Jimmy Carter says that many of Obama’s critics are racist and that they just can’t stomach a black man in the White House.

“I think it’s based on racism,” Carter said of the tone of the opposition, in response to an audience question. “There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.” (Washington Post)

There’s certainly a lot of hatin’ on Obama by the right.  And there’s certainly some racism.  But I don’t agree with Carter that “many” – as in even a  slim majority – of Obama’s critics would say that an African-American should not be president.   Even though I believe that racism may color or perhaps deepen the hatred of Obama by his right wing critics, I believe most of them even on a deep level would say “Yes, an African-American could make a good president, – just not that African-American.“  (Whether that would translate to votes is another matter.)

Jimmy Carter should look at his own record with the right.  Many of them hate him – a white man, a Southerner, a Baptist – with a fervor which pales in comparison to the Obama-hate only because he’s not actually in office any more.    Bill Clinton, a white man, a Southerner, and a Baptist was treated with about as much disrespect as a president can endure (and that was before revelations of his disrespectful behavior emerged).  Hillary Clinton was heaped with scorn as a First Lady, as a Senator and as a presidential candidate.  Of course, she’s got the whole woman-hatin’ thing going on.   Some of the disrespect shown to Obama is no doubt fueled by racism, but some of it is merely symptomatic of the nasty state of politics in America today.

To boil even the most rabid criticism of Obama  down to racism is too simplistic and threatens the public policy debate.   Take this recent Guardian poll: Are attacks on Obama based on racism?

Are attacks on Obama based on racism?

There’s no easy answer, this is a stupid poll.  Yes, some attacks on Obama go beyond policy disputes – but not all of the vitriol is race-based.  No, Obama’s critics have legitimate objections – sometimes.

As we’re in the midst of a healthcare debate it would have been far better and more constructive of Jimmy Carter to look at what’s really fueling the current attacks.  Money.  Money from the bloated and corrupt healthcare industry.   Vested interests in the insurance and health industries who have been creaming profits by standing between the ill and their healthcare providers for too long have too much stake in the inefficient and grossly inequitable health system in America.

The White House says that they don’t believe racism is behind the current criticism (i.e. healthcare, emphasis mine) and I’m inclined to agree.