Matthew Dowd

I think Obama will do well because of the African American vote, but I agree with the writer that attacking Bill Clinton is not helping Obama. He has his own star power.

Since the writer is ignoring the third front runner, I will predict that John Edwards will finish a strong second. He knows the people in SC. They aren't interested in playground fights. They want results and someone who represents the adult wing of the Democratic party.

This obama bashing may come back to haunt clinton, Bill was called out last night on hardball by a very liberal journalist. He called Clinton Liars, adn a lot of America is seeing Clinton now painting Latinos as her building blocks. This is not sitting well with the Black community. And the republicians are just sitting back taking notes and making commericals to air against the clintons. Bill and Hillary are splitting the party along racial lines.

i'm disappointed, matthew dowd, how you could write that whole column and not mention john edwards. this was the first time i had 'clicked on' your blog and looks like i won't be visiting much. that is just plain wrong. like this is a 2 person race-- this is a prime example of the uphill battle je has faced. it is sad for the people not to get the information, i thought that was your job..unless you are just manipulators

".....i'm disappointed, matthew dowd, how you could write that whole column and not mention john edwards"

Edwards is a dead man walking. He continues in the race out of pure greed for the limelight, without a glimmer of a chance.

The Clintons tactics might appear admirable when they are being used as a defense against a republican attack machine. But seeing these tactics applied within a democratic primary is repulsive. Not only will I not vote for Hillary should she win the democratic primary, if McCain gets the republican nomination, I will likely vote for him. Then Obama can beat him in 2012.

C'mon....Obama is "BLACK". This is how the black people do it....they fight!!! It's in their blood. That's the reason majority prison inmates are black people. Asking Obama not to attack is like telling a pitbull to sit. History says alot about black people.

When my reeducation camps open for people who apposed my vision for AmerikA, I will make sure that Obama, Limbaugh, and all white males are properly re-educated.

Mr. Dowd, well, well. What's with the advice? So who exactly are you trying to convince with this FREE advice? The campaigns or the bloggers/the people? You could have just sent the campaigns emails, right? After how the Republicans behaved the whole time they tried to bring down the Clintons; you went on to be part of the Republican strategy that was just as ruthless with Gore and Kerry. Being that you were part of that team that helped to get Bush in as President, I don't trust your motives.

"OBAMA PORTRAIT MUSIC VIDEO" on Youtube - Don't Miss It!

For those of you who still have not heard:

There is a WONDERFUL and INSPIRING music video on Youtube.com entitled "Obama Portrait Music Video by Bjarne O."
You can use the free downloaded high-quality stereo version from the composer's website in DVD form to show at house parties and fundraisers. Even people who knew nothing at all about Obama have been moved: either a thrilling introduction, or further inspiration for those of us who already know and fight for Obama.
The music soundtrack, which incorporates excerpts from the famous 2004 speech, can also be downloaded separately in high-quality.

So please, SPREAD THE WORD!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mCPwbozpIzM

YES WE CAN

Anne

I have heard more and more Democrats saying that if Hillary wins, they'll vote for McCain. This proves just how polarizing a figure she is. The truth is: Hillary will be the best unifier for the GOP and they'll win in November if we don't take her out now! Most people are falling for the Clinton disgusting attack tactics so they continue to use them. I disagree with Mr. Dowd in the fact that for weeks Obama ignored the numerous false allegations made against him by the Clintons but he is not a saint! I doubt you, Mr. Dowd or anyone else could have lasted this long without charging back. Obama must defend his record and we, Democrats must start looking at the big picture: Hillary won't win in November!

Clinton is devisive and is burning bridges withing the party as well as putting republicans even further away from any bi-partisanship by vilifying them. The Clintons know they don't need the black vote if they can get the latino vote. But against a ticket with McCain on it, she doesn't have a chance.

Matt: apparently, you haven't seen John Kerry's call-to-arms e-mail if you're thinking that Barack Obama intends this to be a "straight up" battle.

Millie is right! We must make clear to Hillary and Bill that they have to behave with civility within the primaries or they will not be supported ever again.

BTW, there are a few ignorant racists on this board right now. Thank goodness they're predictably Republican.

Matthew,
I think you are correct. Obama doesn't beat the Clintons at their own game. Perhaps this is the oft-mentioned "experience" factor. Campaign experience.

