Hitting what is likely to be a media refrain in the general election, Bloomberg News Service reporter Heidi Przybyla dredged up the outdated "Archie Bunker" character to imply that white people who refuse to support Barack Obama do so out of racial animus.
"Barack Obama is having trouble with Archie Bunker. [...] The state's white voters aren't 'bigots, but the image they see every day of black America is drugs, crime, guns and violence," she begins, quoting a Cleveland-area Obama supporter.
They're not racists of course. Although reading Przybyla's story you'd be hard-pressed to think otherwise:
Chicago's 41st Ward is a classic white working-class neighborhood of bungalows, modest two-flats and Dutch colonials that shuts down on Pulaski Day, the March holiday celebrating Casimir Pulaski, a Pole who fought in the Revolutionary War.
An informal survey of employees at a local bank, gym, library, and neighborhood restaurant turned up no Obama supporters. Some residents said they were concerned that he might not take into account the concerns of whites.
"If Obama gets in, it's going to be a black thing and it's going to be all blacks for blacks,'' said Victoria Mikulski, a 63-year-old clerk in Edison Park. "Everything's got to be equal.''
Some residents still harbor resentment from 35 years ago, when a growing black population on the city's west side pushed whites north into Edison Park and Norwood Park, said Mary O'Connor, who owns a local bakery. Brian Doherty, the 41st Ward alderman, said he was "shocked'' by Obama's success in the 2004 Senate primary.
Hat tip: Candance.
Update 10:25. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that the general white population is far less interested in categorizing itself according to heritage than the media are? It could be this is an urban white phenomenon, I'll grant. I haven't seen it in white suburban areas though in the many different states in which I've lived.
—Matthew Sheffield is the creator of NewsBusters and its Executive Editor.
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Comments Policy
I am white and I won't vote
March 7, 2008 - 09:50 ET by ForeverOnTheRightI am white and I won't vote for Obamba, not because he is black but because he is one of the most liberal in the senate. I'd vote for Condi Rice in a heart beat over him. I am more interested in his politics than than the color of his skin. Yes their are those who are racist or fear that his politics would undeservidaly favor blacks, I am not just one of them.
I am also
March 7, 2008 - 10:54 ET by cvgbuckeyeI am also white and its nobody's damn business why I won't vote for Obama. At least for the moment, until the democrats and the press control ALL the branches of government, I still THINK that it is not illegal to vote for who I want to and NOT to vote for who I don't want to. Thats for the moment!!!!!!!!!!
DUCT TAPE ALERT!!!
March 7, 2008 - 09:53 ET by motherbeltI just don't even know what to say about this crap any more.
»→ It must be true
March 7, 2008 - 10:01 ET by Cool ArrowWell, it must be true.
If whites don't vote for Obama in the same ratio as blacks (89%) then it must be true that whites are racist.
Statistically, however, a case can be offered that the 89% blacks for Obama indicates an extreme bias against whites by blacks.
♣ a seal
only racists won't vote for a black man
March 7, 2008 - 10:02 ET by political mavenI don't suppose it occured to these idiots in the press that it might have something to do with the leftist marxist positions of B. Hussein Obama?
And the fact that the blacks vote for blacks almost exclusively, that would have nothing to do with racial preferences, now would it?
And finally, why is he called a black candidate...he is 50% white. Isn't it racially insensitive to ignore the white half? The media ...what a bunch of morons...they literally are morons who have done nothing in their life but look in a camera & read.
Let Walter Williams run for Pres...there's a man (who happens to be black) I can vote for, as opposed to Obama who is an empty shell, leftist, obortion loving, anti family man (who happens to be black).
Stored ten stories high
March 7, 2008 - 10:04 ET by Mica the MagnificentThe MSM have these stories already written, stored in special climate-controlled warehouses, just waiting to release them one-by-one, day after day, until the Nov elections are over.
I want a tee-shirt that reads "Nice try, MSM, but I'm a guilt free conservative"
We'll know we're making progress when liberals are caught saying, 'He's a conservative . . . not that there's anything wrong with that.' -- Another tee-shirt I'd like to have
»→ Don't think so Mica
March 7, 2008 - 10:08 ET by Cool ArrowAny 10th grader can write these stories from memory.
They may not teach much in Public school, but you can bet your last centavo white guilt is securely ingrained.
♣ a seal
Darn it, cool arrow!
March 7, 2008 - 10:12 ET by Mica the MagnificentYou've convinced me, Cool. I'm starting to feel guilty already.
I was gonna save this
March 7, 2008 - 10:18 ET by FastEdbut I got another one for 'ya:
I tried the liberal POV, but I couldn't get my head that far up my . . .
