The Republicans will hit Senator Obama with everything they can to tarnish his image. Just as they did with Kerry, defining him as "elitist" is a favorite ploy, no matter that it is false. Senator Obama's life has been anything but elitist. The truth doesn't matter.
Do Republicans believe Obama doesn't belong at the country club or do Republicans want to portray him as fitting there? Both.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/...
Solution below the fold.
All of us know the code words for racism - doesn't know his place, clean, articulate. The history of this country includes many accommodations that the black population made to keep the white population placated. I grew up in the South and was ashamed the elderly black men felt compelled to say "Yes, Sir" to me. What should Senator Obama do? What should any person do? Do we expect him to shuck and jive? Would the Republicans be happier if he addressed them as "Yes, massa" or "No, massa." Does he need to stay in his place? Is a confident black man allowed to show it?
Republicans see Senator Obama is a two-fer. On one hand accuse him of being elitist, out of touch with ordinary Americans. On the other hand, stir the faint racism that still lingers in our culture. What could be worse than an uppity, black man? We've given them a big target.
Senaor Obama can and should face this directly, as should we all. When someone implies that he is elitist, we should demand answers. What do they mean by elitist? Do they not believe that Senator Obama deserves respect? Must he appear deferential? In short, can Senator Obama be at the country club as more than a waiter? The charge they make that Senator Obama is elitist; is there at least a whiff of racism? Read Newt's quote above. He very simply says the Senator Obama is the scary, unknowable, elitist, other. Elitist is the new uppity.