Ha Ha,

More of the right wing bigoted humor, I'm sure Halle cracked up about this one. I tell you  these right wing bigots, no wonder they make so much money. They're so clever and original. I guess the Halfrican joke is being passed aroung wingnut coctail parties.

Sorry no excuse now with the preview button, but I meant the Halfrican joke is being passed aoround at the wingnut coctail parties. Seriously I wonder why these people can't respect Obama's and Berry's right to call themselves what they want. It seems this Halfrican term is as offensive as calling mixed race people zebras or mongrels or the other ugly terms that racists (White ones and Black ones) used in the past. This Halfrican is the 21st century version of that.

Lynn,

they are trying to see if they can get away with their replacement word for the n word. Then when they are finally called on it, bet they will start whining all over again about political correctness this and political correctness that and liberals are just hypocrites for silencing them etc. etc. etc.

Hey, right wingers, wanna hear a racist joke?

What do you call a black man who fly's a plane?

.

.

A pilot, you racist bigot!

But he was just joking, and as you know, jokes never contain any real opinions.

This is so freaking disgusting. I remember an interview with Halle Berry a few years ago, where she said she used to be teased for having a white mother and a black father, and how hurtful it had been. I always wondered why anyone would tease her for that, and who would do such a thing. I guess now I know - it's bullies like Rush, of course. I bet she finds this HILARIOUS.

It's a disgrace that this guy is still on the air. Maybe one of these days, he'll finally slip up and say what he really thinks about blacks, so we can get him fired. Oh i forgot, he'll say he was just joking.

OK. Who's going to be the first troll, darn, I meant to say poster,  to tell us that Limbaugh isn't a racist he's just being humorless. Oops. I meant to say "humorous"?

Oh, but don't call Rush a RACIST! At least not on the Sean Hannity site. You'll get BANNED for what they call "Contempt of Affiliate." I got nailed for referring to hom as "a racist pillhead."

Rush'll claim that he's no racist..after all, Clarence Thomas married him and his last wife. I'd love to know how many "Long Dong Silver" jokes Rush has cracked when Thomas isn't around...

Not hard to imagine how many "halfrican" jokes he's been telling lately... 

I have been banned from Hannity's site as well, for daring to bring up Hannity's "lying Louima" days. Hannity went after Abner Louima daily after he got sodomized with a broom by the police. It was disgusting. But don't talk about it on his website!

These guys, they are such thinly veiled racists, it makes you wonder how they get away with it. I suppose its because his listeners must think the same way.

Rush knows exactly where the line is that he can't cross while he's on the air.  But if Rush Limbaugh says stuff like this to millions of listeners do you ever wonder what he says at parties among his friends and Republicon fat-cats where he doesn't have to temper his remarks? 

How long will it be before the schitt-for-brains like Limbaugh start referring to Obama as "M&M" - their wink-wink code for Muslim and Mullato?

To be honest, I'm amused when the term African-American or one of its derivatives are used by anyone.  Any way you slice it, we're all children of that continent.

you sure about that?

when I was younger, my dad always said he thought nixon crawled out from under a rock. I thought that was where all right wingers come from?

I don't think Rush would feel you on that one. I've wondered how racist handle the information that humanity originted in Africa. They probably think it's just so much liberal scientist hogwash.  Maybe I'll e-mail Rush with this, hell maybe I'll call him a Halfrican.

Lynne,

are you serious? they solved that problem when they said the earth is only 10,000 years old and God planted all that "evidence" to mislead mankind. As far as they are concerned, there was a pure white race that originated in europe!

Jesus was American!

North- American

10,000 Years Old?

More liberal nonsense.

Everyone knows that the earth was created on Sunday, October 23, 4004 BC. I may be wrong, but I believe that the time of creation was close to 6 PM. (Now don't be a smarta$$ and ask whether that was Eastern, Central, or Rocky Mountain Time, I don't know).

A side note:

Adam & Eve were driven from paradise on Monday, November 10, 4004 BC, and Noah's Ark landed on Mt Ararat on May 5, 2348 BC `on a Wednesday'. 

 [link to www.lhup.edu] try to keep our facts straight. 

