to worry that Barack Obama might be assassinated

[CoteDAzur]

Am I?

Nobody would admit to being a racist (which might be why polls show Obama ahead) but yes, there is quite a bit of racism in the US.

Why would be be any more of an assassination target than any other US prez?

The US is rammed with nutters, many of whom have guns. I think it's safe to assume that the life of the prez is under threat all day every day, unfortunately.

Anybody seeking public office will have borne this in mind.

I guess it's a possibility but I can't say I worry about it. I am old enough to recall JFK's and RK's assassinations and the attempt on RR so in my mind, assassination has always been part of the American psyche, like their gun laws and giant cars.

There's also a bloke in our apartment block in Nigeria who goes out in a bullet-proof vest. I don't worry about him, either.

He has had security protection from a long long way back (early in the primaries) so obviously he is regarded as being at higher risk than the average politician. However I think all Presidents are to some extent targets, and this is factored in to their security. I don't think Biden would be an awful replacement. A bit boring maybe.

McCain scares me because he cannot seem to control his intended deputy says. I also beleive that if Obama is elected, he will not make it to inauguration.

by Palin??? Whats the odds on that then?

Seriously I do think an attempt at least is expected though

nymph, I was reading my "Threads I am on" and it looks like you are suggesting that Palin might assassinate Obama! I know she is a committed hunter, but that might be a step too far

I was talking to DH about this possibiity last week. I think there is a real chance that some racist nutter will find a way.

Racism is a problem everywhere.

There is plenty of racism in the US between ethnic groups, but everyone here thinks it's all just black and white because that's what your media reports on.

Haahhhaaahaaahaaaa.

I've seen the most racism between Hispanics/Latinos, now the largest 'minority' group and black and intra-Asian groups.

There is tons of tension between traditionally conservative Latinos and African-Americans, the former often feeling the latter are a squeaky wheel and get preferential treatment despite being a now smaller minority than themselves.

Not to mention, millions of people who will vote for Obama because he is bi-racial (his mother is white, folks!).

The level of ignorance about the US on this board is appalling, even more so because people say things routinely about it they'd never say about, say, France or Germany or some other country they'd never even lived in.

You never hear about the Hispanic or Asian vote here.

Maybe you could start a thread to enlighten us all then Expat?

(That sounds sarcastic and it wasn't meant to)

I am genuinely interested,with regard to the election,and yes over here we do hear very little about the Hispanic vote,which surely must be huge?

Intra-Asian violence is such a problem in my home city that there is an entire, large unit of the police force who work solely in this area.

It's a major issue in cities such as Chicago, New York, San Francisco, LA and even places you wouldn't think of like Madison, Wisconsin.

Never once in this election have we heard about any other ethnic group in the US, despite statistics.

The sheer prevalence of firearms in the US makes an assassination attempt likely imo. But Obama's liquid campaign fund stands at roughly $150m, compared to McCain's paltry £25m. Barack can afford the best security there is, through the campaign and (hopefully) on into office (fingers crossed)

Texas and California, two states with large percentages of Hispanic population, also carry a larger number of votes in the Electoral College because of their large populations in general.

Of course that should have been £$25m

"39.9 Million,making it the largest ethnic race in the US"

So does the US media bypass Hispanic peoples viewpoints also,or is it just the media here,and if so,why?Is it ignorance,racism or what?

(lol at further uselessness)

This thread is somewhat at cross purposes,sorry for hijack,folks

I think that the fear is justified though Expat.

Of course you are right about the asian vote and intra-asian violence.

But there are many far-right extremist and gun-toting groups in the US (for the avoidance of doubt I am not referring to the Republican party) that his life has to be in danger, doesn't it?

Am off to the US in election week. Exciting stuff.

you may well be right, expat, but i bet the level of ignorance about the UK, or indeed any other country outside the US, is much worse in america than the vice versa here

'So does the US media bypass Hispanic peoples viewpoints also,or is it just the media here,and if so,why?Is it ignorance,racism or what? '

No, the US media pays huge attention to the Hispanic vote a) because Hispanics tend to vote more on the whole than the population b) they tend to be conservative in their voting practices. A number of reasons underlie this, the chief being that most are still Catholic, even if they don't practice. A not insignificant proportion are first-generation Americans or naturalised citizens and tend towards the patriotic.

'The Hispanic vote' is very heavily courted by candidates, especially because their population is highest in states which have a big number of votes in the Electoral College.

I think the UK media is racist, tbh. They're anti-American across the board and turn everything into black v. white to further this.

And whilst I'm not denying there is black v. white racism in the US, it's far from the whole picture at all. Even in a 'southern' state like Texas.

'you may well be right, expat, but i bet the level of ignorance about the UK, or indeed any other country outside the US, is much worse in america than the vice versa here'

that's what the media wants you to believe. i've found just as much ignorance here.

just as much.

have been all over the world, lived all over the place. have to say, like father, like son.

when it comes to the UK and the US, the apple didn't fall very far from the tree in many respects, and if you ask me, that's why there's so much dislike.

Thanks for the info

I think we in the UK are still a bit pissed off about US/UK relationship since WW2.Big payback for services rendered required from us to them

So much for so-called special relationship,eh?

I haven't visited the US,and it is so vast I doubt 1 visit,or 10 would suffice to even begin to understand it all!

Would love to visit someday though.

Have only managed some SA countries.

(Even give American media bashing here I still think Bush is a loon.)Can't comment on rest of the populace though.

Hoping Obama is sucessful,and doesn't get assassinated.

FWIW, this is one Hispanic who voted for Obama. I am considered Mexican-American and proud of it!

My best pal, also Hispanic, will vote for him, too.

Why? Of the two candidates, I prefer him and his policies more than the other.

that would be the worst thing to happen to america since 911, maybe even worse. but there are some crazy people in the usa and it does seem a strong possibility that he will have assassination attempts on his life. good luck obama

I have to say I have thought/worried about this too . Just last night when we were watchink the news my dh said the exact same thing. Makes me shudder.