An open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you at Racialicious

An open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you

by Carmen Van Kerckhove

Dear white voter,

Sorry, was that too direct? Sarah Palin loves calling you “Joe Six Pack” and “hockey mom.” Perhaps I too, should use one of 68 possible euphemisms to refer to you instead.

I want to ask you a simple question: Which candidate — McCain or Obama — do you think has a higher opinion of your character?

John McCain has spent the last couple of weeks asking ominously: “Who is the real Barack Obama?”

Sarah Palin hasn’t hesitated to supply an answer to this question. She declared at a Florida rally on Monday that Barack Obama “is not a man who sees America the way you and I see America. I’m afraid this is someone who sees America as imperfect enough to work with a former domestic terrorist who had targeted his own country.”

And as CNN’s Campbell Brown pointed out in her commentary Wednesday night, McCain surrogates have made a point of calling the Democratic candidate “Barack Hussein Obama” at least twice this week.

The McCain campaign is doing its best to paint Obama as a shadowy Manchurian candidate who is un-American, unpatriotic, dangerous, sympathetic to terrorists, and possibly even a secret Muslim (needless to say, that’s a bad thing in their eyes).

That much is obvious.

But what does their strategy say about what they think of you, the white voter?

Judging from their messaging, they seem to be stereotyping white voters as closed-minded, paranoid, naive, xenophobic, and just a tad bit racist.

And they are certainly connecting successfully with people who match this profile.

At a New Mexico rally on Monday, McCain asked the crowd, “Who is the real Barack Obama?” A voice in the crowd yelled out, “A terrorist!”

When Palin delivered her stump speech berating Obama at the Florida rally on the same day, an audience member yelled, “Kill him!” Audience members then began shouting angrily at the reporters covering the event, one of them yelling racial slurs at an African-American camera man and telling him to “Sit down, boy.”

Do you bear any resemblance to these agitators? Probably not.

Do you fit the profile of the racist and xenophobic white voter? Probably not.

Then do you really want to support a candidate who thinks so little of you that his only strategy right now is to appeal to your basest human instincts of fear and hatred?

Contrast McCain’s view of you to that of Obama’s.

Despite the harsh realities of racism in America — his being placed under Secret Service protection earlier than any other presidential candidate in history, for example — Obama has never expressed anything but unfailing faith in you.

His February 2007 appearance on 60 Minutes was just one of countless interviews in which he made that clear:

KROFT: You think the country’s ready for a black President?

OBAMA: Yes.

KROFT: You don’t think it’s going to hold you back?

OBAMA: No. I think if I don’t win this race, it will be because of other factors. It’s going to be because I have not shown to the American people a vision for where the country needs to go that they can embrace.

In his speech on race this spring, Obama declared: “I would not be running for president if I didn’t believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country.”

Dear white voter, it’s time for a decision.

This November, will you support the candidate who assumes the worst about your character and motivations?

Or will you vote for the candidate who has never stopped believing in and championing your capacity for greatness?

Trackbacks & Pings

My letter to white voters on 10 Oct 2008 at 10:05 am

[…] go read it on […]
dear white people « mireille + mischa on 10 Oct 2008 at 1:11 pm

[…] October 10, 2008 by popularheresy Carmen explains why working-class white people should be disgusted with the utter contempt John McCain has […]
Changing shoes with Cindy McCain « FOR REAL THOUGH on 10 Oct 2008 at 2:42 pm

[…] Carmen at Racialicious wrote a great open letter to the “white voter” wherein she asks: This November, will you [white voter] support the candidate who assumes the worst […]
RealCurrents :: Like the U.S.A., the Republican Party is Starving for Leadership :: October :: 2008 on 10 Oct 2008 at 4:12 pm

[…] to a higher standard, or else the Party itself is in danger of collapsing. Let me just repeat the comment I left earlier today on Carmen Van Kerckhove’s blog Racialicious, in response to “An […]
Growing fearful of the growing fear « FabFeminist on 10 Oct 2008 at 5:34 pm

[…] Rally Story [Politico] Not About The Financial Crisis [NY Times] The Unthinkable [Ta-Nehisi Coates] An Open Letter To White Voters, Or What McCain Really Thinks Of You [Racialicious] McCain’s Attacks Fuel Dangerous Hatred [Baltimore Sun] The Dangerous Panic On […]
The Racist Campaign : The Curvature on 11 Oct 2008 at 1:03 pm

[…] the full post. While the increasing desperation of the McCain campaign may in itself be amusing, this shit we’re talking about here is no joke. It’s outright racist, and it’s downright dangerous, and it’s something we just […]
An open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you | The NA TIMES on 12 Oct 2008 at 3:24 am

[…] Or will you vote for the candidate who has never stopped believing in and championing your capacity for greatness? SOURCE […]
Jingwen » Blog Archive » Link Dump no.2 on 12 Oct 2008 at 6:56 am

