What Obama *should've* said

[Tre]

I am simply noting that this issue of the minister and the race speech are small potatoes for small people.

Not exactly.

At this point, for the Clintons, it's ALL about getting re-elected.  Nothing else matters and their goal is to get opponents to play their game, because they're the best at it.

In large part, they've already won by forcing Obama to talk about race.  Now Whites will be reminded, "Hey, he's Black!" and many will take pause. 

Obama's campaign has made a few big mistakes and this was one of them.  I think his errors are magnified because he's Black, but moreso because he's run such an incredibly smooth campaign up 'til now. 

Obama should've simply said that he often disagrees with the opinions of people he respects or has received counsel from.  He further should've stated UNEQUIVOCALLY and WITHOUT QUALIFICATION that he's a candidate for President of the United States and that he respects, appreciates, and loves the diversity of this great land. 

He should ACKNOWLEDGE that his current position would not be possible today if not for those who worked and who gave their lives before him, but that's not where we're at now.  One can appreciate the progress of our people (as a nation, not just as a race) without being dismissive of the struggle.  And just as an FYI, we should all be mindful that not all the victims of the Civil Rights Movement were Black. 

He should've kept it short and simple and talked more about the pertinent economic issues that mean the most to the majority of Americans right now.  By going the 'race speech' route, he's now opened a box that may be impossible to close.

I really hope he can keep Killary (love that one!) off the November ballot, but even if he gets the nomination, he now has a huge hole to dig out of. 

[War-Horse]

Ummmm, Im white and think he showed great leader skills, and think he is ahead because of it.

[Decker]

Not exactly.

At this point, for the Clintons, it's ALL about getting re-elected.  Nothing else matters and their goal is to get opponents to play their game, because they're the best at it.

Maybe.

In large part, they've already won by forcing Obama to talk about race.  Now Whites will be reminded, "Hey, he's Black!" and many will take pause. 

That ship sailed when Obama made the national scene with black skin.

Obama's campaign has made a few big mistakes and this was one of them.  I think his errors are magnified because he's Black, but moreso because he's run such an incredibly smooth campaign up 'til now. 

Obama should've simply said that he often disagrees with the opinions of people he respects or has received counsel from.  He further should've stated UNEQUIVOCALLY and WITHOUT QUALIFICATION that he's a candidate for President of the United States and that he respects, appreciates, and loves the diversity of this great land. 

He should ACKNOWLEDGE that his current position would not be possible today if not for those who worked and who gave their lives before him, but that's not where we're at now.  One can appreciate the progress of our people (as a nation, not just as a race) without being dismissive of the struggle.  And just as an FYI, we should all be mindful that not all the victims of the Civil Rights Movement were Black.

You are correct.  Civil rights belong to all people.  It's just that up until 45 or so years ago, blacks were second class citizens deprived of their civil rights.

He should've kept it short and simple and talked more about the pertinent economic issues that mean the most to the majority of Americans right now.  By going the 'race speech' route, he's now opened a box that may be impossible to close.

I agree.

I really hope he can keep Killary (love that one!) off the November ballot, but even if he gets the nomination, he now has a huge hole to dig out of. 

I don't think so.  I'm still of the opinion that, for ingrained sociological reasons, a black man or a woman cannot win a presidential election in this country in 2008.

[War-Horse]

the war-horse looking stout !  

thanks, man.   Years of powerlifting...

[24KT]

Not exactly.

At this point, for the Clintons, it's ALL about getting re-elected.  Nothing else matters and their goal is to get opponents to play their game, because they're the best at it.

In large part, they've already won by forcing Obama to talk about race.  Now Whites will be reminded, "Hey, he's Black!" and many will take pause. 

Obama's campaign has made a few big mistakes and this was one of them.  I think his errors are magnified because he's Black, but moreso because he's run such an incredibly smooth campaign up 'til now. 

Obama should've simply said that he often disagrees with the opinions of people he respects or has received counsel from.  He further should've stated UNEQUIVOCALLY and WITHOUT QUALIFICATION that he's a candidate for President of the United States and that he respects, appreciates, and loves the diversity of this great land. 

