Eleanor Clift's latest online column for Newsweek assumes that white male "Reagan Democrats" are racist and sexist, or at least they're sickened by appeals by too much focus on the "rights" of blacks and women.
Whether the term is Reagan Democrats or NASCAR dads, they're euphemisms for the white men who deserted a party they thought focused too much on the rights of blacks and women.
Isn't that a bit simplistic? Couldn't there be a lot of reasons for white male Democrats to vote for Reagan? There's no room in Clift's racist/sexist analysis for the possibility that defections came because of issues like abortion, the Vietnam War and the "peace" movement, and later, in Reagan's case, the Carter mismanagement of the economy and the Iranian hostage crisis. Clift continued:
No Democratic candidate for president has won a majority of the white vote since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. Bill Clinton came close, but with Ross Perot in the race siphoning off votes, even Clinton with his natural affinity for lower-income working-class folks, people he grew up with and understood, fell short when the votes were counted. In an election season focused on race and gender, it's ironic that white male workers have emerged as the most prized cohort.
Again, the "ironic" import to Clift is that white males, who are by her definition insensitive to the rights of blacks and women, are still a stubborn math problem for people who worry they're all bigots. Clift loves the John Edwards endorsement, which she wrote "couldn't have come at a more opportune moment. He is the embodiment of the working-class message that has eluded Obama and that has become the core of Hillary Clinton's campaign." She wants Edwards at a VP nominee, or at least in an Obama cabinet.
Later, Clift talks to St. Louis labor writer Phil Dine, who at least tries to argue with her about that white male racism against Obama, the reputed unifier:
"Working people don't give a damn about unity," says Dine. "They want somebody who'll fight for them. They don't care about the broad reform of politics." They like Clinton because she's scrappy, and West Virginia voters are the epitome of scrappy, hardworking people. She has more of a built-in appeal to these voters, based in large part on their affection for her husband, and they rewarded her with a 41 point margin of victory over Obama in Tuesday's primary. The state is 97 percent white, but as Dine points out, Obama won Iowa, which is 96 percent white. "A lot of voters talk about race, but it's more about who's in touch with your values," he says, resisting any implication that blue-collar people are more afflicted with racism than other voters.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center
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Is Ms. Clift the Real Racist?
May 18, 2008 - 09:06 ET by allanfMs Clift seems to be the one who divides people into groups, which she then proposes to help with her liberal largesse.
Her column raises an interesting point. Is the quintessentially politically correct Ms. Clift the real racist rather than those pesky ivory soap white NASCAR dads?
Clift is an ol' school Lib
May 18, 2008 - 11:56 ET by GalvanicClift gives voice to what the Democratic Party is about: pidgeon-holing people into ethnic and economic categories, and bashing those individuals who refuse to play along. They claim to stick up for the powerless, but will gang-bang an individual in a heartbeat for stepping out of line.
And that's exactly what is plaguing their party now, as Obama and Clinton split these groups in every which way. This is the way the DP has played it for decades, and this will be their undoing.
Black on Black
May 18, 2008 - 09:12 ET by Shooter1002Why are 90% of blacks voting for Obama? Because his mamma was white?
NO!
Because he's considered black! That's why!
Kerry/Edwards stood for the same things as Obama does. Did he get 90% and did blacks turn out in the numbers they will in November? NO!
Blacks will vote for Obama because he's black! What's so hard to understand?
Actually, Kerry did get
May 18, 2008 - 11:25 ET by WisdomActually, Kerry did get about the same amount of the black vote in 2004. He received 88% while Bush was at 11%.
You can check out how similar their support has been here at this Gallup article:
http://www.gallup.co...
Shooter raises the only
May 19, 2008 - 07:29 ET by BobAnthonyShooter raises the only point I make about blacks voting for Obama--AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. Nothing more than voting for a black nazi plan because black leftists are in lockstep with Barack Hussein Obama.
