McCain, Obama square off over racial politics

Please refer to the "other presidents" comment. Not such a huge leap. Read the entire quote.

This is news... Why? He and the GOP have been repeating this since Obama first made this statement.

Why is Obama "bracing" for racial attacks?

I mean, when are people going to wake up and smell the coffee?

With that in mind, yeah -- Obama is clearly accusing Bush and McCain of playing the race card. I'll be surprised to see that come directly from McCain, for sure, and I don't know that there's an evidence that his campaign has directly or indirectly promoted concerns about Obama's race. It's a pretty risky stance to take, officially.

With that said, McCain and Bush *are* playing the politics of fear when it comes to criticism of Obama, and that's ridiculous and despicable whether it's about his skin color, his "funny sounding name" or an absurd (and confusing) reference to Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

Either way, if they're resorting to politics of fear, it's most likely because they fear the increasing likelihood of an Obama win.

A clever Political move - he just defused the "young inexperienced" Obama debate, and made his point without making it ....

It was a legitimate response to 10 days of being accused of "young guy" etc, which compared to the looks of the others on those bills - he is. Obama's no fool, he knew GOP would accuse him of raising racism, which they did.

But why did GOP assume that? Obama said nothing about Race, GOP just assumed it ....

He made his point without making it, and also is now not the one who raised the race issue in the campaign. Nice Play.

Hrm. That is true. McCain and Bush *have* both cited his youth and inexperience, and the guys on the bills DO all look old. Therefore, Obama isn't necessarily referring to race by saying that they're playing the politics of fear based on how he looks compared to those presidents.

Obama not playing race card???

The Republican candidate's attack came after Obama told voters in Missouri: 'Nobody thinks that Bush and McCain have a real answer to the challenges we face. 'So what they're going to try to do is make you scared of me.' The Democrat candidate, who could become America's first black president, said his rivals will say of him: 'You know, "he's not patriotic enough, he's got a funny name," 'he doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills."'

Brian:

Therefore, Obama isn't necessarily referring to race by saying that they're playing the politics of fear based on how he looks compared to those presidents.

Sure, you keep believing that. Or, possibly, he was talking about his ears. You know none of those guys have the ears Obama has.

Clearly, it was meant to suggest that he is not white, hence a reference to race.

ESPECIALLY in the context it was said in.

But, hey, I expect there will be a thousand and one Obamaites who will say that the statement by Obama was not, in any way, tied to race.

So, when McCain brings up his age, it's ageism?

First, even *if* it was -- which I can buy as you would see if you read my previous comment, instead of rushing to type out Obamaites (oh so clever) -- Bush and McCain *are* playing the politics of fear when it comes to their comments about Obama, and I don't think it's any better or worse to play the politics of fear when it comes to his race or his experience. Either way, they're betting that Americans are stupid enough to be cowed by their prognostications of doom.

But hey, it got Bush re-elected, so maybe they're right.

At any rate, I think David is correct.

So, when McCain brings up his age, it's ageism?

No, I think that's the age card.

EDIT:

Seriously? Why can't those who oppose Obama at least come up with something clever when they're coming up with names or ways to paint his supporters? Not the most creative bunch.

Clearly, it was meant to suggest that he is not white, hence a reference to race.

Why? He does look younger, and GOP just spent 10 days yelling he was a young guy

Was it a deliberate measured comment - you betcha - and GOP fell for it - that was dumb.

FEEL GOOD

And then there's this:

JACKSONVILLE, Florida (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama said on Friday he expects Republicans to highlight the fact that he is black as part of an effort to make voters afraid of him.

"It is going to be very difficult for Republicans to run on their stewardship of the economy or their outstanding foreign policy," Obama told a fundraiser in Jacksonville, Florida. "We know what kind of campaign they're going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid.

"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?"

Of course the Obamasslicking media managed to sleep through most of that along with Brian.

This whole topic is too volatile to bear commenting. Anyway here goes. The pundits are all talking over each other and freaking out. The McCain campaign employs the word "divisive" that splits the blacks from the mainstream. The Spears-Hilton ad is sleazy but effective. It plays to cultural opposites. Two vapid paparazzi news-skanks are compared to the black candidate male in the absurd world of publicity hounds. There is also a reference to the Obama girl who became a brief celebrity early in the campaign and has been offered in various rebirths including the McCain girls. By putting Obama in the void of celebrity oddities he becomes a flash in the pan. It condemns Obama to the irrelevant which isn't fair but it's pure Rove.

The excuse of course "the dollar bills" comment is interpreted as a race based comment. Obama and his supporters have used the vote for Obama or you will prove your a racist as covert issue. Well his supporters can be pretty overt.

They are desperate and desperate people do desperate things. Mccain is out of his element and when you hear his new senior adviser you know why. This guy makes the head of Gestapo look like sugar plumb fairy.

So, when McCain brings up his age, it's ageism?

HA!

