This exchange, noted by Huffington Post, indicates the increasingly harsh atmosphere at some Republican rallies, by some overzealous supporters; afraid of what Obama means for this country, some hot-headed McCain acolytes have taken to denouncing Obama with some rather un-American ferocity. A particularly engaging example of this is an incidence of outright racism the functional equivalent of responding to the accusation that Obama is Muslim with a "No, he's Christian." The correct and moral response would be, "And if he is, so what?"
"I don't trust Obama," a woman said. "I have read about him. He's an Arab."
McCain shook his head in disagreement, and said:
"No, ma'am. He's a decent, family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with (him) on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign is all about."
This is McCain's worldview? Obama is not Arab, because he's a decent family man. Arabs are apparently not decent, not family-oriented, and maybe even not men. We're not sure. Stay tuned for clarification.
No, McCain answered properly. He ignored the part about race, and focused on his character, which he admirably complimented And he's answering on his feet here, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. There's nothing here to suggest he is racist.
Of course, the best thing to do would be to vote for Nader -- who, incidentally, is of Arab heritage. :-)
Posted by: Khalid | 11 October 2008 at 02:20 AM
Agree 100% with Khalid - there's nothing to suggest that McCain is being racist.
Posted by: Khalil | 11 October 2008 at 12:52 PM