Which Team Do You Want?

The following posting by Karl on the Whatcom County Democratic Discussion Board struck a chord with me. I have edited out parts of the lengthy article, but have not altered content.

"I got the piece below on choosing the right team to lead us from a friend. When you think about it, we are hiring a team to lead our country at a very difficult time.... It will take a team with all the intelligence, knowledge and good judgment we can hire to address our country's problems. And race must not play a part, not even a subtle influence on this important decision....

Here is what my friend sent:  Hiring the best team for the White House

What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review? 

What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class? 

What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said 'I do' to? 

What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife and children for a younger rich woman?

What if Michelle Obama were a wife who not only became addicted to pain killers, but acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?

What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama were a member of the Keating-5 who were involved in a large saving and loan scandal?

What if McCain was an intelligent, charismatic, eloquent speaker?

If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are? This is what subtle racism does. And most of us in American society have been conditioned to some extent by subtle racism. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes negative qualities in the white candidate while minimizing similar positive qualities in the black candidate....

Educational Background:

Obama:  Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with specialization in International Relations

Obama:  Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

Biden:  University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science

Biden:  Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

McCain:  United States Naval Academy with class rank 894 out of 899

Palin:  Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester

Palin:  North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study

Palin:  University of Idaho -- 2 semesters - Journalism

Palin:  Matanuska-Susitna College -- 1 semester

Palin:  University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

NOW, WHICH TEAM ARE YOU GOING TO HIRE?"