The Nation: Rich Old White Men: Still the Problem

[marmar]

Rich Old White Men: Still the Problem
posted by Jon Wiener on 10/27/2008 @ 12:05pm


The latest New York Times-CBS News poll identifies the demographic group with the highest level of support for John McCain: rich old white men. Coincidentally, they are also the people who control Wall Street, Congress, and the White House.

The poll defined "old" as "45 or older." Many will take issue with that definition, but those old white men supported McCain over Obama 48-42 per cent. White men under 45, in contrast, supported Obama, 50-43. And white women supported Obama, 45-42, whatever their age.

The poll also shows that rich white people are even more likely to support McCain - no surprise. Here the poll defined "rich" as earning $50,000 or more. Most will take issue with that definition, but those rich white people supported McCain 49-42. (The poll did not provide separate figures for women and men among rich old white people- probably their sample was not big enough.)

White Protestants are even more likely to support McCain, according to the poll: they split 55-34 for McCain. White Catholics in contrast supported Obama, 53-46. .......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/376600/rich_old_white_men_still_the_problem?rel=hpbox

[Ikonoklast]

Yet, their candidate is getting demolished.

And we can match their money, one fucking dollar at a time.

[Wickerman]

1. wow, according to that I should be supporting McCain

of course, I do take issue with that point,as well as being old :grr: and rich. :cry:

[NC_Nurse]

2. Sounds right to me. Just take a look at any McLame or Palin rally. All white,

mostly older, and definitely not hurtin' for $$$.

[SteveM]

3. I'm white, definitely getting older; but where is the richness? (nt)

[pokerfan]

4. Damn. I am now an old white man.

:(

[entanglement]

5. This kind of demographic blame apportioning is hardly fruitful, not to mention dishonest

White men constitute only 33% or so of the population. Without significant support from white women,
the election prospects of a McCain or a Palin would be negligible. Since this fact does not fit the mythology of the liberal bourgeois (white male = conservative, white woman = liberal), it is usually conveniently omitted.

Going beyond elections, the idea that entire sections of society are incapable of progressive thought because of their race and age is a very harmful one. Why should a working class white male be made a stand-in for a corrupt white plutocrat? The writers at the 'The Nation' reveal a complete lack of class awareness. Only the unity of working people of all races, nationalities, genders and communities can end racism, imperialism, war and defend against the onslaught of predatory global finance capitalism. It is wholly unclear that the agenda of the folks at 'The 'Nation' includes even one of these four as a desirable goal.

[KoKo]

6. Agree....sorry the "Nation" is going down that road...

maybe it's a catchy article to attract viewers but does more harm than help...