What is an elitist?
A elitist does not have to be rich or have a prestigious education. An elitist does not necessarily drink fancy drinks or drive luxury cars. There is no need to be good looking or personable to be an elitist.
An elitist is someone who thinks they are superior to people who are not like them.
This is the irony of calling someone else an elitist. The very act of calling someone an elitist makes the accuser guilty of exactly that.
Karl Rove is trying to paint Obama as a country club attending, martini drinking elitist. The intent is to make susceptible voters feel as if Obama is not like them or more importantly that they are not like Obama, who is one of “them” and “them” are bad.
Of course, Rove would call me an elitist as well. I am a “young, progressive, educated liberal”. I enjoy wine and escargot. I like to listen to jazz and classical music. My hobbies include golf and sailing. It is no wonder that I would support Obama because I am one of “them”.
In reality I am a hard working American in an increasingly small middle class who is trying to provide for my family and teach my kids the difference between right and wrong. I am a pretty average American.
There are going to be all kids of attacks against Obama between now and November. Most of those attacks will claim that he is one of “them”; he will be many different “them”s. All of the “them”s that he will be will be very bad “them”s. Sometimes I will be “them”, sometimes you will be “them”, sometimes you and I will be “them” and sometimes neither of us will be “them”. It is divisive politics.
The opposite of “them” is “us” or “we”. Obama focuses on “us”. “We” can do it. “We” need affordable (and good) healthcare. “We” need to make sure “we” are secure and part of that is keeping “us” out of wars that don’t make “us” safer. Obama is one of “us”.
Elitists stand on the sidelines and talk about “them” and how they are bad people. “We” work together to make the world a better place. We need a President who considers himself one of “us”, not someone who will consider “us” one of “them”. Barack Obama is clearly that candidate.
If you agree with this post, please contribute to Obama’s campaign today.