And people like Jesse Lee Peterson are being called Uncle Tom's...because he's right on Obama and groups like the Black Panthers are wrong on Obama.
Glenn Beck during the Reverend Wright debacle described this as being about black nationalist dogma--thus Black Nazi.
For the record Democrats will NOT get my vote...but neither will McCain. My vote goes to The Constitution Party. Their platform is to take America back from those desroying it within, and using the Constitution, which many on the fascist left believe is a living document.
The only place I ever see
May 18, 2008 - 09:12 ET by Increase MatherThe only place I ever see Newsweak anymore is my Dentist's waiting room.
Nobody cares what little Ellie thinks. There isn't much evidence that she does.
You must have an old
May 18, 2008 - 09:29 ET by Gat New YorkYou must have an old dentist.
What's an Eleanor Clift?
May 18, 2008 - 09:30 ET by ThalpyWhat's an Eleanor Clift? What does it do?
Someone
May 19, 2008 - 07:30 ET by BobAnthonyWHO SHOULD JOIN HELEN THOMAS IN THE OLD FOLKS HOME FOR LEFTISTS, FASCISTS, COMMUNISTS, ETC.
I see it in my doctors
May 18, 2008 - 16:00 ET by mjgI see it in my doctors waiting room and usually I don't care to read it. It's mostly liberal garbage.
John Edwards is NO
May 18, 2008 - 09:18 ET by the strugglerJohn Edwards is NO embodiment of the working class.Clift is an airhead.
I almost lost my morning
May 18, 2008 - 10:47 ET by Ryan Mc.I almost lost my morning juice when I read that Edwards was the embodyment of the working class. Yes, a lying tort lawyer from NC who lives in a giant mansion. Only liberals can say things like this and expect anyone not to laugh. Its incredibly disturbing how a liberal can just declare something and expect everyone to just go with it no matter how absurd the statement.
Clift must have heard the rumor that John Edwards once wore gym shoes. I guess that is what qualifies him as working class. Maybe he talked to his head gardener once which gave him insight into those racist working class people.
For an empty c-word
May 19, 2008 - 07:38 ET by BobAnthonyLike Clift to say Breck Boy is the embodyment of the working class is like saying there are 57 states in the union!
By the way, I use the empty c-word term to describe womyn like Clift, Thomas, Clinton...any old hag leftist woman who has lost her womanhood. I just am so p-d off at these womyn so much and their policies, well it's just time to strike them below the belt.
Hardcore Conservative and PROUD TO BE ONE!
You're not the only one using that term...
May 19, 2008 - 08:03 ET by sarcasmoEven though an obvious media love-affair kept the news secret for the duration of the primary process...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Here's the paradox . . .
May 18, 2008 - 09:27 ET by WingletDriverthat Clift cannot comprehend.
She wholly believes that Blacks should vote Democrat because that is in their own interest since Dems supposedly care more about special minority rights (a laughable assertion). However, White men shouldn't vote Republican even though Republicans are about equal rights for all and would protect their self interest. Huh?
Also, when the demographics were presented, apparently no Dem has carried the White vote since 1964. That is both men and women, Ms. Clift. She of course makes it seem like only White middle class men vote Republican but that is not the stat that's given.
The other thing I find funny about her closed way of thinking (and thinking is a strong word for what she does) is that she finds John Edwards a working-class hero. If she thinks some phony-baloney ambulance-chasing lawyer-politician who wears suits that cost more than a blue collar stiff makes in a month, she's just plain lost.
I hate to disappoint Ms.
May 18, 2008 - 09:27 ET by OldSailor88I hate to disappoint Ms. Clift, but, if there were a black, jewish, lesbian, woman who was a candidate for president, and she showed me that she would secure the borders, lower taxes, open American oil exploration, increase the number of nuclear power plants, recind ethanol regulation, reduce environmental restrictions to make building refineries profitable and continue the strong fight against terrorism, this white, country, NASCAR loving Military guy would vote for her.
