Is McCain's campaign really going down the toilet? Calling on Joe the Plumber and attacking Obama through television advertisements have not been working for him lately. At this point it almost seems as if there is little else he could do to turn things around. I'm not saying he should publicly give up, that would reflect poorly, but I have started looking more closely at his strategy. In a swing-state like Pennsylvania, where the majority seems to be in favor of Obama, McCain has seemed to focus his efforts. The critical difference is that Pennsylvania contains some regions, such as Appalachia, that are primarily democratic, but have voted for McCain. Some Pennsylvania Democrats are keenly aware of race issues, the New York Times reported. There is a lot of uncertainty in the polls today. In addition, as the NY TImes article highlights, there may be "hidden resistance among whites to casting a ballot for an African-American". Taking the Bradley effect into account, the McCain campaign's Pennsylvania fixation becomes clearer. It is exciting to be allowed to vote is such a critical state, and it will be interesting to see what really happens on election day and if the polls correctly reflect voter turnout or not. Further, it is shocking to see that this underlying racism exists in our country. It is further surprising to see how it is largely subconscious. This is frightening because if people who are not outwardly racist, don't believe they have racist tendencies or thoughts, then nothing will be done to counteract those beliefs. It is at this point that beliefs turn into actions.Monday, October 27, 2008
McCain's campaign in the toilet?
Is McCain's campaign really going down the toilet? Calling on Joe the Plumber and attacking Obama through television advertisements have not been working for him lately. At this point it almost seems as if there is little else he could do to turn things around. I'm not saying he should publicly give up, that would reflect poorly, but I have started looking more closely at his strategy. In a swing-state like Pennsylvania, where the majority seems to be in favor of Obama, McCain has seemed to focus his efforts. The critical difference is that Pennsylvania contains some regions, such as Appalachia, that are primarily democratic, but have voted for McCain. Some Pennsylvania Democrats are keenly aware of race issues, the New York Times reported. There is a lot of uncertainty in the polls today. In addition, as the NY TImes article highlights, there may be "hidden resistance among whites to casting a ballot for an African-American". Taking the Bradley effect into account, the McCain campaign's Pennsylvania fixation becomes clearer. It is exciting to be allowed to vote is such a critical state, and it will be interesting to see what really happens on election day and if the polls correctly reflect voter turnout or not. Further, it is shocking to see that this underlying racism exists in our country. It is further surprising to see how it is largely subconscious. This is frightening because if people who are not outwardly racist, don't believe they have racist tendencies or thoughts, then nothing will be done to counteract those beliefs. It is at this point that beliefs turn into actions.
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I have been hearing alot lately about the Bradley effect and I think it will be very interesting to see how it will all turn out. The article where Michelle Obama said the country is past the Bradley effect is very inspiring and I hope she is right. I think another issue to take in to consideration is whether or not people will get out and vote. McCain is definitely hanging on until the bitter end in PA and it is getting to be a little too much for me.
I have been thinking a lot as well as to how the race card will be played out in this election. Many are worried that Obama, while outwardly supported, will lose come election day due to underlying racism in our country. However, I have been thinking more about the flip side of the issue. If Obama does win, it will be a sign and confirmation to many that we as a nation have overcome racism. But could it be that so many are simply so fed up with Bush and the Republican party that they are willing to vote just about any Democrat into office, regardless of race? Racism runs deep, but feeling of betrayal and frustration of someone you previously trusted runs even deeper.
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