We have to be careful? By "we" he means white people. We are nit picking. The fact is she's right. MLK's words were wonderful, but politicians had to make his dream a reality. That's not disparaging MLK or his work. That's the truth. I really think Obama (or his supporters) needs to tread lightly. Turning every thing said about him into something racial will kill his candidacy, perpetuate what white people already think about us being hyper-sensitve and, frankly, it's embarrassing that Mr. Clyburn isn't savvy enough to realize it.

Unfortunately the Clintons, especially Bill have done a very good job of destroying the goodwill that many Black American had for him, he was held in such high esteem prior to some recent statements.

Hillary was wrong to try to belittle the great work that MLK did to move a nation to see the evil of its ways.
MLK was the irresistible force that moved President Johnson to act.
Most overrated civil rights president=John F. Kennedy.
Most underrated civil rights president=Lyndon B. Johnson.

I totally disagree that she was belittling MLK. I don't know how you get that from her two sentences? Do you think she's that stupid? I mean, one minute the Clintons are political masters and the next they are dissing black people on purpose? No. The bottom line is Hillary isn't a racist and Obama isn't a sexist and we're all just falling into the media's hands with these overblown, tilted, twisted stories. I'm guilty of it, too, but it has to stop at some point.

Hillary and Bill (Obama's fairy-tale) were essentially telling Barack not to get too 'uppity'. She's reminding him and others that nothing good can come without a well meaning white persons help as in MLK/Johnson. Both Clinton's expect loyalty and the votes. Afterall, Bill is the first 'black president' {chuckle}

There was absolutely nothing racist in anything Bill or Hillary said regarding MLK or Barack. Of course hyper sensitive people "mesmerized" by the Obama fairytale will see anything said about him as a racial slight.

Mark my words, these kinds of knee jerk reactions are what will ultimately kill his presidential run.

Facebook users can ask her what she meant through her new Ask Hillary campaign. Send her a question via her Facebook page if you want to know what she meant or just know more about her as a candidate (since that's been such a big topic here). Everything else is conjecture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqibBRlF3EE

What will kill Obama's run are those indifferent people who are just "shucking and jiving" to whatever tune given by Hillary & Company.

Obama never wanted this to become an argument over race, but everyone keeps trying to pull him into it. The Clintons aren't racist in fact. They're divisive, polarizing, mean-spirited, and calculating. They want to take us back in time so that they can feed their own egos.

My reading of the statements:
*JFK really didn't do sh*t for black people and had no immediate intention of doing anything though he's given props for it (very true. most overrated president ever)
*JFK won in 1960 because he was charismatic, well spoken and attractive. He offered promise but didn't deliver for the most part.

It's odd to me that she'd trash her husband's idol though and I'm fairly sure they and the Kennedy's are still pretty close. Yeah, this ish was not thought out because obviously, there's a potential for burning several bridges.

JFK may not have been able to "deliver", "for the most part" because he only served for 2 years in office before being shot dead.

Look, I'll disclose that I am a white voter, but it's painfully obvious that the Clintons only care about themselves and maintaining power and influence.

The Obama campaign is'nt 'playing the race card' at all. He's a candidate who PERSONALLY knows what it's like to be black in America and spent years working with the black communites of Roseland and Altgeld Gardens in Chicago for very little money and personal career gain.

For the Hillary supporters, take a moment of reflection ask yourself whether or not Hillary's policies and presence in the WH would really help black communities more than Obama's or if maybe the Clintons just think you are obligated to vote for them.

Midwest Joel–I couldn't have said it better. I voted for Bill and, as a feminist, was really excited about the possibility of having a female president as well as the option of having a Black president this time but….. Hillary and Bill have sunk to new lows with the snide comments and personal attacks. If they were truly confident in her abilities, they wouldn't act so desperately. Hillary acts like being a president's wife for 2 terms is experience but would any of us want Dubya's wife to run this country? It's damn near the same. Hillary's been in the Senate for a short time frame herself and hasn't made a significant difference in her time there so she needs a reality check herself instead of insisting Obama needs one.

Although, I was voting for Obama anyway, the Clintons and their sense of entitlement have motivated me to actively volunteer for his campaign.

