Ferraro says comment wasn't racist, but steps down from Clinton campaign role
For most of day two in the Geraldine Ferraro fracas over remarks she made about Barack Obama, neither side backed down.
But this afternoon, according to NBC News and CNN, Ferraro stepped down from Hillary Clinton's national finance committee.
In a "Dear Hillary" letter obtained by CNN, Ferraro wrote Clinton: "I am stepping down from your finance committee so I can speak for myself and you can continue to speak for yourself about what is at stake in this campaign. The Obama campaign is attacking me to hurt you. I won't let that happen. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to make this a better world for my children and grandchildren. You have my deepest admiration and respect. Gerry."
The 1984 vice presidential nominee had apologized again this morning to those who thought it racially insensitive for her to suggest that Barack Obama wouldn't be the Democratic front-runner if he were not black. But she also declared: "It wasn't a racist comment. It was a statement of fact."
On ABC's "Good Morning America," she also bashed the Obama campaign for criticizing her, saying that "every time" someone makes a negative comment about Obama, they are accused of racism.
Tuesday night, she had even stronger words for the Daily Breeze, the newspaper in Torrance, Calif., whose interview with her published Friday started the whole controversy. "Racism works in two different directions," she said. "I really think they're attacking me because I'm white. How's that?"
Obama admonished Ferraro again today, saying that if someone in his campaign had suggested that Hillary Clinton "is where she is only because she is a woman," Clinton would be offended.
"Part of what I think Geraldine Ferraro is doing, and I respect the fact that she was a trailblazer, is to participate in the kind of slice and dice politics that's about race and about gender.... That's what Americans are tired of because they recognize that when we divide ourselves in that way we can't solve problems," Obama said on NBC's "Today" show.
The Obama campaign called on Clinton, who has distanced herself from Ferraro's comments, to remove her from her finance committee. Ferraro said earlier today she would step down from the committee if asked, but would not stop raising money for Clinton.
UPDATE: The Clinton campaign stoked the controversy a little more this afternoon, buttressing Ferraro's comments that Clinton has been treated unfairly as a female candidate by highlighting remarks by an Obama adviser last month.
Retired General Merrill A. "Tony" McPeak told the Los Angeles Times that Obama has "real gravitas" and "doesn't go on television and have crying fits," a reference to Clinton's much-publicized emotional moment on the eve of the New Hampshire primary.
The Obama campaign immediately repudiated the comments, and McPeak quickly said he had "high regard" for Clinton. But the Clinton camp pointed out that he is front and center -- including on a conference call today -- in vouching for Obama's national security credentials.
Senator Obama is being mocked, demeaned, insulted, and humiliated by Senator Clinton and her campaign. Yet, Senator Obama is still standing and remains above board in his response to all claims by the bigots in this country.
I want to thank Senator Obama for running a decent campaign, something we Americans are not used to. Because of Senator Obama, I have more black friends, more white friends, more Latino friends, younger friends from all races and we are very proud that Senator Obama is not promoting hate, diviseness, bigotry and lies. Thank you Senator Obama for inspiring my 28 year old son and my 30 year old daughter.
It is a sad day when some Americans claim that they do not want negative campaigning yet when they have a candidate who is NOT negative or divisive, they try to cut him to pieces. Time out, America. We need to come together. Remember, the whole world is watching.
If Gerry wasn't a female, would she have been Mondale's running mate in 1984?
And if she were black, would she have been Mondale's running mate in 1984?
so typical for a black man to play the race card. honestly, I dont even consider him black, hes really arab....barack hussein obama?? come on america wake up! we are at war with muslim terrorists, and we are going to vote into office a man of muslim heritage? America will self destruct from the inside out. so sad.
Geraldine Ferraro comments clearly racism. She is stating that Obama does not have the capacity as a person and as a politician to be in the posision he is because of his qualifications and achievements.
I agreed it wasn't racist.
It is a statement of belief but not necessarily fact. But I also found that I couldn't deny or accept that statement; because I believe it is somehow true.
Maybe a national poll will give us a better answer.
It is 2008 and we still playing the race card, come on people let get real. Judge people by their abliitly not by their skin color. Will this BS never end !!!!!!!!!!!!!
A 65 year old American
...dirty tricks from the Karl Rove School of Deceptive Politics....Hillary you should be ashamed, and be aware that you are putting yourself above the needs of the country...if we lose to to John McInsane because of your brand of take-no-prisoner campaigning, you will go down in history as one of the most reviled politicans the country has ever seen.
How can this be racial bias? She is stating the obvious, if he was a white man do you think the majority of blacks would vote him?
You know, sometimes the truth is just that....THE TRUTH. Deal with it!!
Well yes, she would, wouldn't she?
Trent Lott said that too, and his comments weren't as blatant as Ferraro's.
Certainly Geraldine Ferraro knows the difference between an opionion and a fact. What she stated was her opinion. In the article she says "this is what I believe." What you believe belongs only to you and is not documented. Facts can be checked out and are documented. This divisive strategy that the Clinton campaign is using is very unfair and destructive. I'm willing to bet that Hillary approved that opinion by Ferraro just to make the contest about race. Hillary is playing to the uninformed and the bigots. She doesn't care who she steps on to get ahead and that is very scary.
Wow, is Geraldine Ferraro digging a deeper hole, or what?
She must be out of her mind.
She brings up race and then accuses the other of Racism.
I agree with Hertzberg at the New Yorker, Obama should have kept Sam Powers.
Obama should have embraced Geraldin's remarks by using her statment to "unify" Americans not "divide" Americans. He could have pointed out how wonderful it was that Americans were excited about the "concpet" of having the First African American President. Instead he played the racism card. This makes me wonder if Obama could unify America as President. Is Obama is a proponet of change. Obama's reply was neither progressive nor gracious, but step back wards for all Americans. Obama is diving Americans and Democrats with his reply NOT Grealdine's statement. What a missed opprotunithy for Obama to unify all Americans!
Stir It Up!
Ferraro, is a nutty old lady, and the only case she is making is that John McCain is to old to serve.
Ms. Ferraro said "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," Apparently we need small children or a senior to state the obvious like in the children's story, The Emperor Has No CLothes. Obama is a great motivational speaker and has done a great job getting out the black vote and some of the young vote but he is clearly far less experienced than Hillary (and McCain). My biggest problem with Obama is that he claims to be a unifier (similar to Bush claims of being a uniter)but has clearly done all he could to make this a race about race. When Bill Clinton said Jesse Jackson won SC too, Obama allowed that factual statement to be mis interpreted despite the tremendous support the Clinton's have always provided to the black community. Now Obama is calling for Hillary to terminate Ms. Ferraro. I for one hope Hillary will not terminate Ms Ferraro for speaking the truth or claiming that The Emperor Has No Clothes.
