NY Times: For South, A Waning Hold on National Politics
Nevertheless, an interesting viewpoint, especially the quotes from individuals who continue to reject Obama as a Muslim in contradiction to the fact 1) Obama is a Christian and 2) the Constitution does not specify religious preference as a pre-requisite for the Presidency.
Here's an excerpt.
"What may have ended on Election Day, though, is the centrality of the South to national politics. By voting so emphatically for Senator John McCain over Mr. Obama — supporting him in some areas in even greater numbers than they did President Bush — voters from Texas to South Carolina and Kentucky may have marginalized their region for some time to come, political experts say.
The region’s absence from Mr. Obama’s winning formula means it “is becoming distinctly less important,” said Wayne Parent, a political scientist at Louisiana State University. “The South has moved from being the center of the political universe to being an outside player in presidential politics.”"
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/us/politics/11south.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th
Unfortunetly it could only last for 4 to 8 years.
When one considers the school test scores in the south,it is no wonder[coupled with a dash of rascism] that it went Republican.
What astounds me is the ignorance of these people, as under Obamas economic plan this region would have done better. No matter, these people have consistantly voted Republican since the Civil Rights Days when the solid Demo. south, went repub.[hard to respect that].
It is my hope, no, it is my belief that a charismatic and even handed Obama, there could well be a conversion in the south, that eats into the Conservative Dogma.In short he may become more palatable, nationwide. The only proviso to this mantra, is that our nation has more serious problems than I have ever seen before.
If Barack would have[at minimum] one fireplace chat with us half a dozen or more times a year, look into our eyes and bespeak only the truth, good or bad, America would embrace this leader, and perhaps indeed, he could lead us to a place, not unlike your proposed neutral ground.He could cross all barriers and indeed represent us all, or at least make us feel that he is.
This is my hope, and my dream, for our country!
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George,
Poor performing schools are not the excusive province of the South.
Have you read What's the Matter with Kansas? One of the themes discussed there is the amazement that people would vote against their economic self interest.
The primary reason for people voting that way are social conservative issues. That's what I mean when I talk about write about the three latter day equivalents of Prohibition we must resolve. (2 of the 3 are social conservative issues). If we are to make progress, these three issues must be settled.
IMHO, if Obama is smart his initial focus will ignore these kind of issues as much as possilble to avoid adding fuel to the social conservatives' fire while he tries to fix the economy. If he is able to make the economy better, then he will have the credibility to address other issues.
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