If it is to be Obama's time, he must run a campaign of lofty ideals and unification. If the Dem establishment can't get behind that, then perhaps Obama looks to an Independent run. How about an Obama/Lieberman ticket to turn this nation on it's head. Big, bold ideas.

One things for sure. If Hillary wins the White House. She won't cheat on performance. Because if their is any cheating to be done, Bill is going to do it.

It is disgusting to watch the Clintons in action and this is clearly what we should expect for THEIR term. I really had such high hopes for the Democratic Party going into this primary and Obama has shown himself to be the definition of class. The Clinton's may think their "win at any cost" approach will be forgiven. They may win simply as a contrast to the alternative but it's likely people will feel Clinton fatigue almost immediately and as soon as the election is over, they will be counting the days until they can boot them out. I very seriously doubt she could get reelected because everyone will have seen the dirty politics in 2008 and come down on them so hard they will barely have time to pack in 2012. And what of Obama? The best face the Democratic Party has had in years? The Clintons just can't stand that it is time for Bill to be eclipsed. They will do anything to destroy the opportunity of a bright future the Democratic Party has.

Bill lauds Rove

Check this out:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/14/AR2007081401722.html

“Hey, you did a marvelous job, it was just marvelous what you did," Clinton told Rove, according to the book "The Way to Win: Taking the White House in 2008," by John F. Harris and Mark Halperin. "I want to get you down to the [William J. Clinton Presidential] library. I want to talk politics with you. You just did an incredible job, and I'd like to really get together with you and I think we could have a great conversation."

thanks irma, for confirming for me re matt
"you went on to be part of the Republican strategy "
i know edwards is the most feared to run against, and that is why the media giants manipulation to keep him out of the loop. go irma,
as for trapbreak, you sound like the deadman walking. sad for you.
go edwards

Obama has all losers in his campaign and you want them to win a hard war????
Look back at his past campaigns, he was very lucky to meet all weak opponents.
But this is the real world and his opponent is the most formidable rival.
If he win some primaries it is good enough. This campaign may destroy his political future when he run out of luck.

Strategically, I am a little torn, because I do think that the Clintons' dirty tricks are hurting Senator Obama. And yet, I agree, that if this just devolves into a free-for-all slugfest, that will hurt Obama more than the Clintons. As the old saying goes - "Never wrestle with a pig. You'll both get dirty, and the pig likes it". Senator Obama should leave those two pigs in the mud and stay clean above them - it's his best chance for victory.

MyLe clearly you like to roll in the slime the Clintons are spewing out. The Clintons appear to be establishing a monarchy and a very ugly one at that. If you think it is in the best interest of the Democratic Party to destroy Obama's political future, you are extremely short-sighted. Hopefully more intelligent minds will prevail in the Democratic Party to reign in the Clinton's massive path of destruction.

too bad for Obama ... you either stand for something or you fall for anything ... and he doesn't appear to stand for much. He goes to a church for 20 years that praises Farakahn and calls this "white America" and yet he wants the support of white voters.

I see Clinton bashing is thriving in these posts.....hmmmm. I wonder why that is?

HA! I disagree. This is spoken like a typical white man who has no vision of being in a blacks shoes. The Clintons start a fight with Obama about race, about lies on Obama's record, they have been hitting him left and right, his jaw is swollen by now, he has been knocked down with smears from a former 2 term president and his lady and you say he should remain down and let them kick him and stomp him? You're crazy. I think it's about time Obama fought back these Clintons. They know exactly what they're doing and yet media says Obama should not fight back. Fight back, Obama, against this slime, you're doing great. Let the public know how dirty they are, reveal their dirty laundry! OBAMA '08!!

The Clintons(yes i mean plural) are running for president.
You don't get the Senator without the former President.
Has anyone thought of the political mess that will create.
Democrats need to wake up.
I am a registered democrat , and i wouldnt vote for the Clintons even if George Bush sought a third term

Actually. The truth is, voting for mccain is to vote for everything Obama is against. Its lame brain STUPID for an Obama person to vote for McCain out of SPITE. Which of course what this is about. What this means is that childish little Obama fans dont GET THEIR WAY , they will throw their vote away on SPITE to a republican . Nyah Nyah. Like voting in John McCain is going to be a smart move. 100 more years of war blha blah blah.

