Political Punch

I think it's good that the Wright thing happened, because it put Obama on the spot to finally something substantive, about race, and he did. He said that his grandmother is a "typical white person WHO..." not just a typical white person. Unfortunately Rev Wright is typical of a certain kind of black person. Obama called his statements "wrong and divisive"; I could hardly ask for a stronger condemnation. Barack Obama is a result of the "melting pot" they used to tell me about in social studies. America is ready for a multi-racial president.

My point was simply that someone running as a leader can not be referring to its citizens as "Typical" or defending anyone how would blast this great country. Those of us who put our lives on the line for this country and each and everyone of it's citizens expect so much more from a leader. I may never understand what he said or why he said it I just expect so much more from a president shouldn't you?

Disclaimer: This is REALLY LONG...

Upon READING the Barack Obama speech I was extremely moved and impressed. However, I understood (as I am sure he understood) the backlash that it would cause. He spoke candidly, sympathetically, and honestly to Blacks about the issues within the Black community. He challenged us to cast off mentalities of hopelessness AND anti-white sentiments that some may harbor. He attempted to explain to the Black community the feelings that the racial majority may feel when he says, "Most working- and middle-class white Americans don't feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race." He demanded that Blacks look at life through the eyes of White America as well as the African Diaspora that we are used to. He asked us, the Black Community to reach out to our "young men and, increasingly, young women who we see standing on street corners or languishing in our prisons, without hope or prospects for the future", but he also reminds that often times the anger or negativity we harbor (due to racism & discrimination) is "not always productive; indeed, all too often it distracts attention from solving real problems; it keeps us from squarely facing our own complicity in our condition, and prevents the African-American community from forging the alliances it needs to bring about real change". I am black, and I don't think that the moral, spiritual, or political demands he posed to our community were unwarranted. And I don't hear ANYONE saying that he was too hard on the Black Community. I don't think anyone said he stereotyped Black America. No, there were no issues with those statements, so I can only assume that the majority of America had not problem when he told Black America to acknowledge their shortcomings. What he said about Blacks was considered accurate and correct. But when he ALSO asked the same of White America the overwhelming reaction seemed much different to me. A couple of my white coworkers were offended and immediately became defensive that Obama highlighted injustices and problems that they may contribute to (knowingly AND unknowingly). As I attempted to explain that he pointed out the flaws of BOTH minorities AND majorities in America I was reprimanded harshly. I just wish people were focusing on the true reason for his speech. To sum it up he was saying, "Race is STILL an issue that America ignores and downplays. We, as a nation, have not decided whether we are color-conscious OR color-blind. It is time to address the issues of the past in order to move forward. Racism STILL exist, and it's not going away unless we all take a moment to introspect! It is time out for appearances of equality, and it it time that we get HONEST!" He said the things that Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asians, and everyone else says when they don't have to be politically correct. We, as Americans, claim we want an honest politician, but when we have a man stand up as address the very REAL discontentment felt by most of the minorities in this country HE is labeled a racist? If someone did not understand WHY he said the things he said they should have made it their duty to find someone who SHARED his views and try to UNDERSTAND the life experiences that birth these mentalities. At the same time you could express your point of view. This speech was given to encourage open and honest dialogue amongst and within racial and socio-econimic classes. Instead we have resorted to politics as usual. We continue to bash each other, degrade each other, and dismiss the emotions, opinions, and feelings that don't line up with our own. In a country that claims to be tolerant enough to cherish free speech, it amazes me that we are not intelligent enough to accept words spoken freely.

How is it that there is any other race than HUMAN? Maybe I missed something in science class. I personally feel Obama has deep seated hate for certain folks but I can't understand why. He was blessed with a good career and an education that my family could not possibly ever imagine in a million years (and we are what some people call WHITE if you want to put us in that bucket). To me there is division in America but its amongst the classes not the color of our skin that makes us different. I'm not sure how anyone can vote for a man or a women who would call their citizens "Typical white people" or not put his hand over his hart at the singing of the national anthem or to hear a spouse say I was never proud to be an American or sit through hours of listening to hate against our great country is beyond me. I love the fact that we live in a country where you wont be punished for such thing but to become the leader of a country that you show hate for or part of and putting its people in division. I hope folks think deeply about this issue and it is an issue and do not vote for ANYONE that would look down on such a great country as The United States of America.

