I don't normally bother toying around with such inane topics, but in the wake of Iowa I figured it's at least timely. With Barry Obama winning Iowa and New Hampshire looking like a chip shot, my old friends on conservative radio have been kicking around the "Is America ready for a black President?" question. Of course when we say "America", we mean White folks, because real Americans don't need to be referenced with hyphens.
I frequently listen to Sean Hannity, Glen Beck, Michael Savage and the like, not because I agree with their points of view (I clearly don't), nor because I find them particularly entertaining (they aren't). No, I usually listen for the callers, because if you want the uncut raw, and a somewhat "behind the scenes" view of "how they talk behind closed doors", you need look no further. A wise man once said, "Know thy enemies". I don't know if that was Sun Tzu or Young Jeezy, but I'm sure you get the point.
Anyways, caller after caller chimed in with all sorts of opinions, some predictable ("I wouldn't vote for a black man unless he was a conservative"), some stupid ("No, because we can't afford 4 years of Jesse Jackson"), some downright frightening ("No, he would try to give other blacks reparations."). The litany of views (mostly negative overall, which is predictable for Conservatives) gave me enough insight to firmly conclude that NO, most of America isn't ready for a black President. The question is, how much of "this America" is willing to vote against him should it come down to it.
A recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll revealed that 69% of Whites said America was ready, while only 47% of Blacks agreed. I think these numbers belie black America's overall pessimistic view of the state of the country. I'm not white, so I can't really tell you what that 69% number means. Enlighten me if you feel so.
When I was growing up, I often heard my parents lament that they'd never likely see a Black President in their lifetimes. I have more or less agreed as well, although "Run, Jesse Run!" was exciting stuff for an elementary school aged AverageBro, we all knew it could never really happen. Al Sharpton's campaign was little more than a charade (which worked) to elevate him above Jackson in the media's eye as "Black America's PR Guy". (It didn't hurt that Al also snitched secretly told the media about Jesse's lovechild.) Carole Mosely Braun's run is best remembered for her colorful scarves and lack of a perm. Alan Keyes is still in it, but I'm sure you probably didn't even know he was running in the first place. Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas jokingly announced his intentions last year, which obviously shouldn't be taken seriously, but he probably has a better shot than Keyes.
These folks had a collective snowball's chance. Conversely, as the numbers continue to roll in, Obama appears to be more and more legit by the day.
Iowa was eye-opening for many reasons, mostly because it seemed to dispel the notion that a largely white state (Iowa is only 3% black) wouldn't get behind a black candidate. While it's easy to understand why Obama, who is more of a centrist, did better than his predecessors, who ran mostly "black campaigns", it's still fascinating that his campaign seemed to transcend race.
In short, apparently SOME of America IS ready for a black President, or at least ready to vote for someone based on merit without being sidetracked by their race. What's changed?
A recent Washington Post article seemed to reach for something I hadn't considered before. Yes, Obama is qualified, which certainly helps. And sure, there's probably some element of white guilt at play here as well. But the Post article also posited that recent successes of blacks in other areas of leadership and achievement are making the concept of a brotha in charge more palatable. Tony Dungy coached last year's Super Bowl Champions. Lovie Smith coached the runners up. Dick Parsons and Stanley O'Neal ran Fortune 500 companies. Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx won Oscars. Will Smith rules the Box Office. And of course there was the very visible President Palmer on the popular TV series 24 (although that one didn't exactly end well). Could the cumulative effect of these very visible successes subconsciously make Whites more comfortable with the idea of blacks in charge? I'm not saying I agree, with it's something to ponder at least.
Either way, I'd like to hear your feedback: Is America truly ready to elect a qualified Black President?
Cast your vote early and often, you know where.
The Steepest Climb [WaPost]
Monday, January 7, 2008
Is America Finally Ready for a Black President?
Tags Popped: Barry 4 Prez, PoliTricks as Usual, White Men Gone Wild
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No I don't think so. God may protect us from the rule of a black.
Who cares about Will Smith! Or any other!