Noli habere bovis, vir!
Right!
May 18, 2008 - 10:56 ET by cheesegraterYou post is all that needs to be said. Thank you.
That is the absolute
May 18, 2008 - 12:19 ET by USA4freedomThat is the absolute truth!!
They can have horns coming out of their head, and a hunch back with buck teeth.
Just give me that list and I could care less what they look like..or how old or young, or.. or.. or..
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Romney / Jendil 2012 (if,we survive)
-
May 18, 2008 - 15:04 ET by dahliatraversMe, too!
No, the "Reagan Democrats"
May 18, 2008 - 09:47 ET by Joe C.No, the "Reagan Democrats" were the non-racists and non-sexists, who believed in individual liberty instead of collective entitlement. The Democrat Party is the home of racism and sexism (and always has been); only now they call it "affirmative action," "diversity," Black liberation theology, and Islam.
"A man who won't believe in God will believe in anything."
G.K. Chesterton
Thank you too!
May 18, 2008 - 10:59 ET by cheesegraterI didn't read your post until after I responded to OldSailor's, but yours is a perfect postscript to his.
Here's what's ironic
May 18, 2008 - 11:09 ET by CobraMan"In an election season focused on race and gender, it's ironic that white male workers have emerged as the most prized cohort."
Here's what's ironic; the Democrats are more focused on making this "an election season focused on race and gender" than one focused on domestic and foreign policies. Could this be due to the fact that both Clinton and Obama have the same domestic and foreign policies, leaving race and gender the ONLY differences between the two? To quote an old Plywood Minnesota commercial: "You betcha, Ken!"
Democrats have created this demographic war and now they're complaining about having to fight it. Man, things haven't changed much for the Democrats, have they?
A further irony, CobraMan,
May 18, 2008 - 14:07 ET by MikeBA further irony, CobraMan, is that while the Democrats have focused on making this "and election season focused on race and gender", the LibMedia, who are at least 99% Democrat, have managed to blame the turmoil on Bush and Rove and company.
It is kind of funny when you think about it. It's also not so funny when you realize that there are a bunch of bobble-head dhimms out there who agree with the media that Bush and Rove are behind Hillary and Obama trying to tear each other's throat out.
Yessirree, Rove has managed to plant both Hillary and Barak in the Democrat Party so it would tear itself apart. Rove, you magnificent b*st*ard!
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Clift just can't
May 18, 2008 - 11:29 ET by Delsabring herself to say WHITE DEMOCRAT MALES.
She has to say Reagan.
We all know White Democrat Males could NEVER be Racists?????
Never mind White Democrats (male or female)
Who is she attempting to kid?
Its a way to seperate the types of Dems
May 18, 2008 - 12:05 ET by Defector01White democrats males can still be "good people" as long as they follow all the politburo's guidelines on race/gender/sexuality/etc. But because it has Reagan in it, it means conservative which means these democrats aren't real democrats they're fake and therefore evil. Its nice to know had I stayed in the democratic party that I'd be called the same things I am now for being a Republican.
I have only ever made one prayer to God, a very short one: O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it - Voltaire
For me there are times when
May 18, 2008 - 12:15 ET by USA4freedomFor me there are times when I just want to say: Ok, I'm a racist, a bigot, xenophobe, a homophobic, I hate kids, little puppies, small kittens, and baby seals.. Now.. can we get back to the discussion?
That is such a standard line of BS that the left always uses because they can’t stand on the merits of their arguments.
Liberalism does not work, calling me some kind of name does not change that fact!!
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Romney / Jendil 2012 (if,we survive)
Stiffing the Working Guy . . .
May 18, 2008 - 12:15 ET by Galvanic"Working people don't give a damn about unity," says Dine. "They want somebody who'll fight for them. They don't care about the broad reform of politics."
