So maybe the conversation should be about the Democrats having a "white" problem?
And that is the entire point of Obama's campaign.
For decades, the Right has divided working class people using lifestyle and so-called "values" issues--to the point where voting for a progressive ticket just isn't in their DNA. Clinton, unfortunately, seems to be using the same tactics in her quest for the White House.
But Obama is trying to not just win the presidency, but to convince these working class people that progressive values are working class values. The end results would be not just a Democratic president, but a different electoral and political map. A different way to doing business. And this is a change that could begin to reverse the Right's influence and last for generations.
As a left-leaning independent, that is what's so appealing about Obama and so dispiriting about Clinton. I don't expect miracles from either. But the choice between a long-range political vision vs. how much gas costs in July is a no-brainer.
"to convince these working class people that progressive values are working class values"
Exactly it. Well said. Recouping our progressive roots.
I agree with you about the point of Obama's campaign. The problem is he fails miserably at it. Hillary Clinton is persuading working class people that progressive solutions are better, and that is why she wins working class whites, Hispanics and Asians.
Obama wins nearly all African Americans because he may be the best president for African Americans, not through an appeal to progressive issues.
That is another reason I prefer Hillary Clinton, she articulates the progressive stand on issues in a way that persuades swing voters. That is what we have to do to achieve a progressive long-range political vision.
I hear you.
I think the biggest difference is tactics. Clinton (like the last four presidents) has to--to some degree--"con" those voters into supporting progressive values with gimmicks and distractions. An example of that would be the gas tax holiday.
Obama's alternative--walking us carefully through the nuances of a problem and taking note of the required sacrifice--is tricky. It doesn't lead to catchy soundbites. And it may be too hard of a sell for the majority of the working class.
I certainly hope otherwise.
(And in case you're wondering, I don't let Obama off the hook completely. His refusal to support gay marriage is a political gimmick and a real disappointment.)
BTW, thanks for replying in a respectfully disagreeing kind of way. Appreciate it.
Obama became president of the Harvard Law Review by pitting the conservatives against the progressives.
He got to be a state senator by suing his friend who helped him politically and getting her name off the balot.
He won his U.S. senate seat in IL by running against a nut who didn't even live in the state.
He's about to win the Democratic nomination by tarring Democratic president Clinon and Senator Clinton with race-bating charges that are utterly FALSE!!!
He's inexperienced and has troubling associations that can easily be exploited by Republicans. He will not change the map (not in a positive way).
He can't even win a red-state in 15 minutes from where he lives even though he has a HUGE money advantage.
By playing the race card against two good and fine Democrats he's lost me, and I'm not alone.
His race-bating strategy is sickening and it will split the party.
"He can't even win a red-state in 15 minutes from where he lives even though he has a HUGE money advantage."
Well, he actually CRUSHED Hillary in the part of the state that's fifteen minutes from his house. Damn near won the state based on Gary.
Compelling. You should totally vote for McCain.
Fow yeaws the Wight has won mowe whites. Hillawy could have stopped that, but Bawack and his cwazy wevewend Wight will sink us with the white and the Wight fowevew!
