into office with the Koran bullshit had absolutely nothing to do with bigotry.

[ElanthianSiren]

It absolutely does, but Obama isn't the first person to face unfair bullshit. When Kennedy was campaigning, there was screaming and crowing about how the Vatican was going to own America if he was elected, funnily enough from the right.

If Obama wants to be president, he can't pull a Hillary Clinton and start accusing everyone of (insert some type of 'ist' here). Not only can such blanket complaints look like whining, it's insulting to lump people who aren't sexist/racist/classist/elitist with those who are; that creates a me vs. them attitude.

He needs to get back to the same kind of foresight and innovation that prompted his rumor website if he's going to compete IMO.

[Daniel]

You do realize he created the rumor website *last* week right?

One comment towards a *specific* group of people doesn't constitute a fundamental shift in his strategy.

[ElanthianSiren]

Actually, I didn't know that. I must have been confused because he campaigned so heavily in PA, and we heard lots of those rumors rebuked some time ago. Anyway, I still think the site was quite sharp on his part and indicative of the non-emotional action that wins campaigns.

I don't believe it does either. However, I do believe he needs to be careful because the 24/7 news and the right will pounce on things like this. I'd hate to see his candidacy overshadowed by something akin to the whiner label that was affixed to clinton after she accused people of sexism. It'd be nice to actually get to the debates/issues without that kind of BS.

[Daniel]

Actually, I didn't know that. I must have been confused because he campaigned so heavily in PA, and we heard lots of those rumors rebuked some time ago. .

Yet they still persist. I think that was his point more than anything. These types of things are only going to get worse and he was telling people not to pay attention to it.

*shrug*

[Tea & Strumpets]

Yea, because all the Barack HUSSEIN Obama is a muslim who swore into office with the Koran bullshit had absolutely nothing to do with bigotry.

It was because he was black? Or do you mean it was some kind of bigotry against Muslims?

I really don't think it's unreasonable that anyone would raise an eyebrow when the guy's middle name was (by chance) the name of the leader of a country we recently fought in a war.

If it's any consolation, I'm sure if McCain was an Italian and his middle name was Mussolini there would be the same eyebrows raised (I totally dodged the whole thing where if you say Hitler your whole post is invalidated).

[ElanthianSiren]

Obama's name has never made me raise an eyebrow.

How is that unlike saying
John McCain the presidential contender is like John Gacey the serial killer because they have the same name?

Maybe it is a bigger issue than I believed.

[Daniel]

It was because he was black? Or do you mean it was some kind of bigotry against Muslims?

I really don't think it's unreasonable that anyone would raise an eyebrow when the guy's middle name was (by chance) the name of the leader of a country we recently fought in a war.

If it's any consolation, I'm sure if McCain was an Italian and his middle name was Mussolini there would be the same eyebrows raised (I totally dodged the whole thing where if you say Hitler your whole post is invalidated).

You're missing the forest for the trees.

The issue wasn't that his name was Hussein, which btw is like the "Steve" of Muslims. It's the fact that that and so many other things quickly became a *major* issue. He went to a Madressa! (which btw means "School" in Arabic)

There's a difference between someone going "Hmm..that's interesting..wonder what the deal is with that" to making it a 24 hours a day news story despite knowing that it's complete bullshit.

[Gan]

The name game was also played on the GOP with W and with Dan Quayle.

Its politics. Nothing more... nothing less.

[Daniel]

The name game was also played on the GOP with W and with Dan Quayle.

Its politics. Nothing more... nothing less.

lol.

[Gan]

lol.

So what is it then, if its not politics?

[Gan]

wait for it...

[Daniel]

wait for it...

I'm sorry. I was out. I was also kinda hoping you'd realize the difference between adding a "W" to GW Bush and emphasising someone's name to make unsubstantiated links between them and "terrorists".

[Parkbandit]

because obviously the Republican party is above such things and being naive is the way to effectively combat smear campaigns


It's a political tactic and the fact that you can't see that is hilariously ignorant. It's a trick as old as politics... make yourself look like a victim and it will make your opponents less likely to attack you for anything. Worked well for Hillary when her campaign was out of gas. It'll work well for Obama because people are oh so worried about people like you painting them as a racist, regardless of their criticism.

Politically, it was a nice move by Obama... but it's hardly "hope" and "change".

[Daniel]

My contention wasn't that it wasn't politics but that it wasn't ONLY politics. It's extremely bigoted and if you can't see that, or the relevance of why Obama would want to face that head on..then more power to you.

[Parkbandit]

My contention wasn't that it wasn't politics but that it wasn't ONLY politics. It's extremely bigoted and if you can't see that, or the relevance of why Obama would want to face that head on..then more power to you.


It's like you are a 2 page comic book.. so easily read.


It'll work well for Obama because people are oh so worried about people like you painting them as a racist, regardless of their criticism.

[Daniel]

Yea. Absolutely, saying that Obama went to a "SCHOOL" in Indonesnia as a kid, and thus must have terrorist links is such a valid criticism.

[Parkbandit]

Yea. Absolutely, saying that Obama went to a "SCHOOL" in Indonesnia as a kid, and thus must have terrorist links is such a valid criticism.


No. Saying that Obama went to "SCHOOL" in Indonesia as a kid is a fact. Show me where McCain or any other high ranking Republican said he "must have terrorist links".

[Daniel]

No. Saying that Obama went to "SCHOOL" in Indonesia as a kid is a fact. Show me where McCain or any other high ranking Republican said he "must have terrorist links".

Because I was specifically referring to "high ranking republicans"?

[Gan]

I'm sorry. I was out. I was also kinda hoping you'd realize the difference between adding a "W" to GW Bush and emphasising someone's name to make unsubstantiated links between them and "terrorists".

