Interesting story. Perhaps what you experienced is an example of subtle changes working their way through the American body politic. Those old enough to remember (and find it hard to forget... "whites only" restrooms... I saw them in Houston, and rode in the front of the bus with my Grandmother, to go shopping downtown at Foley's, while the Blacks were crowded in the back) the prejudice of the '50's and '60's that JFK addressed so eloquently, and LBJ so bravely took on and slapped upside the head, find stories like this heartening. Look at it this way, and let's assume the fellow you mentioned really was a redneck (although it's hard to tell. I know some long-haired rednecks, brother, who would have fit square into the late '60's, according to looks). It's a sign that the old barriers are breaking down. For me, that's a sign of hope, even if the man's politics couldn't be further from my own, or yours. For me, it means that there is a chance that a real charismatic communicator, like JFK, Reagan, or a Black such as Barack Obama, can have a chance at winning votes in that red sea of the South, and chunks of the Southwest, West, and Midwest. For someone who can connect, has a coherent message, addresses the issues in a way the average person in those areas can relate to... we are approaching the time, thank god, when the color of a person's skin won't matter. What will matter will be the ability to do what JFK was able to do... electrify a nation, no matter what the region, or it's background, with the force of his personal magnetism, and the ability to use that power to transcend the ingrained beliefs of those voters who would otherwise dismiss the message out of hand. The ability to get those people to listen and understand the message, and make the decision to try it out, kick the tires, and see if it works. There is hope out there that change is possible, and that this period we are in won't last as long as some of us fear. Keep D&D Civil!!
Rice was an excellent 3 point shooter in his day, but I think he is too far past his prime to be President. (Sorry had to get the other obvious Rice joke out of the way)
