June 29th, 2007
Barack, do not let Hillary steal the black vote!
Yes indeed history was made last night at the Historically Black University, Howard University in Washington DC. We have had some great moments in politics as a black nation. To name a few; Carl Stokes first Black Mayor of a major US City, Shirley Chisholm, the first black to run for president and first black woman to serve as a Cabinet member, Barbara Jordan’s fiery 1976, Democratic National Convention’s keynote address and Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. with his amazing runs for President.
These were a different time and place and a different America. Black America was more united in our pride of accomplishment. Every one walked a little taller via the feats of the 4 giants of black accomplishment, 2 men and 2 women. This was an America of few black republicans, biracial by union of black and white, had no choice but to be black. Our leaders and hero were admired and a black platform could address the issues of most black citizens.
Yes times are different but the magnitude of the impression given by a black debate that is we are important, our vote is critical, did not generate the excitement of the 4 events I mentioned previously. The forum moderated by Tavis Smiley represented the first all the journals were people of color. Mr. Smiley was joined by esteemed journalist; Michel Martin, of NPR, Ruben Navarrette, and Dewayne Wickham. Navarrette is a editorial board member of the San Diego Union Tribune and Wickham is a columnist for USA Today and the Gannett News service. The questions asked at the “All American Presidential Forums,” will be taken from issues affecting black America and taken from a best selling book. The book is a plan of action, and is called, “Covenant With Black America”
We even have a canidate running for President, Barack Obama. In sports terminology, this is a home game for Barrack. Blackcollege, black city, mostly black panel, black issues, largely black audience. Reverends Jackson and Sharpton would have kicked ass.
Why did the front page of the Chicago Sun Times say in bold print, Hillary steals Obama’s thunder? The Sun Times went on to say, “She earns biggest cheers from black audience. Ouch!! Now Hillary is the Junior Senator from my home state of New York. But I was thinking, what wrong with those black folks cheering Hillary and Barck was in the house. I read the article over breakfast and it appeared, Senator Obama was not as comfortable or well versed in black issues as Senator Clinton.Barak what is up with that! Brother you got my vote but you have to bring it on. Is it possible that black Barack is better with white audiences than white Hillary? And white Hillary is better than black Barack with black audiences.
There is no way a white woman from a white affluent suburb would know more about being black than a black Barack. Obama’s problem is not unique to him. Hillary can speak of black issues with comfort because she has nothing to lose and every thing to gain. Obama cannot be too black, or he will turn off white folk. This is a big issue in corporate America, near the end of my corporate career, I was considered a racist by some racist, because I was black, had power and treated all people equal. Many whites that were peers of mine got intimidated because black people had a voice through me. It became a distraction and that type of distraction is one Barack does not need. On the other hand, blacks like Obama to know he has to win their trust and respect, times have changed, and many black will not vote for a man just because he is black. I hope the Senator and his advisors are debating this issue. This issue and challenge for Barack is how do you destroy Hillart chances for black support without intimidating white voters. The answer is key to the nomination. Keep Hope Alive!
June 29th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Obama has to walk a very fine line to appeal to all demographics. You see how the media twisted his words on “quiet riots” a few weeks ago? I predict, Obama will defeat Hillary in SC and take the majority of black votes. Hillary knows how to pander like her line yesterday about white women and AIDS. If Barack had made that same comment, the media would have called him a race baiter.
So to me, Obama is doing what he needs to do - that is, appeal to all demographics which is what matters most.
June 29th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Tanya, I think you are right,however it pained to hear Hillary recieved more cheers than Barack. His goal should be to win at least 75% of the black vote and the nomination. Thanks for your comment
June 29th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
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June 29th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Jim,
I’m so glad you wrote this. I’m sick and tired of white politicians pandering to the black vote as if they really understand. As a white guy, I KNOW I don’t understand - it’s one of the reasons I have so much respect and pay so much attention to diversity.
Blacks should absolutely unite and get the representation they believe they need to improve conditions and opportunities in this great country. Blacks have a fantastic history in our country of rising through such incredible consequences and succeeding despite the odds.
Please continue to get the word out that Blacks need not look anywhere outside their own race to find a leader that can lead this country better than it’s ever been lead by anyone else.
Warmest Regards,
Doug
June 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Black folk, Doug is a white guy and he is wondering,why would we look outside our race for leadership.