Oprah is giving cars and presents to white ladies to convince them that Obama is the bets for president?!
My experience told me that blacks in power are abusive and more racist them whites!
So, we hope the ignorants of this nation don't make again another mistake. I feel more confortable to have a woman as president!
Interesting question AB. My aunt and I were discussing this today. We came to the conclusion that yes, America is ready. More than that--young America is ready, and I feel Barry will bring out this vote in record numbers.
The fact that he's black is not relevant. The fact that his message is about change-real change-change that America seems to be yearning for--is.
I don't think America is ready for a black president. I think America is ready for a *qualified* president, whether he's black, Mormon, purple, or even a woman. Obama's in the lead not so much because he's black or because of any "white guilt" --- more likely is the fact that he's the most articulate and inspirational of any of the candidates, black or white. Man or woman. And that's what counts.
And to those black "leaders" who complain that Obama isn't "black enough" --- I respond, shame on you! Isn't it time to end these divisive comments? In my mind, they're no better than those on the right.
Part of me -- the evil part -- thinks that these voices are there because Obama stands in stark opposition to the same race-baiting rhetoric that they've spewed for years.
If Obama succeeds, or even makes a great run for the presidency, it will negate all of their claims of pervasive and underhanded racism. And it will probably put these guys out of their jobs as professional race baiters.
Yes, racism exists, but certainly not to the degree that many of them claim. Obama's already proof of that.
I was in Boston during the 2004 convention and the only person people were talking about was this guy I'd never heard of who was running for the Illinois Senate seat. So I made sure I tuned in that night to hear him. After he finished speaking all of us in the room turned to each other and said, "Someday he's going to be president."
Granted I didn't think someday was going to be quite this soon.
And I'm still not sure if he'll be elected this time around. But if not this time, then definitely sometime soon. If America isn't ready now, it's standing on the verge. And I can't wait.
I would love to see Obama as President. Plain and simple.
People worry about his lack of foreign policy experience. It can't be any worse than what we currently have. And he voted against the war. That's a point in his favor right there.
People worry that he'll favor blacks. He can't be any worse than Bush and his religious nuts favoring fellow white, religious nuts.
People worry that he isn't seasoned enough to be on the national stage. That can't be any worse than the dough-head in the White House right now who has risen through American politics on his daddy's coattails.
Obama is an intelligent man who brings honesty and freshness to the debate and rhetoric about who should govern this country and what ought to be important to all of us: peace, economic stability, and equal opportunity.
I may be naive, but if he secures the nomination, I'll be voting for him straight across the board without hesitation.
This country talks a pretty good game when it comes to "racial progress." I think the truth is a lot more complex. Lots of folks talk a lot of "cumbayah" -but when it comes to voting, well...
You'll see.
When Sugar Ray Robinson knocked-out a white opponent or when Jackie Robinson hit a home run, black folks never celebrated publically nor did they make public pessimistic comments about each historic event because they did not want the "white folks" to let them see how they actually felt. However they wore a "prideful progress smile" among the race. That is what I am seeing since the Iowa race. Blacks, old and young, are very optimistic, but won't say it publicly. My mother had the same thoughts as your mother, but recently she is hopeful that she will see a black president in her lifttime. WAKE UP Black Folks and stop thinking like field Niggas. Smell the roses! Change is in the air! He will be first President or Vice President THIS YEAR!!!
Looks like the folks of New Hampshire are ready! Obama is up BIG in the latest poll.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/07/politics/main3681634.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_3681634
"No, he would try to give other black reparations."... This just shows that ignorance crosses all racial, socioeconomic lines...
I have to agree with the anonymous person on Sunday, January 06, 2008 8:30:00 PM.
I have to admit, as much as I like Obama I wasn't really checking for him because I didn't think he had a shot. I didn't think America would vote for a black guy, a relatively inexperienced one at that. But the caucuses and primaries and polls continue to prove me wrong.
I think what's very important about Obama is the way he's bringing out NEW voters, and energizing people who had all but given up on politics in America. The "old guard" probably isn't ready, but it looks like the next crop of voters is tired of business as usual. Younger voters, IF THEY CONTINUE TO COME OUT, may force the old guard to be ready.