Ah, the hypocrisy of people like "get real." It would be nice to have honest discussions on race, but thought police like "get real" have already decided who is allowed to speak openly on what topics.

I'm disgusted by the war in Iraq and our soon-to-be-ex-Prez. But now I guess it's time to bring the war home against the white people. Four years of White House led guilt! I can't wait.

Chris,

You wrote "i don't see a lot of different kinds of people around him." It all depends on where he is at the moment. If he's in, say, Maine and Iowa, you're going to see mostly White people around him, because that's the color of most of the people in those states.
If he's in, say, Mississippi, then you'll see a lot of Blacks, because there are significantly more there than in northern parts.

Obama enjoys the support of all races, but some would have you believe otherwise, usually to try and fit some personal agenda of theirs, hoping to show a racial divide within his campaign.

i keep forgetting he's half-white. i don't think it's because he's half-black. i think it's because he keeps referring to himself and his background as african-american. i don't see a lot of different kinds of people around him - seems like it's always him and african-americans, some european-americans working for him, haven't seen an asian-american or a native-american and bill richards seems to be the first hispanic-american i've seen. why doesn't he have his european-american mother onstage with him at rallies or events? is he himself trying to be 'black enough' or something? i honestly wonder because it just seems to me that if you're trying to unite different races, you'd show members of your family and friends and supporters of different races along with you, not just the same-shaded ones. that's not racist, i'm just wondering.

If a candidate or even if I said "typical black person", then there would be every one in the nation claiming racism.

Sounds like Obama is just as racist as Ferero.

Its the case of the tea pot calling the kettle black. No pun intended.

I am very offended, and don't believe that I am a "typical white person" as in racist or intolerant.

As for my vote, Obama has lost it for good. And I hope that for the sake of the nation, he does not get elected president, not because he is black, but because he has created division.

A'm I confused, Or a'm I the only one watching the WRIGHT CRAP.. This has to prove how angry OBOMA really is, It's sad to say but its true, cause no matter how good he did , he was still black. why else would a father expose his young daughters to this extreme prodigies against a race which they are at least 25%.. Seems to me this would harder to deal with. Please let me now if I'm wrong or just confused.

I'm surprised the media are not making more of the "typical white person" remark. If it is not racist, then it is certainly insensitive. It is certainly sad that Obama actually thinks the "typical white person" goes around making comments that would make him cringe. His comment makes me cringe.

I know many, many, people, have lived all over the US, north, east, south, far west, now southwest. Also, spent 12 years in Europe.

I do not know a "typical" anyone, of any race or ethnicity. Unless you count temperament, a few of my friends are "typical old grouches", just as I am.

Mr. Obama has offended and disappointed many Americans with his comments. My college aged daughter was stunned to hear that he would say this about his own grandmother who raised and loved him. And it's very concerning and telling that he brings her up with Wright (his hate spewing minister and spritual advisor of 20 years). It helps cement his closeness to Wright. We need a President who can bring us together not create a bigger rift like Obama has.

I am so ashamed of the media …Race baiting? worse than FOX news?

ABC should know how to put quotes in appropriate context.

Obama referred to his grandmother as a typical (normal\regular} white person .. in comparison to a black preacher… it was a contrasting view.

“typical” having nothing to do with her being white and afraid of black men on the street… but being someone who wasn't black. wasn't a “radical” reverend/ but a regular person who also had influence in his life. that has said things based on something ingrained in her, demonstrating the complicated race relations in this country/..

i don’t understand why you would promote this type of race baiting..

It appears from the biased conversation, that America isn’t ready for that “adult conversation” about race.

I see the media is giving B.O. a pass. Nothing on MSNBC, just stuff about McCain being old and Hillary and Bill. This guy gets a break every time and as a white guy I'm not allowed to say it's because he's black. I'd be a racist then. How does one trancend race when it's always thrown in our face by a leading (not for long I suspect) presidential candidate.

I loved Barack Obama's speech, but how can we as a people move forward if our presidential candidates are allowed to describe people as "typical" of their "race?"

Barack Obama's idea of a "typical white person" is someone who is afraid of strangers and people of color.

