Paul Krugman - The Rise of the Right in American Politics

[japandata]

From this week's The Harvard Crimson:

"the Romney campaign has made it a point to stoke the flames of suspicion about the President’s supposed lack of American authenticity. At a rally in Las Vegas last week, Romney accused Obama of not “feeling…this American spirit” that “we share.” He said that Obama is intent on “poisoning the spirit of America” and “replacing ambition with envy.” ... a dog-whistle aimed at the racist....

[MrDanielWP]

Race is of little importance to republicans. The core values of Conservatives aren't race-centered. Bringing up race only serves to stir up strife. The issues of importance, and basis for Conservative values, are Economy and National Security. Not all conservatives agree on those topics, but they against certain views found on the left - namely socialistic programs and laws that exceed the enumerated powers of the Federal gov't. These are the points of contention between Cons and Libs, not race.

[jrwel14]

@MrDanielWP have seen many racist remarks by conservatives. tea partiers, especially.

[fielsjd]

@MrDanielWP

Have you ever heard of "The Southern Strategy?"

[GhettoEnterprises]

@fielsjd Have you ever heard of revisionist history? Lol

[japandata]

@MrDanielWP Racism is a conservative concern, even though it's not a vocal one, just as it frankly is a white issue. Uneducated White Americans see their "way of life" declining in part because of competition from people with lower education (Chinese, Mexican). Because the minimally educated are such a large voting population, many political leaders (mostly GOP) court them with racist keywords, brewing hate. Racism may not be a core value, but it is a core tactic.

[ManFriday6]

@japandata Speaking as someone from "the left", I am always uncomfortable when conservatives are dismissed so easily as racists. I don't think it says very much for our abilities to argue a point if we are so quick to sideline opponents as uneducated and undesirable. I realize you had a point to make, but it still left me uneasy.