Ferraro should be ashamed. I'm 21 and I grew up idolizing Ferraro- but what she said now sickened me. I have to say, she's no longer my hero. If anybody said, Hillary's only where she is because she's the wife of a former president, because her name is MRS.Clinton, if people said she won votes by crying and by appealing to older white women- well, somehow that would be offensive. Yet attributing everything not only Obama worked for, but all the thousands and thousands of people who voted for him and came together to campaign and work as one- attributing all of our success to race, somehow Ferraro felt that was ok to say. Shame on her.
You go Girl, I totally agree with you Ferraro.
Obama should show where his funds are coming from if he thinks that the comments are racist.
Why is it when someone voices an opinion it has to be labeled.
Hell hath no fury like a couple women who're on the LOSING side of an election.
You go Girl, I totally agree with you Ferraro.
Hello??? Gosh, everyone knows that there is no easier path to success than being a black male.
Obama is where he is because he is immensely talented, smart, and gifted. The amazing thing is that he shows every sign of also being honest and kind.
And then Ferraro has the nerve to say she is being criticized because she is white?
I suppose her being white was why, when she was vice presidential candidate she turned out to be such a liability. Didn't have anything to do with her being a LIAR.
(Golly, and about tax returns, too. Who does that remind me of?)
90+% blacks vote for Obama, tell me when is the last time 90% of people agreed on anything, then tell me it's not about race.
Racism does work in both directions as does sexism. Otherwise, why would we be making such an issue of the possible 1st black or woman president? Clinton has, and will continue to gather votes because she is female. Obama has, and will continue to gather votes because he is black. But both are where they are because they are very, very strong candidates for the office of president.
It is silly to deny the racial and sexual element of this election. Ageism is a factor for McCain. How much these biases play into the 2008 elections is news and must be discussed. Geraldine Ferraro is simply stating what she believes to be a factor in Obama's success.
I think Ferraro is right on. She may be white, but she is right. And who is Obama to "admonish" her?? She has broken ground he would never be capable of. And her comments about racism working both ways are dead on. Anytime somebody mocks or criticizes obama they are automatically "racist." Complete crap. I am glad she is standing up for principle instead of caving in to a bunch of camp baloney.
Ferraro should be criticized for making a racist statement because it was a racist statement. The statement was an intentional ploy to draw white voters away from Obama by playing on racial tensions inferring that blacks have special privileges that whites do not have.
What is not being said is how Clinton is using her supporters to bash Obama and how Clinton is not being held responsible for her supporters actions.
Tell me something: besides the fact that race was mentioned and commented on in a matter of fact way, what is racist about her comments? The question she asks is this: what would be so special about the Obama campaign if he was a white guy? What would be the point?
As long as it's an accurate analysis, I don't see what's to complain about
Obama is only the frontrunner because he is black? Give me a break! If a white man was as brilliant and eloquent as Obama he would have already wrapped up the nomination.
Geraldine may be correct. Of course, it's also true that Hilary would not be a potential nominee were she not a woman. That's not a sexist comment. That's a statement of fact.
Tell me something: besides the fact that race was mentioned and commented on in a matter of fact way, what is racist about her comments? The question she asks is this: what would be so special about the Obama campaign if he was a white guy? What would be the point?
As long as it's an accurate analysis, I don't see what's to complain about
Geraldine may be correct. Of course, it's also true that Geraldine herself would never have been a vice-presidential nominee had she not been a woman. That's not a sexist comment. That's a statement of fact.
Another elitist white liberal reveals the hidden racism among many white liberals. Ferraro would ordinarily fight racial injustice but the moment a black person threatens the candidacy of her elitist white friend, she immediately belittles the achievements and legitimacy of that black person. She is no different from a white student who sees black students at Harvard and thinks they've been accepted solely based on race. And Hillary's campaign is so disorganized that she doesn't know what to do about Ferraro. Can anyone count on Hillary to manage an entire country if she doesn't even have the experience to manage her own campaign workers?
I think they are attacking her because of the comment she made and that she is also white and Obama is black. This, to me, shows that America is not ready to deal with race. I agree with her comment - here's why.
She is not at all saying that Obama is incompetent, or not bright, or even not worthy. Perhaps a little less prepared the Clinton. She is saying that he is a novelty, a concept. And people have run wild with the concept. The concept encompasses more than Obama's blackness. It's the hype, the mania, the momentum, the hope. These all contribute to the concept as well - and nothing's worng with that. But it was all made possible because of his blackness, is what I think she is saying. I don't know if you remember a republican politician mentioned how articulate Obama was (in shock that a black person could speak well) and some people didn't like that, including me. But that guy was pointing directly as his blackness as well. What Ferraro is in essence saying is that if this were a white man with the same level of experience, lacking the "preacher in the pulpit" tone on speeches, he may be still unheard of. Therefore one could also argue that she is wrong, but that he is - where he is - because his ability to deliver a speech. However, I am in agreement with Ferraro, and actually she stole that line from me.... LOL
I believe that Obama's blackness is obvious, but everyone wants to downplay it or up play it, depending on what side they are on. That's exactly why I am adamant that blackness is not a criteria for the presidency. Not even blacks want to fully admit that they voted for him because the color matches, but the statistics completely reveal the motives of black america and proves Ferraro absolutely right on the side of blacks. On the side of whites, she may have to persuade a bit more in order for folks to see her point. I see it.
I am increasingly concerned by what is considered unsavory language, especially, when it comes to afro-americans. I would denouce any suggestion that someone isn't qualified based on their race. I also believe that some of the attention drawn to Obama has been linked to his race- I think afro- americans are voting over 85% consistantly, that is a matter of selection based on race. I suppose you could dispute that, and I would honestly hear your theory opposing it. My point would be, the mechanics of political correctness, is violating our free speech, and once this is gone, so is our entire value system. So as many of you are guided toward what you think is a civil rights momentus, look a little closer, the left is systematically removing your rights, in the name of yoour rights.
He is not Moslem, fruitcake! Why don't you actually have any facts in your head. This racism only works because people are racists like you. The guy who blew up the Oklahoma building , what religion was he, dork?
And Iraq is all moslems, weren't you supposedly trying to liberate them or was that just a ruse to get more oil?
I am a black woman who called my black friend to watch for the reports of Geraldine Ferraro's comments. The reason I did so was because my friend - - who herself has worked on Capitol hill and is familiar with beltway politics - - had been saying the more or less the same thing for several weeks now.
People who call these comments racist do so because they have NO clue as to what true racism is. Everytime someone says something about Obama that is not positive, that person gets called a racist. As a proud fully black person, I am offended by that.
We are in a hpolitical race. I am amazed by polls that indicate that Obama rates in the 60 percentile of people who believe he represents change, but only in the 8 percentile of those who believe he can be elected president. Wake up people....if you can't be elected you can not change a dog gone thing.
Sadday, it's a sad day when people like you distribute your stupidity. Barack is not an arab since he isn't from the Arabian Peninsula. he is however, a well cultured person whose spent most of his life in the USA, happens to be christian (not like it matters, nor should it) and I guarantee is more patriotic than your own ignorant self. Oh no, his middle name is Hussein! Hurry someone call homeland security! Call the air-force!
I mean, if you want you can go ahead and vote for McCain Sadday, he will tell you of how patriotic he is with his american name and his golf buddies using oil money to take vacations together. he will spend most of your tax money on the military and making new bombs which will kill more innocent civilians so he can show the other countries how powerful he is.
Or you can try to be more open minded, realize a name is just a name, and vote for someone who wants to make our education and healthcare better, economy more competitive, and finally get our allies back since they all hate us for 8 years of Bush.
As for the topic at hand, race matters, religion matters. It SHOULDN'T, but it does. We shouldn't have to fear being called racist for a statement of truth, Ferraro was right that, and let's be honest, Barack has a lot of black votes. By the same token, Clinton has a lot of white votes, and you don't see Ferraro saying that, because it would hurt instead of help. Who benefits more? there are far more white people than black people. Clinton definitely benefits from race in terms of votes, and honestly if I were a member of Clinton's campaign I would steer clear of this issue for that reason.
I personally don't like her and don't like Hillary either, but I don't see anything racist about her comments; what she says may not be true, its just her opinion, but its not racist in any way. I really don't see what the racist charge is about. It may be insulting to Obama's credentials as a candidate but in no way is that racist. This is after all politics.
Our world is a sorry state today as politics and our so called racial sensitivities won''t let truth be heard. Every one knows that race and gender are factors in this Democratic political race. Its a bold face lie that says Obama's race isn't a strong factor in his campaign and that Clintons sex isn't a factor in hers. But of course, since truth is relative today, especially in politics.
"How can this be racial bias? She is stating the obvious, if he was a white man do you think the majority of blacks would vote him?" Posted by tgilbert March 12, 08 11:34 AM
Are you suggesting that Blacks would not vote overwhelmingly for a white democratic candidate?? Umh...does the name William Jefferson Clinton ring a bell?? Come one people...wake up!!!
The black voters of missisipi were pissed off by Ms. Ferraro's statement. If they had the urge to vote for Hillary, that racist statement changed their minds.
I never seen so many black people out and voting in my life.
They didn't vote for Mr. Obama based on his race. They voted for him , because he is a intelligent and inspiring candidate. The others voted against Hillary Clinton and her racism.
Hillary and her racist cronies influenced the black vote in missisipi, people are tired of being put down.
If you don't remember this ---- let me refresh you
A Ferraro flashback
"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," she said.
Really. The cite is an April 15, 1988 Washington Post story (byline: Howard Kurtz), available only on Nexis.
Here's the full context:
Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."
Asked about this at a campaign stop in Buffalo, Jackson at first seemed ready to pounce fiercely on his critics. But then he stopped, took a breath, and said quietly, "Millions of Americans have a point of view different from" Ferraro's.
Discussing the same point in Washington, Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."
Finally, someone spoke up. The news networks and commentators certainly haven't.
The black voters of missisipi were pissed off by Ms. Ferraro's statement. If they had the urge to vote for Hillary, that racist statement changed their minds.
I never seen so many black people out and voting in my life.
They didn't vote for Mr. Obama based on his race. They voted for him , because he is a intelligent and inspiring candidate. The others voted against Hillary Clinton and her racism.
Hillary and her racist cronies influenced the black vote in missisipi, people are tired of being put down.
If you don't remember this ---- let me refresh you
A Ferraro flashback
"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," she said.
Really. The cite is an April 15, 1988 Washington Post story (byline: Howard Kurtz), available only on Nexis.
Here's the full context:
Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."
Asked about this at a campaign stop in Buffalo, Jackson at first seemed ready to pounce fiercely on his critics. But then he stopped, took a breath, and said quietly, "Millions of Americans have a point of view different from" Ferraro's.
Discussing the same point in Washington, Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."
Aim high! Senator Obama, the bottom is crowded with racist pigs.
Clear to me that Ferraro had the guts to tell it like it is. A shame that people call that offensive. Seems to me that the skin issue is not a matter of color, its a matter of thickness.
Racist? You want to know what's racist? Blacks voting in overwhelmingly majorities for a candidate simply because of color of his skin, now that's racist !
Why does the color of people's skin matter? I mean if we had a president that was of Muslim decent and had similar views that I had it shouldn't matter at all. Racism is just a huge problem for this country.
Clear to me that Ferraro had the guts to tell it like it is. A shame that people call that offensive. Seems to me that the skin issue is not a matter of color, its a matter of thickness.
How many times has Obama mentioned the word "husband" or refered to Bill Clinton?
"She's only a wife" "she has no idenity except as a wife" "she's just a woman" "she was only married to a president" All these things are implied if not said but of course the media will continue to give Obama a free pass, just because the guys all need to stick together.
Geraldine Ferraro said what she thinks -last time I checked she still can, at least until Obama CHANGES a women's right to speak out.
The media question should be- Is it true? Why not discuss race and gender issues? It's the perfect time.
Aim high! Senator Obama, the bottom is crowded with racist pigs.
Someone asked the question, if he were black, would the majority of blacks have voted for him?
The answer to that question is clearly YES! The last 42 years since blacks have actually been able to freely vote, the only choices have been while males.... So who did all the blacks vote for then????? And in 1992, who did blacks mostly vote for: Bill Clinton, a white male...
And to say that Obama is Muslim because of his name, is like saying I am French because of my first name: Maurice!
Good for Geraldine!
This is the debate America needs to have. Let's look at black racism. More than 80% of black Democrats are voting for Obama. This is black racism and yes it does exist in the US as anyone who lives here knows
But you will not hear the media talk about the reverse racism issue. They live in fear of being considered racist if they even raise the issue.