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
What is interesting here
March 7, 2008 - 10:11 ET by FastEdno matter what your view, Ms. Przybyla is writing about DEMOCRATS! Is the insinuation that demolibs in this country are racists? I think an apology is in order! Is she also implying that the Polish-Americans of this country aren't smart enough to vote for OHB? Example: ``It's a gender and race war; that's why I'm just not interested in it,'' said Nicholas Georgopoulos, a 27-year-old auto technician and Democrat who lives in Norwood Park. ``They're not concentrating on the right things,'' he said. (quoting a possible Greek-American) Another apology required.
Also, why is it necessary to remind people who Pulaski was - isn't that taught in school anymore? I guess for the audience she writes for, it becomes necessary to "re-educate" the common folk.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Remember –
March 7, 2008 - 10:18 ET by YahooWatcherOnly white, Republican, Christian, heterosexual males can be racists.
All others pretty much have a free pass.
Actually
March 7, 2008 - 10:25 ET by Matthew Sheffieldanyone who opposes a liberal person's ideas can be branded as racist. This even includes Democrats as you can see in this Bloomberg story.
»→ OK Matthew
March 7, 2008 - 10:32 ET by Cool ArrowBut the demographic Yahoo describes is a slam-dunk foregone conclusion.
Other groups require 34 seconds of scrutiny before a concrete judgement can be made.
♣ a seal
Get used to it
March 7, 2008 - 10:28 ET by Ernest T. Bass 08Any criticism of Obama, if he's the nominee, will be implied by the marx stream media as racism to gain sympathy from politically ignorant voters. Obama will be cast as the victim of right wing bigots.
I don't like Obama
March 7, 2008 - 10:38 ET by alaskaalnot because of his race, but because of his politics. I believe that his wife IS a racist based upon what I have heard her say. There is incredible race-based animus for whites among many black leaders. I guess that I am supposed to assume that it is mutal.
Which one of us DIDN'T know
March 7, 2008 - 22:06 ET by red_dragon311Which one of us DIDN'T know this would happen. I mean really are we at all shocked that the MSM is doing this. This is what they have hoped for for years.
Blacks will vote for Barry H-word Obama because he's black, its a given. He could kill the first born male child in every household and blacks will still vote for him........well that may be too jewish.
I have to give her thighness credit calling him out.
I have to give McCain the finger for being a pussy .
"We need to hope for change and change because of hope. The past has already happened, but the future has yet to come and will will change that future. But we can't forget that the present is now. and yes we can change for hope. It seems some people out there don't think that change is good but we know that it is good to change, and look I have a handful of change in my pocket. We can't change the past, because it has past us already but now we are in the present and that leads us to the future and the future leads to......change"
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
Are we forgetting that this
March 7, 2008 - 10:42 ET by RMRAre we forgetting that this the Democrat primary? The "Archie Bunkers" the liberal media are referring to are all Democrats. In essence they are calling Democrat voters racist.
This is a big stick Republicans could use to beat Democrats over the head every time they attempt to play the race card in the general. Force them to defend their "Archie Bunkers".
To me this is a plus, not a minus.
Bingo
March 7, 2008 - 10:58 ET by Prester JohnMy wife is originally from a conservative, Yellow Dog Dem part of the country which almost always goes for the Dem candidates for Pres, the Senate and Congress.
It is also very white.
During the state primary this area went overwhelmingly for HRC when the rest of the state went slightly less overwhelmingly for Obama. Anecdotal evidence from family and friends still living there indicates that there are more than a few of these life long Democrats will NEVER vote for Obama or any other black man for President. Period.
I am Latino and hell no!! I
March 7, 2008 - 10:43 ET by futbolisgreat1I am Latino and hell no!! I will never vote for Obama!
Barack Obama, his wife, his "Christian Church", his pastor are hateful racist. As many have said, NOTHING to do with him being a black man, everything to with with is Liberal radical views and his racism.
I would love, love for Dr. Rice to run, I would vote for her in a second!
I just don't understand the Obama zombies...it is ridiculous and quite scary.
»→ futbol
March 7, 2008 - 10:48 ET by Cool ArrowThey'll be selling flowers in the airport soon to support the church of Barack oBrahma.
♣ a seal
Cool Arrow... Oh, they
March 7, 2008 - 10:58 ET by futbolisgreat1Cool Arrow...
Oh, they will be selling a lot more than that....lots and lots of bull sh...t!
»→ yes, futbol
March 7, 2008 - 11:02 ET by Cool ArrowAnd by any other name it will smell as sweet.
♣ a seal
Cool Arrow, what is scary
March 7, 2008 - 11:09 ET by futbolisgreat1Cool Arrow,
what is scary is that his supporters that will buy the bull sh..t will open up the bags, see the bull sh..t and claim that it is flowers and sweet smells.
zombies I tell you, ZOMBIES! Ombies! there we go.... :)
»→ futbol
March 7, 2008 - 11:15 ET by Cool ArrowAnd it came to pass when the wise guys presented Obama with the gifts of Gold, Frank&beans, and bullsh*t, the aroma went up as a sweet savor unto Obama.
