January 18, 2007
BY MARY MITCHELL Sun-Times Columnist
If he runs, he just might win.
Really, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama has a good chance of becoming the first nonwhite male to win the presidency. Despite his lack of experience, it is his moment.
But more than that, there are plenty of politically engaged baby boomers who are tired of waiting to see the American Dream realized.
Yes, we've made some progress on bridging the racial gap. But it hasn't been enough.
In many urban areas, the public schools have been re-segregated, neighborhoods are starkly divided by ethnicity and race, and the impoverished are hidden from view.
Besides being immensely gifted, Obama has intimate knowledge of the best and worst of black and white relationships and our often-intolerant behavior toward each other.
He has an intimate understanding of the attitudes that keep Americans from capitalizing on their differences. And he knows that racial apprehensions aren't always driven by racism, but often by irrational fears on the part of whites, and deep-seated pain on the part of blacks.
If he can craft a message that brings this country together across racial lines -- something that ought to be the goal of anyone running for president -- he can win enough support to take the White House.
Unlike both the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who twice ran for president, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who is considering entering the 2008 race, Obama has not set himself up as an advocate for African Americans.
Memorable speech
Rather, he appears to be positioning himself as a healer, and a leader who can turn this country in a new direction.
"A change in our politics can only come from you; from people across a country who believe there's a better way and are willing to work for it," he said in a message posted on his Web site that announced his formation of a presidential exploratory committee.
Obviously, some people aren't going to like that message.
But I disagree with pundits who claim that average black folks aren't impressed with Obama. How could they not be? Obama hasn't shied away from his blackness. Rather than an elitist, he is an example of what can happen to any of us when we make the most of our God-given talents.
Is America ready to elect a nonwhite male as president? I think so.
Even before reporters started asking Obama if he intended to run for president, a needy public was eyeing him as a potential candidate.
In 2004, when he delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, I was standing in a crowd surrounded by young, white people, most of them female.
"This man could be president one day," one of them said, while the others stared awe-struck.
If Obama is indeed counting on the black vote -- like all Democrats count on the black vote -- that could only become a problem if Sharpton jumps into the race.
"I'm waiting to see if someone raises the issues I want to see raised," Sharpton told reporters in November when he announced he had formed an exploratory committee.
With Sharpton in the race, we can expect to hear some of the "but is he black enough?" rhetoric that tainted Obama's unsuccessful run against U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush in 1999.
Has the political capital
With the unprecedented media attention Obama has received since taking office, it didn't take much of a push to get him to renege on his pledge to Illinois voters -- that he would not seek the presidential office in 2008.
Some voters won't like his decision, but Obama wouldn't be Obama if he didn't heed this call.
After all, we've all been taught that opportunity knocks once.
In fact, at this point, not to run would be a waste of his talents.
Obama has the instincts, intellect, and charisma that communicate hope to others, and he has already proven that he has the political and fund-raising capital to make him a serious player on the national stage.
The majority of black people will understand the significance of Obama's campaign.
Because until a black father can look at his son and tell him in earnest that one day he could grow up to become the president of the United States, then America's great promise is as elusive as peace in the Middle East.
Until a black man can seek the presidency without worrying that something tragic may happen, then we really haven't made much progress.
No, Obama is not a saint.
He is a man -- who happens to be identified as black -- who has a desire to lead this nation.
The question now is this: Will America give such a man a real shot at fulfilling his dream?
Mary Mitchell is a columnist for the 
We have a very viable black candidate for the presidency and the Secretary of State is a black women.
So when are black people going to come to the realization the the U.S. is not a Racist country?
I do have to hand it to you Ms. Moderator, you are pretty slick and sneaky with your insulting remarks towards whites. You say that "until a black man can seek the presidency without worrying that something tragic may happen, then we really haven't made much progress". What is that supposed to mean? Do you mean to say that us white people are such savage animals that we would try to harm a black person who is running for president? Let me educate you a little bit. Jesse Jackson ran twice, Sharpton and Carole Moseley Braun and Alan Keyes ran, and no one tried to harm them. Where is your basis for making such an offensive remark? Also, if you look at interracial crime stats you will see that a white candidate has a much better chance of being harmed by a black than vice versa.
Why is it that Obama is only Black--he used to be Barry. Is he Whack or Blite? Does he deny that he is white?
He is bi-racial.
When will this ever be stated and used as a fact?
What's with this bridging the gap?..Will insulting 'whites' ever become out-of-style?
Hey, if memory serves me, Bobby Rush easily beat Obama in a congressional primary by playing up to Obama's whiteness. So why aren't you asking the same of African-Americans, if they have bridged the gap?.. Truth is, the black community would vote for a former KKK'er and a guy who still uses the N-word often (Robert Byrd) as long as he's a democrat, over a decent, talented, and highly intelligent person, who happened to be a republican. So what about that, "bridging the gap"?
By the way Mary, Sharpton is already talking of Obama in a non-chalent manner. Asking if he really speaks for the black community. There is some real big ego's being put to the test here. To Jackson's credit, he hasn't been that way yet.
Finally, you sadly underrate the white community. If the guy is seen as the best and smartest candidate, he or she will get the votes. Thats a fact ! ... And please don't bring up Harold Ford, Jr. It wasn't a commercial that beat him. What beat him was all his corrupt family members. Such as his uncle getting indicted by the feds the day Harold announced his running for the senate. And other members of his family who are always getting bad press because of corruption, also. It'd be like here I suppose if a white didn't vote for a Arenda Troutman, because of whats going on with her, that the white person would be seen as racist, which is ridiculous.
In closing, Obama's big worry isn't going to be "Joe Public Caucasian". He's had it easy so far. Been the darling of you columnists. He hasn't had to answer about his Rezko connections, his walking-in-step with the Cook County machine and the Daley's. He hasn't been asked about his 2004 campaign comment to the Tribune, "that we may have to do surgical bombing into Pakistan." Somebody needs to remind him Pakistan is a soverign nation. And then there is the Clinton team. Those folks play hardball. Wait until Hilary Clinton uses every trick-in-the-book. Or should I say the Clinton gang. Bill, James Carville, Joe Lockhart, Paul Begala, and Terry McAuliff, plus others. Does Obama know what's about to hit him? He'll have to have answers for a change.
