What’s Race Got To Do With It?

President Obama’s approval rating continues to drop. He’s in George W. Bush territory now, with the only thing keeping him from dropping further is the fanatical loyalty of those Americans who will cling to him no matter what he does. Why has he dropped so far? If you ask him, he’ll tell you the reason is racism. In fact, he recently commented,

There’s no doubt that there’s some folks who just really dislike me because they don’t like the idea of a black president.

Here we go again. I thought the election of a black president—twice—was supposed to put to rest that false theme. First, there will always be people who dislike those who are different, whether it has to do with color of skin, ethnic background, size of nose . . . the list could be endless. In 2008, Obama won with a sizable number of white votes; that number decreased significantly in 2012. Was that the result of racism? Did many of those who voted for him in 2008 and then declined to do so again in 2012 suddenly become racists? That seems to be the president’s explanation of his decline in approval.

Post-Racial America

I mean, could it possibly be that voters are fed up with his policies, not his race? Could it be that five straight years of a bad economy might lead some of them to abandon support? That they realize the drop in unemployment is due more to people leaving the workforce than finding jobs? That they are having their healthcare plans stripped from them and being forced to get more expensive plans instead? Could all the scandals—Fast and Furious, Benghazi, IRS, DOJ, NSA—have anything to do with the public’s uneasiness with his leadership? Is it at all possible that people are waking up from their delusion about this man being the political messiah? No, that can’t be the reason. It’s always race.

Gravity Racist

The constant accusation of racism is getting old. I suggest, Mr. President, facing up to the facts instead. You’re the one leading us off the cliff, and people have good reasons for their disapproval of your administration. Race rarely enters the picture.