As I recall it was 10 am.  How did the good bishop get such a precise date and even time of day?  Because that is when the year begins at Oxford University.

And the really screwed up thing is . . .Fifty or a hundred years ago, during the days of the "One Drop" rule, a person of mixed parentage, such as Obama, would be considered black, the {racist} rationale being if a person had so much as "one drop" of African blood, they were black . . .Now Limpballs, Sussman, Melanie Morgan, and other rightwingnut noise polluters are trying to imply that because Obama has "one drop" of caucasian blood, he's less than "black", just "Halfrican" . . .If this were 1887 and Obama was a Reconstruction-era congressman, racists would want to {literally} lynch him simply for being a black man in a position of power . . . today, in 2007, Limpballs and other noisemakers are attempting to give him a "high-tech" lynching for NOT being "completely black" . . .It seems the French were right when they said, "the more things change, the more they remain the same" . . .

Limbaugh has stated many times that he is not racist.  If he has to sell it, it ain't worth buying. 

This also confirms that the 'Truth Detector' can not detect the truth.

One gets the sense that Limbaugh is disappointed that his last use of the term "Halfrican" didn't stir up enough controversy, so now he's upping the ante: this time he isn't pretending to voice a liberal position, and he's throwing the slur at Berry as well.

I might get really upset about this if it weren't so pathetic.  As always, Limbaugh seems to be about one psychological step away from dropping all pretense and screaming, "Mommy, Daddy, please pay attention to me!  I'm breaking the rules, so why aren't you paying attention to me?!?!"

"...now he's upping the ante..."

I share that impression too about Limbaugh.  He craves attention appears to be incrementally "upping the ante" in his comments, as you say.  But, as I commented above, Limbaugh is a pro at this and he has a well-tuned sense of where the line is... and although he'll flirt with the boundaries of propriety he's not going to cross it. The ESPN epsode, the exception, was, in my opinion, intentional.  My belief is that Rush can't work as part of a group... he has to be the star; he has to work as a solo act to do his thing. I've always believed his controversial Donovan McNabb comments on ESPN were intentionally designed to give him an out on a gig that wasn't working to his satisfaction. But as I also said above, if Limbaugh makes these kinds of offensive "Halfrican American" comments to millions of listeners just think what he probably says privately. 

You may be right, but I tend to think that Limbaugh got fired from his ESPN gig simply because he deployed his radio show persona in the context of a sports show: he wasn't just preaching to his own flock anymore, and he couldn't argue convincingly that his opinions were just harmless jokes when he was criticized.

I agree with you that he knows how to provoke his audience perpetually and sustain high ratings without endangering the broadcasting licenses of his employers, but I think you're giving him way too much credit to suggest that he intentionally got himself fired from ESPN...and for the sake of what? ratings for his radio show?  Did he intentionally become an addict or lose his hearing, too?  Were his three failed marriages strategic decisions as well?  His obesity?  Isn't it a little more plausible to think that Limbaugh's general tendencies towards self-destructive behavior got him into trouble when he was on ESPN?

I think it would be a mistake to think that Limbaugh's greatest skill lies in WHAT he says, but rather in the genre of talk show that he and his coworkers have perfected.  It is, after all, a format that has successfully insulated far more outrageous talkers from facing material consequences for grossly offensive and bigoted speech.  After all -- is Michael Savage a "pro" because he hasn't been fired from his radio show, too?  Sean Hannity?  G. Gordon Liddy?  Matt Drudge?

It isn't that these people are "pro"s at knowing "where the line is"... it's that the format of their shows make "the line" especially blurry: in the context of his show, how you tell when Limbaugh is being "really offensive" or when he is "just joking" or "acting" like a bigot?

Rush Limbaugh and ESPN...

Rush Limbaugh resigned from his position at ESPN when controversy ensued after his racially-tinged remarks concerning Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Donovan McNabb. However, even before Limbaugh's controversial comments about McNabb there were already grumblings on the ESPN set from Limbaugh's co-workers who did not want to work with him. After just a few weeks on the show it was apparent that it was not working out.  My belief is that Limbaugh made the statements about McNabb as his swan song. First, it gave him a convenient "out" for a situation that was not working... not working because Limbaugh has to be the center of attention which he was not on the ESPN show.  Secondly, it brought him the attention he craves. Anf, thirdly, he was able to go out solidifying his reputation amomg his followers as a man who speaks the truth despite the consequences.  Rush's departure from ESPN did not diminish Limbaugh's standing among the right wingers one bit... if anything, it enhanced it.  Those are the reasons I believe Limbaugh orchestrated his departure from ESPN.

