"Real America" = "Two Americas"
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/21/art.americanflags.jpg]
John Avlon
Author, Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics
Back when this presidential election began, John Edwards was criticized by many conservatives for using the slogan "Two Americas." It was a vision of America divided between the haves and the have-nots – evidence, many said, of Democrats' instincts toward divisive class warfare.
But recently Republican surrogates have begun using their own equally divisive framing device: "real America".
A McCain adviser argued for their electoral edge in Virginia by saying their candidate would do well in "real Virginia" rather than northern parts of the state – unconsciously echoing former Virginia senator George Allen's infamous "Macaca" moment captured on YouTube when he invited a dark-skinned volunteer for the Webb campaign to visit the "real world of Virginia."
Then Sarah Palin got in the act: "We believe that the best of America is in these small towns that we get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what I call the real America, being here with all of you hard working very patriotic, um, very, um, pro-America areas of this great nation." So if real America is pro-American, than there is an unreal America – by implication, the urban areas where most Americans now live – which is somehow inherently anti-American.
Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann helpfully tied it all together by saying that Obama "may have anti-American views" and calling for the media to investigate other Democrats with "anti-American" views in congress. [This would presumably require their removal from office, not just because they would be serving an institution they do not support, but because they all take an oath of office to uphold the constitution].
This is ugly and it has to stop. These may be just slips of the tongue, but they are evidence of an attitude that is just as divisive as John Edwards' "Two Americas" riff. It is an extension of the same analysis – an America that is fundamentally divided and mutually incomprehensible, by values if not economics. And it reinforces the subterranean attacks against Obama, questioning not just his patriotism but his essential American-ness.
As Colin Powell said this past weekend, "We've got to stop this kind of nonsense and pull ourselves together and remember that our great strength is in our unity and our diversity."
Dividing our politics into Real Americans and anti-Americans is not just insulting – especially to those urban Americans who were attacked on 9/11 – it draws on nativist and tribalist instincts that do not reflect the best of America, but the worst.
America is great in large part because patriotism and nationalism are not the same thing. We are not a tribal culture, we are a melting pot – being a fully evolved American requires transcending our tribalism.
Dividing America does not represent the politics that John McCain has fought for all his career. And it is not smart politics for the Republican Party in the long-run. Because the base that they are playing to is parts of the country that are less populated and less diverse. That is not betting on the future of America- it's betting on the past.
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Filed under: John P. Avlon • Raw Politics |
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How awful to hear the nasty accusations now that it getting down to the bottom line to the deadline of Nov.4th.
Wake up America and listen to well educated candidates Barak Obama and his running mate Joe Biden. This country again needs well spoken, confident leaders for our future.
Definitely not John McCain who doesn't seem to get it and the worst is his decision to choose a dumdy-didum woman who is manipulating with her charm and nothing else. Wake up America!!!!
Do you really want a hockey-mom for a President? I don't think so.
Free voting is a privilage. Vote for Barrack Obama and Joe Biden
for President! Our country will be better off after what we have gone through in the last eight years someone who should never had been elected.
I think Sarah Palin and John McCain are two idiots. They have knowledge but if you arent aware what to do with it, than whats the point. They are racist under the skin and they continue to show it day in and day out. How is Sarah Palin speaking on anything about Barak Obama. What does she stand for I have yet to hear, but that she is a follower. Everything she says is John McCain this and John McCain that, what is your input to this election. Just to look pretty is not enough, and it offended me as a woman voter to think I was voting her because she was a woman. This election has gotten on my last nerves and I will be glad when the winner is announced in 14 days. The back and forth, he does this and she does that. I am worried about can I keep my job(which took 2 years after receiving my degree), to paying the bills and keeping the lights on, and food for my children. As for the war, I will leave that alone, because only God can say how this government switched over night from Afgan. to Iraq. I remember the first missile boomed and then a few weeks later, Iraq was on our screens.
You had me on board until you said
"it draws on nativist and tribalist instincts that do not reflect the best of America, but the worst."
From that point on I was offended...
I'm Native American, and being of this racial descent I know from my own family history that your idea of civilization was far worse then any of my people nativist and tribalist ways. Early American culture and society openly murdered and brutalized my ancestors. Pick up any news paper, for example the Denver Post of the 1800's – early 1900's and you'll see blantant calls to citizens and government officials to kill all "redmen".
I've always considered you an intelligent person and agree with most of your opinions, but you've lost some serious respect with this one.
