>Gotta do it whenever I see piling on: ;-)
>
>What exactly is the objection? Is it the comment about the portly man's button about to fly off? Or is it the quip about a black man nobody knows?
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>The article itself makes a similar comment that Pawlenty is relatively unknown (though even I know who he is)... since this hasn't been taken as bigoted, I'm guessing it must be use of that "black" word.
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>Would it have been okay if MB said "African American" rather than "black"? Sorry to have to ask but my national Rugby Team is called the "All Blacks" and it's a term of pride, so I'm just trying to fathom the cultural nuances.
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>Or perhaps the crime is to suggest that a dark fellow on a Republican podium is just a cynical symbol? MB wouldn't be the only one to believe that.
>
>FWIW, certainly I agree with Romney that you need to get the troops back rather than fighting a war of independence on foreign shores: if US wealth keeps accumulating in the pockets of the super rich and the middle classes continue to be marginalized... well, you'll need the soldiers for exactly the reason Romney said.

I had the same initial reaction. Had to read the post a few times in attempt to appreciate the umbrage displayed. I dont think pointing out that he's black was necessary. A bit obvious, yes. But i think its the "usual" and "random" coupled with "black guy". I think its a 'minimalist' reference to Alan Keyes prior runs for the GOP nomination. I dont believe he garnered that much support in the GOP party when he ran in the past.

I do think its safe to say that Cain is arguably one of the least "recognized" in the group. Whats a bit ironic with the response to the post here is the juxtaposition of these replies to what Cain said about having Muslims in his administration. "I will not appoint muslims to my administration nor as judges." And last night he expanded on / clarified those earlier comments by saying that he "was thinking about the ones that were trying to kill us". And then careens into "Sharia law". Quite the dog whistle. His point is that you cannot & should not appoint murderous terrorist muslim Americans is all ;) Cain had previously waded into the Obama/Kenyan story, which a lot of others have also done. I think thats called "bonafides". Overall, not impressed.