Rendell's Presidential "Race"

Doesn't it make you proud when your Governor basically says that Pennsylvania is full of white bigots?

Gov. Ed Rendell, one of Hillary Rodham Clinton's most visible supporters, said some white Pennsylvanians are likely to vote against her rival Barack Obama because he is black.

"You've got conservative whites here, and I think there are some whites who are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate," Rendell told the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Now, how does he know that? Rendell cited his 2006 re-election campaign, in which he defeated Republican challenger Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, by a margin of more than 60 percent to less than 40 percent.

What he forgets is this state predominantly blue collar, union and democrat. For any Republican black, white or other to get 40% of the vote in nothing to scoff at. Not to mention it was Lynn Swann's first run for public office of any kind.

I dare say you put a black democrat up against a white republican in Pennsylvania and the democrat has the better chance at winning. It's simple math, not racial prejudice.

This is very concerning that we have a Governor who thinks this way. While gender and race may be a issue for some, our elected officials should not exploit such ideals for political gain.

Rendell's spokesman said the governor did not mean to offend anyone. No doubt, but he DID offend people. Present company included.
"He was simply making an observation about the unfortunate nature of some parts of American society," said spokesman Chuck Ardo. "He wasn't being critical, he wasn't making accusations, but just being realistic."

Here is reality. I may not like Obama because of his liberal ideas. I may not like his policy, priorities or his worldview. I have plenty of reason not to vote for him. Skin color is not one of them. Ideas can change. Skin color can not and I would never vote for or against anyone based on such a trivial thing.

It is sad that in this day and age that this is even uttered from the mouth of those who should know better. I'm sorry to be so harsh toward Gov. Rendell. However, I choose to judge him on the content of his character. Right now that character leaves much to be desired.

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