Here we go again. The Democrats and Sen. Barack Obama said they would talk about issues, and were not going to play the race card.

Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened, and the Republicans have fallen right into the trap.

The Democrats’ plan has worked, and for good reason. When it comes to race, the Republicans are like a deer that is caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. Clueless.

During the 2008 Republican National Convention, there were more than 2,000 delegates.

However, only 38 were African American. What were they thinking? Did the Republicans really believe that this country consists only of white people. They had an opportunity and a duty to expand the Republican party — and they blew it.

The base of the Republican Party is made up of white evangelicals, who make up only 28 percent of the electorate.

In other words, there are not enough white people to go around.

I know John McCain is an honorable and decent man who has been ill-served by his staff. This country is made up of people of different races, colors and creeds, which is one of the main reasons that this country, with all its faults, continues to be the last great hope for mankind.

I am an African American who is conservative, pro-life and a believer. I knew that the Democrats would play their ace of spades, and that is the race card.

They would say that all Republicans are racist, and if you are a black Republican, you have lost your mind.

The media would go along willingly with this idea and condemn the Republicans as well.

The Democratic senior senator from West Virginia, Robert “Sheets” Byrd, was at one time head of the Ku Klux Klan, and used the n-word on the floor of the Senate with no condemnation.

However, since he is a Democrat, he gets a pass.

Recently, I was at the barbershop in the black community, which has always been a place where you can get strong opinions on sports, politics and women.

While getting a haircut, I took an informal poll and asked, “How many people are voting for John McCain? Please raise your hand.”

I was the lone “yes” vote. I felt like Osama bin Laden by the stares I received. Then the onslaught came. I was called the usual names: Uncle Tom, race traitor, etc.

I am used to those words, however. I quickly told them with a sly grin that I did not have an uncle named Tom.

I asked them if they thought the Democrats took the black vote for granted. They all agreed. I knew then I was on a roll.

I then asked if anyone thought Bill Clinton was our first black president. They all agreed he was not. I said he looked like another white boy to me, even without my glasses. And they all agreed.

I then asked, “Has anyone seen Jesse Jackson? Or has he been marginalized?”

They all agreed he has.

Finally, I asked the barber, if he could put his dislike for Republicans away and finish my haircut.

He smiled and said he could. I thought to myself, “Mission accomplished.”

I am proud that Sen. Obama is running for president. Only in America can this happen.

However, I will not and cannot check my beliefs at the door because he is black. I am painfully reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King and other martyrs died so that I could vote, and not just vote for the Democratic party.

This is an historic election. The rules have changed. Some people would have you believe that if Sen. Obama doesn’t win, it is because America is still a racist country. I reject that idea outright. If he loses, it will be because of his policies, and not because of his race.

Admittedly, there are racists of all colors in America. We should continue to fight this hatred, whether it is preached by a minister or lodged in our own heart.

America is my home, and I love this place, with all its faults. I will defend it with my life. My family is here, my daughter is here and my dreams are here.

I hope that when this campaign is over, no matter who the winner is, we can stop with the pettiness and the bickering in Washington, D.C. Because we can do better than that and work toward a country that our children can be proud of.

No excuses.

Walter Backstrom is a Federal Way resident. Contact: wkbackstrom@aim.com.