There is a good deal of commentary in both the mainstream media and the blogosphere to the effect that the Clinton attacks on Obama, whatever their basis in truth or fiction, have had the effect of inducing black voters to rally around Obama as one of their "brothers," or something like that. It seems to me that there is something more fundamental going on: The Clinton position---again putting aside the relationship of the assertions to the truth---smacks of the old racist putdown, "Keep your place." And not in a very subtle way either. After all, the Clinton attacks grew in intensity and decibel level and acidity just as the polls showed Obama to be a serious rival. I don't think that this is an accident, as Pravda in its glory years used to put it, and it does not speak well for Bill's much-lauded but illusory political skills or for Hillary's ability to see political subtleties. And let's face it: Bill and Hillary would be perfectly willing to lynch someone if they believed that their political fortunes would be enhanced. But we already knew that.
3 comments:
...Bill's much-lauded but illusory political skills...
America's First Black President sounds positively tone-deaf come 2008. Makes you wonder how he got away with it all those years, doesn't it, Ben? "The most talented politician of his generation," which is probably even accurate.
Man, is America is an easy mark, or what? Just shows you that quality BS is in high demand but in short supply---if Bill Clinton is, it's no surprise that Barack Obama is running out of it, too.
Ben, I agree with your general tone but your closing remark about the Clintons actually lynching someone (if advantageous to their "political fortunes") was a little strong. I'm also curious why TVD isn't bothered by the symbolism of it since he is urging Republicans to be more sensitive to nooses and such.
Yes, Mr. E, Ben was a little strong there. But he knew exactly what he was saying, and his remark reflects more on the Clintons' ruthlessness than on his own feelings.
Bill Clinton's recent remark comparing Obama's South Carolina victory to Jesse Jackson's in 1984 and 1988 was overtly about race, and dismisses Obama as merely a "black" candidate.
Ruthless, man, ruthless.
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