I'm part of the enlightened MSM elite, happy to embrace Barack Obama. But, sigh, there are many benighted folks across our land not as sophisticated as I. You know: "Reagan Democrats," who just won't vote for an African-American. And the Republicans would plan to appeal to their racism to attack Obama.
That, in sum, was Joe Scarborough's condescending analysis of Barack Obama's presidential prospects, offered up on today's "Morning Joe." Fortunately, guest Pat Buchanan was there to gently correct him.
Panelist Mika Brzezinski kicked off the discussion of which Dem the Republicans could more easily "demonize."
View video here.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I'm not arguing whether or not she's a stronger candidate. I think the demonization process though against Hillary Clinton would be easier for the Republicans.JOE SCARBOROUGH [addressing himself to guest Pat Buchanan]: Mika thinks that Hillary would be an easier target than Barack Obama. I would think that Barack Obama would not be attacked head on [apply directly to the forehead!] by the Republicans. But there are a lot of people in swing states, a lot of Reagan Democrats in Ohio, a lot of Reagan Democrats in Florida a lot of Reagan Democrats across Middle America that would be concerned about voting for an African-American. We all think that would be a great thing for America, but I think there are a lot of Reagan Democrats that voted for Reagan twice and Clinton twice that would think twice about voting for an African-American.
Buchanan politely disagreed and offering up a good counter-example to make his case.
PAT BUCHANAN: You know, Joe, I think that Colin Powell, back in '96, if he'd gotten the Republican nomination; he was sort of liberal on social issues. I think the country would have voted for a Colin Powell because he was reassuring. The thing about Obama, I think frankly he would not be in this race if he weren't a young African-American who's enormously attractive. I think that's a draw. His problem is the real perception of youth and inexperience that he is [in] over his head, that he really is not ready to take over command of the largest country on earth in this time of crisis. I think that apprehension is far greater than resistance to an African-American being President of the United States.
Scarborough managed to simultaneously insult Middle America and the Republican party of which he claims to be a member. He casts Reagan Democrats as a largely racist lot. And when he says that Barack Obama "would not be attacked head on by the Republicans," the obvious implication is that the GOP would attack him indirectly by appealing to that reputedly racist sentiment of the Reagan Democrats.
Note: over at the liberal American Prospect, Ezra Klein claims to have identified a trend: "disaffected, elite Republicans" who are supporting Obama. Let me take a stab at explaining this phenomenon: it isn't one.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.



















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I don't get it
November 1, 2007 - 07:13 ET by OldSailor88Why is it that the Dems and Libs are always the ones to bring up race and racism. Being born and bred a conservative American, race was never an issue for me, and racism was explained to me as wrong and was never practiced. IMHOP the only time I ever hear these terms is when someone from the left brings it up in a conversation about someone on the right, and it usually happens when they are losing a debate, or trying to change the subject on an important issue. Can anyone explain? I won't vote for BHO because he's a terrible candidate, just like Mrs. Bill Clinton. It's not race or gender, it's issues. Plain and simple.
I can explain
November 1, 2007 - 07:28 ET by Reality CheckIt's because their ideas are unpalatable to the majority of voters, so they have to demonize us. The problem for them, however, is that we do get heard. I recall speaking to a Democrat about how proud I was that it was MY party that elevated Colin Powell, Condi Rice, Clarence Thomas, and other prominent African-Americans to such powerful and influential positions. I also talked about my dissapointment in the Democrats for not doing so to a larger degree - I said I thought they were passing up on a lot of talent simply because of race. It wasn't what he expected to hear coming from me, because he watches too much MSNBC... but now he knows.
I recall the same Democrat complaining that the War on Terror was an overreaction, and that 9/11 didn't really damage our economy enough to justify the response. I told him that I thought it was important to disable our enemies before they could attack us, and I reminded him that his otherwise successful limousine business took a terrible hit after 9/11. I then explained that I resented the terrorists for this attack on his livelihood and supported any effort to preempt those who would rejoice in his misfortune.
