How to Market Obama Now: Play the Race Card

I'm surprised he hasn't mentioned it yet? Seems foolish not to as it's an obvious thing people are discussing on a daily basis. Will be interesting to see if he speaks about it before elections - probably not if he hasn't done so already.

He has mentioned it, but not head on. It IS what people are talking about and he needs to be sure he's part of the conversation.

No kidding it's the thing everybody's talking about. It is the elephant in the polling room. Freaks me out about the future of our country.

Francine - it really is the elephant in the room. ignoring it is just as bad a mistake as ignorning Bill Clinton was in 2004.

BL - As always, you've nailed it right on the head. I've referenced your post in my own blog post about the issue. The evidence from the primary voting patterns suggests that race does matter, especially in a more complex manifestation of the Bradley Effect when Tom Bradley, then the African-American mayor of Los Angeles, lost the gubernatorial race in California in 1982. Doing the right thing here, Obama can clinch this election handily.

http://saltlakecityutahblog.com/2008/09/02/obama-must-lead-conversation-on-the-race-issue/

Les - your post has a thorough view of the issue and I am honored to see my opinion in such good company. Race is most definitely the elephant in the room.

BL~
This article is quite a convincing argument. So much so, that I posted it on my blog at BarackObama.com.
I was especially struck at the private comment from the educated so-called liberal New York professor!

These king of 'private' beliefs and comments are not isolated nor unusual.

We, as Americans and the world are in our 'period of Enlightenment' at the beginning of this twenty-first century. Obama simply has to dispel these superstitions and beliefs.

It is not so much playing the 'race card' (which incites a visceral reaction) as it is talking about the obvious unspoken.

Race should not be an issue!

But we as a continually evolving democracy and country are at the beginning of something great ... something totally unprecedented for our country and the world.

In twenty or so years, it will be true ... race and/or gender will not be an issue.

But for now, Obama, as the first presidential candidate of color, has to address this issue to inform, to enlighten and instruct the public.

Obama whom I support wholeheartedly has to utilize all of the internet and social marketing outlets/venues (as he has done with exception!) to comat the forthcoming race Tsunami.

With these kind of Republican 'Mad Men' (Rove and others) it is only a matter of time before 'Wille Horton-esque' events/ideas/effigy become the Republlcan political virus conjured up to incite fear, deception and the ultimate distraction in this presidential campaign.

Hi BL - spot on! I'm convinced race is an issue in the election of Obama and i am not surprised that peoples' private thoughts on the matter are racist. I agree that his best strategy is to get the debate out on the internet rather than through convential media.

"“Black people will think they can do whatever they want if he’s elected” (This from a liberal professor at a New York City University.)"

This feels like the underlying message of much of what is said by those against Obama. Especially when they start flailing around or lie outright when asked to say exactly what they oppose on the issues.

This underlying message is aligned with the 'uppity' attitude.

Bypassing the MSM is also a great way to have the conversation build from the ground up.

Thanks for hitting the mark with this post.

IS OBAMA FAILING TO WIN BECAUSE OF RACE?
Interesting article, however it would be even more interesting to see the same kind of analysis if the black candidate was Colin Powell, or Condelza Rice. If the black candidate had more experience, and didn't vote present over 100 times ... was not so far to the left ... did not propose such radical changes to our society, such as a socialistic agenda ... did not have negative associations, such as 20 years tied to a Reverend Wright, and other radicals ... did not have a Muslim name, father and step father, just 6 years after 9-11, and while America, and it's allies is in the midst of constant attacks from murderous Muslim terrorists ... was properly vetted from the beginning ... did not enjoy such overwhelming biased favoritism from the media ... did not arrogantly create his own Presidential seal ... did not disrespect historical American institutions, and traditions, as a way of selling his Change message ... did not use accusations of race in response to every opposing argument ... did not flip flop on important issues ... chose Hillarry as his running mate ... as well as several other substantive factors.

Just a wild guess Howard: you tend to identify with the right wing. Your comment would be more interesting if it wasn't so full of hate.

I have been contemplating the very same thing about race needing to be discussed. It has shaped our thinking, whether we like it or know it or not. The bigots must not win. Howard is just spouting the Republican talking points that the ignorant sheep have learned to repeat. They are bogus and diversionary. And not very original.