Joe Klein: People Like Obama Aren’t Let Into Republican Country Clubs

NewsBusters.org ^ | 6/24/2008 | Matthew Balan

[Pyro7480]

In a statement reminiscent of Howard Dean’s controversial statement from 2005 about the RNC and "people of color," Time magazine columnist Joe Klein blasted Karl Rove’s recent slam of Barack Obama on Monday’s "Election Center" program on CNN. "I just think that the image is kind of hilarious when you think about it: Barack Obama at a country club sipping a martini. It's kind of a parody of the Republican view of the world. Everybody belongs to -- since when [did] we start letting people like Barack Obama into Republican country clubs?"

"People like Barack Obama"? That sounds like Dean’s "You think the RNC could get this many people of color into a single room?... Maybe if they got the hotel staff in there."

"Election Center" substitute host Wolf Blitzer read Rove’s quote earlier in the segment, which began 22 minutes into the 8 pm Eastern hour of the CNN program: "Even if you never met him, you know this guy. He's the guy at the country club with the beautiful date, holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall, and makes snide comments about everyone who passes by."

[Pyro7480]

They just don't get it.

[RockinRight]

Most Republicans aren’t in country clubs.

I’d venture to guess that the average country club nowadays has more Dems than Republicans anyway.

[dforest]

Obama would get into the club just fine. The GOP likes liberals just fine these days. All he has to do is switch parties and add an R after his name.

See, whats the problem?

[jpl]

We can now clearly see what the entire Obama campaign is going to be based on, and it sure as heck isn't the issues.

It's going to be based on white guilt, which is a big part of what got him this far to begin with. "Vote for Obama, or you're a racist" is the plain message.

[safeasthebanks]

These people actually believe the stereotypes that they themselves (and the rest of the liberal media) have so effectively created.

And, in my opinion, this actually is one of their biggest problems when it comes to winning elections. (It would be a REALLY big problem for them if there was an effective opposition party!)

[unkus]

I don’t think “White Guilt” is going to get very far.

[muawiyah]

It's not just the racism stuff, the Democrats are going to run against George Bush.

They'd run against Larry Craig too ~ after all, he's not running for office either, but they fear loss of the gay vote.

[RockinRight]

The Bradley Effect is going to play big-time this fall.

[donna]

Wait a minute. Isn’t Joe Klein making a racist comment?

Just like Bill Clinton’s comment when he compared Obama’s candidacy to Jesse Jackson’s and dismissed South Carolina as a state where the “black candidate” wins?

[weegee]

Apparently people like Tancredo aren’t let in either. The country club Republicans aren’t happy with conservatives in their midst.

[unkus]

The Bradley Effect is going to play big-time this fall.

---

Please explain.

[Loud Mime]

Hey, Klein! You are WRONG!!

[Lijahsbubbe]

That’$ ju$t not true. There’$ only one color that matter$ mo$t in politic$.

[Clemenza]

Bradley Effect: Guilt-ridden white WOMEN feel they must say they are voting for a black to appear “not-racist”, but secretly fear ALL blacks and will vote for the white guy (or gal) when the curtain is closed.

[quadrant]

If Mr Klein believes his contention, he should be asked to prove which clubs considered Mr Obama for membership but rejected him because of his race.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Liberal elitists like Klein publicly profess their condemnation of “racists” then go home to their gated/secure all-white bastions and try to feel good about themselves and their “noble deed.”

Of course, that’s after their kids get home from their all-white private schools.

[tumblindice]

“Republican country clubs”

He wouldn’t be welcome in `conservative country clubs’: officers or NCO. But not because he’s black/brown/of color...whatever.
If you won’t put your hand over your heart or wear the flag on your shoulder, you get your a** kicked back to Smallville, regardless of flesh-tone.

[unkus]

Thank you. I agree. When the curtain is closed the reality sets in.

[Right Cal Gal]

"Vote for Obama, or you're a racist" is the plain message

Then I'll just have to live with being a racist. I love NASCAR, I'm Southern, I don't believe in affirmative action.... Wait! According to the Democrat party, I'm already a racist!

[RockinRight]

See post 14.