Is a "typical black person" then someone who thinks there is such a thing as a typical white person?

There's no typical any kind of person. Every individual life is infinitely precious.

As for Geraldine Ferraro, her comments were a blunder, but were also an attempt to compare the excitement people felt about her as the first woman on the ticket to what people are to feeling now about Obama being the first African-American to possibly become president. Unfortunately, in presenting this comparison, she tried to do so at his expense.

Now Barack is doing the same to Hillary by trying to infer that she is an old white woman like his grandmother. She's not and she's not racist. Well, no more than he is.

give the guy a break, he's half white himself and was raised by the white side of his family. of course he looks favorably toward them--he'd be nothing without their support.

Looking from Australia I feel that your country is in great need of a change in ideology. You know it wasn't that long ago that the question was "is Obama black enough". The question of race was not raised by Obama, a situation I'm sure he would lament. The political strategies of candidates both past and present, has divided your country into a mish mash of demographics, that leaves one wondering. Is America a united country? When Obama talks about bring people together. I ask is that even possible in your country?

Barack Obama believes it is, and for that I applaud him.

This just underscores how challenging it is to talk about race. Give him a break.

I know there's a rule that anyone with a drop of African blood seems to be considered a 'black person.' But does anyone remember that Obama is half white? I don't think it's like he's got some kind of civil war going on inside himself -- but as our history shows, clearly it's tough to bridge the perspectives. I think the question for all of us is -- why does a candidate who is half white get put in the black / affirmative action bucket, and why are we parsing his every freaking sentence for its quotient on whether it offends black or white or women ...

To quote Shakespeare a bit out of context, "The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in our stars, but in ourselves ..."

I do not think Barack Obama's grandmother is a "typical white persons". During, what- the 50's(?), Obama's grandmother had a African American Muslim son-in-law. The 60's/70's, his grandmother helped raise a bi-racial grandson. Also, during this time, Obama's mother remarried to another African American Muslim man.

This is NOT a "typical" white American grandmother of her time period.

For the life of me, I will never understand why Barack tossed his grandmother under the bus. He used her as a political talking point in his Tuesday speech. Totally, out of line! As was the Ferraro characterization. There is a huge difference between Ferraro and Rev. Wright.

As a bi-racial man, who voted for Barack Obama. I will say, I will not vote for him in the general election.

Barack was challenged this week, by his own judgement call. He played politics as usual, to get out of a situation he supported for years. That's not the change I voted for.

But... Where are journalists for defender's Obama? ... Where are they? or maybe Hillary is guilty ... Obama: What do you say?? Do you understand his words...?

@ mark:

I don't think most people think Obama is an overt racist- he is, as you point out, of mixed heritage himself. I don't think he means to put down white people, and even if he did, he'd never say it because whites are crucial to his election. So let's put that point aside now - Obama does NOT hate white people.

OK, so here's my issue: For one thing, his remark about the "typical white person" was clearly in the present tense. Read the transcript, listen to the audio. It *was not* about some 'older generations'. The fact that Obama and his campaign tried to spin it that way after the statement was made pisses me off. Most of us are smart enough to listen to a simple statement, and interpolate the meaning. He was talking about the reactions white people have to blacks. There are people that do fit that profile, but his statement was a gross over-generalization, and afterwards attempted to redact and substitute a different context which did not exist. We can see through that, Obama.

Secondly, its a bit startling that he actually thinks this way... Most white people are not afraid of or angry with black people, as Obama suggested. There's no more "reaction" to a black person walking down the street than there is when I walk past an Asian person or Hispanic person. My reaction (if I even notice) is "there's a person walking towards me". I think most Americans feel that way, and that is what makes our country so strong and so great. Now, there are obviously people who do get that "reaction" Obama alluded to. However, for Obama to only point out that white people feel that way is extremely disparaging. Instead of trying to spin it into a context that didn't exist, I would have felt much more comfortable with Obama saying that he made a broad generalization, and that those "reactions" he spoke of exist in every level of society, but are not in any way "typical" of any group.

Does that illustrate my frustration with the situation?

You are all very off base, and it's sad you're inable to understand the concept he's put forward.

