Here's what Rush Limbaugh said about the the prospect of an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama ticket "...[Y]ou've got a woman and a black for the first time ever on the Democrat ticket. Hehe. They don't have a prayer."
I have two particular words in mind for him, but I won't use them. Instead, I'll respond this way:
I think it's deplorable and sad that in 2008, we still have notions of second class citizenship for anyone who isn't a white, protestant male. (For the record: I have nothing againt white, protestant males.)
As ridiculous as Limbaugh's comments seem, it is actually pretty widely held. This is an unscientific sample, but I'd guess that between 55% to 60% of people I've talk to about the subject say that there has to be a white male on the ticket to balance it. I initially believed the same thing. No more.
I think we are better than that as a country. Yes, it is an electoral reality that people are much more likely to vote for someone like them, but this is by no means a rule. Senator Obama was able to win a substantial and even a majority of the white vote in a number of states, including in Iowa and California. Further, Obama would not currently be ahead in the Democratic race withot those votes.
Maybe Limbaugh was merely trying to argue this point, but I doubt it. He and his ilk have a history of divisionist and isolationst comments when it comes to racial or gender differences. One only needs to look to Bill O'Reilly's comments about going on a "lynching party" with Michelle Obama about her saying that she was really proud of America for the first time in her adult life. (Keyword: really.) O'Reilly claims to be intelligent and opinionated, so he should know the terrible context that this remark conjures.
Don't get me wrong, I have my own issues with Clinton. But, its not because of her gender; its her positions on the issues. Plus, this canister labeled "35 years of experience" has yet to be filled in. Her campaign tactics as of late have further divided the party. But, I have no doubt that a Obama/Clinton, or a Clinton/Obama ticket would win. Either one would be a capable President.
To fall for Limbaugh's division is to fall for the same old trick that has kept social red lining alive in America. I'm ready to move on, are you?
