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So I don't see (a) any difference from past practice (b) any evidence that there is any delusion among black activists about who O is, or (c) any mechanism by which electing O will somehow "paralyze" the black activist community -- will somehow make them give up their radicalness in some way that voting for Bill Clinton didn't. Or Dukakis, or Mondale, or Jimmy Carter. Or Hillary Clinton.
What am I missing?
.......................
I'm a bit knackered and in no shape really to dive into this. I did however, want to offer up something before tomorrow.
If I'm correctly following Ford's argument, there are three linked concerns:
1.) Seasoned black activists are going beyond the usual, eyes wide open strategic maneuvers - i.e., voting for a Dem as quite literally the lesser of two macabres - to embrace Senator Obama's campaign as a truly progressive event
2.) Black voters in general, excited by the possibility of seeing (quoting Ford now) "the ultimate Black face in a high place" are likewise embracing the Senator as not simply a lesser evil, but a true alternative
and
3.) The Senator, despite being, just like his Dem opponent, a thoroughly corporate creature, has successfully portrayed himself as the leader of a progressive movement (not unlike Sen. Clinton's insistence - at least, in front of some audiences - that she's the fulfillment of feminist dreams).
Admittedly, much of Ford's argument about the "paralysis" of black progressives is built upon anecdotal evidence. He knows and spends a lot of time with movement veterans and is reporting his impressions.
His analysis of Sen. Obama's corporate allegiances on the other hand is part of the public record and easily verified.
And I'm out.
.d.