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The “McCain is a Racist” Meme

April 1st, 2008
By DENNIS SANDERS

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One of the things that I’ve started noticing is that some Democrats are starting a meme that states that John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, is a racist. John Henke, guest blogging over at Megan McArdle’s blog notes that two Democratic bloggers are starting the line that McCain is playing from a racist playbook.

Of course, then there is this last paragraph in today’s Washington Post:

Later this spring, McCain will embark on a two-week tour of places where, his advisers say, few Republicans ever campaign, including Alabama’s Black Belt, where African Americans in the state are concentrated; Appalachia; and New Orleans. (Rick)Davis said the goal is to send a message that McCain is appealing for votes from all types of Americans in all regions.

“Nothing is left off the table in this campaign,” he said.

So, right after he delivers his coded racist speech, he will go and visit black people?

Listen, the GOP is not an angel when it comes to the topic of race. To it’s shame it has used race to instill fear and resentment (Willie Horton and the “White Hands” ad are two prime examples). I have also taken McCain to task for not actively seeking the urban vote.

That said, I think it is unfair to make McCain out as a racist. But I am not surprised that some Democrats are doing this for two reasons.

First, McCain is having to pay for decades of race baiting by Republicans. Democrats have been the target of such ads and the last eight years have made radicalized the Dems. As the saying goes, paybacks are a female dog.

Second, with an African American and a woman vying for the top spot, there is a bit of politically correct arrogance going on. Dems are reveling in their diversity (as they well should) and they see the Republican nominee as nothing but a holdover from a backwards past. Nevermind, that McCain probably doesn’t fit the standard script.

Is it unfair? Yes. Again, I don’t think it is deserved. But am I surprised? No. For the reasons above, the stars have lined up for this and sadly, John McCain has become the scapegoat.



This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 9:33 pm and is filed under Republican Party, Newsweek Blogitics, Democratic Party, John McCain, Race, Internet News Media, 2008 Elections. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Viewing 47 Comments

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    OK.. I need to be careful what I say here because I haven't really looked at this issue with regards to McCain... First let me say that I don't know if McCain is personally racist. But I DO think he is a political racist... by that I mean his political agenda has been more of the typical GOP agenda and favors whites and wealthy, at the expense of minorities and low income Americans.

    So rather than attack McCain on whether he is a racist or not, people should take him to task over his policies and positions on issues which are important to minorities and low income citizens.
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    Oh, and as far as McCain campaigning in all types of regions- I view that as a "Johnny-come-lately" political tactic. I think it's going to be a close race in Nov. and he needs all the support he can get. McCain also wants to take away ammunition from his opponents (he can now say that he campaigned in "black" areas- or where ever. Thankfully most of these people he is targeting are smart enough to see his ploy. Though it still takes away that ammo Dems can push.

    I think the only Dem response (whether from Hill or O) would be something along the lines of, "I welcome McCain's attention to these issues which are important to our citizens. These are issues I have been working on for years and it is good to see that McCain is finally addressing these concerns after spending the last 25 years in public service."

    Or something like that. Just my thought.
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    This is how stupid political battles begin.
    Someone on the left says something about McCain for which he has no rational proof, he just 'knows, because he has a gut feeling.
    Then, someone on the Right, picks that up and says: "See, that's how demented the Left is. "

    Then everyone rushes in, taking sides, bringing up past insults ans making new accusations.
    In a flash, both sidesare arrmed with ocean-wide brushes with which to paint the other side and the hate in the air is enough to make you keel over.

    This being the forever campaign season, I suppose allowances have to be made.
    Still, I wish some things said by some people were just allowed todie a natural death caused by nonreaction.
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    This racist meme sounds like a coordinated smear.

    I note that Yglesias was at that progressive blogger conference the weekend past exploring ways of hitting McCain. This was the one that floated the (I think aborted from the reaction) plan for progressive bloggers to go to war with the media for positive stories about McCain.

    Dennis, this racist meme sounds like a product of the same brain trust. Throw everything...however farcical and without foundation...at the barn door and hope something will stick.

    Runasim is right about the outcome. If Yglesias & Co. keeping pushing this...the Right will ratchet up the level even more: e.g.... Obama hates white people. After all, he only has Black friends. Obama really hates Asians and Hispanpics. When was the last time he campaigned for Asian American votes. Obviously he despises them yada yada. Same evidence as for "Racist McCain" meme.

    If "Racist McCain" is the starting point of the election campaign...where will it end?
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    It is humorous that someone who attended the Dalton School and Harvard and works at an all white magazine is accusing someone else of not liking blacks. Maybe when elite whites send their children to school with blacks, Hispanics, and illegal aliens, they will have begin to have credibility when discussing racism. Even Senator Obama is not so progressive that he send his children to public schools.
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    By gum, an actual moderate post, where someone takes a look at what's going on, analyzes the causes and possible reasons in a way that assumes the other side isn;t inherently evil or stupid for doing it.

    I almost thought I was reading a tmv post from six months ago.
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    McCain may not be a racist, but he does have a desire to kill Arabs and occupy their land, and his supporters will most certainly play on xenophobic and racist themes to try to defeat Barack Obama.
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    chris, that's one of the most offensive and ridiculous comments that I've ever read. And here I was agreeing with belli for a moment there.

    I will agree though, good post, Dennis (you can't be held responsible for the commenters.)

    Personally, I'm wondering if the "Republicans are racists, see? See?" meme is going to be less potent now that the intramurals have forced Democrats to see how all of this works.
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    I just noticed that Yglesias is pushing the ageist smear on McCain re: "Old People Strategy" - this morning as well.

    I suspect I was right. We will be seeing the outcome of that Left Blogger weekend conference for days to come...a Blogger "Smear-a-Day" on McCain...to see what will stick or the media will pick up on....

    McCain the Racist. McCain the Old Man. McCain the Senile. McCain the Ultra-Right Wing Fascist. McCain the Adulterer. McCain the Corrupt.

    McCain the _____________ (insert own smear here. You too can be an Yglesias! )
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    Forgot, of course: "McCain the closet Democrat" meme

    That intended as a Mindfreak against the Republicans, uneasy with McCain's liberal aspects.

    Of course, the "McCain the closet Democrat" meme contradicts "McCain the Ultra Right-Wing Fascist Warmonger" meme.

    But so what? Keep smearing, and hope eventually something sticks.

    And its only April. . . . . .