Hillary's dog whistles to racism.

[milkyway]

I've had the feeling for a while that the Clinton camp has been sending subtle racist signals, but I've been reluctant to say so because it seemed like a big stretch. One of the key points in her stump speech is that you don't make change by yelling for it, you don't make change by hoping for it, you make change by working hard for it. This seems innocuous enough, but by saying she works hard she is implying that the others don't. As we're well aware, there has always been the belief by racists that black people are lazy. Yes, she included Edwards, but perhaps this was done either to make the racist subtext more subtle or just because it fit her storyline. Again, this by itself is not enough to say that she is sending signals to racists.

In the last few days, however, several things happened to strengthen this view. Hillary said that Martin Luther King's dream wasn't realized until LBJ passed the civil rights act. "It took a president to get it done." But her analogy seems bizarre. Barack Obama is also running for president. So Obama the candidate would be analogous to King, and Obama the president (or Hillary the president) would be analogous to LBJ. O.K., it took a president to get it done, but Obama would be that president. So what is Hillary saying? What Obama would not have in common with LBJ is not the office of the presidency, but his race. What Hillary seems to be saying is that it took pretty words from a black man to inspire a dream, but it took a white person to actually do the work and get it done.

Bill Clinton has also made some peculiar statements. He said Obama is "the biggest fairy tale he's ever seen." This fits in with the "I work hard and they don't" and "it took a white person to get it done" storylines. Bill is saying Obama is a media creation, a flashy star but no substance. He hasn't accomplished anything much on his own to warrant the attention he's getting. Yes, he's "gifted," but where's the beef? Those that follow sports will recognize this storyline. Even to this day, black athletes are much more likely to be characterized as being born "gifted" (simply lucky at birth), while white athletes are much more likely to be called gritty and determined. Gritty is a word that has been used in the last several days by the Clinton camp.

All of these instances form the same basic storyline. Hillary is hard working and gritty, and Obama is coasting on his physical gifts (Bill says, "I can't make her younger, taller, male"; he stopped short of saying black). It's all so easy for that lucky guy Obama.

It has been reported that James Carville is now advising the Clinton campaign. Who thinks that he, or others in the Clinton camp, are above sending out these signals to whites to win the presidency? They made the decision after Iowa to change and refocus their message. They obviously decided to "humanize" Hillary by showing more emotion, more fight, more grit against the gifted (but a bit uppity) black man. Now, about those "tears"--genuine or contrived, they sure do fit nicely into the storyline, don't they?

Give me a moment while I put on my flame-retardant suit.

[dbackjon]

1. Can i have back the time I wasted reading this???

Puh lease - let's leave the race card out of it.

[xultar]

You can't leave the race card out. Race is what it is all aboutt...unfortunately.

[acmavm]

8. No shit, see if you can get mine back as well.

[earthside]

14. Waste of Time?

You may not want to talk about race in the context of this contest because it is uncomfortable ... but don't kid yourself, it is going to be a serious undercurrent at least and/or a very divisive factor at most.

On a middle-of-the-road local radio talk show this morning I heard an African-American man call in expressing genuine anger and fear that once again white, establishment Democrats were going to "pat blacks on the head and remind them to be good party voters" (a paraphrase).

Democrats and all Americans make a big mistake not to take what the original post has to say about this seriously ... it should be a warning of the dangerous ground that could be ahead for Clinton(s) and Obama.

[milkyway]

21. Thank you for commenting seriously. I knew it's a very difficult subject to bring up which

is why I have been hesitant to do so, but every successful campaign needs a narrative, a story to sell their candidate. Everything I mentioned fits the same consistent narrative. Granted, it's subtle, but it seems like it's there.

[dbackjon]

27. Yes, there are Democrats that feel uncomfortable voting for a black

There are Democrats that are uncomfortable voting for women, as well.


I don't mind a discussion on the effects of race and gender. But to make nebulous arguments that the Clintons are racist, or speaking in racial "code" is laughable.