"The McCain campaign has clearly played the "age" card, and it's disgusting and offensive. This campaign will not allow Barack Obama to be disparaged in this manner." - Bill Burton

Wouldn't that be funny? The age card... lol

wmolaw #1.7: "Clearly, it was meant to suggest that he is not white, hence a reference to race."

Or, not so clearly. That's the point; the lack of explanation from Obama's end allows the statement to be completely open-ended in its meaning. You can say he was referring to race, experience, leadership, etc. It's so incredibly open-ended, people can apply it to what they want. Using a word like "clearly" shows you just want it to be based on race to validate your own beliefs, nothing more. That, in turn, makes you look like the perpetrator of injecting race.

That's why other comments stated this as a good play on Senator Obama's part.

Out there everyone is rushing to show they are not playing race, what major advantage (were) GOP playing out?

Obama has not uttered one word in the race direction in the dollar bill saga, all of it was assumed, GOP fell for it - the end result is one of the key areas they were attacking Obama on - youth - has stopped dead, they got derailed.

Exactly what Obama wanted. He's not stupid, he knows he cant seriously play the race card, but he manoevred GOP into thinking he had, and derailed a major point of attack they (used) to have on Obama.

Now he's only got to say "come on, not this again" - and the wrong image hits the mind because people will remember the "assumption" made by GOP. Obama should play chess, he'd be good at it.

Well, Bill, you've broadened the scope to "Republicans" rather than just addressing Bush and McCain.

And, when the scope is that wide, no -- I have no compunction against my own expectation (or Obama's stance that) some Republicans will figure out a way to remind key demographics that Obama is black and, here in America, we're still not quite ready for a black President.

Surely, you're not going to deny that there are Republicans who are going to find a way to exploit every possible negative perception of Obama? Being subtle about it doesn't = not doing it.

After I read the many articles about this issue I actually looked at the guys on our currency. They don't actually look old (especially Jefferson). If it's not age Obama is referring to what could it mean?

They're all guys.

They're not all Presidents (Ben's on the $100)

It's perfectly reasonable to assume Obama was referring to race.

And FWIW, I have yet to hear McCain criticize Obama because of his race. Now his experience (or lack therof), judgment, etc. are reasonable issues in an election.

Obama said "looks like"

Of course this refers to physical appearance

We don't use such wording when what we mean is the person lacks experience, or character or lies, or is honest, etc.

Obama was repeating his line from a few weeks ago. He just changed it up a bit. I don't think anyone really believes that he wasn't talking about the fact that he's black.

But I don't think that constitutes "playing the race card". I really don't even know what the hell that means.

"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?"

Bill H,...Your quote shows that Obama has indeed used the race card. I was thinking of the sleazy but sly Spears-Hilton ad and what the Obama campaign could do to counter it. Here's my idea: Get an old clip of Leona Helmsley with her dog. (This would underscore McCain's age and mean character) Also find a clip of Joan Crawford in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (Again stressing age and adding the bizarre creepiness McCain sometimes projects) Finally, if there is a clip, mix these two women with a clip of McCain deplaning with only one reporter waiting for him. If there's no clip substitute one of his sparsely attended town-hall meetings.

Yes, McBush played the race card... Does McCain actually think we as Americans are this stupid? That he can demonize Obama so he can get into the white house? All the while, we are not discussing gas prices, the high unemployment rates, the Iraq war, etc...

But here we are getting race baiting from these crooks! How can we be so stupid as Americans that someone can throw a shiny thing infront of us (Paris/Brit ad), and then we decide to continue the Bush policies? Like it's NOT enough that we had an idiot for 8 years, we're so scared of that black guy, we just want to continue with another Bush clown!

This also insults all the Obama supporters... we're idiots that are hypnotized by Obama. It minizes the new voters that are finally engaged for the first time in their life too. The ads are actually insulting US!

Not only has Obama used it, his sychophants in the press have as well with Frank Rich dealing the first card off the bottom of the deck back during the Potomac Primary in one of the most intellectually dishonest columns of his (and there is stiff competition in this regard) I can remember.

"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?"

There's two things that can happen here. 1) Obama can (hopefully) be proven wrong, meaning no Republicans will attempt to use his race, his connection to a predominantly black Church, etc. against him in the campaign which means by daring them to do it he'll get them to NOT do it just to prove him wrong which stops the race issue in its tracks or 2) someone, somewhere, will do exactly what he's suggested they'll do and which recent history suggests they will do: They will do whatever they can to make an issue out of the fact that he's a black guy, who went to a black church, and who will focus on black issues, to please his black fan base.

Either way, it's a win for Obama, which I say makes this a great strategy.

A rosey picture but not one that could carry much water. I state that I will vote for Obama unless he chooses a dreadful Veep.

You keep thinking that Brian. It will help you sleep better. Meanwhile, I guaranfingteeya that the whole issue of Barack Obama's long and personal association with a proven racist in Jeremiah Wright is continuing to haunt him in the polls despite the media's ludicrous "whitewashing" of his equivocation-filled speech in Philadelphia in which he attempted to play off his "Uncle" Jeremiah against his own elderly grandmother who he threw under his campaign bus.