Unfortunately it's more than words. The policies that have been in place by a Republican Executive and (up to two years ago) Republican Congress have widened the gap between those who have because they had or Daddy had, and those who have no hope of getting it. The Republican Party has reached new lows this election insisting that anyone that does not agree with The Right Party line is somehow suspect and maybe even a traitor or terrorist. I didn't think they could get any lower, but evidently they've been listening to Rush long enough that yes...they even got worse than they were before. God Bless 'Em. They need it.
As if I didn't have enough reasons to already not vote for any ticket that she is a part of. Palin can stay in the backwoods. Hopefully she is eaten by a bear. Take a clue from the Flyers game. Get out of mainstream politics Palin, we don't want you.
So true. So pathetic what these morons will say to get elected
We are all Americans, no matter where in the country we live. The constitution was written for all and not just a certain few. There are people in this country who would rather complain about how America works, and for those people either love America or leave it. This country has many flaws, but it is still the greatest country on this earth, and it is wonderful that we can voice our opinions without suffering severe consequences.Everywhere in this great land, no matter where in this country we may live, we will always consider our locale as God's country, and there are many of these in this great country of ours, bonded together creates this great country which is ours.For all of us who have children in the military, we are especially proud of them, and of this wonderful nation.
It is about time someone displayed intellect and a knowledge of what has made this country by saying what is Mr. Avion has pointed out. If we don't halt this progression of America into classes, groups, and so strongly divided because someone disagrees, we will finish off what has beeb built over the last two hundred years by the blood and sweat of rich, poor, people of other religous view points than your own. People we need to get along with differences or the news reports twenty years from now will be by european or "other" reporters detailing how Americans will be engaged in another civil war over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
I wish someone would ask Bachmann what exactly are "anti-American views". Sounds like if you don't agree with the Republicans, then they believe you have no right to be in this country. Maybe the GOP plans to lead another McCarthy-like witchhunt if they win the election.
You're absolutely right. The divisiveness must end; it's tearing our country apart.
Maybe the mainstream media could lead the way by being equally as critical of Barak Hussein Obama – an inexperienced, first term senator – as they have of Sarah Palin, an inexperienced, first term governor.
Perhaps the mainstream media could publicize the increasing incidence of voter intimidation, where those with McCain-Palin bumper stickers on their cars find their cars vandalized or their trucks filled with dog feces. You might point out that the people performing these acts of voter intimidation consider themselves enlightened and inclusive of other points of view.
Maybe the mainstream media could start by applying its own rules to everyone equally, instead of those chosen few singled out for elevation or destruction.
I couldn't agree more, I am african american I pay taxes and consider my self an up standing citizen . I am what is America. these statements have no place in our politics or in our country.
The audacity of the Mc Cain Camp is appaling and downright shamless.
lets divide America and conquer..!!
This is not 1842. Its 2008. It only shows small minded people with their small mindedness and small minded thoughts.
I am in Atlanta, guess what I am anti-America.
Palin needs some serious education and counseling.
I'm not going to say that name-calling and wedge issues are the only tools in the Republican bag of political tricks. But I think it is safe to say that they've been the most effective tools at their disposal for the last couple of decades.
They had a hard time getting "muslim" and "terrorist" to stick. So now they're going with "socialist". Disturbingly, it appears to be working.
This November we'll find out whether the Democrats have finally found a candidate who can unite Americans faster than Republicans can divide them. I honestly don't know whether to laugh or cry as I watch them doing their level best to stir up the worst in people under a banner that reads, "Country First".
sounds like we are on the road to the second civil war, democratic government vs. republican government
Please, democrats whole platform is class warfare? Is that not divisive?
So, Obama calling people in more rural areas bitter is acceptable? (It was captured on video too!)
Read the democrat's platform once. It is anti constitution to the core. Mr. Obama doesn't seem to know what the constitution is. Trying to limit first and second amendment Rights every chance he gets. Come visit Illinois in the next two weeks if you want to see what Obama will do to this country!
The world is watching this campaign and Sen Mccain in disbelief, as the Republican campaign seems willing to sink to any depth to win the election. They are showcasing the scum of politics. Sen McCain has a Jeckyl & Hyde personality – he solemnly says he does not endorse the innuendos and incindiary attacks on thre character of Sen Obama, whom he calls a decent man, while his surrogates heat up the divisive rhetoric and he grins. If this is an example of democracy, how do you expect to sell it to countries ruled by dictators and despots?
