Is Trump racist?

[Adam Griffin]

We're four pages in and so it's probably already been covered, but the real question here is: "Does pandering to racists - even when you're not one - make you racist in effect?".

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that people like Wallace, Maddox and Talmadge weren't actually racist in terms of their personal beliefs, but they merely understood the electorates of their times and gave the people what they wanted as a form of pandering.

Trump's racist commentary and dog-whistling goes back decades. His presidential campaign is nothing new when it comes to him making racist statements. However, he is also a master marketer and understands what it takes to get into the hearts and minds of a wide swath of the country. On the other hand, one can argue that he has plenty of ways to draw attention to himself without resorting to racial dog-whistles, and it's no secret that his lineage isn't the most tolerant or racially-progressive one in terms of past acts.

I think my initial question is the best way to look at it. If you are not racist but pander to racists with racist commentary - whether direct or subtle - is that sufficient behavior to qualify as a racist? The history books tend to think so. If Trump continues along this trajectory, whether or not he is successful in his bid, he will likely be remembered as one.