As despicable as the man is I give Limabugh credit for his cunning instincts... he knows what buttons to push and he knows how to flirt with the boundaries of propriety without getting himself into trouble. That's what I meant when I said Limbaugh was a "pro".  As for Michael Savage and his ilk... those people are cheap knock-ofFS of an evil item. 

You're probably right -- I just have an easier time crediting Limbaugh's radio show rather than Limbaugh himself for the program's success.  But you make a strong case.

I had always assumed (without sufficient evidence, it seems,) that Limbaugh's resignation from ESPN was forced.  So yes, I'll concede that it's quite possible that he left ESPN and successfully spun the fiasco as a case of being punished for being "honest".

Self-correction: I shouldn't have suggested that Limbaugh used the term "Halfrican" before.  I was thinking of his "half minority" remark. 

As the great Keith Olbermann says

"Comedian Rush Limbaughhhh"

Wait, can I do my Rush impression now?

"As a half-frickin' American, I'm proud to have the support of other half-frickin Americans like Ann Coulter and Sean Hannity.These are people who want to pay half their share of taxes, eliminate half of the Constitution, and walk around using half their frickin' brains.And make half-ass attempts at humor"

He didn't actually say that, but , you know.

Comedy gold.

HutingtonBeachLefty wins...

Given his pattern of these kinds of comments, there should be no doubt in anyones mind that Limbaugh is either a racist or ignorant...or both.

What are the chances that he recieves consequences for this comment? Zero.   Money trumps common decency every time.

Keep talking, Rush.  With every racist comment you're insuring that a vast swath of the American people will never vote Republican.

Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Mechelle Malkin etc.,are all from the same mold and all want one thing and that is attention.  They are all arragant, self agrandizing, sociopathic neocons.  Haven't you ever noticed that none of them let anyone else speak when they are around.  They ask a person they are interviewing a question, let them say "ah," and then they answer the question.  They want all the attention for themselves. All of them spew evil.  They even have the look of evil when they speak like they are possessed.  But, as long as we listen to them they will continue to spew thier evil lies about people who do not agree with their agenda.  I am as bad as the next person. I listen to them because I want to know what the enemy is saying!

I wonder is Obama would feel insulted?

At being called "Halfrican-American"?  I'm thinking he would be insulted.

Privately, he would probably consider the source .  Publicly, he most likely wouldn't dignify it.

That's the sad part for me.  I mean besides Rush's listeners and readers of this site, no one even knows Rush said that.  I think once and for all the targets of these attacks need to speak out against them.  What would be great is if Obama held a press conference played a tape of the Limbaugh show and then tore into the guy.  Absolutely mercilessly.  Brought up his comments on ESPN.  That has always been my complaint about the Democrats, they lie down and take a beating again and again.  I'm sure they feel "we'll we don't want to dignify the comments" but since it's getting worse and worse, maybe they should try and shame these people and their advertisers.  Stand up for themselves, and start calling these people on this stuff. 

I think it was perfectly reasonable for Obama to go after FOX News for promoting his madrassas schooling, that is clearly misinformation that he felt needed to be corrected.

This is not in the same league as that.  This is an "entertainer" whose schtick is widely known who spews offensive stuff all day long.  For Obama to counter it publicly serves no purpose, it only dignifies it.  The same reason Hillary doesn't have a press conference to refute Dick Morris every time he opens his mouth. She rightly, as far as I know, never even mentions his name.

Well, that's true to.  Otherwise we'll have a you know what contest instead of moving forth on the issues.  Then again, I was in Great Britain during their election in 2001 and two guys running for an MP seat got in a fist fight over an insult one of them made, and I thought it was refreshing.

It would be refreshing, I agree.  But politicians here have too many handlers and spokepeople and are far too rehearsed, coached and images are way too sensitive and manufactured,  for that to ever happen.