[…] Carmen Van Kerckhove: An open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you Why you should vote for a candidate who respects you as an American, not someone who thinks only the worst of you. […]
caseycasey.net » Blog Archive » link: an open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you. on 12 Oct 2008 at 6:55 pm

[…] (link) Dear white voter, it’s time for a decision. […]
The Digest: Food, Fat and Feminism in the News » The-F-Word.org on 13 Oct 2008 at 2:18 pm

[…] Carmen pens an open letter to white […]
Weekly Feminist Reader | PoliticsMuch.com on 13 Oct 2008 at 4:21 pm

[…] Carmen wrote an open letter to white voters. […]
Just so you know… « The Radical Notion on 14 Oct 2008 at 10:00 pm

[…] An Open Letter to White Voters, or What John McCain Really Thinks Of You, from Racialicious […]
Red, White & Blog » Blog Archive » Guess Who’s Coming to the Oval Office? on 15 Oct 2008 at 9:42 am

[…] Van Kerckhove contends that White voters should be appalled that McCain thinks so little of them that “his only […]
Race and the Election: It Has Come to This… « Spin the Truth on 15 Oct 2008 at 11:39 pm

[…] second is “An open letter to white voters, or what McCain really thinks of you” by Carmen Van Kerckhove of Racialicious. Here are some […]

Comments

macon d wrote:

What a great way to put this!

Republicans have long struck me as more cynical than Democrats about who ordinary white people are, with far more appeals to the “lowest common denominator” among that racial group. I hope your implication here is right–that it’s not as low as the McCain campaign people clearly think it is. The early popularity of the ultra-cynical choice of Sarah Palin had me thinking that denominator really is that low, but it’s good to see that her star faded pretty quickly.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 7:57 am ¶
Logan wrote:

The real stupid thing about this: The type of people McCain’s courting with these images, or the type who would bite, are the people who are hard-lined republicans anyways. Really, this strikes me as more of a last ditch effort on his part for a guy who knows his time is up, and that this is his last chance, and is willing to do anything to win (that, and Palin’s just a goof who is the female Dan Quayle, only more incompetent) . In some ways, I almost feel pity for McCain, as I really think that to appeal to the rest of the party, he’s compromising his ideals (see his 2000 run vs. now) and his integrity as well.

To answer the last question: I will not support the candidate who assumes the most about my character and motivations, nor will I support the one who never stopped believing and championed my capacity for greatness. I believe that moral character, outside of the impact on political stances (and obviously the penchant for corruption) is irrelevant to the job task at hand. It’d be like comparing the moral character of Bill Clinton and Bush Jr. 43, ineptness aside, doesn’t have nearly as many skeletons as Bill does, both in regards to corruption and character, yet Clinton would be the easy choice in most people’s minds. Were I to vote, I’d do it based off of qualifications and who I think will lead the country rather than the character.

Obviously, I get the point of the letter. Its appealing to a very liberal audience who has a vested interest in racial politics and actions and combating prejudices and ignorance to said prejudices. Not seeing the ads back in the states, I haven’t followed the racial fervor stirred up or been as aware as I should have been, so it even brought to light some instances I missed out on. That said, it strikes me as no different than the typical political ad I’d see for either candidate, rather than a piece pointing out the faults of McCain and Palin. (as in: If I just read this somewhere at random, I’d be skeptical on the claims or the thoughts/questions coming from said claims)

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:05 am ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:

Hey, I’m a white voter, and I’ve never played hockey or drunk a six-pack (or been a mom). I’m one of those liberal elitists who have gone to college and read a book. I can even pronounce “nuclear” correctly.

Great minds must think alike, because I posted something on the same topic last night. Of course, my spin was a little more pointed than yours:

http://www.bluecorncomics.com/2008/10/its-economy-stupid.html

Summing it up, Indians and other minorities tend to vote Democratic because it’s the smart, sensible thing to do. Apparently most non-white Americans are more rational and intelligent than most white Americans.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:08 am ¶
Mary wrote:

I’ve been wondering about this myself.

Because even white people who aren’t all that racially sensitive (like the “I have black friends” type), still really don’t like to actually think of themselves as racists. Even if they share some of the same subconscious prejudices, they still prefer to think of racists as “those people” - Southerners, or “poor white trash,” or toothless unwashed folk who just don’t know any better and haven’t moved into the 21st century.

So how naked does McCain’s race-baiting need to get before white people start to get queasy about voting for him - if not because they genuinely care about race relations, but because they care about their own self-image?

After Bush has been elected twice, I don’t dare overestimate the American electorate. But I do have a feeling that McCain/Palin’s extremism will appall as many white voters as it attracts (although as I type this, I get incredibly depressed about the fact that I live in a country where this is an “attraction” for even that many people).

