Is America ready for a black president?
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Is America ready for a black president?
I think so, but I don't know if they're ready for Obama. A CNN poll said "Seventy-two percent of white Americans and 61 percent of black Americans surveyed in a new CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll ... say the nation is ready for a black commander in chief."
Personally, I just want the best (conservative) person for the job regardless of any of that other stuff.
Certainly if qualified, what makes you ask?
Yes!
I want the best person also. To me the person that can cross party lines and gain support would be the person of my choice. I like a person who makes me feel like they would sit down and eat dinner with me.Quote:
Originally Posted by speechlesstx
I just wanted to kind of take my own poll. As a black american I jut feel deep inside that the powers to be won't allow it. Am I wrong for thinking that way? I was Bill O'Rially lastnight and he called rapper 50 cent a pin head because he said "That someone wouldtry and kill Obama first." Some people thinks that is crazy to say but a lot of black people think this way. What say you?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark_crow
Why does the person have to be conservative?Quote:
Originally Posted by speechlesstx
There is no doubt in my mind that there are people out there that would try and kill him simply because he is Black. But then there are others that would try and kill any President based on their particular prejudice. It really hasn't been that long since Kennedy and that was simply for political reasons.
I see and talk with people from all races and cultures during the day (public library). This is a Republican white-bread county, but I hear support and enthusiasm for Obama from whites, blacks, Asians (especially supportive), and some Latinos.
Obama is well-educated, smart, sensitive, open to ideas, well-spoken, an excellent writer, charismatic, and good-looking. On top of all that, he has a smart, charming, and pretty wife who is an even better spokesperson than he is.
What's not to like? He has never played the race card, as they call it, so when people look at him, they think "man" not "black man." His blackness is very much a part of who he is, but he doesn't flaunt it nor does he apologize for it. It gives him a broader understanding of being human, not only for the benefit of blacks but also for whites. What amazes me most is the enthusiastic support he is getting from Asians of all ages who traditionally stay apart from blacks. Apparently, they also see Obama, not so much as a black man, but as "a very special man."
If anyone can unite this country, it is Barack Obama.
That would be nice as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
Because I'm a conservative. :)Quote:
why does the person have to be conservative?
As to your question on 50 cent, I think any president is a target. I saw the video of him saying that and I think he was showing genuine concern, but my question is why? Why do "alot of black people think this way?"
And what does experience really have to do with it? We've had an experienced president for eight years. He was a CEO and also a state governor. What path did he lead us down? Are we the better for his "experience"?
Lincoln had experience only as a country lawyer.
From a blog --
"With Barack, you get the best of several worlds, and I don't just mean culturally. You get his life experiences, his experiences as an elected official at the state and national levels, you get the experience of a guy who was the Democratic Party's top campaigner for the 2006 victory, and you get the national experience of a guy who has run a clean, up-beat presidential campaign that shows all signs of becoming a classic. The presidential campaign is designed to test if you are ready, and he has been acing the tests.
But, with him, you also get freshness, guts, newness, boldness of vision, boldness, ease and classiness of style. Barack is so very comfortable in his skin."
I honestly believe that Americans, at this very moment, are ready for a President who can lead this nation to great things.Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
I think Americans are just tired, just plain tired and I don't think any of us care at all what he or she looks like but just PLEASE give us back the reasons to stand tall and proud.
California alone is a more complex state to govern today than America in Lincoln's time. Just because you believe experience failed us with Bush is no reason to through it out the window. Companies hire experienced individuals who fail at their job all the time but they don't change the ad to “inexperienced driver needed.”
Barack is smart and personable, I grant that, but he has never “Ran” anything in comparison to Mitt and that is important. I prefer to go with probabilities rather than possibilities.
I think because we still feel racial tension even when it is hidden. I have asked 5 blacks that question today if they feel there would be a genuine attack on Obama and everyone said yes. I work on a college campus, and I also attend, so these are not uniformed blacks. We are ground zero so we see it for what it is, while maintaining hope for what it might can become. Hopefully it is just social paranoia, but I doubt it. What say you?Quote:
Originally Posted by speechlesstx
Clinton,Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
I will be very honest with you. I am white and I had the same fear. I guess that history is not that far back and the thought did scare and sadden me very much. It hurts me to say that because I can't imagne how that makes you or any black person feel. But it did scare me.
I hope it is just paranoia on my part and I had a simliar fear for Hilary.
But Clinton, my own shadow scares me and I worry about everyone and everything.
I think 99% of America is made up of beautiful people, but there are those who are ill and it is those that I worry about.
I agree: I have just moved to Obama sided within the last two weeks he even have republicans that will vote for him. I like someone who will brigde gaps not bring division.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wondergirl
My mother has to be about the most racist person alive, she would be too hateful for the KKK most likely. But given the choices she has to vote for, I even heard her say she would vote for Obama since anything else would be a lot worst for America.
