Organizing for America | Gioacchino Livigni's Blog: What I learned in Philadelphia

What I learned in Philadelphia - race and class

By Gioacchino (Jack) Livigni - Apr 23rd, 2008 at 9:50 am EDT

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this is a continuation of my "GO POSITIVE" blog entry.

I think at this point, not only must he remain positive. Barack has to actually sway consciences. If there is ONE THING that we saw in Pennsylvania that caused us great trouble, it is that many have deep seated biases linked to the political games conducted on the ground from neighborhood to neighborhood. People have developed over the decades, perhaps even longer, a sense of "natural constituency." The Italians want to vote for an Italian candidate; the Irish for an Irish; the African Americans for African Americans, etc. The "other guy" is not sticking up for "us" - is the underlying sentiment, even if not spoken. Barack Obama for many Blue Collar White Americans is "the other guy's man." It is a fear borne of the divisive political realities that infect all parties and unions.

So, Barack needs to literally "convert" people. His inspiration needs to be brought up even further, and I believe its not only about Hillary, but even McCain at this point. His instinct the other day to compliment John McCain was swiftly punished by the Clintons. He has to show he is different,yes. But that is not enough. He has to actively engage this community. He has to give decisive speeches about the doubts the Clintons have sewn.

Many fear he is a Black guy that hates Whites. They believe his preacher is a reflection of what he feels about Whites. They fear that any negative aspect of Black Liberation Theology is exactly the essence of Barack Obama. They fear the rumors of his being Muslim. They fear even the lapel pin issue. These ridiculous accusations are ridiculous to us, but in the irrationality of those driven by bias, they are relevant, and they equate to Barack being the "other guy's man." The "Black guy representing the Blacks in Philadelphia" is a specific type of candidate in the minds of Blue Collar workers. Barack fits into that mold automatically... and with these distractions, that sentiment has been enhanced.

Going negative wont change that. He needs to bridge that divide, a real racial political divide.

Jack

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