It's sad the word race is being used so much by the very people on any other day would say race isn't a factor anymore. Honestly, when Senator Obama made the joke about the men on the dollar bills and coins I immediately laughed, because I thought of them as being "old and dead", not once did I think he meant black. I envisioned him and immediately saw Mccain age and historic (older) trait being the butt of the joke, which also made me think that the older crowd might not appreciate as funny,but hey that was my take on the joke...which I still find funny

Honestly, when Senator Obama made the joke about the men on the dollar bills and coins I immediately laughed, because I thought of them as being "old and dead", not once did I think he meant black

I agree, although the way he expressed it was - mischievous shall we say - he knew they would yell foul as they did. Since then not a word re experience yaddi yadda, and GOP is the only ones pushing this, that's leaves the wrong impression in public minds.

The whole thing has been a clever move. Potentially dangerous for sure, but I reckon on balance Obama got away with it. He's not insane enough to seriously use race, that kind of thing cannot happen now.

The instantaneous "aggrieved" GOP push back was very - interesting.

John Kerry made the mistake of assuming people would see through ugly Bush tactics. He made the mistake of thinking We The People were better than that and didn't need his help recognizing the Bush campaigns heavy reliance on fear, innuendo, and character assassination. We know how that turned out.

Democrats have been being routinely blindsided by the Republicans' "nothing is off the table" strategy for a long time. Since Howard Dean was neutralized by the impressive, if ugly, GOP slime machine, there has been a sweeping, all-encompassing, sea-change determination in the ranks and in the leadership of the Democratic party to stop taking it lying down. We see that loud and clear in this campaign.

Hillary Clinton said, in this past primary season, that when your opponent comes after you with slime, what you do is you deck him. She was, intentionally or not, speaking for the new Democratic strategy.

It's been amusing to watch all this faux outrage from the right, and from McCain and his spokesmen about Obama's response to their slimy campaign ads. It's like they were expecting him to take it all lying down. I don't think that's going to happen. It's sad that the only way to put a stop to this crap is to respond in kind, but the operative word here is "respond."

I made a resolution to watch, not for slime itself, but for who made the choice to deploy it first. So far it's been exclusively the right.

It would be nice if they would stop it so we could get down to brass tacks. But if they insist on using dirty bombs, we'd be damn fools to refuse to use the response most likely to defuse them.

Lets hope it does stop. It would be nice for once to see a campaign fought on true issues.

After flooring GOP with this, there is a chance that wll happen. Negative campaigning only works if the opponent does not hit back, it relys on the opponent to be the silent "agreived" one. The latter is a falacy as an effective response, regretably people these days are too eagar to drink in "slime" as some have put it.

I believe if GOP continue down this negative attack road, Obama will take them apart, because he will not lay down and ignore it, and negative campaigning is dangerous when the opposition fights back.

You keep thinking that Brian. It will help you sleep better.

I found this amusing, as I don't spend my waking hours posting every negative thing I can about McCain or, for that matter, every positive thing I can about Obama. I'm fairly confident that he'll be elected. The anti-Obama coalition on Newsvine, on the other hand, don't seem to have enough hours in the day to seed and write negative articles and comments about him, and it comes off as desperation, and a not-too-convincing effort to convince themselves that Obama is in trouble, through repetition.

Good luck with that. :)

i agree with you brian seems all the emails i get of lies and smut come from the repubs.hell even my neighbors which are die hard repubs put anti obama propaganda in my mailbox at home which i believe violates some kind of postal regulations.i never get mail from democrats with anti mccain crap.i think the repubs are pulling out all the stops on this election.being the repub party is made up of 80% white people most of them rich i can see where they might would use the race card or anything else to keep obama from becoming the prez.

Re: Obama's grandma ... I find it touching that those on the right and the anti-Obama brigade on Newsvine are so genuinely concerned on her behalf. Strange that I've not seen any complaints from members of Obama's family or from Grandma herself about the rough and tumble treatment she's received. You're like the boyscout who wants to help the old lady cross the street even though she's capable of doing so herself.

And, just to underscore my last point, anyone who believes that PoliticaCenter, Warner Todd Huston, etc. are posting (sometimes) 3 negative articles about Obama per day are doing so because they're comfortable with McCain's chances of winning this election, or because they're confident that Obama isn't going to win -- are smoking something I wouldn't mind having a toke of.

Take a look around Newsvine's politics section, and ask yourself: Are Obama's supporters really the crowd that is losing sleep over their candidates chances? One of the biggest misperceptions is that the pro-Obama crowd on Newsvine is somehow more noisy than the anti-Obama crowd.

You keep thinking that Brian. It will help you sleep better.