If Obama was white he would have wrapped this thing up in Ohio and Texas. His race has cost him more votes than it has gained him. He is where he is DESPITE the struggles of attaining success as a black man. I can't decide if its racism, stupidity, or clinton-campaign myopia.
The Clintons pushed the African American vote away with their tactics in S Carolina. Bill used to get 90% of the black vote too.
It is insulting that I, a white guy, am only voting for Obama because he is black. The fact is that this 2-decade + political junkie has never felt so strongly that a national candidate can actually stand up for real change in Washington. Is has nothing to do with race. Just ask Iowans, Wisconsonians, Hawaiians, Vermonters, Wyoming(ites?), ect.
Unfortunately both of these candidates have glaring weaknesses, any intelligent person knows Clinton benefits from being a woman and Obama does from being black. The biggest problem with politics is " its politics" and filled with deceit and " smoke and mirrors" In my opinion, there are more Americans scared of the thought of any of the current candidates being president than the number of Americans REALLY excited about any one candidate serving as the next PRESIDENT of the United States. That is a lot more scary than arguing over whether the comment was truly racist or not.
400 years of white privilege in America. Racism does not work both ways.
Clinton wouldn't stand a chance against Obama if she wasn't a woman. How's that?
Both candidates are well educated. Both are there because there message resonates with the voters. If Mr. obama were white his oratory skills would still spark an energy in voters. If Ms ferraro's comments were correct then Al Sharpton and Jesse jackson would have been presidential nominees. but the wer not... So we must look for something deeper than clor or sex. we must look at the messgae and how its inspiring a new generation of voters. So were Ms. ferraro's comments race baiting... Yes because she has tried to simplify mr. Obama to a color.
I think what we're really seeing here is the difference between Baby-boomer and post-Baby-boomer politics in this country. I don't want to suggest that race and gender equality are not still serious obstacles in this country, but the post-Baby-boomers are not as trapped by those issues as our predecessors were. We see Obama, rather than attempting to "overcome" these issues, attempting to move past them; the Baby-boomers, however, have been trapped in that paradigm for decades. At some point, we need to move on; Obama's successes in the primaries, while I don't think he is some messianic figure by any stretch of the imagination, demonstrates that America is ready to begin that process. If he was a woman and saying the same stuff, I think he would be having the same kind of success. . .
Obama admonished Ferraro again today, saying that if someone in his campaign had suggested that Hillary Clinton "is where she is only because she is a woman," Clinton would be offended.
Hillary R. Clinton has 35 yrs of being in the political arena at various levels; and has always taken the heat for what she believes in.. go to govtrack us congress person and do your own research.
Hillary R. Clinton is what this Great Nation needs.
Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow. Plato
From “Dreams of my Father”, Page 108 “I’ll tell you why. Because it makes me feel important. Because I like the applause. It gives me a nice, cheap thrill. ...
Barack H. Obama was discussing why he likes giving speeches.
Wise men talk because they have something to say;
fools, because they have to say something. Plato
Enough said!!
Why is what Ferraro said racist? You hear this will be a ground breaking election because he could be our first black president. THAT is a racist comment. Who cares what his color is as long as he competent and DOESN'T use the color of his skin to get more votes.
When a person says they are voting for him because they want a black president they are being racist. Period. They are voting based on color. Overall, you see 80-90% of the black people voting for a black canidate. However, it is at the 50-60 % point for the other colors voting for a non-black candidate. Unless you are telling me that black people are a better judge of character ( which would be a very racist observation) is appears that the black people *are* voting on race strongly, the other races much less strongly.
Of course Obama doesn't want to hear it! Even if it happens to be a fact. Just go ask 10 random people who they are voting for and then 10 African Americans and see how the votes pan out.
Stating an observation that's true isn't racist, voting for a candidate based on *color* is.
OF COURSE SHE IS SO RIGHT!
Lots of fun watching the liberal hypocrite party imploding on race and gender issues. Racist blacks are voting for Obama in huge numbers. Angry feminists are voting for Clinton in huge numbers. They will never come together if their candidate loses. Neither candidate is good for America. One would destroy our security and the other would destroy our economy. Meanwhile, informed Americans understand the dangers that Islam terrorism forebodes and will vote for the man who knows duty, honor, country. Obama would vote for Osama, Chavez would vote for Clinton.
I'd bet that Geraldine has worked a heck of a lot harder getting to where she has been and is than Obama has. I was really stunned when he said "Can I get an Amen" during one of his rallies. Wow! Elmer Gantry? Like my mom used to say, "It's all fun and games until you poke an eye out" . . . or, to paraphrase, it's all fun and games until you have to produce. And you young women out there who are ranting against Geraldine, maybe you should tone it down until you've been "out there" a bit longer. If you don't hit a glass ceiling eventually you'll be a record breaker. You're already being paid less than a man gets paid in whatever work you do. (And if you don't know who Elmer Gantry is, look it up.)
Good for Geraldine!
This is the debate America needs to have. Let's look at black racism. More than 80% of black Democrats are voting for Obama. This is black racism and yes it does exist in the US as anyone who lives here knows
But you will not hear the media talk about the reverse racism issue. They live in fear of being considered racist if they even raise the issue.
This is just yet one more outrageous way that Hillary C thinks she can bash the front runner. She and hubby will stop at nothing to get elected. What a pair! And, yes, we'll get them both running the White House if people are naive enough to fall for their campaign tactics. Where are her tax records, huh? Stick with the issues and stop tearing down your own party, Mrs. C. Republicans would never be so stupid!
And, which Hillary are you? The NOW candidate, the "I'm your girl" union groupie, the teary-eyed sensitive lady in NH, and/or the screaming speech deliverer? Double standards-- Howard Dean lost because of one incident. Every HC speech is a screaming, desperate lecture on why she's the right one and why Obama is
not. Give it up, "girl" or you'll be asked to fairly soon. We are the voters and WE'LL
decide this election...unless you can figure a way to get the supers to undo it.
I do not agree with Ferraro's comments completely. There has to be some validity to this statement on some level. The issue for me is that in this era of being politically correct, opinions are attacked and no one can truly have a voice. I am a Black man. Obviously, I don't like the kkk. Yet, I believe they have the right to hold their opinions and to voice their opinions (not act on them e.q. cross burning). Ferraro should have the right to say what she thinks. I think she is both right and wrong but her statement could easily be applied to hillary as well. Perhaps if she would have stated that both candidates may be benefiting from race or gender( or being hindered by these factors) she would not have sounded racist. Neglecting to mention that what is good for the goose is good for the gander is a bad move.