I, myself, am more of a centrist, though a little right leaning. He's definitely got my attention.
As a white guy (who voted for Bush twice,) I'm supporting Obama because he seems like the best person to take the job. Those other career politicians are pure evil, left and right. This guy at least seems like he has a chance of helping the country.
Honestly, no one gives a shit what color his skin is.
The arguement about whether or not we're ready for "change" means nothing if we can't even discuss race, comfortably.
And the fact is, we can't. See all the anonymous comments here, for exmaple.
It is unlikely to happen and if it does, some racist will kill him.
As for Sharpton, the fact that ANYONE would see him as a the voicebox for so-called "black America", shows how far we haven't come.
I can't take Sharpton seriously in ANY forum as a spokesperson for a group of people with such diverse views. White people don't have a single "talking head", so why are we are so perceived as this monolithic entity? Our blackness means we all think alike, apparently.
Besides, I can't believe any black man loves his blackness and wears a hair-straightening PERM, at the same time.
Interestingly, my cousin has said she believes we'll have a black president before we have a woman president...And given the nature of many of the attacks against Clinton...
Her personality qualities are unlikeable and bitchy in a woman but more than likely, seen as admirable and strong, in a man.
If anyone, other than a white man is going to win the office they have to be perfect.
I don't know what will come, but I do know, the people's prejudices ALWAYS come into play.
Anyone who says differently is ignorant and naive.
AB, any political discussion that involves Gilbert Arenas can't be taken seriously. I know that's supposed to be comic relief and all, but come on.
For the record, I think the comments here are indicative enough of the sentiment that the country isn't ready for Obama. That "N.L." is about to kick in any moment now.
For the record I would love to see Obama as president but I dont think he will win and we desparately need a democrat in the white house to clean up the mess of hte last eight years. This is why I dont think he can win: people will say one thing to pollsters but when they get into the voting both they are by themselves and vote a different way. There is a reason we have only elected two black state governors.
If Obama can continue to influence the youth; and inspire non-voters to vote, I think he has a chance. Especially if his 'skeletons' are out of the 'closet'. In our world I don't think Mrs. Clinton stands a chance- the United States/Western world hardly respects women- there's no way 'backwards' countries like Iraq; Iran; Pakistan; North Korea etc., -would respect a woman president...of course a 'black' man may not be any better. The one thing most voters I know agree upon-we need a change. Not saying I agree with Huckabee or Romney, but I think many are hesitant to be led by someone with a firm religious based political agenda.
I'm still in the state of disbelief that it will happen, but I hope it does. Even if he gets the Democratic nomination I think would be a great step.
But, on the other hand, if it becomes serious the Secret Service needs to really tighten up on his security. I think there are many Tim McVay out there that will look to take him out if it's serious he has a legitimate chance to win the whole thing IMHO.
I'm white and I'm hearing a lot of white people saying they really like Obama. Okay, my circle of acquaintances that I talk about this stuff with is limited, but still it's impressive to hear so many of them talking positive about Obama.
I think ANY of the Dems would be better than what we have (probably any of the Repubs would be as well). I'm leaning toward Edwards but it's great to see someone stirring as much enthusiasm as Obama. I could change my mind and make him my first choice by the time my state votes. My biggest fear is that he wouldn't be the strongest on foreign policy, which I think is especially important right now.
It's always painful to hear from Blacks who are cynical or bitter, or who talk about "N.L." I would love Obama to win if it would help cure some of that. Of course even if he did win I know it wouldn't completely rid everyone of that, but I think it would be a very great step forward.
Don't get me wrong, I don't blame or judge anyone for cynicism, it just seems that it's a barometer that something's seriously fugged up. Also I don't think cynicism ever does make a contribution to change. Just my 2 cents.
Have we really been able, as a nation, to put color aside, and elect the best and brightest among us to wield presidential power?
Time will tell.
But I have another take on why whites are rallying around Obama.
