Speak Out!
Negative Seems to Work
Tue, 03/04/2008 - 22:47 | Politics
Various polls have suggested that voters seem to be turned off by negative campaign ads. Yet, that hasn't stopped presidential candidates from using such tactics.
In the weeks since the Super Tuesday contests on February 5, Clinton has lost 11 contests in a row... Her campaign has responded by going increasingly negative, criticizing Obama… Indeed, the Clinton campaign has just released a negative TV ad that blasts Obama on that last point. These hits have not gone unanswered. In fact, the Obama camp has often responded with lightning speed... All of this is arguably fair game in a tough election fight, especially with so much at stake. But it's hard not to describe it as negative campaigning.If voters want a different, clean campaign about the issues, why does negative campaigning seem to work?
Never Mind Success...Go For Greatness
Comments
Something is happening in the
Something is happening in the universe that has us all scratching or will be scratching our heads. Storms are raging from globe to globe and yet we still gather around the table of foolishness and debate race. When the floods come bashing upon your homes-will race save you? It is time out for the foolish media and all who agree with the ignorance that captures the headlines-This nonsense needs to stop.
Okay if we don't stop and correct our errors-we will pay for all the bad seeds we have sown into the universe. I know there are a majority of skeptics and mockers who may be reading this now and saying to themselves-yeah right, but take a look around us and take notes. "What kind of power do we really have over the universe?" What is happening to the universe? Look at the death tolls rising in only seconds. People losing their lives in a matter of minutes in large numbers-coincident, I believe its not.
Are we so arrogant that we truly believe we run this planet? I think over the years, some have come to believe heaven and earth is solely in the hands of the powerful, guess again.
Power to me is a dangerous energy when mishandled. Now while mainstream media sits upon their thrones; you know the kind like Bill O'Reillys who never seem to utter justice for all, but yet consistently promote division and hate. But while he sits in his arrogance among others who shares his viewpoints, let it be known that the Universe of truth has its day for the wicked and divisional people.
How much more will we endure this-not long? I see change coming but it's in a great ball of devastating all over the planet. This energy is out to destroy the arrogance of this world! Sounds foolish to some, but watch and take notes. While you were yet sleeping the storms will take away it all. You don’t have to be a believer, just a witness.
We have created an inevitable seed of hate and division; and guess who will reap the harvest? For those that are in power-your seeds will decide your harvest. If you have ignored the cry of the poor, homeless, people of this planet, ignore now -but later you will pay the price.
And while we are so fixated on skin color, lo and behold let us not even think about what are really the needs of this country. When progress stands at the door, the ignorant is: "Standing at every crossway on the road that leads to the future, each progressive spirit is opposed by a thousand men appointed to guard the past".
But as we know every great Empire Fall, take a look at Rome, good example.
America has yet to realize that "It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers". James Thurber Maurice Freehill once said: Who is more foolish, the child afraid of the dark; or the man that's afraid of the light". America is afraid of the light and it's time for seeds of harvest. Now what happen between Senator Obama and his Pastor will serve to America that when you cause division between the children of God, disaster will follow.
Sitting down at the table of brotherhood in America is like sitting at the table with Satan, no good will come out of a conversation with a foolish man. But God is still God and what he will do we can't do.
Just sit back and see the works of the Lord, its here at the door of America! Unpatriotic-No just truth!
Wonder why people love
Wonder why people love negative energy? People gravitate and not all people but most people gravitate to negative energy. Somehow this negative energy overpowers the good energy. It seems that the bible prophecy again has revealed itself to be true. “The good shall be called bad and the bad shall be call good”. (Paraphrasing)... What makes people believe the negatives and condemn the positives? Depending on a man/woman mindset-there your answers will vary.
I was told that I’m so much like my biological father-may he rest in peace. But his characteristics are similar, with mine. I have no problem in debating a person-actually I enjoy doing it very much. But tearing a person down on trashy gossip- I detest. I always ask myself; what benefit would gossip, (negative energy) enhance your life and the answer is none. I don’t get pleasure out of it.
But why does the negative energy work so well in peoples lives? Let’s use the low self esteem for an example. If the demon in me connects and feeds off the negative energy (and we all have that demon inside) of someone else’s position of frailties-I begin to feel an uplifting of my self worth-because now, I have someone I can not only criticize, but I have someone I can look down on. Someone who is doing worse than me, but that’s not bringing out the best in me, it's bringing out the worst in me. But we are talking about negative energy here.
