It’s all about all y’all

Yes, I know the next presidential election is 20 months away — even the primaries that the nattering class assure us will have the candidates anointed don’t happen for another year – and I usually try to stick fava beans in my ears when the subject comes up prior to the calendar year of the actual voting. But it sounds like, based on their speeches in Selma, Ala., yesterday, that at least for the Democrats, it’s going to be all about “y’all.”

Addressing Southern black voters, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama worked at least  one “y’all” into their remarks, although both picked up the usage by osmosis in adulthood. Part of Obama’s charm, threat or curse, depending on your political persuasion, is that he “doesn’t sound black.” Mrs. Clinton’s beloved spouse has been called “America’s first black president” for his diction, but she herself was born and bred on the North Shore of Chicago, land of “Sixteen Candles” and Bill Murray, coincidentally like my beloved spouse.

So, next August in Denver, let’s listen to all the contenders trying to sound like jes’ plain folks and wonder again why our kids, regardless of race, creed, gender or national origin, don’t want anyone to think they’re smart. And pass the fava beans.

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