He should ACKNOWLEDGE that his current position would not be possible today if not for those who worked and who gave their lives before him, but that's not where we're at now.  One can appreciate the progress of our people (as a nation, not just as a race) without being dismissive of the struggle.  And just as an FYI, we should all be mindful that not all the victims of the Civil Rights Movement were Black. 

He should've kept it short and simple and talked more about the pertinent economic issues that mean the most to the majority of Americans right now.  By going the 'race speech' route, he's now opened a box that may be impossible to close.

I really hope he can keep Killary (love that one!) off the November ballot, but even if he gets the nomination, he now has a huge hole to dig out of. 

Tre, I have to disagree with you.

To assume his speech will only serve to remind Americans that he is Black, pre-supposes that all americans are racist. Americans are well aware the man is Black. For those who are affected by these things, they don't need a speech to remind them, they're reminded of it every time they see him.

I believe what his speech accomplished was to lay to rest the fears or concerns of those who might have felt a little trepidation at the prospect of a President who they worried may not be in touch with their fears and or concerns regarding race. He displayed his awareness and understanding of the various perspectives that cut across the spectrum of America, while conveying the truth that one person's dream doesn't have to come at the expense of another's.

His speech IMO demonstrated something we've rarely seen, ...and that was "Leadership". True Leadership!
The way he addressed head on, the race issues confronting America, said to me 'This is a statesman', one who is ready, willing, and able to address & confront the issues that need to be addressed and will not run or shirk away from that responsibility. Politicians duck and avoid controversy at all cost. True leaders and statesmen, take the bull by the horns and address what needs to be addressed without shirking their responsibility to do so. If the American people don't recognize what they have in Barack Obama, and seize the opportunity to put him in the Whitehouse, NOW, ...well then heaven help them, ...because nothing else can.

[shootfighter1]

I truely believe most of voting America accepts a black man running for president.  I know there are racist people out there, but they are far from a majority these days.  I don't think voters will take any pause at this point and think  "Hey, he's Black!" The issue with Rev Wright struck a deeper note with many independents/undecided voters and non-blacks (including non-whites) because they they are not used to hearing angry racially divisive speeches and these more obscure racially damning ideas that usually come from activists.  What they originally saw as a poised intelligent presidential black candidate running on a campaign of change is now associated with someone who has very different, and scary ideas...something we may have heard publically 40-50 yrs ago.  Many white people & other non-blacks don't care if someone is black if they have similar habits, actions, thinking....but many were surprised to hear the angry style and harsh criticizms of the gov and whites from Rev. Wright (and his church who all cheered at these comments) and then associate that, which they are not comfortable or used to hearing, with their presidential candidate.  Thats why this struck such a note...not because he was black.  Being black may actually be swinging more votes his way than against him IMO.  What left a bad taste was exposing a close tie with a racist pastor who has harsh words and harsh accusations for our government.  When you hear the words and watch these speaches, its not mainstream thinking...even for people of more liberal mindsets.

To know a person, you should know his friends, inner circle and doings prior to the public spotlight.  There is a legitimate question of why Obama would belong to such a church and why he chose Rev Wright as a close friend, campaign supporter and personal spiritual advisor.  Wright does not preach the messages we hear from Obama, it is a very different style focused on past angers.  That is not good for America...or anyone really.
Tre, I think your suggestions about how he should have responded best are right on.  The more attention this gets, the more it will be on people's minds.  He needed to specifically disagree with Wrights racial conspiracy ideas and divert attention back to him and his original message.  The Clintons are shrewed politicians.

[G o a t b o y]

I truely believe most of voting America accepts a black man running for president.  I know there are racist people out there, but they are far from a majority these days.  I don't think voters will take any pause at this point and think  "Hey, he's Black!" The issue with Rev Wright struck a deeper note with many independents/undecided voters and non-blacks (including non-whites) because they they are not used to hearing angry racially divisive speeches and these more obscure racially damning ideas that usually come from activists.  What they originally saw as a poised intelligent presidential black candidate running on a campaign of change is now associated with someone who has very different, and scary ideas...something we may have heard publically 40-50 yrs ago.  Many white people & other non-blacks don't care if someone is black if they have similar habits, actions, thinking....but many were surprised to hear the angry style and harsh criticizms of the gov and whites from Rev. Wright (and his church who all cheered at these comments) and then associate that, which they are not comfortable or used to hearing, with their presidential candidate.  Thats why this struck such a note...not because he was black.  Being black may actually be swinging more votes his way than against him IMO.  What left a bad taste was exposing a close tie with a racist pastor who has harsh words and harsh accusations for our government.  When you hear the words and watch these speaches, its not mainstream thinking...even for people of more liberal mindsets.

