Baracknophobian.
Negative feelings about U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama, particularly those based on racism or unfounded rumors. [cf. arachnophobia.]
Example Citations:
Texas Republicans are wincing over a cultural gaffe that has put their party on notice — a campaign button with a stark message: "If Obama is President ... will we still call it The White House?" ...
The 12-word message created hubbub in both the mainstream media and the blogosphere, sparking a discourse on racism that ran the gamut from rough to ridiculous. Online commentary included admonitions to "lighten up, people," as well as accusations that "Baracknophobia" is alive and well in the Republican Party.
—Jennifer Harper, Anti-Obama pin jabs Texas GOP, The Washington Times, June 19, 2008
It's interesting to watch because as the world has seemingly fallen for "Obama-mania," America, through their media and pundits, has begun engaging in "Baracknophobia" as coined by The Daily Show.
Whether it's listening to "crazy" preachers, tenuous connections to '60s radicals, or seeing his wife dole out "terrorist fist bumps," some in the U.S. media just can't poke enough holes in the senator fast enough in order to watch him sink.
—Adam A. Donaldson, The Tao of Obama, as seen by a Canadian, Guelph Mercury, July 7, 2008
Earliest Citation:
Obama claims, "The only person who would probably be prepared to be our President on Day 1 would be Bill Clinton — not Hillary Clinton." But wait . . . isn't Bill on her team? That answer will not cure Baracknophobia.
—Josh Greenman, Hil makes Illinoise in Chicago and Rudy rouses the right wing, Daily News (New York), June 29, 2007
Notes:
This word was popularized — although not coined — by comedian Jon Stewart of The Daily Show, who defined it as "the irrational fear of hope."
