RNC Secretly Polls on Racism, Sexism

[kpete]

RNC Secretly Polls on Racism, Sexism

The Republican National Committee "has commissioned polling and focus groups to determine the boundaries of attacking a minority or female candidate," according to The Politico. "The secretive effort underscores the enormous risk senior GOP operatives see for a party often criticized for its insensitivity to minorities in campaigns dating back to the 1960s."

"The RNC project is viewed as so sensitive that those involved in the work were reluctant to discuss the findings in detail. But one Republican strategist, who asked that his name be withheld to speak candidly, said the research shows the daunting and delicate task ahead."

more at:
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2008/02/25/rnc_secretly_polls_on_racism_sexism.html

[NewJeffCT]

1. so, they are trying to determine the exact wording to use that is acceptable?

so, we know Nigger is not acceptable, Macaca is not, either... what can we attack him with?

Or, for Hillary - is anything out of bounds? is a front group with the initials CUNT acceptable? How about using bitch?

Must be tough being a Republican these days. Not being able to use the N-word in public has got to be rough on them.

[Kitty Herder]

2. If they can use racism and sexism they will.

And they have. Quite successfully, unfortunately. But the times they are a changin' and they want to see if those disgusting tactics will still work. They're licking their fingers and sticking them in the air to gauge how racist and sexist the public is. I hope they find that people's attitudes have improved and that using such scummy tactics won't work for them anymore.

[babylonsister]

3. That goes along with this:

So is Mark Halperin at TIME a repug?

Just curious b/c he wrote an article on "Ways McCain can Beat Obama that Hillary cannot". And he wrote some pretty disturbing things such as "not being afraid to use race card" and "make use of his drug use" and "Emphasize Barack Hussein Obama’s unusual name and exotic background through a Manchurian Candidate prism.". I'm not going to link the article unless anyone wants to read it but it made my blood boil. I usually read "the page" to find out what all the candidates are up to that day but then I see that on top of the page. UGH.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4756843

We knew it was coming...

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

4. Anyone could see the use of "Barack Hussein Obama" a mile away.

Seriously, I'd have legally changed my name to drop "Hussein" if I were Obama right after the first Gulf War, just to be safe.

[babylonsister]

5. I strongly disagree; he was named after his dad; I see nothing wrong

with him keeping his name. He has no need to be embarrassed by it. Maybe this is an opportunity to educate for those willing to open their minds.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

6. Your argument is far too rational.

Either that or you're far overestimating the ability of people to keep an open mind. He doesn't need to be embarrassed by his name, but it is a political liability - there is no way around that.

[babylonsister]

7. Tell that to the people who voted for him in the primaries;

by your thinking, he should have changed his color also. I'd like to think this country can get beyond stuff like this. I guess we'll see.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

8. You're in for a rude awakening if you think the Democratic electorate...

is identical to the Republican and Independent voters throughout the country.

[Left Brain]

9. Smells Rovian to me,

the dirty little rat b*stard