John McCain and Sarah Palin are representatives of the past (him) and rural America (her). McCain continues to base most of what he says on how things were done years ago. Palin acts as though the people of the suburbs and cities don't really count in her America. They both need to move into the 21st Century. We need leaders who are representative of a country that is more diverse than any other country in the world. These two people do not represent that diversity. Their newest tactics of false claims and negativism only shows how unethical they both can be. Win at all cost seems to be their mantra.
Sarah Palin is responsible for dividing the United States of America with her divisive rhetoric. I am sick of it
John McCain has fiddled with his moral compass so much that it looks like he now has it in backwards. Not only is he headed in the wrong direction, he may even be beyond redeemable. To use vitriotic and venomous language in a divisive strategy like the McCain campaign does is unpatriotic in itself, and definately NOT pro America. I am a 65 year old white woman who has lived in the south all of my life, and I thought that we had seen the last of this kind of politics. And, especially, with John McCain and Barack Obama running, I thought this election would be full of decency. Was I ever wrong! John McCain was an honorable man. Then he decided to pander to the extreme right wing of his party, and try to sow the seeds of divisiveness. How dishonorable!
How long do we have to look at Sarah Palin? This is the most craziest thing I have ever seen, She reminds me of that commercial of the young lady on a enterview and they ask her can she type and she answer No but I have pleasing personality, Do you take shorthand? No but I have a pleasing personality, Have you worked on a switch board? No but I have a pleasing personality. I know you people don't really think this woman is all that . I guess you think if we watch her enough we'll vote for them we are not that stupid. The reason the rating were so high is because we were waiting to see what crazy answer she would give next.
Make no mistake, what we're seeing in the rupturing of the GOP is a disaster for the whole world.
How so? Think about it this way ... we're all held captive by nasty evil alien enemy. Too strong and powerful for us, we have no way of escape. Another alien power stronger than our enemy manages to infiltrate his ranks and gave some among us the secret potion required to set us all free. Our enemy is enraged and goes to war against those with the potion. Pretty soon, they start loosing the potion and become ordinary prisoners like the rest of us ... in fact, they are beginning to take on the characteristics of the enemy. Cry, the beloved planet ... indeed.
This election more than past elections I can remember has brought out the best and worst of us. It has been ignited by class, race, and stirred pots brought in by the candidates themselves. One party more than the other. As it does have a evil feel to it, it does tell you who you really are and what you really think. What we all need is a hope that we can all see differently but unite at a time when we must all do so.
The negative campaigns of the past have worked well for the Republican Party ,but not this time. The tactics used by the party and the McCain campaign will backfire and rightfully so.
We are ALL AMERICANS and we will NOT be divided along any lines, whether racial or religious.
That belongs to the past and with an Obama victory we will bury it.
"This is ugly and it has to stop."?
Good luck with that. The Republicans are running the same negative divide and conquer campaign they've trotted out every election cycle since Willie Horton was promoted as Michael Dukakis' running mate.
Interesting that it isn't working this time. They may have to come up with some actual new ideas for 2012.
I completely agree and this should be read by both sides of the political spectrum. Having opposing views is one thing but pitting Americans against each other is despicable politics and that in and of its self is anti-American. This is still the United States of America right?
When John McCain famously "repudiated" the remarks of the woman who referred to Obama as an Arab, John McCain said, "No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]." It's horrifying to me that a presidential candidate would imply that being a decent family man and being Arab could not be the same thing, and not only was he not questioned about it, he was heralded for it. Does he not know that we have Arab-Americans living as citizens within this country? The sentiments of excluding people as part of this nation because they don't think they can earn their votes is getting absurd...Arabs, Muslims, City Residents, Chicagoans, Virginians in DC suburbs, etc. We have a huge image problem as a nation around the world and to openly declare remarks that are so laced with acceptance of anti-Arab sentiment, will not only divide us within, it will perpetuate that image beyond. If he wants to lead this nation he needs to be better than that.
This refrain of "real" american and the class and race war that it implies shows that the campaign has given up even the pretense of trying to win on real substance and real ideas. It is a dangerous campaign tactic that can do real damage to country.
Bravo, Mr. Avlon!
How I wished just like you, most American voters can see and read in-between the lines of Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin's campaign rhetorics. "Real America,"Real Virginia," and "Pro-America" are just some of their terms that speak volumes of the candidates' real, inner psyche and values. Buried somewhere in those words are clearly a "silent code of mutual understanding " among racists and class separatists.
I also wish that these Republican supporters, especially those who do not individually earn $250,000 a year–and I suspect majority of Americans are, whether rural, suburban or city-folks–clearly understand that McCain and Palin do not necessarily have them in mind to fight and vouch for once they are elected into office! Fellow voters, please read not only the fine print, but also in-between the lines of what your candidates are saying!
