Scorched Earth

Michael Medved and Sean Hannity were in full scorched earth mode yesterday - each devoting all three hours to Senator Obama's personal speech on race yesterday. Their shows, which began at noon, were the first to have time to digest and react to the speech. Notably each spent all three hours dissecting and criticizing the speech.

This of course is not surprising, but it is telling. Senator Obama did answer the scurrilous attempts to link his ulterior motives to some kind of nefarious Anti-Americanism that is illustrated by the "endless loop(s)" of caricatures of Rev. Wright's sermons in a forceful and deeply personal way. But of course this wasn't enough, or even if it was - that wasn't the point. The point is to make sure Senator Barak Obama doesn't get elected president at all costs.

The point is to depress votes for Obama by demonizing him with the same despicable play book that they have used one Senator Clinton for the past 8 years. In the short term, addressing the issues that have been unfairly broadcast over AM radio over the past week will seem to help right wing radio. Their ratings should increase with the interest Senator Obama has given their cause by addressing their concerns. However, in the long run, I strongly believe that some thoughtful listeners will begin to get it.

In this case - the controversy isn't about what is said in the annoying snippets played incessantly. It is about making Senator Obama out to be an Other. In this case the strategy is to align Senator Obama with the most angry rhetoric of the African American Community in order to distance him from the largest voting block - whites. It is the same Politics of Other that will be played by characterizing Barak as a secret Muslim (which to me is a great thing, but to most listeners is one step away from being a terrorist) or a secret Marxist or a secret angry Black Man.

This is what bullies do. Throw around names in lieu of issues when events are not compatible with your goals, regardless of collateral damage. The issues that I get the impression that the United Church of Christ addresses is a systematic and historic racism of a society where poverty and pain are much greater per capita in the African American community than in the white community. I am proud that Senator Obama has stood by his church and explained to the larger audience the positive aspects of that church.

Inevitably this won't be aired by the hosts on AM radio. This doesn't fit their agenda. What is on their agenda is the marginalization of Senator Obama even if that means conducting a scorched earth policy. Despite having their legitimate concerns answered, they will continue to attack, demean, and marginalize. In turn, it is important that these AM hosts' tactics continue to be addressed and discussed (and marginalized) until someday these tactics are given as much credence as we give that old man with the megaphone pontificating on the edge of the city park.