Oh, he really is desperate and looking again like a very sore loser. Because his "rough and tumble Chicago politics" have not worked, I guess this perpetual whining and complaining about the Clintons is the only tactic he has left. Upon reading the Las Vegas Sun accounts of union intimidation, it seemed to me that charges could easily be made by Hillary against Obama's supporters. And what about that nasty radio ad calling her a "disgrace?" What do John Kerry and tom Daschle think about that? Unfortunately Sen. Obama has done a poor job of showing the American people why he should be president. This alone is the reason he is losing.

I agree somewhat with Mr. Dowd's comments but don't get any sense of what going "back to a less negative while still confrontational plan" means. It would be nice to give a practical example. Say someone says something about you that you know to be untruthful. What would Mr. Dowd recommend you do?

My view of the Clintons have changed. I am for Obama. We do need a change. I agree that he shouldn't play their game, but he also can't afford not to respond to their attacks. It's a hard place to be in.

To the author of the comment about blacks being like pit bulls, they cime out fighting, Well what the He** do you expect. Have you forgotten we have had to fight for everything we,ve accomplained and this has not been an easy road. You say that the majority of prisoners are black and you are right. When we get this Black man in the White house then maybe we Black's will be treated equally in all aspects including the judicial system. And furthermore if you or any other Whites were attacked you also would come out foighting.Have you forgotten what we as Blacks have ahd to endure from Whites, so you can keep those racial remarks to yourself because us Blacks don't give a hoot what you think.We will contunie to fight for equality since the White man forced us to this land and we built this land we have more rights than Whites if you want to get technically. So mind what you say about the people that made America what it is.

Obama will lose and crawl back to the cesspool he and Rezko made out of Chicago

The Clintons have changed American Politics.Hate Politics is their new Campaign!

Obama band-aiding his disastrous defeat in Nevada? Sour-graping that he lost when he expected to win? Unwittingly, Obama is going against his own self. With his latest tantrums over his primary and caucus losses and poll frustrations, he is not UNIFYING the Democrats, but DIVIDING them to serve his self-interest and indirectly to aid the Republicans. How can he UNIFY when he insults the voters in Nevada and other states who voted overwhelmingly for Hillary? How can he preach CHANGE and HOPE now with his recent manifestations of HOPELESSNESS and his defiant insistence to CHANGE the course of Hillary's steady march to nomination victory? Barack, you were doing well before towards the Iowa caucus, but you're doing worse now towards Super Tuesday. And who is benefiting from your stumbling - it's Hillary.

To the comment of Michelle Moore. 700,000 white people died in a civil war that most people did not want to free the black. How many blacks died or suffered. Give me a break with your pity we were slaves. Slavery is still legal in Africa. Everybody suffers. Be like the JEWS when the recieved their freedom from the egyptians 3000 years ago and do a exodus from America if you hate this land so much.

Why are people more angry over Hillary Clinton than an administration that has allowed 4000 American's die, and probabaly more. Why are you not mad at illegal wire tapping, torture and the basic destruction of our civil liberties??? Hillary Clinton is human, she has made mistakes, but the hatred you have for her should be focused on what we have allowed our country to become over the last 7 years. Hillary Clinton will restore America to her greatness.

Democrats with their 100's of millions will not even be able to beat Senator McCain who is running on a shoe string budget..

Comparing Obama to Kennedy? What a joke! Also, if Obama can't handle a debate with two democrats, how will he be able to handle a debate with a republican? Didn't you see his answer to the 30% interest cap limitation question from Edwards? His answer (which I truly beleive he did not want to say that) was stupid. He did not notice what he was saying. It proves he can't handle the pressure of a debate when he is asked tough questions.

I don't think the Rezko question is done with. The media (NBC, CBS, FOX and CNN) have not pursued this issue. ABC covered it for a day and did not mentione it again in spite of the hundreds of blogs in response to that one article. "A review by the Los Angeles Times shows that [Antoin "Tony"] Rezko.played a deeper role in Obama's political and financial biography than the candidate has acknowledged." Sen. Obama yesterday claimed that "no one had an inkling" of Mr. Rezko's troubles during their relationship. But there were many media reports about Mr. Rezko's legal and ethical problems. Read more and get the facts here.