What the political system in the U.S. of A. needs is a gigantic cream pie fight on the floor of the Senate.

Since he calls himself African American, I'm pretty sure he would view the right wing term Halfrican as a perjorative. I"m thinking Berry would agree since she refers to herlself as Black-AA. BTW this month's Ebony Magazine has a good spread on the Obama's with a gret picture of him and his African American wife, maybe the wingers would call her a Wholefrican even though I'm sure she's mixed race as well.

So what's the deal here anyway?  I thought Rush and his ilk didn't "see race."  They're constantly telling us it's Liberals who are racist.  So what's Rush trying to tell us here?

What a...... PIG!

Ok, so why don't we get organized like the Republican'ts and really trying to force change? I think that we should start putting together the contact information for sponsors of shows like Racist Rush's show and putting together transcripts and links to sound clips of these type of idiotic remarks. Then, we can start hassling the sponsors of these shows and let them know that we are not going to support them if they support racisits pigs. I believe that Spocko was successful as 1 person. What happens when we stop griping to each other and instead focus on letting advertisers know that we will not buy their products/services? Ask Melanie Morgan.

I'm down with that

I'd say Rush was a wit - but I'd only be half right.

Limbaugh is half a man with half a nut. 

I'm of the opinion that referring to Obama as Halfrican ranks up there with joking about Ted Kennedy being Irish or Kerry looking French.  It is a simply a play on words. In Obama's case, it specifically applies because his father is African.  

I know we are talking about race rather than nationality in Obama's and Berry's reference.  It is not pc talk, but it is not racist.   One could say Obama and/or Berry is  Halfanglo as well, but that doesn't flow.  Referring to them as Halfrican is an easy joke to make. I see nothing derogatory about it.  People can refer to others race or ethnic background without being racist.)

 (As an aside, I have long thought Berry as one of the most beautiful women, if not the most beautiful,  in Hollywood. I also think she's a great actress.)

It seems to me that Rush is so non-racist that he is comfortable being non liberal pc similar to say, Chris Rock, who throw around the N word and 'cracker' as a way to get laughs. Nobody thinks of him as racist. At least I don't.  At least I've never seen MMFA go after him.

I am wondering if all this indignation is really a bunch of latent guilt by the melanin challenged or perhaps a badge of honor among liberals to prove to themselves and others that they themselves are not racist.

If the posters around here are true to form, I know I'll be called much worse than anything Rush said, just for voicing my opinion.  Don't worry. I've come to expect it.  :-)

AA,

The problem I have with Rush using this term is it is a non-issue, and he uses it only to offend.  Obama's race is irrelevant, Rush's constantly bringing it up, for whatever reasons he chooses to, only distracts from real issues to oppose Obama for ideological reasons.  It's a lazy ploy used by Rush to be controversial for it's own sake, something he does incessantly - for his own ego.

Tommy,

I do not agree that the term Halfrican is meant to offend (except may liberals). :-)  I think it is an attempt at humor.    My contention is that although the term Halfrican refers to Africa and it just so hapens that Obama's father is of African ancestry, I simply don't see it as racist.

It is ignoring the obvious to say that his lineage is irrelevant. Obviously his skin color has a great bearing on his Presidential aspirations.  I imagine there are a number of people who will vote for Obama simply because he is part black. Are those people racist? After all, they will be voting simply because of the color of his skin. I know many will vote based on his record, but I believe there will be substantial numbers voting for him because they want to see a black President.  

As a side note, it is also worth noting his father's and stepfather's religious background, to see how that has influenced Obama and how Obama perceives the Muslim world.   Obama will have to answer this question on the campaign trail.

So, it seems to me that Obama's racial makeup and religious background are indeed relevant.  

As for Rush's ego, we are in agreement. :-)  

AA, 

What does his skin color have to do with his aspirations?  What does have to do with his aspirations are his qualifications, experience and position on important issues - not his race.  Those that use it either way to be for or against him are equally baiting, in my opinion.  Some may vote for him because of his race, as some will not vote for him based on his race.......that is their choice.  

