The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

jbenzl
Your comment that African Americans are voting for Barack Obama because of his skin color is troubling to me. In response, I'd like to borrow the words spoken by Oprah Winfrey when she was criticized for giving him her support: "I'm not that small." The truth is, most Black people are not that small. Neither do I believe that White Americans who are voting for him are that small either. People are choosing Barack over Hillary not because of the color of his skin, but the content of his character. If you remember, Hillary had a very large share of the Black vote until she and Bill blew it in South Carolina. Blacks were going to go with Hillary out of loyalty, but their words caused them to give Obama a good look. And when they looked, they were surprised at what they saw. This same scenario has been playing out across the country. When people get to know him and feel the depth of his heart, his numbers go up.

Barack Obama is an extremely gifted and inspiring leader who is doing well not because of his race, but because of what we see in him and the potential he sees in us as Americans. I, personally, didn't give a hoot about Obama at first. I wasn't about to give someone my vote because of his race. In a hypothetical contest between Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Colin Powell, and John Edwards, it is Edwards who would get my vote, because he is a man of good moral character who has impressed me a great deal.

In short, I just want to say that Geraldine Ferraro is dead wrong. Obama is where he is because he is a rare leader with the ability to unite this nation and bring about the healing we so desperately need. Black and White people alike look at him and feel the love of Christ -- a love that is healing, inspiring, and capable of bringing people together to work for the common good. That's what we need in our next president. Hillary doesn't have it.

As a strong Obama supporter, I will willingly acknowledge that his race helps bring attention to and boost his candidacy (duh)...

But in the same breath, it is important to say that Hillary's GENDER also helps bring attention to and boost her candidacy (duh)...

Why do you think this has been such a historic debate for us dems?

Hence... the point is MOOT!!!

BUT, in the next breath, i'll mention that's Hillary's name visability and BRAND in a country where most people vote without research also helps bring attention to and boost her candidacy.

So she's got the benefit of the most non-actual-politics-related benefits. And yet still her only hope of getting the nomination is through a technicality. Let's get over it. She sucks. If her "insight" - NOT experience - into national politics, she should be able to run a campaign with integrity, not mud.

The last person to win an election without the popular vote was Bush. And look where that got us...

hint hint

Has Geraldine Ferraro forgotten 1984? She never would have been a running mate if she had been a man. Her cheap shot at Obama reflects her own insecurities. It has no basis in fact.

Good point, fjstratford. I would simply ask billy and others, above, whether they think it is Obama who is being "divisive"?

Enough already! Obama seems to cry racist everytime he wants to get out of a tight situation. Like now - he has to prove that he will follow through on Iraq after Power said that he wouldnt; he has to prove that he means well with the NAFTA issue; plus the Rezko trial and Nadhmi Auchi issue is unfolding.

He is using racism to divert people's attention from his lies on NAFTA, Iraq, Rezko.

Sadly, Democrats accomodate him every time... no exceptions. And then those he maligns get stuck with a charge that is false but takes time to defend.

Enough!

If Obama keeps this up, half the Democratic Party will be accused as "racists" before the primary ends. See here:

Obama used "racism" when people raised his cocaine use. Obama raised "racism" if we say his middle name. Now he says its racism if we mention that "90% of the black votes - the same race as him? Is Obama going to control our words, our thoughts and our actions by threatening "racism" on the whole country?

Ridiculous.

It is sad to see Geraldine Ferraro engaging in such indecent pandering, especially because we can all be sure that it is one more deniable ploy by the Clinton campaign to play to racist fears.

But it is annoying to see all these posts supporting Ferraro's complaint. Hillary has been more than willing to cry sexism for the last two years. It served to blunt a lot of attacks on her, but it also irritated people who had genuine issues --as well as the large (and growing) group of people who had formed strongly negative opinions of her and her husband.

And yes, Hillary has gotten some sexist comments. But we all know that the greatest antipathy for her is personal, gender notwithstanding. People can dislike her without being sexist.

Ironically, perhaps the only person who can point out that the empress is not clothed is someone who must be attacked with an equal degree of care -- in Obama's case, a black man who was editor in chief of the Harvard Law Review.

In fact. despite the claims of Geraldine Ferraro (and, I am also sad to see, Deborah Tannen), Obama has a far more substantive legislative record than Hillary does, both in his Illinois state legislative tenure and in his U.S. Senate career.

Ferraro is too smart not to know that Obama's genuine accomplishments as a community leader and a legislator far exceed Hillary's -- which is what makes this particular episode especially tawdry.

Geraldine Ferraro apparently feels that women are owed the presidency. While that may be true, this particular woman -- Hillary -- provides no reason that she deserves it. It ill behooves Ferraro to resent Obama on the basis that -- apparently -- Ferraro believes he does not deserve it because he is black.

