[WoofDog123]

I think the 24-7 coverage of the New Orleans looters (almost all black) , including video footage of very poorly behaved, incoherent individuals, is going to have a widespread impact on perceptions of race issues for those who have tended to have knee-jerk support for liberal views on the topic.

Instead of a reflexive attack on anyone suggesting blacks commit more crime per capita than other groups, some people will now see the NOLA looter footage in their mind and stay quiet, if nothing else.

It is ironic CNN did so much to undermine one of their pet causes.

[Pessimist]

"..is going to have a widespread impact on perceptions of race issues for those who have tended to have knee-jerk support for liberal views on the topic"

I'm interested in that aspect of the NO story too. One would think now would be the time for some straight talk re the true nature of the underclass. But so far I don't see anyone on the right standing up to address it. And no doubt the example being made of Bennett will give pause to anyone who might consider doing so.

Conversely, for the left this is a critical moment of sorts. Their slip is showing. The horror stories from NO (however inaccurate and overblown) have presented suburban America w/ an unpleasant view of the the character of such people - as have some of the subsequent stories of Gucci bags being bought w/ FEMA cards, etc...

There is a danger that this will challenge their common belief that the poor are just the victims of bad luck who only need a little more help to get a leg up.

If the left knows how to manage public opinion (and we all know they do), they need to put a stop to this right now.