[lapislzi]

35. I don't think "code" is quite what the OP means

(if milkyway doesn't mind me putting words in her/his mouth)

I don't think this is like the coded biblespeak used by RW politicians to demonstrate solidarity with the dominionist nuts. This is more insidious because the people saying it don't even realize it's there. People do it ALL THE TIME. I've done it, and I could have bitten my tongue off when it was pointed out to me. I'm sure Clinton doesn't think she's a racist, and doesn't want to be one, either. But out it pops. Words have meaning. Think about where your words are coming from before you let them out of your mouth.

And yes, there is plenty of sexism to go around also. Good thing I'm not a gambler, or I wouldn't know which one to bet on to win the day.

[milkyway]

42. from the OP: The Clintons are certainly not racists. But would they promote

subtle racial stereotypes to win an election? Even if they would not, lapisizi's comment below may be on the mark.

[lapislzi]

45. They are political animals, after all...

If they are unaware of the effects of their choice of words and examples, they have others to point these out, and to offer choices (like the clumsy MLK/LBJ example) likely to "resonate" on a preconscious level with the greatest numbers of voters. I wouldn't rule it out that someone, somewhere in the Clinton camp is aware of these perceptions and doing the math, risk vs benefit.

[Rydz777]

47. Agreed. We can start doing race and gender analyses (e.g.

women mustn't cry; Richardson is not doing well because his mother was Mexican) and it leads absolutely nowhere.

[xultar]

2. As a black woman...I have to say that I don't think White folks will let a bruva win.

[Hoof Hearted]

31. Let me tell you about my white, freeper inclined, racist, homophobic BIL from Iowa

He said the only person he was really interested in on either side of the race was Barack Obama. I almost drove right off the road. At first I thought he was having some fun with us, but he was serious. On the other hand, this same man would rather remove his own genitalia with a two dollar can opener than vote for a woman and especially Hillary Clinton.

I support both Clinton and Obama, and this story is entirely incidental, but there it is. I think either one of them will be fine in the GE. I think either one of them can win. I will say this, any woman who decided with only two years of national experience to run for President would be laughed off the stage, no matter how captivating her speeches were - so I don't think the benefit of Obama's gender can be ignored.

[xultar]

34. I supported Biden nearly from the front. I know both a woman and a black man

can barely stand a chance against the racist fucks.

[Virginia Dare]

33. Here's an excellent commentary on that subject IMO..

(Courtland Milloy today's Washington Post)

A new version of an old race game has been gaining popularity among African Americans lately. I call it, "Divining the White Mind: Can a Black Man Be Elected President?" Imagine a board game in which a black figure moves across a map of the United States, offering up clues about racial attitudes in America.

Here's how my friends and I play:

We start with a figure of mythical proportions, one that can appear to be black in a flash, then instantly meld into the mainstream. A political kung fu master, he can walk on the rice paper of race relations, acknowledging white institutional racism on one hand and exhorting blacks to behave responsibly on the other.

Call him Barack Obama. But who is he really? Our guide to the colorblind Promised Land that Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned? Or a puppet candidate, whose phenomenal financial backing comes with strings attached?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010804185.html

[xultar]

37. Don't get me wrong...If Obama were to win the nom, I'd be tootin his horn

louder than the next guy. I'd work my ass off. WAY harder for OBmana than I would have for Biden and a little more for Obama than I would have for Clinton because she would have been the first Dem woman to get the nom. I am planning work really hard for the historical factor for both Clinton and Obama but Obama would need it WAY more than Clinton.

[Virginia Dare]

38. I agree, I'm in Edwards camp...

but I'd love to see history changed this year. I'd love to think the country is ready to get over this hurdle now. I, like you, am skeptical though. I'll work like hell for either one of them.

[KingFlorez]

3. That's quite a stretch

I've never heard anything from Hillary that would remotely resemble racism.

[bunkerbuster1]

4. Make that a retard suit.

(Ok, it wasn't that bad, I just had to fun 'ya.)

I don't think any campaign is above the use of dog whistles. Comes with the territory. That said, I think you're not really helping Barak much by whining about it.

[milkyway]

15. I wasn't whining, just pointing out what seems like a pretty consistent storyline

coming from the Clinton campaign. I also don't think it's why she won New Hampshire.

[Fresh_Start]

5. Re MLK Clinton was saying that rhetoric wasn't enough

because people are comparing Obama to JFK and MLK based on his speechifying and not on his actions.