Woosh.

I just used W for George Jr. Next time let me know and I'll dumb it down for you.

I cant believe you missed 90% of the point of that post.

[Gan]

My contention wasn't that it wasn't politics but that it wasn't ONLY politics. It's extremely bigoted and if you can't see that, or the relevance of why Obama would want to face that head on..then more power to you.

There we go.

Thats what we were waiting for...


Just so everyone will know - any previous political election tactic that is used on Obama from this point forward shall be deemed racist. Regardless if it has been used on previous white candidates of any party...

[Seran]

Certainly, what better way to face of any serious opposition thing crying 'bigot' at every sentence disagreed to by Obama.

Quite frankily, this is what has resulted from the political correctness revolution; white guilt.

[Keller]

There we go.

Thats what we were waiting for...


Just so everyone will know - any previous political election tactic that is used on Obama from this point forward shall be deemed racist. Regardless if it has been used on previous white candidates of any party...

Is the electorate afraid of WASP candidates?

I understand there is some sort of "Get Daniel" convention going on here at the PC, but you're getting pretty obtuse (I used it, again! <3).

[Gan]

Oh Gods, not another conspiracy theory.

Get Daniel Conspiracy Theory.


:banghead:

[Back]

Posting in third person is funny. We are laughing.

[Daniel]

Woosh.

I just used W for George Jr. Next time let me know and I'll dumb it down for you.

I cant believe you missed 90% of the point of that post.

Because somehow that's analogous to using bigotry to deter people from a candidate?

What? People are afraid of the letter W now?

[Parkbandit]

Posting in third person is funny. We are laughing.


Who are you responding to?

[Daniel]

There we go.

Thats what we were waiting for...


Just so everyone will know - any previous political election tactic that is used on Obama from this point forward shall be deemed racist. Regardless if it has been used on previous white candidates of any party...

So, emphasising his HUSSEIN name in order to give people the impression that he is a Muslim is not utilizing bigotry?

Right.

[Mabus]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the only person who has used Barak's raced against him in this election so far is Bill Clinton.

Bill never used race as a weapon. The words he said were taken and used by B.O.'s campaign in an effort to make him ineffective for Hillary. The media, who already had picked their choice, followed along and still talk about the "racist comment made by Bill Clinton in South Carolina".

What did Bill say?
"Jesse Jackson won South Carolina in '84 and '88. Jackson ran a good campaign. And Obama ran a good campaign here."

That was the "racist comment". Great Rove-style politics and spin by B.O.'s people.

[Mabus]

So, emphasising his HUSSEIN name in order to give people the impression that he is a Muslim is not utilizing bigotry?

Right.
McCain was against it, and even apologized for the one time the name was used during his campaign.

"I take responsibility and I repudiate what he said," Sen. McCain told reporters after the rally at Memorial Hall.

"I never met Mr. Cunningham," McCain said, "but I will make sure nothing like that ever happens again."

"I will not tolerate anything in this campaign that denigrates either Sen. Obama or Sen. (Hillary) Clinton," McCain said after the rally.

So while the other campaign uses ageism against McCain, and often denigrates him, McCain took the high road on the "Hussein" comments.

[Daniel]

I don't disagree with you. I have a lot of respect for John McCain as a person and a politician. As you've said before Mabus, it's the 529's that you have to worry about.

[Mabus]

I don't disagree with you. I have a lot of respect for John McCain as a person and a politician. As you've said before Mabus, it's the 529's that you have to worry about.
I think you mean the 527's, and yes many of them may appeal to fear, prejudice and straight out lie.

Look at the MoveOn.org/AFSCME ad (Mother with baby "Alex") that is still pushing the "100 years" taken out of context from a McCain interview for dishonesty and fear mongering.

McCain even came out against the "Swift Boat" ads used against John Kerry in 2004, saying, "I deplore this kind of politics, I think the ad is dishonest and dishonorable. As it is, none of these individuals served on the boat (Kerry) commanded. Many of his crew have testified to his courage under fire. I think John Kerry served honorably in Vietnam. "

The truth is that 527 organizations have spent twice as much (or more) for Democrats then against. Look at groups like ACT (America Coming Together) and their subgroups (like Joint Victory Campaign), Media Fund, SEIU (Service Employees International Union), AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) and Progress for America (and many other groups') expenses and you can see which side has really benefited from the 527 laws.

There needs to be accountability in law to what these groups say. That seems a major part of the problem. Free speech is fine (and I certainly defend it), but proven lies should end the organization's status and possibly provide criminal penalties to the people involved.

[Parkbandit]

In MoveOn.org's defense, Obama has done the same about the "100 years" comment.

And you can thank McCain for the 527s as it was his sponsored bill that made them possible.

[Gan]

Because somehow that's analogous to using bigotry to deter people from a candidate?

What? People are afraid of the letter W now?


So, emphasising his HUSSEIN name in order to give people the impression that he is a Muslim is not utilizing bigotry?

Right.

Its pointless arguing with someone who repeatedly fails to get it. If you dont understand by now then you never will. And I'm not going to bother attempting to dumb it down any further without charging you tuition.

[Daniel]

Yea, no need. Please continue to keep your head buried in the sand. It'll certainly help you come november.

[Gan]

Yea, no need. Please continue to keep your head buried in the sand. It'll certainly help you come november.

Whatever you say there Mr. Pundit.

[Parkbandit]

Its pointless arguing with someone who repeatedly fails to get it. If you dont understand by now then you never will. And I'm not going to bother attempting to dumb it down any further without charging you tuition.


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/754356724_5397681c4d.jpg

:yes:

[Daniel]

:rofl: