By John L. Micek
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Veteran Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha ventured into a political minefield last week by saying there was ''no question'' that western Pennsylvania is a ''racist area'' and that older voters might be slower to support Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
''I think Obama is going to win, but I don't think it's going to be a runaway,'' Murtha, of Johnstown, told the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. ''I think he wins Pennsylvania.''
Murtha's remarks, which echoed those made earlier by Gov. Ed Rendell, provoked an uproar online and thrust the issue of race and the campaign front and center once more.
Within 24 hours, Murtha issued an apology, noting that ''while we cannot deny that race is a factor in this election, I believe we've been able to look beyond race these past few months.''
Yet on Tuesday, Democratic Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia said, ''I think that racism could still be a factor.''
But were Rendell, who in February suggested some Pennsylvanians might have a hard time voting for a black candidate, and Murtha and Marseglia committing the textbook definition of a political gaffe? In other words, did their comments reveal the truth -- or at least a truth -- about Pennsylvania voters?
No, Pennsylvanians are no more or less racist than people in other parts of the country, say state pollsters, who spend their days examining the thinking of various demographic groups. ''I understand that politicians have to be careful not to offend, but what is so radical about the concept?'' asked Christopher Borick of Muhlenberg College in Allentown. ''The simple reality is that race matters. It is an undeniable reality in our society.''
See the rest of the report on race in today's Morning Call, a Tribune Co. newspaper.
Comments
Don't think Rep murtha-word has much meaning after his "BIG" turning aganist the Clintons-
Posted by: George | October 22, 2008 9:59 AM
Race shouldn't be a factor in selecting our choice for President or Dog-Catcher. Is the man or woman qualified to lead, to inspire and to compromise ?? Those are some of the qualifications that should be examined by us, the voters. If race were to be considered, than it should be considered in a positive light. The African-American community, like all non-white communities in America, has contributed greatly, to America's history ! They have supported many candidates, a lot that have went on to our Presidency, including, the late President John F. Kennedy. Yet, this is their first opportunity, and ours, America, to vote for one of their own, another African-American, Senator Obama, for the Presidency of America. He has shown the above-mentioned qualifications and more. He will make a great President, if given the chance and I think it is about time America honor the African-American community for their trials and tribulations, their victories and their losses and just for them being, good Americans !!!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | October 22, 2008 10:43 AM
Don't think Rep murtha-word has much meaning after his "BIG" turning aganist the Clintons-
Posted by: George | October 22, 2008 9:59 AM
Borat??????
Posted by: bill "Hussein" r. | October 22, 2008 11:39 AM
As usual with an article from the DNC Swamp, only Democrats (Murtha, Rendell, Marseglia) are quoted.
Democrats are afraid to mention the thousand-pound elephant in the room--that in this election Obama has been, and will be, the prime beneficiary of "racial" voting.
Posted by: Disgusted | October 22, 2008 1:55 PM
To Don Fitzgerald (Chicago) If change means voting for a product of the most corrupt political machine in North America (Philadelphia is second) then you are ignorant or stupid
Posted by: Nathaniel McDonald | October 23, 2008 8:53 PM