More garbage politics from Hillary . . . the trash bag lady.

Is that the garbage truck I hear?

Beep, beep, beep.

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept." -- Geraldine Ferraro

Lets take Ferraro's nonsense to the history books for a second:

If, instead of Obama, another man of Irish descent, the late Bobby Kennedy, were still alive today and running for President, Kennedy would likely win MORE African-American votes than Obama.

Similarly, if the late Irish freedom fighter, Michael Collins, were alive today and went to African-Americans talking about change and making things right (as he did during the long English occupation of Ireland), he'd win a ton of African-American votes in the states, too.

Ferraro needs to spend more time OUTSIDE of America to understand just how bigoted she and her friend Hillary have become. Too many people forget how their ancestors struggled to make it in this country. Have we lost all connection to our immigrant past? Does it no longer count? Were their struggles meaningless?

Clearly, this is another "race baiting moment" produced and directed by the Clinton campaign once again.

People are not voting for Barack Obama because of his skin pigmentation. People are voting for him because he's the 21st century's version of Micheal Collins: Not the change employed by Collins of "by any means necessary." Rather, by bringing Republicans and Democrats together to do great things in America again.

There are a lot of people that DO NOT want Democrats and Republicans working together.

I'm old enough to recall when the very best cars and the very best music came from DETROIT! Obama says we can do it again. I believe him....but only if we try together, not apart.

But, time is quickly running out on us. Foreclosures are the rule, not the exception anymore. Job cuts are proving that we are in a recession.

Clinton wants to go back to the dot.com era of the 90s. It will not work.

We need real change starting with a big tax cut for those making under 75K (Obama's plan).

Right, poor Hillary with 55% of Democratic Primary voters being women, huge (and mostly positive within the Democratic Party) name recognition, and a major built in political network; going up against a black man who admitted to using cocaine in his youth, has the middle name "Hussein", and has a last name that sounds an awful like the most hated man in America. Lucky, lucky Barack and poor, poor Hillary - it's just not fair!

To those of you who question whether Ferraro's statement was racist or not - such a question is secondary to the fact that when a surrogate brings such a combustible issue into a political campaign, it automatically serves to distract the public, the candidates, and the media from the real issues that warrant discussion. Shining the spotlight on Obama's race, especially in the manner that Ferraro did, is unquestionably divisive if not racist.

From the debates:
quote:
CLINTON: And there's a difference between denouncing and rejecting -- [the support of Farrakhan]

OBAMA: If the word "reject" Senator Clinton feels is stronger than the word "denounce," then I'm happy to concede the point, and I would reject and denounce.
endquote

I suggest that Obama see her and raise her one: He should now insist that Hillary denounce, reject and ANATHEMATIZE!

More garbage politics from Hillary . . . the trash bag lady.

Is that the garbage truck I hear?

Beep, beep, beep.

Audijess, Chelsea Clinton is as experienced as her mother regarding the affairs in the White House; she was there too. But the experience of the Clintons consists in good part in collecting money abroad where human rights do not exist:

The Clinton foundation received recently a $31.3 million donation after Bill expressed enthusiastic support for the Kazakh leader's, undercuting both American
foreign policy and sharp criticism of Kazakhstan's poor human rights:

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/politics/31donor.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

In january 2008, the Clintons received $20 million from business deals with Dubai in the Middle East:

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/22/bill-clinton-severs-ties-_n_82616.html

Well, she is right. What does Barack Obama bring to the table? Inexperience? He is a freshman Senator only. Where does his star status derive from? Even Edwards had a leg up on him in terms of substance.

The one person that could tear the progressives apart over the prospect of the first woman President is precisely an African-American candidate. It plays to their guilt over racism and sexism.

What I would really like to know how many people here DO NOT VOTE?

I rather doubt that Barack Obama would have engendered the kind of support from the African-American community that he did had be been white.

Let's be sober. It is no longer possible to ignore the racist and sexist undertones of this campaign season. That is one advantage that the Republicans own.

Ferraro's right. Obama had a huge leg up in this race -- He's a black man, his middle name is Hussein, and his last name is just one consonant away from Osama. Poor Hillary, on the other hand, was dealt a bum hand -- the platinum "Clinton" brand, a huge political network built over three decades, a romantic longing for the "Clinton" presidency, and being a woman in Democratic primaries where 55% of the voters are women. She just didn't stand a chance against the skinny black guy with a Muslim name. It's not fair.

It is in my opinion that Hillary Clinton is the person for the Presidency, because she has already spend eight years in office with Bill Clinton and pretty much knows how things should be ran in office. She has been through some war time and she will bring our boys home for good. Thanks Audi

When Ferraro ran for VP she was very sensitive about being singled out for scrutiny because of her Italian ancestry, especially when it came to an investigation of her campaign finances.

