The Race Race

Shouldn’t we be honest about this?

Let’s face it: The word “electability” is another term for “voter racism.” In other words, would Barack Obama be able to get enough support to overcome the lingering bigotry in this country? It’s a fair question, but if we’re going to deal with it we need to face it head on.

Let’s put it in perspective, though. Whether it’s Obama or Clinton who gets the nomination, he or she will not only make history, but will carry the added burden of oppression that is still with us.

Let’s face it, the Republicans have a lock on both the racists and misogynists. There are so many devious ways to exploit prejudice.

Don’t for a minute forget that the passion of proud women or African-Americans, up next to the ugliness of threatened white males, uh, pales in comparison.

Remember Willy Horton? Or all the attention we paid to Hillary’s neckline? Yes, there are all kinds of ways smarmy campaign operatives can obscure their appeals to our worst instincts, and I guarantee you they will.

They already have, actually. On the Democratic side, there are those in the Clinton camp keep who keep talking in code about Obama’s race and then squeal in red-faced outrage when they’re called out on it. Rest assured, this is a preview of coming attractions.

Obama has to get over the illusion that the country is color-blind. We’ve made some progress, but not enough to get past the racial fears that unprincipled politicians can exploit, and will.