Obama is half white. He was raised by whites an his allegiance is to his white mother is stronger than his ties to a father he didn't know. He went to school predominantly with whites. He sees himself as much white, as black, as asian, as anything, as everything.

You, on the other hand, are assuming he's a "typical" black man an that his comments are from those of a "typical" black man raised in a "typical" black environment based on your preconceptions of blacks in america.

It's a broad, complex and nuanced concept. Your inane assessments are sadly banal and childish, and many of these reactions ironically portray exactly the problem with our cultural mindset. You see a man with a black face say "typically white" and you're immediately angered.

Calm down and get out in the world a bit, kids.

Where in the world are some of you getting this notion that it was a reference to "his grandmother's generation"???

He was clearly speaking in the present tense, and specifically said "there's a reaction that's in our experiences...", so lets just toss that lame excuse out the window right now.

Again Obama wants to be the spokesperson for this race or that. You cannot speak for me, Obama. I do not judge people on race as you think "typical white people do". You obviously are hung up on trying to exaggerate these huge rifts in society so that you can appear to repair them. The fact is, people (regardless of color) are able to assess their situations apart from race. If there were a group of young white guys drinking 40 oz. bottles of booze in a dark alley, I'd avoid them as much as I would a group of black guys. It's not about being worried about color. It's about the type of character- and most people are evolved enough to make those judgments that will hopefully keep us out of danger without referring to our flashcards to remember which race does this or does that. It seems Obama is really dividing the people in his own mind, which is counterproductive for society at large, and in direct opposition with his proclaimed message.

I think he's rather confused, and will need to sort out his own demons before preparing to lead any nation. I will remember his words on April 22.

The quote was taken out of context, he ment his grandma's time period. And even if it was about todays time..would that make it less true? Are there not still a large portion of white women that fear black men?..be honest with yourselves.

Obama is a typical LOSER!

I'm uncomfortable that he was so ready to put many people in a neat little box. How convenient to bring up Granny's anxiety when she was approached by Black males on the street. What he forgot to mention on his speach is what he has said in his book.

THIS IS CRAP!!! this man is sticking his foot in his mouth around every corner. he has run his campaign like a popularity contest with the obama girls and similar fiascoes. wouldn't that put a damper on foreign affairs just a bit? aren't we in over our heads as it is? HE'S A FAKE! he doesn't know what he means. he wants to complain about racism and he shows his own by speaking that way of his own family. where do his loyalties lie if not with his family FIRST?

Maybe part of the problem here is that he is talking about his grandmother at all. I mean most people (not all of course) want to think of their grandmothers in a special light. Using her in his speech and interview, while it may be true, real, deep, etc., just doesn't sit well with people. Sen. Obama: stop using your grandmother as an example so the media can get back to the tanking econmony, please!

Obama's right. he is a different kind of candidate. An openly racist one. I guess we are all typical white people who all look alike to him

Obama used a present tense verb 5 times! He spoke in present tense. Not once in his quote did he even come close to implying that he was speaking of his grandmother's generation. Why are some of you trying to convince yourself that he was talking about his grandmother's generation?! You're swallowing his campaign's bogus "clarification" to shield you from the fact that you've been duped by Obama's god like media created persona. Give it up.

Obama said "there's a reaction in her that's been bred into our experiences". Did you actually change the quote on purpose?

To suggest BO is not of significantly above average intelligence really smacks of ignorance. You don't make law review at Harvard, or any law school for that matter, if you are not bright. I do question just how bright in light of his recent attempt to do damage control...

Also, I didn't notice a lot of BO supporters being sympathetic to Geraldine Ferraro after her comment to some obscure newspaper during an interview. The woman doesn't harbor a racist cell in her body and yet she was attacked for stating what we all know deep down is fact. The excitement in the MSM, numerous public figures and throughout much of the African-American community about how wonderful it is that we might have our first black president is self-evident.

And, when I suggested BO could be Dr. Phil or Montel Williams...it is pretty obvious I was being sarcastic. The whole message was about how he does not have the capacity to carry on this dialogue...and how foolish it is to try in the middle of a campaign w/24 hour news cycles. -Big red flag about his judgment. He should have just answered the question he set out to address. Poor Granny.

We don't want to talk about this. Not this time.