Until a black man can seek the presidency without worrying that something tragic may happen, then we really haven't made much progress.
That statement has got to be the most racist comment I have ever seen in print.
YOU HONESTLY NEED TO RETHINK THIS STATEMENT AND ISSUE AN APOLOGY!
After reading your blogs for a couple months, then having my children read them. It proves my fact, that Chicago is the most Racist city in America. Segregated schools as well as neighborhoods.The whites who respond to your articles what ever they may be, show so much hatred towards minorities. It's kind of funny but sad, and you know what,white's don't even realize their problem. Just ask people across the World about White people. They can't stand them.They are so Narcisist that it's pathetic. Thank God we don't have to go through the White population or the average white citizen during the hearings for reparations.White people feel that nothing ever happened and that they earned their positions in life through honesty and hard work. What a joke? They earned their position by holding our ancestors behind, while their ancestors performed a masterful job of erasing our Heritage, language while dehumanizing our people. The first thing that comes out of a white person's mouth is "Get over it" or " I wasn't ever hear then, why should i pay for reparations". Whites just don't get it.They purposely unleveled the playing field to their advantage. If it where up to the now a day white folks, we would still be pickin cotton. Since they know that will never happen again in life !! Their after the mexican Clan.Hopefully OBama will change all of this. He has had the best of both Worlds, and a little bit more. White mother and an African father.Maybe just Maybe he'll begin the process of leveling the playing field. It's going to take Hundreds of years, but you have to start somewhere. Remember Minorities are going to out number the white population very very soon.
Wow Jerry's really crazy . . ."let me educate you" priceless
Let us remember that Barack Obama's senate race was against a lunatic who came in a few months before election time . . .A presidential race, no, a Democratic primary race is whole new animal. I like Obama, at least when I can pin him down on an issue but Im waiting for all the hype to clear.
"Also, if you look at interracial crime stats you will see that a white candidate has a much better chance of being harmed by a black than vice versa."
Every president-killer in this country has been white so far. You need to do some more reading.
I love that Jerry can always be counted on to make the first pointless remark. Like he sits at home with breath that is bated for Ms. Mitchell to pen something new. Jerry you might want to come up from that basement now, your mom just finished your laundry!
Could it be as simple as Obama not exuding hatred and anger? He actually "can" unite people; not just hammer the other group.
Might be as simple as presentation but I suspect it's working because he genuinly wants to represent more than one group. Obama is not a black candidate; other candidates that were black were black candidates.
Mr. Obama has neither the experience,knowledge and wisdom to be president of the USA. What's he famous for? Also he is Muslim trained which will turn of the majority of Christians and
Jewish communities. He will
never make it.
Obama stands for everything that America should be about. He speaks for ALL America. He paid his dues by working for the poor and helpless. He's had enough experience to know that there are issues that need addressing. I'm sure that he will be able to put enough advisors and cabinet leaders together to help and steer him when necessary. More power to this great man.
My Two Cents
As much as I like Obama, and I really like him. I don’t think he will ever bridge the great racial divide in this country. Not so long as we have people like see an interracial couple and say. “ What does she see in him or Why is he dating her. Remember the how could you Michael story ? It’s people like you that keep the racial divide wide open. What do you care if a black man or woman dates a person of
another race.Why does that bother you so much. And as for Obama, one of the many reasons that I like him so much, is because he wants this country to move forward as a whole, not just any one race of people. And that’s what’s it’s all about. Get off that old black/white S***, that played out. Take a walk downtown and you’ll see it’s not like it was in the 50’s. There are people from all over the world. Not just black and white. Is there still racial prejudice ? of course. in every country in the world there is someone who doesn’t like someone else because of there race, religious belief or whatever. That’s the way it’s always been. That’s the way it will always be. Not even Mr. Obama can change that. But I feel that if we learn to accept and respect each others differences things can get better that it is.
"Also he is Muslim trained which will turn of the majority of Christians and
Jewish communities. He will
never make it."
Obama is a Christian. Do your research. He grew up in Hawaii, raised by his mother and grandparents (Caucasians transplanted from Iowa) and, later, his stepfather.
I'm a white male from Duluth Minnesota. I'm a vietnam era veteran. I would like to cast my vote for Sen. Obama today.
Where can I send it?
And oh, by the way, go Bears!
Okay folks, lets take a step back here. I could care less what color the man is, or that Hilary Clinton is a woman. Instead of talking about the racial lines, lets talk about where he stands on the important issues. As a voting citizen thats what I care about.
let's find out what he did when he was out of the country and being schooled by muslims and also what has he done since that would make him a viable president hopeful. The press sure thinks he is but hasn't really giving us anything that would make me vote for him, but than again the press thinks for us, at least they think so!!
let the Hillary and Barry love fest begin. doesn't anyone see thru Barry's pathetic attempts to seem more black ? yet still try to seem not to black to whites . stand for something , anything ! all style with no thoughts, ideas or substance. good luck with all that . maybe Barry's mob ties will just go away like all of Hillary's baggage apparently has (whitewater, bill , etc.) i miss Alan Keyes. i found him to be a sane and measured politician,with many rational ideas . not. lol. also thanks to Lou for pointing out everything that is wrong with me. i really appreciate it . now i know .
I've never seen such vitriol spewed back at a columnist who said nothing inciting.
Yes, many of you you claimed otherwise, safety is a concern for a black candidate deciding to run for President. The previous black candidates were never very serious contenders, so they didn't have any real threats. At the top of the ticket, or even as the running mate, security would be a huge concern. 99.999% of whites would not try to harm said candidate... there are still racist Bubbas who would. The first black to do anything major always receives tons of death threats (just ask Hank Aaron how his run for the record went). Yeah, that was 31 years ago. So? That was baseball -- this is running the nation.
