Structures in which we operate

"When I became governor, there were 14 of us running for governor that time and all 14 of us were outspoken for segregation in the public schools," Patterson said. "And if you had been perceived not to have been strong for that, you would not have won. "I regret that, but there was not anything I could do about it but to live with it."

This from John Patterson, after voting for Obama in 2008. Former governor of Alabama, who famously beat Wallace by "outniggering" him. This, as TNC notes, is much more chilling than anything Wallace ever said. The terrible weight of public opinion, changing the incentives of everyone subject to its pressure. There is no question here of good man or bad man, but only of what is required to win. That is the real horror.