A Warning to My Old Republican Friends: Screw Up The Obama Moment and You're History -- Literally

If the Republicans -- not to mention their bedrock supporters, such as evangelical Christians, neoconservatives and others -- do not grasp the Obama moment, and then rise to the occasion, when it comes to understanding the significance of having the first black American to become an authentic presidential aspirant, they will have doomed themselves to political obscurity and moral opprobrium forever.

The Republican Party would not be where it is today or have dominated American politics for the last 30 years, if it had not been for my late evangelical leader father Francis Schaeffer. Dad more or less invented the Protestant pro-life movement by giving it its intellectual basis; before that, evangelical Protestants mostly stayed out of politics. Along with Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Dr. Dobson and the other handful of "founding fathers" of the religious right (including to a lesser extent me before I dropped out of the movement), back in the 70s and 80s we empowered and energized a big chunk of today's Republican base.

So what I have to say here about Senator Obama to my old Republican friends comes from an inside perspective. It's this: beware how you deal with the Obama moment. What you do now is going to define you far more than you'll define Obama. He is about to become a major part of American history. You are about to be written off forever ... if you get this wrong.

As a former Republican activist who, as late as 2000, was campaigning for John McCain, today I am a dedicated supporter of Senator Obama for president. Yes, I changed my mind. But that isn't the point. My point here is to ask how the Republicans will define themselves by the means they use to try to define and defeat Obama.

My motivation? It isn't to help Republicans win. I want them to lose the election. But there are bigger fish to fry. For instance the peace and goodwill that we will all need to return to in order to function as Americans after this election. America matters more than party. And it is America that will be damaged by the self-destruction of the Republican Party. We need a viable opposition.

Just to be clear: I'm not saying that everyone must vote for Obama, or that people who don't are racists, evil or dumb. I am saying that how the Obama candidacy is treated and what tactics are ued will define Obama's opponents, not him. And this year's election will either help build up America or tear it apart.

While Republicans are concentrating on winning in November it seems to me that they have lost sight of the fact that this moment has far greater significance than whatever happens in electoral politics this year. If you listen to the silly chatter on FOX News, or talk radio, or read the likes of Dr. Dobson, Pat Buchanan and William Kristol and absorb their sophomoric take on Obama, his patriotism, his flag pin, his wife's patriotism, etc., etc., the question arises: do they know what planet they are on or what century they are in?

How Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters react to Obama's candidacy will define us all in ways that today can hardly be imagined. While most Republicans (and many Democrats too) seem to be concentrating on present and narrowly defined victory, the real issue is how we all will be perceived in the future. Our great, great grandchildren will pass judgment on us, and so will the world.

Simply put: Republican strategists who think that business-as-usual -- i.e., the slanderous politics of the past 30 years -- will take care of matters this time around are deluded. Worse than that, they will doom the reputation of the Republican Party and turn it into a marginal footnote of American history if they keep trivializing this historic event. That is too bad because, as I said, we need a two party system.

All over the world people who have thought ill of America are now thinking better of us, simply because Obama has become a serious major party candidate. All over the world our country, which has sunk to its lowest level ever in the public's view under Bush, suddenly looks immeasurably better because we have grown up enough to embrace a black candidate, our fraught and sordid racial history notwithstanding. We might even be setting an example in spite of ourselves. All over the world people who have despaired of their old friend America are taking a second look.

In our own country millions of new voters, especially young voters, are coming into the political process that before Obama, they had either ignored or written off. And the African-American population that has been the victim of the racism which has dragged on and on relentlessly, is taking a deep breath and considering a new future.

Senator Obama is not just a "historic black candidate." He turns out to be a profoundly inspirational person. For a start he is not beating the drum for fear as the means to motivate votes. This is a huge change from Bush and the paranoid distrust of the "other" that the Bush years will be remembered for. There are echoes of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt in the measured and sane Obama candidacy. There is the best of the American story in his personal history. The man radiates a steady decency, compassion and profound wisdom that is rare at any time in politics, but following the embarrassment of George W. Bush comes like cold water to those stuck in an interminable desert.