As for his Muslim backround, that is also irrelevant.  So what?  You're certainly not suggesting that connects him in anyway with the radical element of that religion, anymore than a Christian is associated with Fred Phelps.  Extremists exist in all realms, so what?

Stick to issues that matter to Americans.

Tommy,

I think you've answered your own question regarding how Obama skin color has a bearing on his presidential aspirations. You yourself said some will vote for him based on his skin color and some will vote against him for the same reason.  We are in agreement, his skin color does have a bearing on the votes he might get.

I may be wrong, but I think a lot of the focus on Obama is directly based on his mixed racial genes. After all, there are 50+ Democratic Senators now. Many of them are also excellent speakers. Why does Obama become a frontrunner for the nomination?  Is it because of his record? His Senatorial accomplishments? His governing experience? The popularity of his book?  His political positions? Yes, they all add in, but there are dozens of other Democrats who have more experience, more accomplishments, and the same positions as Obama.  It seems obvious that it is his skin color that makes him such a popular candidate. I'm not saying that is wrong. He has just as much right to run for Prez as anyone.  I'm just acknowledging the obvious. It seems to me that much of his appeal is based on his skin color.

Do I care what color is his skin? Not in the least. I will not be voting in the Democratic primary in my State, but I will watch and wait and form an opinon based on his platform if he becomes the nominee. (Heck, some in the GOP want Rice to run. That too is fine with me. I think she is very polished and might make a good candidate.)   

Next, it seems to me that saying his Muslim background is irrelevant is burying your head in the sand.  Obviously we are fighting Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are warring with us because their brand of Islam tells them to kill or subjugate infidels.  How does Obama stand on that?  Is he sympathetic to radical Islam?  What are his personal beliefs?  These are as legitimate to ask, as it is legitmate to ask Mit Romney about his Mormon beliefs, or Kerry about his Catholic beliefs, or GW about his funamentalist beliefs.  No more. No less. 

AA, 

To be clear, I never said his race would not have a bearing on the votes he does or doesn't get - what I said was that it was an irrelevant issue. I prefer to leave it as an irrrelvant issue and focus on important issues that matter.  

The same with his Muslim backround.  I am completely aware of the fight we are in against radical Islam.......but to question whether Obama is sympathetic to extremists within that religion who pervert and use it to murder innocent people when there is absolutely no evidence that he is, is unfair.

Tommy,

I think our disagreement is where we put our emphasis. You are aguing that his skin color is not relevant. It's his positions on the issues that are relevant. On that I agree.  I'm saying that his skin color is relevant because it seems to be a big reason why he is so popular. 

As for Obama's views on Ilsam, I am not implying anthing. I have no idea what his positions are, (except that he opposes the war.) I am simply saying his background make them legitimate questions. 

I have some issues with Obama already, his call for universal health care for one.  But his race will not, nor will it ever, have any bearing on whether I vote for him or not.  If others find that a reason to vote for or against him, I find that sad, but out of my control.

And it's only 22 months from election day.........yippee!

AA, frankly it's not legtimate to ask John Kerry about his Roman Catholic background, nor is it legitimate to ask Mitt Romney about his Mormon background nor is it legit to ask Joe Lieberman about his Jewish background.  If i'm not mistaken we are looking for people to run and be elected to run a CIVIL government in a CIVIL country founded on principles of secular HUMANISM and the ENLIGHTENMENT.  If you or any other "American" has a question about this read Articel VI of the US Constitution.  Obama was not "trained" in a madrassah, the school was open to all faiths as well as girls and women were teachers.  He went there for two years only and his schooling happened 39 years ago before madrassahs financed by his and father's friends the Saudis became the hot spots they are now.  Since President PoopyPants was not questioned on his faith (Born again Christian...with Jesus as his "favorite philosopher" who "changed his heart) and his practice of it (executing over 150 people in Texas as Governor, some on the flimisiest of grounds and then lying this great country into a war that has killed over 3,000 soldiers and God only knows how many innocent Iraqis) methinks the assaults on Obama are a bit much.

I don't agree with the Chris Rock analogy, because of who he is, a comedian.  Now we can debate his use of the word in that context, but that's not what this thread is about.  Comedians get a lot of slack. On the other hand,  I thought Rush's comment was offensive and it's intent is to demean, not to draw laughter. Therein, for me, lies the difference.  It's just plain rude. 

