Which party offers ethnic attacks?
posted at 8:30 pm on June 26, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Barack Obama warned last week that John McCain and the Republican Party would launch racist attacks against him, an allegation repeated by Kathleen Sibelius, rumored to be on his short list for VP. However, the party that has launched the first and rather unsubtle attack on ethnicity aren’t Republicans, but Democrats in Washington. In an attack ad that accuses Dino Rossi of too-close ties to the building industry, the Democrats added the theme song from The Sopranos, just in case anyone missed the fact that Rossi has Italian ancestry:
Wow. Just … wow. I guess we can give credit to the Washington Democratic Party in that they never actually say the word “Mafia”, but they don’t leave much to the imagination. Christine Gregoire barely won her last election against Rossi in an election filled with suspicions of voter fraud, and the suspects weren’t the Italians.Brian Faughnan writes at the Weekly Standard:
In a year where Democrats see racist appeals everywhere, it’s stunning that they would introduce an ad that plays on ethnic stereotypes in such an obvious way. Can you imagine the reaction if Republicans produced an anti-Obama ad with rap music playing in the background?
It’s not just stunning, it’s stunningly hypocritical. While Obama accuses McCain and his team of being racists without a shred of evidence for the charge, and while a sitting Governor of Kansas echoes that sentiment without any support whatsoever, the Democrats have no problem leveraging anti-Italian bigotry to paint their opponent as a mobster.
Since Obama made such an issue of this in Florida, will he condemn this eruption of bigotry from Democrats?
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Of course not…. because it’s the right kind of attack
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on June 26, 2008 at 8:35 PM
I’ve got five bucks that says the soundtrack actually has the unintended effect of making average voters think the guy is cool.
TexasDan on June 26, 2008 at 8:36 PM
I’m not a republican but I’m tempted to make an amateurish one just to see the tiny liberal brains implode.
Darth Executor on June 26, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Bada-Bing!
…………. where do you want me send the five bucks?
Seven Percent Solution on June 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
The music is horrible.. ish..
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 8:44 PM
The dems who produced this are pulling the music off of the ad. They are going to run this same ad, though.
StephC on June 26, 2008 at 8:46 PM
They meant well. That’s all that counts.
But seriously, I think this is reaching, guys. Most people don’t know about the music to The Sopranos, and most people wouldn’t even suspect that Rossi is an Italian. I’m also not really seeing how he’s being portrayed as a mobster in this commercial, besides the use of the Sopranos music, which again, I’m not familiar with.
Seixon on June 26, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Rap music?
……… I’ve got something better.
Seven Percent Solution on June 26, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Fixed that for you.
CP on June 26, 2008 at 8:53 PM
srhoades on June 26, 2008 at 8:54 PM
That came out wrong.
srhoades on June 26, 2008 at 8:55 PM
This is my state where the two most powerful unions in politics are the teachers union and the state workers union. After than comes Boeing and Lumber money, all going exclusively or mostly to the Dem’s. The only big organization who backs Reps are the Builders. Most of these guys struggle to make a buck under the onerous zoning and environmental regs in the state. They have gotten active or the past few years and the Dem’s can’t stand it. They never expected to be questioned over this ad because all the major media are on their side.
thatcher on June 26, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Let’s have an Obama ad with the theme from The Jeffersons. That should go over well.
munseym on June 26, 2008 at 8:57 PM
I never watched Sopranos.. Was that the music from that show?
:|
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Sexion, that music is pretty iconic. The message is sent.
Techie on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Sanford & Son.
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Wasn’t Sibelius the Governor who said that they did not have enough National Guardsmen in Kansas to deal with a tornadoe because Bush sent them all to Iraq? I was visiting Oklahoma at the time and the people out there thought she was a real dumbass. It turned out that there was more than a thousand Guardsmen for every resident of that little town. Not to mention all sorts of equipment. She ended up looking pretty damn stupid.
But this ad is just ridiculous. You would think that in this day and age, they would know better.
Terrye on June 26, 2008 at 9:03 PM
The Jeffersons Intro
Snaford & Son
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 9:03 PM
……….. uh-oh, here we go! I can see the Democratic Convention now.
Seven Percent Solution on June 26, 2008 at 9:04 PM
As a Washingtonian, I’m snorting with laughter.
wccawa on June 26, 2008 at 9:04 PM
munseym:
Movin on up….
Terrye on June 26, 2008 at 9:04 PM
Does anyone remember the ad that ran against Harold Ford in TN that was accused of being racist because waaaaaaay in the background were some drums? After all, Ford is black, and – apparently – only blacks listen to drums. The term “tribal” was thrown around by the Democrats in reference to the drums. This is out-and-out ethnic slander, while that was so subtle that only people combing the ad for racist content solely because it ran against a black man.
bdcook on June 26, 2008 at 9:08 PM
“Sanford and Son” and “The Jeffersons” were just too darn nice for Obama.