This is the context of the Obama candidacy. And what it symbolizes long-term is so far and away more important than the election results in November, that the mere politics of the moment is almost an insult to the sea change that Obama's candidacy represents.

If the world gets it, if Obama inspires the French, the British, the Egyptians, the Germans, the Indonesians, the Irish, even the Chinese, but Republican operatives and strategists don't "get it," then I make this prophecy: the Republican Party will look so small and yes, so pathetically racist, that by the end of the day we will barely have a two-party system left in America. No one will forgive the Republicans (or angry Clinton Democrats) if they come out of this moment looking as if they missed the point of what America means.

The Republicans are going to look as out of touch a few years from now as did the isolationists and "America First" folks after World War II. Before the war they were active in the prewar run up and they seemed very much in the game, even relevant. But the isolationists didn't understand the fact that the world had changed and left them and their interests stranded. The globe was smaller than they figured and they marginalized themselves. Forces beyond their political control were unleashed on them. And by the end of World War II the entire world map was redrawn. There was no room left for them on the political map either. They went from serious to joke status in a heartbeat.

That's the fate that awaits the Republicans today if they persist in trivializing Obama. As they prepare their slimy little Rovian attacks on Michelle Obama, and her "lack of patriotism," on Senator Obama and his "un-American" former pastor, and as the racial innuendo and the use of Obama's middle name, etc., etc., morphs into an updated version of "swift boating" the Republicans are more or less signing their death warrant. They are about to become a minority party perceived as controlled by silly half-educated white men, cranks, racists and windbags. The writing is on the wall. If fools like the FOX News folks, are the face of the Republican Party in this election the Republicans are done. It will not be forgotten that the Republicans pissed on a shining moment of opportunity and could do no better than snicker at a moment when the rest of the world looked at the Obama moment in awe and renewed respect for America.

Obama changes everything. Those who understand this and embrace the facts may live to fight another day in whatever political party. Those who don't -- be they Republicans or Hillary Clinton's disappointed and angry Democrats -- instantly make themselves part of a past that will never be escaped or lived down.

Here is what the Republicans and others can do to come out of this contest alive and well with their future bright whether they win or lose this election.

1. Categorically repudiate and denounce the sort of slime attacks that are already being mounted against Obama and his wife until they stop.

2. Refuse to go along with the snickering half-wits at places like FOX News. They will take you down with them into well deserved oblivion.

3. Pay homage to what Obama means to America and what his candidacy stand for in the same way that Obama pays homage to McCain's Vietnam War service and do so often and where it counts.

4. Decide now that it would be better to lose this election than win a race-based or innuendo-based pyrrhic victory that decimates the Republican Party's (or angry Clinton fans') reputation forever.

5. Debate the issues, not the man. The point is not to belittle Obama. You can't. He's already a giant of American history and became such just by getting this far in a country that was still lynching black men in our parents' lifetimes. But that doesn't mean that you have to agree. Say that his tax hikes will hurt. Say that his medical coverage is going to cost. There are real issues. Call him on those if you will. And experience is a legitimate issue too. But stay out of the slime.

6. Don't be too clever by half. Play even the hint of the race card, no matter how cutely or while pretending innocence, and you're toast.

How the Republican Party deals with this moment and whether it looks to a larger future than simply winning by any means, will not only say more about the Republicans than it says about Obama but will either give the Republicans a place in the future or relegate them to a discredited past from which they will never return. That will happen even if McCain wins. The victory will be short-lived.

Members of the Democratic Party who have America's best interests at heart can only hope that the half of our country we call red state America doesn't self-destruct. If it does it will make us all smaller. We all live here, remember?

Frank Schaeffer is a writer and author of CRAZY FOR GOD-How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back.

Follow Frank Schaeffer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/frank_schaeffer

Comments

[JimReed]

The Republican party is political, so it will be able to get though this mess. No matter how badly they lose, all they have to do is change and start recruiting more voters.

The Christian base might be another issue. By providing the voting block and the most loyal support in America despite the war and torture and corruption, they have much to answer for. The Republicans have money and media, so all they have to do is display a carrot and start a new recruiting campaign, this time they might end up targeting different groups. Even if Christians could overcome their resistance to taking blame and do what is right, they still haven't dealt with the global horrors that they have caused these last few years. Christianity might be the institution that is forever damaged, not the Republicans.

[castlerider]

Defneocon writes:

"utter garbage. so basically, don't challenge Obama or you're a racist. yes, brilliant.
Wake up, he's a man like any other,and has shown continually through his campaign he is nothing more than just ANOTHER politician.

He lies about McCain's record, has the same insider and miscreants on his payroll and at his side, and continually flip floips on numerous issue. Seems to me he is the same as anyone else, except he's black."

This is easily the small-mindedness Schaeffer is talking about.. He never said anything like that: "You'd be a racist", and to even say he does changes the discussion to a level of ignorance that is beneath The American Dignity.
When you begin to attack the Dem Candidate over his personhood, and not the issues, you leave behind a responsibility to acknowledge past wrongs having to do with racism and injustice you cannot get away from because although maybe that worked in the past, now history is calling you - because of the situation- not the man- to be bigger then that.. But you don't know what the heck he's talking about, do you, bunky?
If you can't answer to this call and truly think you will be relevant after this election, then I have a bridge I'd like to sell you, but actually, naaahhhh- You're a waste of my time.

[Bobleblah1]

Excellent article.

You seem to get how large of a figure Sen. Obama actually is.
Due to his persona and the expectations that people now have of him, he must be true to his word.
His rhetoric is inspiring and his following is large, but he must turn out to be the real deal or he will
very quickly draw condemnation. Restoring ethical standards to the government machinery will be paramount. Removing Bush crony's from regulatory bodies that deal with sectors of high importance to civic stability, is literally a matter of life and death.

The only remedy for the near destruction that we as a nation face, is a total reversal of Bush practices.
While many may miss some of the specifics, the people understand that they are being robbed of both liberty and coin. Thats what high level members of government have been doing this entire decade. Preying on its own citizenry and then stealing from them. Obama must not allow these long time political operatives to derail his ability to deliver on his message.
lest we forget that he is considered an African American, and the example that an his presidency must set is one of near Lincoln proportions.
He will have to be stronger than he ever imagined and remember that people will not allow him to go along to get along. Things are too dire and people are too broke for that. They want REAL CHANGE and a leader that honestly works toward them.

[Rescisco]

Excellent post. However, since 1964 the Republican party has been "controlled by silly half-educated white men, cranks, racists and windbags." The fact that they have won so many elections says more about us (the voters) than it does about them. I am very certain that the things they represent are a reflection of fundamental problems that will not go away any time soon. Ignorance and prejudice still have the advantage in any contest for popular support. With hard work, and a bit of good fortune, they can be outvoted in an specific election, but they never go away and they never lose their power.

[timm0]

A major part of the election equation is how the competitors fight - and that wasn't discussed in the post. So whereas I tend to agree that the success of the neocon agenda reflects on voters poorly, it also reflects poorly on the quality of leaders the other parties have put forth during the same time period. We could dedicate many pages to that discussion alone.

[flatus]

You are asking Republicans to jump one mighty high hurdle, Frank. Let's keep in mind that the South was Democratic before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Yes sir. One mighty high hurdle. The Bubbas are wincing at your suggestion, I am sure.

[tiffj01]

@flatus- don't think the Bubba's are reading this site. LOL.

[j.gold]

flatus- your comments are bigoted and if for some reason you think calling Southerners names will help Obama win you are mistaken. One of the reasons Democrats lose in the South is because people like you demonize us.

Why should I vote for a party that thinks I

1. sleep with my daddy
2. am uneducated
3. am racist
4. toothless
5. trash

SO STOP DOING IT!

The South is changing, now people like you need too.

[mh01]

Good luck j.gold, from their ivory towered liberal institutions and sheltered cushy college professorships, they will never change.

REmember, they are smarter than you and I, and shame on us for not understanding that.