How nice. He's running to help us work through these issues. Obama as national therapist? He can't seem to get away from his notion that he's some sort of savior. How does he carry on with the weight of his enormous ego?

Lola is correct. And for us to think that we are not afraid that political correctness and rhetoric speech. Scientific studies with white, black and tutti colors have been made and show stress while approaching black youngsters. And the ONLY way we can eliminate that "perception" is via behaviors and conduct of the black youngsters. A speech and/or a diversity class will not eliminate such fear. Only ACTION from the source can do that! Hello! anybody there?

Apparently Obama didn't have his speech writer with him for the radio interview.

Tsk tsk.

If Obama understood the races as much as he thinks he does, then he'd understand that his grandmother's reaction is probably the reaction of ANY woman, regardless of race. I'm a black woman. When I walk down the street, I've crossed the street many a times when I see black men approaching. I bet Obama's wife does the same. In my car, I'll make sure my door is locked when driving through certain neighborhoods. He really is out of touch if he thinks this is just "typical" of white people. Even Jesse Jackson has said he sometimes feels the same way when he walks down the street and is "relieved" when it turns out the person behind him is white; many of us in the black community are afraid of our own people. Obama really should run his comments through a typical white and/or black person before he says them. Plus, he needs to stop talking about race, because he just keeps putting his foot in his mouth. He thinks because he's half white/half black (whatever that means) that he understands both sides, but doesn't. I agree with the person below who said that this man, Obama, is no uniter. His speech and the comments he has said since then, have done more to divide people than unite them. I'm also not very happy with how he has dragged the African American church into this. Not all of our churches are like TUCC and not all of our pastors are like Rev Wright. He needs to just not talk about race anymore, and tell his supporters (like Kerry) not to either.

If a white person were to comment on what a black grandmother feared they would be told they could not do that because they were not black. Why does obama feel he has the right to do what he did (comment on the feeling of a person from another race
And for the record obama is not black he has only 6.25% african blood-he is arabic/white

You know what is pushing racism the liberal elites, they need it to win, they need it to survive!

the Typical White person is not afraid of Black people!, So Obama before you start preaching your lies, stop with the racist attacks against the White.

Hatred is beeing breeded from Hatred because anytime someone says something bad about a lib they play the race card. If you notice only the libs in their primary are throwing the race comments!!

Dear Paul,
I am a little confused by your comments. I never said that you don't have the right to be afraid of a person, I simply stated that Obama's comment was taken out of context. Being sensitive to something someone says and fearing for your own safety are two different things. If you feel you need to be afraid of a black person more then a white person then that's your choice.

I would like to say that I am a white male that lives in a predominately white town. I see all too often that racism towards blacks continues, it is just not out in the open as in the past. So to say that these things happened years and years ago is a joke. Blacks might not be slaves anymore, but far too many whites haven't moved on since those times and still harbor the same hatred towards the black race.

Senator Obama is right. My mom was the same generation as his grandmother and she had the exact same built-in fears. But she raised a daughter who not only lacked those fears, but could participate in creating her family's own "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" experience.

But I can see that while those fears are diminished in many, so is understanding eroded in others and insanely being replaced with hate. Hating the hatred that hatred created makes no sense at all.

This man is too great to be the president of the united states of america. Hire another idiot.

Some of you people are out of control. I live in Philly and when I heard the comments I knew right away Obama made a huge mistake...He spoke the truth! I'm sure Obama feels terrible for stating what is already well known, that many whites during his grandmothers time feared black people because that is how they were raised.

Now if you want to bicker over the word "typical", then get off your high horse. I'm sure there is never a time in your lives where you were trying to make a statement and chose a poor word to use when making your point. Obama is a person too, not a robot. He has made hundreds of speeches, and on this one he chose the wrong word. If you think he honestly feels that all white people fear black people then please don't even vote. He was simply trying to say that many of the white people during his grandmothers time feared black people. If you don't believe this, feel free to open any history book.

As for the "if Hillary said a typical black person" just stop it. Of coarse black people would be offended by that, but they have a right to be! Black people are naturally more sensitive to comments like that by a white person..Gee I wonder why? Maybe because white people enslaved them for hundreds of years and then made them second class citizens until 50 years ago!!