Ferraro is an embarrassment and the Clinton campaign ought to kick her to the curb. Obama isn't winning because he's black, nor is he some empty suit who's only where is he is because of affirmative action.
Her comment is demeaning, profoundly ignorant, and if she's representative of either the Clinton campaign, and why should we think otherwise, or of Democrats in general, then they'll be doing without my vote in November.
Hilary gets her votes not for her brains but for being a woman Hussein Obama gets his votes for being black He gives great written speeches whitout contents
clinton, gore & kerry all got about 80% of the black vote, and if hillary was doing the same (she was doing better than obama among blacks initially) nobody would be talking about it. i suppose all those black folks in iowa and maine really helped swing those states for obama. obama is intelligent, eloquent and has found a way to connect with people, that's worked for plenty of white candidates before. hillary wouldn't be where she is in her political career if she wasn't a woman and if she hadn't married a man who happened to become president, yet if someone made comments about that everybody would be calling for their head. the clinton camp knows that they are playing on people's resentment of so called affirmative action hires, it's shameful. but yeah black men always have it easy in this country.
What is worse about the comment, regardless of its tone on race, is the fact that of all the people who would understand the prejudices that comes with either being a person of color or a woman for that matter, is from Ferraro. Herself being in a similar position during her campaign as the first women to be nominated as a Vice-Presidential candidate. The comment may not be racist as she claims it to be, but it is certainly prejudicial.
The Clintons' have from the beginning played the race card. Obama has done everything he can to try to stay above it. How many Clinton surrogates have made racial type remarks? Billy Sheehan, Bob Kerry, Bob Johnson, and now Gerldine Ferraro. Its cleary Clinton strategy and everyone should be disgusted by it. The implication from Ferraro is that Obama has won all these primaries not becuase he's smart, talented, and inspiring, its becuase of some "equal opportunity hiring." Really disturbing. This is dividing the supposadly progressive democratic party. Alienated african-americans on one side and angry older women on the other.
Is Barack Obama an open field runner? I don't think so. The comments above show that his supporters don't understand what's ahead if Barack is nominated.
So far Barack has been in the cocoon of the Democratic Party and the fawning of self-indulgent supporters. They get to feel good and he gets to be President. By the time the real campaign begins in August, the race card will be shop worn and the faux supporters will be disillusioned by the information brought out by the Republicans. There is no way the Republicans could win unless the Democrats make it happen. This outcome would show why the Democrats are not fit to rule.
While SHE may not be racist, the comment most certainly was and saying "Oh - Obama's out to divide the Democratic Party" when *she* is the one that made such a divisive comment is just beyond hypocritical.
The translation of what she said was, "You wouldn't be so privildged if you weren't black. Nobody would take your dumb ideas seriously if you were white." SHE is the one diving candidates up by skin tone and gender. SHE is the one that's not listening to his brilliant ideas. SHE is the one that made the nasty comment. If SHE can't accept responsibility for saying what she did then she needs to shut up.
Ok REX...What would be so special about the Hillary campaign if she were a he.
Just more of the same old style political retoric.
Race and gender aside...I see no redeeming qualities in Hillary. Hillary is a dividing force....Obama is a uniter. This countly has been divided since Baby Bush has been in office. It's time to come togethor, and that is what Obama represents.
Nobody's talking about the real reason Ferraro is ticked off that Obama is winning. He's inspiring people with soaring, uplifting oratory. Just like that guy who kept her and Fritz out of the White House.
"Darn it, why do people fall for that uplifting, positive, inspiring stuff?! If only they could look past that , I mighta been president one day! Waaagh!"
It really has nothing to do with race, does it Geraldine?
To those who claim Ferraro is just telling it like it is, then why the outrage from the Clinton camp over being called a 'monster' by Professor Samantha Powers? Why not apply the truth standard in that case?
Everyone is trying to say G. Ferraro's comments were "fact".
Here's a couple of "facts".
At the start of this primary H. Clinton was getting 60-70% of the black vote.
B. Obama started campaigning and lo and behold people like his ideas and now he's getting the majority of the black vote.
If his success is because he's black then why didn't A. Sharpton or J.Jackson sweep the primaries when they ran? If I'm not mistaken they're both black.
When is the last time anyone commented that the only reason someone won an election is because he's a rich white guy?
A Ferraro flashback
"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," she said.
Really. The cite is an April 15, 1988 Washington Post story (byline: Howard Kurtz), available only on Nexis.
Here's the full context:
Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."
Asked about this at a campaign stop in Buffalo, Jackson at first seemed ready to pounce fiercely on his critics. But then he stopped, took a breath, and said quietly, "Millions of Americans have a point of view different from" Ferraro's.
Discussing the same point in Washington, Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."
It is sad how little america has progressed. Do most of you people even look at the facts within the exit polls? People are making the assumption that Obama is only in this race because he is black. When in all honesty with his ability he would probably be doing even better if he was completely and not half white. Obama wins the majority of the black vote, the younger vote, and the more intelligent american (non-racial biast) vote. Hillary wins the majority of hispanic, feminists, and the "old" white vote. If anything Hillary's core voting group is the more racist/sexist.
The only reason this contest is close is more old white people vote than old black people because there are statistically more whites.
i was getting sick of the ongoing tussle between the two democratic candidates, but suddenly it's forcing a discussion--a real discussion (or at least an unintended expose'),--of attitudes about race in this country. and a big part of it is watching the democrats; the politically correct, noble of purpose democrats get their covers yanked off when one of them, or all of them misspeaks.
watching them scramble for safety is great.
hillary said she'd accept ferraro's resignation from her finance committee (after ferraro's butterlips remark), but the candidate would still take whatever money ferraro could raise if she still wanted to, y'know..raise money.
you can't make this stuff up.
The people suggesting that it is Obama or his campaign turning this into a race issue should take pause and think about what they are saying. Taking a step back, it appears from a strategic perspective, HRC is testing 2 concepts.
First, she appears to be probing the concept which was discussed in the media of all attacks on Obama being characterized as racist. I believe this attack will backfire because it is not based on logic or reason and is not justifiable by independent data.
Second, she also appears to be indirectly appealing to white voters in PA who are facing a difficult economic situation and find it easier to blame a scapegoat rather than realize that it is the economic system itself (faceless) which has lead to their current situation.