Here's another question: would Obama have a fighting chance, if elected white officials hadn't made such a mess of the country in recent years?
I contend: their screw up has become Obama's biggest advantage.
I'm thinking white folks are thinking: give Obama a try. He certainly can't do worse than those sell-outs, liars, and thieves we've been supporting.
Again:
White men have screwed over the country to such an nth degree with their catering to public interest groups, powerful unions, greedy corporations, and the machinations of political intrigue that has marked good ol' boy politics in Washington for years, that they have left the door wide open for a black presidential candidate.
Their failing is catapulting Obama closer to the White House than any other black hopefuls could have hoped for during the past century.
There's a significant segment of white America that is not ready for a black president, but they are about to be over-fucking-ruled.
....I don't even think it has to do with skin color. Perhaps that's why you and the media are confused about the results.
(And the most of the people that pipe up about him being black are borderline fanatical...about SOMETHING)Hence the reason why popular vote is useless and a waste of time. Remember Hilary won that one? The only people voting...are guess what? People who are fanatical.
And look at your comments...the ones that don't like Obama, are fanatical about their own color or religion...
Anonymous, if you think it's some kind of odd coincidence that the first DNC front runner for President is a bi-racial man, whose parents are not fourth or fifth generation descendants of slaves, like MOST black Americans, well then, think again. Though Obama's ancestry would have no bearing on my decision in the voting booth,I'm not blind. Between Oprah's endorsement and Obama's rapid ascent, to me, his candidacy has a Disneyland theme park ride quality. I respect Hilary's candidacy more. She's had to jump through more hoops. In my opinion, Obama isn't under the same scrutiny, and I don't think that Hilary would even be considered a viable candidate if she had Obama's resume, but that's to be expected. After all, Hilary is a woman.
cinco, were you WATCHING the news in the past couple of weeks? So Benazir Bhutto, a woman, wasn't the leader of Pakistan?
You know, this comment section has got the be the most ridiculously ignorant, racist and sexist one on avb's whole blog... and 80% of it is from Obama supporters.
wow. Tim McVeigh comments? He wasn't racially motivated! America and the western world barely respects women? Huh? I'm no Hillary supporter, but between a woman, and a man who says he wants to dialog with a nation that forces women to cover themselves head to foot, treats them like property, and executes them for being raped, which one is preferable as President? Yeah it's a dishonest question, but so are all those comments.
He better watch out or he'll get assassinated? I think avb might agree that he's more likely to get capped on the street in Chicago, by another black man, than get assassinated on the campaign trail.
Mandingo jokes at work? You ought to thank God your co-workers are reasonable guys, because that's grounds for a sexual harassment claim against you. Don't believe me? Go ask your HR manager, and be prepared for a lecture. Not to mention the lack of taste involved, and the harm you do to your image and Obama's. Who wants to vote for a guy with supporters that say crap like that? What about supporters who repeat it on a public weblog? What, you think your boss doesn't know how to use google?
Women are held to a higher standard? Here's a news flash: it's not a higher standard - it's just the standard. If Clinton was 1/4th the orator that Obama is, two things would be true - 1) she wouldn't need the experience she claims she has, and 2) she'd be kicking Obama's ass up and down the country.
You people need to take a breath, ditch the conspiracy theories and the victim mentality, and ask yourselves:
How much of a dumbass will you feel like when the rest of the nation proves it's gotten past its own racial problems while you're left hanging out with race-baiting Al and shouting to an empty room that white male America wants to keep women and the black man down?
The rest of you, the critical thinkers - you want to take a hard look, and make sure you don't try to elect JFK and end up with Jimmy Carter.
"Women are held to a higher standard? Here's a news flash: it's not a higher standard - it's just the standard. If Clinton was 1/4th the orator that Obama is, two things would be true - 1) she wouldn't need the experience she claims she has, and 2) she'd be kicking Obama's ass up and down the country."