He also felt that "Republicans" considered anyone who opposed the war to be unpatriotic; I told him that while this was certainly the media narrative, as a Republican, I certainly didn't feel that way about him.
Just keep talking. Don't give up. Our positions are valid. We can change minds.
Reality Check
Well Thought
November 1, 2007 - 07:36 ET by OldSailor88Thank you for the "Reality Check". I won't stop talking, I promise, but my fear is that the Dems just might win this thing. Ignorance angers me, and it angers me further that there are so many ignorant people in America who actually believe what they see and hear from the MSM. With their heads planted firmly in the sand, they refuse to read, learn, and apply reality to their every day life. You, I, and We will keep talking, but will enough people listen? Where is our candidate that will shove these issues to the forefront?
On another subject, I don't know much about Governor Huckabee. I've started reading up on him a bit, but I have a lot to learn. Any NB people out there got good knowledge on this guy?
there are so many ignorant
November 1, 2007 - 07:43 ET by motherbeltthere are so many ignorant people in America who actually believe what they see and hear from the MSM. -OldSailor88
Not only that, a lot of them get their education on current affairs and take advice from the women on "The View."
How scary is THAT?
Huckabee on immigration
November 1, 2007 - 08:43 ET by RJAnother poster recently put up links about his position on illegal immigration, which doesn't look good. It appears he's pro-amnesty and weak on enforcement. For me, that removes him from consideration.
The only people getting
November 1, 2007 - 12:12 ET by LeonThe only people getting their news from the View are housewives.
Everyone else in America is at work during those hours.
Leon you lie, what about
November 1, 2007 - 12:26 ET by MightyMouthLeon you lie, what about the people who work nights and graveyard shift?
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM, I would assume they
November 1, 2007 - 12:27 ET by LeonMM,
I would assume they sleep during the day. The same way people that work in the day, sleep in the night.
I know when I worked night shift when I was in college, I sure as heck slept during the day.
What's wrong Leon you
November 1, 2007 - 12:32 ET by MightyMouthWhat's wrong Leon you didn't take the bait?
Anyhow, you ARE wrong there is no way for you to prove that "only housewives" watch the view. You state an unproveable generalization.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Gee Leon how sexist of you.
November 1, 2007 - 15:16 ET by ahusserGee Leon how sexist of you. Only housewives. Must be a lower order of humanity to you.
OS here are a couple of
November 1, 2007 - 12:42 ET by bigtimerOS here are a couple of links for Huckabee and why I won't vote for him if it helps you any...I wanted to learn more about him too, and he made me do that when he put-down the other candidates who didn't show up for the Tavis Smiley debate....(which I wouldn't of either, I have watched Smiley since his beginning)...
Anyway here is one and the other...
What's up with leftoid
November 1, 2007 - 07:14 ET by Senior ChiefWhat's up with leftoid media, they mostly start with: " Alot of people", "Some say...", Some think..." Some believe...". But in reality, it is them saying, believing, thinking, etc. Scarborough and Mika are showing their true colors in this exchange of conversation- they will not vote for an AfricanAmerican! These leftoids are the ones raising racism to a higher level in a negative context.
Instead of discussing the issue at hand- in this case, the inexperienced Obama, race has become the subject of the discussion. And I believe that Obama lacks experience!
I think Scarborough is
November 1, 2007 - 07:39 ET by motherbeltI think Scarborough is saying that HE thinks a lot of Democrats are racist and won't vote for Obama.
Well that's different...he's not accusing Republicans of racism; at least not this time.
I'd agree but in the same
November 1, 2007 - 07:41 ET by Mark FinkelsteinI'd agree but in the same breath Joe suggests that Republicans won't attack Obama "directly," implying that they will attack him indirectly on the basis of his race.
delete
November 1, 2007 - 07:41 ET by motherbeltdouble post
Hey Joe, there are alot of
November 1, 2007 - 07:41 ET by AntiMediaHey Joe, there are alot of white democrats who never voted for Reagan and would never vote for an African-American.
}}---> Joe knows zilch.
