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.