Black people are not going to suddenly be delivered to the promised land, just because Barack is President. That's a foolish and dangerous idea on several levels.

As far as the Clinton's wanting to take us back in time, and stroke their own egos, I say good luck to them. When Bill was President, this country had a surplus, the economy was doing great, and we were'nt hated by most of the known world. Good times…

AND I REPEAT:

Just because Obama is black does not mean he will do right FOR BLACKS:

Take Condoleeza Rice, Clarence Thomas and Colin Powell - what have THEY DONE FOR YOU?

Take away Obama's fairy tale speech rhetoric and if you analysze his postion issue by issue, you'd be very disappointed at how he plans to continue the Iraq war, ven suggesting on nation TV to Tim Russert that he will go attack Pakistan & Iran.

Obama talks like a Democrat but walks like a Republican.

GO HILLARY!

MRnB, I personally think those people have directly harmed black America. It's not even black dems vs. reps.

What can he do realistically? I don't believe any individual, regardless of their position, can fix some of the more pressing issues in black America. Even if we didn't have that little war of ours to worry about and our f-ing horrible economy to boost along with other major issues, and all he had to do as president was focus on turning things around, the possibilities are limited. Yes, education can be improved as can healthcare. Some new jobs may arise, though they will likely not be living wages. Still great, but in terms of violence, crime, drugs, etc., it isn't something that one person in federal government can fix. It's just naive to think he or anyone else can do this. These are huge issues and everyone needs to roll up their sleeves and help where they can instead of placing that responsibility on the shoulders of someone else.

http://gorgeousblackwomen.blogspot.com/

BMD– Does the Clinton campaign pay you for this? Because they should if they don't.

Atalanta says:
The Clintons aren’t racist in fact. They’re divisive, polarizing, mean-spirited, and calculating. They want to take us back in time so that they can feed their own egos.
——————————————-
I totally agree with you Atlanta, I started out as a Clintonite and as they spoke I realized that she was not an honest/genuine person and that Bill isn't the good guy we have come to think he is.
They are both willing to do anything/say anything to grab for power and if that means to demean and belittle what Blacks hold dear, then so be it.

What the Clintons said was true, we would still be marching if any president hadn't signed civil rights legislation and the courts filled with progressive minded judges (appointed for life by presidents) hadn't overturned oppressive rulings.

For me the problem is Obama minimizing race in an effort to make white people feel comfortable enough to vote for him. I also don't like the fact that he sounds like Stokely Carmichael when he speaks to blacks and Colin/Clarence/Condi/insert any safe Negro when he speaks to whites. He's a politician and is as disingenuous as the Clintons. "Change" my ass? What candidate hasn't called for change?

I hate the fact that we are getting so caught up in the thought of having the first "legitimate" black candidate, we are not questioning his policy proposals and experience. For instance are we saying that we want someone who hasn't run anything to be president. Hell, at least Edwards finished his term in congress.

Does anyone ever go back and check out who these people are? I am not for the person who is black or white or even if he was purple. I want to know about the person. It would be so much better if we could leave race out of it and get to the details. Mr. Clyburn is in congress and thought I kelp up with everyone here in SC and have never heard of him. Obama really got a boast when Opra came out and endorsed him but can tell you one think no person will get me to vote for anyone just because they are famous. I vote for the person I think can do the best for our country. My think now is it all about the money and power that comes along with it and not what is good for our country. That should be there focus on what they want for everyone.

Who is Barack Obama?

Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born
in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM
from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHEIST from
Wichita, Kansas.
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii. When Obama was two
years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His
mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia.
When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia. Obama
attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a
Catholic school.

Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is
quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also
attended Catholic school."

Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that he is not a radical.
Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this
influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned
to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct
influence over his son's education.

Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham,
introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school
in Jakarta.

Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim
terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since
it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major
public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined
the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim
background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he
DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.

Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor
will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands
over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches.

Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential
candidacy.

The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside
out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the
President of the United States, one of their own!!!!

Also, do you want sex education that begins in Kindergarden?
Vote Obama, the candidate of CHANGE!

Make a factual choice - not one based on the famous person that is
campaigning for him.

What's wrong with age-appropriate sex education?

@Fay - I can see you are one of the Hillary-ites, do any evil say any lie to win.