Let us not just see and listen to the obvious, but also observe with all our senses those that are unseen. For example, did you notice how uneasy, irked (with a smirk) McCain was whenever Obama mentioned "middle class," "health insurance for all," and "spread the wealth?" That's because these things do not fit and benefit his and Sarah Palin's concept of a "Real and Pro-America."
To those households and businesses earning less than $250,000 per annum, please be forewarned–know who your real knight in shining armor and lady-in-waiting are. Certainly, they are not Sir John and Lady Sarah!
John McCain and his VP choice are despicable. They are dividing our country by encouraging talk of pro vs. anti Americanism. I have NEVER seen anything like this before- although it is very reminiscent of the McCarthy era. I am embarassed by their actions. This is certainly no way for a campaign to be run. John McCain has destroyed his image and is an embarassment to our country right now.
I agree that this ugly divisiveness has to stop. The truth is, that there is one America- The United States., but that there is within these United States a multitude of "other" Americas. If you ask 5 people in 5 different places in the same state, you are likely to get 5 different answers about what and where the "real" America is. It depends which side of the fence you are sitting on. I am a 5th generation native who has an independent view, but you will meet a 1st generation native who will have a Democratic, or Republican view. The differences that the Republicans are using to divide and alienate us, should be the diversity that makes us inherently American. This melting pot should blend us into a cohesive nation with a single purpose; to regain our place as a respected nation in the world, who has humanitarian goals that begin at home with our neediest citizens and residents, and spreads globally to aid other nations, and restores our credibility and national pride. One Love, One Nation, One World.
This idealogy of there not being a divide is great, but is it reality?Senator Clinton raised the glass celing for women by making it as far as she did in the primary election. However, the fact that it is 2008 and her nomination is classified a first is a sign of the times. In saying that, I believe that a "glass celing" exists for the poor and middle class in America. It seems that being rich is a birth right or luck. So, what is the American dream? Being rich? Or is it just having enough to support your self and help those you love when hard times arise? It's hard to say because I get by, but I can't "bail out" family. Nor do I know what it is like to have enough money to not worry about it.
There are 2 Americas already. There are the ones who work hard and expect their deserves from their efforts and those who just want hand outs. That is the problem with America. The racial divide already falls in to those 2 categories.
Since Sarah Pallin joined the Republican ticket the address to Americans has turned much more divisive and she is clearly trying to divide the people (not folks) into catergories. The right-wing Christian fundamentalists of this country are doing a great disservice to the work of most Americans working to unite the country. And lets call them what they are Fundamentalists with a capital 'F'. In 2004 these were the people who claimed to vote Democratic was unAmerican. America is slipping backwards and relying on blind faith instead of knowledge and education to make decisions. Stop the madness. People need to open their minds, not close them.
Sarah Palin makes McCain realy look stupied , washington needs fresh and new,we tax payers are sick of beeing robbed ,they spend while we pay,are taxes are so hi now in chicago,and they still want us to pay more tax ,where does all this tax money go are roads are so bad with hooles and when it rains it floods every waer ,yeat Dailey keeps talking about higer taxes,when he first became mayor gave hes self a 40,000 pay increase i nevor voted for him agin.
I'm just curious. . . I live in a small town so am I pro-American? I think I just might like this. A pro-American voting for Obama/Biden! I was disappointed that I moved out of Bachmann's district only because I won't be able to cast a vote for her opponent. Was it a slip of the tongue? Listening to her trying to clerify made it sound even worse.
I have always thought that both republicans and democrats wish to improve our great land, it is how we get there that we differ on. Do we give money to the wealthy in hopes that it trickles down? Or do we give money to those who have little in hopes of it improving the economy and everyon'es way of life? A huge difference, but the desired outcome is the same. Everyone wants people to have a good life. Will family take care of family as how the republicans stand for? Or do want programs that will give tools to those who lack them? Another huge difference. We have got to understand that the American people want to make improvements for the next generation. Now if only we can actually have a real discussion!
Bachman calling for investigation of Representatives holding what SHE thinks are “anti-American” views? Palin telinig the majority of the American polulace that they are not "real" Americans?
How quickly we forget history.
Joe McCarthy held this nation hostage with nothing but innuendo and guilt-by-association that started with sinmilar calls for investigations, similar "definitions" of who is (and byt extension, is not) a "real American".