Rather, there ought to be an ad for Obama (or, lots o’ them) that blast the Communist anthem that was used in, uhhh, “Dr. Zhivago.” Big choir, bombastic blaring, things like that.
S on June 26, 2008 at 9:12 PM
What’s funny (unintended, I’m sure) by whoever the stooges were who made this stupid ad about Rossi, is that THE SOPRANOS “tune” is so well known by so many fans that it’s insulting TO THE FANS to hear it brutalized for some political blurb.
It’s utterly failed attempt at advertising, makes the MAKERS look bad, Rossi actually look “good” indirectly (due to the popularity of the series alone).
But I agree that it’s terrible racism by the Democrats. I guess by now that we can expect them to continue the “anti” operations: whatever they declare “good” is bad, whatever they declare “bad” is good. Like that, same as to the other accusations/declarations they continue to make. If you’re called “racist” by the Democrats, that means you’re not, etc.
S on June 26, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Maybe you should watch Alexander Nevsky. It’s a classic of Soviet cinema, which means it’s boring, appalling, and artless — especially its soundtrack.
Ed Morrissey on June 26, 2008 at 9:19 PM
I agree, i was a kid when those shows were on TV all the time.. Redd Foxx cracked me up!
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 9:19 PM
“The Jefferson’s” would be perfect.
thatcher on June 26, 2008 at 9:24 PM
Let’s have an Obama ad with the theme from The Jeffersons. That should go over well.
munseym on June 26, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Sanford & Son.
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Actually I have the homerun ball here since hes always bitching about the poor and underprivlaged AND he’s from Chicago wouldn’t the Theme from GOOD TIMES BE THE BEST FIT???????
Joey1974 on June 26, 2008 at 9:28 PM
Let’s have an Obama ad with the theme from The Jeffersons. That should go over well.
munseym on June 26, 2008 at 8:57 PM
Sanford & Son.
Chakra Hammer on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 PM
Hes from Chicago and he always talks about the poor so wouldn’t GOOD TIMES be a better fit than all of them????
Joey1974 on June 26, 2008 at 9:30 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo6caNX1e84
Joey1974 on June 26, 2008 at 9:32 PM
The Mafia doesn’t exist.
Bill Brasky on June 26, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Now you all know how I feel every time I hear this tune blaring from the tele….
Hearts, stars and horseshoes!
Clovers and blue moons!
Pots of gold and rainbows!
And me red balloons!
They’re Magically Delicious!
Limerick on June 26, 2008 at 9:48 PM
Obama will say that it’s merely a ‘distraction’.
GarandFan on June 26, 2008 at 9:48 PM
No need to sink to their level. Just expose Obama for the vapid fraud that he is.
The hypocrisy of the Democrats never ceases to amaze.
hillbillyjim on June 26, 2008 at 9:51 PM
You must be positively thrilled with Conan O’Brian and his capering leprechaun spastic displays of grace and beauty.
;-)
hillbillyjim on June 26, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Cap’n – for the record its “Marone” as in “Oh Marone.”
Marone is a town in the Italian province of Lombardy.
Its a nicer way of swearing “Jesus H Tap Dancing Christ” Tony’s father Johnny was fond of saying it to Livia.
It’s hard to pronounce or etymologize (is that a word?)
Kinda like the other Italian classic Va fa un culo which basically means “Go F yourself”.
We (the children of the 60’s/70’s and later) first heard that one in the Godfather Part Deux, when a young Clemenza yells it at the driver of a car who almost runs over the Vito gang.
When Clemenza said it, it came out as “Boffongoo.” Connie Corleone also said it that way to Carlo once in GF 1 right before Carlo put the beat down on her.
We also hear a beautiful twist on it from the late great Jimmy Valvano in one of the greatest speeches ever, a mezmerizing and unforgettable address he gave at the ESPY’s when he was dying of cancer in 1993.
Every Hot Air acolyte in the realm should memorize and revere this speech.
While Jimmy V was speaking, a guy off-stage gave him the sign to wind up his speech. Jimmy V gave a classic laugh and said words to the effect that “here I am dying of cancer and this guy is giving me the hurry-up sign. And Jimmy V says “Va fa un Napoli.” It sounded like “Fanabala.”
anyway….
Mike D. on June 26, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Yes–that would remind everyone of the cranky old Black guy (Rev Wright/Fred) who always embarrassed the young hip dude (Obama/Lamont).
jgapinoy on June 26, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Scratch a liberal, find a racist.
jukin on June 26, 2008 at 10:13 PM
No, it’s Madonn’, short for Madonna, according to the Sopranos website, and the Urban Dictionary. I’ve never heard the “Marone” explanation. Why would the name of a town become an exclamation?
