Santorum better prepare for the predictable "He's a racist!" charge

Now that Rick Santorum has gone from long-shot to actual contender, he should expect the most vicious of personal attacks to be unleashed upon him.  Future days are certain to see a stream of references to his impolitic flub in Iowa referring to black people.  (For the record, Santorum denies that he used the word “black” at all.)  

In either case, I find it near impossible to believe that Santorum could be a racist.  Some will undoubtedly label me a naïve fool…and perhaps they are right; But it’s difficult for me to buy that such a convicted Christian (and Santorum surely must be to consistently risk his political future with bold stands on social conservatism) in the 21^st century could fail to be persuaded that the inherent nature of the Gospel precludes racism.  The critics of Santorum will look at the former senator and see nothing more than an unscrupulous and calculating politician.  Of course, these same folks will listen to Rev. Jeremiah Wright and swear they don’t hear a bit of racism.

When these rhetorical long knives come for Santorum, he would do well not to follow the moderate Republican tradition of apologizing for views which he does not hold.  Though phrased in the language of apologizing for giving offense, the Left always spins such meekness as though their target has apologized for being a racist.  

Santorum (and all conservatives) would do well to learn from how Reagan responded to implications of racism at the National Negro Republican assembly’s California convention during his 1966 gubernatorial run:

Reagan…jumped to his feet…angrily slammed a card to the floor and shouted to an audience of more than 100:  “I resent the implication that there is any bigotry in my nature.  Don’t anyone ever imply I lack integrity.  I will not stand silent and let anyone imply that—in this or any other group.” With that, he slammed his fist into his palm, muttered a few inaudible words, and strode from the convention hall…

This is how you respond to slander.  You don't grant it ANY credibility.  You punch back at the lies with the truth, not because of any political calculus, but simply because it's right to stand up for the truth.