People who feel this way are not dealing with the inside cancerous demon that seems to be eating away the good that’s within them. In this world of spiritual divides, we have to be careful of the energy we embrace. High negative energy people are people whose thinking is in detractor deficiency. A detractor is simply this, to make someone seem less valuable or less deserving of admiration. A person who criticizes something or someone, often unfairly. We have the right to disagree-but when we step over the line of disagreement-over into detractor-we begin to embrace the negative energies.
How do we stay clear of this negative energy? We do fall short on occasions but only if you have a good conscience of what’s right–you will stay within the guidelines of truth. If you have a foundation that’s built on truth-even when you are wrong-that right conscience talks you back into right standing. We all have a conscience; but hopefully the conscience of right are protected by “Good Energies”
This is the opportunity to
This is the opportunity to unite the African-American community. When this election is over, all African Americans need to be reached across this country. We have seen the racial divide and the gender divide that exist amongst our own people. Young and old, in and out of church. I (I do not think I'm alone) have seen the race and gender card played by our own people. We need to find commonality after what has happened during this historical event in time. I hope others share in building a central community of African Americans that stretches across America.
Unfortunately, negative is
Unfortunately, negative is what we pay for. It's where you learn the most about the candidate. What they are willing to do and how far they are willing to go to achieve their objective.
Frankly, I'd rather know now if Obama or Clinton can handle the heat. If they are going to wimp out now over negative politics then I fear for November. I want fighters not sacrificial lambs who let the Republicans keep the White house.
Bottom line is November. Democrats have to win this time - it's too important. We need someone who can and will take the heat. I can take it either way (Obama or Clinton) but if the polls don't start showing some separation between Democrats and McCain before August, we need to draft Al Gore and Colin Powell to run as independents.
2008 is just too important to gamble like last time.
Politics is a dirty BUSINESS.
Politics is a dirty BUSINESS. Take the stars out of your eyes, this is about power for ALL candidates involved, including Obama. If you run for the most powerful position in the world you better be tough and expect the dirt. You cannot win this seat cheaply.
This is nothing compared to what it's going to be like. I say let the chips fall where they may. This is what the "democratic" process is about. As they say, if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.
Pastor at Hillary's former
Pastor at Hillary's former church defends Wright
NOTE: Dean Snyder is currently the senior minister for the Foundry United Methodist Church, and was not the pastor when the Clintons were in the White House.
Dean Snyder, the senior minister for Foundry United Methodist Church — which the Clintons attended during Bill’s presidency — defended the Rev. Jeremiah Wright last week on his church’s website:
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. … Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize.
Yesterday, Clinton said she would not have allowed Wright to serve as her pastor because of his sermons and grouped him in the same boat with Don Imus.
Know the Clinton machine for
Know the Clinton machine for what it is. It is a mean green man eating monster. That's right I said monster...now have me fired. The Clintons were counting on a typical racist America. They didn't take Obama seriously. Frankly they felt America was too racist to give much respect to a black person. But, they didn't count on the Obama magic. They've been watching too much of that crooked mirror by which certain folks view themselves. All Black men are not running from the law, leaving children hungry and their mamas on welfare. There are a number... a large number of Black men and women doing the right thing.
That old adage I can show you better than I can tell you sure fits in this instance. I predict a lot of race baiting to continue. But, the real issues are far too important to get distracted. We as a people are not as organized within our communities as we need to be. That has to change. But, organized or not we as a community are feeling Obama. He seems the opposite of the Clinton..the opposite of Bush. I trust him to tell us like it is. That's why the Democratic and Republican establishment are scared to death of him. What will happen when we get a man in the White House who will tell it like it really is? Is it too much to hope for? I think not. I for one am willing to give it a try.
Last comment on this subject.
Last comment on this subject. We are now hurting ourselves in the eyes of the world, this country and in our own backyards. Since some of us could not get an answer. What's in it for Black America? Some in Black America want to bring Senator Obama down at any cost and it may be succeeding now. It is a shame; we want what's best for Black America, but only if the few can control it.