Obama is taking the Clintons on and actually holding them accountable for their words. While they'll do everything they can to muddy the waters and make him look like he's the one with the negative campaigning, this is beginning to backfire on the Clintons.

How tragic that she keeps talking about how she's running on her record, but then sends out her surrogates to lie about Obama and slander his name. Bill Clinton needs to point his fingers back at himself. Shame on the Clintons. They're making a disgrace of this entire process and people across all racial and socio-economic lines are beginning to see just that.

And this is just the beginning. They're doing the equivalent of torching their own campaign and fueling the fire of why America (Democrat, Republican, and Independent alike) wants out of the partisan politics of the past 20 years under the Bush/Clinton dynasty.

I cannot believe the hatred in these blogs,poor Hillary she needs a thick skin..If these bloggers are an example of the voting American public,the world of the future will be a scary place

Mr. Dowd,

What you you do if people went about spreading lies about your positions and distorting your statements. Say nothing? I doubt it. The fact is, rumours catch fire, whether we like it or not.

Clinton, the so-called first black president, is being racist by trying to pigeonhole Obama as popular in SC because he is blacki.

Most of all Clinton is acting in a way unbecoming a former president. His behavior represents a new low - even for him, which means a lot.

Stop this mess, Bill. Here is a link to a petition to the DNC asking Bill to cease and desist with the smear:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/566752872

As someone who has spent most of his time this campaign looking at the Republican field, I think Obama did great in the debates.

Your suggestion that he raise about the "war room" is ridiculous considering how vulnerable Clinton actually is. This is a women who is about as entrenched in the status quo as one can get. She has a foreign policy/civil rights record that makes Dick Chenny happy and you suggest that Obama shouldn't bring any of that up.

I understand that Obama also has his entanglements, but to suggest that there is some parity between them is erroneous or disingenuous.

As a voter my main concern this time around is too stop hemmoraging money in this stupid occupation that makes us weaker by the day. Having said that if I'm forced to choose between Hillary and pro occupation Mccain, I am going with Mccain.

He probably should take the tactic of rising above the petty politics of the Clinton machine, however then he'll lose because we all know american politics has become an american idle special effects show. At least he'd be able to sleep at night without tranquilizers.

What curious about both of these 'parties' (and they are parties to be certain) is that neither has addressed their base exclusivity strategy (which makes our vote worthless), and neither has addressed the basic constitutional problem of a dictatorial executive (other than to say its bad), nor have they even hinted (perhaps mccain has in his own way) in how they intend to apply law in an essentially lawless nation.

Seems it has devolved into a soap opera rather quickly, once again with for-profit medias help. I'd suggest they run the next debate as a WWF event (either party), with costumes and catchy psuedonyms and all.

I am not sorry that Obama spoke up -- he showed that he does in fact have a voice and can stand up to a political machine "remember David and Goliath" -- Bill just keeps bring himself down -- what can you do?? Same ole, same ole -- Hillary divides her party ssying she can unite the country -- No Soap and people aren't buying it -- including her new moderating "house" voice. But she still looked like a fish monger saying I demand mandatory Universal Healthcare -- why didn't the press pick up on this "my way or the Highway" attitude -- now who does that remind us all of???

First of all, Chicago is not a cesspool. Obama won Iowa and the Clinton's went on the attack. Then Hillary cried and got the sympathy vote and the momentum back. They decided to change tactics after they lost Iowa. I was in Iowa knocking on doors and talking to lots of white people. I am African-American with locks and country white folk all over Iowa loved Obama. 72 year old white ladies loved Obama. Now the press is focused on race and other non-issues. Same old lies and mis-truths. Obama will prevail if people turn off the TV and vote with their hearts and minds.

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that he is vying for one of the highest offices in the world and that feel good speeches are not all it takes to obtain the keys to the White House?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that when you throw mud, you had best be ready to be retaliated upon?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that using hypothetical stances as an outsider does not bode well with those who were actually inside dealing with presented facts only privy to them nor is it a foundation for providing superior policies in the future?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that by simply branding yourself doesn’t make you better without proof and having a solid record that your brand is better?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that in this day and age of the information highway provides access of verification?

if Hillary and McCain win the nominations it will be the first and last time i vote for a Republican. If Hillary gets it and McCain doesn't I will sit this one out. I understand that Democrats have to stick together to defeat the Republicans, but it seems like they will do and say anything to win. Even if it means destroying the Democratic party to do it.

