I'm not afraid to vote for the black guy.

[leftrightwingnut]

I heard for the first time today, that race apparently is a big hurdle for a lot of undecided voters. That over 50% of undecided voters could make a choice based on this single factor. Perhaps even for a lot of "decided" voters, too.

I'm amazed.

For me, and a lot of people I know, race was never, ever a factor. I don't understand how a person could listen -- actually listen -- to Barack Obama speak and not know that this man is the best choice for our next president. Period.

The reality is that a lot of Americans have a problem with race. "Person of color", "African-American", whatever politically correct term you wish to use: to a lot of people, he is "that black guy". Those people are looking for any excuse not to vote for him.

So, I want to let them know that it is alright: go ahead, vote for the black guy, even if that kind of gives you the willies. He's the best option we have.

I was thinking of making up two bumper stickers and affixing them to opposite sides of my bumper:

1. I'M NOT AFRAID TO VOTE FOR THE BLACK GUY

2. HE IS THE ONLY REAL HOPE WE HAVE

Is this out of line? I don't think so. But I thought I would stop in here for a sanity check.

[mrbscott19]

1. Your subject

Would make a good bumper sticker. Simple and to the point.

[leftrightwingnut]

5. Thanks! I think it gets right to the heart of the matter.

No one's saying. It needs to be said.

[leftrightwingnut]

30. LIke this?

[billybob537]

2. I'm just too disgusted with this Government

Of the RICH for the RICH by the RICH.

[YDogg]

3. there's a "black guy" running?

[leftrightwingnut]

11. Yeah. Just amazed the shit out of me when I found out.

I grew up in an extended family where racism was rampant and unabashed. My mother, to her credit, counseled me against such attitudes.

I think attitudes have changed since my childhood, but when I talk to relatives and others and get them to talk honestly about it, it comes down race. It sucks, but I think it's a real problem.

[firedupdem]

4. This race issue has been a hot topic here this weekend. It's been

hot in the newspapers and polls everywhere. I really wonder why with all the crap happening in this country that this weekend is race discussion weekend? I really don't get it. No offense to you but this is some divisive bullshit that is surfacing this weekend to get everybody off of the fucked up economy subject. I've hidden 12 threads with this issue on them. What gives?

[leftrightwingnut]

6. Apparently there has been something on MSNBC.

That's all I know. I'm not sure that it's a distraction at all. I think it is the truth.

[bigtree]

10. maybe some folks can think and do more than one thing at a time

Do you really think there aren't enough economic threads?

[BlooInBloo]

7. Me neither. He's the smartest motherfucker in the room.

[shadowknows69]

8. If those numbers are true then this country is done

If after all this time that's only as far as we've come.

[BlooInBloo]

9. This election, more so than any other, perhaps, is a test of the American character.

EDIT: Is the best black guy STILL not as good as even the WORST white guy? The election might hinge on how white folks answer that question.

[bigtree]

12. rec'd

kudos for your interest

(I think the poll is BS, by the way.)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4052447&mesg_id=4052447

[leftrightwingnut]

14. Thanks! I wasn't thinking about that poll. It is B.S.

This was prompted by a conversation that I had today. Kind of clicked with me at that point.

[bigtree]

17. heh

These little debates are really tough, on the ground, where we live. I find that many folks seem offended by the raising of the topic of race itself, as much or more as they might have strong views either way. I can only reason that there are scars from earlier attempts to discuss these things. There's a sense that, everything is best left unsaid and settled; best not to stir up the dust. There's some wisdom in that, but I don't want to find folks wary of speaking up and standing up for what is right, intimidated by the groans or studied indifference of their peers. I applaud your activism.

[BeFree]

13. Yep

I use the saying a lot. Even go further down onto their level when need be.

It really is a head turning statement. Powerful and precise. It goes right to the heart of the matter with those type of people.

I vote yes! Yes we can. Yes we can vote for the black guy. Even campaign for him.

[leftrightwingnut]

15. Thanks for the support.

[BeFree]

16. Well

I find that it is political wimps who are afraid to go there. And you are no wimp, eh?

[leftrightwingnut]

18. Uh, yeah. I've had an O.P. deleted. Not surprising, really.

That one was truly tasteless from the start -- and it only got worse with the responses. Much worse. Still, I can use the idea with the crowd I'm thinking of, if not here on DU.

[BeFree]

19. What?

You went way down on DU? Gawd, you newbs just don't realize how high minded we are. Live and learn.

[leftrightwingnut]

20. I knew where it was headed when I posted it.

But I couldn't help it. I was really ticked off about the McCain unable to use a keyboard because he's a POW thing.

It was hilarious while it lasted.

[safeinOhio]

21. WHAT?

Someone is not voting for the best because he is half Irish?

[leftrightwingnut]

22. I know. I'm part Irish and it really hurts.

Thanks. I can use that...

[lonestarnot]

23. Damned Irish!

:evilgrin: :hi:

[roody]

24. They are preparing us to accept the McCain

vote theft.

[DiamondKrosse]

25. you don't help Obama

by reinforcing him being black on your bumper sticker. There may be whites who see it behind you, who were swing voters, who then think of his "blackness" and then go to McCain

[leftrightwingnut]

27. That's the line of thinking that led me here. We cannot ignore the fear.

My neighbors put out a McCane sign a week ago. I went to the Obama headquarters to get my own yard sign and I stopped to look at buttons.

I was afraid to pick up the ones with his picture, for the very reason that you mention. He just looked too dark.

Later, when I reflected on my fear, it occurred to me that if I am afraid to display a button with an African-American face on it, then there is a real problem here.

I decided to take the problem head on: Yeah, he's black. But it's still okay to vote for him. He's the best hope that we have. Do not be afraid.

I think that if we do not address it in this way, the white guys following me will see the pretty blue O sticker and not vote for him anyway. They're still gonna know he's black.

At the same time, it shames swing voters into sticking to their principles: If he were a white guy, you would vote for him. Don't change your vote because of race.

I ordered my bumper stickers. I'll post them elsewhere on this thread.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

26. IMHO, they don't listen to Obama, They listen to the talking heads

who tell them what Obama said and what they should think about it.

I tell people who raise the race issue that I'm voting for the smart guy.

[leftrightwingnut]

28. They listen to the talking heads

I'm hoping that I can persuade some people to be open to the idea of hearing what Obama has to say, in his own words. He sells himself. All they have to do is listen, just once.

[leftrightwingnut]

29. My new stickers: