McCain's Panic in PA, More Than Just Ugly

The panic whipped up by the McCain campaign in PA sounds horrific because of the ugliness and hate that it pours into the election, but the real threat it poses is to our ability to get things done.  If John McCain were to win the election by kicking up enough anti-Muslim, anti-African-American, anti-Liberal, conspiracy theory rage--he would have transformed the country into utter chaos in the process.  Such a campaign--if victorious--would push our civic culture beyond the point where it was able to recover and function. And under such conditions, McCain would ultimately preside over a nation capable of little more than pitchforks and torches.

More and more it seems that John McCain has bet the farm on winning Pennsylvania by turning the race as ugly as possible, which means abandoning all pretense of healthy civic exchange.  The results are disquieting.  In recent days, a Republican group circulated an email claiming that a vote for Obama was tantamount to enabling the rise of Hitler and would lead to a 'second Holocaust.'   Can it get worse than that?   Apparently, it can.  At a rally in Pottsville, McCain supporters gather in a threatening mob shouting 'Terrorist!' 'Communist!' 'Child Killer!'  and openly call for the death of Sen. McCain's opponent.  As high profile Republicans endorse Obama and reject the politics of bigotry and violence, McCain continues to stoke the rage in Pennsylvania in some vain hope that the destruction of democratic culture in one state will win him the chance to lead the country.

(video credit: www.keystoneprogress.org)

Everybody should watch this video.  As disturbing as it is to see McCain supporters in Pennsylvania shout horrific and violent epithets about Sen. Obama, the sad reality is that videos shot at McCain rallies have become the key political symbols of the 2008 political race. 

Either one walks away from watching these videos disgusted, or one walks away believing the voices of those shouting.  The middle ground has vanished. 

As the 2008 race winds down, McCain's cynical campaign in Pennsylvania and other close states has succeeded in undermining any semblance of debate over real problems in America.  In shouting violent epithets, the McCain supporters in Pottsville have abandoned any interest in real problems, choosing instead to tilt at windmills.  Is America in real danger of a Manchurian candidate seizing hold of the White House by hiding his true identity from billions of people the world over for decades?  Sadly, that is not even the real question that concerns the country.  What we should all be asking is:  Can we afford to waste even one more second on useless bigotry and fear that does nothing but prevent us from working together to solve real problems?

The answer is a resounding: No!

Imagine what it would mean for the United States and the world if the mob politics of McCain's campaign were to dominate the next 8 years.   It would ruin this country--destroy it every level. 

A victory for McCain delivered by an enraged campaign mob would shatter any and all possibility for deliberative democracy.  Democratic government based on conversation would give way to rule by mobilizing panic. If victory comes at the hands of rage and panic, governing by the same is quick to follow. 

What a world it would be.  A world completely devoid of solutions to any of the problems we face.  A world without healthcare.  A world without retirement security.  A world without effective education.  A world without renewable energy.  A world not fueled by optimism and American pragmatism, but by constant, never ending alarm.

The McCain campaign panic Americans see in Pennsylvania is more than just a window onto an ugly side of American life.  It is a warning.

© 2008 Jeffrey Feldman, Frameshop

Follow Jeffrey Feldman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/JeffreyFeldman

Comments

[PT6]

Arrest these GUYS!

[tbone99]

It seems like even if we win we lose- this hatered and irrationality will be difficult for any person to deal with,. And with racism in the mix , it is even more lethal because racism is so pervasive in this country.
Obama may not actually be able to do much , considering the economy and the war, but at least his dignity and intellect will hopefully make a dent in the way these people perceive African Americans.

[Indie2008]

Should McCain lose, this rage still represents a danger. When you convince impressionable people that the man that has been elected President is "Un-American" and worse, how do they channel that frustration and fear? How does that affect his ability to govern? That's the danger of going over the top with personal attacks and lies.It should never happen again.

[jlarue]

McCain has said he is proud of his supporters. This video made me cry. What is happening in America?

[11907281]

"What is happening in America?" - this is a question us "foreigners" have been asking for the last 6 years, it's unfortunate that it only seems to matter when it's directed at fellow americans.

[SMP]

this video hurt my heart.....­........ and they call themselves the "religious right" hmmmmmmmmmm

[BroMan]

Segments of America have always been this way. It's just out there with video now.

[robXdion]

Black people have been asking that for centuries, but whites called it race-baiting and trouble causing. See what that hypocrisy has brought?

[postman606]

What a nice neighborhood.

[enlighteninglad]

If they are the "real" Americans its no wonder we are losing respect around the world.

[Novae]

McCain's ugly campaign in my state is having a much more minimal effect than the media seems to believe if my personal experiences are any indication. I'm tired of the incredibly negative view that the rest of the country has of my state thanks to McCain/Palin playing to racists, and Murtha and Rendell claiming we are racist. The play to racism has not only failed here, it has worked in Obama's favor, driving more people to take a vocal stand against it.

I live in Butler County, Pa, the county north of Pittsburgh. I have been helping with Obama's campaign here since June, and I have been involved in local politics to for about three years now. While canvassing, talking to strangers, or simply hearing stories from other people, my experience does not show that much racism here. I have had more doors slammed in my face because I am male (supporting Obama makes me sexist, they say) than because I am a Democrat, not to mention the elderly, who seem to hate young people here. I know of two racists, both are pariahs around here, and I've seen one car with racist bumper stickers.

The only people calling us racist are those who want to gain from that, or those who want an excuse based on that. Go chase the race demons (the KKK for example, who needed police protection last time they were in Butler) back to their lair? Stop tormenting us with this horrible stigma.

[tbone99]

They may be be saying you're sexist because they don't want to say they're racist.

[OneLiberalLady]

Thank you for sharing this, Novae. It's reassuring to hear that the racism is overblown but I have to say disquieting to learn of the sexism and disregard for younger people. Here's to Pennsylvania!

[naschkatze]

PA is solid for Obama. You should be proud of yourselves. We have that sort of people in every state, and from the videos I see, I know that we vastly outnumber them. (And I have no sympathy for Murtha at all. If he loses his seat, he will not be missed. He's not a senator after all.)

[ZeusBoots]

Well, who were these people then? Do you think some have come from other parts of the country, for some sort of KKK rally type of event? I had a brother who lived in Tenn for awhile and he said that in the South, you know who the racists are, but in the North they are more insiduous. I have experienced this myself, there are a lot of closet racists in the Northeast. People will claim to be unbiased, but their hearts are tainted. This film made me sick too. It brought back memories of the 60's and all the hatred amongst Americans. I had hoped that had changed, but I guess for some, it has not. McCain should be so ashamed of himself. Palin is another story, you can see right through her bigoted smile. I hope they lose by a landslide!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!

[Jalel Art]

Thank you Novae! I was beginning to become afraid. I have friends near there, who say that it is not that bad...but I'm glad to see it reaffirmed.

[RegLib]

Unfortunately the enraged mob McCain and Palin have whipped up are going to remain whether they are elected or not. They're creating a deadly environment in this country.

[celts1]

It actually reminded me of watching TV as a child and the civil unrest that was on the news constantly in the 60's. I really was hoping we were about to finally get past that part of our history. Go Obama

[1dogs2]

I had the same thought. It reminded me of the faces of women and children contorted with hatred and rage, screaming obscenities at children when the Little Rock schools were integrated under the watchful eyes and guns of the National Guard. Many of those who participated in those appalling acts lived long enough to learn to be ashamed of themselves and their conduct. May the same wisdom descend on those in this film, and more importantly, on those who cynically fed them the lies and distortions, and fanned the flames of racism in their hearts, that has led them to such conduct.

[Gidster]

Then these same hilljack would be crying that their government did not do enough for them because of the Jews.....
You cannot reach the willfully ignorant!

[tinarm]

You know the sad thing is there were kids with this insane nut jobs. I was proud of how many women were there for Obama! Yeah, ladies, way to go, don't back down. We have to all stick together otherwise the racisit biggoted ingnoramous known as the gop will win. Come on everyone we can't go back we have to go forward otherwise this country will be truly doomed. You know what pisses me off the gop insinuates obama's a muslim, yet talk about leaving Iraq a muslim country and they go nuts. Totally insane idiots, they're not even logical in their arguments.

[TheIndependenceParty]

That is what encouraged me! Brave youngsters and women, and young men. I know Pottsville, and I know the people there, and the hard-headed old coal-crackers who have been retired and out of work for thirty years. I love them, ... and know them.

There is and has long been a deep divide between the African-Americans in Philadelphia, ... and even nearby Reading, ... and Pottsville. When you drive up 61 from Reading you can feel and see the change in community makeup. A typical division among communities who do not understand one another, ... and do not care to.

[ex-pat]

Growing up there was so horrible I not only left that area but left the country as well.... I feel sorry for those small minded people with the same educational curiosity that the entire Palin Family seems to possess.

[ZeusBoots]

If hatred and bigotry encourage you, you are a sad individual. Seek help. Have you ever heard the expression "United we stand, divided we fall"? Well, think about it. We can be destroyed by the people within our country, nevermind our so called external enemies. Our worst enemies are the folks you witnessed in this hate filled rally. We must get over our differences and stand as one nation. Isn't that what we profess in our Pledge of Alliegance? One Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all! Not just whites, not just the folks in PA, FOR ALL! We need to care about one another, because we are the threads that make up this nation. If we work against one another, we are weakened. Maybe you don't care if the U.S. survives? I do. The only way we can is for us to stand together.

[ljkcan]

Sen McCain says he is proud of the people who attend his rallies. If he has a shred of decency he and Gov Palin should see this tape and make a statement. Every time they go out and rally the base you see incidents like this. If this is his base and the new face of the Republican Party I pray for my American neighbors.

[MathIsTruth]

Imagine the message it would send if the McCain tactic of inciting racial hatred ends up being successful.

In every future contested political race between a white and a black, race-baiting will become the tactic of choice.

It is SO important that McCain not only lose this election, but lose it big time.

[Mag44]

I agree and I can only hope that during future elections the other sides will learn there lesson this time. Because they sure didn't learn from HRC's loss. The kitchen sink no longer works. This however will be a bigger lesson in that hopefully we are saying race is not going to be an issue any longer. We know it's here, but we are going to keep fighting thru it. The barriers have to come down at some point. And I truly hope by what we are seeing at the Obama rallies & voter registration that we may well be on our way. It appears I'm hoping that we are outnumbering the racists in this country.

[Texas4Obama]

The only way McCain will be able to walk away from this election with any shred of honor and dignity is that after Senator Obama wins McCain needs to come out in a press conference and denounce and reject ALL racists and bigots and McCain needs to help defuse the hatred and violence -- other wise all future incidents of hate and racist that comes from the unhonorable McCain campaign has sown will fall on the head of McCain.

Obama-Biden '08

[Mag44]

I think it must be denounced NOW by both Mc & P. Each day w/the anxiety is just going to get worse. These Mc supporters are down right disgusting and it makes me ashamed to be living in PA at the moment. I think the Secrect Service needs to talk to the guy who said bomb Obama he appeared serious to me. Mc/P can't tell us they don't know this is going on, they are not only taking their entire party down w/them, they are stirring up a whole pot of extra trouble for Obama when he wins. In my opinion any surrogate supporting these two are just as guilty for sitting back and allowing this to go on. GEEZ THE MC/P TICKET & PARTY MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. This can not be over soon enough. If I were a Mc supporter I surely wouldn't believe his concession speech even if it appeared sincere. How could he support me for saying all these things against Obama and then make nice w/him. Sorry no concession speech Mc gives at this point is even worth giving.

[TheIndependenceParty]

The great irony is that the economic concerns in Pottsville, Schuylkill co, PA are more the result of Republican economic theory than any other cause. 2% of the residents of Pottsville, PA are Black/African American, 97% White, and the average earnings stand at $26,472. Job prospects have fallen back to near February 2008 levels. Average age is 41 years, with a heavy dropoff for the 50% of Pottsville kids that graduate from High School. Most leave and never return.

http://www.simplyhired.com/a/local-jobs/city/l-Pottsville,+PA

A coal town, then a textile town, ... now mostly a healthcare town caring for its own elderly with few growth industries or prospects. Every trend down.

These folks are from the same Western/European stock as I am. They seem to be looking for a bogeyman, ... the darker the better, when the truth is the bogeyman that dropped the hammer on Pottsville was Reagan, then Bush, then Clinton and Bush again. Simple folks. Be angry, but be smart. Vote your interests for a change.

Did you believe yourselves to be part of the priviliged few under the Republicans and DNC? Nope, ... me neither!

[psubabe24]

My husband and I have four beautiful children. We live in a racially diverse suburban neighborhood: blacks, whites, asians, christians, jews and muslims all living in a lovely suburban neighborhood in New Jersey. Our children play together, walk to school together. Parents car pool. The thought of a McCain - Palin administration in this Country is frightening when I think of what this country would be like: the hatred, division, us versus them, character assassination based on race and religion. The degree of hatred, racism, violence and outright lies regarding Senator Obama's character is appalling. Through it all, Senator Obama has shown such grace, integrity and composure. His campaign has continued to take the high road. If ever there was a time when this country needed a "President Obama" it's now. Please vote early. I did. Wait in lines. Drive neighbors to the polls. Do it for your children, they deserve better than McCain Palin. We all do. Obama - Biden 2008!!!