You know, for a while, I thought that Obama was going to take it by a landslide, because I didn't think the Republicans wanted to win. Then, I caught on that even if they don't want to win, they do want to set up a framework so that they can bash him throughout his presidency to help them in future elections, which sadly might mean no landslide. Now, I'm thinking that once you throw in the lie-filled ZOMG MUSLIM!!! email spam, the swiftboaters, mistakes Obama has made, and voter suppression, McCain could actually win this one (which may be why you've seen some strange things coming from the McCain camp, almost as if they are deliberately sabotaging him).

But you know what? Either way, it's a win for Democrats. If Obama wins, yay. If McCain wins, it will break the pattern of "Democrats clean up the messes that Republicans make" electoral pattern that we've had for a while now. Which, being that the Grand Old Party is falling apart at the seams right now, could actually destroy the Republican party as we currently know it - not only will there will be no Clinton to blame for the failures that continue long past Bush's residency in office and began in Bush II's residency, the corruption and cronyism that is rampant in the current GOP will not be checked and will only get worse.

We just have to hope the country can survive another four years, because it's going to be an all out free-for-all from a party that knows their influence is going down the drain.

Meanwhile, I guaranfingteeya that the whole issue of Barack Obama's long and personal association with a proven racist in Jeremiah Wright is continuing to haunt him in the polls

It's really not. Only among people that weren't going to vote for him anyway. I actually see the whole Wright-gate as evidence of the GOP's use of racism to discredit Obama (as do many other people), being that the whole damn country knows that right-wing preachers have been saying bat@!$%# crazy hateful @!$%# for a while now.

despite the media's ludicrous "whitewashing" of his equivocation-filled speech in Philadelphia in which he attempted to play off his "Uncle" Jeremiah against his own elderly grandmother who he threw under his campaign bus.

Again, a talking point that I hear much (neo)constant whining about, and no one else. So it doesn't seem to be actually affecting Obama with liberals and independents. Plus, "thrown under the bus" has been overused so much that it's starting to make people's ears bleed.

Didn't Clinton make similar comments when referring to the "boys club" and other gender based responses?

Good point. I hadn't thought of that. Didn't think she was playing the gender card at that time.

You fell to see a race card being played?

Which means you agree that it is being played?

Or maybe you meant you FAIL to see it being played?

Thanks Desertgirl,

I fail to see a race card being played.

He's just warning people that there is no level too low for republicans --they will do whatever it takes to win --lie, steal, cheat, and race baiting in order to win this election.

And he's right.

We've already seen the negative campaign tactics (including this one) from the desperate McBush camp. And the dirty tactics from republicans who are throwing out voter registrations. Republicans have been trying to get the "he pulled the race card!" BS to stick since the the primaries.

Hot Rod:

Of COURSE it is an attempt by McCain to distract, that's what politicians do!

But to assert that Obama was not referring to his race is just stick your head in the sand and be a holocaust denier type of person.

Seriously.

He was referring to race when he said there were people who would mount proxy attacks against him, and he's right. Is calling out overt racism playing the race card?

As for McCain's, Obama simply said he tries to distract from the real issues, which I guess is what you were saying too, great.

Obama used the race card against the Clintons with great success, now he's trying it with McCain.

Here's the snippet of his speech.

He recently used it three times until the McCain camp called him out on it forcing the Obama campaign on the defensive and excusing it off as a comment on his experience when any halfwit can see it was clearly about race.

Sen. Obama has avoided the race issue as best he could and has commented on racial issues when it was unavoidable (TUCC). He did not use the so-called race card against the Clintons; they stepped in their own mess when they made controversial comments and were unprepared for the fallout.

Did you even read the whole article or are you practicing your skill in selective vision as so many of the true believers to any cause do?

"Obama used the race card against the Clintons with great success, now he's trying it with McCain."

query,...Obama has used the race card but his supporters refuse to see it. McCain has used the race card. This is not a real issue it's a distraction. Neither have to deal with answers to issues if they tussel over race. Once again Obama has been stabbed in the back by one of the people he listens to and admires. Ludacris. Obama had to distance himself from the hiphopper over lyrics. Damage done to older and more conservative voters that Obama needs. That language maybe acceptable to the young and 94% of the blacks but it doesn't fly with some folk.

It's the underdog ploy. I never thought people would be so dumb as to fall for another Rove trick.
Both candidates have never fully engaged in a serious exploration of the issues. The debates will be of super importance this cycle. Who and when the veeps will be announced will be of great importance also. The silly season just got slimy

No the silly season is always like this.

Yeah, I remember too many times. It's political blight.

Don't let that confuse you. Maybe you don't know this, but every time you're black, it doesn't matter what you say, you're automatically pulling the race card.

Obama has in fact been black throughout the entire election process, and he's made no indications that he's going to stop. Absolutely shameful!

Obama has in fact been black throughout the entire election process, and he's made no indications that he's going to stop. Absolutely shameful!

Wait Obama didn't just dye his skin?! You mean he didn't choose his skin tone?!

@7.1 your sarcasm falls flat when it speaks the truth. Obviously it wasn't the whole campaign but often enough to be unmistakable.