The Church is Black America's most sacred covenant in American society. Some in the Church who are acting on support of Hillary Clinton, will stoop to the lowest of lowest in order to maintain the Clinton machine. Our own leaders would rather divide our people, before electing someone perhaps because they want to unite this country with the African-American vote. My hat is off to those who wish to deny the first viable African-American candidate with a real shot at the White House, simply because they feel that Hillary Clinton understands the African-American community needs. We stay divided because of a few and it effects many.
Thank you Tavis for allowing comments to be made on your website whether they are posted or not.
A question for all, are we black enough now, with all these controversies surrounding Black America's Church leaders? You do not see in the news, where Black America is getting rave reviews on the things that are helping other Black Americans succeed. Thanks to a concerned citizen, we see the things that are being preached in Black American churches. We say the system is failing our male population, look at the prisons. We complain to people about the drugs and poverty rate. Senator Obama is not the one to erase the past. The past can never be erased. It is our future that concerns me.
My preference, is that my kids and grandkids (male or female) will be able to look in their history books and see the first African-American president, and them to know that they can be that person. We have been told that we are second best outside of our own community. A few African-Americans have made it in white majority-owned businesses, 1% from the African-American community; that is ranked with a populace of 12% nationwide. What is Black enough in America, electing Hillary Clinton (who bypassed several states where African-Americans lived and worked and the comments made by her husband)?
We pray for hope and change. When it is presented we do not accept it. We make it easy for those to question the validity of the African-American people; or an African-American candidate, and as a people, the ability to hold national office. Remember the 1% in businesses and in national office and no one in the highest office of the land. The President of the United States. My vote will always be for someone who is not concerned with dividing but rather talks about uniting. Who is black enough?
It looks as if the Clinton
It looks as if the Clinton campaign isn't the only issue for Senator Obama's campaign to contend with in the run for the White House. Now there is the African-American Ministers taking issue with Senator Obama as well. Is this what we want to teach our people, especially those that we say you can be anything if you apply yourself. This behind-the-scene pulpit way of discrimination against those unlike us and externally to cry foul when it is done to us, question the praises that are made to the all mighty.
We can not have it both ways. Minister Wright has a right to his personal opinion. It is equally important that while our history revolves around the church, the Church has to move forward just like we tell our young kids. There is no doubt that African-Americans have suffered throughout the history of this country. We should never forget that as a people. However, we do not function as one people, not since MLK days. We have yet to do that, and the Church is not preaching that type of unity. If it was to do that, then it should stretch from church to church, and state to state. Just maybe we as a people could connect and reduce some of the things that keep some of us down. Remember each of us tells our kids or heard it from someone in our lifetime, not to make the same mistakes that were made in life. To work harder to overcome. To be smarter and to make a mark in society. Senator Obama, an African-American, is doing something that has not been done since Bobby Kennedy. Minister Wright is correct not just about Senator Clinton, but about every non-African-American candidate that has run for office, including those for the President of the United States of America, they have never been called the N-word. Never forget, never deny and move forward.
I do not like it at all and
I do not like it at all and candidates who use those tactics are only showing how low and sleazy they can get.....,hence the more corrupt they will be in office. I remember when Lt. governor Amy Tuck was making her second run and how her competitor threw mud on her campaign about Amy having an abortion when she was a teenager (which might be true) but how now she was claiming "right to life" just to get votes. Well, it was a personal nasty blow and it only made the competitor look sleazy and undesirable. Nobody liked her tactics and Amy ended up winning again.
No, they should not run
No, they should not run negative ads, but that's the way things are in this country; bad news always win. Does it matter to some of us? Sure it does! But as Julaine stated, we should be voting for Obama just because. Tavis, I know you said, vote for the best person, the one who has your (our) interest at hand. History has shown that "the man" has never had our interest at hand, only when it benefits him (them). Just on principle, I will cast my vote for Obama. Peace ya'll
You call for the black media
You call for the black media to step up? First we have to not have our own influential black brothers/sisters tearing down our own for their own selfish gain. I am against all black civil rights "leaders" followers, supporters, reporters, talk show personnel etc who have not stepped up and backed Obama who represents what we have all been waiting for, what "as most of them like to quote" Martin Luther King talked about. It bothers me that the "black crab" scenario still exists in this day and time. The Clintons made it clear that they used black people in the 90's to win their election pretending that they "care" when they only care about their own personal goals and will stop at nothing to get it; but it will work because we black people embrace it because we hate seeing one of our own being successful. Shame on all you influential black brothers and sisters who are sitting on the fence and waiting to see before you decide who you will endorse; shame on you especially those who are fighting for BLACK RIGHTS how ironic!!!! I don't care if the whites, hispanics, etc. vote for anybody but Obama, but EVERY Black person based on our history should rise up and place their vote for OBAMA just because. Have a good day Tavis and you all.
