The GOP Evaluates How Racist or Sexist They Can Be in the General Election

Posted by Paddy , Cliff Schecter's Blog at 12:11 PM on February 25, 2008.

You can see where this is going-

The Republican National Committee "has commissioned polling and focus groups to determine the boundaries of attacking a minority or female candidate," according to The Politico. "The secretive effort underscores the enormous risk senior GOP operatives see for a party often criticized for its insensitivity to minorities in campaigns dating back to the 1960s."

"The RNC project is viewed as so sensitive that those involved in the work were reluctant to discuss the findings in detail. But one Republican strategist, who asked that his name be withheld to speak candidly, said the research shows the daunting and delicate task ahead."

Heh, guess that means they can't be as destructive and evil as they'd like to be. Unfortunate. More from the Politico-

In other words, Republicans should expect a severe backlash if they say or do anything that smacks of politicizing race or gender. They didn't need an expensive poll to learn that lesson, however.

(snip)

GOP officials are certain their words will be scrutinized ever more aggressively. They anticipate a regular media barrage of accusations of intolerance - or much worse.

They seem most concerned about Obama right now.

"You can't run against Barack Obama the way you could run against Bill Clinton, Al Gore or John Kerry," said Jack Kemp, the 1996 GOP vice presidential nominee, who expressed concern that the party could be reduced to an "all white country club party" if it does not tread cautiously.

Am I the only one who thinks they just won't be able to help themselves?

AlterNet is a nonprofit organization and does not make political endorsements. The opinions expressed by its writers are their own.

Tagged as: republican party, racism, sexism, obama, clinton

Paddy is a regular contributor to Cliff Schecter.com.