Ignoring Race?

14May08

The Wall Street Journal thought this was Quotable

Obama has run a brilliant campaign. He has won over many white voters by making them proud to vote for a supremely educated and capable man who, at his best, makes race a secondary concern. It is not inconsistent, unfair or unsavory to point out, at the same time, that Obama has been growing weaker over the months in his ability to win all but black voters. Nor am I necessarily suggesting that white voters are drifting from him because of his race – as opposed to judgments about the content of his character or candidacy. This is about facing facts. And history will reflect poorly on Democrats if they believe it is virtuous to ignore race in the name of nominating the first black candidate for the White House – even if it means giving the Republicans a better chance to once again walk away with the big prize of the presidency.
-Juan Williams Political Analyst for NPR and Fox News

I’d say this is about half correct. Juan Williams is wrong to suggest that Obama’s support among white has eroded. I think we’re seeing more clearly what his appeal to white voters is, then was clear earlier. Most importantly, Juan Williams is right to suggest that Democrats would be wrong to ignore the issue of his appeal to white voters.

However, I’m not sure what they’re supposed to do about it. Start running ads with pictures Obama’s white mother? Teach Barack how to bowl better? Try to convince people he loves NASCAR racing?

Obama’s strategy on race had been to transcend race. Then came half a million little racially charged swipes from the Clinton campaign and Rev. Wright and now the big thing is suggesting that Obama needs to do something different about appealing to whites.

The following things are likely to happen, 1) Hillary Clinton will endorse Barack Obama and give a speech at the convention enthusiastically calling for him to be elected, and 2) Barack Obama will choose a white running. Other then that, what Barack supposed to do?

If you’ve got ideas I’d like to hear them, but right now I’d say his best bet to continue trying to transcend the issue of race.

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Tags: Barack Obama, Juan Williams, Obama Electability