June 29th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
I also would like to see Obama do well and become the next president. But he (and perhaps you) is mistaken if there he believes that he will automatically receive a large portion of the black vote simply because of his race. While I do believe there are a few issues that are unique to African-Americans (although a lot if not all of those could apply to most historically down-trodden minorities here), the real key is that all the other issues that concern all Americans are of even greater concern to us. As the saying goes, the problems that affect white Americans affect black Americans even more. So I, as a single individual black man, am hoping to find a president who not only understands my viewpoint on Affirmative Action, police profiling, and rap music as a (rapidly fading) art form, but also has some valid, concrete ideas on the nation’s economy, our disastrous healthcare system, immigration reform, the environment, fair taxation, what our role should be in the global fight against terrorism, the student loan system, Darfur, Somalia, the Congo, Ethiopia, heck all of Africa, as well as South America, Asia, and Europe, the aborigines in Australia, port security, you name it. Maybe Hillary got more applause than Obama because the crowd agreed more with way she intends on addressing the various issues. Barack shouldn’t have to focus on “black issues” and worry about alienating white voters to get the black vote. If he does that he stand about as much chance of winning as Jesse did, which is none. He should be concerned with ALL the issues, since all issues affect Black America.
Then again… if he could get Paris Hilton deported and barred from re-entry, he’s got my vote.
June 29th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Kevjohn, you are so right on the issues.Barack has to earn the black vote but it appears Hillary is being given more benifit of doubt. Thanks for your compelling comment
June 29th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
JD - you nailed it. I guess that’s the real question. As a white guy, I want to know - why would you look outside your race for an answer?
(Of course, I have no clue how anyone would look to Hillary for an answer. Of course people clapped with her the most - she’s a great study of what people would like to hear.)
June 29th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I appreciate this post, and as I did not but read of the debate I can’t really comment on what others have said.
I’m not sure the vote is about her pretending to know more about being black as it is Obama having to cover more than being black.
Clinton is already way ahead in the polls. What she needs to pander to is “The Black Vote”.
Obama needs to try grab it all away from her.This takes a lot more energy and ends up going in a less pointed direction.
June 29th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Hey there JD,
Beloved Unity can only occur in the heart, that is the truth and the sooner everyone comes to this truth, the better America is in our heart and not any place else period.
Compassion is the key for a better
nation overall. We can be Champions,
because we are a daughter of Zion in
these United States of America.
How to obtain the favor of God Almighty is get understanding.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Peace!
June 30th, 2007 at 11:21 am
Cooper, thanks for the comment, your wisdome is helpful in this debate.At the end of the day, America needs a leader who will care about all the people who comprise, we the people
June 30th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Rev Jim, you nailed it, love and compassion for all!
July 2nd, 2007 at 7:56 am
Until Barrack comes to the table with a more solid plan he won’t get much more attention.
Glen L Johnson dot com
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Glen, thanks for the comment. Barack needs to reach out for the black vote and an understanding of the issues affecting black America and a plan of action will be key. Keep in mind, George Bush was given the election on the basis of the black vote. In his case it only, took one vote, Clarence Thomas in the Supreme Court for a 1 vote majority. Bush did not have a plan
January 11th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Too often I have been chided for making statements against Bill Clinton. Where was he when Maxine Waters were asking for help in the crack cocaine war on our babies,men, and women. nowhere!!!!!!
Where was he when they were striping education out of the the prisons.
Nowhere!!!!!!!
Where was he when he signed three strikes your out which created slave houses for addicted black men and women. Nowhere!!!!!!!
Where was he when aid to dependent children was attack as welfare reform. nowhere!!!!!!!!!!
Where was he when our children for crying out for a leader to pushed them for excellence nowhere!!!!!!!!
I have been waiting for the lies to be exposed about the Clintons pandering ways for so so so long.
Do you know how it made me feel when students in my class would tell me how Bill Clinton was a pimp and he was cool because he had a young to do all sorts of things to him in the oval office. And that it was ok to lie even Bill Clinton lied. And this was white kids that came form torn families and the like. So what I am saying is as a African American women we cannot afford this foolishness anymore. It is time for the family values to rule, and excellence in education to rule, and truth in politics to rule the day. That is why I am voting for either Barak Obama or John McCain. And I will tell you why. John McCain whether you like him or not he donot pander he speaks his mind and that is the truth. Barak Obama is loved by his wife and thats the truth. Michelle is no joke and believe me if he was rotten she would not be with him. On the other had Hilllary would love a snake as long as it gets her what she wants. end of statement.
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