The way racism plays out
Thinking about it overnight, I think I was somewhat wrong. I don't think the charges of racism on the right will ever be given hard currency in the media until the allegations of racism trickle directly out of the White House itself, not necessarily from Obama, but from aides speaking "anonomously" who are known by the press to be inside the circle.
However, I think the Obama folks are afraid to head down that road because once they do, there's no turning back, and race then begins to define this Presidency.
Someone from the outside, like a Jimmy Carter, can have some impact, but that will mostly factor to reinforce those already convinced of racism on the right. The only other Dem heavyweight capable of driving this might be Bill Clinton, but his own race stuff around the South Carolina primary would dilute the message.
So, in a sense, we're in a "swiftboat" situation, where the only response that will be respected by the media is from the man himself, but because of the political situation, the man refuses to make the charge.
Probably the best hope is a couple years down the road when the true insiders begin to step out of the administration, and then a "retired" Axelrod or whoever can make these allegations in the administration's name but at the same time allow distance.
So, this coded racism is going to continue apace unless some major Republican figure steps up and destroys himself within his own party or some major Republican figure steps unquestionably across the line.
Until then, I think the debate continues in this state.
Later: On second thought, maybe a Biden "gaffe" could bring this topic out?
They haven't really tried to use Joe Biden, but I would think that with his skill and his history, he could plausibly fake a "gaffe."
However, I think the Obama folks are afraid to head down that road because once they do, there's no turning back, and race then begins to define this Presidency.
Someone from the outside, like a Jimmy Carter, can have some impact, but that will mostly factor to reinforce those already convinced of racism on the right. The only other Dem heavyweight capable of driving this might be Bill Clinton, but his own race stuff around the South Carolina primary would dilute the message.
So, in a sense, we're in a "swiftboat" situation, where the only response that will be respected by the media is from the man himself, but because of the political situation, the man refuses to make the charge.
Probably the best hope is a couple years down the road when the true insiders begin to step out of the administration, and then a "retired" Axelrod or whoever can make these allegations in the administration's name but at the same time allow distance.
So, this coded racism is going to continue apace unless some major Republican figure steps up and destroys himself within his own party or some major Republican figure steps unquestionably across the line.
Until then, I think the debate continues in this state.
Later: On second thought, maybe a Biden "gaffe" could bring this topic out?
They haven't really tried to use Joe Biden, but I would think that with his skill and his history, he could plausibly fake a "gaffe."
posted by mikevotes at
8:06 AM
3 Comments:
I agree with you. Obama can't go there. If he does, then it becomes THE issues. THE environment in which EVERYTHING will be shaded.
The racism has to be framed as a radical, unacceptable minority... The extreme, overt racism -- charges of "Nazi" and "Islamofascist" and "Witch Doctor" -- needs to be loudly condemned merely on the face of it. Second tier Democratic leaders I think can make a case that these mobs are neo-Confederate, anti-Unionists (anti-UNITED States). And they can frame it so that association or sympathy with these racists and/or over the top "protesters" is politically (as in media terms) radioactive. Of course, this would requre the corporate media to call a racist a racist. I'm not so hopeful here because the corporate media would treat a Winger argument that the sky is green as a legitimate point for debate...
This is all about trying to de-legitimize an African American who won an election handily and fairly. Since there is no factual base for charges or illegitimacy, wildly bizarre and terrifying accusations must be fabricated.... and shouted loudly and passionately. Because we all know "fact" is based on how loud you shout and how unshakable your are in your own self-certainty.
By
-epm, at 8:51 AM
I think you're right. That's why Carter said what he did. Of course we know what the angries think of Carter.
By
Anonymous, at 9:55 AM
EPM, As Zen pointed out in the post below titled race war, when coded racism or "light" racism isn't corrected or chastised, it makes it appear more mainstream and less out of the center.
I fear it's going to take an event or incident for this to be really discussed before after the 2012 elections.
.....
Anon, Carter's the biggest one to say it, but he doesn't carry the "inside Washington" weight. After his Presidency, he got out of Washington almost completely, forsaking those influential insiders.
By
mikevotes, at 10:21 AM
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