How Republicans See Obama

We've seen the specter of racism rear its ugly head again and again in this election (take your pick: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6...) but this one is so bad that it's teetering on the brink of self-parody:

The latest newsletter by an Inland Republican women's group depicts Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama surrounded by a watermelon, ribs and a bucket of fried chicken, prompting outrage in political circles.

The October newsletter by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated says if Obama is elected his image will appear on food stamps -- instead of dollar bills like other presidents. The statement is followed by an illustration of "Obama Bucks" -- a phony $10 bill featuring Obama's face on a donkey's body, labeled "United States Food Stamps."

...The group's president, Diane Fedele, said she plans to send an apology letter to her members and to apologize at the club's meeting next week. She said she simply wanted to deride a comment Obama made over the summer about how as an African-American he "doesn't look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills."

Wait, it gets better; this is my favorite part:

She said she doesn't think in racist terms, pointing out she once supported Republican Alan Keyes, an African-American who previously ran for president.

"I didn't see it the way that it's being taken. I never connected," she said. "It was just food to me. It didn't mean anything else."

Now it is here that I again must come to one of two conclusions: either this woman is actually, at least somewhat, a racist or else she is one of the most sheltered, uninquisitive people on the planet. This means that she's never overheard any kind of racist remarks pertaining to the dietary habits of black people ever in her life and also that she must have just ignored the laughter of her white and black friends and colleagues alike whenever these topics of conversation have come up. Racist or stupid, either way: we don't need you; America has plenty of both, thanks. Just on a personal note: every item on that fake food stamp looks absolutely delicious; I'm going to get some chicken right now.