Hugh Hewitt, Conservative Radio Host
The more that this campaign season goes on, the more I am convinced that a Republican Handbook exists in the conservative underground and its first chapter must surely be titled, "The Politics of Fear." Don't think you haven't seen, heard or experienced it before because you have. Here's a quick test: Did you live in America during George Bush's first term as President? If you answered yes, you know EXACTLY what this type of political posturing is. It's what the Right does when they want to keep from answering the tough questions, keep from revealing faulty or non-existent evidence, quell dissent, maintain unchecked power, or all of the above.
Upon entering office, the Bush Administration actively and deliberately ran a campaign of fear - scaring the greater public into submission and blind allegiance. Sadly, it worked then and, in some communities, continues to work now. Have any doubts? Just think back to all those news interviews with the colorful residents of West Virginia leading up to their primary. You get the idea now? Why do you think Clinton started employing the "fear" tactic beginning with her Ohio campaign? Yes, the Republicans have truly mastered the art of "fear mongering" (at least the ones without real morals and values).
One of the latest incidents occurred this past Wednesday. While discussing the upcoming football game between the University of Southern California and Ohio State University on September 13th, the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt had this to say on his nationally syndicated radio show:
"By the way, I -- I'm still trying to find two tickets to the Ohio State-USC game. And none of the USC people will give up their tickets to me. I'd pay fair price. They -- they know Ohio State's gonna slaughter the Trojans. They know that they're gonna slaughter the Trojans, and therefore they do not want me there at the bloodbath, since it's probably the last football game we'll ever get to see before the United States gets blown up by the Islamists under Obama." Source: Media Matters
Okay, just why will the Islamists blow up the US when Obama becomes President Hugh? Please elaborate. Is it his brown skin? No wait, it must be his middle name, right? Yep, that must be it!! Wow!! That's all it takes, huh? Brown skin and the middle name Hussein? Who knew? To play it safe, I guess we oughta keep middle-aged white guys in the oval office until the end of time. You know, the "regular" guy, the "blue collar" guy, the "hardworking white" guy, the guy that orders a good 'ol cup of Joe in a diner rather than orange juice kind of guy, the guy who will only eat that good old fashioned lettuce in his salad and not that fancy-sounding "arugula" stuff, the guy that has a kick ass bowling score and hunts every weekend sort of guy. Man, what was I thinking? Here I am judging the candidate for President based on intelligence, character, judgment, and an ability to view Americans as a collective "we" rather than as "us vs. them." Well, gee! I may as well give back all my degrees and life experience up to this point and just go for the middle-aged white guy with the safe-sounding name. I guess the white guy really does always save the day, just like in all those old movies.