In point of fact, LBJ took a huge risk personally and politically passing the Civil Rights legislation. He believed that he was condemning the Democratic party to losing the South for a generation when he did so. And he did it anyway.

As opposed to Obama who ducks difficult votes.

[truebrit71]

6. Hmmm...bit of a stretch, but I see where you're coming from...

...it takes Hill about 2.3 seconds to go from calm to shrill...and less time to go from "choked up" to pitbull mode...

She is a cold, calculating devious politician that takes no prisoners and has sold her soul for the ultimate prize...

We can only hope that the American people have grown as tired of her cynical approach, or at the very least wised up to the fact that they are being played by a person that will stop at NOTHING to win what she believes is hers...

[lapislzi]

23. Really Loaded Word Alert

I find your use of the word "shrill" insulting, even if you did not intend it to be such. Has a male candidate EVER been called "shrill?" Think about it. If there are overtones of racism in the campaigns of many Democrats, then there are as many overtones of sexism throughout the party as well.

The word "shrill" to me is every bit as bad as the "articulate" moniker that's been used about Obama. Obama is right about one thing: words mean something, and there are subtexts galore in this election.

[milkyway]

24. from the OP: I agree with everything you say.

[truebrit71]

30. Too bad....A man's voice typically doesn't get "shrill"...

It is a descriptive word used to encapsulate the tone of the speaker. In this case very well indeed.

It is NOT inherently sexist, nor insulting.

Some folks need to dail down their sensitivity metres a few hundred points... :eyes:

[MedleyMisty]

32. Yes, it is sexist and insulting.

You don't get to tell females what's sexist and what's not.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

44. Damn, you're shrill

Just STFU.

[truebrit71]

48. Back at ya...

...

[Celeborn Skywalker]

71. I apologize

I sincerely do. I was angry at something this morning that had nothing to do with politics and I let it show in that post. I'm sorry.

[lapislzi]

49. Ummm...no.

Perception is. Deal with it.

The word offends me, and I know it offends many women. You cannot change that by ridiculing my perception. YOU need to turn your sensitivity meter UP a few notches.

[truebrit71]

50. Ummm, not really...the word is NOT sexist....try reading a dictionary...

...the perception given to the word BY WOMEN, is what has everyone's knickers in a twist...and bashing any male that has the unmitigated gall to criticise a woman and uses that word doesn't mean that it becomes sexist either...

Because, in your view, only women can determine what is, and what is NOT sexist, please provide an alternative word to use for "shrill"...many thanks....

[lapislzi]

64. Words have context, words have subtext, words mean things

If you are too thick to appreciate how many people are offended by the use of the word "shrill" in context with Senator Clinton--judging by the hornets' nest you have stirred up, then I cannot help you.

http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=shrill
(adj) shrill, sharp (having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones ) "a shrill whistle"; "a shrill gaiety"
(adj) strident, shrill (being sharply insistent on being heard) "strident demands"; "shrill criticism"
(adj) shrill (of colors that are bright and gaudy) "a shrill turquoise"

Were you referring to the quality or sound of Senator Clinton's voice? Were you doing so by chance to avoid actually discussing the content and quality of her remarks, much as one dismisses a woman by making reference to some part of her body? Why don't you tell me what you meant? Don't leave it up to me to find a better word.

Do you really not get how dismissive you are? How many ways do people need to explain it to you?

[VelmaD]

52. Isn't it always such fun...

being told what is and is not sexist by a man? *snort* 'Cause, ya know, our defective little female brains are obviously not up to the task.

And all the little gods forbid we should tell them they're *gasp* wrong...that would be *gasp* man-bashing. :eyes:

[lapislzi]

62. It's actually the hallmark of a controlling personality or an abuser

to try to make you think that what you perceive is "wrong," or that you what you see isn't really there.

I have learned through hard experience to trust my OWN judgment in these matters. If I am wrong, so be it. But I'm not often wrong.

[Apollo11]

7. I also thought it was weird for Hillary to attack Martin Luther King Jnr

Almost like: What did this MLK guy ever do for anyone except a lot of smooth talk?

