Racist dog-whistle pro-Gingrich ad on KFI this evening

[RZM]

10. I don't think that's quite correct

There's a difference between 'un-American' and 'not'-American.' And because of Obama's background and life experience, he has been vulnerable to both attacks.

The 'not-American part' is about more than race - it's about culture.

Obama's father was not an American. He was born in Kenya, spent most of his life there, and died there as well. Although an atheist, he was born into a Muslim family.

This sets Obama apart from most African-Americans and is part of the reason why there are insinuations he's not really American (i.e. the Birthers).

The 'un-American' accusations are much less about race and are best illustrated by his association with people like Bill Ayers and Reverend Wright. Yes, race plays into the Reverend Wright thing, but few would assert that Wright is not an American. He was born here in America to a Christian family and served in the military. They would say he's 'un-American' or 'anti-American,' because of his political views. Same thing with Bill Ayers, who is of course white. Nobody would say he isn't an American, they would (and did) say that he's anti-American.

So I think that's where this comes from. It's both a nod to the birthers and a nod to a wider audience that doesn't appreciate views that are highly critical of America. On the second point, there problem is more the message than the person.