That's how Charles Krauthammer characterizes Hillary's LBJ analogy, and the Clintons' view that only Hillary is qualified to lead black people:
In my view, the real problem with Clinton's statement was the implied historical analogy -- that the subordinate position King held in relation to Johnson, a function of the discrimination and disenfranchisement of the time, somehow needs recapitulation today when none of those conditions apply.
The analogy Clinton was implying was obvious: I'm Lyndon Johnson, unlovely doer; he's Martin Luther King, charismatic dreamer. Vote for me if you want results.
Forty years ago, that arrangement -- white president enacting African American dreams -- was necessary because discrimination denied blacks their own autonomous political options. Today, that arrangement -- white liberals acting as tribune for blacks in return for their political loyalty -- is a demeaning anachronism. That's what the fury at Hillary was all about, although no one was willing to say so explicitly.
Krauthammer savors the irony of liberals being "singed in the blowback" that they created. A must-read.
(The blowback couldn't be more deserved, although I still think the Clintons will win this, as they have all the advantages afforded by the corrupt political machinery in their control.)
posted by Eric on 01.18.08 at 11:55 AM
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Hillaries position is doubly stupid because her most significant competition is coming from a black man.
Hillaries position is doubly stupid because her most significant competition is coming from a black man.