So, the comment by the columnist was not racist, insensitive, or wrong.
Lou: The US isn't a racist country? It may not be the MOST racist country, but considering there have been 2 black senators since reconstruction (both from the North), no Arabs, and one Asian, I'd say the U.S. is a racist country.
Because the color of a man's skin (note: we can still barely say woman's yet) is a topic of discussion for any office of any significance, I'd say the U.S. is a racist country.
There is an enormous amount of racism in the United States. A great amount of it is hidden and under the surface.
Yes, the U.S. has made amazing strides over the last few decades. Considering the way things were 50 years ago, the moves the U.S. has made are actually quite historically significant; rarely has a group, without a revolution which overthrows a government, been able to make the strides the black community has made.
Black Wiseman: you just rambled; and you need to use both a spell-checker and a fact-checker if you want to be taken seriously.
Jerry: If you want to talk about interracial crime stats, please show us some. Give us a citation or something. And are these 'interracial crime stats' based on criminal on candidate? If they're not, your point is moot.
Great job with the article. I'm looking forward to his historic run at the White House! The skinny kid with the funny name deserves a chance; the U.S. will be the better for electing him President!
I've never seen such vitriol spewed back at a columnist who said nothing inciting.
Yes, many of you wou claimed otherwise, safety is a concern for a black candidate deciding to run for President. The previous black candidates were never very serious contenders, so they didn't have any real threats. At the top of the ticket, or even as the running mate, security would be a huge concern. 99.999% of whites would not try to harm said candidate... there are still racist Bubbas who would. The first black to do anything major always receives tons of death threats (just ask Hank Aaron how his run for the record went). Yeah, that was 31 years ago. So? That was baseball -- this is running the nation.
So, the comment by the columnist was not racist, insensitive, or wrong.
Lou: The US isn't a racist country? It may not be the MOST racist country, but considering there have been 2 black senators since reconstruction (both from the North), no Arabs, and one Asian, I'd say the U.S. is a racist country.
Because the color of a man's skin (note: we can still barely say woman's yet) is a topic of discussion for any office of any significance, I'd say the U.S. is a racist country.
There is an enormous amount of racism in the United States. A great amount of it is hidden and under the surface.
Yes, the U.S. has made amazing strides over the last few decades. Considering the way things were 50 years ago, the moves the U.S. has made are actually quite historically significant; rarely has a group, without a revolution which overthrows a government, been able to make the strides the black community has made.
Black Wiseman: you just rambled; and you need to use both a spell-checker and a fact-checker if you want to be taken seriously.
Jerry: If you want to talk about interracial crime stats, please show us some. Give us a citation or something. And are these 'interracial crime stats' based on criminal on candidate? If they're not, your point is moot.
Great job with the article. I'm looking forward to his historic run at the White House! The skinny kid with the funny name deserves a chance; the U.S. will be the better for electing him President!
He went to a "Muslim" school in Indonesia when he was SIX. That makes him "Muslim" TRAINED? Idiocy. I read from the Koran when I was at a Catholic High school. I guess i was "trained" by Pope Osama. The way to thrive without "experience" is to surround yourself with talented, creative, and honest people. Just look at all the folks around the decider that honed their corruption with the Nixon-Ford cartel.
All I know is Obama is well educated, honest and has more charisma than any other candidate in recent memory. Many experienced political figures cannot get the job done. He is an advocate for goodness and not whites, blacks, yellows, rich or poor.
Not one black person ever killed a prominent white politition . EVER. Unless Obama wants to be a martyr it is the end result that a vast majority of black people feel will happen. There is too much hatred of minorities and so many different groups who only look for the downfall of blacks and other minorities in this country. EVERY single black person in America will look at Obama with pride if he won the presidential office. You can't say that about whites. Obama has as much experience in politics as our present President had. Plus, Obama never won an office with his family's name so prominent,like our present President,did. Bush never had a clear record and personal back ground to win nary an election on his own. Americans give so many people chances just because of name recognition. Any reason to excuse Obama as a viable candidate only impugn the dignity or respect I will have for the person who would utter those words. I won't call that person a racist but I will wonder if race isn't a distraction that you will willfully overlook.
He is NOT a muslim!
Interesting comments, but I would like to say this. When Harold Washington ran for Mayor, most white people in Chicago voted AGAINST him just because he was black. He was far superior to Daley or Byrne and even aginst Bernard Epton. So please spare the best qualified postings. This is a city where white women are considered a minority and have gained a significant foothold in the business industry. Chicago is a racist city and a city where most of the population comes from the suburbs. The city dwellers are left to deal with high taxes, corruption and crime. I would much rather have seen Obama run for Mayor actually.
Why shouldn't he be president. I am white and from Illinois. We have been excited about this guy for awhile. The fact that he went back on a promise that was coersed by Russert on national television does not matter. To have Obama as president would be thrilling.
The fact that he is black I really don't think is as big a factor as the MSM makes it.
I can see this guy as our president and I can see his wife as a very classy first lady. If you can even picture someone in the office and in the White House and know that person is right, the color or whatever is mute point.
But, I do know that for all my black friends and the my past bosses who were black, it has to be a moment of pride. Like I felt with nancy Pelosi.
This man is the first one who is black who should and will be president and the black community must know this. And I do hope there is pride in knowing this.