Let's also not forget a very famous combination of political cunning and unlimited ambition and crowd-inciting rhetoric, who had been a mediochre Army corporal, and then had worked as a wallpaper-hanger, yet propagated soem of the most extensive violence and ethnic-cleansing the world has ever seen. We underestimate these people, and the potential dangers they pose, at out own risk.
The GOP has to attempt to paint Obama and his supporters as 'other' to fuel their base and allow them to survive an Obama administration. That this kind of rhetoric can be seen as a call to revolution to the seriously unhinged is, to them, simply an unexpected and unfortunate coincidence. I'm expecting with some dread a rebirth of the hate-fueled 'patriot' militias and potentially more Tim McVeighs during Obama's first term.
Sara Palin is scary! She scares me with her off the wall beliefs and drives. She needs to move out of where ever she lives and live in places of All America areas!
I couldn't agree more. To call certain parts of the country "real America" is beyond my comprehension. Then they go on to defend their position. And on top of that, they have the audacity to call Obama anti-American and unpatriotic. Isn't that like, um, what's the phrase I'm looking for – pot calling the kettle black?!?! (Take or leave the pun)! It is shocking to hear them use such despicable words against Obama. Maybe they ought to campaign for POTRA and VPOTRA, NOT for POTUS and VPOTUS.
I'm curious why we aren't hearing more about Palin's affiliation with the Alaskan Independence Party and the fact that Todd Palin was once a member.
The anger and frustration of the McCain campaign coninue to incite more hatred that might elevate to the level of violent attack to Obama and his supporters. This will bring us to the idea that Mccain's most prominent legacy is the encouragement of the assaination of the first black President.
If Sarah Palin is questioning Barack Obama and his supporters patriotism, then why Isn’t Todd Palin’s involvement with the Alaskan Independence party not an issue of patriotism?
I remember when I was a kid hearing the term "melting pot" and not really understanding what it meant. I used to have a cartoon image in my head of a big bowl of soup with a bunch of cartoon people in it. Now I understand that being a 'melting pot' is what makes America great. I love walking down a city street and seeing all types of people, all types of restaurants and businessess – it's wonderful, it's America.
The McCain campaign doesn't seem to realize that there are a whole lot of different people out here, and we all deserve a voice in our government. The Christian conservative right-wing is certainly entitled to their opinion, but they are not entitled to run the whole damn country.
I agree with the last statement on the post, regarding the McCain campaign betting on the past. Maybe McCain's age has something to do with it. I don't want to go back to the past. I don't want to erase the progress we have made in race relations, and women's issues. A win for the McCain campaign would send us back to 1960. It would divide the country into small clusters based on ethnicity, class, economic conditions, and religion. I don't want to live like that.
John Edwards was actualy talking about himself.
As far as the haves and the have nots.
Example of the haves is John Edwards, he have plenty of money and a girl friend he was visiting early in the morning.
You remember when somebody recognized John Edwards he ran to the bathroom and try to hide. Yep, that is the guy.
They find out he has a girl friend on the side.
Do you want to know the real divide?
Take the SNL / Sedx in the City mind set
and then the American Family like the Palin who are in church on Sunday ( by church I mean: Temple, Mosque, Double Wide like St. Rita's in Nanakuli, Hawaii )
This is bad news for our country. These people want to win so bad that they will divide this country and revert us back to segregation!!
I am a REAL American and I will be voting for Obama. I urge people to vote for Obama so that we are not subject to this "REAL America" that McCain/Palin wants.
John,
Get real!! Palin was talking about middle class America that does all of the work and keeps this country running. You know good and well what she meant yet you just want something to harp on. Get over your liberal agenda and tell the real news and stop trying to make news up.
And if you don't think that Obama is using dirty tactics and ads then you are blinded by your liberalism. He has spent twice as much on negative ads them McCain. So what John, does that tell you!? It tells me that Obama is nothing new, he is the same old politician trying to parade around in "new clothes" that aren't there!
Cindy...Ga.
I don’t think this is the real bad news for McCain. The real bad news is that he has no ground game. Plus, a little dirty secret, there is behind the scene infighting in the campaign, fighting which people are trying to keep quite. Fighting at the highest levels. If you look, you will find the story.
It's much more egregious than the Edwards observation. It's clear that there is a massive class divide in the US to anyone with eyes, and that the interests of the very few wealthy and the very many "rest of us" are not necessarily in harmony.
It's disquieting to see the "real america" line being touted, because deny as they will, the bottom line is that the split is a poorly coded racial comment. Look at the demographics of the towns being held up as examples of "real america." It's race-baiting disguised as rural pride, a terrifying kind of fascism.