To know a person, you should know his friends, inner circle and doings prior to the public spotlight.  There is a legitimate question of why Obama would belong to such a church and why he chose Rev Wright as a close friend, campaign supporter and personal spiritual advisor.  Wright does not preach the messages we hear from Obama, it is a very different style focused on past angers.  That is not good for America...or anyone really.
Tre, I think your suggestions about how he should have responded best are right on.  The more attention this gets, the more it will be on people's minds.  He needed to specifically disagree with Wrights racial conspiracy ideas and divert attention back to him and his original message.  The Clintons are shrewed politicians.

Exactly.  Most whites have no problem with a black potential President, but a lot of us have a big problem with one who associates with "black activists" like Rev. Wright.  That's why I think the first black president will be a Republican who doesn't associate with those types to begin with.  It's too bad General Powell decided not to run... I think he could have won.

[Benny B]

Not exactly.

At this point, for the Clintons, it's ALL about getting re-elected.  Nothing else matters and their goal is to get opponents to play their game, because they're the best at it.

In large part, they've already won by forcing Obama to talk about race.  Now Whites will be reminded, "Hey, he's Black!" and many will take pause. 

Obama's campaign has made a few big mistakes and this was one of them.  I think his errors are magnified because he's Black, but moreso because he's run such an incredibly smooth campaign up 'til now. 

Obama should've simply said that he often disagrees with the opinions of people he respects or has received counsel from.  He further should've stated UNEQUIVOCALLY and WITHOUT QUALIFICATION that he's a candidate for President of the United States and that he respects, appreciates, and loves the diversity of this great land. 

He should ACKNOWLEDGE that his current position would not be possible today if not for those who worked and who gave their lives before him, but that's not where we're at now.  One can appreciate the progress of our people (as a nation, not just as a race) without being dismissive of the struggle.  And just as an FYI, we should all be mindful that not all the victims of the Civil Rights Movement were Black. 

He should've kept it short and simple and talked more about the pertinent economic issues that mean the most to the majority of Americans right now.  By going the 'race speech' route, he's now opened a box that may be impossible to close.

I really hope he can keep Killary (love that one!) off the November ballot, but even if he gets the nomination, he now has a huge hole to dig out of. 

Disagree, Tre. Obama would have had to come forward and deal with the issue of race sooner or later anyway. Upon getting the nomination, you KNOW the Republicans will create all sorts of swift boat styled attacks using racial stereotypes and outright racist pandering to scare white Americans. Obama was smart to face this issue head-on and as brilliantly as he did in March instead of in October. This story may not ever go away completely, however, there will be so many other issues and storylines that come up in future months that Rev. Wright will be largely forgotten.

I can't believe you feel like you feel you can better articulate how this manner should have been handled better than Obama, Tre. That speech will go down as one of the greatest ever delivered by a politician on the issue of race and politics in America.

Trust me, white folks didn't just suddenly realize Obama was black a couple of weeks ago.  He's a light-skinned brother, but his racial identity is pretty obvious. As I've said before, Obama's not going to win the majority of the uneducated white working class vote, or the vote of the white educated bigot. The educated and open-minded are more open to him than before due to that speech.

Personally, I am glad Obama was a member of Rev. Wright's church. It confirms what I already knew about the man...that he is a good man, but he ain't no sellout.  He understands and relates to the anger and frustrations within the black community.  His years of reading authors such as Ralph Ellison, Alex Haley, and Richard Wright in his youth paid off.

I do agree that the Clintons are ALL about getting elected at all costs. But if they destroy their long-standing connections to the black community to steal the nomination, they will have close to zero chance of beating McCain.

[Benny B]

Exactly.  Most whites have no problem with a black potential President, but a lot of us have a big problem with one who associates with "black activists" like Rev. Wright.  That's why I think the first black president will be a Republican who doesn't associate with those types to begin with.  It's too bad General Powell decided not to run... I think he could have won.