I have to admit that I know very little about Barack Obama. It seems as though he has come into the Presidential candidate spotlight very quickly for a newcomer in politics, and he is a newcomer compared with many of the others running. The 2008 Presidential election is going to be a very important one. In my book, the most important one ever. We need a candidate who can win by a big majority. We can't chance that the election results will be screwed up or tampered with as the last two elections were. Call me paraniod, but as I see it, I think the Republican Party would love to see Barack Obama run for President on the Democratic ticket. They know he could never win. They wouldn't even have to fix the voting machines. Now, I don't say this because I am predjudice and don't want to see a black person run. I am a white woman, who was married to a black man. My two grown daughters are bi-racial. I live in rural North Dakota with my 2nd husband who is white. My first husband died 6 yrs. ago. I can say this as an unfortunate fact; even if Barack was proven to be the best person ever to run for President, and even if every black person in this country voted for him, and a good number of whites voted for him too, I really don't think he could win. There are just too many white people out there that won't vote for a black. Believe me I know this for a fact. Even white Democrats, and definitely those of the Republican party who are unhappy with the Bush Administration at this time. This is not to say that Obabma shouldn't run in some future Presidential race. But not this one coming up. There is way too much at stake here. My preference would be Dennis Kucinich. I think he would do as much for the minorities as any black person would. He did not give his support for the war in Iraq, not even from the beginning. He is for Peace, and for the enviornment. Kucinich would get my vote.
To respond to to Obamas experience posed by nick, please explain the the knowledge, experience and wisdom that George W. Bush had when he first ran for President? outside of being a total failure in business, a drunk and the rider on his fathers coat tails all his life. We leaders with vison and not beer glasses.
Obama's Father, Barack Hussein Obama, Sr, was a radical Muslim from Jakarta, Idonesia. Obama, was educated as a Muslim in the Wahabbi School. Wahabbism is the radical teaching that createad the Muslim terrorists who waging Jihad war on the US and other nations. How can you endorse such a individual black or white with this type of back ground.
Mitchell comment:
This story was debunked by CNN.
John,
A couple of your comments struck me as particularly ludicrous. First, you claim,
"Truth is, the black community would vote for a former KKK'er and a guy who still uses the N-word often (Robert Byrd) as long as he's a democrat, over a decent, talented, and highly intelligent person, who happened to be a republican."
Blacks currently make up 3.8% of the population of West Virginia, (http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/54000.html), so I'm not exactly sure how you deduce that blacks would rather vote for someone like Byrd than a Republican.
Second, your statement, "Finally, you sadly underrate the white community. If the guy is seen as the best and smartest candidate, he or she will get the votes. Thats a fact !"
It most definitely is not a fact. A number of times the best and smartest candidates have been smeared and tainted by aggressive and often untruthful mudslinging during campaigns. And regardless of your head burying about Harold Ford Jr. I believe that race did play a role. Why would they specifically have put a white woman on TV saying, "Call me." They knew the reaction they'd get, and they refused to take it off the air once that reaction came. This serves as further proof the best don't always win, any candidate that would allow an ad like that to go out under his name, his party's affiliation, or under a group promoting him for office is not honorable and certainly is not the best we have to offer.
I totally disagree with what Jerry said. All who tried to assassinate a white politician were also white. I've never known a black person to be associated with an attempt on any white public figure's life. I agree with Ms. Mitchell that Obama would be a likely assassination target because people are inclined to listen to and follow his lead much like they did Martin Luther King, Jr. King was targeted for assassination because he was smart, charismatic, and people listened to him. In short, he was effective. Obama, too, is effective. The reason why no attempts were made on the lives of Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Sr., Carole Mosley Braun, et al is because they are not deemed charismatic leaders, don't have a broad range of appeal, and are therfore not considered to be a threat.
I’m sorry I’m not an often blogger, but I had to step up and say something here. How can anyone on this site sit here and say that America is not a racist country. What? That is very funny you people must be living with blinders on. I must also state that neither Jackson nor Sharpton had attempts put on there life, but were they ever really taken serious as contenders. Or were Taken in the same light Keys was taken. By the way Jackson had numerous threats on his life. Also I sometime disagree with somethings that Mary says, but you have to understand you can be Pro black without being anti anything else. Also racism does not exist but we have government officials not wanting to apologize for slavery. As well as a mother of a sitting President says that the poor people who had just suffered maybe the worst Natural disaster in this country history will be better off. She said this after these people had lost everything they lost family members houses everything. Don’t even get me started on Katrina. How Police men restricted black people from getting to higher ground because simply because they feared they would be "problem". Explain to me How America is not racist but Black men or being tied to trucks and drugged to there deaths. You guys sitting at your plush offices typing this crap about how only white men Presidents have been killed. Im sorry has there ever been anything else Come on. You don’t have to Vote for Obamma but at least take those sheets off your head and see the facts that this is a very racist country. Yes I’m an Obamma supporter and yes I fear for his life. America not a racist country that is one of the most insane things I have ever heard and my life. By the way is Rice really Black.
Obama went to a Muslim school while living in Jakarta, Indonesia. This does not mean he is Muslim trained, and the fact that his diverse background would be hijacked by those who insist on division and hate mongering is disgraceful, Asher be ashamed of yourself.
When will Senator Obama renounce his membership in the Congressional Black Caucus? This openly racially discriminatory organization of black congressman shows the voters of Illinois, and now the nation, the moral values of those who are members in this organization.
How can ANYONE expecting to be president be a member of ANY organization that expressly exists as a beacon of racism and discrimination?
What of the other members of this group that "represent" our state (and districts?).
Not only is Obama completely unqualified to be President, he is largely a media-created "phenomenon." His profile was boosted by his appearance at the 2004 Democratic convention. Anyway, it matters little since Hilary Clinton will easily trounce Obama in the Primaries.
Once again Ms. Mitchell a very insightful article. Sadly, many of the comments that have been issued by my fellow human beings show a marked ignorance of anything outside the small box that they live in. Being a Black Man in America, I have gone from being very militant in my late teens to mid twenties, to being a me-first Hip-Hopper, to being a jaded capitalist. It has been necessary for me to know my cultural history from the respective of being Black and knowing my history as an American.