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:12 am ¶
Lorraine wrote:

WHAT?! America is imperfect?! oh, the horror!

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:13 am ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:

We shouldn’t blame the politics of fear completely on McCain. After all, Republicans have been campaigning against minorities since Nixon.

Thomas Frank explored the switch from campaigning on economic issues to social issues in his book “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” Interested elitists should check it out.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:19 am ¶
Joanna Eng wrote:

Brilliant post, Carmen! I never thought of “Joe six-pack” and “hockey mom” as euphemisms for “white,” but you’re right.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:17 am ¶
Cynthia wrote:

The whole “hockey mom” and “Joe Six Pack” thing makes me think that Sarah Palin is living in the wrong country. Stereotypically, she’s much more small town Canada than small town US.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:23 am ¶
Erica wrote:

Amen, Carmen! Preach it, sista.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:24 am ¶
Jess wrote:

cosign w/Rob, an even better take is Dave Neiwert’s links.

http://www.dneiwert.blogspot.com

He has a whole chapter linked in as to why the race-baiting and ‘values voters’ stuff works, and why people rail against ‘liberal elites.’

The short version is that all that stuff about gay marriage et. al. doesn’t matter to people whose lives are working all right (in a cultural sense). One example is a community of fervently religious people where land doesn’t enter the market very often and economically people were OK. The Baptists church hierarchy had to send someone out to explain why they should be up in arms about gay marriage, when most people in town never even thought about it.

Now, contrast this with communities under threat (usually from economic changes) and you see a big difference — cultural issues come to the fore.

You can see some of this as far back as the Progressive movement early this century. We forget that the GOP was almost ended as a viable political force in the country — Taft only carried two states, while the Progressive party carried six. The rest went to the Democrats. Anyhow, within the Progressive movement there was a huge, huge battle over race and racism.

That same battle started to rear its head in the 30s when openly fascist parties appeared. By that point the Democrats (those in the North, Midwest and West) had changed a lot and become more the party of Labor, partly to compete with the Socialists and Communists. But again, the racism appealed most to people who felt they were under threat.

It’s the fear thing, you know?

The Southern Strategy worked for two reasons: many white Southerners were unhappy with the support for the Civil Rights Act. But there was another reason: the South has always been poorer and smaller than the North, until air-conditioning became cheap and near-universal. By the 1960s it was clear the South was getting left behind. That made appeals to fears a lot easier to do.

Now, I’m not saying this had much to do with reality. A combination of the Southern Strategy with movements of population (see air conditioning, which made it easier to locate in the South) and a decision to fight organized labor, as well as a deliberate decision to eviscerate Northern urban centers, gave the South some economic growth. That way, the conservative movement was justified. People could say they had resisted all them librul programs and look how well they did! Look how low the taxes are!

All this means that when McCain and Palin do the dog-whistle politics, it’s tapping into things that are deeper than what the GOP thinks of white voters. Also bear in mind that while we might think that racism is stupid, there are lots of people who don’t see it that way.

You’re not talknig about appealing to people who don’t want to appear racist. You’re talking about people who see threats from minorities and gays and the like. And they are correct in one way: there really is a threat to a certain way of living, brought on by industrial capitalism. ‘Liberal’ values are necessary to living in a capitalist society where you don’t stay at home your whole life and work on a farm.

But of course, it’s easy to channel those fears into fears of the other, and that’s been happening for nearly 100 years.

One of the assumptions here is that the Bradley effect exists. From what I have seen it probably doesn’t (at least not in statistically significant numbers). That’s the rub here — there are plenty of reasons to not vote for Obama that have nothing to do with his being black, and you needn;t lie about them to pollsters. “I don’t believe in government solutions” is just one.

There’s another wrinkle we should be aware of: Black people voted solid Republican until about 1960. Remember, the GOP was the party of Lincoln — I know people old enough to remember when voting Democrat was anathema. Why? Who was the president who enforced Brown v. Board of Ed? The Democrats, remember, were partially controlled by the Southerners who vowed segregation forever. The values vote may be misguided (in my estimation, anyhow) but it is real. I bet black people would vote GOP in far greater numbers if the party hadn’t been for the Southern Strategy. (Some Republicans advised against it, mostly moderates from the Northeast).

I hope this doesn’t digress too much.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:54 am ¶
DEAF FEMINIST PUNK!! wrote:

if racist WHITE voters are soooo desperate to keep this country “white” and keep a white man in office, why the f are they here? This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, not “United States of White People!!”

they should go back to Europe and live in an all-white area.

morons.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:55 am ¶
gr8ful1997 wrote:

To answer the initial question: Obama…but so what?

I will support the candidate whose views of the issues best reflects mine, and whose political party I support based upon the same criteria. I’m not sure why the subject matter of this article is relevant to the voting decision. We have plenty of information about the candidates’ policies regarding the military, healthcare, business regulation, etc. Why not make the decision based on these?

