How racist is the GOP's front page photo?

[GoesTo11]

No kidding. This is at gop.com

[jefferson_dem]

1. Mother fuck!

:grr:

[madeline_con]

10. They're dicks.

Getting mad just adds fuel to their little flamebait. Any idiot (even a repug) knows keeping your tires inflated properly helps with mileage.

Another shovel full of dirt is flung from the hole MCCain't is standing in.

[jefferson_dem]

22. Nah. The tire gauge thing just stupid and immature.

However, the image I get there is a club smacking Obama in the head. Then again, I just visited the local museum's wonderfully powerful exhibit of photos from the Civil Rights movement, some which depicted tragic violence inflicted on minorities.

[FrenchieCat]

2. Where's the noose?

[ZombieHorde]

3. I am not seeing the racism...what am I missing?

[beachmom]

27. Me neither. nt

[RNdaSilva]

94. Me either...

Getting carried away again...

[geek tragedy]

4. How is that racist? n/t

[GoesTo11]

8. It is meant to look like clubbing him over the head

as has happened in American history.

[rug]

14. The tire pressure gauge is as loaded a symbol as a burning cross.

[Zuiderelle]

40. Are you serious? That's insane.

[rug]

43. As is the OP.

[Virginia Dare]

52. I guess you think subliminal imagery is bullshit?

corporations use it on you every day.

[Zuiderelle]

55. I agree it could be subliminal, but how the hell is it racist?

[Virginia Dare]

57. Because it looks like he's being clubbed in the head..

the way they did to the civil rights protesters. They're appealing to the lowest common denominator here.

[Zuiderelle]

61. And how the hell would that influence anyone?

Even if it were racist (HIGHLY debatable, obviously), how the hell would it change anyone's opinion? Why would anyone portray him as a victim of racism, when that would tend to garner him sympathy rather than derision?

It's ridiculous to consider that racist. But maybe THAT's what they were going for, to stir people up on the left to claim racism in order to portray us all as stupid fucking idiots.

Wonderful.

[Virginia Dare]

63. It's on the GOP website, they're preaching to the choir..

they're just trying to stir up the natives. Think the Rush Limbaugh fan club types. They need them to come out to the polls in droves.

[Zuiderelle]

64. Put that way, I might begin to see the racism

But I still think it's a far stretch.

[Hoof Hearted]

67. like a rubber band to the moon

one HELL of a stretch.

[joshcryer]

58. Ahahaha

[Virginia Dare]

51. Yes, that's the imagery I got....n/t

[sniffa]

60. The imagery I got, was a syringe

Obama, the smack user/dealer.

[Supersedeas]

105. Same here -- from blonde chicks to clubbing symbols

[JeanGrey]

78. Clubbing him? How?

[Hugabear]

86. When was the last time an African-American was clubbed over the head with a tire gauge?

There's a lot of racism in the GOP for sure, but I think you're reading too much into this one.

[Virginia Dare]

49. Perhaps this will jar your memory...

[maxsolomon]

5. I don't get it

spell it out for me. is it because it looks like he's getting his with a club?

[Virginia Dare]

59. Exactly. And you don't get it unless you are a racist piece of filth....

or you are in the south and know how the racist pieces of filth think.

[CitizenPatriot]

85. exactly.

Glad I'm not the only one who sees this. I'm in the south now, so maybe that explains it? Check out this article for how to deal with this stuff.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/2447

[Virginia Dare]

99. This is the crux of it...

these are Rovian proteges running this campaign. All of these messages are being carefully crafted in a particular way for a particular audience. They want to drive home the message to the racist repuke southerners that Obama is just another "ni**er".

[jakem]

6. um.. not so much? explain...

[Bleacher Creature]

7. Racist? No. Stupid as hell? Check!

[blondeatlast]

19. What you said. So stupid it doesn't need a stealth agenda. nt

[Ian David]

9. And McCain scoffed when they told people to prevent Bubonic Plague by just killing the rats. n/t

[Olney Blue]

11. He still looks classy, no matter what those bastards do.

[Virginia Dare]

56. I know, they can't find a bad picture of him..

even when they're trying to smear him. He always looks cool.