What's wrong with her comments. She just simply pointed out the truth. Come on people, wake up. Look what percentage of black voters in Mississippi voted for Obama, more than 90%. Do you know why, BECAUSE HE IS BLACK!!! If you don't admit that, you have to find a baby sitter to take care of you.
Geraldine Ferraro's comments remind me of what a NAACP official said years ago of Louise Day Hicks: "She's a muddled, inept white woman."
Were it not such a serious election - with so much at stake - every comment that has been made here might be "funny".
The Republicans must be looking at all of this with a sense of glee. It is divide and conquer...and the Republicans don't have to do a thing except accept the keys to the White House (again) in January of 2009.
Not that I, a life-long (51 year old) Democrat am happy about this at all.
I was only 11 years old during the 1968 campaign. Had it not been for my mother being knee-deep in Democratic politics during that period what happened in '68 might not have left such an impression on an 11 year old boy. We had Robert Kennedy, George McGovern and Hubert Humphrey all battling it out - the Vietnam War being the centerpiece of the fighting.
And what did we get? A divided Democratic Party and Republican Richard Nixon waltzing into the White House...and we all now know where that guy took us.
Be careful my fellow Democrats. Be very careful. All this infighting between the Obama and Clinton camps - and all of their collective supporters - is going to land us with President John McCain. Be careful how far this stuff might all go out of control. President McCain DOES NOT (in my opinion) have a good ring to it at all.
The funny thing is her statement was correct. He just reminds me of Hitler too, all show no substance.
Geraldine Farraro is like a catfish, all head and mouth. You can't cure stupid.
REX is right. The numbers don't lie. Without picking up 70%/80% of the black vote in low turnout primary elections, where would Obama be? That is the relevant piece of information. Without picking up highly educated white liberals in Red state caucuses, Where would Obama be? Will the Democratic Party be able to carry SC, NC, Mississippi, Idaho and Wyoming on election Day if Obama is the nominee? Will Hispanics bother to vote if Obama is the nominee?
And since we're talking truth here, would Hillary be in the race if she weren't a woman is the wrong question. The right question is would she be in the race if she weren't a Clinton? The answer is probably not. If Obama is too weak to carry the states listed above, Hillary is probably even weaker and guaranteed to help motivate the Republican base to vote. Will Blacks bother to vote if Hillary is the nominee?
Why since 1996 do the Demopublicans always manage to pick fatally flawed candidates (Gore, Kerry, Obama/Clinton) who give weak Republicrats a chance to be in the race in the first place?
And then there is the perennial weed Ralph Nader who yet again demonstrates that his ego triumphs over all.
It's enough to make one fear for the Republic.
The woman is about 80 yrs old and probably senile. Give her a break!!
HA HA HA...Thoughtcrime is now coming home to roost among the left-wing trash that started the entire "PC" movement. For the first time I agree with Ferraro. Black politicians are immune from criticism because no one wants to be tar-brushed with the "racist" tag. It doesn't matter who the candidate is, or what their qualifications and weaknesses are, if they are black they are untouchable (as long as they are not Clarence Thomas, who erred by straying from the Plantation and thinking for himself...an even greater sin in Democrap circles.) Liberals continue to denigrate African Americans as "poor little creatures" (the "White man's Burden") rather than treating them as competent men and women who should rise and fall on merit rather than pigment. having set that trap, the liberals are now caught in it. How about taking the Republican approach and treating people as individual human beings and not "oppressed groups"?
This whole thing reminds me of the Rush Limbaugh incident with the football quarterback. Of course it was a racist comment to make. Obama is geting NO breaks because of his race; if anything, it makes it all that much harder for him. Kudos to him for making it this far and keeping his cool.
It's kind of silly to suggest that Clinton would get offended if Obama said she was only in her position as contender because she is a woman. The whole point of Ferraro's comment was that Clinton put in the time and the work to build up credentials that were the equivalent, or even greater, than that of credible male presidential candidates. That's what it took to get her where she is today. Obama, on the other hand, has relatively slight credentials and Ferraro is pointing out that, were those the credentials of a white male or a woman, s/he would not have been as successful in this campaign as Obama has been to date. Not everything that addresses race is racist.
For those of you who say (with an honest heart) that her comments were not racist, wouldn't you agree that, at a minimum, they are part of the overall HRC coordinated attempt to diminish Obama? i.e. He's just an empty suit. He is all talk. He isn't good enough...la la la. Say it enough times and some of the dummies out there will start to believe it. It's Hillary's only hope -- she is proving herself unable to inspire and motivate people to vote for her on HER OWN merits, so she tries to belittle Obama enough so that people will take her as the better of the two.
In fact, just based on the Campaign for the Democratic Nomination alone, Obama has PROVEN a better manager, a better leader, and a better campaigner. Just check the numbers...states, votes, delegates. Then look at the press reports about the internal infighting...lots for HRC, none for BHO. Who is demonstrating their ability to lead the entire nation??
Now, that's a FACT you can run with!
For the record, for all you Clinton and Ferraro supporters, Ferraro is the one who brought up Obama's race, not him. Additionally, Clinton has consistently used the race card to belittle him and create fear about his candidacy.
As a product of a Seven Sister college, I am ashamed of Hillary's tactics and the sheer desperation that underlies her continuous ad hominem attacks. Right now, she is no better than a Republican.
I don't care if Obama is Black, White, or Green. All I know is that he stands for surrender in Iraq, social healthcare programs that will bankrupt the country, and redistribution of wealth(tax the wealthy more and give it to the poor).
This is not the American dream. Why should someone that works hard to get somewhere have to pay for those who would rather rely on government handouts? Sounds more like communism than America to me.
His empty message of hope and change is nothing but words. His plans for hope and change are either unrealistic or have been tried and are failing in those countries that implemented them. His words and Hildogs words are straight from the Marxist handbook.
Ferraro was originally answering a question about why there was so much excitement about Obama. She said basically that a white man (or woman) wouldn't trigger so much excitement. Is everyone who is upset about this seriously suggesting that if Obama looked like Chris Dodd everyone would be swooning in the aisles? Obama is using black-oriented oratory at a time when whites just don't do oratory (except a few very old folk like Senator Byrd). White candidates are supposed to be cool, calm and collected...on top of the world, projecting an aura of confidence with appropriate humility (Reagan, Clinton, G.W.Bush, McCain before he started to fall apart, Kerry, even back to Eisenhower). Only a black guy can get away with being so fiery, and we need that fire now!
Hillary divides. Anything, anything to be elected. She has not fired Ferraro because she knows that finger pointing - even the most absurd - will stick somehow.