November 1, 2007 - 07:45 ET by Cool ArrowYou're right, AntiMedia. Among those Democrats who wouldn't vote for Obama you'll find:
Couple of points here..........
November 1, 2007 - 10:16 ET by BrillianceIn my opinion, Baram Obaka Obak Barama Chewbaka Bananarama or whatever the hell his name is, is not African and is barely American (don't get your ass hairs up, the "barely American" remark is in refrence to the flag lapel dust-up and the anti-military campaign trail sentiments).
Obama is no less than 50% WHITE and 50% black!
As for Scarborough, someone should inform him that Obama's numbers have nothing to do with oxy-moronish so-called "Reagan democrats" - No - Obama's numbers are DIRECTLY dictated by "Clinton Liberals".
Chewbaka Bananarama!!!!
November 1, 2007 - 10:22 ET by JimboChewbaka Bananarama!!!!
My coffee just came through my nose. Thanks alot!!
Leon says "By the way, I'm not afraid of fat people, I'm repulsed"
Truth Monger Says - "Both are religions [Christianity & Islam], yes - with the same percentage of terrorists."
Are the Dems racist?
November 1, 2007 - 07:27 ET by nkviking75If Obama does not become nominee for either President or VP, will the media say the Dems are racist?
Nah.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
}}---> Viking
November 1, 2007 - 07:49 ET by Cool ArrowGiven the enormity of Gov. Richardson's head, I seriously doubt there's room left on Hillary's tush for Obama's lips.
Democrats would vote for a
November 1, 2007 - 07:36 ET by motherbeltDemocrats would vote for a Republican (Reagan) but not a black man? And the Republicans who wouldn't attack him "head-on" does that mean they will use "code words"?
And what is this reputedly racist sentiment of the Reagan Democrats? This is more of the "some say" garbage they use to get their point across without taking responsibility for it. Joe Scarborough thinks that Reagan democrats are racist.
Does this guy actually HEAR what he is saying?
}}---> Dem voting trends
November 1, 2007 - 08:02 ET by Cool ArrowI guess we're supposed to believe there was a lot of Democrat support for Alan Keyes, then.
Seems to me Dems didn't like Keyes because he stood for principles with which they disagreed.
Why can't Dems understand that the reason I don't support Obama is because he has few principles I can agree with.
Should I be apologizing that Obama isn't JC Watts? Or Michael Steele? Or Condi Rice? Or Mike Huckabee? Or Lou Dobbs?
Absolutely not. And I don't expect Obama to change his politics for me. Heaven knows we've got enough RINO's willing to do just that.
Whenever in doubt pull out
November 1, 2007 - 15:22 ET by ahusserWhenever in doubt pull out the race card. (or sex card). Maybe the Dems can shame themselves into voting for Obama.
}}---> Diversityinc
November 1, 2007 - 07:41 ET by Cool ArrowWe are encouraged at work to read an online magazine, DIVERSITYINC. The latest email offering was "Is Biden Being Racist".
What bothered me about it was the quote offered by the mag did not include his "foot in mouth" moment where he specifically offered African Americans as the difference between Iowa and D.C. schools. Instead it quoted his not so deft retreat citing kids getting talked to and building vocabulary.
I was thinking "This can't be right. Even a magazine devoted specifically to racism will pull punches for a Democrat"
If a lie is repeated long
November 1, 2007 - 07:43 ET by msh1973If a lie is repeated long enough people believe it to be true, as is the case with all Republicans being racists. As the clock begins to tick toward next November it is only going to get worse for Republicans.
Yea that’s us, raciest
November 1, 2007 - 07:51 ET by USA4freedomYea that’s us, raciest and homophobic, and etc, etc..
One day they are going to write a new play book.
I was one of the ones that would have liked to seen a
Allen/Rice ticket. Uhhh I think she is black? Or.. how many of us would vote
for Clarence Thomas in a minute!
I think that would be better then the choice we have now.
While I’m at it: Newt/Allen, Newt/Rice, Rush../Newt (could
you see the debates)..