Your racist ass wouldn't have voted for Powell either. 

And which Powell are we talking about...the 2000 Powell, or the Powell of today? The Powell of today has ZERO credibility thanks to his "Yes Man" status in going before the UN with all that phony intel on Iraq.

[G o a t b o y]

Your racist ass wouldn't have voted for Powell either. 

And which Powell are we talking about...the 2000 Powell, or the Powell of today? The Powell of today has ZERO credibility thanks to his "Yes Man" status in going before the UN with all that phony intel on Iraq.

His problem is he was a moderate in a neocon administration.  And yes, I would have voted for him, since I am a moderate republican with no love for the christian right or the neocons.

[Dos Equis]

Colin Powell would have been an incredible candidate.  Too bad he didn't run.  Great man.  Great American. 

[Hugo Chavez]

Colin Powell would have been an incredible candidate.  Too bad he didn't run.  Great man.  Great American. 

Yes, I suppose it takes a great something to sit in front of the world and know you're feeding them pure bullshit.  Powell knew the things he was asked to say at the UN was untrue crap but he did it anyway.  The right man, a truly great man, would have said, no, I resign...

[Dos Equis]

Yes, I suppose it takes a great something to sit in front of the world and know you're feeding them pure bullshit.  Powell knew the things he was asked to say at the UN was untrue crap but he did it anyway.  The right man, a truly great man, would have said, no, I resign...

How do you know he believed the information he provided was false at the time he provided it? 

In any event, his lifetime body of work is outstanding.  I think he's the best qualified man in the country to be president.  Too bad he'll never run. 

[Benny B]

His problem is he was a moderate in a neocon administration.  And yes, I would have voted for him, since I am a moderate republican with no love for the christian right or the neocons.

By all too many of your posts, you also have "no love" for black people.

Yes, I suppose it takes a great something to sit in front of the world and know you're feeding them pure bullshit.  Powell knew the things he was asked to say at the UN was untrue crap but he did it anyway.  The right man, a truly great man, would have said, no, I resign...

[Straw Man]

Obama should have taken a page out of Cheney's book and just said "So?"

[G o a t b o y]

By all too many of your posts, you also have "no love" for black people.
 

Whatever.  It doesn't change the fact that had Gen. Powell run in 2000, I would have voted for him.

[Benny B]

Whatever.  It doesn't change the fact that had Gen. Powell run in 2000, I would have voted for him.

bullshit

[War-Horse]

Obama should have taken a page out of Cheney's book and just said "So?"

LOL.   

[Bindare_Dundat]

Obama should have taken a page out of Cheney's book and just said "So?"

lol

[24KT]

Disagree, Tre. Obama would have had to come forward and deal with the issue of race sooner or later anyway. Upon getting the nomination, you KNOW the Republicans will create all sorts of swift boat styled attacks using racial stereotypes and outright racist pandering to scare white Americans. Obama was smart to face this issue head-on and as brilliantly as he did in March instead of in October. This story may not ever go away completely, however, there will be so many other issues and storylines that come up in future months that Rev. Wright will be largely forgotten.

I can't believe you feel like you feel you can better articulate how this manner should have been handled better than Obama, Tre. That speech will go down as one of the greatest ever delivered by a politician on the issue of race and politics in America.

Trust me, white folks didn't just suddenly realize Obama was black a couple of weeks ago.  He's a light-skinned brother, but his racial identity is pretty obvious. As I've said before, Obama's not going to win the majority of the uneducated white working class vote, or the vote of the white educated bigot. The educated and open-minded are more open to him than before due to that speech.

Personally, I am glad Obama was a member of Rev. Wright's church. It confirms what I already knew about the man...that he is a good man, but he ain't no sellout.  He understands and relates to the anger and frustrations within the black community.  His years of reading authors such as Ralph Ellison, Alex Haley, and Richard Wright in his youth paid off.

I do agree that the Clintons are ALL about getting elected at all costs. But if they destroy their long-standing connections to the black community to steal the nomination, they will have close to zero chance of beating McCain.