Latinos, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabs, Pakistani, all others, all non pure white, beware: racists are racists. This is the problem in the USA. This is the problem with Washington establishment and the Clintons are very much part of it.
Response to tgilbert
Did majority of blacks not vote for Bill Clinton? What of Al Gore?
Ferraro's comments is like saying a black man cannot be a doctor, lawyer or judge except affirmative action helps him get into school. It is so uncalled for. I am however not suprised that it is coming from the Clinton camp. Afterall, Bill started the whole racially charged attacks.
To the previous comment: "so typical for a black man to play the race card. honestly, I dont even consider him black, hes really arab....barack hussein obama?? come on america wake up! we are at war with muslim terrorists, and we are going to vote into office a man of muslim heritage? America will self destruct from the inside out. so sad."
I am amazed people like this exist...but may be a paid blogger from one of the other campaigns. Honestly, as someone who I assume reads at least some news, how can you make such ignorant comments? Your comment comes across with the same amount of credibility as when our president speaks (none).
What is unbelievable is how many people choose to support Senator Clinton in spite of the fact that she, not just her campaign staff, has time and time demonstrated how willing they are to do anything to win. What type of person would state that her Republican challenger is more qualified to be commander and chief than her democratic challenger? Only someone that put her own personal aspirations ahead of her parties ability to win in the general election. Her arguement of "he's all talk and no action" is ludicrous on it's face. This is a serious man who has accomplished many great things in his life and is now leading in every measure of this race. To not recognize the ability of this individual to inspire and lead, qualities that have moved nations to act i.e. Martin Luther King, Ghandi, JFK, is to deny history. Barack has and will continue to motivate, unify, and inspire and in doing so transform this nation from apathy to action. Initially I was a Hillary supporter but I have been repulsed by her actions. Senator Clinton you should be ashamed of yourself!
Without a doubt Senator Clinton is a very intelligent and capable person but the the fact that she is morally bankrupt ruins all the good she has going for her. What a shame!
Her comment is racist. Ferraro is inferring that Obama is where he is because of his race. Attributing Obama's place in this campaign to the color of his skin, is in fact, making a racist statement. Obama is an intelligent and accomplished human being, and to discount that to race is ignorant, and damaging to the democratic party.
Hillary would not be where she if she weren't married to Bill Clinton. That is a fact.
I've heard a number of time that Obama will win this state or that state because it has more "black" voters. it is not all about race but race is a big factor in his popularity. It would be no different when the newspeople were saying Huckabee's popularity was due the Christian voters and this is all about religion. Facts are facts. Religion, race, political persuasion, looks, age and gender are always a part of who votes for who. To denie it and call it racism is simply the immature person's way of handling it.
You know what, as an African American Woman, I am so tired of hearing what color Sen. Obama is. This race should have nothing to do with the color of his skin and I wish the public and his co-runners would stop making it about that. There has always been a popular vote amongst African Americans and every other nationality, as there will be in every choice there is to be made. There will always be a majority that goes one way. We all know what color he is, and for those of us who can't see, we certainly hear it enough. I say, enough already. There will always be race issues as long as we continue to let it divide us. Yes it is highly possible that he would still be in the same position he is currently in if he were white. Just as well, it is highly possible that Sen. Clinton would be in the same position she is in now if she were a man. Just because the politicians see the outward differences in the candidates and feel the need to shove it down everyones throat, does not mean that it is that alone that makes those of us that share the same commonality with the candidates, vote for them. Grow up already!
If he were a white man with the persona and policy agenda he has, he would destroy Clinton. It wouldn't even be a contest. It'd be like taking John Edwards and giving him the support of independents and digruntled centrist Republicans. Furthermore, he wouldn't have racists like Hillary and Ferraro unified against him... the Archie Bunker vote would be his for sure.
Obama isn't winning because he's black. That's is the purest form of racism. He's winning despite it.
Let's not forget, Clinton supporters said a few weeks ago that "b-tch is the new black."
No. No it's not. They didn't round up b-tches and leave them to die in New Orleans.
Racists. Hillary and her supporters are racists.
Ferraro has a right to her personal opinion, just as Samantha Powers has a right to hers. However, when a person is affiliated with a campaign, that opinion takes on wider meaning. This is why Powers felt obligated to leave the Obama campaign. Ferraro has enough experience to understand that her comments can be perceived as coming directly from the Clinton campaign, and she would be wise to sever all ties as soon as possible. The sad part to this is that Ferraro doesn't see her comments as being racist; she actually believes that Obama is an Affirmative Action candidate, and that his multi-millions of supporters are either too blind or too ignorant to see that he lacks substance. And, by expressing her views publicly and as member of the Clinton campaign, she gives these views some level of legitimacy in the eyes of others who might feel the same way.
"I really think they're attacking me because I'm white. How's that?"
How I feel for this poor oppressed white person. White people have had such a problem with discrimination throughout American history. I believe people are commenting not because of her race, but because of her obvious racial bias. This is surprising as she was selected to run based on her gender. Obama has got where he is today because of his leadership. He may be black, but that is not the reason many in America support him. Ferraro suggests in her comments that being black is an advantage. If this is the case, why has there never before been a black president? Perhaps because of racist attitudes toward people of color that still exist in America. Leadership and perspective is something Ferraro obviously lacks, as does Clinton by not more forcefully distancing herself from Ferraro and her racist attitudes. I hope people take note and vote accordingly in the upcoming primary in Pennsylvania.
#8 & #23
90% of the blacks voted for Bill Clinton in BOTH prez election.
#23 90+% blacks vote for Obama, tell me when is the last time 90% of people agreed on anything, then tell me it's not about race.
90+ % of blacks vote for the democratic candidate in every major election, what country do you live in. Hillary just thought they would blindly follow her, because her husband was popular with the black community, wasn't he labled the first black president.
Why is it ok for white person to stated their opinion? But if a black peorson stated how they feel it is a problem. AMERICA WAKE UP!!!! Can't you see that they want us divide it!!
Since Obama is winning and Clinton is losing, Clinton supporters are saying that Obama is only winning because he's black and America is sexist.
If Clinton was winning and Obama was losing, Obama supporters would say that Clinton is only winning because she's a women and America is racist. (remember people blaming the "Bradley Effect" for Clinton's win in New Hampshire)
who pulled ferarro out of the realm of irrelevancy and bothered to ask her anything?
Ferraro was just stating her opinion. She was not saying that Obama is not qualified but that being African American is helping him get to the position he's in (he's getting the majority of the African American vote). Just as being a woman helps Hillary pull a majority of the women's vote. They are both very qualified candidates and they are both using their unique attributes to their advantage whenever and wherever possible.
