In attempt to throw jabs to see which one can stick and not become overtly racist in the process, an often-used line lately is that African Americans don't actually know Obama's policies or positions (a subtle assault on their intelligence) but are only voting for him because he is black (Aha! THEY are the racists!)
Perhaps you've heard it screamed out in a message board. Or you may recall John Gibson saying 'You just like Obama because he's like you.'
If 90%+ of African Americans vote for Obama then surely there is no difference between that and slavery, Dred Scott, Jim Crow laws, lynchings, and all those things that happened soooo long ago, right?
In an attempt to level the playing field by proclaiming Obama's black supporters are actually racist, they hope to justify their own bigotry.
What happens when conservative African Americans start to publically voice tacit support and leanings towards voting for Obama?
Conservative talk show host Armstrong Williams:
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 said. "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. Among black conservatives, they tell me privately, it would be very hard to vote against him in November.
Former GOP Congressman J.C. Watts:
Watts said he's still a Republican, but he criticizes his party for neglecting the black community. Black Republicans, he said, have to concede that while they might not agree with Democrats on issues, at least that party reaches out to them.
"And Obama highlights that even more," Watts said, adding that he expects Obama to take on issues such as poverty and urban policy. "Republicans often seem indifferent to those things."
Colin Powell:
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, regardless of anything else other than the most qualified candidate
So, doesn't this just PROVE John Gibson and all the others right in their minds? These people are walking a fine line and risk alienating black conservatives who, while small in number, have always been sought out by the GOP as 'token' members who they proudly display if only to 'prove' they aren't racist.
Will Gibson, Limbaugh, Hannity, or any other sleaze merchants publicly single out and lambast Williams, Watts, Powell, or other prominent black conservatives who may support or say kind things about Obama and 'validate' their point? If so, would it ultimately hurt them if these respected individuals publically fire back on any criticism of this point?
They may always have Juan Williams but the perception towards Republican racism in general could be amplified if any prominent black conservatives have a falling out with the GOP this election season.
For the full article cited, see:
Black Conservatives conflicted on Obama campaign