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:56 am ¶
Marcus Kwame wrote:

Very well stated. Not only is the McCain camp insulting the intelligence of voters but they are also throwing fuel on an already dangerous fire.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 9:59 am ¶
Melissa wrote:

Maybe this isn`t new information to most people here, but I just saw this clip of a speech by Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO head:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QIGJTHdH50

Gives me some hope, anyway!

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 10:02 am ¶
HazelStone wrote:

Obama’s stance on nuclear power, clean cola, fiath-based government services and his attitude towards women bug me, a lot.

Sadly–just as with Kerry and Gore before him–I’ll be voting for him in November. I’m ready for a REALLy progressive Dem, and I don’t care about race (well, not in the way the GOP is pushing).

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 10:12 am ¶
HazelStone wrote:

Sorry about the typos.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 10:12 am ¶
DivergentDana wrote:

“In some ways, I almost feel pity for McCain, as I really think that to appeal to the rest of the party, he’s compromising his ideals (see his 2000 run vs. now) and his integrity as well.”

You aren’t the only one.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 10:20 am ¶
Genevieve wrote:

RE: Perfect v. imperfect, I actually heard Palin say that we (United States of America) aren’t a perfect country, but a country with perfect ideals. What??

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 10:32 am ¶
Rika wrote:

Great post.

The entire McCain campaign has just been one big insult to white America…and the rest of it, for that matter…but the idea that white people would cater to this crap is just disgusting. Hell, I grew up in the South, and even the majority of us aren’t THAT lame to go along with this crap.

Still, when I look at Obama I don’t see a “black man”. I see the portrait of what the majority of this country is becoming. Children of immigrants, of mixed races and cultures. Kids that are getting to a point where we don’t particularly like to be called white/black/whatever anymore…because we just aren’t one thing.

To me, Obama is a great symbol of what our nation is turning into and heading towards, and he’s the first candidate in a very long time that I really believe when he says he wants to make things better. I once liked McCain, but having flipflopped his stances and after the disgusting mockery he made of the presidency last debate with his childish jabs at Barack, I just can’t even stomach the idea of going from Bush to that. It’s like going from Bad to slightly less-so.

Also, as for Palin? I don’t trust anybody who lets “witch hunters” pray over her. I mean, really? I just don’t get why more people aren’t outraged by her existence.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 10:36 am ¶
Chris wrote:

@gr8tful1997: Because some people will take character and party affiliation into consideration without even taking a hard look at Obama’s or McCain’s plans.

For instance, I had a discussion with a co-worker who stated he wouldn’t vote for Obama because he:

(a) associated with Rev Wright, who hates America,and even stated “God Damn America!” in one of his sermons.

(b) is good friends with the head of a domestic terrorist organization that is still making plans to dismantle the United States government through extreme measures

(c) gets the largest amount of donations from Fannie May and Freddie Mac in his campaign’s coffers than any other candidate

(d) wants to raise taxes and de-rail the steps the Republicans have put into place in order for Reaganomics to work. He also added that Reaganomics works, you just have to give it tome.

He stated these arguments in that exact order. He’s a fairly bright and intelligent guy, but he’s a hardcore fiscal conservative (well, in the Republican sense).

Although he claims to read multiple sources of news, he also claims that Fox News is the most objective (with MSNBC coming in second and — you guessed it — CNN comeing in last place).

If he’d really done more objective research into these claims, he’d see that:

(a) Bits and pieces of Rev Wright’s speech were taken out of context (although he claims a DVD with those clips placed in the exact order were produced by a member of Wright’s congregation and sold like hotcakes amongst fellow churchgoers)

(b) Bill Ayers, who is now a professor at UIC, and Barack Obama only have a loose affiliation, having served on the same education board at one point in time. Also, the Weather Underground was formed in resistance to the Vietnam War, and have dissipated since the draft ended.

(c) While Barack Obama had recieved campaign donations from Fannie May and Freddie Mac, he’s not the only one with dirt on his hands: some of McCain’s top campaign officials are Fannie May and Freddie Mac lobbyists.

(d) No Republican president has ever balanced the federal budget. In addition, the basis of Reaganomics - the “trickle down effect” has been shown to not work over the past two Bush terms, as real wages (meaning purchasing power of the average paycheck after accounting for inflation) haven’t gone up — actually, to my knowledge, they’ve declined — since Bush’s generous tax cuts for the wealthy have gone into place. In contrast, CEO wages have gone up tremendously.

Like I said, this co-worker is an intelligent guy who claims to have done his research, but because of the character attacks against Obama, Obama’s already a dangerous man in his eyes. In addition, because of party affiliation, Obama is automatically dangerous from an economic standpoint, as he will put a stop to the trickle-down effect that, in his words, “works, but you just have to give it time.”