You are welcome in MN (or Flyover country to the lefties) anytime.

but call me first, because I will probably be at church, or out shooting my guns. (Actually, thats mostly true.)

[misterbone]

Why is the nickname Bubba still used in the South?

[timm0]

Agreed that the stereotypes are counter-productive.

HOWEVER, do you really believe that the republican party thinks you are better than what you listed? Do you REALLY believe they don't take you for granted based on stereotypes and past loyalties??? Hmmm?

Seriously.­.. for years that party has believed that "liberals" like me will not fight back against their lies and filthy, gutter-level campaigning. They think we're sissies. Do you really think they consider anyone anywhere as anything other than human garbage placed on this earth to be controlled by their "ruling class" for their entertainment?

I'm sorry if you feel offended by the Democratic party because a few people make quips that aren't very thoughtful. But I'm more sorry for you if you vote R and overlook their intense, proved contempt for you, me, and everyone else.

[oscartucker]

In Goldsboro, NC, the day after Obama was declared the Presumptive Democratic Nominee, the headlines read, "His-story". Under that story, there was a box with the title, "Your Thoughts" in which two men gave their opinions(only 2--"your thoughts"--and this has not been done since) . One, a reverend, stated that "if Obama becomes President, it will be an obamination". The pun was obvious (this must have been sent out to people because the man did not look as if he had thought of it himself). The other man stated that if Obama wins, the "liberals" will take over. Over on page 2, in another short column, there were finally some positive comments. Whose thoughts were those on the front page? I have lived in the South my whole life. North Carolina-the home of Jesse Helms and his nausiating comments and attitudes that influenced so many. The South is changing, not changed, so don't think that some of that same ole mess isn't alive and well.

[ohiodem250]

Prove us wrong, J.Gold. The world is begging you to prove us wrong!

[ProfSM]

Mr. Shaeffer's message here is nearly as historic as Obama's candidacy and I hope, as he is hinting, that former Clinton backers read it just as much as Republican leaning activists and party operatives. This is the 21st Century and it is time for a new politics, not the parade of destruction we've witnessed for the last three decades. But don't hold your breath for the folks as Fox News to get it. They never will.

[SadButWiser]

Mr. Schaeffer, excellent article. Having said that, the rest of the world, which I happen to be a citizen of, actually believes that Obama will be assassinated. If this ever happens, God forbid, then this will be the death nail to everyone thing that we admire about the US. And to be honest, there is really that much left to admire, except for the iPod.

[Bagger]

There's been that risk for most Presidents except George W. Bush because the thought of Dick Cheney as President is even more horrifying than W himself.

[Sandy972]

Wonderful, Frank. I am forwarding this to all my friends, both Republicans and Democrats.

As usual, you always use rationale in your writing and it is absolutely great. Keep writing if not to keep up our morale.

[thisoldbroad]

Well said Mr Schaeffer!

[Bagger]

I don't think any of you get it. If the Republicans win they should win with ideas and class. If they succeed in marginalizing Obama as a black, maybe Muslim, with a wife who hates America message then America loses. The world goes onto to view us as small minded bigots and the Republicans will go down into history as the racists that won the White House. If Republicans win with ideas and moral character than an Obama defeat will go down as a beautiful historical run for the White House that broke down many racial walls. The Republicans could be proud and America could be proud if they win with ideas.

I've been wondering why McCain hasn't acknowledged Obama as a historical candidate. Obama always praises McCain but never the other way around. If the Republicans get ugly then they don't advance society or are standing in the world. Win with ideas.

[timm0]

Agree with your logic, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the national R party to begin a run for power based on policy. Been a long, long, loooooong time since there's been anything bigger than the following campaign platforms from the Rs: "he's a flip-flopper," "he hates America," "he's a tax and spend Liberal," "he's Liberal," "he's an elitist," and "i will cut taxes and increase military spending."

Did I miss anything?

[ProudLiberalDan]

I agree.

The Republicans have no policies to run on. ALL of their conservative policies have failed under George W. Bush's delusional and incompetent Presidency and neo-conservatism corruption. More Reaganomics? That's failed under three Presidencies now.