While I was typing this I finally understand why Bloomberg thinks he has a good shot to win if its between Hillary and Romney or Huckabee. If its down to them I will have no choice but to vote for Bloomberg.

I think its fitting that all this is happening in South Carolina. This is where Bush smeared McCain with half-truths and racist subtexts, and Billary is doing the exact same thing.

Could Obama be our last best hope to take back this country for rational people?

if Hillary and McCain win the nominations it will be the first and last time i vote for a Republican. If Hillary gets it and McCain doesn't I will sit this one out. I understand that Democrats have to stick together to defeat the Republicans, but it seems like they will do and say anything to win. Even if it means destroying the Democratic party to do it.

While I was typing this I finally understand why Bloomberg thinks he has a good shot to win if its between Hillary and Romney or Huckabee. If its down to them I will have no choice but to vote for Bloomberg.

I think its fitting that all this is happening in South Carolina. This is where Bush smeared McCain with half-truths and racist subtexts, and Billary is doing the exact same thing.

Could Obama be our last best hope to take back this country for rational people?

if Hillary and McCain win the nominations it will be the first and last time i vote for a Republican. If Hillary gets it and McCain doesn't I will sit this one out. I understand that Democrats have to stick together to defeat the Republicans, but it seems like they will do and say anything to win. Even if it means destroying the Democratic party to do it.

While I was typing this I finally understand why Bloomberg thinks he has a good shot to win if its between Hillary and Romney or Huckabee. If its down to them I will have no choice but to vote for Bloomberg.

I think its fitting that all this is happening in South Carolina. This is where Bush smeared McCain with half-truths and racist subtexts, and Billary is doing the exact same thing.

Could Obama be our last best hope to take back this country for rational people?

if Hillary and McCain win the nominations it will be the first and last time i vote for a Republican. If Hillary gets it and McCain doesn't I will sit this one out. I understand that Democrats have to stick together to defeat the Republicans, but it seems like they will do and say anything to win. Even if it means destroying the Democratic party to do it.

While I was typing this I finally understand why Bloomberg thinks he has a good shot to win if its between Hillary and Romney or Huckabee. If its down to them I will have no choice but to vote for Bloomberg.

I think its fitting that all this is happening in South Carolina. This is where Bush smeared McCain with half-truths and racist subtexts, and Billary is doing the exact same thing.

Could Obama be our last best hope to take back this country for rational people?

What everyone seems to be missing is that Obama is not "black". He has a white mother. Why does he feel the need to hide that part of his heritage and only play up the black part? Doesn't that tell us anything about who he will be for if he gets elected?

"To the comment of Michelle Moore. 700,000 white people died in a civil war that most people did not want to free the black. How many blacks died or suffered. Give me a break with your pity we were slaves. Slavery is still legal in Africa. Everybody suffers. Be like the JEWS when the recieved their freedom from the egyptians 3000 years ago and do a exodus from America if you hate this land so much."
Posted by: Tammy Moore | Jan 24, 2008 2:19:41 PM
----I was going to respond, thinking you were a true human looking to have a constructive conversation, until I saw your earlier vile statement. What can I say? I simply hope more real human beings will move towards making this earth a better place. If not then little beings like you win, and we'll continue fighting each other.

He is Black because he looks black. He will always be treated as a black man and refered to as a black man. It would be fair to call him a white man too. But to do so is to deny what you actually see. Obama is a black man and Hillary Clinton is a devil woman.

Mr. Dowd:
Your analysis is correct, to a point. However, Obama was in a position where he had to show his mettle, or forever be branded a good talker, but chicken-hearted. [Recall how the pollsters had graded him just before the Pennslvania debate].
Now that he has shown a capacity to stand up to 'the best of them' and maintain his integrity, he should move forward, as you have suggested. The recent vetting by the Clintons and the press will serve him well in the general elections. Don't you think?

January 24, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

Mr. Obama should be ashamed. Dance Mr. Bojangles, dance.