I have to agree. I think the experience thing is something that some want to hang their hat on.
He can surround himself with those who do have experience. What I like is maybe he is not jaded as much as the others who have been around longer.
I, at this point am not sure who I am voting for - I just hope and pray that we as a Country get the best one... no matter what party affliation, gender or race.
[QUOTE=Dark_crow]California alone is a more complex state to govern today than America in Lincoln’s time. Just because you believe experience failed us with Bush is no reason to through it out the window. Companies hire experienced individuals who fail at their job all the time but they don’t change the ad to “inexperienced driver needed.”
Barrack is smart and personable, I grant that, but he has never “Ran” anything in comparison to Mitt and that is important. I prefer to go with probabilities rather than possibilities.[/QUOT It is not about who is the best number cruncher, there will be advisers for that, In politics you need to be able to build coalitions to get the job done, or a bill passed. Not coalitions of fear like some of our previous,or current presidents and senators. Maybe Mitt would be a good financial advisor to the next president?
And as most know I am a very "right" wing person, but given who I think will end up on the rep ticket, I most likely will vote Dem for the president for the first time ever.
My main concern is he would end up like Jimmy Carter, no real politial ties and people owing favors to get anything done.
Does anyone think that the Demorcratic Nom would pick Edwards as a running mate?
Or is it possible that Obama and Hillary would pick each other? I doubt it, but do any of you think that would happen?
Fr. Chuck, who do you think the Rep. ticket would be?
I look at it this way: How much experience did he have in running a presidential campaign? He made sure he had good advisors and the personality to get theses people to believe in him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Allheart
The stronger tickett would Hillary Obama in any order( my opinion)Quote:
Originally Posted by Allheart
Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
That would be so powerful. I also did like Edwards though, but your right, the real weight would be combining Obama and Hillary. Oh the media would love it as well.
Barack has said he would chose a Cabinet and others to help who are experienced and from any political party, as long as they have what the country needs.
Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote a book called Team of Rivals. In it, she offers "fresh insights into Lincoln's leadership style and his deep understanding of human behavior and motivation. Goodwin makes the case for Lincoln's political genius by examining his relationships with three men he selected for his cabinet, all of whom were opponents for the Republican nomination in 1860: William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates. These men, all accomplished, nationally known, and presidential, originally disdained Lincoln for his backwoods upbringing and lack of experience, and were shocked and humiliated at losing to this relatively obscure Illinois lawyer. Yet Lincoln not only convinced them to join his administration--Seward as secretary of state, Chase as secretary of the treasury, and Bates as attorney general--he ultimately gained their admiration and respect as well. How he soothed egos, turned rivals into allies, and dealt with many challenges to his leadership, all for the sake of the greater good, is largely what Goodwin's fine book is about. Had he not possessed the wisdom and confidence to select and work with the best people, she argues, he could not have led the nation through one of its darkest periods." (amazon.com)
I can easily imagine Barack Obama doing the same thing. He has already done something similar in bringing together his campaign staff as well as voters.
A friend told me that, since the VP job is usually so "nothing," Hillary wouldn't accept the #2 position and just be a pretty face. Obama would have to offer her major duties and allow her to do the things that she is very good at. This friend said he can better imagine a Clinton-Obama ticket that would give Obama the "experience" that many say he needs. Hillary would definitely need Barack to soften her style.Quote:
Originally Posted by Allheart
I think that also says something about Obama ego, or perception of that he would be vp to help the party. And Hillary? Do you like team players?Quote:
Originally Posted by Wondergirl
Comments on this post
Fr_Chuck agrees: tell you more after tonight, but I like one of the one that already droped out
Sounds Good Fr. Chuck. I would love to hear. You know, I did like Juliani, actually very much at first. Mostly, for how well he cleaned up New York and his incredible leadership during 9/11, but I think he didn't come off too well during this go around and I found myself a bit disappointed.
Gay rights , immigration, obortion , and divorces hurt him. Too much a lawyer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Allheart
Clinton, I do understand and no doubt racism is alive and well, but I do not believe it is as bad as many fear. You said "because we still feel racial tension even when it is hidden." What does that mean? Do you see or experience a lot of racial tension or do you just sense it?Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
I've been a white minority in a Hispanic neighborhood for most of my 47 years so I really don't know what racism is like. Almost all of my friends growing up were Hispanic or black so I honestly don't get why anyone looks at race as an issue... which is why I'm alternately puzzled and pi**ed when I see charges of racism fly at the slightest perception of a wrong.