Funny, Hillary still hasn't released her financial statement has she?

Is it because he is black that Mr. Obama has no trouble raising millions over the internet and can be transparent about his finances?

No, it is because he is a true leader.

Is it because there is indeed a latent racism in the Clinton campaign that Mrs. Clinton cannot only officially disavow and reudiate Mrs. Ferraro's commence but also distance herself from Mrs. Ferraro completely?

Perhaps.

The african-americans can play a major role in many swing states this fall, like staying at home and not support candidates who have strong relationships with racists.

Hillary has continually said that she's a fighter. The problem is that she feels she has to fight everybody whether they are republicans, democrats, or independents. A leader has to be able to admit when they've made a mistake. She couldn't even admit she made a mistake in voting for the war. Clinton doesn't believe what Ferraro said was necessarliy wrong, she just thinks it wasn't the political thing to say. Remember what Bill said in South Carolina? He still doesn't believe what he said was wrong. Hillary is of the "by any means necessary" mindset. I don't believe the ends justify the means. She just wants to win, plain and simple. If she splits the party, so be it. If she discourages young voters from participating in the political process again, hey that's life. If she creates a racial divide in the democratic party, hey gotta do what I gotta do. I don't think everyone realizes the ramifications of the negative campaign she is running.

Well, if Ferraro were correct... than the reverse could be possible, as well: That the only reason, that Hillary is in the position to run for President, is because she married Bill and is a woman.

Personally, I don't believe, anyone should vote for either one, because of the plumbing or skin tone of the candidate.

[ Lol @ jsherm45 // that was the funniest thing I've read all day. ]

rockyngran / jumpDOG:

No one has proven it was a racist remark.

I cannot understand the tenor of these posts ... what is the debate about? Ferraro made a racist remark, Clinton did not remove her, and life goes on. I mean seriously, when has Clinton ever backed down or said, "OMG, I was wrong." Answer: Never. So what the heck is everyone expecting, a different outcome. This is an old dog, and new tricks do not happen. So now just learn to live with what you have, and quit sniviling.

It is in my opinion that Hillary Clinton is the person for the Presidency, because she has already spend eight years in office with Bill Clinton and pretty much knows how things should be ran in office. She has been through some war time and she will bring our boys home for good. Thanks Audi

I am reminded, as I work to study both candidates, of our daughters in middle school. As hard as I try to give Hilary a chance, her responses to issues such as Ferraro's comments today remind me so much of the Spoiled Little Girl attitude that emits from even the best raised Middle Schooler.

It is almost as if Hillary is making decisions based on how the slumber party politics went last night.

Racism has NO PLACE in our country. We Are Afterall the Little United Nations. If Hillary refuses to do anything about Ferraro's unacceptable comments, this issue has sealed my decision. Obama it is!!!!!

stoian_b2000:

She should REJECT and denounce the truth?

I think Clinton should also REJECT and Denounce these kind of statements.

Susanlash, you msut be the last person in America who doesn't know those "iron my shirt" guys were from a local radio station. They do NOT represent "the reality" of anything other than ratings.

I will say Ferraro behaved a lot better at Jan Schakowsky's Power Luncheon last year when she was facing an audience of over 1000 women (including Michelle Obama), most of whom were wearing Obama buttons. Of course, she probably didn't think at the time that Obama would get any serious support outside of Illinois. Oops.

Give me a break!

The American people are neither stupid nor amnesiac. But can we say the same things about the rabid folks in the Clinton campaign?

The word MONSTER is definitely an understatement. That kitchen sink is looking more like an unflushed toilet bowl.

Sad to say, but when will Hillary publicly proclaim that she crossed the Jezebel threshold?

Thanks for the clarification -- but what if she's right -- is that "racist" to simply state the facts? Also, your post now raises another question: do you think that Howard Dean (as National Chairman of the DNC) has an "office" you will be voting for in November?

I am reminded, as I work to study both candidates, of our daughters in middle school. As hard as I try to give Hilary a chance, her responses to issues such as Ferraro's comments today remind me so much of the Spoiled Little Girl attitude that emits from even the best raised Middle Schooler.

It is almost as if Hillary is making decisions based on how the slumber party politics went last night.

Racism has NO PLACE in our country. We Are Afterall the Little United Nations. If Hillary refuses to do anything about Ferraro's unacceptable comments, this issue has sealed my decision. Obama it is!!!!!