During the Democratic Debate held in S.C. on MLK day. Mr. Obama was asked to comment on Toni Morrison’s quote that former President Clinton was, “the first black President”. It was apparent throughout the debate that Mr. Obama was angry with President Clinton. After a few gratuitous words of inelegant praise from an otherwise elegantly poetic speaker Obama chose to end his discourse with a racial joke. “Well, I’d have to see how well he danced to see if he was really a brother.” The audience roared.

How is this acceptable or funny? This joke plays into the exact racial subtexts and stereotypes that divide this country. Mr. Obama’s platform is one of change and unity. This joke at the expense of President Clinton is demeaning, and denigrates the truly inspirational work that President Clinton has done for the African American community. This joke divides. This joke promotes racial stereotypes. Can you imagine if Hillary Clinton had been asked the question and responded with the same comment, that she’d have to see how well her husband danced before she could tell if he was black? There would have been pandemonium! It would have been the end of her race for the presidency. Why is there such a double standard?

Some may argue that it is acceptable for a black man to joke about black people. I disagree, and this was also a slur against President Clinton and whites in general. In Denver yesterday a listener of the radio show KHOW called in to discuss this very issue. The response from one of the hosts was that it was acceptable because it was funny and he was trying to bring levity to a serious situation. What?! Humor is subjective. This was not a comedy review. This was a presidential candidate vying for the most powerful position in the world. Is he going to make jokes and slurs when he feels under attack from other racial, ethnic, and minority groups? Is this how he will further our foreign policy? Is this how he will unite our country and world?

The irony is that this racial joke was done on the very day we were honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Obama, who has been trying overly hard to show that he is worthy to step into Mr. King’s shoes has shown us very clearly that he is not. His behavior was outrageous and certainly not Presidential. Martin Luther King, Jr. would never have made that joke, especially about President Clinton. Neither Toni Morrison nor Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been amused.

Dance Mr. Bojangles, dance. Goodbye Mr. Obama.

Sincerely,

Robert Jameson

The "dirty tricks" that so many Obama supporters see are simply pointing out the contradictions in Obama's statements and actions. While he argues for the high ground, he takes very questionable digs at Hillary Clinton. So why isn't he called on the carpet? For example, how can he gloss over the countless "present" votes that keep his record out of the political fray, and how can he declare that the Clinton presidency had no new ideas (only crediting Reagan) and not expect Pres Clinton to fight back???

Clintons are running, Hate Politics! and Hillary Voted for the War In Iraq.To me thats like Voting to send our Son's & Daughter's off to die!

so it was okay for Obama to take the first hit at the debate by saying Walmart? What do you think Hillary going to stand there and not hit back. Obama just mad because she hit him 10x harder. You know what they say you mess with the bull you get the horns. Oh and Obama wife is on a company board and only step down six month ago. Guess what they have ties to Walmart. This guy is too green to be President.
His new ad is nasty and goes too personal. He will win S.C. but he can forget NY, NJ, CA, etc. At least we win have a better look at thing on Feb. 5th Thank God...

McCain in the past has been a middle of the road kind of senator. He voted and worked for america. After he gets elected, I expect to see the same guy at work.

I've never voted for a "repug" in my 72 years. But if Hillary is the answer, I will vote "republican" this year.

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that he is vying for one of the highest offices in the world and that feel good speeches are not all it takes to obtain the keys to the White House?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that when you throw mud, you had best be ready to be retaliated upon?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that using hypothetical stances as an outsider does not bode well with those who were actually inside dealing with presented facts only privy to them nor is it a foundation for providing superior policies in the future?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that by simply branding yourself doesn’t make you better without proof and having a solid record that your brand is better?

Has anyone informed Sen Obama that in this day and age of the information highway provides access of verification?

To Whom It May Concern:

Mr. Obama should be ashamed. Dance Mr. Bojangles, dance.

During the Democratic Debate held in S.C. on MLK day. Mr. Obama was asked to comment on Toni Morrison’s quote that former President Clinton was, “the first black President”. It was apparent throughout the debate that Mr. Obama was angry with President Clinton. After a few gratuitous words of inelegant praise from an otherwise elegantly poetic speaker Obama chose to end his discourse with a racial joke. “Well, I’d have to see how well he danced to see if he was really a brother.” The audience roared.