So stop with the Obama is exposed and his true feelings come out crap. And if you still feel offended by this, write to Obama and ask him to pay for your therapy. Get a clue.

Like John Kerry, I believe BO is too smart for his own good. Kerry was so bogged down in trying to explain nuance and reason in his campaign that he always sounded awkward and ambivalent. Similarly, BO is drowning in a sea of explanation...his campaign is over, at least for the time being. He now has MORE 'splainin to do.

You have to be savvy to be a President - But you don't have to be brilliant. To wit...George Bush. Talk about bottom lines. Maybe BO missed his calling. He could obviously have been a great Dr. Phil or Montel Williams.

In fact, as we are seeing again, possessing superior intellect can be a fatal flaw. He cannot communicate 'simply' enough to reach most Americans. You know he has a good heart, but it takes much more to be President. MSM soundbites are the reality for EVERYONE in politics. Not just BO. You have to navigate that mind field if you want to go to the big dance.

A huge issue for Obama here is that while he MAY be of superior intellect (in question at the moment), he is both a lawyer and a politician. He is no saint and no social anthropologist. He is no more qualified to speak to race than is someone who eats breakfast, lunch and dinner is qualified to be a nutritionist.
For his supporters (and MSM) to hold him up as the second coming for race relations is/was(?) a grave mistake. He is obviously not qualified to lead a national discussion on race just because he (like everyone on all aspects of life) has had issues being multi-racial and is smart.
What is most troubling for me is that he has the audacity and ego to take on that role. I am not offended by his "typical white person" statement, but neither he nor his staff is bright enough to realize that this would add fuel to the fire? He wants to go out and speak for America as its president? In negotiation peace in the Middle East, will he refer Israelis as "typical jews?"
That language is unacceptable on its face in the year 2008--it doesn't matter how he intended to use it.

Some of you people are out of control. I live in Philly and when I heard the comments and I was I knew right away Obama made a huge mistake...He spoke the truth! I'm sure Obama feels terrible for stating what is already well known that many whites during his grandmothers time feared black people because that is how they were raised.
Now if you want to bicker over the word typical, then get off your high horse. I'm sure there is never a time in your lives where you were trying to make a statement and chose a poor word to use

New Yorker. You wrote:
"So many Americans cannot fathom the level of intelligence of a Harvard graduated lawyer and the son of Phds!"

You are an arrogant snob and a complete fool! I don't believe that Americans can not fathom Barack Obama's intelligence. What they cannot fathom is his lack of judgment, character and integrity. His words do not match his deeds. Change, hope and unity are just slogans to him. His decision to embrace this Black Radical church and Rev. Wright for 20 years is just not acceptable to most Americans. Rev. Wright lives in the past and is filled with racism, hatred, venom and anti-American garbage. And he spreads these messages to his congregations.

Barack Obama's decision to remain in that church for all of those years will be his downfall. For all of Barack's intelligence, he didn't see the value in finding a church with a black or white minister that preached healing,forgiving, uniting and moving forward.

It's nice of you to try to cover-up your idol's mistakes by trying to make people think they just don't understand the complexities involved. But average people realize more than you think. They know when someone is genuine or not. They know when someone is lying to them. They know his allegiance to his vile pastor is greater than that of his own grandmother. They know that he is not and will never be a uniter. They know he speaks about change, but doesn't want to have to make changes himself. They have come to know Barack Obama. Do you?

I meant Ferraro, not Gerraro.

And the commenter above is correct, as a woman, I can tell you that we do avoid groups of men on the street. It doesn't matter what color they are. All women in cities tend to do this. It's as much to avoid the catcalls and the sexist comments as any danger they might pose. This country is much more sexist than racist, and that's one reason groups of men, especially young men, are avoided.

These were disgusting, racially-loaded comments on the part of Obama. He is no uniter! As a "typical white person" myself I'm pretty offended that he thinks we're all afraid of black men. Is he serious??

It's not jaded to be offended by this. The media jumped all over Gerraro when she said something that is just a fact. Even John Kerry and Bob Kerrey have said that Obama's campaign has benefitted from him being black. What he has said about white people IS offensive, if not outright racist.