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 11:15 am ¶
Wes Kim wrote:

I’m right there with you. http://weskimcom.tumblr.com/post/53894436/an-open-plea-to-all-american-voters

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 11:52 am ¶
Erica wrote:

It’s pathetic that when he sees things getting tight, McCain’s instinct is to appeal to the racists (both the overt and subtle varities). I (white person) was already not voting for him for a variety of policy reasons, now he’s just turning creepy and demented for me.

@Chris — I’m curious how much more time one must give Reagonomics… it’s already been, what, two decades? *sigh* it’d be funny if it didn’t ruin people’s lives.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 12:15 pm ¶
L. wrote:

Can someone explain to me what is Obama’s attitude regard women?

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 12:16 pm ¶
L. wrote:

You know what, never mind. That would just take away from the point of the thread.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 12:17 pm ¶
Elena Perez wrote:

I’m sure most of you have seen this already (I may even have linked to it in another post here, I don’t remember), but Mia Nutick did a fabulous essay on the real “Joe Six-pack” and what that language is really saying: http://www.canow.org/canoworg/2008/10/hey-there-joe-s.html

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 12:43 pm ¶
Sarah wrote:

Last summer I read a short book on The Manchurian Candidate published by the British Film Institute. The writer (a music critic, I forget his name right now) used examples below each chapter title from the past 40+ years since movie came out to show the various candidates that were painted as “Manchurian Candidates”. Ironically, McCain was one of the examples.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 12:48 pm ¶
Fatemeh wrote:

SNAP! Great post!!! I’m forwarding this to everyone I know.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 12:54 pm ¶
Brian Johnson wrote:

I’ve seen a commercial from the McCain campaign several times in the past few days that really seems to highlight their condescension toward the electorate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjEKRIBDv6Q&feature=user

It’s the use of declining pitch, and the modifier “how,” in the narration that makes it seem as if they’re trying to coerce a small, oversensitive child.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 1:10 pm ¶
CJsDaddy wrote:

@Genevieve - If the US in concept, stands for equality, justice, etc, then it wouldn’t it be our ability to live up to those ideals that fails, rather than the ideals themselves?

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 1:23 pm ¶
jen* wrote:

Chris - do I know you? I must - cuz I have the same coworker! He says that he KNOWS Obama is a friend of terrorists because of Rev. Wright and Bill Ayers.

Deliver me from those who truly believe Fox News is fair because they have Hannity and Colmes. *headdesk*

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 1:24 pm ¶
Robert Anton wrote:

Great post. Found it from twitter.

You put this very well. The only people who wouldn’t understand it are those who are actually the racist bigots.

People have a tendency to not be able to see their own faults “…for the trees”. This should take some out of their own head and give them a different perspective.

Can I re-post it at oneforobama.blogspot.com?

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 1:28 pm ¶
Rob Schmidt wrote:

Obama is planning to lower taxes on most people, of course. This isn’t some obscure detail in the fine print of his proposal; it’s the headline. Yet Republicans such as McCain are unable to process this fact. Either that or they’re lying outright about what they believe, which is always a good possibility.

Here’s a good cartoon on the subject of the politics of fear:

http://www.bluecorncomics.com/pics/bushfags.gif

P.S. Emily Latella and I are in favor of clean (and sugar-free) cola too.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 1:29 pm ¶
iFaqeer wrote:

My reaction as a Muslim immigrant who was born in Africa (and is a citizen of Pakistan) has been to ALWAYS refer to “That One” as “My Brother Barack Hussein”, whether I am supporting him or being critical of him for advocating a policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan that he says was stupid for Iraq because it doesn’t address the whole situation.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 3:04 pm ¶
Gordon R. Vaughan wrote:

Hi Carmen, perhaps you will find my perspective interesting. Whites are such a huge voting block that it’s difficult to generalize, but I will say that as far as Republican demographics go, I should be right in the middle of their voter bloc. I’m a WASP from Texas who has voted a straight Republican ticket several times, & a Christian conservative.

Nevertheless, I’m very unhappy with the Republican congress, in particular, and was never very enthusiastic about voting for McCain, either. The Palin choice is kind of a wash, in my view, she has a lot of qualities I admire, but at the same time doesn’t seem ready to fill McCain’s shoes if something happened to him.

I had just about convinced myself to go ahead and vote for McCain-Palin before they started what’s been about a month of the most bone-headed campaigning I can remember. First they kept Palin off-limits from interviews for the most part (hardly a vote of confidence), then they started the ridiculous attacks on Obama that just seem to keep getting worse.

It’s disturbing to think that Palin may end up destroying her reputation and a promising political future. McCain should have never hired the campaign “experts” that have ruined a campaign that was really starting to connect with voters. We’ve all seen the worst of Republican rhetoric over and over in recent years, and I’m as tired of it as anyone. BTW, it really turns me off when they say “Barack *Hussein* Obama”, as if that’s supposed to imply something. THAT seems pretty racist to me, anyway.

Yes, it’s an insult to all voters to think this sort of campaigning will sway opinion. Barack Obama’s voting record is far too liberal for me to support him, but now I’m really having second thoughts about voting for McCain as well.

It’s sad to see the Republican Party basically falling apart from a lack of leadership. A true leader would never allow that kind of stuff to happen. The only slight hope Republicans have in capturing the White House is if Palin finally says enough, gives the McCain folks an earful, and strikes out on a different course. America is starving for leadership. Can’t any of these “experts” see it obviously isn’t working?!!

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 3:34 pm ¶
Jon wrote:

To be fair, McCain is appealing to a few specific groups of white voters - his base. It’s older people and white men without college degrees. These are the only two demographics that still mostly support him and are the only reason McCain is still in the race. This is meant to appeal to the less educated and more ignorant white people out there. Most of us aren’t fooled.

Then again, I see your point. A good friend of my mothers’ (white, middle class, northeast, well-educated and basically someone who should know better) complained that she couldn’t support Obama because of his preacher (rev. Wright) and “that Muslim thing.” The lips were moving and words were coming out but nobody was home.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 3:41 pm ¶
christine wrote:

As a white voter, I could care less what McCain thinks of me. I know what I think of him.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 3:48 pm ¶
Gordon R. Vaughan wrote:

I wrote some more about this on my blog RealCurrents:

http://realcurrents.blogsome.com/2008/10/10/like-the-usa-the-republican-party-is-starving-for-leadership/

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 4:27 pm ¶
Kaonashi wrote:

Personally, I were Joe six-pack I would be insulted.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 4:29 pm ¶
drydock wrote:

In regards to comment 14 (Melissa): Yes, if you want to deliver an anti-racist, pro-Obama message to working class whites please send somebody like Trumka. For all the progressive posturing about about “anti-racism” mostly you get the classblind (like this post) liberalism that lumps whites as one group as though white people all have the same interests.

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:19 pm ¶
Kay wrote:

Gordon, great post, very thoughtful and from reading yours …some of my Republican anger diminished, and I am back to thinking I can’t lambaste an entire group because of these seething crowds, perhaps there are decent ones out there, like yourself! Frankly, from what I have seen, I have n0t been this angry at such a overt display of accepted racism! This is how it slowly starts, and I am so angry that it is being talked about in almost whispers, like slow embers. It’s going to be bad, I feel it! Dangerous even! And I am so angry about Palin being a heartbeat away with McCain’s TERRIBLE judgment and joke on America! Yet, she is being used as a tool to stoke this vitriol. This is the WORST thing, in 2008 that could happen in America, but yet we are talking about Obama is a terrorist. Not Issues….Just UNREAL! As I write, Palin has violated Alaska’s ethic laws! Wow, and she could be ournext President! Great Job McCain! Also, this is quite dangerous ,,to speak ill of Muslims and Arabs with our troops in their territory! And we are liberators? Looks like we are the religious intruders, as they suspect, all about the OIL. This is dangerous for OUR TROOPS!!

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:39 pm ¶
Sabrina wrote:

Excellent! I have no words, only unabashed awe!

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:44 pm ¶
Kay wrote:

Rika, great post! And to the author of the post, Carmen! Bravo! Happened upon here, and nice place to visit, thoughtful, intelligent diatribe, so refreshing!

Posted 10 Oct 2008 at 8:57 pm ¶
Spinster wrote:

Never thought of it this way. Thanks for the food for thought.

Posted 11 Oct 2008 at 11:37 am ¶
beka wrote:

Y’know, next thing we need is to field a fifth-generation-USAmerican, Muslim presidential candidate in 2012. From Asia. *That’ll* show the GOP

- Gotcha! You’re a secret Muslim!
- Which is why you are talking to me outside the mosque I attend.
- Gotcha! You’re not American!
- And your great-grandfather was from Poland.
- Gotcha! You’re one of them Arab terrorists, on account of being unAmerican and Muslim!
- And there are no Christians in China.

One of the worst things about McCain’s attacks on Obama, and Obama’s rebuttals, is that they continue to profile an “Other” category, or else Obama would not be so quick to make light of his Indonesian upbringing, downplay his awareness of Islam, or deny being Muslim as though it were a bad thing.

It’s that fear which McCain is stoking. I don’t think it’ll stop at “Kill him!” against Obama; hostility toward the entire demographic groups which McCain is trying to pigeonhole Obama into can only escalate.

Posted 11 Oct 2008 at 2:15 pm ¶
beka wrote:

And when there’s someone who’s outside of the common stereotype, it can turn into an “oh, all *such-and-such* are evil/bad/fascist/whatever, EXCEPT for *person* who has espoused our American values!”

