After reading platypus' diary entryabout United Steel Workers Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka's terrific speech, an idea dawned on me. Over the next 33 days, I think acting on this idea can make the difference between what can still end up being a close election and a landslide for Big O.
It's time to start talking about Obama as the first black President again.
Sure the idea still remains contentious amongst Democratic ranks. The majority opinion has been that we should push our man as a better candidate strictly on the issues and on character, competence and 'presidentiality.' This opinion states that while the fact of Obama being black is obvious, it should not be promoted too heavily for fear of stoking racist fires.
Now I'm about to go out on a limb here but well; that's freedom of speech. There was an ugly time in our primary season when people from our side were effectively arguing about whether we wanted to elect the first black president or the first woman president. In other words, which historical milestone was it that we wanted to achieve? Rather expectedly, the argument got vicious. Race and sex are still potent issues, understandably so. The tragic consequence of this was that for all the talk of new beginnings and judging the candidates on their own merits instead of things they have no control over, racism and sexism emerged repeatedly in the primaries. Sex and race surged through the race like an electric current, nearly tearing the party apart.
I believe our present state of keeping mum about race stems primarily from the ill feelings that linger from those bouts of prejudice.
The conclusion is however that we've overcome that prejudice. In fact, the Democratic Party came out from the primaries strengthened, united and more dominant than it's been on the national scene in a long time.
For his part, Big O has decidedly refrained from talking extensively about this historical moment. He adamantly states that he only seeks to be a president for all Americans. As recently as the 60 Minutes interview a couple Sundays back, O said this in a response to a question by Steve Kroft:
KROFT: I know, for a fact, that there are a lot of people out there, there are a lot of people right here in Elko, who won’t vote for you because you’re black. I mean, there’s not much you can do. But how do you deal with it? I mean, are there ways that, from a political point of view, that you can deal with it? And how do you fight that?
OBAMA: Well, look, there is a historic aspect to this candidacy. There’s no doubt about it. We haven’t had an African-American nominee, much less president, before. So, you know, this is something new for America.
But what I know is this, that after the toughest primary in history, against one of the best fields in history, I emerged as the nominee. Going up against a very formidable Republican machine, and having been subject to constant attack and millions of dollars spent trying to scare people over the last two months, I’m still tied or in the lead with John McCain .
That tells me that the American people are good. That they are judging me on my ideas and my vision my values, and not my skin color.
Now, are there going to be some people who don’t vote for me because I’m black? Of course. There are probably some African- Americans who are voting for me because I’m black. Or maybe others who are just inspired by the idea of breaking new ground.
And so I think all that’s a wash.
A strong argument and I think, politically, that's the best position he can take right now. For the rest of us though, what I'm proposing is that, as supporters of Obama's candidacy, it's about time we comprehend that we are only 33 days away from MAKING HISTORY.
This is the sort of history that's going to be read about by our kids, our grandkids and by generations of American children long after we're gone. This is not about political points, ideology or partisanship. It's bigger than that.
We are part of a movement set on changing the course of our country. We've all understood that since the first days of W's administration. Yes, the economy is in dire straits. Yes, the War in Iraq has got to be ended. Yes, tens of millions of us are still without health care and climate change is a monumental challenge. And by God, we've got to kick those Republicans out! Fundamentally though, in thirty years time, no one's gonna remember the partisan battles of the time. No, THIS election, THIS moment will be remembered for only one reason:
This nation elected a black man to the Presidency.
There's nothing racist or prejudiced about that argument. Now, as a party and a movement, are we willing to admit to that great potenial feat now? Or are we only going to wait until it's 'safe,' i.e. after the fact, to celebrate America taking its biggest step towards righting its past wrongs?
I put the question forth to you all and look forward to reading your thoughts.