Spoken like a true union-ite. Genuine political reform would destroy the disproportionate power and influence of special interests like the corrupt labor unions, so Dine declares that reform is not important to workers.
But if Dine weren't in the bag for Big Labor, he might note that the corruption in the current political system ain't working for the American worker.
Black male Democrat candidates are Racist
May 18, 2008 - 16:09 ET by JayTeeand so are their wives.
I think the Gas Crisis is going to "drive" Americans to the internet for Shopping.....and we will shop for "News" also.
TV News is dying..radio talk is entertaining and MORE INFORMATIVE.
Exit talking Heads....especially these opinions...
Fascist Repression of Free Speech by Clift
May 18, 2008 - 16:22 ET by Kirk TurnerHere are the key components of fascism:
Government control of business (Global Warming)
Cult of Personality (Obama)
A promise of Utopia (Liberals)
Suppression of contrary opinions (Use of "racism" threats to control honest debate)
Antisemitism
Minimizing religion while elevating government to an almost God-like status
It couldn't happen here? Well, it is coming down Broadway. Can you see it? It walks like fascism; talks like fascism; and quacks like fascism. They only want what is best, and you better G*&m well let them have it, or else. It's fascism, American style.
The facists were socialists
May 18, 2008 - 20:53 ET by Ryan Mc.The facists were socialists that used nationalist sentiment to consolidate power. The communists did much the same but their focus was more on class struggle rather than nationalism. The democrats are a funky hybrid using elements of both. Their focus is on groups of people who can identify with each other based on multiple characteristics. Rather than nationality or economic class the democrats of today are much more sophisticated. They use race and ethnicity and mix class rethoric to create more complicated groups. If they don't get you to identify with a union, then the fact that you are a woman, or you are black, or you don't earn what you might like to and we can blame that on your evil boss.
They can attract you on so many more levels exploiting you in more than one way. Think about the communists who must attract you based on economic class alone. Democrats today have so many more tricks to use. Free healthcare? Maybe abortion? No? Maybe we'll raise taxes on that rich guy you hate so much and get some revenge on him? How about making you feel superior, preach environmentalism? Tell us Dems what you want and we'll find a Republican to blame it on. Rather than blaming it on Jews we call them neocons. Now Jews aren't evil for being Jewish they are evil for not staying on their team. (Team Democrat) Blacks are Uncle Tom's. We don't lynch blacks or gas jews we just destroy their character so the next Jew who forgets what team he's on gets the message.
I think 25-50 years from now there will be some excellent books on this topic if we come out of it being allowed to write and read such books.
trying to sabotage BHO?
May 18, 2008 - 21:21 ET by kevinNw08This editorial does Sen. McCain a favor, by suggesting that Sen. Obama, by picking John Edwards, would be strengthening himself with Reagan Democrats, particularly men.
The Kerry-Edwards ticket was crushed in NC in 2004, and I just don't remember Edwards helping that much elsewhere. Plus, Edwards provides zero ideological balance...he hasn't won elective office in a decade and his positions mirror those of the party activists, not mainstream voters.
Maybe Ellie's trying to guide BHO off the cliff, with an eye to Hillary and 2012.
Edwards lost
May 19, 2008 - 06:28 ET by Joe C.Edwards lost his home PRECINCT in NC, let alone county and state. Please! Please! Please! Pick Edwards, B. Hussein.
"A man who won't believe in God will believe in anything."
G.K. Chesterton
Wow, if Eleanor thinks White Male Reagan Dems are racist...
May 18, 2008 - 23:52 ET by R D Helm...and sexist, she must think we white, male, Reagan non-Dems are cave-dwelling, knuckle-dragging Klan members who hang out at the He-Man Woman-Hater's club on the weekends.
I hate to tell Eleanor, but I really don't think Edward's endorsement is going to help Obama all that much.
Nobody I know likes Edwards, and I know a lot of white male "Reagan Democrats."