@ Fay

Ya know 'FEAR' is what G Dubya used to get us in Iraq. Lets not use fear to try to influence those who choose to vote. If you don't agree with where a candidate stands then point that out, but to use rhetoric such as this just rings of salaciousness and stupidity JMHO

Seth - so I'm "evil" and a "liar" for supporting Hillary? LMAO. That's new. I guess my husband is and mother are just as terrible. Wow. So I guess I should live up to those names and tell you to fuck off, huh? On behalf of my evil, lying family: FUCK OFF! And have a great day while you're at it, my dear.

Billie - nope, I am a self-employed makeup artist. Film/tv production companies pay me. Let me know if you need any other info.

Before I get jumped on for telling Seth to fuck off - let me say that I don't agree with Fay's post, but I also don't like being called evil and and a liar for being a "Hillary-ite" and I have every right to voice my displeasure at that.

Midwest said:
"For the Hillary supporters, take a moment of reflection…"

Riiiiight. Like we haven't been "reflecting". Ummmm…read this blog much? I think it's safe to say that anyone on this blog who doesn't support Obama, as the blog writer and most of the posters/regulars do, has relected enough. Shit, we're at eachother's throats every fucking day. LOL.

Neither comment from the Clintons was racist: Hillary said that we need to make sure dreams become reality (If that's so wrong, then why do we honor Lincoln for signing the Emancipation Proclamation even though great heroes like Harriet Tubman and countless others fought for freedom?); and Bill was referring to the Iraq story.

What I don't understand is why there isn't similar contempt shown for the inflammatory rhetoric spewed by the likes of Jesse Jackson, Jr. (a national co-chair) and Michael Eric Dyson (a supprter). Jackson said that b/c Clinton didn't get choked up on camera over Katrina the only compassion she has is for her "appearance." Dyson said that any criticism of Obama is "racial in subtext." And let's not forget that there is a South Carolina memo by the Obama camp that explicitly pushes the distortions of the Clintons' individual statements. Come on, people! Obama is a politician and he's playing hardball. If you want to vote for him, fine, but don't pretend he's any better than the Clintons.

I have always been an EDWARDS supporter, but that doesn't mean one can't call out the bullshit levied by the Obama campaign against the Clintons. Call out Johnson for being a fool, but if you're going to hold Clinton personally responsible for every supporter than you need to do the same with Obama.

Ah, hell. We're screwed with either of them: they're both corporate centrists who'll sell us out no matter what.

Ooh, Fay. That nonsense is out of control. The man is a Christian (Even if he was a Muslim, there's nothing wrong with that). Call him out for his campaign donors, his voting record, policies, rhetoric, but don't smear him with lies.

I should add: Jackson is an Obama campaign staffer and Dyson is an Obama supporter. And the Johnson I referred to is that BET fool who's now supporting Clinton.

Billie - nope, I am a self-employed makeup artist. Film/tv production companies pay me. Let me know if you need any other info.

Yeah, I do. Does that mean you make shit up? Because I can see that.

Also disagree with Fay and I'm not an Obamamaniac.

As for minimizing race, pretty much all successful black people nowadays in really what has long been a heteroxual male WASP game have to do the same. Same goes for gender, sexual orientation and religion. If you need people's votes to succeed, you can't do or say anything that would make them label you as "uppity."

http://gorgeousblackwomen.blogspot.com/

Brian, if that's the worst thing you have to say about Jesse's statements historically, I have to laugh. He's said his share of ignorant and frankly hateful ish. That media outlets continue to have him on as Voice of the Negroes really makes me wonder if there's a conspiracy by these networks to make black people look bad. Even you want to have a controversial viewpoint, have someone new who has something that isn't the same predictable thing over and over again. Cornel West is seldom chosen while Jesse and Al are always up there. I don't always agree with with what Dr. West has to say but he's never said anything that makes me ashamed. Michaela Angela Davis, Kara Walker, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, etc. I disagree with Dyson but hell, he's still a breath of fresh air.

http://gorgeousblackwomen.blogspot.com/

Aside from all the dramatic back and forth you guys and gals are doing. In essence you sound just like the people you are defending.

I have decided to vote after several years of being against it. I myself am an Active Duty Army Veteran who happens to be a black woman. I personally was deployed 3 times and overseas during the last election. And my vote along with THOUSANDS of my commrads black, white, dems and reps votes were purposely never counted. So I am not fond of the whole voting process then as a service member (who if yall didnt know die on a daily basis directly or indirectly in support of the presidents ideas) and now as a veteran citizen I feel that I am of no actual value. I wonder how many of yall here bickering can look at it from my boots or my husbands boots who is actually in Iraq as we speak.

Most of yall are simply consumers as it is only caring about your own personal comfort zone and not so much the actual image of our country from a global perspective something that many soldiers and service members have to deal with directly and yall just hear about on the news. Our political image is a white one and the only black image that most countries have of us is Music Videos and the limited roles we play in predominately White movies. Can we offer a different facet?

I am a self proclaimed INDEPENDENT. It is the only way to be. Republicans are not at all People Driven, using the bible as a shield but have waged most of our wars for strategic (republican) economic gain. Not a gain for 'THE PEOPLE'. And Democrats dont realize they have to build their own image and not an image based on opposing the Republican ideals.

I have only chosen to vote for Obama for non-political reasons. The simple idea that it will give a bit of support to the old adage barked at black children as they grow up for a few centuries, "You can be the first black president."

His job as president is not to heal black issues it is to run this country on a global scale. It is our communities job to heal black issues. Keep in mind while he was back in Ill. the black community was his focus. But he isnt on that level as a presidential candidate.

It will give a different dynamic to young black people who on a daily basis only see whether in the home, at school or in public media the few limited options for personal success; music, sports, or street life.

We have a very limited DISPLAYED spectrum to deal with. Can we simply broaden it for a measly 4 years? Can we compromise for a 4 year period? Or do we all have to continue to look at it from our own personal individualistic perspectives. Do we all have to continue to play the crab in the barrel role and find reasons that really dont matter in the GLOBAL scheme of things why Obama shouldnt be prez? This is the reason the black community as a whole is in its present state. We are all on our own personal agendas never looking to prosper and fail together for better and so we simply fail for worse overall. The few 10% run with their winnings and only look back to tell others "Catch up if you can and if not oh well, I got mines." While our counterparts support those who share like interests even if they may not have to means to accommodate them.

Nothing Obama or Clinton can do in the next 4 years will effectively change anything that Bush has set up in his First 4 years and now in his second.

You cant base any your voting decisions on campaign jargon because it all changes when you hit the office anyway. Grow up. You cant make a plan for something that you dont even understand the full dynamic of controlling.

I hope Rep. Clyburn sees the overall impact of having a black president on society rather than from the political perspective. Having a Black Prez will say more than simply Democrats and Repubs it will give credance to the fact that a black man can do more than increase the jail population, death count, or Deadbeat Baby Daddy roster and make white people have to look at life from a Different perspective for ONLY 4 YEARS.

Dang can we get a 7dollar bill with a brown face on it????????

Its only 4 years people. Can we change the Face of the country (from white to Brown (Brown encompassing more of the faces of this countries population anyway)) for a measly 4 years?

When I have a son can he look in the history books and see someone that resembles him??? Can I have a daughter that looks in history books and sees someone that resembles her father?? Can I think of the Idea that maybe in the next election there will be more than just black men running but black women? Or do I and my children have to be limited to the idea that only White people can run?

Keep being crabs in a bucket it only makes us more resistance to change umongst ourselves. Keep continuing to kill our dreams it only makes us less of dreamers. Not taking risks only keeps you in a sluggish state of contentment.

blackmistressdiva: There's nothing wrong with posing a question and allowing each person to decide as opposed to disrespectful, profanity-laced tangents. None of us like Bush, so remember that we're all in this together.

I keep reading these long posts berating Obama from simply having an Muslim African father to not having experience.

Fay: Your post was case in point why although his experience which, unless you count being the spouse of a sitting President as experience, is virtually equal to Hillary's and entirely sufficient to be President, it might be a good thing to have someone with a uniquely American story to dispel ignorance and intolerance shift American society into an era of progress.

I won't post anymore, everyone has great ideas of their own here. Thanks for speaking up! Vote Democrat this fall!!