Obama and Race

I think this is hilarious, but maybe it’s just because of my bizarre love of bad 1970s and 80s movies.

On a sadder note, I was originally fairly optimist about the Obama campaign. I think he is a very strong candidate – He has always been the smartest person in the race, progressive, and advocates market-based solutions. Although I may not agree with them, they’re generally much more rational that Hillary’s policies, which generally are just poorly designed handouts to various interest groups. On top of it, I admit I am fairly enthusiastic about the prospect of a black President. That hopefully would help put a lot of the U.S.s racial history behind us. Also, I think a President Obama would have added strength on foreign affairs, dealing with a Hugo Chavez type for example.

But increasingly I’m worried this election will only increase racial tension. I do think Hillary’s campaign has tried to divide the Democratic party along racial lings to defeat Obama and it hasn’t been as successful as she needed. I consider Obama the presumptive nominee.

Now, John McCain doesn’t seem to have a racist bone in his body. I strongly doubt he will try to play the race card as Hillary has. But no doubt, some people affiliated or not at all affiliated with the McCain campaign will say some regrettable or just not well thought out things. But even if they don’t, Obama supporters will no doubt think they see racism. Witness