Media, WTF!

Do you know what has been seriously pissing me off for the last few weeks? The way media pundits are forcing race and gender into the democratic primaries. I realize the candidates have both had sly comments on both race and gender, but for the most part they want this kind of focus to be minimized. Issues, not genetic characteristics, should be what the media and voters focus on. I realize that race and gender are influencing factors to many, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. To imply that genetics (Male vs Female, Black vs. White) are the end all and be all of this election is utterly disgusting!

A few media outlets, apparently most notably CNN, posted stories implying black women in South Carolina were going to have the toughest time, because they must decide to vote color or gender. WTF! What, issues don’t exist? Why would white women democrats be any less at a loss for a decision? How the hell does that affect a black woman who wants to vote for Edwards? Is she a race/gender traitor? Am I a bad woman if I vote for Obama or Edwards? Does my XX genetic code mean I MUST vote for Hillary, even if I question her policies? For me race and gender is the furthest thing from my mind when I think of the president. I want a leader who can fix the foreign policy screw ups of the Bush White House. I want a leader who offers solid economic policies and starts to implement major Health Care reform. Media at large, you are so busy telling me about the obvious genetics of the candidate you have yet to even try to present an actual policy analysis or force indepth policy ideas from candidates.

When I vote I will vote for the person I think can best run this country. If Hillary gets the nod and can convince me she is the one, then fine. Same holds true for Obama or Edwards, hell even McCain has a (long) shot at my vote. Please leave chromosomes and color out of this election and let me focus on who can best run this country. The US is significantly more diverse than the media is portraying it right now. STOP DUMBING DOWN THIS COUNTRY'S ELECTORATE!