JakeD, Geraldine Ferraro did not simply state the facts, she made a racial and sexist assertion: "IF Barack would be a white male or a woman THEN ...". The "..." was not a fact. By "DNC" I include all elected officials in the democratic party. But I understand that not all of them are elected by the people. As for Dean, he should lose his job because of the mess he did not foresee coming out of Florida and Michigan. The lack of intervention in the current campaign to stop the catfight is another reason why he should lose his job.

To answer JakeD, in my previous comment I meant that we should get rid of all people who are as racist and sexist as Geraldine Ferraro, and who are also running for office this November; this includes those in the DNC who will not denounce and reject Geraldine Ferraro's remarks.

Where's that straight jacket when you need it?

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/03/geraldine-ferraro-if-i-had-brain.html#links

I think I have said my peace on the previous Geraldine threads, but I am still curious which "office" Logan6 thinks Geraldine Ferraro occupies that he/she is making a list, checking it twice, and putting her "out of office" next November?

P.S. Geraldine has now defended her initial comments: http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8533832

There is of course some truth in what Ferraro said, about as much as we wouldn't even know who she was if wasn't a woman.

But what I keep noticing is how often Hillary and her people cross the line of fair play -- and how often she veers off from correcting it.

Consequently, Samantha Powers deserves to be invited back to Obama's team.

Powers is three times the woman Hillary and Geraldine think they are.

Clinton is an hypocrit who won't denounce and reject racism and sexism.

It's time for the Clintons to release their records (tax returns, White House records, list of big donors to their foundation) so that we can discard Hillary's candidacy because of the scandals surrounding these documents.

Here is a very small overview where the Clintons' money comes from...

The Clinton foundation received recently a $31.3 million donation after Bill expressed enthusiastic support for the Kazakh leader's, undercuting both American foreign policy and sharp criticism of Kazakhstan's poor human rights (this is what Hillary would call double-talk):

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/politics/31donor.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

In january 2008, the Clintons received $20 million from business deals with Dubai in the Middle East:

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/22/bill-clinton-severs-ties-_n_82616.html

Sexist little boys playing with their own.

Hillary equals HYPOCRISY. Unfortunately the only double standard that has been presented in this campaign is that in 2008 "RACE" in America is still the number one tool used to divide the nation. The media and some white liberals (i.e., Bill & Hillary Clinton) use race when they can gain from this disgusting form of injustice. However, the minute that Obama says that he is being treated unfairly because of his race (which thankfully he has not done) then racism does not exist in this country. So America I ask you...Who do you want for President? A decisive politician who will do any and everything to win the presidency? or A politician who has continued to "play by the rules" in spite of the horrible attacks about his race? This campaign will determine how long Americans will put up with demagogues like the Clintons!

Geraldine Ferarro is making the point that the media and public in general are hyper-aware of racism and deaf, dumb and blind to sexism.

Case in point: Can you imagine if someone in the audience at an Obama speech had held up a sign (as was done to Hillary Clinton - iron my shirts) that said "shine my shoes". Or if people were wearing vulgar and derogatory t-shirts about Obama that spoke to his race as they do against Hillary Clinton based on her gender. The world would be outraged and rightfully so.

But when it is done against women it is just accepted and expected. That's the reality she was referring to. The reality should be that people would be just as outraged at the blatant sexism that is leveled against Hillary Clinton.

Clinton is not a racist...as far as we know.

Those Clinton superdelegates just keep proving how "un-super" they are. Yesterday, Spitzer is found to be of unsound judgment. Today, Ferraro seems to be a racist. Are these people really of superior mind to we the people -- the common masses of voters?
When Hillary goes to argue at the Democratic National Convention that the superdelegates should overturn the wisdom of the people, can she say with a straight face that their votes should count so much more than ours? That they are superior to the collective intelligence of the party?
Wow, Hillary, you have some nerve...

I would expect something stupid like this to fall out of W's mouth. But Geraldine Ferraro?

wake up people. Obama DOES NOT run
Hillary's campaign. And if you think that she will drop everyone because THE OBAMA SPEAKS you are in for a rude awakening. The only ones following the Almighty Obama are the ones that can't see "that they are only sheep in his little flock".

I hope the Mississippi primaries are decisive enough that the Democratic leadership can give Hillary some tough love and have her step back. She is damaging the Party!

http://tpzoo.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/good-morning-from-europe-has-the-democratic-party-lost-its-mind/

Geraldine just reiterated her point on Fox. Saying in part that she was being attacked "because I'm white."

Classy! How far down does this mudhole go? All the way?

Oh, and way to stand firm on your principles Hil. Yr management style is... loose? Meh... nothing bad can happen because of that right?

Like the rest of the Clinton campaign, Ferraro's comments are morally reprehensible and indefensible. Hillary "disagrees" and Ferraro defends. It is absolutely DISGUSTING.

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