Selling Grandma Out

Christopher Hitchens is a keen observer and formidable commentator. Last week, following the uproar over the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama spoke of his grandmother having "once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe." Hitchens, in typical dry humor, writes:

You often hear it said, of some political or other opportunist, that he would sell his own grandmother if it would suit his interests. But you seldom, if ever, see this notorious transaction actually being performed, which is why I am slightly surprised that Obama got away with it so easily.

Obama's grandmother is now 85. I confess that I mused about what that phone call from the campaign trail might have been like. "Hi Grandma, how are you? Listen, tomorrow I'm giving a speech and you're in it. Yeah, isn't that great? Oh, hey I'm going to imply you are just a tiny bit racist, but just ignore it. When I'm President I'll buy you some knitting supplies and a bigger scooter. Love Ya!"