How is this acceptable or funny? This joke plays into the exact racial subtexts and stereotypes that divide this country. Mr. Obama’s platform is one of change and unity. This joke at the expense of President Clinton is demeaning, and denigrates the truly inspirational work that President Clinton has done for the African American community. This joke divides. This joke promotes racial stereotypes. Can you imagine if Hillary Clinton had been asked the question and responded with the same comment, that she’d have to see how well her husband danced before she could tell if he was black? There would have been pandemonium! It would have been the end of her race for the presidency. Why is there such a double standard?

Some may argue that it is acceptable for a black man to joke about black people. I disagree, and this was also a slur against President Clinton and whites in general. In Denver yesterday a listener of the radio show KHOW called in to discuss this very issue. The response from one of the hosts was that it was acceptable because it was funny and he was trying to bring levity to a serious situation. What?! Humor is subjective. This was not a comedy review. This was a presidential candidate vying for the most powerful position in the world. Is he going to make jokes and slurs when he feels under attack from other racial, ethnic, and minority groups? Is this how he will further our foreign policy? Is this how he will unite our country and world?

The irony is that this racial joke was done on the very day we were honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Obama, who has been trying overly hard to show that he is worthy to step into Mr. King’s shoes has shown us very clearly that he is not. His behavior was outrageous and certainly not Presidential. Martin Luther King, Jr. would never have made that joke, especially about President Clinton. Neither Toni Morrison nor Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been amused.

Dance Mr. Bojangles, dance. Goodbye Mr. Obama.

Sincerely,

Robert Jameson

FOR ALL OF YOU THAT WOULD VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN IF HILLARY IS NOMINATED MAKES ME SICK! YOU CARE NOTHING ABOUT AMERICA OR OUR CHILDREN AND THE ENVIROMENT! GO AHEAD YOU LOW LIFE VOTE REPUBLICAN AND I HOPE IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN TORN FROM WAR AND SCANDALS FROM THE BUSH ADMINSTRATION COMES OUT AND KICKS YOUR ASS! STUPID AMERICA THE TRUTH IS YOU DONT WANT A WOMEN IN THE WHITE HOUSE BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE CLINTONS WOULD NEVER DAMAGE AMERICA LIKE BUSH BUT YOU RATHER HAVE A YOUNG PUNK THAT CAN'T EVEN STAND ON HIS OWN IN A DEBATE AND IS STUPID! IN A SCANDAL RIGHT NOW! JUST GO AWAY STUPID PEOPLE YOU REALLY SCARE ME!

Boy, does this nation need a new civil war. It cleans all the bad feelings out.

Everybody chill. What a sensitive bunch! This is a political campaign. What do you expect? One question I have: Why does Obama talk one way to "his" people and another way to the whites. Who is he, really? Yesterday I heard a speech in which he chided the Clintons for calling "hope" a "fairy tale". If that's not a distortion, what is? He is not the all-holy savior the media and everyone else makes him out to be.

Mr. Obama should not have run at this time. He is too ambitious. Just because he did a good speech in 2004 and a good enough response, and a first time stent as senator, does not mean he is the best candidate for president among the Democrats. His best posture should have been that of a more circumspect and sagacious statesman, waiting for the right time to run. I find him just the best vice president for Hillary and he will be a sure presidential candidate for all Democrats after Hillary's tenure. By that time, experience, vision, hope and all other positive images of him, plus most likely an all-out support from all Democrats will be in the bag. Then he'll surely become the first black president and the Democrat's control of government will extend furthermore into the distant future.

