Drama for Obama?

Determined to be equally "up-with-people", the Illinois GOP party has extended an invitation to two-time presidential also-ran and radical right TV talkshow host, Alan "He's so articulate" Keyes, to run against ascendant Illinois legislator, Barack Obama, for U.S. Senate.

Though the former Reagan-era State Department appointee has never lived in Illinois and has never held elected office, Illinois Republican leaders believe Keyes is a smart choice to challenge state Senator Obama in his bid for U.S. Senate. Quite simply, ultra-conservative Keyes is highly dispensible, given he lacks any loyal constituency in Illinois and will not likely be a competitive threat to his white GOP colleagues in either Chicago or anywhere else in "the Land of Lincoln" after November 2nd, when the Republicans can resume their business of dispassionate conservatism the old-fashion way: without Blackfolk's help.

It's been . . . hours since the GOP has been so patently offensive to Blackfolk in its dim-witted selection strategy to oppose Democratic shoe-in Obama. Given the high probability of a Democratic victory in this Senate race, GOP state party leaders have decided to cynically embrace African-American dark horse candidates whose reputations and upward mobility they have little interest in genuinely promoting.

If indeed Keyes confirms accounts that he has accepted the GOP's offer to run against Obama, runner-up token, Dr. Andrea Grubb Barthwell, can go about her business of being obscure.

Illinois GOP leaders have not played "the race card", they've played "the race deck". Either way, Obama's got the winning hand.

Comments

[M]

Alan Keyes is a joke! He's an opportunist, a liar, and a disgrace to my people. In short, he's a typical black Republivillian. I agree that he's only being used by the GOP precisely because he's dispensible. Even Mike Ditka was smart enough to figure that out. As a pawn in the white man's game, he's so completely transparent that I predict even non-blacks will vote for Obama regardless of their party ties.

[Qusan]

This is the same GOP that banned Keyes from the 1996 Primary debates in ATL? The same Keyes who chained himself to the door? The same Keyes who was arrested then released in a nearby parking lot? I don't know what they think they are doing but Keyes should get a hint that if you are lower on the list than Mike Ditka ...

[Kevin]

I am really interested in seing if Keyes is a man who keeps his words. Here is a man that back in March of 2000 said the following about Hillary Clinton:

"I deeply resent the destruction of federalism represented by Hillary Clinton's willingness go into a state she doesn't even live in and pretend to represent people there, so I certainly wouldn't imitate it."...

Now given the fact that Keyes lives in Maryyland, and is so opposed to what Hillary did, will he live up to his words and "not imitate it". We shall see. Can anyone say "Flip Flop???"

[ronn]

What does Keyes get out of this? He'll be a temporary dark-horse inorder to gain perenial status as a lawn jockey for the Right (see Thomas, Clarence).

[Geistesweisheit]

A very helpful analysis, thank you. I'll keep my eyes peeled from abroad for how Illinois shakes down. Keep up the good work.

[Tanya]

Alan Keyes own words:
"preferential affirmative action patronizes American blacks, women, and others by presuming that they cannot succeed on their own"
http://www.renewamerica.us/keyes/issues.htm

Now, Mr. Alan Keyes receives the nod to run as the Illinois GOP candidate for senate. Instead of standing by his morals/values, the brother will exploit the opportunity for his own benefit. The GOP will exploit Mr. Keyes for the sake of diversity. In Nov, we in Illinois will celebrate the election of Barack Obama.

[Mary]

Guess you know now that Keyes has confirmed that he's accepting the GOP nomination. Very interesting point that he is both "highly dispensible" and will pose no threat to REAL members of the Illinois GOP. So what's in it for Keyes? Note that in his presidential bids, Keyes got lots of negative attention for taking a $100K salary from his campaign fund, even when it went into debt. He will also no doubt get further national media attention, which will boost his fees as a public speaker and radio host. And never underestimate white folks--there will no doubt be plenty of them who will LOVE a Keyes candidacy (it proves they are not racist, just conservative!), and will glady vote for the guy, even in light of his calling Hilary a "carpetbagger" for running for the Senate in NY. As Curtis Mayfield said, "...If there's a hell below, we're all gonna go...."