I think it's great that we are at a point when being an African American or a woman can be an advantage.
Ferraro also said she is the first to admit she would not have been on the the '84 ticket had she been a man. Not because she wasn't qualfied but because she is a woman and they were trying to pull that voting block.
If anything the Obama campaign is making a big deal about this and blowing it out of proportion to try to have it reflect negatively on Clinton.
This is Ferraro's version of "The Nappy Headed Ho" remark of Don Imus. Obama has used his skill and talent to get where he is. Why is it Obama's responsibility to dignify her stupid and demeaning thoughts?
I know Hillary didn't say the comment, but she should distance herself from it as much as possible. For a woman who championed a woman presidency as something Americans should be proud to tell their daughters about, she's really missing the mark here. What are african-americans supposed to tell their kids, then? That their political leaders are somehow less deserving of their position than women like Hillary Clinton?
Whether it was racist or not, it was not the kind of mean-spirited comment Hillary would have made in the past. I hope she shows us that her good judgement still exists and issues a proper punishment to her campaign staff member for making it.
Ferraro has a history of attributing black men's political success to their race, or didn't you see Ben Smith's recent post at The Politico...
"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," - Geraldine Ferraro
Sure Gerry, being a black man makes it reeeaally easy to go far in presidential politics. Anyone who buys this crap needs to sit and think about it for a while. Maybe you're not racist...maybe you're just stupid. The odds are that you're a little bit racist. Why? Because you don't go around saying "if Bill Clinton wasn't white, he wouldn't inspire confidence in so many people." Nobody seriously votes for a presidential candidate simply because they're black, or white, and to suggest otherwise is to bring race into a topic where it doesn't belong (i.e. "racism"). ALL candidates of any race or gender have to pass the "command-in-chief test"...it's called winning elections on the path to the oval office.
Bravo Geraldine. Finally someone of significance came forward and publically said what everyone is thinking!! To bad no other politician has the rocks to publically say what they are thinking!!
Has anyone noticed how brilliant Barack Obama is? or how eloquent a speaker he is? or how above board he has lived so that he might be considered a viable candidate for President? Has anyone noticed that Barack Obama really is a better candidate for President that George Bush? This is an American running for President. Why does it have to be about his coclor. I think if a white man was half as good he probably would have done twice as good. So Obama is where he is in spite of being a black man.
I'm astonished to find people accusing OBAMA of playing the race card. Is the mere fact of his color "playing the race card"? Does she honestly believe people are responding to his intelligence, elegance and style only because he's black? Saying that someone got where they are only because of race IS racist. That is what racism means. What a disappointment so many of these comments are. I can overlook the nutty ones but those who think it's just fine to further this garbage thinking depress me no end.
Mr. Obama is not the first African-American to run for President. So if Geraldin's remarks is not racist and factually correct then Jessie Jackson should be our first African-American President or at least got as far as Mr. Obama.
Geraldine Ferraro was just relating her own personal experience and what she had learned in looking back on her own personal history and applying it to her reasons why she supports Hillary Clinton and not Barack Obama. It has to do with experience and qualifications period. He is running on star power not qualifications or experience and part of her star power in 84 was her being a woman. Part of Barack Obama star power is being the first African American who really is expected to win the white house.
That does have a amount of star draw power and we all agree on that. That is all she was trying to say not anything else the spin doctors are trying to turn in to a racist issue. It is the Obama camp and now Obama himself who is trying to pump more into it so they can suck more out of it for Political gain. Typical politics.
We had a whole tread where we talked open and honestly about things like this and now we are resorting to making that thread a sham by this kind of discussion. Here Geraldine Ferraro was relating in and open way her personal lessons learned as to why she was the VP on the ticket. Now was that her only qualifications ..no. She had some experience and had done a lot of good work and was also ask for that. She had to have political qualification other then being a woman or they would have just picked any woman with a big name or a woman off the street. Still one of the biggest factors of picking her at that time was to create star power from her being a woman. The Times and what she brought was responsible for that. The times and who Barack Obama is (all parts of him) is making him the success he is today. He could not have done this 30 years ago or even 20 years ago or maybe even 10 years ago. To say there have never been qualified African Americans before Barack Obama that could have run for office before 2008 is just absurd an not true. The list is way to long to even attempt to say that... it has been shameful and stupid that we as American have not had such ability and wisdom running for President long before 2008 just because of ones race or gender.
What she is saying bottom line is that qualification and experience is not being place on a equal standing with other factors in the success of Barack Obama in 2008 just like qualification and experience was not being placed on equal standing when she was asked to run as VP in 84. Ask yourself what YOUR motives are for sharing in this thread?
Look past the smoke screen it is not that hard to do. She is kind of right that they are attacking her and yes her being white is part of the excuse but they could care less about her race it is the opportunity to attack for political advantage that is the important part. She could be purple or any other color and they would use it. This has nothing to do with Racism in any direction ....it is just who can take and twist and turn for political gain. A show, A Act. We the people are the only ones getting hurt in all this. I don’t buy into it from either side after the fact of her first comments. My above post says what she was originally trying to say and relate to and anything and everything beyond that is just media hype and political gamesmanship.
I think Geraldine's perception is right and I don't believe that it's racist at all. Just put Obama in white skin, do you really think his resume would put him where he is? People are just tired of Bush years. They need a change and he is just very fortunate to be a good talker at the right time. Would he be a good president? I think not. He doesn't have much of a backbone (wishy-washy) or what it takes to be running the white house, not to mention the leader of the greatest nation. What a risk to have him for a president!
I have news for Ferraro: if Barack was white and had an all-American sounding name (like, say, John Edwards), he would’ve had the nomination sewn up by now, and by a significant margin.
The fact is Obama is a rare talent. Had a young, handsome, eloquent *white* candidate given the electrifying speech that Obama gave at the 2004 convention, he would surely have been catapulted into the national spotlight and hailed as the future of the Democratic party, just as Obama was.
And had a white candidate used Obama’s same message of reconciliation, and succeeded in building the same top-notch ground operation and fundraising effort that Obama has, he would have an even more commanding lead in the race right now.
The fact is Obama is John Edwards with a better resume (better legislative record, clear and consistent governing philosophy laid out over 2 books and 20-year career of public service, etc.). The fact is Obama is John Edwards, but better political and speaking skills, and a more winning personality.
If Obama were white, he would be winning the delegate count and the popular vote by an even *larger* margin.