Should Obama's race be a campaign issue?

[Onlooker]

I read that undecided independent white men are breaking disproportionately for McCain, and that's why the polls remain close. Do you think these people could be shamed into considering Obama?

I think that a religious group should organize a major gathering of right and left ministers to jointly condemn anyone who allows race to affect his or her judgment of Obama.

While the outright racist would not vote for Obama under any circumstance, there are a number of independents who claim they are not racist. But, then these same people, say things like they won't vote for Obama because he's an empty suit or because his pastor said some controversial things or because he might be Muslim -- all things that would not be said if Obama was white. Some of these people could be shamed into considering Obama, and it's for the clergy to act on principle and do this.

I think it's right wing that's foisting the idea on America that we should pretend race is not an issue. Why is everyone pretending? Why is everyone lying? Why are we still so afraid of the right wing?

On edit: It's this article that prompted the question:

http://iowaindependent.com/5627/sebelius-obamas-race-may-be-a-factor

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Campaign issue?

No.

Just a plain old fashioned issue.

[JuniperLea]

2. Shamed into voting?

No.

They should be ashamed of themselves, no question. But to use this is pretty low... imho.

[Onlooker]

3. Oops

That was a mistake. I actually meant to say, "shamed into considering Obama." Sorry.

[liberalmuse]

4. I don't think it will matter by November.

If the economy keeps diving like this, even people who had qualms about voting for a black man are going to pull the lever for Obama.

[firedupdem]

5. No...I think that anybody who's not voting for him for that reason will

not change minds....They are out spray painting nazi crap in Michigan..they can't be reached. Fuck em

[FrenchieCat]

6. The election hasn't happened yet, so I'm not sure why

you're reading about what Undecided Independent White men are deciding to do. :shrug:

But I don't believe that it will even be close......in spite of White Undecided Independent.

[Onlooker]

7. Washington Post

The Washington Post had an article that said in Ohio, McCain is keeping it competitive because undecided white men, when they decide, are breaking in large numbers for McCain.

[SuperTrouper]

8. No it should not be an issue. We should be color-blind and we should elect the most qualified

American candidate. In the end the economy will trump all issues since people vote their pocket. We are quite practical in America and we will elect barack Obama as our 44th President.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. If we were color blind...

McCain wouldn't even be competetive.

[ibegurpard]

10. Question

How do you see bringing up race helping the Obama campaign in any way?

[FrenchieCat]

11. Perhaps that is not Poster's intention.....

to help the Obama campaign. :shrug:

[Onlooker]

12. In a number of ways

- It would rally people of color even more than they are rallied now.
- It would shame people to consider Obama without factoring in his race.
- It would create a powerful controversy and the right would almost certainly overplay it's hand and begin to alienate independents.

And, it's really a valid issue that as a matter of principle should not be ignored. Obama is at his best when he speaks the truth.

That said, I do recognize their are risks, but I really think the risks to right are greater.

[ibegurpard]

13. wrong, wrong and wrong

People of color are excited as are many, many others.
Trying to shame people who wouldn't vote for him because of his race will simply steel their resolve.
It would create a controversy that would backlash to a huge extent as he would be seen as just "another angry black man" playing the race card.

Thankfully, the people running the campaign realize all of this and will stay a million miles away from it.

[lamp_shade]

14. He's certainly not treating as an issue.