The Media feeds off of it and
The Media feeds off of it and they reward Hillary for providing a storyline for them! Hillary had to resort to negativity which produced twice the media coverage than Barack and it has fueled her campaign. The African American Media Outlet has failed Barack by not stepping up enough to offset the Conservative Media Outlet who have been destroying Barack with Racial undertones and who are pushing for Hillary to win. This Strategy has not been challenged by the African American Media enough, if at all!! The Rush and Hannity Conservatives are laughing at us because they are reporting that we do not know politics like they do and we don't know how to play this game and win! (Florida election-2000).
Barack needs us and we have to step up and voice our displeasure for the racist attacks! There is a Great Opportunity for us and we are going to feel stupid if we continue to sit back and allow this to continue. Bill and Hillary Clinton have now shown us their true colors and we should not continue to support these two fake African American lovers! Step up African American Media, Step up!!!!
So far the only people I've
So far the only people I've seen to enjoy the negativity is the Republican base and the media. What they say if you can't take the hits now? We don't need a perfect person, we just want to perceive it, right? They are not supposed to be flawed?
I think that negative
I think that negative campaigning is the way presented by the majority since Lincoln. That is how they do their politics. Warring mentality. If Mr. Obama is going to take the high road, then he had better be prepared with methodologies to deal with the Republican Attack Machine that will unleash upon him after the Dem Primary. Hillary was a match light in comparison to the torch that is coming from the Republicans.
The vast majority of the American populous seems to enjoy this negative mentality. We see it in our current approach to foreign policy. That John Wayne mentality. Rambo if you will. Remember, Jessie's approach was to provide facts and that did not work. So Mr. Obama, I suggest that you study this recent turn of events where you were placed in the Gladiator arena and did not fight. Texas and Ohio should give you some clue as to the outcome. Be aware of the schemes.
I am so tired of the entire
I am so tired of the entire Clinton Obama thing. I used to be so interested. The subject itself would keep me up at night. In the beginning I was for Clinton; that changed during the South Carolina primaries. I voted in VA for Obama but the moment I found out he copied his speech I was turned off. They became non genuine. I no longer saw them as the woman or the great hope candidate. They became just like all the others.
Tyrone and Ronnie, call each
Tyrone and Ronnie, call each other on the phone. Geesh!
Good question Tyrone. I am
Good question Tyrone. I am managing me and raising my two daughters, with the idea that they can be anything if they are willing to work for it, including the President of the United States just like any other American. Neither of them likes Senator Clinton (their decision, not my influence). I am hoping that someone other than a Washington insider, another woman, will step forward and run for the presidency in 2012. Someone that can rally the country and continue to change the face of America. Perhaps an African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Caucasian that can capture the American vote.
I voted for Senator Obama in my state primary, and I believe that the country has to change direction. What other country do you know where a race of people (ex-slave descendants) that have served countless presidents in the White House, either as servants, and others as members of the armed forces, might one day be serving a president (a person of color)? What does that say about our people and our country and its historic travel? One can only hope!
By the way I am from the older black generation. Thanks for asking.
Ronnie, U did it again!
Ronnie, U did it again! Those are great points and you get no disagreement here! Ok, Ronnie which campaign are U managing?
Hillary underestimated the
Hillary underestimated the mood for change presented to the people, and the fact that Black America wanted to see if Senator Obama would be accepted by White America, before backing this new candidate. It is fear that the Republican Party has used on this country and one used to scare people about then Governor Clinton. It was fear and experience that was portrayed about his ability to be a strong leader and commander-in-chief by his Democratic and Republican opponents. It was fear that took down and eroded gains that some in our community were able to take advantage of in order to succeed. Wait deja vu!
I believe fear is Senator Clinton's greatest strength. If Senator Clinton had at the beginning of campaign come out with the "I am a fighter", "I would be a better commander-in-chief", and "I will fight for you" campaign statements. Committed to fighting for the African-American vote in every state, not ignored it and once assumed it was lost. She came out believing from the beginning that she was the next President.
