Mondale: Racial "edge" to Obama foes

[liberalpragmatist]

Now Mondale:

Former Vice President Walter Mondale joined his old boss Jimmy Carter Wednesday, arguing that some of the opposition to President Obama's agenda is fueled by racial animus.

Asked at an event in Washington whether he agreed with former President Carter that racism was behind some criticism of Obama, Mondale took a long pause before answering: "Yeah."

"I don't like saying it," Mondale continued. "Having lived through those years, when civil rights was such a bitter issue, and when we argued those things for years ... I know that some of that must still be around."

"I don't want to pick a person, say, he's a racist, but I do think the way they're piling on Obama, the harshness, you kind of feel it," he said. "I think I see an edge in them that's a little bit different and a little harsher than I've seen in other times."

> http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27520.html

[Ron Green]

1. Fritz is right, of course, even if he grew up in Minnesota.

As one who grew up in East Texas in the 1950's, I sure as hell know what these assholes are all about, and how they're too dishonest to own up to their own bigotry.

[Hansel]

5. Even if he grew up in Minnesota?

I grew up in Minnesota too. Unfortunately, we have our share of racists as well. Having grown up among them I know what these assholes are all about as well.

Fair point though. I also lived in Mississippi when I was a teenager when Jim Crow laws were still in effect. My experience among Minnesota racists did not prepare me for what I saw there. It was surreal and a real eye opener.

[Ron Green]

7. My point is that Jim Crow was not in effect in Minnesota, 'cause there was no need for it

with a black population of what, 1%? My experience was separate water fountains and restrooms. I'm glad Mondale called racism, but I wish he'd shout it louder. It's being too easily dismissed in the media.

[msongs]

2. its not a racial edge - its the core value of their beings nt

[BlooInBloo]

3. Yah, but you have to say it as mildly as possible, or else the racism-cover team will...

start whining about how "not everyone against Obama is racist" and stupid shit like that.

It's enough of a step forward just to get (many) white folks to acknowledge its existence at all. Baby steps.

[Solomon]

4. Even if they wore hoods the racism deniers would be

all over it.

[treestar]

6. The edge and the extra harshness - he put it well

Naturally these right wing shits would be hysterical over any Democratic president, but you can also detect the extra edge and harshness that goes beyond that.

Sure they were vicious to Clinton - but there's an extra edge of additional hysteria.