Spool32, were you hatched yesterday, or something? First of all, last time I checked, Obama's frontrunner status wasn't a month old. Were you not paying attention before Jan. 4, 2008? Hilary's been leading in the polls up to Iowa and New Hampshire. It's funny to me how you're trying to insinuate that Hilary isn't a good orator, considering that she won most of the debates in 07', but oh wait, I forgot, you were incubating then. So you weren't around. If it were so easy for a woman with Obama's limited electoral experience to materialize as the DNC front runner, then why hasn't it happened before? Oh, I know, according to you, it was because of their lack of stirring speeches and public speaking skills.
Hillary's "frontrunner" status evaporated the moment she got into a serious contest. Perhaps you missed the planted questioners at the debates, the cheap attempts at a hit job? "Diamonds or Pearls?" Give me a break. Of course, Obama had at least one plant in that same debate, but hey. Clinton had five.
Hillary has been flat as a speaker, uninspiring at best, coddled by the press, and only looked good because Barak didn't have his act together. You can witness the weaker Barak if you search out his speech after the V. Tech killings - he equated the mass murder of college kids by a disturbed student to "the violence of joblessness", and cast about for the right tone like he'd lost his car keys. All I could think was "you've got to be kidding", but he's turned it around in the run up to Iowa and really hit his stride now.
Hillary as frontrunner has always been more tale than truth... to cement her status she needed to a) not screw up, and b) not collapse when pressed by a better ~candidate~. Obama is taking advantage of Hillary's mistakes and rather than stem the tide her campaign called him a drug dealer and her operatives insinuated he was a terrorist in disguise. Bad idea.
If you thought Hillary rose to prominence because she was talented or qualified, you haven't been paying attention to the Democratic party machine the Clintons have built over the last decade. What we're witnessing is the dissolution of an organization many thought to be invincible... but not even the Clinton financial juggernaut can propel a bad and widely detested candidate into the nomination.
You should be glad if you're a Democrat - Obama has an excellent chance of beating any Republican nominee, but Hillary does not. Not only that, a Democratic ticket with Hillary at the top would have guaranteed a bloodbath in the general election... partisan brutality of the worst sort. Obama at the top of the ticket would, I hope, at least give us a shot at a decent campaign about issues and a choice between two different ideologies.
I'm not convinced Obama can win that sort of a campaign, to be honest - but he's at least got it in him to run one. Hillary does not.
spool32 said...
a Democratic ticket with Hillary at the top would have guaranteed a bloodbath in the general election... partisan brutality of the worst sort.
-------------------------
You are sooooo right! Pray to God that she's not the nominee b/c the right wingers absolutely despise her, and it would certainly mean the demise of the Democratic party. (and the onset of the apocalypse!)
who remembers doug wilder's campain for governor of virginia? before the election, it appeared as if even robert e lee was gonna rise up and vote for this man! change had come to virginia! racism was as dead as affordable housing in georgetown... and yet come election day.... yeah-doug w. won-but barely... my point? we ( or maybe you) as come as far as we profess...not at all
To the original question: Yes, I think so... but not without a lot of resistance.
No. The evidence? Americans voted for Bush... Twice...
Well, for those that understand long term voting habits of the american public should notice that a strong swing from Democratic to GOP pivoted on the Cival Rigths bill of the 60s. Since then we have seen the GOP harness bigotry with code words and sound bites such as "etitlements" that really mean "lazy N' and moreover sadly have hijacked the religious (right in particular). I've got bad news for you folks. The only thing that could "out-motivate" pissed of democrats and the devistated middle-class to show up in november is the effect nominating a black candidate will have on the bigots and the "flock" that follows the voting instructions delivered by the so-called pastures who each sunday protray themselfs as men of god while unwittingly support some of the most evil people that have ever had control of this great (or once great) nation. I'll vote for Obabma, but the media, the Democratic Party (guilty of monumental stupidity) have played right into the hands of the GOP when we need a great leader more then ever. We have delivered just about the most beatable opponent to these people and I'll wager there are lots of GOP champagne bottles popping in DC these days. The Democratic party deserves all it is going to get. 4 more years of the same. Losers!
IS AMERICA READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT ?