Lisa, the race card came up today was because it's all McCain's camp has...

The economy is in the toilet, the war in Iraq was a total farce, the man who planned 9/11 is still living the good life in Afghanistan, and the American people are pissed.

McCain can only hope to scare the hell out of the American people...

People should Google Forrestal/McCain, and see what really happened when McCain wrecked his 4th jet, and a ship. Some hero... Hot shot is more apt...

The "race card" is all Obama has. Geraldine Ferraro was correct in saying that Obama is in the position he is in because of his race. He has no experience whatsoever. He does not have any well laid out plans. He doesn't understand economics. That is why, in al of his speeches, he says he is a newcomer, that looks different, and that does thins differently. A white man, with the same lack of experience, would not be in this position. It is fact. It is nothing against Obama. He is a tremendous speaker, a great father, and a great husband and that is about it. He is a juniro senator from Illinois, who has served less than one year in the Senate.

theblogman,

Sorry, I have to disagree with you on your opinion of Obama. Obama has way more than the racial issue in his campaign battles with McCain. He's smarter, he's classier, he's more intelligent, he's fresh and young, he's got an intelligent and accomplished wife, he knows how to bring people together (Rep and Dem), he's a hard worker.

Compare barackobama.com and johnmccain.com. Obama's website actually lays out specifics for his vision to address the major issues the U.S. is facing. McCain's website is loaded with the same old rhetoric...and little else.

Now, based on McCain's slimy Hilton/Spears ads (nice clean campaign there, McCain), the media is asking, Is Obama arrogant, pompous, presumptuous, elitist, will he deliver on his campaign promises? What ludicrous questions after some of McCain's claims:

McCain has publicly said, "These are some of the things I would hope to achieve at the end of my first term as president (an assumption that smacks of presumption):

"By January 2013, the Iraq war has been won."
"...there's no longer any place in the world al-Qaida can consider a safe haven."
"The United States has experienced several years of robust economic growth..."
"The world food crisis has ended..."
"Our southern border is now secure."
"I've been there, I've done it, I know how to win wars..."

If those claims aren't arrogant and pompous (not to mention impossible), I don't know what is.

In contrast to McCain's rhetoric, Obama meets with a panel of economic experts to craft his own plan for economic recovery.

When you say Obama "has no experience whatsoever," I have to ask, what experience did GWB have other than bankrupting an oil company or two? Obama's work in south Chicago neighborhoods, helping the working poor to begin to lift themselves out of poverty, is an admirable part of his resume.

Obama is a newcomer, he does look different and he does appear to think differently. Thank God. He's got vision that this country hasn't seen in a political leader in more years than I can recall.

Lyn: Lisa, the race card came up today was because it's all McCain's camp has...

The economy is in the toilet, the war in Iraq was a total farce, the man who planned 9/11 is still living the good life in Afghanistan, and the American people are pissed.

McCain can only hope to scare the hell out of the American people...

People should Google Forrestal/McCain, and see what really happened when McCain wrecked his 4th jet, and a ship. Some hero... Hot shot is more apt...

You're right all the way across the board, in my opinion. If McCain is such an experienced, qualified candidate to lead the free world, why is he trying to rip Obama instead of shouting about his own accomplishments? All I ever hear from McCain is rhetoric...and I'm sick of it, from all the politicians who do that.

I would expect the McCain campaign to resort to fear tactics. It's become a Republican mantra to maintain power.

Thanks, by the way, for the Forrestal mention. I had no knowledge of this incident. I hope others here will Google it and learn more about McCain's war hero status.

Thank God. He's got vision that this country hasn't seen in a political leader in more years than I can recall.

At last - the word Vision appears, I could kiss you :)

America doesnt know what it wants to be any more - its evolved into a personal dream machine, its forgotten its roots.

That's the real prize of this Hugely, Hugely important Election, the cross roads is to continue to go along the downward spiral of individual success and wealth (which only leads to who scratches whose eyes out first), or go along a path of collective wisdom and success based on defined values and peoples wants and needs. The latter is what the Founding Fathers intended, and what was forgotten in the 20th Century.

Please God you guys get this right this time round.

Well said! [1 terrorist fist bump to you]!

I think the fact that a female and a mixed man were in the finals of a party race, show America's maturing. Slowly but it's there.

Well said Machiavelii, This could be great experience for the Country if both Candidates and their Campaigns will let it go strictly to the issues, Lord knows there are enough of them. Discussing them straight up will be educating and problem solving. Lets try it and see what happens.

"...voting for BHO will (not) absolve Aerican (sic, American) of its racist sins, past prejudices nor redeem the nation."

Machiavelli,...Your comment looks like it came out of you with a great explosion of energy. You brought up an important point that isn't often addressed. Both covertly and overtly both campaigns have played the race card. Then there follows days of finger pointing and outrage with no resolution. If both camps admit they use race as an issue this short-circuits the blaming. Still the is that sad, sad recognition that white guilt drives many Americans to believe that voting for Barack will address and redeem the sorry list quoted above. Then there's the Ludacris lyrics and Obama is on record that he listens to and respects him. What disaster this week has been for BHO.