Maybe she thinks MLK day should not be a public holiday, and we should have an LBJ day instead? :eyes:

[truebrit71]

12. No, she said that MLK was ok, but LBJ was BETTER...because he had the power to do something....

..about it, whereas MLK was just a mouthy black agitator...

That statement in and of itself is frightening...

[TomClash]

9. I hear what you're saying but . . . .

. . . let's leave race out of it as long as we can.

:)

[milkyway]

18. I've been trying to, but it's become pretty obvious to me that they've taken the

stereotypes effectively pedaled in the sports world and applied them to the campaign. That Obama sure is gifted, but he hasn't had to work for much. You can't count on him when the going gets tough. Gritty Hillary will fight for you.

[VelmaD]

22. that analogy would work except for one thing...

you have noticed that Hillary is female, right? Women in sports only get credit for being cute and plucky...or sometimes managing to be athletic but still "feminine".

[truebrit71]

58. Now THAT is complete horseshit...

..carry on with your male-hating theme...

[lapislzi]

65. Depends on the athlete in question, wouldn't you say?

I've never heard of the Williams sisters being referred to as cute or plucky. Those women are AWESOME!

[VelmaD]

66. ah...but how often...

do we hear about their fashionable tennis outifts rather than their level of play? And don't even get me started on the thread down in the Sports forum about a year ago where someone refered to Serena as a fat cow.

[truebrit71]

68. I don't, but then again I tend to focus on the matches themselves..

... I actually prefer the ladies game because there is more skill, precision, athleticism and agility required than the men's game which is simply about velocity these days...

Serena isn't fat by any manner of means. She's fugly and unattractive, but not fat...

[lapislzi]

70. I would have to agree with you regarding individual sports

especially tennis, where the focus is so heavily on the player. Regrettably women's team sports are barely covered (unless it's a scandal like Rutgers).

And WHY is it that you will never hear people talking about Pete Sampras' big butt (he has a huge one), but only about his skill as a player?

Here we go again. :eyes:

[TomClash]

25. I know

and I especially hate Bill's remarks, and Bob Kerrey's and Mark Penn's and Billy Shaheen's. This is bullshit.

But let's keep our eye on the prize. We know Barack is not running as the black candidate. Let's not turn him into that. That's the trap the Clintons are laying.

[milkyway]

54. I hadn't thought of it in that way, that the Clintons want to tweak Obama's supporters into

stepping forward to discuss the Clinton campaign's supposedly racially-tinged language to then effectively turn Obama into the black candidate (see, he's a divider, not a uniter! He's not just a sleeper cell for al Queda, he's a sleeper cell for Al Sharpton, too!). You might very well be right.

[madinmaryland]

10. You have quite an active imagination. n/t

[TwilightGardener]

11. This is not a road we want to go down, Obama supporters. Obama won

in Iowa--race just isn't that much of factor. Let's take the loss on the chin and not try to rationalize it or invent something ugly.

[LostinVA]

16. Thank you

[cloudythescribbler]

40. The above is mistaken logic, albeit understandably so ...

No, it isn't "whining" to raise the issue of race and 'dog whistles' (good expression I hadn't heard used this way before). After all, it may indeed REALLY be true that many voters are more reluctant to vote for a black candidate (some, including some brazenly saying so ON DU, with the logic that a black nominee would lose due to OTHERS' racism). It HAS been shown in many past venues (eg in the 80s) that polls often show a huge gap (5%+) between the vote people SAY they will cast for a black candidate in the modern US and the actual tally. In this situation, it could help explain why the EXIT polls were much more accurate than the pre-election polls.

Also, pre-election polls showed a LOT of undecideds and a lot of people weakly leaning towards their candidate. The 'crying' incident might have had an effect on the election outcome (although that particular factor it would seem is useful only once). Remember that in an election with relatively small numbers (Dems and Inds in a small state like NH), the shift of a (relatively)small number of people can tip the election.

As for the dog-whistle comments, I think the remark about Dr King was an awfully clumsy one coming from a highly sophisticated political machine like the HRC campaign. And the notion that this comment would be bait for OTHERS to start complaining, hence putting the issue of race front and center in the campaign is ANYTHING BUT FAR-FETCHED.

