McCain/Obama: It's About to Get UGLY!

While Americans "say" they prefer campaigns based on issues, meaningful debate, and substance, and many claim they abhor mudslinging gutter politics... don't believe it for one second! Quite to the contrary, the American public–– and this includes Democrats, Independents, and Republicans––salivate and literally feed on dirty ads and low-road campaign tactics.

It's unfortunate, but the more obscene, dirtier, and contemptible campaign ads are of late, the more likely a 'win" for the candidate whose campaigns promote them. With that said, look for the next 90-days to be one of the nastiest, slime-riddled, sewer-resembled presidential elections in history. During an earlier blog post, it was noted that Barack Obama and John McCain already had a vitriolic history, and exhibited disdain for each other long before now:

... my hunch is that the next 6-months is going to be brutal. The prevailing wisdom suggests there remains bad blood from the [McCain/Obama] Ethics Reform break-down and the Flak Jacket heated exchange. And any promise by these two of rising above the usual divisive, negative, detrimentally damaging politics of destruction was just the same-old-same-old Washington, DC political posturing in an effort to look noble! www.vberryhill-soulvoice.blogspot.com/May 9, 2008

Well, so much for the pretense and promised pre-General Election political posturing by these two. As in any gladiatorial contest, the fight is to-the-death, with the last man standing (bloody as he may be) the victor. It's sad that the primary reason these vile ads and untoward behaviors by the candidates are unchallenged and allowed to pollute the 'spirit' of the electoral process, is the cheering fans/electorates "love" the mayhem and the gore, and the networks make millions of dollars.

Let's admonish the faint of heart, and political do-gooders right now. It's best to turn your televisions off beginning today, as the contest leading up through November is NOT going to be pretty, whatsoever. Both sides know that too much is at stake for a patty-cake fight this year.

So... just as soon as Obama officially clinches the Democratic nomination, and Senator Hillary Clinton has successfully been removed from even the most remote possibility of being the Democrat's representative in the Fall... look for the Republicans to unleash the 'kitchen', 'bathroom' and 'laundry room' sinks––a furor unmatched in the history of politics––on Obama.

And... not to be out done, the Obama camp, Moveon.org, and others will have to get down in the trenches and get 'blood' on their hands as well, or get mowed down mercilessly by the opposition. The Democratic 527's groups will have no choice but to counter with some of the meanest, filthiest ads of their own, leveled against McCain. All while the voters feign repulsion... but talk around the water coolers about who has the best of the worst ads!

You've been forewarned! Just get ready for a long, hot bath from November to swearing-in day, January '09. But... even then, the stench from this election cycle will be too pungent to be permanently removed from our nation's history for a long time...


JG8D69D

The Plight of Black Republicans... GOPs Need To Worry

The national spotlight is quickly focusing on what has customarily been an ignored ... and often "unappreciated" constituent base: Black Republicans. With Senator Barack Obama's foot literally on the doorstep of the White House, some Black Republicans find themselves betwixt and between in this election cycle.

In a nutshell, here is the complexity of the situation: How do Black Republicans reconcile supporting the liberal Obama/Democratic platforms that basically go against every long standing, deep-rooted, typical "Black Church", social value of Black conservatism, i.e.: don't kill your babies just because you become pregnant; general opposition to gay marriages (remember what the preacher said, "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve"); and an overall toughness on crime: (if you do the crime you do the time... and even your mama will turn you in!)

Long term GOP talk radio host, Armstrong Williams, articulated the present Black Republican conundrum in regards to Obama in this manner, “I don’t necessarily like his policies; I don’t like much that he advocates, but for the first time in my life, history thrusts me to really seriously think about it,” Williams explains. He adds: “I can honestly say I have no idea who I’m going to pull that [lever] for in November. And to me, that’s incredible.” (digitaljournal.com)

The angst so many Black Republicans now face is: 1) not wanting to be on the wrong side of history by not casting their vote for someone who looks like them and whose very cultural roots are entwined... and, 2) not wanting to be viewed––––any worse than already labeled by Black Democrats–– as "Uncle Toms".

Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, and one of the highest ranking Black Republicans in the world, issued a 'tease' over the weekend, stating that he had not ruled out voting for Senator Obama in November. Powell, who served in both President Bush 41 and 43's administrations quickly clarified that IF he votes for the Black senator from Illinois, it would not be simply because both are Black. "I will vote for the individual I think that brings the best set of tools to the problems of 21st century America and the 21st century world, regardless of party," Colin Powell said.

Well, that is a noble statement by Secretary Powell... but most Black Republicans–– while torn between what Obama's liberal positions will do "to" and/or "for" this country–– still face the question of whether to support this brother-- primarily because he is Black. PERIOD.

The flip side of this complex issue for Black Republicans... and which may make the decision easier, as they toy with the possibility of voting for Obama... is that many feel this Republican administration has not, and did not, share the financial spoils, such as major contracts, subcontracts, and grants to African Americans (Democrat or Republican) in an equitable manner. Consequently, would they fare better by putting their "hope"/vote with Obama? Indeed, President Bush appointed some key cabinet posts to "individual" African Americans. But overall, Black Republicans, who worked hard and voted in big numbers in 2000 and 2004 to deliver the highest African American voting percentage ever to a Republican candidate, admit being chafed over the past seven years, as their support, by and large, went ignored.

So, with that in mind, maybe... just maybe, as Black conservatives ponder who to give their votes to over the next few months, a Black Obama maybe an option that remains on the table. The GOP may need to be worried....