Lame – Obama Plays Preemptive Race Card
Posted by Enrique on 06.23.2008
Hope & Change
Oh my, I do believe we're starting to get evidence that Barack Obama's definition of "change" is painfully synonymous with "politics as usual." Recently, in an apparent effort to move to the political center, Obama's had some convenient changes of heart. He's rejected public financing for his general election campaign, despite previously and frequently promising he wouldn't. Obama has decided to support the new FISA bill, which is certainly playing against his Most-Lefty-U.S.-Senator type.
"We know what kind of campaign [the Republicans are] going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid," Obama said at the fundraiser. "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's got a feisty wife."
Yes, we all know every single GOP voter is a Super Secret Racist at heart, so you morally upright lefties better turn out in droves to defeat those awful, filthy, bigoted McCain supporters. You know how those people are. Really, you almost have to admire Obama's gall to raise the issue of racial appeals – you may have heard that Obama's former pastor and spiritual advisor had some "old fashioned" views on race relations.
It's particularly sleazy to play the race card against McCain, who has gone out of his way to disavow oblique racial appeals. When the North Carolina GOP ran an ad featuring Rev. Wright that said Obama was "too extreme" for NC, McCain repudiated it. As for the Republican National Committee, they formally scolded the Tennessee GOP earlier this year when it used "Barack Hussein Obama" in a press release. Even if you like to imagine that McCain and/or Republicans generally are racists, you have to admit they seem to be going through the motions.
But take heart, racism-fighters. Even if by some wild stretch of the imagination Obama fails to win the election in November, it won't be because of racism. Obama said so himself:
"Is [race] going to be the determining factor in a general election? No, because I'm absolutely confident that the American people — what they're looking for is somebody who can solve their problems…
"If I lose, it won't be because of race."
Like I said, convenient change of heart. But that was months ago, and I suppose we should forgive a politician for behaving like a politician. Still, it's another fine example of cheap tactics from Sen. Hope & Change. Progress!
Enrique, I usually enjoy your articles but this one is way off base on a lot of things.
1. Obama NEVER promised to accept public financing. He said he would CONSIDER IT and try to work out a deal with McCain on it. He did both and in the end opted not to go for it. He never said he was going to for sure take it, he just said he'd consider it. And he did. If you don't believe me, try to find the quote where he promised to accept public financing. You won't find it because it doesn't exist. He said he'd consider it. I realize the average idiot doesn't understand the difference between saying you'd consider something and promising something, but I figured you would.
2. Obama is not the "most Lefty" Senator in the U.S. The only outlet that called him that was the National Review, hardly a unbias publication.
3. It doesn't matter if McCain doesn't like racist attacks or if the RNC yells at the Tennessee GOP. THEY ARE ALL REPUBLICANS. If state Republican parties use racism against Obama, it is perfectly legitimate to say the "Republican party" is using racism. They are all one big group. Obviously the national Republican party won't use racism because most of America isn't racist. But in some states, there are enough racists to swing the state and that is why local GOP parties will use racism and already have in Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, etc. So Obama has every right to point out that racism is a strategy that the GOP has already shown they plan to use. Saying it's fine to do because the RNC is against it is like you writing an article about how bad it is to shoot someone with one hand while firing a gun at someone with the other. The city, state, and national Republican parties are all one in the same, as are city, state, and national Democratic parties. They may have different people in charge, and may have some independence, but they are all representing the Republican party or the Democratic party and are authorized to do so. If the RNC really wanted to stop racist attacks in Tennessee or NC, all they had to do is strip funding to the state Republican parties in those states. But they didn't. It's a wink-wink game and everyone knows it's going on except you.
Posted By: Biz (Guest) on June 23, 2008 at 10:54 PM
It's sad when people who post comments (Biz) know more about the topic than the people who write the articles (Enrique).
Posted By: Guest#9521 (Guest) on June 23, 2008 at 10:57 PM
I gotta agree with Biz. You're articles are way better when you talk about interesting issues and cases. When you try to get into the Obama/McCain stuff, you come off as uninformed. Most of the stuff in your article is just flat out wrong.
Posted By: Guest#1859 (Guest) on June 23, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Obama said:
""We know what kind of campaign [the Republicans are] going to run. "
to which Enrique replied:
"es, we all know every single GOP voter is a Super Secret Racist at heart..."
Um, Enrique, you *do* know that the voters don't run the campaigns, don't you?
Same horrible unimaginative and largely incorrect commentary from Enrique as ever.