The notion that 'oh "Democrats don't do that" is simply credulous. And note how the Repugs used what was described as a "minstrel show" Convention in the 2000 election, similarly getting pundits' and others' tongues wagging ON THE SUBJECT OF race, without having to more overtly race-bait.

If we don't fully understand how race can be and is manipulated, we will never be able to overcome even the self-conscious racism and manipulation of racism in this country. Flame bait? What are we supposed to do -- go whistling past the graveyard and pretend that all these difficult and touchy issues don't exist? That's preposterous.

[readmoreoften]

13. I'm all for reading subtext but this is a bit much.

All candidates are going to say that they've worked hard. So is the press racist when it points out that Edwards campaigns for 36 hours straight? Is Obama subtly sexist when he mentions "his wife" thereby pointing to his maleness?

I'm open to looking at the racism and sexism in campaigns but you haven't convinced me.

[SIMPLYB1980]

17. Yawn.

[Old and In the Way]

19. Interesting thing about dog whistles.

They're inaudible to human ears.

The contrast that the Clinton camp was seeding was - 'Obama is a talker, Hillary is a doer.' This kind of stuff happens in a Presidential primary....campaigns try to take away their opposition's strongest attributes. Take a relax pill.

[cynatnite]

20. That was really close...I stopped reading after the first sentence...

whew!

[Beelzebud]

26. Bleh

[Samantha]

28. A commentator whose name I do not know just said on MSNBC

(within the last hour) last night at the Radison Hotel in NH before the vote was taken, a person at that hotel approached him and said in front of Steve Scully (C-SPAN) Washington Journal, despite what the polls show, Barack Obama will not win tonight. And here's why. The people in New Hampshire will not allow a black man to win. They will say they are going to vote for him but when the time comes, they will not. I will make bet on this that Obama loses tonight.

His results prediction was correct. Was his rationale? One has to wonder.

[UTUSN]

29. Now, why would you need a flame-retardant suit if you weren't making inflammatory allegations?!1 n/t

[Virginia Dare]

36. The "fairytale" comment..

I watched the whole comment last night, and the context of it was with regards to Obama's stance on the IWR, and also that the press has been easier on Obama than on Clinton when it comes to that particular subject. It didn't strike me as racist in the least.

Having said that, Obama's race and Hillary's sex are both factors, it's an unfortunate truth.

[shance]

41. What about the sexist "no woman in the White House" signals your sending?

n/t

[alcibiades_mystery]

43. Very interesting post

The "style over substance" thing bothers me especially for precisely this reason. It is very traditional racial code, like, that boy sure can dance.

I know it serves other rhetorical purposes (i.e., to offset Obama's clear advantage in speaking), but that doesn't mean that the slight racial edge to it isn't part of the reason it's been so effective.

[mondo joe]

46. You're sending sexist signals, and Obama sends anti-gay signals. NT

[NorthernSpy]

53. so why don't you spell out these alleged "sexist signals"?

I didn't detect any sexist signals in the OP.


And as for Obama's supposedly "anti-gay" signals, I think you're wrong about that. But I also think that there's absolutely nothing he could do that would induce you to give him a fair hearing.

[NorthernSpy]

51. that's part of why I find myself in the Anyone-But-Clinton camp...

Another reason is pragmatic: independent voters clearly don't like her, and we do need them if we're going to put a Democrat in the White House.

Thing is, many of the upcoming primaries are closed to those who don't belong to a party. That means that our nominating process may end up mostly uninfluenced by the preferences of the Democratic-leaning voters we rely on to win.


Which could pose a problem, especially if the Republicans manage to put someone halfway sane at the top of their ticket.

[mondo joe]

55. Ha! From the poster who religiously defends Obama's use of homophobe surrogates

to broadcast his "dog whistle".

[NorthernSpy]

69. gawd, not this shit again!

:argh:

[AngryAmish]

56. I thought her dog got hit by a car

And I had no idea he whistles to racists. In fact I was ignorant of the fact that dogs could whistle.

This is why DU is such a valuable resource. The people of DU are so smart and well informed that unlike most stupid Americans, they know that dogs can whistle. And to train a dog so he or she whistles only at racists, that is really something.