I'd say it was meant to demean and draw laughter, from the racists who listen to him.

What's really funny is that NPR is advertising having Rush on All Things Considered (I think) this afternoon, to talk about political divisiveness in America.  I don't know if it's ironic or perfectly fitting.

That's too rich for words." 

Would you say that if it were Carville or Begalla?  How about Sharpton?

Rusty,

 Do you not see that you are exhibiting your own 'prejudice' by your name calling?  You seem perfectly comfortable calling anyone who listens to Rush a racist whether they are or not.

Don't you see that is in itself bigotry?    

I didn't say anyone who listens to Rush is a racist. 

I know you are chomping at the bit to holler "hypocrisy" - it's the only song in your repertoire, after all - but you have nothing here.  Better luck next time, AA.

Rusty,

 Not to fear. I'll keep pointing it out when it occurs. :-) 

Now you may not agree politically with Rush, but many of the things he says on his show are attempts at humor, (like his play on words regarding Obama's African heritage.) 

So I do not see the difference from a 'comedy' standpoint between Rock and Limbaugh.   

Rock says things that are much, much more insensitive than Rush. If you take your politics out of it and pretend that Rock said it, would you be so offended?   

That's a legitamate question, I'd have to think about it. Now I'm going to use the word "offensive" generically, because one man's offensiveness is another's humor.  Having said that, my intitial response is that Rock is doing what he does on a stage, at a comedy show, and as George Carlin once said, a comedian's job is to find the "line", and step over it.  Rush's comment I thought was offensive because it's not done in the same context--he's not on a stage in a comedy club.  But, you're question is a fair one and I will consider it.

I see Chris Rock, like Dave Chappelle, as guys who are very good at doing racial, as opposed to racist, humor.  As a counter-example I'd offer Mencia, who to me seems like nothing but a racist.

It's a fine line.  I think if the comic is digging into our own discomfort about race to make a deeper point about it, then the humor isn't necessarily racist.  If he/she is just getting a cheap laugh from a stereotype, then it is.

Yeah okay that's my answer too.  Thanks Rusty.  What Rush is doing is baiting, what Rock is doing is not.

AA: "So I do not see the difference from a 'comedy' standpoint between Rock and Limbaugh."

There is a difference, and it's one of critical importance (inasmuch as any of this is of real importance): Rock isn't the host of a talk show in which he claims to be competing in the "arena of ideas".  Rock doesn't intersperse his monologues with interviews with conservative leaders and newsmakers.  When Rock performs as a comedian, he is explicit in his performance as a comedian.  Limbaugh dances between roles as comedian and sociopolitical analyst.  It doesn't make sense to compare the two from a "'comedy' standpoint" because comedy isn't the exclusive context that Limbaugh constructs for himself.

Even if we were to compare them from the standpoint of comedy, I would argue that there is still an important difference between Limbaugh and Rock: Rock is funnier.

Of course this is subjective, but I'm being quite serious.  Did you really find Limbaugh's "attempt at humor" successful?

This  gets us into the same old debate, though.  If I criticize Limbaugh for calling Obama and Berry "Halfricans", Limbaugh and his fans defend themselves by claiming that I didn't get the joke and that i should "lighten up" (no pun intended). 

You argued that Limbaugh wasn't attempting to offend anyone "except may[be] liberals" -- but this is a key point: if I identify myself with the political left in this country, shouldn't I be offended?  Limbaugh just suggested that my evaluation of Obama as a candidate is based on his racial makeup.  Why shouldn't I be offended by such a gross mischaracterization of and attack upon my beliefs?

You also speculated that some people will vote for Obama because of his racial identity.  Who specifically do you think would do so?  And more importantly, why is this of any concern?  Based on the same premise, I could argue that there will be even more people who will vote against Obama for the same reason.  How is this related to the overall question of whether or not Limbaugh's comments are offensive?

vysotsky,

I'll agree with you that the venues are different between Rock and Limbaugh, but to me that is beside the point.  Both men do engage in racial humor to make observations about the world around us.