Ed Morrissey on June 26, 2008 at 10:46 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvq_jY-G2f4
homesickamerican on June 26, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Ed, you truly are clueless.
aengus on June 26, 2008 at 10:50 PM
What would Dr. Melfi say?
Black Adam on June 27, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I can’t believe I am typing this… but McCain’s family is bi-racial. Their adopted daughter was a target of the 2000 election campaign in South Carolina. Why would the McCain 2008 campaign be racist? Please google Bridget McCain. This is sick…
Sergei on June 27, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Good grief. Who produced this ad?
I have met Dino Rossi. He is a decent guy. This truly torques me off.
capitalist piglet on June 27, 2008 at 1:26 AM
You sure did. Funny how the Democrats are always complaining about “stolen” elections with no proof. Here, King County manages to “find” votes during a recount, and voila! Did we hear anything about Democrats being upset about stolen elections during that process?
I’m surrounded by them, I can’t stand them, and this not-even-subtle attempt to smear Rossi just makes it worse. Former State Attorney General Christine Gregoire is nothing more than a crook.
capitalist piglet on June 27, 2008 at 1:46 AM
Who do you tink youse are talkin about?
Kini on June 27, 2008 at 1:55 AM
Mike D. on June 26, 2008 at 10:01 PM
The Race Card on June 27, 2008 at 1:58 AM
What’s Happening!!
I used to watch that Also..
Rerun could do that funky Dance.
Chakra Hammer on June 27, 2008 at 3:43 AM
A commenter @ Gateway Pundit left this jewel.
When Barrack flip flops he’s just Barrack-tracking.
Why would anyone expect any decency from BHO?
Keep derailing the attacker because it’s nonstop from BHO.
maverick muse on June 27, 2008 at 7:52 AM
Kinda like Obama, actually!
psrch on June 27, 2008 at 8:37 AM
Am I the only one who forwarded this to the National Italian American Foundation?
manfriend on June 27, 2008 at 8:57 AM
It’s never racism when Democrats do it!
ZK on June 27, 2008 at 10:10 AM
If, and it’s a big IF, Barry O ever gets around to condemning the ad, he will simply deny it was produced by any official democRat organ. Rather, it is a product of some overzealous flunkies. Nothing democRat can possibly be racist, at least, according to democRats.
GeneSmith on June 27, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I’ve met Dino Rossi. I don’t know him well, but he came off as a most personable and authentic human being. I hope he wins, especially in light of this racist attack.
gmoonster on June 27, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Heh, as an Italian myself (my mother was born and raised in Napoli, God rest her soul) a name like Rossi is obviously an Italian name. In addition, Rossi is a name that would also be obvious to most non-Italians as being an Italian name.
As for not seeing how the ad portrays Rossi as a mobster I think the producers of the ad are subtly implying he’s a mobster by using the popular stereotype that if you’re Italian you are somehow connected to the Mob…
Personally being Italian I’m not offended by such stereotypes nor have I ever been offended by the Soprano show like some (Rudy comes to mind) and I believe many ethnic groups have lost their sense of humor when it comes to stereotypes about their ethnicity. Because of political correctness many have forgotten how to laugh at themselves and are too serious and this has contributed to some of the racial tensions we are dealing with today.
Furthermore I never watched the show and the Italian mafia is not what it used to be, there are many other ethnic organized crime syndicates that are much stronger than the Italian mafia is today. Still the ad demonstrates how hypocritical the dems are by the fact they (Obamasiah et al) are already crying about how the repubs are going to smear Obama for his ethnicity, something the repubs haven’t done nor will McCain ever do.
Yet the dems come out with an ad like this that is obviously playing the ethnicity card to paint Rossi as a possible mobster, a perfect example of lefty hypocrisy and the “change” the Obamasiah will bring to heal our racial divisions!
Liberty or Death on June 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM
The ad is ineffective for many reasons mentioned by my fellow HotAirians. The Dems are so pre-occupied by racial politics, they think they are final arbiters of what is racist and what is not. As an Italian/American mongrel myself(Russo), I dont feel offended. People in this country need to grow a thicker skin.
Lunkinator on June 27, 2008 at 12:44 PM
The Theme from “Good Times” would be waaaaaaaaaay more appropriate. A: the show takes place in Cabrini Green, a project in Chicago, B: the Lyrics are perfect –
Temporary lay offs. – Good Times.
Easy credit rip offs. – Good Times.
Scratchin’ and surviving. – Good Times.
Hangin in a chow line – Good Times.
Ain’t we lucky we got ‘em – Good Times.
foxforce91 on June 27, 2008 at 1:57 PM
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