[madeline_con]

12. I'd say zero racism, 100% stoopid. n/t

[TheCowsCameHome]

13. He should use it as a rectal thermometer on the pigs at the RNC.

[PresidentObama]

15. I don't get it, how is this racist?

[GoesTo11]

21. I stand corrected.

I doubt this is actually a dog-whistle to racists or anything.

Sometimes a tire-gauge is just a tire-gauge.

[PresidentObama]

33. The tire gauge was a knock at Obama's comments in my home town.

About properly inflating your tires.

How is that racist?

[Virginia Dare]

54. Why'd they place in on top of his head then?

it's very specifically supposed to conjure up images of a head clubbing.

[PresidentObama]

66. You're looking WAY too into this. Even then, how is this racism?

[Virginia Dare]

100. They want Obama to appear as..

just another ni**er.

[cyndensco]

106. huh?

[roseBudd]

107. As a graphic artist I do find the placement of the gauge object very odd

No artist would hvae placed it there unless they were told to by the client

[MonkeyFunk]

16. Racist?

Do you WANT him to lose? The surest way to make him lose is to cry racism over everything and anything.

There's no racism in that ad. Nor was there any in most everything else people scream "racism!" about.

[JeanGrey]

80. I agree, no racism at all and to claim it is - well it's dumb

[redstate_democrat]

84. And Hillary suffered ZERO sexism in the primaries.

[Ian David]

17. That IS very racist

[debbierlus]

25. I debated the racism, but if you look at the positioning, I fall on the side of ITS RACIST

The placement of the tire gauge is NOT accidental. That is a really weird placement, it is actually touching his head.

If this was just a stupid ad about their fake energy talking points, it would not be composed this way.

Sick.

[GoesTo11]

28. That's different

You changed the text in the photo on the left. And on the right, the black man about to get hit on the head with a club is wearing a trench-coat.

[Ian David]

29. You're right. It's not racist because Obama isn't wearing a trench coat.

:sarcasm:

[Zuiderelle]

41. Oh please. That's such a stretch I can't believe you didn't snap coming up with that.

[Ian David]

46. Not a stretch.

[Zuiderelle]

53. Man! Are you enjoying making those ridiculous graphics?

Seriously... what purpose would it serve IF by some insane stretch of the imagination, that original graphic was racist? What purpose would there be in showing Obama being hit over the head? And how on earth would that sort of racism accomplish anything? Anyone who would be idiotic enough to be influenced not to vote for someone because, Oh my GOD he's BLACK!! would not change their vote because they are suddenly reminded that they are supposed to hit them upside the head. WTF?

[Ian David]

81. You don't get it.

Maybe you're just not an it-getter.

[MonkeyFunk]

50. LOL!

Ah, well now that I read it more carefully, the OP may have a point.

[bigwillq]

18. I don't see the racism.

It's a silly ad but I don't see it as being racist. :shrug:

[TheCowsCameHome]

20. At least the reading on it is higher than Bush's job approval ratings

[rzemanfl]

23. Does this mean that we should feel free to let some air out of

Repuke's tires, so they can show their patriotism by driving around on soft tires? Honestly, I think that the McCain campaign is run by a bunch of high school sophmores.

[Clovis Sangrail]

24. the GOP is hiring!

I applied and I encourage everybody else to apply as well.
:evilgrin:

[JeanGrey]

26. A tire gauge? How is this racist or what am I missing?

What is the significance of a tire gauge?

[MonkeyFunk]

35. In South Africa

tires were put around people and set afire.

Or something. Beats fuck all out of me how it's racist.

[JeanGrey]

76. Never heard of this before.

[cyndensco]

37. Obama said one way to conserve gas is to make sure your tires are adequately inflated

They have been running with it since.

[TheCowsCameHome]

45. And that's true, but the repukes don't understand that.

Underinflated tires waste lots of gas.