It’s the “Sarah Palin is to feminism as Clarence Thomas is to civil rights” in action.

Something that totally bugs me about politics over in the US. =/

(To be fair, it isn’t just the US. It just seems louder.)

Posted 11 Oct 2008 at 2:20 pm ¶
Dolly wrote:

To John McCain:

I am a white voter and I am offended by your hateful, racist campaign rhetoric. I am disgusted by your assertion that to be patriotic means I must believe in American supremacy despite the globalizing world. That I must believe anyone with a hint of brown in their skin is a terrorist, a radical, or an “other.” That I should discriminate against all Muslims when it was extremists who attacked our country. That the names “Barack,” “Hussein,” and “Obama” are weird and to be feared. That you expect me to be okay when you stand by idly as your supporters scream “Kill him!” and “Off with his head!” at your rallies. That I should respect you when you can’t even look your opponent in the eye at a public debate, shake his hand, or call him a terrorist to his face (as you do in your ads). That I should share your values when John Lewis accurately criticizes the racism your campaign incites and you wag your finger at him.

Do you think I’m stupid, John? Do you think as a white, middle-class person I haven’t picked up a book or made friends with the “other?” You know, “those ones?” Do you think I’m a Communist because I want to learn Chinese and eat dinner with people named Yan and Ling Ling? Do you think I’m a terrorist because I’m friends with a Muslim? Do you think I’m unpatriotic for loving Michelle Obama and her authentic self?

John McCain, I am a white voter and I will not be voting for you this election.

I will be voting for Barack Obama.

Dolly

Posted 11 Oct 2008 at 11:54 pm ¶
Angry Independent wrote:

I agree that I don’t believe most white voters are like this (racist and xenophobic). But there is a significant number of white voters who are.

The author lost sight of the purpose of the McCain tactics. The purpose of these tactics is not to change the minds of most white voters. The goal is to create just enough doubt about Obama that they sway a few whites, a few moderates, and a few independents away from Obama. They want to do just enough to put themselves back in the Game.

There are some signs that the fearmongering has worked in Ohio (we have to see a few more polls). Obama’s lead may have been a knee jerk reaction to the economy….and may be short-lived.

Now McCain has taken his hate tour to Red State Virginia where he will try the same tactics…and try to regain a lead there.

Frustrating to watch the fearmongering…and voters gullible enough to fall for it.

Posted 12 Oct 2008 at 11:28 am ¶
xJane wrote:

As a privileged white woman, I have to say that this is exactly why I will vote for Obama: he gives me hope. Hope in my country, hope for the future, and hope that the political system is not dead. I’ve never seen evidence that Obama does not respect himself, his wife, the voting public, or his opponent. The list of McCain showing disrespect for each is nearly endless.

Posted 12 Oct 2008 at 2:04 pm ¶
Thaddeus McClain III wrote:

I don’t believe there are some racist whites who will not vote for Obama because they believe a black person or a minority is incapable of efficiently running the US. There are some racist whites who are so elitist that they believe the that position of POTUS should never be held by any other person than a white person. Most preferably a man. Even if he is in a political party they oppose.

Posted 12 Oct 2008 at 3:56 pm ¶
Gigi Jones wrote:

What a great way to put this whole thing…I am a campaign worker, and you’ve given me more questions to ask the undecided, the fearful white person whom I come in contact with now and then. You have spoken with clarity, and it’s too bad you can’t get on all the news networks and present this discussion in this way.
I have faith in the young people, primarily, to bring this change into reality in November.
Obama/Biden Landslide Victory in November!!

Posted 12 Oct 2008 at 7:49 pm ¶
martin monks wrote:

I believe there are more sinister motives here. These people who were yelling are placed in the crowd . The rallies are held in areas that have recieved little or a lot of government funding .ie military towns.
Over the last 12 years of republican control of the government. white people in southern areas have recieved benfits that would normally be give on merit to the whiole country.

Defence plants you will only find them in the south or an electroal state.
New Federal prisons are located in stronge rebuplican rural areas. The advice of wise rural whites is git a government job they only want your vote not your opinion.

The skillful craftsmen of the rust belt are soon to be a a folk tale. These craftmen could have built all of these defence projects for half the cost and less then 1/3 the time. They only sin was they were democratic.

Posted 13 Oct 2008 at 6:24 pm ¶
Megan wrote:

While I understand the motive for writing this post, I can’t see that it’s very helpful. White voters? Who are they? White voters are as fragmented and various as, oh, black voters or Latino voters or whomever. Some of us white voters, like some of all categories of voters, are stone fools. Others of us can see all the reasons we shouldn’t vote for McCain, one of which is his poorly concealed contempt for us, the voters, as evidenced by his misleading and ridiculous attack ads. My point is that I don’t think that lumping “white voters” together is useful. You can’t write a letter to white people any more than I can write a letter to black people and expect them all to have the same ideas and beliefs.