Then there's the Ludacris lyrics and Obama is on record that he listens to and respects him. What disaster this week has been for BHO.

Yeah, Obama did say they he liked Ludacris before Ludacris' jabs at McCain. John Mellencamp told McCain to not use his songs. Obama is the first candidate where what music he listens to, is questioned. Howard Dean like The Fugees, much like President Bill Clinton. But Obama has to be responsible for everyone.

And so people don't think Ludacris is this evil MC / Actor. Here some more of Ludacris' lyrics.

"Runaway Love" Now little lisa is only 9 years old
Shes tryin to figure out why the world is so cold
Why shes all all alone and they never met her family
Mamas always gone and she never met her daddy
Part of her is missin and nobody will listenin
Mama is on drugs gettin high up in the kitchen
Bringin home men at different hours of the night
Startin with laughs--usually endin in a fight
Sneak into her room while her mamas knocked out
Tryin to have his way and little lisa says 'ouch'
She tries to resist but then all he does is beat her
Tries to tell her mom but her mama don't believe her
Lisa is stuck up in the world on her own
Forced to think that hell is a place called home
Nothin else to do but some get some clothes and pack
She says shes bout to run away and never come back.

Little erica is eleven years old
Shes steady tryin to figure why the world is so cold
So she pops x to get rid of all the pain
Cause shes havin sex with a boy whos sixteen
Emotions run deep and she thinks shes in love
So theres no protection hes usin no glove
Never thinkin bout the consequences of her actions
Livin for today and not tomorrows satisfaction
The days go by and her belly gets big
The father bails out he aint ready for a kid
Knowin her mama will blow it all outta proportion
Plus she lives poor so no money for abortion
Erica is stuck up in the world on her own
Forced to think that hell is a place called home
Nothin else to do but get her clothes and pack
She say shes about to run away and never come back.

If Edwards or Clinton or Romney had become the presumptive nominees for their parties and it came out that they listened to music that many people find highly offensive (like some forms of rap) I think their taste in music and what it meant to their beliefs (if anything) would be examined.

It may not be right, but it's certainly true, that many people associate rap with criminal elements in society and believe that rap somehow causes some of the worst crimes. Or that it advocates and praises a certain lifestyle and certain behaviors (like treatment of women). Bottom line: It frightens many people. And I can imagine that many more people will be scared of Obama because Ludacris did what he has done for years. I am not saying it's right, but it will happen.

As for rappers like Ludacris, Nas, others are simply salespeople and the product they sell is something people want. Big deal.

Hmm... how do we know that everything that Obama listens to from Ludacris is offensive? Above is an example of a socially acceptable song from him.

And does this apply to movies as well? I mean, if you find a certain movie offensive (maybe it's too violent, or there's some nudity in it, and it bothers you), does it undermine a candidate's judgment if he likes that movie? What about a TV show like Family Guy that a lot of people find offensive?

If Ludacris' lyrics are so innocent why did Obama immediately say they were shameful. The candidate said he thought they were bad.

Bad argument, jade-log. Obama said one set of lyrics from one song were shameful. Artists have this thing that the industry calls "a catalogue" which is comprised of multiple songs. It's possible to be offended by one song out of a catalogue of acceptable songs.

I meant that the candidate felt he had to distance himself from these lyrics. Those who are not avid fans of hiphop may find these words inflammatory. They're not stupid because they didn't understand the lyrics in a 2008 sort of way. They just belong to a generation in which there was a modicum of respect. He needese voters to win. Attacking them will not win their hearts.

Very Good, and very true. We are more Civilized than the Bush or McCain era people.
And, it has nothing to do with Movies or Media commentaries. It has to do with prevelance
of common sense. We are all in this Mess together regardless of Race, Religion,or whatever. We are all children of the universe and that fact remains, that together we will all survive, but surely, Divided we will all Perish. Good luck Oboma, and may the Great Spirit be always with you!

Confusing accusations

Isn't it usually the opponent who is accused of playing (whatever) card?

McCain says he's old - is he playing the ageism card?
Obama says McCain's old - ageism

Obama says he's black - is he playing the racist card?
McCain says Obama's black - racism

It's been a long day - makes no sense to me.

It's stupid to pretend this isn't what's happening, but that's just the beginning. It's terminally stupid to cling to the old way of doing politics when Obama has run a clean race and is mopping the floor with McCain, who's got nothing BUT negative fluff to say in his commercials.

I'm fairly certain it was the media that played up the Rev. Wright issue (or non-issue depending on one's perspective)

Rev. Wright himself stirred up the issue when he appeared and performed at a press corp function. He drew attention to himself and Obama threw him under the bus.

rouge independent

Wait, you're a commie independent?

Alex - perhaps you should look into Cynthia McKinney, the Green candidate. This is a great opportunity to vote for a 3rd party candidate (whoever you choose), since McCain's obviously hanging himself.

