Republicans Working on Case Against Obama

it's interesting that these "how to beat obama" stories, from the republican viewpoint, are always concerned about what the republicans can do to not look racist. why is that? if they're talking about national issues, it shouldn't be a problem. besides, i don't think john mccain is that kind of fellow.

you can question a person's qualifications without attacking their personal being.

but it's almost knee-jerk in these stories. the fact that obama is "the first african american president" isn't something i dwell on (i see it as a bonus), and it isn't something that i see obama supporters dwelling on, but it seems to be the republicans' first thought:

wash post:

The first question Republican strategists must ask is how to "handle" the challenges presented by America's first African-American presidential nominee. It's a challenge made even more difficult when self-appointed media referees often work actively for one side. The GOP must recognize that some reporters will portray any criticism of Mr. Obama's positions, statements, ideas or past personal behavior as a racist hit job. Republican strategists are gripped with a real and powerful fear of such a call by media referees. But that"s no reason to quit the competition.

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It’s Still Over for Clinton

Ohio Bellwether Status Revoked

That's right. Ohio is no longer a bellwether state.
Ohioans unabashed racism--many of Ohio voters said they wouldn't vote for "a black"--no longer reflects America.

Most of us in these united states have moved past such entrenched bigotry. Therefore, ohio's longstanding status as a barometer for who wins the presidency is hereby revoked. This is the new world of politics.

So that kills the argument put forth by many clinton supporters that Clinton's Ohio win means she has to be the democratic nominee. Well, Ohio isn't an indicator of anything anymore. And that takes care of that.

Ohio Needs a Black President

turns out bigotry was a factor, or as cuyahoga county commissioner timothy hagan, an obama supporter, put it: The state's white voters aren't ``bigots, but the image they see every day of black America is drugs, crime, guns and violence.''
here's one white person's remarks:

``If Obama gets in, it's going to be a black thing and it's going to be all blacks for blacks,'' said Victoria Mikulski, a 63-year-old clerk in Edison Park. ``Everything's got to be equal.''

i do drink lattes and i am college educated but i'd like to think that even if i wasn't, even if i worked in a factory putting doors on cars, i wouldn't think like that. in fact, i know i wouldn't. i don't know what it's like to live in ohio (and i know that not every person there is racist). but if there is a disproportionate amount of black crime, it has its roots in racism.

and this is clearly another reason why we need barack obama as president. imagine what bigots might learn. they might learn to put aside their prejudices. think about how the disaffected young black people would benefit from a barack obama as president. obama would go a long way to help mitigate racism just by being a role model.

and ms. victoria mikulski, yes, everything's got to be equal.

here's another story on the topic. fortunately, ohio is in the minority.

We Get the President We Deserve

photo: david turnley


but we need barack obama.

it's all out there in the blog world. school kids, informed by their parents, are talking about how obama is muslim (muslims, followers of the islamic faith, are in no way terrorists and it's despicable the way islam has been distorted. much of this can be blamed on bush. however obama is not muslim) and rush limbaugh, who is as far as i can tell a minor distraction (how many listeners does he really have?), convinced some of his listeners to vote for clinton, and many ohioans just couldn't vote for a black man.

it's headspinning the amount of ignorance and fear that is out there.

i suppose now obama's white supporters have some insight on just what it means to be a "minority."

it means you have to work extra hard to excel. that's what the obama camp needs to do. it needs to go above and beyond. not that it hasn't already. i know plenty of people who've worked their tails off. but in addition to the message of change, the obama camp has to educate people along the way, while fending off the kitchen sink.

obama is not only the superior candidate in judgement and leadership, he's what this country needs in order to become more worldly.

but we will get the president we deserve. we got bush because we were too fearful. perhaps we are ready for change. but how much change?

do we want some change? or do we want an overhaul and new thinking? for those who are looking for change, clinton is a good candidate. she’ll be a contrast to bush. but for those who are looking for meaningful change that reeks of brand new--a new direction, a new mindset, enlightened thinking, obama is the best candidate.

so just how change tolerant are we?
it's on to mississippi march 11, where clinton's "momentum" will be halted, and wyoming's caucus march 8.

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Memo To Ohio

ohio, you are important in this election.
i just watched the 60 minutes segment and some ohio voters expressed concern that obama is muslim, that he isn't patriotic.
you've been getting information that isn't true.
obama has been going to the same church for 20 years. he is a christian. he's a family man with strong values. please get informed. don't let hateful people convince you of something that isn't true.
here are the facts on obama's religion.
here are the facts on obama's patriotism. here is a letter from three generals acknowledging his patriotism.
obama can help make this nation much better than it is.
as far as not voting for a black man, well, there's not a lot to say there, except that if you can try to open your mind, you might see better. so if you are leaning at all toward obama, don't let rumors and lies stop you from voting for obama.
vote well ohio.
road to change in ohio video