The sad thing is that many of my White friends don’t know a lick about our collective history as Americans & nor are they interested in finding out. Reading about celebrity gossip and tuning in to American Idol is far more important that thinking about the things that really impact us… I have to live in two worlds, dropping the use of my first “black sounding” name and using my middle name in my employment searches because I found that my first name limited my opportunities to even get that 1st call from the Human Resources department.
Do I get mad? No, that is just the way that it is. What never ceases to amaze me is the look on face of the Human Resources person when they do meet the guy that they spoke to on the phone… That has shoulder-length dreadlocks and is black; they always ask if I’m me, somewhat incredulously, changing the inflective in my voice is a reality as well.
To touch on the comment made by Jerry, he implies that White people are being painted as "animals" in respect to a Black person being elected as President. Just for reference Black people have a long collective memory and using history as a backdrop… Whenever Black people have had someone arise from the ranks & that image runs counter to the negative opinions held about Black people on a global scale... Something mysterious happens to them. Namely death, disenchantment or isolation.
The most notable examples being Martin L. King Jr's opposition to the Vietnam War, this is what led to his death, not his work in civil rights-he stepped out of his box. Just check it out. History tends to gloss over the more militant & disenchanted Dr. King in his later years.
Another example would be Malcolm X, as he started to develop a worldview outside of the narrow confines of the NOI & he was murdered. I could go on with a host of examples but that would be counterproductive.
It is very true that Jackson, Keyes, Sharpton & Braun have run for President in the past 20 years or so, but what was failed to be mentioned was how serious were their respective campaigns taken? Let's see... Braun got scant attention or respect in her run despite having a lengthy pedigree & having pretty impressive foreign policy experience, serving as a U.S ambassador. While Jesse & Sharpton were doing what they do best; bringing attention to a cause that they feel needs coverage, usually themselves... But more interestingly was Alan Keyes removal (by force) from the Republican National Convention in 2000... These few examples show that these candidates were taken seriously at all .In short Black people have nothing other than history to serve as a reminder, that if we come up too fast we may find ourselves on our collective backside.
There is so much said about Whites not getting it, but I don't think that Blacks are getting for that matter. We wax poetic about how we are being portrayed in media & the like, when the seed of the problem is blaring over the airwaves. The radio & the music industry is the biggest offender in my opinion.
Many of trends and actions of our youth & many young adults are framed by music and the accompanying culture. Am I to believe that the only message that we have to send to the world through the medium of Hip-Hop music is gyrating body parts, sports supremacy, diamonds, fancy foot work, soaped-up cars and the like? If that is the case why don't we use this angst in pressuring the music industry to stop marketing this mental death to our children? It isn't only Black people that are being impacted but all people... In that these are the images that people have of Black people-which is a very big part in why we aren't taken seriously. I am 31 years old & I remember music that empowered me & made me think and caused me to want to think outside the box. I remember the artists showing passion in their work and the product that they put out. Sadly this is not the case anymore…
Bill Cosby would be better served by focusing his energies into combating the music & media industries but he can't! Because he would be shooting himself in the foot, because they butter his bread.
My response to all this is to initiate the change in the only way that I can. By preparing my child for the realization that racism is alive and well & that there is nothing that we can do about other than control what he can control… This is how he views himself and not how society views him. A Black President would be a novel idea and it sounds good in theory, but in my experience I’ve found more often than not in issues of race that White people say things because it simply sounds good-not because they believe in it.
The line that Mary used " Until a black man can seek the presidency without worrying that something tragic may happen, then we really haven't made much progress."
It isn't a form of reverse racism or anything of the like. It's the thought of African-Americans today. Dr. King is an example, Medgar Evers is an exmaple, Emmitt Till is an example. Yes progress has been made, but if the world were ready for a black person or a bi-racial person to be president, race wouldn't be an issue but unfortunately it is still an issue in this day and age. I believe that Barack Obama is genuine and can accomplish some terrific things and will change the world. To speak of his experience, is a mute point, because those that might be questioning his experience probably favored Ross Perot at one time during the '92 campaign. While I think that this is the best country in the world, we have to be honest that this country has a lot of growing to do. And regardless of what people think, hundreds of years of slavery conditions, rules, regulations and an elitist mindset does not disappear after just 40 years of progress. This is Obama's time, stop the criticism.
I would just like to say that there are so many minorities in this country such as: WOMEN, AFRICAN-AMERICAN's, HISPANIC's, CHINESE, ASIAN, INDIANS's(who truly got the raw end of the deal) and now the newly listed minority GAY's and so many more. With so many cultures why is there even discussion of a "RACE" Why is there not just a "HUMAN RACE" We were all put on this earth to prosper and get along. The past is just that. I have said or done things in the past that I am not proud of; but, through "HISTORY" which is "LIFE" I have lived and learned. That is what life is about..."IT IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE" As for this particular article if Obama or Clinton either one make it into the Presidency, it will be our COUNTRIES "FIRST" Anything can happen, "A WOMAN IN SPACE" who would of thought that? Two Black Men leading NFL teams into the Super Bowl??? We are teaching our kids that black is black, white is white and that's just the way it is. That is not how it is!!! Love is Love and Hate is Hate. Do I love everyone? probably "NOT" but, do I hate anyone? "DEFINATELY NOT" There are many ppl. that we will cross paths with that we may not like because of their demeanor but, it should never be because of their race!!! All WHITE, BLACK, HISPANIC, etc. ppl. are not the same!!! I read above...that the white race is disappearing??? No, it is merely blending into a different culture. That's what we are, we are all different. But, why does that have to be a bad thing? As for Mary Mitchell, I think your column could have been perceived as slightly on the racial side but, it is your thoughts, beliefs, etc. and for that there is a sense of respect because at least you don't pretend that you are "Pro Human Race" but, have found yourself supporting but, "ONE RACE" If you wanted to sound a little less racial on the article you might have wanted to mention that a "WOMAN" president is running and the statement: Is America ready to elect a non-male as president? I think so. Could be true all the same. And, for the record OBAMA is partially white, he has it running all through his vains but, I don't think OBAMA looks at it like that. I think he looks at himself as a "MAN" a "BEING" and for me it will be hard to decide between OBAMA and CLINTON. I'm just proud to be a part of "HISTORY" that my grandkids will read about someday!!!