The only thing they have left if personal bogeyman attacks. It will be Willie Horton to the nth power.

The few Republicans who do get it will be swept aside in their strategy sessions.

The neo-conservatives who have been in power will do anything to retain the crumbs of power they hope they will still have under John McCain and just hope that a better Republican comes along in 2012.

I believe they will fail and deserve to fail. But too many of them have too much to lose and will not be able to restrain themselves from dealing from the bottom of the deck.

Because running a personal attack has worked before, they will do it again. Not that it will work again, but they have no other guns left in the arsenal.

I still fear for attacks on Iran before the election for (1) a last chance for the neocons to militarily attack Iran and (2) an attempt change the themes of the campaign and try an manipulate the 9/11 card one last time.

[HBeachbum]

Until the Dems join in on this moratorium of slander (i.e. McCain being a senile old fool), there will be no progress. It's a two-way street.

[timm0]

I don't know of anyone calling mccain senile.... if he really was senile, he'd have a valid reason to defend his repudiation of almost every principled position he had before karl rove sliced off mccain's testicles in 1999.

Calling names is lame. But facts are all fair game.

It's not exactly a two-way street when one party is primarily responsible for turning a strong country weak... and that party's candidate is the only one running on what amounts to be a 'stay the course' platform. People are suffering and the republican party is mainly to blame, so don't expect a whole lotta love out there, mr. mccain! You make your bed and you have to lie in it.

[defneocon1]

utter garbage. so basically, don't challenge Obama or you're a racist. yes, brilliant.

Wake up, he's a man like any other,and has shown continually through his campaign he is nthing more than just ANOTHER politician.

He lies about McCain's record, has the same insider and miscreants on his payroll and at his side, and continually flip floips on numerous issue. Seems to me he is the same as anyone else, except he's black.

Continue to trot out this tired meme, people soon grow tired of being told their racist for having philosophical differences. Just as people will gow tired of Obama telling them they're all victims. SAme liberal theology. Get over yourselves - not everyone sees this as the last great hope to obsolve themselves of white guilt.

[Bagger]

He did NOT say don't challenge Obama. He's saying stop spewing garbage like "Baby Mama", "Muslim" or any other garbage that the Republicans will spew. Win with ideas...if Republicans win with racism then America LOSES! I don't know how you can be proud of a country if racism continues to haunt our country. The Republicans MUST win with dignity in order to advance our soicety. Challenge Obama on his ideas but not on his race or religiion.

[HBeachbum]

Unfortunately, it is the blacks thaty are keeping racism alive.

[Viper]

And which McCain policy does he lie about? And is that mcCain Policy in 2000, 2001,2002,­2003,2004, 2005,2006,2007 or 2008?


And which Lies does he tell... some links pls... and not to RUSH...

You have 2 paragraphs and not one substantiated fact, other than Obama does not walk on water and McCain cant hold his water..

Regards

[Viper]

Repugs have a party that is down to just 24% of registered voters. Of that 24% what percentage is Skin head, racist, KKK.... ' What percentage are for over turning ROE vs Wade?

What percent are non college graduates and what percentage are over 60.

The demographics dont look all that good when compared to where the majority stand on any issue...

The first time voter is registering 5 to 1 as Democrat. More register as independents than Repugs now and usually were Repugs.

Or as one Repug said if we were dog food they would take us off the shelf.

I believe thats is what the author is pointing out. Repugs have given us the worst Presidnet in history who ran up more debt than all other President combined in history after inheriting a $350 Billion surplus. He got to be President by the same sliming tactics the repugs are using again... and look what thats done for our nation!!!!

Regards

[Overd0g]

That's a rather racist approach to the "moment". He won't be treated differently than anyone else. That is the ultimate in respect. The GOP won't run an "affirmative action" campaign, hopefully.

[timm0]

Reading comprehension is clearly not your strong suit.

[StephenDedalus82]

Republicans are too worried about staying out of prison and the impending crash of the gravy train to their corporate friends to be inspired.