Posted By: Pat Shepard (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Check that link and tell me the Republican party isn't going to use Obama's race as a way to influence voters.
Posted By: Chris (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 02:30 AM
I'm sorry but
"We know what kind of campaign [the Republicans are] going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid," Obama said at the fundraiser. "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's got a feisty wife."
Is basically saying that Republicans are racist which is simply not true. Are there racists in the Republican party? Yup same as the DNC I bet but they are not ALL racists and the implication that they are is false and prejudice.
Posted By: Ben (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 02:58 AM
yay for reverse racism? so trying to paint the Republicans as racist before any racist stuff has happened?
Posted By: Guest#7533 (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 03:55 AM
It's people with small minds like yourself that hold this world back.
Posted By: Guest#5363 (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Ben, you'll notice "the Republicans are" part of the quote is bookended with brackets. What he said was "they", referring to McCain's campaign team. "They" will try to use scare tactics towards both Republicans and Democrats. Enrique, consistent in both his views and his ignorance, like his credible source, has chosen to supplant Obama's comment with words that give a wholly different meaning and tone to his quote.
Another terribly biased and uninformed column from this guy. At least Ashish only suffers from the former.
Posted By: Chungles (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Biz, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and say you are sadly misinformed. Obama did agree -- IN WRITING -- to accept public campaign financing. This was in 2007. He even wrote the reasons why he would accept public funding! Of course, this was prior to his raking in the dough, so his position has changed. Look it up on the internet, there are many references! Here is one:
"Words matter - that quoted phrase was on a written questionnaire submitted to Barack Obama from the Midwest Democracy Network last November. "If you are nominated for president in 2008 (and the Republican agreed to use public financing) in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?" It was a "Yes" or "No" question; Obama checked the "Yes" box, then added:
"If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election." Of course, Sen. McCain is taking public financing. This can get confusing, what with all the trope about Obama wanting to turn away from the "old ways
of Washington." So, agreeing to submit to the limitations of public financing, as done by candidates for decades, is "passé" but the regrettable political practice of saying one thing and doing another is not. Some "change," huh?"
Even Tim Russert referred to this and asked Obama if he would go back on his word! Next time, do your homework before you spout off!
Posted By: RR/FL (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 09:17 AM
It sounded more like he implied that the Republican leadership likes to play up on racial issues. Like when they torpedoed McCain in 2000 with the black baby push polling.
Posted By: Guest#2913 (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Enrique, I like you. You and Chris pretty much provide the necessary conservative voice of this forum, and its usually feisty. But even if most of the claims you make are true--which I really don't think is the case--how is ANY of that evidence of politics as usual? Claiming that the Republicans will try the smear tactics that they demonstrably did in previous elections--just as the democrats demonstrably do--can't be labeled hypocritical, even if the campaign finance thing can...It's not really something McCain can argue with, can he? Remember when Karl Rove had his people call up voters in important primary states to ask them how they'd feel if they knew McCain had a secret black, love child? Referring, of course, to the Vietnamese orphan his family adopted. I feel like you're trying to make something out of nothing here, and for the life of me I can't understand why Republicans are SO obsessed with dragging Obama down from his pedestal. If we Dems are supposed to see he's not as good as advertised, that would only leave us with two candidates who aren't that good...and based on what each candidate stands for, it's still impossible to think the mass would move for McCain. The central issue in this election, as in most elections, is how they differ. You don't think Obama is wonderboy unless you agree with him anyway. It's a dead end tactic.
Posted By: Andrew Tobolowsky (Registered) on June 24, 2008 at 09:30 AM
I'd love to point out everything that is wrong with what you just wrote Enrique but frankly I don't have that kind of free time.
Posted By: stronelis (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Biz, you are wrong. Obama did agree, IN WRITING, to accept public campaign financing. You can find this referred to multiple times on the internet if you look! Tim Russert referred to this written agreement, as well, when he asked Obama if he was going to go back on his word and reject public funds! And there doesn't get any more 'lefty' than Obama! Wasn't he the ONLY dissenting voice against the Born-Alive Infants Act? How much more left can you get?? And YES he is pulling the race card. He will do ANYTHING to get elected to make up for his lack of experience, qualifications and morals!
Posted By: RR/FL (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Biz pretty much covered all the bases here, but I'll chime in anyway, particuarly on this "public financing" thing.
As was pointed out, there was never a promise by Obama to go with "public financing". After Obama realized that a million and a half people like me would open up our wallets and support his campaign. After that came to fruition, Obama decided to continue letting his supporters support his campaign.
