December 12th, 2006
Barack Obama, black in politics, or biracial in politics
Living in Chicago, I have met Senator Obama on a few occasions. As recent as 4 years ago, I was on a field trip with my son’s eighth grade class to the Illinois State House. At the time Obama was a state Senator and was considered a effective state Senator. There was no crowd, no excitment, just me the Senator and a few special needs kids. The Senator was very gracious and made us all feel special. There was also no debate as to his race, he was and is a tall thin, light skinned black man. In fact his announcement last night of being on da Bears bandwagon, would not have caused any interest and his visit to New Hampshire would have been not news worthy. What a difference a speech makes. Is the esteemed Senator the Colin Powell of this election season or does he have a chance. He is a good copy and I hope that translates into votes, clearly, what we have now is not working. As for his race, go to address on the link below. The debate is on!
http://www.suntimes.com/news/mitchell/169195,CST-NWS-mblog12.article
December 12th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
I truly hope that Senator Obama gets his fair due in the upcoming elections and will receive sincere consideration to assume this new challenge as the Leader of America. We need it!
On another note, if Obama does get the opportunity to take a Leadership Role in the White House, I would only wish that Obama display his allegiance to African American/Black people better than Colin did when he was in such role.
First and memorable indication of Colin’s detachment from his people that always resonate for me was his unwilingness to attend or be remotely involved with the movement of the “Million Man March” years ago.
December 13th, 2006 at 1:12 am
Very interesting…In fact so much so that I am almost afraid to be the person to open with a comment on this one. Barama is a Luo by birthright according to Luo custom.
Of course, we know that his nationality is American. The tough thing about life is that although most people believe that they are the one’s to solely define themselves, it often appears to be the opposite.
Technically, the case could be argued that he is not African-American but African and American, which is my understanding of his own views on the subject. This is what I would argue also, given that this is how I see my daughter, whose mother is from Kenya. However, the American society that we live in today sees him as a black man-and for the time it seems to be the only thing that matters.
December 13th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
If you want to read a stinging commentary about Barama, Google Stanley Crouch and Barama. His article is draw some great points.
December 13th, 2006 at 4:33 pm
Powerful comments, I almost did not post this and have to wonder,what if Barack’s mother was black as well, but he was the same, would the excitment be the same? I have met Stanley Crouch, and will enjoy his point of view.
December 13th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
It’s nice to see a Black man whom resembles the way I look standing tall and strong. Some used to say that light-skin Blacks are perceived to be less threatning than a dark-skin Black. However, what stands strong are the words they speak and with an intellectual appeal. Mr. Obama is the right man for the job either to remain as a State Senator of Illinois or even President of the United States. Some say that we would see a woman become president (Hillary Clinton) before we would see a Black man become president. Let’s just hope that we can continue to see Mr. Obama remain a strong and significant character within the community for all of us to appreciate no matter what ethnic background, religion or skin color. Last but not least in the mortal words of Wu Tang Clan, Protect Your Neck. Let’s hope the government doesn’t try to eliminate our strong and vibriant light-skin hero as they did to Malcolm X and the late Ron Brown.
December 14th, 2006 at 1:22 am
I’m quite excited over the reaction to Obama in New Hampshire. What do you think?
December 14th, 2006 at 1:23 am
I’ve made a mention of your post at my blog here: http://wonsadamaa.blogspot.com/2006/12/obama-black-or-biracial-in-2008.html.Glad to see my friends and I aren’t the only ones debating the Obama race issue. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of Mr. Crouch, but I look forward to reading what he has to say on Obama, racial identity and American politics.
December 14th, 2006 at 11:16 am
Barack Obama could be an example of the vison Dr. King spoke of when he shared his hopes for his little children. “Someday let’s hope they will be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
December 14th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
I think Obama could take New Hampshire, “Live free or Die’” is the state motto, I went to school in New England, and found people to be more open minded than their reputation. If they get to know you they will give you respect. His inner circle will be the key, but Obama is comfortable with white folk and he also went to school in New England.