[cyndensco]

62. KO just named hannity and limbaugh worst people.

They mocked Obama after he talked about tire inflation. Acc'g to KO, crist, schwarzenegger, the DOJ and nascar have all advised the same. "292M gallons of gas would be saved each year if all cars were well tuned and tires properly inflated."

[JeanGrey]

77. So, fine. How is that racist?

[cyndensco]

103. Someone asked what was the significance of the tire gauge.

I answered. I do not at all see racism here. Not at all.

[Hoof Hearted]

30. Why? Because it has a picture of a black man?

No kidding.

[Stinky The Clown]

31. That, specifically, doesn't seem racist to me

Much else of what they're doing?

Hell yes, its racist.

[truthisfreedom]

32. If Obama's energy plan is a tire gauge, McCain's is a flat tire. He wants flat tires because they

burn up more oil and that means more oil money in his pocket.

[nsd]

34. It's stupid but not racist. (nt)

[rufus dog]

36. I say it is just stupid

not much more.

[cyndensco]

38. I do not see racism.

And, again, the accusation loses its punch every time it is used. There will be racist attacks. We should save it for the big one(s).

[muntrv]

39. Childish but not racist.

[doc03]

42. I really can't see that it's racist.

For someone in the Obama campaign to try to claim racism here is just ridiculous and would help McCain if anyone. Just like calling that stupid ad that had Britney Spears and Paris Hilton racist backfired on Obama.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

44. Bad graphics

but racist?

It is stupid but I do not see racism. Just more dumb shit from the GOP.

[Milo_Bloom]

47. Racist? No. Stupid and immature, yes.

[CitizenPatriot]

48. racist

first of all, does it have to be racist to be evil? hm. clearly it is violent and that's so...republican?

say you are the GOP and you've been accused of being racist. Would YOU run this ad? An ad with a tire gauge (iron) aimed at the head of your african american opponent? Does this ring a bell with NO ONE?

If you decided to run this ad, WHY?

Right. Because it is racist and it will provoke your opponent into crying racism and then you can accuse him of playing the race card and bring up images of OJ. Game over.

It's typical southern strategy. Do things that aren't obvious except to those who "get it" -- the intended victim and your group of frat boys. What a laugh.

If you don't recognize this for what it is, come and live in the old south for a few years and then tell me what you think. GAG me. Sorry, I don't mean to come down on anyone here-- but this is so clear to me and when you don't get it, it just makes it worse. Oh well, it doesn't really matter. It's best to attack him back and not even bother responding to this. It's so beneath any civilized person, I feel sick.

[Hoof Hearted]

69. this is going to be a very long election for you

I'd stock up on fruit of the looms if I were you.

[CitizenPatriot]

82. fruit of the loom? sorry...I don't get it...?

Yeah, it will be a long election for me:-) RED RED RED all around me.

We have major racial tensions in this city, white against black. I'm talking drive by shootings, etc based on race. Not gang wars; racial wars.

Check out the local papers where Bryant is senator. See what the people write in. They want blood. They are the majority in this region and they have no shame about their prejudice. Do the research, get where these people are coming from. Remember McCain in 2004, SC? The racist attacks the GOP did on him and his family? Why? Because they WORK here. Is Rove/Schmidt being racist again? Educate yourselves about this demographic. It's huge, it's who is taking over our government (DoJ staffed with fundies, e.g.), and it should not be ignored.

We should refuse to be silenced by their "shame" tactics like the accusation of not being patriotic and now race card playing accusations. It is a game of control. They want to be in control of what we can and can't say. What we can and can't observe. They are trying to craft our fight. We can't stop speaking the truth for fear they will attack us for it. It's about HOW we speak the truth. If we don't object, will they stop doing it? Not hardly. That's an old abuse mentality. We have no control over what they do or say. And it isn't our responsibility, either. Each time we give way, that's another inch of bs they can get away with. It's the bully in the playground. Same rules.

[ecstatic]

73. Yep. They're praying for this reaction

At this point I'm just waiting and watching to see what will happen. I really don't have much faith in Americans at this point.

