Cartoonist Depicts Powell As Benedict Arnold In Blackface

As if Colin Powell needed one more reminder of the toxic level of political discourse that, in part, fueled his decision to endorse Barack Obama, political cartoonist Gordon Campbell has captured the moment by portraying Powell as Benedict Arnold, in blackface. Inscribed at the bottom of the cartoon is the phrase, "Benedict Powell, Race Patriot."

In remarks reported on by Politicker, Campbell echoed the sentiments of Rush Limbaugh, saying:

"The only reasonable explanation for such a public political "about-face" in the midst of this important election is that Colin Powell, perhaps understandably, wishes to see someone who looks like himself in the White House," Campbell said.

"It's my opinion that General Powell has based his endorsement of Barack Obama on the color of his skin, not his qualifications, his experience or the content of his character."

Here is Campbell's cartoon, a model of decorum and overall classiness.

RELATED:
Cartoonist depicts Colin Powell as Benedict Arnold in blackface. [ThinkProgress]
Cartoonist equates Powell's endorsement to Benedict Arnold in blackface [Politicker]

Comments

[Myshkin57]

Truly disgusting.

A friend of mine just pointed something interesting out to me. People are trying to act like this "Obama is not one of us" stuff is not racial. But, my friend (and then I) googled "Obama is not one of us." That gets hundreds, if not thousands of results. Then he googled "Gore is not one of us" and "Kerry is not one of us." He got literally two or three results for each. I did, too. Try it out.

Why is it that the last two white men running for president with views similar to Obama's were never said to be not one of us, but Obama is? What could be the difference? It's so hard to figure out.

[nutty4tahoe]

Just another reason to NEVER vote for another Republican, ANY Republican, ever again!

[MikeGuy]

A promise I'll keep!

[anachoret]

Republicans are furiously attempting to dig their way out of the hole.

[Dystopic]

the first rule of holes is, when you are in one, stop digging

[Jackie817]

The level of hatred is simply over-whelming. This cartoon makes it crystal clear that years of service to the U.S. military and the U.S. government cannot even secure a modicum of respect from those who disagree. Maybe the right wingers have truly been scratched deeply enough that people will see them for who they are and always have been.

[sistermoon]

Very well said.

[Dystopic]

The rethugs would probably consider Ben Franklin, Adams, Washington, Jefferson to be traitors and anti-american.

[faust2001]

And who better to lecture us on "character" than a racist.

[BWonka]

Typical rethuglican hate.

[BassMent]

And once again, "guilt by association" (which the McCain campaign has leveraged poorly judging by the polls) puts the whammy on the GOP, as conservative Democrats and Independents and undecideds everywhere look at the followers and supporters of McPalin and decide, "I'm not one of them. They're not like me."

There will be a lot of discussion in years ahead about what was wrong with the McP campaign, and there will be lots of talk about the choice of the fabulously underqualified Palin (which was a huge blunder, no matter how they try to spin it). But what's turning out to be an enormous factor is that they have chosen to appeal to "the base," and by that expression we mean what are currently being euphamized as "low information voters" (but which we all know are the ignorant, the racist, the xenophobic, the incurious). And these people are coming out in force and garnering gobs of media attention.

And a lot of more sensible, moderate people are looking at these McCain supporters and seeing "the other," seeing the enemy. I think this is having a huge negative impact (although my evidence is only personal and anecdotal).

[ThunderclapNewman]

What a repellent piece of t r a s h.

The far right must be swooning with joy over this.

[ciabrat]

Is McCain's point any different when he says he's "not surprised" ?

[kmich718]

how can we email the Brown guy?

[kmich718]

Sorry I meant to say THIS Campbell Brown guy... my other post looked like it could have been misconstrued.

[Smirk]

The cartoonist's name is Gordon Campbell. Campbell Brown is a female news anchor on CNN.

[MIMom]

Good G-d. Is there NO level that they won't stoop to?

[SheenaVa]

A cornered and wounded animal will lash out at anything. This is nothing more than that.

[PC0207]

And the ignorance continues!!!
I know I shouldn't be surprised but I am...the very thought that a man of color will be in charge of the USA is driving them all mad! Its gonna be a sad, sad day on November 5th; whereas for others, who are looking forward to CHANGE, its going to be a big, looooong celebration!

[Yve72]

I know this is off topic, but did anyone see the black McCain cousin on CNN about 30 minutes ago?

[PC0207]

I didnt but I wish I could have!!!

[Yve72]

Evidently their common ancestors are in Mississippi. She said the oral history of the black McCains is that they are kin. She has never met John McCain, but has met his brother who does attend joint reunions.

The anchor (can't remember her name) said that J McCain claimed his family never owned slaves. Why is he lying?

[CintiBlue]

I read about this over the weekend. KOS, I think it was, probably still has the diary available.

[eeyore5662]

This is just so pitiful -- Campbell as well as his cartoon. Powell is a well-respected and highly intelligent human being who has served his Country with honor and dignity. It was obvious when he made his statement that it was painful for him. It's too bad that Campbell can't be as intelligent as Powell -- he cares deeply for McCain, but obviously cares more about his Country. So he's named a Benedict Arnold. I wonder what Campbell said of Powell BEFORE he made his announcement. I guess all the Republicans who have been honest enough to stand up and say they disagree with McCain are either Judases or Benedict Arnold. Powell was honest enough to say what many others are thinking -- and more and more each day. Campbell -- you are pathetic.