And Obama did stretch out his hand and did heal the souls of his people who did bow unto him.
And he did offer unto them this parable, "There once was a man from Nantuckett. . . "
♣ a seal
Cool Arrow, Thanks, I
March 7, 2008 - 11:18 ET by futbolisgreat1Cool Arrow,
Thanks, I just had to explain to my Liberal co-workers why I was laughing so hard.....
they just stared at me with so much hate....I LOVE IT!
I work with a bunch of Liberal professors....and 99% of them are Obmies.....
»→ delete
March 7, 2008 - 10:50 ET by Cool Arrowdouble
»→ Moslems for Hillary
March 7, 2008 - 11:06 ET by Cool ArrowI wonder how many Moslems will vote for a woman for President.
Any polls showing how well Hillary would do against say, a goat?
♣ a seal
Urgent message to Cool Arrow
March 7, 2008 - 12:55 ET by Mica the MagnificentIn order to answer your question, the MSM wants to know what is the ethnic background and color of the goat? It matters.
Once again we see a case of
March 7, 2008 - 11:08 ET by pocomocoOnce again we see a case of wishing will make it so journalism by the MSM as they engage in a now familiar preemptive strike to prove their template about white America being racist and bigoted.
The MSM, being the embodiment of white guilt, are pulling out all stops to make Obama the first black president by accusing those who don’t vote for him of being members of the KKK.
The MSM have a long and villainous penchant for trying to frame the debate, especially when most Americans are against it, and their attempt to shove an unproven, smooth-talking politician down our throats falls into that category.
But, if they do manage to pull it off, his being unqualified will not matter because as the MSM thinks, he will have The Man close at hand to straighten him out.
Yes by all means let's vote
March 7, 2008 - 11:25 ET by wiwfYes by all means let's vote for someone based on their SKIN COLOR! Let's vote for someone based on their GENDER. It's the Democrats that are stuck in the 1850s, Howard Dean, not us. By all means let's not pay attention to their stances but to their slogans for who to vote for. If the black guy wants to win the war and cut taxes, while the white guy wants to approve gay marriage and legalize all kinds of abortion, then I'll vote for the black guy. Not because he's black or a woman or hispanic, but because I agree with what he stands for.
Dems need to have a short leash put on them.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
convenient quote
March 7, 2008 - 13:14 ET by candanceI notice how the reporter had no trouble finding a white person who was willing to openly admit to being a racist.
I was once interviewed by a newpaper for something that happened and I can tell you from personal experience, they polish your quotes to make them sound just right. They won't outright print a lie, but they will paraphrase your words with some ease.
And let's not overlook the media's penchant to make things up as they go along....
Luckily,
March 7, 2008 - 18:25 ET by SlicksterI do not suffer from white guilt, political correctness or the inability to say certain words in public, I also do not endorse for any public office morons who lie, cheat,steal, support the UN or have even have the slightist tie to the cult of islam.
I am going to laugh when Obama wins Mississippi.
March 7, 2008 - 21:00 ET by R D HelmAs I think that nuke of a campaign ad the Obama camp just lobbed into the Clinton camp, reminding Missippians of all the nasty things Hillary said about their state while she was campaigning in Iowa, will be the thing that pushes him over.
I caught it on BOR earlier tonight and it was devastating.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
R. D.
March 7, 2008 - 21:10 ET by BlondeCan you paraphrase for us?
We know HRC despises the "voters".
What did she say?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde,
March 7, 2008 - 21:18 ET by R D HelmIt was during BOR's segment with Rove.
The ad pointed out that Hillary thought very little of the people of Miss. One of her statements was that she didn't understand how Miss. could be compared to Iowa in any way, or something to that effect.
I only caught part of it, as I was just passing thorugh the den, but I saw enough.
Trying to find a link to it somewhere, but no luck so far.
Here is a link to a story outlining her comments back in October.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
RD... Hill doesn't stand
March 7, 2008 - 21:22 ET by bigtimerRD...
Hill doesn't stand a chance in Mississippi regardless...
Dontcha' just love it at times.
'evening, bt.
March 7, 2008 - 21:28 ET by R D HelmLOL-I'm loving every minute of it.
As I was only four years old when the '68 dem convention took place, I missed all the "fun."
A replay in '08 wouldn't hurt my feelings in the least. :-)
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
Blonde,
March 7, 2008 - 21:24 ET by R D HelmThis is a CNN story on the ad itself.
Still cannot find a link to the audio (it was a radio ad). We had some bad storms here a little while ago. High-speed net running a little slow.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!