 I simply don't get the difference.  I've seen Sharpton and Jackson make racially, and religiously insensitve remarks. Many of these have been brought to light. Do you have a problem with them? Are Sharpton and Jackson racist?    

 It seems to me that you are making a distinction based on political ideology.  Yes Rush makes fun at liberals just as Franken and Maher, Rhodes, etc. make fun of conservatives, religious, etc. Are they also biggotted?  I would suggest they are not even though they use the same type of humor aimed at conservatives. 

You can be offended by Rush if you like, just as I can be offended by Rock or Franken or Maher. I can't stop that. But I am just suggesting that you stop and see it for what it is. Simply non-pc attempts at humor.  

As for your last paragraph, I think many people who consider themselves liberal will vote for Obama primarily based on his skin color. They will do so for many reasons. (Again, I'm not saying that is wrong, I am just saying that is the reality.)   That makes it a reason of concern to all of us. After all, Obama might be the next Prez. 

I personally think one should vote for the candidate that represents one's own views, not because of skin color.  

AA: "I think many people who consider themselves liberal will vote for Obama primarily based on his skin color."

One question: on what grounds do you make that claim?

You asked me if I have a problem with Jackson or Sharpton when they make racially insensitive or offensive remarks.  I don't know what episode you're referring to, so I'm not sure how to respond to that.  In general, though, I would say that I take issue with any simplistic claims about anyone's racial identity.

By the way, I'd like to point out something interesting in the structure of your argument.  You wrote:

You can be offended by Rush if you like, just as I can be offended by Rock or Franken or Maher. I can't stop that. But I am just suggesting that you stop and see it for what it is. Simply non-pc attempts at humor.

And yet you've been arguing that the entire basis of the joke is Limbaugh's presumption that liberals are showing preference for Obama simply because of his race!  I'm not arguing with the content of the joke -- I'm arguing

1) that it masks a totally unfounded assumption that liberals are predisposed to racism, and

2) that the "joke" is delivered in such a way as to deflect criticism of that assumption.  (i.e. your claim that I'm not seeing it "for what it is.")

Whether or not I'm offended isn't the issue, and I'm sorry I even raised it in hypothetical consideration.  What's at issue is Limbaugh's claim that those he disagrees with must be racist, which is an ad hominem attack. 

You know, after a while Druggie Limbaugh proves what he is: a stupid, ridiculous, overweight and overhyped jerk that has lost relevancy.  I am a half black/white American and proud of it. I love the fact that I can transcend barriers on many levels and move around because unless I tell them what I am, most don't know.  Rush represents the cowards of the world, cowards that see America is browning out and don't want to acknowlege that the vast majority of people don't care about the people they want to have relationships with anymore.  But then again, I think Rush really has been fighting his desire for people of color.  He's probably thinking to himself everyday "Wow, Halle Berry is beautiful!  But I can't have her! I must resist the urge!!!  Mariah Carey is soooo hot!!!! But no, I must fight the feeling!! I must insult people of color now, because I want to be with them so bad!"  He is just a mentally ill individual, surrounded by mentally ill individuals, catering to the sick puppies of the world. Rush needs love so bad, and the cure is to stop fighting the truth and get yourself a good, strong woman of color who will treat ya right.  Come on, join the club!  We're not HALF bad when you get to know us!

Hey, want to meet for coffee? LOL Nice post!

I think you've hit the nail on the head.  I wouldn't be surprised if the reason Limbaugh is so fixated on Obama's race is because he's more than a little threatened by how often Obama is described as handsome, charming, good-looking, etc...

Perhaps Rush is merely concerned that Obama will not sufficiently support "white music."  [link to dneiwert.blogspot.com] />

Oh, grow a pair, why don't you.  Do you have to whine about every little non-pc word that's muttered on the air?

Okay,

Rush has a big suprize for all you Dittos on tomorrows show so be sure to tune in. He's just gonna drop all pretense, you see Halfrican is really the wingers PC term for what Rush really wants to call Obama which is a Halfn-igger. And contrary to what  the little pretenders to tolerance that show up on these threads to whine about how misunderstood bigoted wingers are there is nothing funny about the term Halfrican. It's not cute or clever,  it's ignorant. 