And yes to those of you who noticed that the larger issue with Obama's grandmother in response to strangers -particularly strange men - most likely has to do with her being a woman as much as, if not more than her being white.

I think Obama is racist. But my guess is that he's more sexist than racist. Why? Because sexism would have been more evident and more deeply programmed into Obama than racism (against blacks) during the era of his childhood and the locations of his rearing.

In fact, in Hawaii, racism was more prominent against whites than other races. They had an annual "Kill Hauli"
day. And sexism in Obama's early Muslim upbringing was likely far more a feature than racism (against blacks, anyway).

I'm deeply offended by Obama's causual and unthinking use of the term "typical white person". And if you feel like being lulled by his staffer's little quick spin, put it in context. What if a white candidate had said of someone from Obama's grandmother's time, she was a "typical black person"? Can you imagine the hell that would break loose?
It's purely derogatory either way.

And this a day after he gave his "glorious, historic" flame dousing speech on racism.

Are we all trying so hard to be polite and politcally correct that we can't put 2 and 2 together with Barack? The man has spent 20 years in a racist church. His favorite book is the autobiography of Malcolm X. He was endorsed by Farrakhan and recently by the Black Panthers. And of course it's utterly taboo to mention his ties to Auchi and the Middle East via Rezko...

And now Obama who claims to be sooo for the people, has refused to participate or agree to a revote in Michigan and Florida.

What a fraud.

Obama is a Socialist/Marxist race hustler. People are just figuring it out.

T.P. If I were out walking alone at night, I would fear any man and cross the street. I tried walking at night with my dog and always felt vulnerable, I wonder if most women do?

I am white.

Most of my friends are white.

I am a woman.

Honestly, if I was walking down the street alone and saw a stranger who was black -- I'd cross the street.

So would my friends, if they were alone.

The bottom line? He's right.

Based on his speech, shouldn't we at least be able to admit this to start an hhonest dialogue about race in this country?

If you watch the nighttime talk shows--you hear " if the black community feels like this race was stolen from Obama they will be dienfrachised" due to super-d's voting for Hillary. Okay. I feel like as a member of my community (not white/not black) that if ALL votes don't count the democratic process is a sham!!

Also, Mr. Lewis withdrew his support from Hillary to back Obama because that is the will of his community. Sooooo, that means that Kerry and Kennedy HAVE TO pledge their vote to Hillary because that was the will of their community. Right???? If not, their community might feel disenfranchised. Right? How about it, Mass., are you all putting the pressure on them. I certainly hope you are.
I love this word: DISENFRANCHISED!!!!

irma, i feel the same about you. have been seeing your posts for quite some time.

might want to check out an amazingly funny video on you tube - called obama's square pegs (they wouldn't let the link through).

New Yorker:

Your comments miss the point. I never suggested that Obama is a racist (to the contrary, I said I do not think he is). I simply pointed out that his use of the words "typical white person" continue to to "fan the flames" of the Reverend Wright issue which cannot possibly be helpful to his campaign. His comment, in the context of his effort to be elected President, was "felony stupid."

Are you suggesting that Reverend Wright's recent comments were not racist? Even Obama attempted to distance himself from said comments and claimed that they were "wrong."

Obama's campaign has always been based on an implied promise of racial trancendence. He has breached that promise with his association (and refusal to disassociate) from Rev. Wright and, most recently, with his stereotypical description of his own grandmother as a "typical white person." He is unfit to be president.

Hi SO SADDENED, I don't really know you, but from your posts, I like you.

new yorker, your logic is missing some logic. you say obama didn't mean she was racist by calling her a "typical white person" - but he was calling her that to explain away why he used her as an example of racism. nobody's buying it.

anyway, the mere term "typical white person" is racist in and of itself. and you would immediately recognize it as such if someone said "typical black person" or "typical latino" or whatever.

also, you say that we simply cannot cannot "fathom the level of intelligence of a Harvard graduated lawyer, and the SON OF PhDs!" i beg to differ, on so many levels. for one, you have incorrectly assumed that we are uneducated and unintelligent - thanks for the insulf. for another, the fact that he is a harvard educated lawyer should mean that he would be intelligent enough NOT to say something this stupid. finally, son of Ph.Ds - if true, contradicts his fake autobiography about son of a goat herder, doesn't it?

