How to Get Race out of the Race

In an Opinion Journal piece published today, 26 August, entitled The Racism Excuse, it would seem that the Democrats have already determined the source of Barack Obama's defeat in this November's election ... it's those racist white folks who will never be able to vote for a black man!

Do these people exist? Sure they do. Will they be enough to turn the tide in John McCain's favor? Maybe, maybe not.

I'm not a fan of either of the candidates. They're both too liberal for me - although I do find some common ground with Mr. McCain. The problem with all of this "race baiting", however, is that it takes the campaign's focus off of the real issues - the economy, the war, energy, health care, taxes, etc. - and points the spotlight clearly at something that no one can resolve. If the spotlight is focused where it belongs - on the issues - Mr. McCain will win. Why? Because America has shown over the course of the last 40 years that they don't want the most liberal member of Congress as their President - regardless of his race, where he grew up, who his parents are, or where he went to school. The last thing most Americans want is bigger government, higher taxes, and more rules and regulations placed on their freedom.

So, in order to move the focus from race to the issues, I would humbly suggest to Senator McCain that he name an individual of color to be his Vice President. And, if he selects an individual of color who also has strong conservative credentials and is relatively young, this can only serve to bolster his appeal to the right wing of the Republican party as well as calm the fears of those who are concerned about his age and health.

Two candidates immediately come to mind:

J.C. Watts
A former football standout at the University of Oklahoma and a Republican Congressman, Watts is 50 years old and a true conservative. His public presence is the equal to Mr. Obama but his knowledge of the issues and experience puts the junior Senator from Illinois to shame.

Michael Steele
The former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and the current chairman of GOPAC, Michael Steele is also 50 and has respectable conservative credentials. Like Representative Watts, his public presence is second to none. And while he may not have the Washington experience of Watts, some may view that as an advantage. In addition, he's from a state that routinely swings to the left.

As a person of pallor, I would vote for either of these two individuals ... for President ... where they running against ANY Democrat. Adding either of them to the Republican ticket makes it more conservative, younger, and, as much as I hate to use the term, diverse (apparently liberals believe this to be a good thing).

But, the absolutely best part of this is that it would take the issue of race out of the race ... and the election can be decided on the issues.

In addition, there is probably another, unintended, benefit. Those racist white folks who say they could never vote for a black man would have no one to vote for and, hopefully, they would stay home on election day. Is there anyone who thinks that's a bad thing?