Another interesting aspect of this is that he is the first major party general election candidate opt out of "public financing" since the fund was created. Your hear me Enrique? The FIRST. Yea, that certainly IS politics as usual isn't it?
The most ironic thing about this is that Conservatives are mad that a Democrat decided to turn down TAX PAYER dollars to finance his campaign and instead has decided to allow the people that support him choose whether or not to keep money in the coffers. How Conservative of them...
Regardless, I think its pretty apparent that Republican pundits and politicians are mad because they know John McCain isn't raising cash like Obama has been. Its makes them even doubly angry that they can't try associate all this raised money with lobbyists, PACS, corporations, etc. This is Democracy at its best and they HATE it. They are jealous of it. And it scares them to DEATH.
I say, get over it. Instead of getting all in a tizzy at Sen. Obama, you should be talking to John McCain. If he wants to compete with Obama on contributions, he needs to step up and be a better candidate. He needs to do something to get more individuals to open up their wallets for his cause. And if he can't thats his fault and thats the fault of the Republicans for choosing him as their nominee.
Posted By: TC (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Biz,
1)He constantly said he was going to accept public financing.
2)National Journal, a nonpartisan operation, named him the most liberal member of the Senate, not National Review.
Posted By: Chris Connolly (Registered) on June 24, 2008 at 11:16 AM
With all due respect, the modern history of the GOP's utilization of racism for electoral gain is REAL. The infamous Southern Strategy, developed under Richard Nixon, exploited white resentment of African-American civil rights gains for 30-plus years. Willie Horton? Welfare queens? Obama is wise to anticipate what he knows is coming.
Posted By: Dan (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 12:41 PM
What a painful, misinformed column to sit through. Please do this site a favor and stay out of political opinion.
Posted By: Guest#2592 (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Good piece on the faux post racial candidate who has always been about racism...BHO made sure of that. His only chance in the GE is to become the Victim of the bigots, ie; any & all of his opponents because he has nothing else that appeals to voters, he is truly a one trick pony, a phantom candidate!
Posted By: moultrie (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 01:43 PM
RR/FL, I guess you can't even read the stuff you post. It says very clearly in the stuff you quoted that Obama agreed to PURSUE AN AGREEMENT on public financing with the Republican nominee. He did that and a deal was not reached. That is all he promised to do. Please learn how to read properly.
Posted By: Clarity (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Enrique, I have to agree with those saying your articles suffer when you get into Obama bashing. Obama has kept corporate lobbyists and their influence out of his campaign, which was the whole point of public financing. But you conveniently ignore that. As for race, Obama never said or implied that all Republicans are racists. How you can quote him and still completely miss his valid point is beyond me. As Biz said there are numerous examples of it. I can't understand how you put blinders on and ignore that which conflicts with what you want to be true. I've gone as far as to call Obama a hypocrite for not supporting gay marriage, because I can support a candidate overall without being blinded to their shortcomings.
As for anyone who thinks a black man playing the race card can help him in an election, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and numerous local candidates have resoundingly disproven its effectiveness.
Posted By: Shockmaster (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 02:29 PM
What a great column! I support this message!
Posted By: John McCain (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 05:03 PM
This column gets a thumbs down. Prepare to be fired, Enrique.
Posted By: The Critic (Guest) on June 24, 2008 at 05:49 PM
Of course, McCain is the one who actually violated campaign finance law as opposed to "going back on his word", by securing his campaign loan with a promise to take public financing, and then backing out of it. The only reason why he is not being investigated at the moment is because the GOP has effectively paralyzed the election commission.
Posted By: C (Guest) on June 25, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Wait wasnt it the democrates in the Ghetto who were making signs of the african americans getting hossed saying this will happen if Bush ios Elected in 04? that want fear mongering?
Posted By: center right (Guest) on June 25, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Firstly, the agreeing to accept public finaninc was accurate, but the page Tim Russert waved at him also had Obama stating that he'd pursue a combination of moneyr aised and public financing and work out a deal with his counterpart canddiate. Apparently his people tried to work with the McCain campaign to come up with soemthign and nothign happened. A copout and a flip-flop, to be sure, but a beter executed back-up plan than anythign we've seen from the White House in a long time, too.
As to the race card. Well, well, well. It took all of 2 days for another candidate to pull the race car dout on Obama. It was Ralph Nader, and not McCain, but hey...this article is a heck of a lot more weak and funny when you try to defend it on the basis of "well, he got he party wrong!".
Posted By: AdamS (Guest) on June 25, 2008 at 10:25 PM
STAY CURRENT