The selection of Palin itself has been used as a racial rallying point - for "whites." Palin's constant reference to "Hockey Moms" and "Joe Sixpacks" are not neutral by any stretch of the imagination. They are intended - and do - promote the idea that Palin is of and politically/culturally embraces a "white" stereotypical identity. Her constant repetition of that mantra is more than a subliminal "white" rallying cry. Combine that with her telling those coming to see her that Obama is "scary," un-American, hates the nation, and is actively associated with "terrorists," they have created an explosive "mob" mentality. The "threat" of Obama is to the (white) Hockey/Soccer Moms and the (white) Joe Sixpacks.
This fire has been started and fed by McCain, Palin, the McCain campaign, and the various "swift boat" groups supporting them. Now they have a very unsightly (and potentially dangerous) conflagration on their hands. It is clear from the booing of McCain as he attempts to tamp down the fire that many of "his people" see such statements as backsliding and traitorous - or only for "show." The latter interpretation will likely prevail as the campaign continues to make the "terrorist" "anti-American" campaign ads. It is reinforced by the drumbeat question of "Who is Barack Obama?" A question - within the manufactured context - that reinforces the idea that he is part of a covert terrorist cell bent on destroying the (white) United States. A message apparently being reinforced out of at least one McCain Campaign Office.
In an interview with Galyle Quinnell (the woman who said she didn't trust Obama because he was an Arab and McCain corrected), she has pages and p[ages of "bad stuff" about Obama, and that it is being distributed through the McCain campaign office in Shakoppe, Minnesotta where she volunteers. She has passed this information onto hundreds of people. She does not know why McCain attempted to deny Obama's Arab origin, or said Obama was a "decent" person. From news reports, Andy Martin was the originator to the rumor about Obama being a Muslim - and other negative and incorrect information.
The McCain campaign has built and poured gasoline on the fire. It is highly unlikely they can bring that fire under control - even if they really wanted to.
The question is the broader effect of this strategy, and people's (particularly "white" people's) response to the calls of "terrorist" and "kill him" from those at the McCain - Palin "rallies." Will folks be turned off by such blatant plays to, and expressions of, hatred and bigotry? Or will their fears raised as well? Will the version of exceptionalist ideology of white racism come into play - "Obama is a 'good' one" carry the day? At this point, it is difficult to say. However, what McCain's strategy has done is to significantly raise the risk of violent action against Obama (and increased the likelihood of racial/ethnic hate violence generally). Further, it is hardening and encouraging a violent and organized racist segment of the population.
Despite all of this, Obama leads in the polls; Palin was booed at a hockey game at which she was introduced and threw out the puck, and I personally know a group of "Hockey Moms for Obama." In other words, a large section of the (white) population is not buying into the McCain - Palin fear mongering and rhetorical ploys.
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