I'll take that as a "yes", you HAVE to raise a hissy fit every time someone makes a joke.  I'm sure Barry didn't cry over it, so you shouldn't either!

Why does your side have a hissy fit every time their racism is pointed out?  Don't you "have a pair"?

freakagriep:

Oh, grow a pair, why don't you.  Do you have to whine about every little non-pc word that's muttered on the air?

Allow me to translate: "Stop complaining when someone calls you a racist.  Shut up and take it."

It takes a pair to stand up and call slander and bigotry for what it is.  To do otherwise is cowardly, freak.

This is further evidence that the right wing establishment is afraid of Barack Obama.  This is merely a reiteration of Coulter's "walk and chew gum...I'm not impressed" schtick.  The point is not whether Rush is racist nor whether liberals or any individuals posting here would vote for Obama based on his race.  The point is that Rush and his ilk believe that many liberals and possibly conservatives will vote for him because he is perceived to be African American.  Therefore, they strive to minimize his "African Americaness" with phrases like "Walk and chew gum" or "Halfrican".  See?  He's not really African American.  Then they proceed to focus on his muslim father, to transform suspicion into fear and hatred.

Rest assured, they would not be engaging in such relentless polemics if they didn't suspect that Barack could become a powerful political force on the left, challenging the established conservative elite.

Chris Rock and Rush Limbaugh?  Well, for one, I bet there's a lot more people who form their political opinions by listening to Rush than Rock.

Rush expresses opinions, Rock tells jokes.  The difference is, when Rush says something controversial that offends people, all of a sudden  it's a joke.

Let's take it a step further.  Right now this whole world is looking for a shift in how things are being done.  Barack Obama is a brilliant man; articulate, intelligent and has the appeal across many social and economic lines.  The package he is wrapped in makes it all the more better because he can relate to those on the world stage.  And that is what is needed now.  We need to send people that can bring healing and reconciliation, and not further divide and isolate.  And on a business level, especially with globilization being the big thing now, having representatives that truly epitomize what the country is all about (the good parts) only makes more money.  Not too mention addressing  "all men are created equal." Our reputation can be restored as a nation by being America and not just talking about it anymore.  Folks are not going to listen and respect hypocrites.

Pappi

Excellent post, It's time to stop talking about how great we are and show it.

I have been keeping track of the Shilpa Shetty controversy over in the UK and what is amazing is the quick response that was exhibited by the Indian populace.  They historically have had bad blood with the English and after seeing their favorite daughter getting kicked around, they snapped.  It caused an international incident.  All the political knuckleheads got dragged in on both sides; it was beautiful.  Now the ratings for the show have shot through the roof, because people saw how blatantly ugly this type of behavior is.  Channel 4 is now in big trouble because of this (and the other reality program with some idiot of an 18 year old spouting racial epithets). Watch what is going to happen, we are going to see more of this getting addressed in the media; I would like to see Jabba the Rush get a good dressing down for once in public and force him to go to rehab PERMANENTLY!

Rush is a thief:

I coined that word, "halfrican american," in 9/27/05 and not in a derogatory sense. However,

when my ex-brother-in-law coined "quarter-rican" he was

being racist. Proof:

http://p197.ezboard.com/GUYS-ONLY/fengrishmessageboardsfrm10.showMessage?topicID=370.topic 

"Would you say that if it were Carville or Begala?  How about Sharpton?" - AA------------------------------------As far as I know, Carville, Begala, and Sharpton haven't referred to anyone as "halfanglo" . . .

I can tell you now that I will probably vote for Obama.  Obama is a breath of fresh air.  He gives people hope about this country and hope is  something we have long needed.  He inspires you to think more possitively about the USA.  John F. Kennedy inspired you to think about what you could do for your country.  Barack Obama inspires you to think about how you feel about your country. He is new, with new  fresh ideas. He is not one of the same old political faces.  I don't care if he is green with purple eyes.  Unless something turns up really bad between now and election, he is the man I will vote for.  I am ready for a new face and new ideas!

um...

ideas?  name 3. 

And I think Rush is half American-Viagracan/American - Oxycontinin....right?