How John McCain Should Respond To Racism

I have argued that the Left will use allegations of racism inappropriately to browbeat Republicans.  That is true.  However, that does not mean there won't be legitimate examples of racism and racebaiting that need to be addressed.    There are.  

For instance, as was pointed out by many blogs yesterday, there's really no excuse for the pins being sold by a vendor at the Republican State convention in Texas.  The State Party officials said they were unaware of the button and would have prevented it had they known. . . but that doesn't seem to be as acceptable to critics as the Obama campaign's similar reaction to their own campaign barring Muslim women from being photographed with Obama.

Racism is a problem, both in its own right and for the Right.  John McCain can fight both of those problems.  Here's how....

John McCain should publicly and clearly make the following statement:

"Elections are about judging candidates by the content of their character and the quality of their ideas, not the color of their skin.  None of us should accept racism, and I intend to set that example. 

When this election is over and I am President, I will meet privately with Sen. Obama and ask him to tell me what he genuinely believes to be instances of intentional racism during this campaign.  We will meet privately so that this does not become a political football to be fought in the media, we will make a public announcement when we are done, and I will immediately deal with the problem.

If we find that intentional racism has come from officials of the Republican Party, I will seek their immediate removal from their position in the Republican Party.  If we find that vendors or consultants paid by the Republican Party have engaged in intentional racism, then I will not tolerate the Republican Party doing business with them so long as I am President. 

I can win this election on the content of my character and the quality of my ideas.  I will not tolerate racism personally, and the Republican Party will set that example as an institution.  I am quite certain I will have the full support of my Party. "

And then he should enforce it.