I watched Obama during the State of the Union. I realize Bush is a complete idiot but I don't think Obama helped himself by appearing to be writing notes for his post-speech appearances rather than at least appear to be listening to the State of the Union.
I believe somebody has set Obama up for failure. I think he had an excellent chance of winning IF he waited to run after another presidential term. He is not ready. America is not ready to accept him and I feel he will lose his only real chance of winning because he ran too early. Politics is a screwd game and I wouldn't be surprised if some Republicans are the one's responsible for greasing the hype machine. Even if Obama wins the democratic nomination, he will surely lose to the Republican candidate. Democrats best chance at the presidency is with Hilary.
I'm a REAL black person. I was born, raised, and currently reside on the southside of Chicago. Through hardwork, dedication, and self-motivation, I pulled myself up from the lower class and I have provided a nice lifestyle for my family. I live within a few blocks of Obama, but he does not have my support. I feel is very vanilla and I feel he doesn't even possess a solid base with the black community. Who is he? Can someone tell me? Just because he is biracial, my vote is not automatic.
I am sure that whoever wrote racism in America dead is some clueless, isolated person from the suburbs. I'm in corporate America and I am subtly and sometimes not so subtly reminded that I am different! America is a joke! We could and would be a great country if we lived by principles outlined in the Constituion, but we know what conditions were present when that document was signed.
If we can't be honest with ourselves, this county will never change. Until it is a priorty that ALL people recieve decent living conditions and a quality education, our quality of life will continue to diminish. Fear drives this country or there would be a level playing field.
Need to know Senator obamas
middl initial and name
As long as Obama meets the constitutional requirements for the office, who really cares about the "experience" aspect of being president? Bush #1 was the one with experience being VP for 8 years....Look how he went down in flames! JFK was younger than Obama and not in the Senate that long Before announcing his Presidential aspirations... he just had an overbearing father who greased the skids for him. Kind of sounds like our current occupant of the White house.
Run Obama Run!!!!
As for experience is concerned, Bush did not have any either. I remember during Republican primary elections before his first term, he was asked simple questions about world trouble spots and he had no clue what so ever. I think his GPA at yale was 2.0 or less so if he can be a president than I guess Obama is more than qualified.
Hmm, Sen. Obama 1) has charm, 2) has the right father, 3) is a uniter, not a divider, 4) is an approachable speaker who makes people feel good, and 5) is electable. The Republicans had a candidate like that in 2000, and Bush turned out to indeed be electable, but he has been incapable of administrating. Let's not repeat the GOP's mistake; charm is fine for picking a homecoming king, but it takes more than that to be a qualified president. Give Sen. Obama a term or two in the Senate to see what he can actually accomplish.
Black Wiseman...get over it.
in respond to shundrey's posting, okay i get it that you are black. but this is my problem with some people of color. how can any self respecting person support or have any respect for a politician such as carol mosley-braun ? this was a woman who was so INCOMPATANT and scandal ridden that her own party turned thier collective backs on her just to get rid of her . even taking a hit to thier own party. whites are always accused of being color blind. while i admit that sometimes it is true. whites apparantly are not alone in this type of voting predjudice. be carefull how you herd all of us into one catagorie. believe it or not we are sometimes capable of rational thought.martin luther king,and ralph abernathy were great men. jesse jackson is a disingenuios publicity seeking jerk. al sharpton is a liar. jackie robinson and hank aaron great athletes, even greater men. barry bonds great athlete ,waste of a human being. some of us look for the differences in people beyond color. i might even support obama if i could figure out what the hell he stood for !
I don't recall seeing Barack Obama on American Idol. Not that I would watch that garbage anyway.
(It sure would be fun however to watch that surly Simon Cowell lay into Obama about foreign policy)
Either way, thanks to the Neil Steinbergs, Mary Mitchells, Lynn Sweets & Eric Zorns of this world, he has certainly climbed up the popularity charts American Idol-style without having done ANYTHING significant at all.
I wonder if he can sing & dance well too. Mary's fellow columnist Lynn Sweet is certainly sweet on his beefcake picture and daydreams out loud in her columns about following him into a locker room at a health club.
Obama is NOT ready to be a U.S. senator yet, let alone the presidency. He is all flash & style...NO SUBSTANCE. That's why the Hollywood libs are embracing him the same way they embraced Slick Willie Clinton.
Wow. Liberal America is even dumber than it looks.
Black Wiseman...your ignorance is legendary:
"Just ask people across the World about White people. They can't stand them."...uhhh, most of the people in the world are white. Did you survey them?
"They are so Narcisist that it's pathetic." - assume you're talking ebonics there so I can't translate.
"Thank God we don't have to go through the White population or the average white citizen during the hearings for reparations." - when did the black jury on reparations get announced? Keep waiting for your check...
"White people feel that nothing ever happened and that they earned their positions in life through honesty and hard work." - I have earned my job and standing through hard work and had nothing to do with slavery.
"They earned their position by holding our ancestors behind, while their ancestors performed a masterful job of erasing our Heritage, language while dehumanizing our people." - do Italian's have an "Italian-American" month? And what language did we eliminate?
"Whites just don't get it." - no, we do get it...we get that some blacks (like you) want handouts as opposed to working an honest living.
Black Wiseman...denial ain't just a river in Africa...