I can not believe the post. several months back when Mrs Edward and Michelle Obama was trashing Hillary nothing was said. But when she starts fighting back everybody gets mad. President Clinton has a right to campaign for his wife. If you really listen to all the debates she has won most of them. I think lots of people can not stand the thought of a woman Pres

80% of the people on this site http://barackforpresident08.blogspot.com say they will NOT vote for Hillary if she gets the Democratic nomination. 9% say they will while the other 10% are undecided.

i;m not a american peoples. but my suggestion to all of you, i think hillary and mr obama. they from same parties.if u peoples think. it;s hillary time for her. if u think obama can do it more. vote for him just. look a way forward for american peoples future. vote for the right person. dont think about race or gender all human beign we are one one. not bcus of white of black or yellow or blues. think of the person can lift american peoples up. thats my advise for all american

The people who say that somehow Democrats are traitorous if they vote for McCain vs. Hillary have no idea of the level of fatigue and contempt this nation has for the ongoing partisan bickering and battling. McCain has demonstrated that he can unite, and compromise on black and white ideology to make progress. Bill and Hillary are too in love with the power and themselves to seek compromise for the gpood of our nation. They're in it for the fight - it's what they love to do. You think they're fighting for you? For your hopes, your desires, for your children's future? If you do, you're duped. They're fighting for themselves, and as another writer put it, they're like pigs in mud right now reveling in the battle. They can't even make nice with their fellow Democrats. So, strangely enough, I think the best way to end the war is not with Hillary, but with McCain. I think the best way to protect the environment is with McCain. Restart the economy? McCain. Not because he's a Republican, but because he is a pragmatic leader who I think, derspite some of his ideologies, cares about America more than he cares about his political party. And that's why lots of Republicans can't stand him, and why so many independents love him. Step back from the fight for a moment, and think about what this country needs and cannot accomplish with 4 to 8 more years of the Clintons and their "vast right wing conspiracy" claims that are nothing more than excuses to keep from really accomplishing anything, and inspiring hope in this great nation.

i;m not a american peoples. but my suggestion to all of you, i think hillary / mr obama. they from same parties.if u peoples think. it;s hillary time and she can help american peoples to proud of america again vote for her. if u think obama can do it more. vote for him just. look a way forward for all american peoples to move on and to be proud of america again in the world think of america future. vote for the right person. dont think about race or gender all human beign we are all one.in front of (GOD ALLMIGHT) not bcus of white of black or yellow or blues. race think of the person who can lift america up. and rebuild american image in the front of others country in the world.that,s my advise for all american peoples. a little word is enough for a wise. jesus said love everybody as u love your self. and try to forgive, even peoples who kill jesus. he still ask GOD to forgive them bcus they dont know what they are doing. if u are good christinan who will know. this. forgive obama for is past. and even clintons.

I see Clinton bashing is thriving in these posts.....hmmmm. I wonder why that is?
I agree with you 100%;

if black voting for Barack because he is black than this country will face racial segregation more years. What Barack will face in general if he wins primary. May be by that time white will scare to vote for him.

I have to say he has very deceptive motives since i get to know about his Church's activities.

hes gotta engage them, he walked into the trap and nows he gotta get out of it.

If Hillary ran 4 years ago shed have been a lock for all the rank and file, but we want Obama. We want to feel hopeful again, RFK and JFK were stolen from us, we dont need some ordained cyborg wonk like Hillary running the country now. America needs to evolve, and Hillary is just a master of the game that needs to change.

I think we're especially fearful since there was a 13 point swing in 24 hours in New Hampshire, that Hillary is as Obama says: "Bush Lite". Seriously, ask all your liberal friends if they dont feel slightly "wrong" about New Hampshire. If they dont feel like NV was a little fishy either.

Hillary was set to lose, and all of a sudden through a miracle of modern technology she pulled off an historic 13 point swing beating all projections and exit polls to win in New Hampshire. Now we get the double tandem saturation of Bill and Hillary all over, with a comparison over who is blacker than whom, a white lady or an african american senator.

If Obama plays nice and lets Hillary and Bill dominate the airwaves like some twisted siamese twin where one is really the other and any and all success are the aggregated sum of this androgynous super political proto-deity, then yea hell lose. He needs to separate their parts, get Bill to overreact and marginalize himself, and focus on Hillary's record in a standalone fashion.

Bill isnt the candidate, Hillary is. It seems the media forgot that. Obama cant sit back. Especially in the wrongness of the characterizations being proffered by Bill. He doesnt lose his brand by hitting back, hes just gotta be careful about how he hits back. Because if he doesnt respond, he'll be history.

Wake up people. If by some strange twist Obama gets the nomination I will be voting for a Republican for the 1st time. He has no experience to be president.

Wake up people. If by some strange twist Obama gets the nomination I will be voting for a Republican for the 1st time. He has no experience to be president.