Brian F,...You sly devil. I caught that too.

I agree. If we could just get all the politicians out of office then we would have a real chance of getting a government that is truly for We the People.

I think we all realize Alex meant "rogue" not "rouge" Still it's funny. Let's be a little forgiving we all make typos.

We all make doozies and it's fun to find them.

I think we all realize Alex meant "rogue" not "rouge" Still it's funny. Let's be a little forgiving we all make typos.

I think we all realize Orlando meant "fail" and not "fell" as well, if we want to get specific, yet you pointed *that* gaff out.

you know what really disturbs me --- theres black people out there who don't give a crap about politics, and have absolutely no education in the political field, or even education itself. all they care about is that there is a black candidate running for president. i can almost guarantee obama wins, due to random black votes that have no political view or education. i can give perfect examples of black people that i know, who frankly and sorry to say are dumb as rocks, and still support obama just "because". I've only heard people with real respective views go for McCain. The future seems very scary to me as a young person

I fell to see the humor, so I'm leaving. Gotta put on some rouge.

oops. Typo!

You're mind is obviously Closed. Appropriatly, your mouth should be also.

Lisa - glad to hear you've come around to racism making your skin crawl. I guess you'll have something more intelligent to say about GOP and Dem officials scrubbing blacks off the voter rolls now?

Well you know it is funny that on many of the conservative boards that is exactly the kind of sentiment that is heard or seen on those boards. I read things all the time like "Osama - Obama-Sounds like a terrorist to me" or takes on his middle name. Sure all of these may be simple plays on his name but they illude to the immagry that people see on the news of people who do bad and terrible things like Osama Bin Ladin and Saddam Hussien. So in that way the Republican party have already played the race card, because every time they repeat those things they are hoping that people will associate his name with people of that other culture, and also in that they hope to appeal to the white supremecists in this country. After all that is all the republican party has anymore is to drive fear into people, because fear makes people stupid.

The republicans are continuining to use the politics of fear. Their network FOX was talking about Osama bin laden (remember him) but put the name Obama. Of course republicans will say it is an innocent mistake but this is not the first or even close to the last mistake it will make.

"Osama - Obama-Sounds like a terrorist to me"

jmorgan-12.2--nice try---but try as the Obama camp may---this is NOT the kind of campaign that John McCain is running----Obama is just trying to say that he is--falsely and unfairly. As Lieberman said on MTP today- YES absolutely our strategy is to paint obama as the risky choice--for a whole buncha reasons NOT one of which has anything to do with the color of his skin or his funny name. And after you hear a funny name 5 million times---it doesn't sound so funny anymore---so why does obama keep bringing up the cheap funny name stuff? Does it have anything to do with playing on white guilt to get elected?

Lieberman is a opportunist sob, he has played both sides of the fence since 06 when he couldn't win as a Democrat and went Independent but held on to his dem caucus position so he could get a good Committee appointment, then turned coated to McCain hoping for some kind of Cabinet seat because politically he is done when his Senate term is done. He is a man with no party. So anything he said is suspect.

Sally---and since the independent vote will determine this election I can assure you the GOP is plenty happy to have lieberman on our side this time.

I actually think he was referring to his middle name, Hussein, and his last name which superficially sounds like Osama

Perhaps this is in response to the high school students who are passing out Obama = Osama pins.

Maybe that his name is Barack, which can sound like Boo Clock. In an obvious, liberal media attempt to get the ghost vote. next week Casper & Space Ghost will endorse Boo Clock.

jfrank,...Barack is in Hebrew Barruch which means blessed.

Honestly, who cares what his name is or sounds like or means?

Did his parents ask him if he was okay with the names they chose for him?

I realize SOME people think it matters, but most Republicans I have spoken to don't care. They are more concerned with real things, like taxes, increased government spending, increased social welfare programs, increased regulation and the like.

They are more concerned with real things, like taxes, increased government spending, increased social welfare programs, increased regulation and the like.

Desertgirl,...Both campaigns have avoided addressing the huge problems we face because any solution will/may have unexpected consequences. If they continue this shadow boxing we will have to elect someone that we don't know what will happen. McCain has a record but he's seeming to favor Bush programs, in fact lately he's been more Bush than Bush. Obama's record is sparse with 130 present votes in Illinois and one bill under his belt. So we really have no idea of what he will do. Now we are arguing over celebrity. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

Let us all forget the Biblical Crap and get on with living the real life that our Creator intended us to do. No one on the face of this earth, is better than anyone else.

Yes, Bill and his Sax (and sex) did change things somewhat. The real fact is, young people today who are our leaders tomorrow,are far more civilized and understanding of the real issues than their predecessors ever were. God Bless you all.

Obama mentioned it, not McCain.

Did you read the article? You can read, correct?

Desertgirl - Duh! Yes, believe it or not but I can and did read the article. I also managed to grasp what it said, what the innuendo being made was, and even the direction of the 'spin'. But that may be too, nuanced for you?

