Joke of the Day -- GOP Top Contenders: "We're Not Racist. Honest!"

Sometimes, it becomes painfully true that stereotypes are created for a reason. Despite a strong and republican sentiment, last night's Republican Presidential debate was missing four people: Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, and John McCain. What was different about this particular debate? It was held by a race/minority interest group.

Quoth CNN:

BALTIMORE, Maryland (AP) -- Republican presidential candidates discussed the importance of reaching out to people of color during a minority issues debate Thursday night and criticized the leading four GOP contenders for skipping it.

"I think this is a disgrace that they are not here," said Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback. "I think it's a disgrace to our country. I think it's bad for our party, and I don't think it's good for our future."

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said he was "embarrassed for our party, and I'm embarrassed for those who didn't come."

The four no-shows -- former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Sen. Fred Thompson, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney -- cited scheduling conflicts in saying they could not attend the debate at historically black Morgan State University.

[...]

Paul received loud applause when he told the audience that minorities are unfairly punished in the criminal justice system. He also called for ending the war on drugs. "It isn't working," Paul said.

I make no secret of the fact that I am an avid Ron Paul supporter, despite his many faults -- which I have listed elsewhere, and don't care to repeat. But it is worth saying something that the applause for the man was the loudest of those whom were present, especially when he insisted that "I don't care about race, I care about individuals."(Or words to that effect.) It is also worth noting that I live in the home city of one of the "major" Republican contenders ... and while I have seen no fewer than thirty Ron Paul signs on highways and highly-trafficked surface streets, I have yet to see a single poster, sign, or ad for another contender -- Republican or Democrat. Still think "Dr. No"'s support is only online?

In case you missed it, you can find video and audio of the debate here.