OOOps my last post was to New Yorker

Got it! You're claiming that I make racial slurs in moments of frustration. Never. Never truly. I am a half black, Puerto Rican married to a white man with a daughter between us. I don't think that way, I have always spoken against people who do. I think people who make such comments, are the type that will also insult people on their physical appearance or anyway they can simply to win the argument by hitting on something shallow. Furthermore, to reveal his grandmother to the world that way while defending his minister, didn't sound very "Ivy League".

Tim | Mar 20, 2008 10:48:55 PM

The 'typical white person' is ignorant of the reality of the typical Black person.

As a result of this ignorance, FEAR and misunderstanding MUST arise.
THAT IS A TRUE STATEMENT OF HISTORICAL FACT.

Senator Obama never said AND WILL NEVER SAY that the 'typical white person is a racist'. That is a stupid conclusion to draw from the Senator's reasonable statement of fact.

Guys like you are so obsessed with pigmentation that you are driving yourselves batty. lol

You folks are not fooling anybody. J. Wright complained about the America power stucture, and rich white people i.e. a country and a class of people. That is not racism (a belief that one race is superior to others). And actually I think at this point in time the racism and hate that is being demonstrated here is about feeling of self hate, and insecurity about a lack of intelligence and you're just looking for someone to feel better than.

"It's that type of attitude that worsens race relations incase you haven't noticed."
Posted by: irma | Mar 20, 2008 10:28:27 PM

Senator Obama's reasonable statement (of little white women, say, grabbing onto their handbags when they are near a Black man) makes you want to just up and EXUDE RACISM YOU NEVER HAD INSIDE YOU, eh? lol

My charge to you is to go out and campaign for Barack Obama.

Being the son of PhDs and knowing the value of education to individual and national development, President Obama will ensure that at least your descendants will get the good education you missed under administrations that prefer citizens remaining dumb.

I agree with Jack's and "Worried's" comments to a large degree. Obama is hurting himself with awkward statements in response to the racial issues that have arisen due to arisen due to the statements made by Reverend Wright his affiliation with Reverend Wright.

His latest statement about a "typical white person" can be easily construed by pundits and conservatives as though Obama thinks that all white people are racist as they have an irrational fear that certain minorities will commit some sort of violent crimes if while people are walking down the streets. The word "typical" was a horrible choice of words. Personally, I do not think Obama is a racist. That said, I think he is stuck between a "rock and a hard place" because many extreme liberal groups want Obama to bring racial issues to the forefront of the campaign and agree with Reverend Wright's recent comments, while the majority of Americans view such comments as pure racism. He wants to please both groups, but cannot.

As a McCain supporter who is primarily concerned about an increase in taxes to what Obama AND Hillary characterize as the wealthy (anyone that makes over $75K), I think the race issue is a "sideshow". That said, I also think the race issue is hurting Obama and while I am sure Hillary is dying to attack Obama on the race issue, she does not need to do so. This issue will hurt Obama in the national polls with non-African American voters, particularly independents who do not appreciate being characterized as "typical white persons" Does anyone think it is more likely that a caucasion Pennsylvannia working class man will vote for Obama in the upcoming primary based upon his "typical white person"? I doubt it.

Obama can only home that CNN, David Gergen, and Anderson Cooper will place another pillow behind Obama's head and re-focuse the issues away from race.

See this really has to do with something deep within our personalities. People who don't use racial slurs or blame other races in their frustration, are the same people that would never make tactless remarks about other peoples physical appearance in a moment of frustration.

New Yorker, we understand clearly that he believes he speaks for his grandmother and all other white people in that they have moments of frustration and lapse into a racial slur here and there. HE IS DANGEROUSLY WRONG. It's that type of attitude that worsens race relations incase you haven't noticed.

Senator Obama's white grand mother is the "TYPICAL WHITE WOMAN" who is a mix bag, some good and some flaws.

Those who are decent Americans cannot think that Barack Obama would mean that his grandma is 'typical white woman', typical racist white woman? lol

I find such silly conclusion laughable.
So many Americans cannot fathom the level of intelligence of a Harvard graduated lawyer, and the SON OF PhDs!

The beauty of Obama is that he is a simple and down to earth man; and some mis