Kaleb, give me a few days but I will do some research on the interracial crime stats and put them on here. That is if the stats and the source of the stats are allowed to be put on here, thank you.
to John Rigoni: Obama's middle-name is of NO consequence, period. His middle name is Hussein--so what ! Hussein is a very common name in the middle east and North & East Africa. Just like Joe or Bill is here. So don't try to tie Obama in with the terorists because of his middle-name. Or use that v. him in any way.
to Mike: I'll answer you. Yes, with a huge segment of the Black Community, party-affiliation DOES make a difference. Sorry, it does. I stand by what I said. Byrd has a history of either racism and/or at the least, being very insensitive. And has threw the N-word around in Washington DC several times. Actually more than several times. So YOU tell me why this isn't big news? Why with a 2nd rate comedian it is big news, but not with a high-ranking US Senator? Well, tell me? I'll tell you why, its because he IS a ranking democrat. The people who are usually vocal, the Maxine Waters, the Charley Rangel's, aren't saying a word, are they? Where is the black columnists, the civic leaders, the do-goodie liberals? There all over that 'Kramer' guy or whatever his name, but not ONE WORD when Byrd shoots his mouth off. Again, why the DOUBLE STANDARD? And the guy is a former Klansman, as was David Duke. The media handles them a little different, don't they? You say, well West Virginia is only 3.8% black. Yes, its a poor SOUTHERN state. And Byrd has played on people's feelings and scaped-goated a certain segment of the population and philosophies inorder to stay popular. That and building highways (which you and me pay for in our fed taxes) that come to dead-ends. Look explain this to me. Please, I'm all ears. George W.Bush (whom I DON'T like) hasn't sent troops in Sudan to save the blacks at Darfur and he's scorned for it. The George Clooney's of the world have even done commercials and what have you. Have they not? Bush, to his credit did have an African Union forces there to contain, if not totally stop, the genocide and slavery. Which was something. And he did stop the bloodshed in Liberia, sending marines there. And was scorned saying he was somewhat late. Remember? Now look at Clinton's performance. One million innocent human beings slaughtered in Rwanda. Just slaughtered like cattle. His administration does nothing, lets it happen. Your so-called Congressional Black Caucas is quiet as a mouse. WHY? Child forced labor becomes a profitable business in Sierra Leone. His administration says nothing. Thousands and thousands of children killed and maimed. We don't know the total number. Amnesty International is saying maybe 400,000. We're talking basically children. BLACK CHILDREN! The administration is silent. WHY? And we've already had ONE MILLION slaughtered in Sudan (blacks in Southern Sudan) during the previous administration. Plus, chattel slavery of young blacks a profitable business through-out the arab North African world. Yet, where was the out-cry? Oh, I forgot, for all this, he's called the first 'Black President' in office, so everybody in the black community (so-called leaders/spokesmen) didn't open their mouths. If this had been a republican, don't tell me the black community would have remained silent. I don't believe it. We know the lobbying they did for South Africa during the Reagan Administration. And Reagan listened to his credit. And there then was nowhere near the atrocities and genocides that went on in the 1990's. Please, I remember Vieques Island off Puerto Rico. The navy did bombing practices all 8 years during the Clinton Administration. But Al Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's wife only did their protesting when Bush was in the White House. Same with all those Hollywood folks. Luis Guitterez was only person of note who DID protest during the Clinton years. So please, again, DOUBLE STANDARD. And please, you have the Harry Belafonte's of the world calling every republican black a "House N-word", and "Uncle Tom." Don't say you didn't. I ask you, whose more the 'Uncle Tom', "the guy who belongs to a party because of his conviction, even if it goes against his communities norm, or the guy who looks the other way and says nothing because he doesn't want to embarrass and criticize the leader of his party, even though millions of BLACK children and people are being slaughtered as a result?" WELL TELL ME?.......as for Ford, I'm sure some folks in Tennessee did vote v. him because of that commercial, but just as many and/or more voted v. him because his family has an infamous reputation and history of corruption around Memphis and W. Tennessee. Thats all I'm saying.
to Leonard Hamilton: Leonard, I agree with ABSOLUTELY everything you said concerning when Harold Washington ran for mayor, especially in his race v. Epton. Of course, Epton got most of his votes as a anti-Washington and anti-black, more then they were for him. In otherwords, they wanted a WHITE mayor. ....However, this year the opposite happened. Stroger won over Claypool in the primary (even though he's incapacitated) because he was BLACK. No other reason. It sure couldn't be the good job he's done. Because his performance has been 'the pits'. And his son won for the same reason. NO OTHER REASON...I find it ironic he wants to do all those layoffs now (otherwise all of us will be paying taxes which will drive us out of the county) especially since 4 of 5 getting laid-off will it appears be black workers...Oh well, there's an old saying, "be careful what you wish for."
To Jerry (bro from sica) ,please take a DNa test and you will find it traces back to a woman from africa as does each and every white person.You are only hating yourself .All the ignorant comments you make against Obama show what is the white mans greatest fear ,a educated black man.Obama and others have every right to be concerned about his safety ,They just want to have him let his guards down so some white maniac can hurt him or his family .God will protect him .As usual Jerksi sica bro you need to pick up a book along with your reichwing cronies who voted for Bush,Great job he has been doing in the "white"house,soon to be "the peoples house.
to MIKE: Mike, please read the following quote. It has to do with Sen. Obama, by the way. Here it is.........."I mean, you got the FIRST mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and CLEAN and a nice-looking guy."..........Remember, according to this person, its the FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN EVER....Mike, think about that, really really think about that. The FIRST EVER !..EVER !! Kind of insulting towards the Black Community in general, isn't it? The FIRST !..EVER !!!.. Mike, you take a shower everyday, don't you? I mean he says the first 'CLEAN' African-American..I emailed Mary as soon as I read that speech of his. Whether I agree or not I've always enjoyed Mary's column and blog. And I have always found her to be articulate, bright, clean, and definately great to look at. Yet, according to this person Obama is the FIRST. So Mike, again isn't that an insulting remark? By the way, if you want to read the quote and listen to the comments (Audio), its in Wednesday's (1/31/07) DrudgeReport. Again, audio, also. So its not a misquote....So who is this insensitive guy? Its Senator Joe Biden, DEMOCRAT from Delaware. Now why do I bring up party-affiliation? Because again, its a perfect example of - 'democrats--automatically good, republicans--automatically bad' - mindset in the Black Community. Which you disagreed with me on. Well, tell me then, why NOT one word of criticism towards Biden? Pure silence. Had a republican politician or lets say radio talkshow host said that we would never have heard the end of it. And you know I'm right.