[CitizenPatriot]

83. hey

I am not sure I got your point either. Feeling rather daft tonight! :-) Do you mean they are praying for people like me to cry "Racist!" or they are praying for in-fighting among the dems re what this means?

I'm not going to keep talking about it; I said my piece based on what I see and based on my experiences. I have no agenda re getting others to see this "my" way and I'm not invested in how he deals with it, because I know he will do a good job.

My purpose was to call attention to a growing problem which hides under the cloak of respectability.

Peace everyone; I don't want to be divisive. Please consider reading up on these folks, though.

[Madam Mossfern]

65. Actually it looks more like

a very unique chapeau.

Ok,ok at first I thought it was a thermometer, then I read the copy on it and realized it was a tire gage. I wondered about the bad balance of the design. Even though I first thought the OP out of line...it may have a point. Subtle, subtle, subtle and done in a way that if questioned, they could claim Obama is playing the "race card".

[Connie_Corleone]

68. I must be missing it. I'm black and I don't see the racism.

All I see is the gauge hitting Obama on the head. It's stupid, but I don't see any racism.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

70. I just see Obama looking good, as always.

I almost feel bad for them, since it's so hard to find a bad picture of the man.

[AspenRose]

71. Not racist. Stupid? Yeah, ya betcha

Obama's crew ought to have some tire gauges with "Obama '08" made up and have them available at events, rallies, and campaign offices....drink that GOP milkshake right up.

[Joanne98]

72. Subliminal billy-cub message. Running for President while black!

Black=chaos..

They're going to keep this up until we fight back!

[cboy4]

74. They're mocking him for saying people can save gas

by keeping their tires properly inflated.

It's a ridiculous criticism, but it's not racist.

[Major Hogwash]

75. Is it okay if we call McCain a motherfucker now?

Somebody said that is a racist term and I've been calling McCain a motherfucker for years, but I don't want to be thought of as being a racist.

[rasputin1952]

79. Little do they know that almot every mechanic, from a neighborhood

shop to those who work on fleets and at NASCAR, will tell you a tuneup and checking the air in your tires will increase milage,,,even on a Hummer...these people are beyond stupid, this is the best they can do?

Must be nice to have a brain with as many folds as a cue-ball.

[geek_sabre]

87. del.

[geek_sabre]

88. I think I see it... the tire gauge is a phallic symbol

And if you stare at the picture for 30 seconds, and let your eyes cross, you can see 3 white women giving him a lap dance.

RAAAAYCIST!

[pecwae]

89. The tire gauge is silver?

[Bucky]

92. Cleverly, subliminally, implying that Obama is a vampire. Those bastards!

[Marrah_G]

90. In poor taste, not racist though

[Bucky]

91. The phallic imagery is most offensive! I agree

that you're stretching on this one.

[renie408]

93. We have to stop pulling the racism card for every little thing...

even if it *might* be racist. Cause somewhere along the line, the GOP is going to get seriously racist. And we'll all scream about it and nobody will listen because they will have heard it so often before over nothing.

[Life Long Dem]

95. I didn't know what it was

Then when I started looking closer I thought it was a thermometer. Why would they want to take his temperature and why is it positioned behind him? Then my eyes focused and OH!!! IT's the tire pressure gauge if used correctly would save what they want to "drill" for.

Is this to say the Repubs will give every American a pressure gauge for their birthday? I say this is a distraction but if the GOP would like to talk about distributing tire gauges then we should have a serious discussion.

[Name removed]

96. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TankLV]

97. I don't see it at all - chill out - NOT racist in the least...

good god, step back from the koolaid...

[baldguy]

98. Obama's getting clubbed in the head.

Like a baby seal.

Is the GOP saying Obama is a baby seal?



There's a slight resemblance...

[maddiejoan]

101. I think..

anyone who think that's racist has lost their fucking mind.

[Snarkturian Clone]

102. There's plenty of racism out there and this isn't it.

Jeez, it seems like some people just read into every last thing looking for something to harp about. Go outside.

[Dreamer Tatum]

104. If that is racist, then how is this not?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6581060

[Clintonista2]

108. Oh lord here we go again

:eyes: