I think Obama needs to subtly tackle some of the latent racism out there.

[closeupready]

He can't do it in such a way that it will be obvious, because then he gets charged with "playing the race card". But the polling does seem to indicate that race will be a factor in how people vote, even though people will not admit it. It is totally not fair, but it is a reality, IMO.

So I was thinking, would it be helpful if he did some campaign commercials, talking about his mother, showing us photos of them together as background info and talking about the American values she imparted him? There are many people who are unaware of his family background, and I think this would be constructive.

Believe me, as any basic DU search will demonstrate, I am totally on the Obama train and have been, but I am concerned about this. I wouldn't have brought this subject up at this point, except that they were talking about it on Meet The Press today, the possibility of latent racism rearing its head in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Do you think this is a good idea, or not? Why or why not?

[BlooInBloo]

1. The worst thing a black person can do is talk about racism to white folks....

That's an immediate "game over".

EDIT: Unless the black person simply lies, and tells white people what they want to hear, of course.

[closeupready]

2. But that's the beauty of just telling his own story. He can just talk about

the facts, not racism, and the facts of his own family history immediately belie the meme that Obama is an Other. He is arguably more American than John McCain, but people are not aware of Obama's background. Just yesterday, a good friend (who wants an Obama win) told me, "even I didn't know his mother was white."

[BlooInBloo]

3. There's no reaching bigots, either subtly or overtly. Just wait for them to die.

[Fire1]

16. Amen, to that!

[democracy1st]

17. GOP doesn't care about facts ,leave race on the shelf

[knowledgeispwr]

8. Completely agree

Obama is doing good to not bring attention to it. It's sad, but that's how our nation works.

[treestar]

4. I agree, his mother was an unusual and amazing person

I saw a clip of O talking about her once and it was beautiful.

A lot of pics and the ones with his grandparents.

[salonghorn70]

5. September May Be A Little Late For Biographical Ads

[treestar]

10. It's not too late - the low information voter might actually not know

And it's a reminder for others.

[saracat]

6. He already has a commercial out with pictures of his Mom in them.

And I think his family background is really well known. He just needs to address the issues that face each state.The Economy trumps everything and people are demanding solutions.

[glowing]

7. You can't talk about race.. It makes people squeemish to face the reality

of their own black hearts...

Another thing, there are some people who think it is wrong for different colors to mix. I was told when I was dating a bi-racial man, that (and this was coming from a person living in New York), "my grandfather has a theory about these things: A raven does NOT mate with a Robin, it mates with another raven". So, just because his mother was white, doesn't make Obama more like white people. Its still one of those issues that people on both sides have problems with... There are black people who think its wrong: I've heard more than one black girl talk negatively about white girls stealing all the "good" brothers and leaving them the irresponsible trash.. I mean look at Tiger Woods, couldn't that white bitch leave the man to a sister". AND when I was with my ex, there were more than a few stares at our holding hands or sharing a peck kiss. AND I know him being bi-racial, he wasn't well accepted in the black community as he grew up. They didn't feel he was "black" enough. They called him a mutt. He'd always say, "I'm black enough to be hassled by the police, but NOT black enough to enjoy a backyard bar-b-cue and a game of b-ball." At that time, we were in South Carolina. I think we had more disapproval from our liberal northern friends than we did from our southern friends (we were in college, so we were probably surrounded by the more tolerant southern crowd with a coupld of brain cells). I remember before starting to acually date him having the discussion as to whether or not to even get involved with him. What would my friends think, would I lose friends, would we be attacked if out together... it isn't a conversation someone would think you should have if you care for someone.

The fact that Obama is where he is today is absolutely amazing. The discusion cannot go into racism. Its something to discuss once he's elected, but not on the road to the White House other than to mention that it is what it is.

[MrScorpio]

9. Obama's brand of language transcends race

It's what got him this far and will take him farther

By changing his tone, he's going to upset the apple cart

You know what I like? Having his uncle weigh in about how he fought for the freedom that his nephew now has to run for pres and be a party's nominee.

[BumRushDaShow]

13. I've heard it now dubbed "post-racial", which was an interesting moniker. n/t

[Joanne98]

11. NOT HIM!

[BumRushDaShow]

12. He's already done this

See these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aR3Gpsn4v4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdaDzCMJTZ0

He also gave a 40 minute speech here in Philly at the Constitution Center back in March.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo

It's sad that despite the near-perfection of this candidate and his family, it's never enough.

[formernaderite]

14. NO...Biden should do it

Because as hard as it is to hear...these are blue union democrats. Biden should be spending a lot of time up in those areas of Michigan and Wisconsin...as well as Pennsylvannia. I've heard similar even in my blue state of maryland amongst guys I work with in the building industry. But for them it's less the racial component than feeling they don't connect with Obama...too liberal, too wonky etc. Biden even with his gaffes...talks like a regular guy.

[closeupready]

18. That's actually an EXCELLENT idea. Biden can do this effectively.

I hope this is in the works somehow - maybe I should send their staffers an email (I know, they get probably thousands every day, but I have to try and do my part).

[Fire1]

15. I watched Meet the Press this a.m.

and didn't hear ANY questions or reference to RACE! GENDER, yes!