I know that on the surface the question seems to be rhetorical bordering on the brink of absurdity. And yet it is on the minds of many if not most Americans today. To pose the question, even rhetorically seems to imply that there is somehow a difference between a black president and a white one when it actually goes without saying…that there isn’t. Yet to ask the question, “is America ready for change?” avoids the issue of race altogether, which is exactly why we are where we are today. To answer the question… America must first come to terms with several truths about “racism”.
Once you look beneath the surface of the manifestation of racism you’ll find that it’s origins have very little to do with race. Whenever someone burns a cross, paints a swastika or hangs a noose from a tree it’s not called a race crime, but a hate crime. Race does play a role in racism…however racism is not born solely out of race.
Slavery existed for thousands of years in Africa before it came to America. In the beginning Africans captured Africans and sold them into slavery via the Atlantic Slave Trade, which would ultimately bring millions of African slaves to this country. And at the onset whites and blacks labored side-by-side as slaves under the system of indentured servitude, which lasted until about the 1700’s. Then through court rulings slavery would later come to apply chiefly to Africans and people of African descent.
Therefore race became an identifier of the victims of the racism and a divider of the races. Race did not make Africans sell Africans into a cruel, barbaric and inhumane lifetime of servitude. They were, after all of the same race. The true culprit is hatred and race has become the justifier of that hatred.
Racism pays… and there are elements in our society that are aware of this fact and wouldn’t have it any other way. It paid in 1609 in Jamestown when the first slaves hit American soil and it’s still paying in 2008.
Eight million slaves if they had been paid the minimum wage would have earned about $108,992,000,000 a year. That same figure of 8 million not even counting offspring or descendents, over the course of 251 years would have earned $27,356,992,000,000.
The use of demographics during the electoral process is a form of racism that compromises the integrity of the process itself. It affects the outcome of the election in the same way that exit polling affects the outcomes of contests while results are given while other precincts are still open. Moreover as many of the news agencies reported that “Caucasian women” were backing Senator Clinton and all African Americans were backing Obama, then the democratic process had become compromised and much of what was left was a numbers game. According to the U.S. Census Bureau in July of 2002 the total U.S. population was 281,421,906 persons. Out of that figure 216,930,975 persons were Caucasian, while only 36, 419,434 were African American.
Therefore if people are told or indoctrinated by racially charged campaigning to vote according to race, not only would Clinton or McCain have an unfair advantage and would more than likely receive more votes but we as a nation will have regressed rather than progressed and democracy will have ceased to exist.
According to RenaRF on the Daily Kos Homepage and the “CNN Election Center” as a result of all primary and caucus contests 17,780,516 persons voted for Senator Barack Obama while 17,589,514 persons voted for Senator Hillary Clinton. Both candidates made history but
Contrary to what had been reported Senator Barack Obama won the popular vote as more persons voted for him than for Senator Clinton. As the Reverend Jesse Jackson put it, it reminds him of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech as he stated, “… And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the Promised Land….” And speaking of Obama and what he has accomplished…already…. this is … “promised Land” territory. Perhaps America is beginning to realize what William Cowper and Isaac Watts had known all along.
“Fleecy locks and black complexion
Cannot forfeit nature’s claim.
Skin may differ, but affection
Dwells in black and white the same.
And were I so tall as to reach the pole
Or to grasp the ocean at a span,
I must be measured by my soul.
The mind is the standard of the man.”
Perhaps… America is ready for change…. Are you?
Terrell Anthony Worrell
Terrell.worrell@verizon.net
Terrell Worrell: Racism pays… and there are elements in our society that are aware of this fact and wouldn’t have it any other way.
You make a stronger argument for racism being based in economics than in "hatred."
some americans arent ready for a black president, but im welcome to a change.
I believe that the united states is ready for a black president and Barack Obama understands what the nation needs to get back on it's feet.He's hard working,determined and represents "change" in which "The United States of America needs.(I FEEL RACE SHOULD NOT MATTER,but us African-Americans are proud of Barack and his accomplishments.He made history he represents the struggles African-Americans endured.
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