What's the hurry! Senator Obama has barely got his feet wet as the junior senator from Illinois and he is now contemplating a run for president! Might he not be better off hitching his future to Hilary Clinton's presidential aspirations as her vice presidential running mate? I'm a registered Republican. A political marriage between the junior senators of New York and Illinois makes anything Republicans do almost a mute point.
Barack Obama may gain eight years of experience as a key member of the Clinton administration (is there any doubt Senator Clinton,if elected president, would not be reelected to a second term) and be positioned to run for the presidency as a sitting, hopefully successful vice president.
Say what you will about the baggage Senator Clinton brings to her race for the presidency, having Senator Obama as her running mate negates much of the negative overhang from former President Bill Clinton's two terms. Senator Obama will have gained invaluable experience and the gratitude of the Clinton political machine in his quest for the presidency in 2016.
Hi Doc, welcome back. Although you need to come up with new material besides that SICA crap. BTW, speaking of segregated schools. About two months ago the U.S. Supreme Court heard a lawsuit filed by some white parents in Kentucky and Washington state arguing against a program that sends their white kids to minority schools outside of their neighborhoods. They said it violates the 14th Amendment and wanted it overturned. Has anyone heard how the court ruled on it? Seriously, I am not trying to start an argument or anything, I just want to know what happened. If anyone knows could you please share it with the classroom.
The response I got, from stating that the European's in America still don't understand their own ideology is once again proven. Just ask Kaleb, Geoff and the uneducated Jeb. European's just don't get it. They love to throw phony statistics in your face about welfare programs and hand outs, and "Just get over it" slogans.The fact is that the white europeans in America receive majority of public welfare(White woman with children). White woman also receive more Educational funding for College through Affirmative Action than any other minority group ever. They also receive more Chicago city contracts than any other minority group ever, and you still say we are looking for hand outs. Give me a break.. Like I said before, you don't understand your own mind
set. As long as White supremacy rules, your OK. When African Americans question the past, and ask the question why is this crap still going on, you state "Get over it" or "stay off crack."
Understanding the Europeans mind set isn't that complicated, just ask Oprah. She's made Billions off of listening to the mind set of white Europeans in America.The question is why? Why are White people filled with Hatred towards other races.Why do white people fill that they are always right in every situation. Just look at today's situations around the World and here in the U.S. Who do you think caused most of the World's problems, I'll give you a hint, people like Kaleb, Geoff and the All American White Boy (JEB).Just look at what White people are calling Obama already, a Muslim, a terroist etc. Remember M.L.King was the white man's enemy, when he was alive. When the White Klan killed him he became Famous. He became so famous that White people are now telling African American's what his famous I Have a dream Speech means. Kaleb, Geoff and Jeb calm down and examine your mind set, then before you began to Blog down anything in your mothers basement, read some real history, not HIS-STORY. Go OBAMA!!!!!
I think Obama can bridge the gap between Hawaiins and Whites.
My sympathies to Mary Mitchell for all the insensitive, clueless comments about this column and others. They must be discouraging to read. Obviously, too many readers are ruled by their passions, not their reason. The Founding Fathers would be sad, although not surprised, that this is the case.
What I like about Obama is that he gives judicious and thoughtful answers to questions. He writes well too, a rare attribute in a politician (Jim Webb is also being praised for this ability). He's smart, sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and well-educated (he briefly attended a PUBLIC school in Indonesia, and he has Ivy League credentials.) As for his lack of experience, I'll take intelligence, education, and good judgment over experience any day.
No doubt Obama's positive attributes and accomplishments fuel some of the hostility (and envy) evident in the vitriolic comments on this column.
One comment is right: all humans have African roots. Check out the National Geographic/Genographic site.
blackwiseman, you may be black but you're certainly not very wise. Re your welfare statistics, when blacks constitute 15% (yes that is FIFTEEN, or less percent) of a national population then it'll be very difficult for them to be the majority in much of anything, including welfare rolls.
though we haven't quite conquered racism in this country, we're making progress and from where I sit, the issue is shifting from an issue of skin to the issues of class and classism, especially in terms of dealing with the "underclass". Then of course there is the dirty little problem which few dare touch of the tension and disklike between blacks here and black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean who are much different culturally, yet seem to assimilate and progress in the society despite being as black if not darker (skin color wise) than others. I guess they're just not "socially black" as defined by the same people who claim Barak Obama is not "black enough".
One already sees these classist strains surfacing in the African American community itself and Ms. Mitchell herself has written at times about the topic. This is really not much different than what you already see among whites, urban yuppies don't hang out with/think much of , the working "white trash", much less Billy Joe Jim Bob and the rednecks.
but that's an entirely different issue for another day.
and the person who's claiming that one day there will be more minorities than whites here, I say hurray.
but remember that all these "minorities" are much different than American blacks, have different ideas and agendas and even among themselves, for e.g. among Latinos, there are serious divisions ( for e.g. bw Mexicans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans)
To alot of you people: The WORLD is changing fast. I didn't say America, per se. I said the world..........The future is not going to be black v. white, rich v. poor, christian v. jews v. muslims, its going to be the EDUCATED v. the UNEDUCATED. Please, thats why the Black Community will NOT ever catch up until the 70% born out-of-wedlock is changed. Its about discipline and wanting to be educated. Matter of fact, the Black Community will fall farther behind. Whether or not you like Obama (and I'm NOT committed to him), fact is, he is a perfect example of an educated man, of the American Dream.
has anyone heard about the 14 year old young black student in Texas who was sentence to jail for 7 years for pushing a hall-monitor! The same Judge sentence a white female 14 years of age to probation for burning down her home!
comments please