As some of you are well aware, the NC-GOP have posted a "wonderful" ad saying that Obama is "Too extreme" For NC. Let me tell you something about this ad. Those in NC that may not know this but Jesse Helms (you know they guy that all but showed up to Senate in his white robes (no there is no proof he was but if you ever watched him talk you had to wonder) ran these kinds of ads against his chief opponent in the late 80's and early 90's Harvey Gantt.
That was 20 years ago, has it changed that much? have we in this state changed to the point where those don't work. I have seen it, it a promise land of BLUE in this sea of Red in the south, in the history of NC we have always been close to last on a) joining the union 12th out of 13, and b) leaving the union last and C)rejoining last, we are could be the first southern state to turn blue is historic.
Yet NC-GOP feel they need to play these "old" games using Race in such a way that smacks of Jesse Helms and his brand of politics. The funny thing is in 20 years since that, we have watch the state of NC change. It's not been over night but it has changed. For 8 years we had Dem as governor. There is better than good chance that Dole well not be going back to Washington (not like she lives in this state anyways) we have really good grass/netroots people running for congress throughout the state. We has city (Asheville) I have heard referred to as "San Fran of the East" with art and open communities that is in the heart of history and the beauty of the smoky mountains.
It's time GOP in this state understand they are becoming more and more fringe and less and less important. This Ad show their complete lack of understanding and being completely out of touch with the people in this state. Sure there will be people that see this Ad will feel the GOP is right in this state, but they are ones that wouldn't vote for Obama, Edwards, Moore, Purdue or any other person with D behind their name. Kinda preaching to the choir at that point don't you think?
If you look at the past and what they have be able to do, to get the south to stay in a state of fear from both commies and hippies but also in the ways of anything that isn't the "White" south. I know what you are thinking. "It's the 21 century they couldn't possible think this will work." but they do. The GOP as a whole for last 8 years have ran it Nationally with gays and Stem Cells and anyone that looks brown and different. The pains of the 60's sadly still run very deep but that block of votes are leaving the blocks, dying off, or seeing they were wrong for all those years.
Yet not a fringe group but a national, use to be respected, party is now wanting to play the Race card like no one's business. To hear them defend it how "some people may be upset by it, but sometimes the truth stings" and then begging for money that is just nuts. They are getting more than just some people however. As the Nations eyes looks to NC and IN for it's vote what they hoped would be a way to shine a light on something to get them votes, it has turned out to shine a light on the underbelly. EVEN McCain said not to run the ad. what does that tell you?
No, the "new south" is the Old south and we are moving on, with Liberal ideals and ways of doing thing. Those that can not see that change coming will be left behind. We are tired of race baiting, and Hate-mongering. We want a bright future for our children and ourselves. Not built of fear but Hope. This GOP move is Jesse Helm Politics and that doesn't play in Red States blues anymore.
Daniel
RSB