By the way, can we stop it with the Obama worship? Politicians should be scrutinized, not worshiped, no matter who they are.

[TomInJax]

Scrutinized, sure. But crucified? I don't think so.

[Zenobius]

Sorry Frank, I don't buy it.

How history will regard the US and the Republican party will depend on the historian and what fits into his or her vision of history. For all we know, by 2100 most of the historians of the US might be Indian or Chinese They might not be interested in how the US handled race. They might be interested in things we don't now recognize or consider important - US failure to invest in sustainable agricultural technology - the replacement of Hollywood by Bollywood as a worldwide cultural influence, etc. The most important thing being done by the US between 2005-2010 might turn out to be engaging in an arms race in space with China; encouraging India to confront China, or borrowing so much from China and Japan that it ends up repudiating its debt.

After all. who nowadays remembers the issues that seemed of world historical importance in 1908, when race was not an issue in American politics - I almost said American radar screen, but they didn't have radar back then

Don't get me wrong, I'm for Obama, and I'm glad you're on our side. But what history will think is always unpredictable.

[cct84]

So, let me see if I got this right...we should vote for Obama because the rest of the world thinks his presidency will be good for them and the Republicans shouldn't say anything negative about him, less they be seen as being out of touch with the epochal Obama movement--that about cover it? That is imaginative writing, but the underlying premise of your argument--that the rest of the world's opinion matters and that Obama is above reproach--is utterly farcical. First point, the various countries of the world that you mention are looking out for their own best interest, not ours. If they like the thought of an Obama candidacy, you can be sure it's about what's in it for them. While this may be something worth considering with respect to our closest allies, the presumption that China is enthusiastic about Obama matters little. In fact, that he is endorsed by Iran or groups such as Hamas should give us all pause for concern. Second point, the Republicans have no need to gutter-snipe Obama, he is plenty vulnerable on just about every issue. His ideas are not new; they are nothing more than warmed-over, liberal legacy policies and programs harkening back to the 60s...welf­are, affirmative action, criminal rights, income redistribu­tion...the­y were a failure then and are sure to be a failure now.

The rest of the world is looking out for its own best interest..­.we should do the same.

[Eoin45]

Once again from the article: "Just to be clear: I'm not saying that everyone must vote for Obama..."

[BeingFrank]

cct84, you don't have it right.

Frank never said that we should vote for him 'because' of the world's opinion.
What he said was the world, which is not quite as large as you seem to believe,
is a mirror of our American character.

This is important, because who we are as a nation, not only affects our policy
and economic relations around the globe, but in our own nation.

Nor did he say that you republicans should not run your campaign, but that you should
run one with intelligence, on the issues, not the usual gutter tactics that prod dark
instincts of fear, race, patriotism and other card tricks that misdirect our eyes away
while sweeping day to day problems under the rug.
I guess that kind of thinking is beyond you.

The rest of your comments are a direct result of the very types of mind altering spin that is leaving your kind much like Neanderthal, in the past.
A people who could not adapt to an evolved world.

You can't see past your own cave, let alone the breadth of America, and the World, is so out of your range it might as well be on a distant galaxy.

[frustratedinohio]

cct84, great comment!

[mcgreen]

Nobody's saying that he is beyond reproach.

I am however fed up with hearing about Reverend Wright, I don't care if some black people are resentful about the past. I think some most definitely have a right to be and I'm not offended by it. I'm not black and I'm aware of racism, I'm sure being black exposes one to vast larger quantities of this type of behavior. I'm tired of the email spam that Obama will fill the white house with Black Panthers, Louis Farakhan, etc, and other hogwash. That's the kind of crud I hope republicans don't perpetuate.

I'm really offended that a country that trumpets religious freedom uses the muslim smear to terrorize people. The fact that his father was a muslim and he lived in a muslim country during his childhood actually speaks to him having a wider world experience than many americans.

The terrorist fist jab story was just amazing, how embarassing for the US. That along with the scarf fiasco make us look like idiots.

I'm tired of having my intelligence insulted with stupid reasons for why Obama shouldn't be elected -