Senator Obama has underestimated the many faces and tactics of Senator Clinton. He walks a fine line; if he gets too negative, he's off message of hope and change. I am not against having a woman as president. I am against dynasty presidency (Bush, Clinton, Bush and possibly Clinton). I am for change.
There is no question had Barack Obama's name been John Imawhiteman with a family, with 12 straight wins, the Democratic Party would have politically put pressure on Senator Clinton to drop out for the sake of the party. There is a little joke running around out there and a brilliant set of tactics taking place in this country. Suppose - the Republican Party tacticians estimated the disorganization of the Democratic Party and its DNC voter rules - Women over 60 believed they would never see a Woman President. The African-American community continues to be divided. Older Hispanics will not vote for an African-American, no matter what. Some of the blue collar (the Archie Bunkers - an AP article reference) will not vote for an African-American, well because he is black and speaks too well and not experienced enough. Ever experienced that in the work arena ("you are over-qualified" or "you are not experienced enough") for the position. For good measures - some of the Republican voter base is voting for Democrats (whomever the underdog is at the moment) just to keep the infighting going; but will vote for their party in the general election. Case in point a woman in her 60s , interviewed in Texas, stated she was voting for Hillary in the primary, but will be voting for her party in the general election.
You have just shown that you can keep the country divided, the status quo in place and continue the Washington insider who is for Big Business.
I am burnt out on women
I am burnt out on women voting for Clinton because she a woe-man "ain't I a woman!?" black in AMER I CAN. Support Mrs. Obama while we are on this kick of supporting the wives of Presidents....POWER TO THE PEOPLE! When Doctor Lenora B. Fulani ran for president as a black woman... and received matching funds from the government while running under the new alliance party back in the 80's (Hillary forgot?!) or is she just so in need of something to DEW since ..every child was left behind....A smart woman would concede and not get negative..at a time when the Nation does not need this. Shufflin' George done messed up the country. Witchlary is showing her tru self----
I too am not so sure that
I too am not so sure that negative campaigning really helps a candidate. I believe that most of the voters realize that it is all a part of the process. For the most part a candidate making negative comments about someone that I have decided to support would not keep me from supporting that person. When Bill Clinton was running for president, I knew that I was going to vote for him, no matter what negative things his candidates said about him. I feel the same way about Obama. Though, we voted o month ago here in Missouri, had I seen these negative ads before then, I would not have changed my mind about voting for him.
I don't think an African American woman would get a very strong backing if she were running for president right now. Hillary Clinton is having a hard enough time as it is. I think many Americans would rather vote for a black man than a woman, which is why I believe one of the reasons so many white males are supporting Barack Obama. He is definitely a much stronger candidate that John Edwards was, but if it was a charismatic, very likable white male running against Obama rather than Hillary, I honestly don't believe that Obama would be doing as well as he currently is. I wish that were not the case, but I truly believe that it is.
There are things that I like about both Hillary and Obama. I just hope that they don't tear each other down so much, that they won't be able to support each other in the final analysis. They really are not that far apart on the issues, and I think that together they would make an awesome team.
I believe FEAR was a
I believe FEAR was a component for the appeal of the negative advertisements. Both Texas and Ohio have tremendous concerns, from immigration, unemployment to foreclosures and the like. I believe that the people were motivated by the thought of "what if the ad is correct, then I will not receive the help that I need".
Ronnie thank you for
Ronnie thank you for educating me. I honestly didn’t know that Shirley Chisholm ran for president. Guess I need to study history some more…lol
Tyrone I believe you are
Tyrone I believe you are right in today's society. However, in another time in history, it did take place in 1972, in the case Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman candidate who ran in the Democratic Party for the Office of the President. Now I do not know what her primary election results were of the time. "She received about 5% of the vote at the party's national convention."
WOW, now Ronnie that is a
WOW, now Ronnie that is a thought provoking question. What if it was a Black Woman and a White Male with little experience? Unfortunately, I just don’t feel America is ready for that scenario yet. Although I hope I’m wrong. Ronnie, I think we need to stay focused on the present issues and cross this bridge first. Finally, I feel that Obama and Clinton campaigns are setting the stage for a Black Woman to lead this country one day.
One question that will need
One question that will need to be answered because we have not experienced it. What if instead of a White Woman Democratic candidate for President, would the country vote for a Democratic African-American Woman with experience for that same office? To keep this scenario going and the opponent also a Democrat was a White male not yet vetted based on today's experience requirement. How would the country vote? Would working blue collar white males and older white females vote for a female African-American candidate with experience or choose the White male candidate?
