Reply #8: It is a self-reinforcing cycle. [View All]

Obama has wisely recognized that his campaign must transcend race. Neither his supporters nor his detractors are willing to go along.

On the one hand the supporters see racism in every single negative comment. The opponents then argue the point.

I have never believed that race was an insurmountable obstacle to Obama, and in fact might be a slight advantage (americans love an underdog). Lately, however, I'm beginning to think I might be wrong.

Both his supporters and his detractors believe that everyone else in this country (except themselves, of course) is irredeemably racist. This belief works nicely for repubs. It is unsurprising that Democrats who listen to the conventional wisdom become concerned about issues of electability.

It is an extremely self-destructive move to call our fellow Democrats racists. It is obvious that this lesson is lost on many.