March 26, 2008

  • I've personally heard or read a number of comments from folks who say they "don't trust" Obama. While I don't think the cause is overt racism per se (though it probably is for some people), I do think there is a fear of difference and novelty. Obama is a different kind of candidate, not just in terms of his racial composition, but with a distinctive name, and an atypical demeanor and speaking style.

    I don't buy the explanation that he is new to the scene. John Edwards was even newer to the scene four years ago and you didn't hear so many people saying that they didn't trust him. They might have said he was inexperienced, but they didn't explicity cite a lack of trust.