I was looking at Huckabee, but looking deeper I think I will
go back to Fred (I wish he “looked” like he wants it a little more..)
How can we have so many lame picks.
NO MORE RINO’S
Sorry, I was not trying to turn the discussion of the
thread. It has just been on my mind lately.
These jerks just don’t get it. We will vote for a black, green,or purple person. SO LONG AS THEY ARE CONSERVATIVE. That’s all we ask!
(and we cant even get that..)
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
I could not . . . . .
November 1, 2007 - 07:46 ET by kdizzydazeagree more. My dad taught my brothers and myself that racial slurs were simply unacceptable. Not liking someone for something they did or how they treat you is one thing, but not liking someone based on the color of their skin? Unacceptable.
As for the left being the ones to bring it up in a debate (or argument) - you are right. As a sidenote not having anything to do with the argument/debate issue, here is a little story from my past in regards to a lefty (my roommate) and race (I swear that this is a true story):
In College my roomie and I had a basement apartment on a street corner on campus. There was a bus stop at that corner. One nice spring day we had the door open and we were relaxing and playing video games (Tecmo Bowl, I believe - the first great video football game). Two guys are waiting at the bus stop and one of them glances down and sees what we are playing and states, "alright, Tecmo Bowl". That's it. Nothing more. My roommate mutters under his breath, "F-ing N******". What could I say other than, "Dude?!?!?".
As for anything Scarborough and Mika might say, we all here at NB know what the left is all about and how their playbook works. Simply never trust them and always be aware that they have ulterior motives --- that's probably what they mean by "nuanced".
They just can't comprehend
November 1, 2007 - 07:57 ET by Hero SquadThey just can't comprehend that most conservatives are voting for a candidate based on ideas, issues and leadership qualities, not because of skin color or gender.
But Joe, you can easily test your theory. Conduct a poll and ask people their party affiliation, if they voted for Reagan, and if Condoleeza Rice was the Republican presidential candidate, would they vote for her?
**My Daughter at the WWII Memorial
Jindal
November 1, 2007 - 08:16 ET by mattmJindal
It's because all whiteys are racist
November 1, 2007 - 08:38 ET by mattmAt least that's what the UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE says.
As far as the scroll line "Who does the GOP fear more...?"
What's the diff? Hillary, Obama, Edwards...they're all socialists who regard the U.S. Constitution secondary to the U.N. Charter and the World Court...
It's isn't just the GOP who should fear these people acquiring power, everyone should.
I agree with Scarborough here - Dems not Rep are the racists
November 1, 2007 - 08:15 ET by Dee BunkI don't understand why everyone has a problem with this. I'm glad he brought up that the true racism problem is in the Dem party. Republicans have no problems, running, appointing and embracing people of color. It's about time someone said it like it is. Democrats normally only run minorities in a minority dominated districts. Minority Republicans win with a large number of white votes. Of course it's not just the Reagan Democrats who are racist. Many who didn't vote for him are as well.
If Obama were to win the nomination - he'd be elected because of Republicans. That's how it was in IL. Republicans who don't follow politics closely are easily fooled by Obama's charm and don't really understand how he stands on the issues and what his record is like.
}}---> Not so, Dee
November 1, 2007 - 08:19 ET by Cool ArrowRepublicans wouldn't vote for Obama any more than they'd vote for his political twin Jimmy Carter.
but I think there are a
November 1, 2007 - 08:20 ET by MidAmericabut I think there are a lot of Reagan Democrats that voted for Reagan twice and Clinton twice that would think twice about voting for an African-American.
If these democrat voters voted for clinton twice after voting for Reagan then how are they still considered 'Reagan Democrats'? If their most recent voting was for a democrat then aren't they 'clinton democrats' that are racists and won't vote for a African-American?
You could have a point, but
November 1, 2007 - 08:36 ET by mattmYou could have a point, but remember, Clinton portrayed himself as a conservative democrat. He did not run as a liberal. He also ran against a president who was seen as a waffler -"no new taxes" - Plus, southern-boy Perot was in the race.
Billy only got 42.7% of the popular vote in 1992 (47.8% in '96)...
