McCain Steers Clear of Race-Card Controversy

Elizabeth Holmes reports from Orlando, Fla., on the presidential race. A day after John McCain ’s campaign accused Barack Obama of playing the race card, the Arizona senator appeared before an African-American advocacy group. Yet the expected Republican nominee made no mention of the dispute , in which he characterized Obama’s remark that Republicans would seek to scare voters because he “doesn’t look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills” as “divisive, negative, shameful and wrong.” Instead, in a speech before the National Urban League, McCain focused his remarks on education and economic policy—as well as a plea for support. “I am a candidate for president who seeks your vote and hopes to earn it,” he said. “But whether or not I win your support, I need your goodwill and counsel.” But the back and forth was on the minds of the predominantly African-American crowd, which gave McCain a warm but lackluster reception. David W. Williams , of ... (link)