December 14th, 2006 at 6:01 pm
Great and important conversation - especially the comments on character over color.
Still, I think every heritage, school, state, breakfast club, profession, library or Chamber of Commerce should be proud of anyone who once stood - or currently stands - among their “group” rises to the Office of President.
Such things should be celebrated.
December 14th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
I agree, Jim, no one would have noticed. . . . Then everyone does. Hmmm. What difference a speech makes!
Having lived just over the border from New Hampshire, I wouldn’t be so quick to count them in yet. “Live free or die” is about taxes. They’ll tell you that.
Where I lived, I was once told by someone who knew me for two years, “I can’t believe you’re from Chicago. Everyone from the Midwest is a twit.” (I said “I’m a twit too. You just don’t know me well enough yet.”
My point is that New England values run deep and are not entirely predictable to midwesterners.
However, I see the potential. I also see that as long as the discussion includes his background it discredits the man’s real intellect and what he chooses to represent.
I applaud the fact that we’re where we are . . . I look forward to the day when we look back in wonder at where we were.
December 15th, 2006 at 3:01 am
I think the debates between Sen. McCain or Rudy G. vs. Obama could be interesting. My prediction is that Obama will either choose Hilary as a running mate or vice versa.
December 15th, 2006 at 11:45 am
Hillary is a great story as well. As a native New Yorker, I am hearing good things about her in the Senate. She has to hate Obama messing up her opportunity. If Al Gore had not let moral values keep him from accepting Bill Clinton’s help, Bush would have not been in a position to have stolen the election. We may still have peace and prosperity, and Hillary would be a shoe in.
December 15th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Thanks to Jim for asking me to visit and read the perspective here on Barack Obama.
I’ve got a couple of observations. I was raised in Atlanta by a mother who was one of few white realtors who believed that South Atlanta could be revitalized, should be revitalized - then worked with several developers and the African-American leadership in Atlanta to work for change. I remember many an event with Maynard Jackson, Andy Young, and Mike Lomax… seeing Julian Bond and other men who were, and remain icons of fairness and REALISM.
Yes, I am a Republican - but not in a Goldwater/Reagan mold. My beliefs are pretty old world. When I first heard Barack Obama speak - I thought - what a breath of fresh air!!!! Both of his books are wonderful, he’s a gifted speaker and clearly, his passion for public service is authentic. He’s clearly got the drive to go through a presidential election.
The single greatest hurdle for him will be establishment Democrats who are long entrenched, and work to maintain their income stream. It is the same with the GOP. If Obama has any prayer of becoming the Democrat presidential nominee - he MUST bring onboard a resolute & motivated, and nationally respected, Finance & Fundraising team. He must attract more than a few excited voters. Long before election day - he must raise the funds necessary to compete. Hillary has scooped up a lot of players - but she has also created a lot of enemies over the years. Obama must work to win their favor.
As an American, I think it’s high time we picked nominees from both parties that are the best leader. Doing what is best for our country used to be seen as an honorable thing. Perhaps Obama can facilitate the Audacity of Hope for more than a little media shine. Let’s get down to the issues at hand: Iraq, Terror, Equality, Pay, Healthcare, Education.
May the best man, or woman, win.
December 16th, 2006 at 3:12 am
Many of us over at political grind are from the northeast and can relate to open minded ideals of the people in this region. (there are def a ton of liberals up here)
My colleague, Jon, wrote the article on Barack getting the the nomination in ‘08 [ http://politicalgrind.com/article.php/Barack-Obama-Democratic-Nominee-08 ]. Although I personally don’t believe Barack will get the nomination, Barack does have a bright future. I have not followed him until recently, but he sure does seem to relate to the majority of the people in the united states very well.
Looks like your fairly new blog is off to a great start.
talk to you later
~n