I doubt McCain did all the work to create the ad. Candidates have agencies and people who do that.

However, the celebrity ad, IMO, had 2 kinds of messages:

1. The message that Obama is as many believe an "empty suit" with nothing of real substance to offer (like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears or many other celebrities)

2. The message that many Obama supporters are drawn to style and not substance, as many people are drawn to the "style" of manufactured celebrities like Paris and Britney.

It's actually funny.

Funny but hitting a new low. It's becoming a depressing campaign.

I don't see anything "low" about this add. It is making a statement about the celebrity treatment that Obama gets the public and the media. Maybe the reason that liberals are so ticked off is because it hits very close to the truth.

Well the whole drill for it solution won't work either. This whole shale drilling means mining. It means the entire removal of rock from areas of the rocky mountains, it means it would cost more than it is worth to get to it. And as for Off shore drilling, guess what it is a good 15 years or more before it has any effect at all. Not to mention the fact that the united states sits on approx 2 - 3 % of the worlds reserves, that means that we can only alter the price of the worlds oil by like pennies, a dime at most. That is your big plan destroy our coastal waters to save 10 cents at the pump. And think of this, where to Hurricanes hit. OH thats right in the ocean, and they are going to sit there and claim that a barge carring a oil drill will withstand 100+ mile an hour winds, and if they have struck oil, and a hurricane hits, guess what oil spill, and that oil will end up on the shoreline of Florida. HMMM really a great idea, only a absolute genius could have thought that one up.

Oh and guess what MR phone tapper bush made government more bigger, because he wants to listen to your phone calls, and read your mail and e-mail, funding for that has to come from somewhere.

As we have seen in recent days just the mention of possibly opening up the coast has resulted ina significant drop. Commodities market works on future supply and demand. As far as drilling goes the federal government should have never stopped it. It is a states rights issue, some states like california may elect to not allow drilling others may see an economic advantage. An off shore oil rig is far safer environmemntally that the hundreds of thousands of tanker crossing our ocean everyday. I would remind you as well that the offshore rigs held up perfectly fine during Katrina. Not to mention the high paying jobs that these operations bring. Doing NOTHING, accomplishes NOTHING.

I might remind you that its cost 1.25 cents to make 1.00 of Ethanol.

On the phone tapping thing, Obama voted for FISA, I guess that makes him Mr "Phone tapping' Obama?

Here you go lets do this, I can solve the housing crisis, the fuel shortage and create jobs all at once. Lets tear down all the suburban Vinyl sided houses, Force people to move back into urban centers so they dont have to commute They can move into and fix up all the foreclosures, which will create jobs . We just solved all our problems!

Maybe you'd just prefer to live in a cave, or maybe the "ythical, magical land of Obama" where everything is viewed with rose colored glasses and common sense is ignored?

Neither can handle "it".

The economy is not within anyone's control.

And in the past when governments have attempted to control its 2 primary forces (supply and demand) the result has been disaster.

The best way for government to "handle the economy" is to put a framework in place (rule of law, some basic protections, respect for contracts, low taxes) and then get the heck out of the way.

Everyone here should hope that our economic situation has improved before 2010 and the next President: Anyone with a concept of financial history knows what happens when taxes are raised during tough economic times)

"might I remind you that its cost 1.25 cents to make 1.00 of Ethanol."

No Mcgovern repeat 08,...Might I remind everyone that in Iowa most voters grow corn which are heavily subsidized by the government. One of Obama's big Corporate doners is Archer-Daniels-Midland the folks who bring us ethanol and drive our food prices because we can't feed livestock corn.

Drilling will work. That is why they are called "Oil Futures." Commodotie traders, who set the price, bet on what something will cost in the future. Drilling will lower oil prices immediately. Anyone who disagree has a fundamental lack of understanding about basic economics.

Thank you for your contribution to the war effort. Had Obama been in your age group, I'm sure he would also have participated quite willingly. Thank God he was'nt and is now here to bring our part of the world into a more civilized realm.

He wasn't, and he didn't. If horses had wings they could fly. He would more have been like all the other LIBERALS that trashed us when we came back or would have fled to Canada. In times of global peace MAYBE we can use a true humanitarian in office, not one who puts a mask on. He is not experienced enough to be in the position and therefore is not qualified to be president. He might have made a good VP choice if there were anyone from the democratic party who might have made a good president, but there wasnt. Let us put an ex Naval Aviator in office so we at least know that when we go to sleep at night, our military is ready to rock wherever they need to go to ensure that democracy stands tall.

I think both the Dems and the GOP engage in fear mongering

McCain has said if Obama wins bad stuff will happen.

Obama says if McCain wins bad stuff will happen.

The other non-major party candidates say if either McCain or Obama wins bad stuff will happen.

Bad stuff is going to happen no matter what. It's called life.

Yeah, you are right. The Republicans are fear mongers.

Yea Right!!!!!