Jack & Jill Politics

This Politico article is getting some buzz on Twitter. Mainly from white folk just catchin’ a clue. It’s obvious to African-Americans that Obama has made important signifying gestures to black people to re-assure in a way that appears to go over the heads of white people (according to this article) that he’s “down with the brown”. That does include the “blaccent”. Is Obama dog-whistling to black people the way that conservatives use dog-whistle codes to arouse white racism? Or is it just Obama expressing his black culture in a natural way that resonates with other black folk. What say you?

BTW, I loves me some Ben’s Chili although I can’t figure out why you can get a veggie chili hamburger but not a veggie chili dog? Why the vegetarian hate, Ben: WHY?

On his pre-inaugural visit to Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark for Washington’s African-American community, President Barack Obama was asked by a cashier if he wanted his change back.

“Nah, we straight,” Obama replied.

The phrase was so subtle some listeners missed it. The reporter on pool duty quoted Obama as saying, “No, we’re straight.”

But many other listeners did not miss it. A video of the exchange became an Internet hit, and there was a clear moment of recognition among many blacks, who got a kick out of their Harvard-educated president sounding, as one commenter wrote on a hip-hop site, “mad cool.”

On matters of racial identity, many observers in the African-American community say he benefits from what’s known as “dog-whistle politics.” His language, mannerisms and symbols resonate deeply with his black supporters, even as the references largely sail over the heads of white audiences.