I AGREE WITH YOU TYRONE,
I AGREE WITH YOU TYRONE, OBAMA IS GOING TO HAVE TO STEP UP AND FIGHT BACK IF HE WANTS TO WIN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. THIS IS A COMPETITION, AND THE CANDIDATES ALWAYS USE WHAT THEY HAVE TO TO CAST REASONABLE DOUBTS IN THE MINDS OF THEIR OPPONENT'S SUPPORTERS. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THIS FIGHT; HER ATTACKS WEREN'T NEGATIVE, THEY WERE JUST HER STATING THAT SHE HAS MORE EXPERIENCE THAN HE DOES...AND IT'S TRUE! OBAMA IS ALWAYS TYING TO PLAY IT SAFE; HE CAN'T BE AFRAID TO ADDRESS REAL ISSUES UNTIL HE STEPS OUT OF THE IDEALISTIC BOX THAT HE LIVES IN AND DISCUSSES SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT THE BLACK COMMUNITY AND THE HISPANIC COMMUNITIES FACE. HE WON'T EVER GET FULL SUPPORT OF SOME COMMUNITIES INCLUDING HIS OWN. HILLARY HAS THE TENACITY AND THE EXPERIENCE, AND THAT'S WHAT'S NEEDED TO STAND UP AGAINST THOSE REPUBLICANS. HE NEEDS TO ROLL UP HIS SLEEVE AND GET READY FOR THE BATTLE, BECAUSE IT'S JUST BEGINNING...THEY ARE ALREADY GIVING US JUST A GLIMPSE OF WHAT'S IN STORE...STOP WHINING; LET'S FIGHT.
I’m not 100% sure that
I’m not 100% sure that Clinton’s victories were totally due to negative campaigning. I have a different twist on Clinton's victories yesterday. I believe that Clinton won because she has the support of the Latino/Hispanic voters (almost 2 to 1 in Texas and California), and I also believe that the attack on Obama in regards to his stance on NAFTA with Canada really hurt him in the Midwest and Ohio, and I believe that there were a large number of Republican voters who voted Democratic and voted for Clinton in an attempt to keep her alive and the Democrats fighting.
The issues with Republicans attempting to put mess into the game will end up backfiring, in my opinion; the black and brown divide is real. I know that a healing needs to take place and Americans SHOULD not allow that to become an issue, but let's be real, it is!
Obama’s biggest challenge in the primary and general election will be to gain the support of the Latino/Hispanic voters. Obama, in my opinion, has shown that he can get the support of black voters without fully advocating issues facing black Americans, and he has shown the ability to gain the support of white Americans. In my opinion, he will have to cave in and advocate for issues facing Latino/Hispanic Americans and manage not to turn off Black Americans. It’s a fine line he will have to walk, but I’m very interested in seeing how it all plays out.
If voters want a different,
If voters want a different, clean campaign about the issues, why does negative campaigning seem to work? That is a great question.
It did nothing for me, since I had already voted. I think Ohio and Texas sent a number of messages in voter turnout. Some of it was race-related on both sides. Fear-mongering and dirty tricks seems to be what Americans like still today. Negative campaigning also saw where other African-American leaders felt a need to threaten fellow African-Americans and calling them Uncle Tom; that was just as bad.
Our Democratic party is no better than the Republican party. Skew the opponent and skew the truth in order to win. Our standards and ethics seem to change when it comes electing a leader. This country may not be ready to accept an African-American as President. The divide among Women, Hispanics, Whites (rural and blue collar) and some African-Americans continues to show that we have a long way to go. While most African-Americans vote for Senator Obama, some whites and older hispanics are reluctant and may never vote for an African-American to become President of the United States. Let's not forget the divide that exists in the African-American community from its leaders.
The racial and ethnic divides exist; it may take several generations before we can get over this mountain as a people and as a country. So for some the only way to win is to create fear. Win at any cost, is the motto; expect more negative campaigning; it seems to work.
I gotta be honest with you,
I gotta be honest with you, negative campaigning does not work for me. She needs to check her own house! If the Obama campaign wanted to go ugly, they would have much fodder for the fire. She seems to be listening to old school who says if you want to win this thing, you have to lash out and TAKE IT!