Posted 13 Oct 2008 at 9:18 pm ¶
Dolly wrote:

Color of Change.org is having people write letters to the McCain campaign to speak out against the racist and religiously intolerant rhetoric. If you want to join, go here: http://colorofchange.org/united/?id=2145-640850

Posted 14 Oct 2008 at 2:36 pm ¶
Daniel wrote:

So predictable. As the election draws near, the campaign trail gets nastier and the lies get more ridiculous. There is little question, for the objective observer, that Obama is the more presidential of the two candidates. He is the better choice to assume the presidency after eight years of George Bush pretending to be a regular guy when we wall know he comes from a wealthy, influential family that bought his way into Yale and Harvard. Whether or not the blatant, ludicrous race-bating discussed in Carmen’s excellent post will be beneficial more to McCain or Obama is debatable. I believe that it will turn out to be far more beneficial to Obama, so obviously so, in fact, that I am beginning to think that McCain’s candidacy is a farce.
Think about it. Obama is smarter, has a better plan for taxes and medical care, is more in touch with the common man, and is certainly more electable. (to name just a few things) The Republicans knew this going in which is why they picked a senator who is at the end of his career to run against Obama or, on the slim chance, Clinton. No matter what McCain does or says (unless he completely repudiates the republican platform, quits his senate seat and joins the peace corps-and even then, really) he will be criticized (rightly so in most cases) and lambasted until the cows come home. His career will be damaged if not ruined and then, the real battle will commence.
While I would like to believe otherwise, my prediction is that the Republicans in the Congress and Senate will do everything they can to make things difficult for President Obama. Thusly, will the real war be waged, behind closed doors between the people who have held their positions of power for far too long. Look for the Republicans to host their “real” candidate against Obama after they do their best to make him look bad as President. Don’t be fooled by this round of election game. Politics are dirty! Stay focused on the truth, not just the campaign promises.
I m not only voting for Obama, but I am pledging to support everyone I can through these difficult times. Racism is the crutch of losers, sycophants, fools and the ignorant everywhere. Reality does not support it, science does not support it and it will never rule us or define us as a people. The fact that many people choose it does not change the fact that we must always fight against it. Don’t fight it for anybody else. Fight for yourself, because you must.

Posted 14 Oct 2008 at 3:43 pm ¶
Bahati Ansari wrote:

Finally….someone who has summed it up. Tied it in a bow and not afraid to deliver it. Thanks “sister”

Posted 14 Oct 2008 at 4:22 pm ¶
Agateophobic wrote:

I typically enjoy (as an Anthropology student) Carmen’s articles and such, but to be brutally honest, I think this article’s premise is garbage (predication: Yes, I am a McCain voter, and no I don’t think he is a racist). Obama is not only playing the “race card” himself, but is being racist against white people, such as calling his [apparently racist] grandmother a “typical white person”.

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matt 7:3 ISV)
Hopefully incorporating bible verses into blog postings isn’t racist now too…

Posted 14 Oct 2008 at 7:36 pm ¶
Max wrote:

#52 — Megan said it perfectly for me.

Posted 14 Oct 2008 at 7:39 pm ¶
CV wrote:

Hi Carmen- I think you’ve got it right about McCain’s low opinion of the ‘average’ white voter… and of course there’s more to see, using your same analytic strategy. Not only can we run this analysis for class (this is what he thinks of the ‘middle class/working class/etc) but also we can run that analysis for religion. I, as a (C)hristian white voter, am offended that the McCain camp thinks that I’d be afraid of a candidate who was something other than a “(C)hristian”. And I put that in quotes, because I can’t see myself as sharing in the same religious group as someone with Palin’s beliefs.

Posted 14 Oct 2008 at 7:40 pm ¶
Lara Kretler wrote:

Thanks for putting this into words. It has been bothering me for a very long time. Barack Obama speaks to human beings - the other side speaks to cliches and stereotypes, none of which fit me whatsoever. Barack appeals to our higher nature, while the other side is attempting to appeal to our absolute basest, lowest nature.

There’s no question who I’m voting for.

Posted 15 Oct 2008 at 8:35 am ¶
Rho wrote:

Obama is of a huge mix of cultures, just like America itself is. He is not black nor white, but a little bit of everything. The only race he can really be listed under is Human. As to McCain supporter who spew more venom than a cobra, can we list them as being human, too?

Posted 15 Oct 2008 at 11:11 am ¶
Ginger wrote:

Obama has this white girl’s vote.

Posted 20 Oct 2008 at 12:30 pm ¶
Dean Parker wrote:

I honestly enjoyed this article, good work!!

Posted 27 Oct 2008 at 7:28 pm ¶