[milkyway]

57. from the OP: that's actually very funny. I hadn't read the sentence in that way. Back to

grammar school for me.

[Tyler Durden]

59. Oh I GET IT.

Hilary is sending "Messages"...But Obama's SPONSORSHIP of outright BIGOTRY in the McClurkin Affair, ain't no thang, RIGHT?

Pot, meet Kettle. OOPS! A "MESSAGE" there!

I SWEAR, "Racist Messages." What are you doing, Trying out for the part of "Richie Gecko" in a "Dusk till Dawn" Remake?

Sheesh.

[BronxBoy]

60. I Dunno.....

I gues you can read a subtle racial message into that.

Are the Clintons racist? Probably not. Would they stoop to appeal to racial prejudice to give them an perceived edge? Sure, just as Obama's veiled nod to homophobia was calculated as well.

But let's assume it was a calculated attempt to play on racial prejudices. The larger issue as this race gets tighter is it may not become as subtle. And taking it a step further, If Obama were to become the nominee, the racial attacks by the Republicans will make what you are asserting the Clinton camp is doing look like a love letter in comparison. After all, that's what they do.

So the larger question is not that these attacks will happen but how the first "serious" Black contender for the Presidency will handle them.

I share Xultar's opinion that when all is said and done that this country is probably not ready to elect a Black man to the highest office in the land. I'm not sure that our own community feels it's time. And I'm not too sure about a woman. But having said that, if a Black or Woman candidate is not prepared for the inevitable racial and sexist crap that is going to be hurled their way, then they have problems way beyond what you point out in the OP.

Just my 2 cents

[kwassa]

61. I think this thesis is complete bullshit

Conjecture built on top of projection. Stretched way past the breaking point.

The Clintons have a long record of inclusivity, and this peculiar and twisted interpretation of Hillary's statements is really too much.

This reminds me of the Wanda Sykes routine on the old Chris Rock show on HBO, in a skit where she plays a maid at the White House. In the skit she declares that Bill must be a racist because he didn't make a pass at her.

[walldude]

63. Bill Clinton was considered , at least spiritually the first

"black" president. Tried to do more for minorities than any president before him. It really only makes sense that he be married to a racist.

[paulk]

67. thing is - if you look for racism, you will find it

it will be there, for sure. It underpins so much of life here in the USA.

But when you start finding it in the places you have you do nothing but water down the real thing.

[Barb in Atl]

72. Interesting theory

Were we discussing the sexism in the campaign, women and/or Hillary supporters might see it and agree with you and possibly come up with other examples.

I understand where you're coming from, but don't necessarily agree.

Race has made us all crazy in a way - people of color see it everywhere (whether we say anything about it or not) and some non-minorities won't see it if there was a body swinging from a tree.

Racism, bigotry, homophobia, sexism... it's all about perception.

[IronLionZion]

73. Primary season makes me want to puke. nt

[milkyway]

74. UPDATE: Rove's doing it also, but less subtly. Following what I said was a hint from the Clintons

that Obama was lazy, KKKarl comes right out and says it and doesn't stop there.

"He is often lazy, given to misstatements and exaggerations and, when he doesn't know the answer, too ready to try to bluff his way through."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119992615845679531.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

The other accusations in this sentence could, of course, be made about any politician. But it's the word "lazy" that amplifies the racial stereotype.

But there's worse to come from KKKarl. Speaking of Obama's ill-advised debate line, "You're likable enough, Hillary," KKKarl says, "His trash talking was an unattractive carryover from his days playing pickup basketball at Harvard, and capped a mediocre night."

Yup, the guy who's been criticized for being too nice a guy during the campaign says one mildly condescending statement and he's trash talking. And what a surprise, he just happens to be black! And to help paint the picture for the less quick of mind, Rove makes sure he mentions basketball.

So from KKKarl we learn Obama is a lazy black man who likes to talk trash, he's all style and no substance, just like those overpaid basketball players you see on television. This narrative that Rove is pushing of Obama is exactly the same narrative that I said in my original post that the Clintons were trying to develop. KKKarl, however, doesn't bother with the subtleties; his fan club will just chuckle along with him.

hat tip to Josh Marshall for finding this: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/063354.php

[milkyway]

75. kick.