What I'm getting at here is because of that atmosphere many of us at least subconsciously feel we have to watch our every step or we'll be called racist. It's like we can't just relax and be friends... like there HAS to be tension. A recent example was the University of Delaware’s residence life education program which taught “[a] racist is one who is both privileged and socialized on the basis of race by a white supremacist (racist) system. The term applies to all white people (i.e. people of European descent) living in the United States, regardless of class, gender, religion, culture or sexuality.”
Why would anyone ever believe that way let alone teach it to college students? I ask, Why Can't We Be Friends? :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
I see. His demeanor wasn't the best either. I saw a news story where each of the candidates was assigned a student reporter to be with the 24/7 and follow there every move. Julliani was the only candidate who refused to have the student around him 24/7. He said the student could only be around him when the other press was. I was a little disappointed with that as well.
**** Now keep in mind, not sure how true it was, but I did see it on one of the special reports.****
I am sorry and very sorry if it is inaccurate.
Well that is the key you are the white majority minority. Listen I am not a whiner it does not bother me to try 3 times as hard, becase the winner has to try 5 times as hard. I just call as see it. I have since asked 12 blacks they same question, some professors, and trust me it is real to blacks people. Would I rather live in another country H*** NO, but it is what it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by speechlesstx
Do you think Edwards will use his 58 delegates to be a kingmaker and leverage his way into a VP or Cabinet position?
To the OP I really hope the US is ready for a black president. What I see of Obama is inspiring. He is so refreshing and one of the best speech makers I have heard in a long time. I know that doesn't necessarily make him a the best man for the job but even with what very little I know he sure would be my pick. He has an auro about him that I don't see in any of the other candidates.
Am I ready? Sure.
Period.
I honestly think for the first time we are willing, as a whole, to look past race and gender.
I think if hillary didn't have the clinton baggage, she might not be struggling so much with the dems.
I think if colin powell had run before, he have had support.
I think obama is drawing in support from a lot of areas.
I am "white bread, middle class" based on location, Iowa... though I did grow up upper-lower class in a mixed neighborhood, and I had actually more black, hispanic, and laotian friends in the neighborhood than white as a kid...
At the caucauses I saw three young, white, registered republicans switch party affiliation so they could support obama.
I'm not saying I am for or against him. I'm saying I think this election year is unique.
If a republican is elected I think it will be because of his positions. If a democrat is elected, female or black, I think it will be mixed... some who agree with what is said, and some who are excited about a historic change, right or wrong.
As for the comment about assassination... I fear that isn't unrealistic. Hatred does still exist. All it takes is one person.
Part of obama's appeal is that he isn't pushing them/us... it more about we.
I don't care if you agree with him or not... the perception is that he isn't dividing based on his skin.
Some might say that MLK Jr. was a man that America was not ready for since he gave his life for the cause of equality, just some forty years ago. Personally I think he was right where G-d wanted him. The most American thing we could do is have fewer J. Edgar Hoover types amongst our society. That being said we need to welcome more people of color running for highest office in the land. We are a diverse nation and representation doesn't necessarily come from the same skin color. I'm a born US citizen (Jewish Caucasian) and very few American presidents have ever represented the vast majority of the middle and lower classes of our populace, white or black.
Bobby
Technically, that's not correct. I live in a state where the minority is the majority. Even if that weren't so it's irrelevant, in my formative years I knew I was the minority and felt like the minority. You don't think I felt out of place at times or sensed some racial tension? I did and I didn't like it... then I went right out and had fun with my friends anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
I don't doubt it's real to you, but believe it or not what I referred to earlier about the seeming necessity of some to keep the fire stoked makes some of us try harder, too. It's like we have to be overly cautious... when I'd rather just sit down and share a couple of beers and chat football.Quote:
Listen I am not a whiner it does not bother me to try 3 times as hard, becase the winner has to try 5 times as hard. I just call as see it. I have since asked 12 blacks they same question, some professors, and trust me it is real to blacks people. Would I rather live in another country H*** NO, but it is what it is.
That is what drew me in. How can someone I have never met, or even been close to radiate such feelings of trustworthiness, inspiration, and hope. I am an independent voter. If someone else made me feel that way I would vote for them Dem. Or Rep. I wonder I feel this way and have never met Obama how people around him might feel?Quote:
Originally Posted by Skell
Do you know I have not watched t.v. since the cowboys lost, lol! It is not an issue that slows me down but it is real, on all sides not just black & white. It is not just me, ask 10 people from any race you know and see what they say? Listen I do not care if some is a racist or not, that is up to them, just as long as I am treated the way I present myself. For example> If bush is racist I still respect that he has put blacks into higher position in government than any other president> .Quote:
Originally Posted by speechlesstx
What if a republican were to choose colin powell as running mate would that shake things up for the Dems? Wow!Quote:
Originally Posted by kp2171
Quote:
Originally Posted by clinton mccoy
How awesome would that be!! ( Meaning having Colin Powell as a running mate)
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