Absolutely, and also too understand this man worked as a community organizer for years. How can you organize a community when you are apart from that community. What I find surprising is that many in America are so surprised by Rev. Wrights preaching style. It would be more amusing if not so alarmingly demonstrative of the fact that the most segregated hour of American life is indeed Sunday morning. Anybody whose ever spent time in many African American churches will tell you it's not all pious & grace. Most often, there's a whole lotta whoopin' & hollerin' goin' on!

I wonder though if people will start to bring the same degree of scrutiny to Hillary. She's been surrounded by some very controversial religious leaders herself. I think Stark posted a link the other day to a minister who claimed his congregation ate through his favour alone, and the power was in his word and in his mouth. Here's a man preaching about his own corruption & megalomania (imo) and nobody mentions that.

[24KT]

How do you know he believed the information he provided was false at the time he provided it?

I think the fact that he screamed "This is bullshit. I'm not reading this"  then threw the speech across the floor leading to some urgent re-writes just minutes before he was to appear in front of the UN might've been a big clue. 

In any event, his lifetime body of work is outstanding.  I think he's the best qualified man in the country to be president.  Too bad he'll never run. 

And what in your estimation makes him the best qualified man in the country to be president.
Because he was able to sit in the UN and willfully BS the entire country and the world in order to willfully support with lies, what he knew to be an illegal war of aggression? Is that what qualifies a man to be president?

[War-Horse]

I think the fact that he screamed "This is bullshit. I'm not reading this"  then threw the speech across the floor leading to some urgent re-writes just minutes before he was to appear in front of the UN might've been a big clue. 

And what in your estimation makes him the best qualified man in the country to be president.
Because he was able to sit in the UN and willfully BS the entire country and the world in order to willfully support with lies, what he knew to be an illegal war of aggression? Is that what qualifies a man to be president?

Good point.  powell was a major "YES" man to the false war claims.

[Dos Equis]

I think the fact that he screamed "This is bullshit. I'm not reading this"  then threw the speech across the floor leading to some urgent re-writes just minutes before he was to appear in front of the UN might've been a big clue. 

And what in your estimation makes him the best qualified man in the country to be president.
Because he was able to sit in the UN and willfully BS the entire country and the world in order to willfully support with lies, what he knew to be an illegal war of aggression? Is that what qualifies a man to be president?

I'm not going to list his military, government, and private sector experience.  You can look that up yourself.  Start with "My American Journey." 

What you'll find in his auto, evaluating his record, and assessing him as a person is a very experienced, intelligent, diligent, articulate, bright man of integrity and faith.  I don't think there is a man or woman in the country with his resume and intangibles.

Condi is close.   

I'd love to see a Powell/Rice or Powell/Linda Lingle ticket.  I'd be excited about either one. 

[Bindare_Dundat]

Personally, I am glad Obama was a member of Rev. Wright's church. It confirms what I already knew about the man...that he is a good man, but he ain't no sellout.  He understands and relates to the anger and frustrations within the black community.  His years of reading authors such as Ralph Ellison, Alex Haley, and Richard Wright in his youth paid off.

Not that Im looking forward to that day but  I wonder if white men will be able to emulate the finer points of a white racist and make this kinda claim without being ostrisized by everyone else.

[shootfighter1]

There is a big difference between being a racist (which I dispise as much as anything) and not agreeing with a minority activist like Rev Wright. 

Many of us acknowledge the wrongs of the past and can understand the anger surrounding this but don't excuse continued diversive and hateful preaching to correct or address those wrongs at this time.  Particularly the far out accusations he preached against our government, which got support from his congregation.  That is irresponsible and ignorant for a leader and should NOT get a pass!  Its counterproductive, creates continued anger on both sides and IMO has held part of the black community back.  If you look at England, people blend much better and there aren't issues like this between blacks and whites.  The vast majority blend and don't hold these deep historical grudges.  There is no constant struggle like this.  Slavery certainly f'ed up this nation, but other nations have move on and overcome.  People like Rev Wright contribute to the continued racial divide that should have mended. 

I am glad Barack pulled away from Wrights comments, that was appropriate, but its hard to buy that he doesn't believe some of it with the relationship they had.

Brave people are people like Bill Cosby, who had a universal message.  Its ashame he was criticized by many in the black community.  He has been one of the biggest financial supporters of black education and because some didn't like the straight talk and wake up call he was giving, they threw him under the bridge.  Bill had a good message that was applicable to all families.