So, you can't really say he got the "Reagan Democrats"...
I guess the only way to know would be to pit a Black conservative... like, say J.C. Watts or Condi, running on a Supply Side/Peace through Strength/Pro Life-Pro Family/Pro America platform, against a Lily White Liberal Democrat from Alabama, and see who wins in Dixie...
Forty Bellyachers & a government mule.
November 1, 2007 - 08:36 ET by CrashWell then, it looks like that will be the angle. If the country doesn't elect a women we will be guilty of objectifying women, if we don't elect Obama we're all a bunch of rascist?
Buchanan is right. Conservative's, aside from President Bush, are more interested in an individual's resume than race or gender. Liberal's are more interested in electing a liabitiy than an asset.
By the Democrat's low standards, in the age of high def, Lincoln was too homely to run on matters of substance, grit or virtue.
where is the Reagan Republican?
November 1, 2007 - 08:43 ET by USA4freedomI just wish we had a Reagan (Republican) running..
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc.
Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
I don't think it's an issue
November 1, 2007 - 09:34 ET by BruzillaI don't think it's an issue with racism, but one of envy. Back in the 1960s, my dad used to go to the same gas station all the time. It was owned by an old white guy, and he had a mid-40s black guy working for him. The owner died, and willed the gas station to the guy who had worked loyally for him for so many years. We saw that the gas station was closing just a few months later, and we assumed (incorrectly) that once the station was owned by a black guy that he had lost a lot of his white business. My dad asked the new owner what was happening, and it turned out that the white business was fine, but it was the blacks who had stopped coming to the station. The view was that he had gotten something they didn't, or that he had kissed up to the whites, etc., and now the black community wanted nothing to do with him. So, the station closed and was sold to Gulf who reopened it as one of their own stations.
Based on that experience, and that of Michael Steele in MD, I'm thinking that a lot of black Democrats will not vote for Obama for essentially the same reasons. I think that many in the black community see the success of Obama or Steele as making them look bad, and they don't like anyone who points out their own shortcommings.
A black republican like alan
November 1, 2007 - 15:29 ET by ahusserA black republican like alan keyes, or michael steele is looked on by the overwhelmingly democratic black constituency as Uncle Toms or Tomasinas.
How in hell would
November 1, 2007 - 11:36 ET by Chris NormanHow in hell would Republicans "indirectly appeal" to "Reagan Democrats" not to vote for Obama because of his race? Would they say, "Don't vote for Obama because he's well, you know?". Come on, there are racist voters out there. Republicans would hardly need to point out that Obama is African-American, even if they were inclined to do so - which they're not.
Joe needs to get out more,
November 1, 2007 - 10:10 ET by Jack BauerJoe needs to get out more, read some conservative blogs.
For instance, if he read Newsbusters he cannot fail to notice that whenever, for instance, Michael Steele's name is mentioned... he gets an avalanche of support on site. Many think he'd make a great VP nominee.
And that there are many here who would love to see Condi Rice on a rep ticket. Alan Keyes has his vociferous supporters.
Bobby Jindal gets a big hurrah.
Now what is it about these talented accomplished folk that is kinda obvious. Oh yeah, they are "of color."
Greatest respect Joe, but stick it man. Ignorant jerk.
Maybe Reagan democrats wouldn't vote for Obama because -- uh... he's a knee jerk liberal in an aempty suit.
Agree
November 1, 2007 - 15:40 ET by well99Also funny thing is if you compare Bushes cabinet members to Dems like Clinton,Carter.Makes you wonder.Oh I forgot Clinton had Albright..english minority right.
Speaking of those open-minded Democrats
November 1, 2007 - 10:46 ET by RJDrudge has the following link: Swastika Found At Columbia. The Jewish professor, who spoke against inviting Ahmadinejad to speak, has also had recent hate mail. She works in the same department as the professor who found a noose on her office door.
It is ok for the left
November 1, 2007 - 15:35 ET by well99You have to understand that racist,bigotry only apply to those that dont embrace leftist views.For leftist it is freedom of speech.