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Geraldine Ferraro, the Democrats’ 1984 vice-presidential nominee and a supporter of Hillary Clinton, triggered the latest campaign firestorm yesterday by saying Barack Obama had been successful only because he is black man.
“If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position,” Ms Ferraro, 72, said. She added: “And if he was a woman of any colour he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”
The Obama campaign called the remarks, given to the dailybreeze.com political website, “outrageous and offensive”. They emerged on the day of the Mississippi primary, where Mr Obama is heavily favoured over Mrs Clinton because the majority of the state’s registered Democrats are African-American.
Susan Rice, Mr Obama’s foreign policy adviser and herself an African-American, said: “I think if Senator Clinton is serious about putting an end to statements that have racial implications . . . then she ought to repudiate this comment.”
Last week another foreign policy adviser to Mr Obama, Samantha Power, was forced to quit after calling Mrs Clinton a “monster”. Dr Rice said Ms Ferraro’s comments were “far worse”.
Howard Wolfson, a Clinton spokesman, said of Ms Ferraro: “We disagree with her.”
In a conference call with reporters, David Axelrod, Mr Obama’s chief strategist, called Ms Ferraro’s comments part of an “insidious, growing and disturbing pattern” from the Clinton campaign.
The latest row over Mr Obama’s race came the day after John McCain, the Republican nominee, was forced once again to denounce remarks by a supporter that focused on the Illinois senator’s middle name of “Hussein”.
Steve King, a Republican Iowa congressman, said on Friday: “I will tell you that if [Mr Obama] is elected president, then the radical Islamists, the al-Qaeda . . . will be dancing in the streets in greater numbers than they did on September 11 because they will declare victory in this war on terror.”
Jill Hazelbaker, a McCain spokeswoman, said: “The senator rejects the type of politics that degrades our civics . . . he could not be clearer on how he views these types of comments, and obviously that view extends to Congressman King’s statements.”
Mr Obama’s Kenyan father was Muslim, but not religious. He left the family when his son was 2. The Illinois senator is a Christian and has never been Muslim.
For the first time, Mr Obama made a direct accusation that the Clinton campaign had been responsible for last month’s leaking of a photograph of him wearing traditional Somali dress — including a turban — during a visit to the country in 2006.
He told a rally in Jackson, Mississippi: “When your campaign starts leaking photographs of me when I’m travelling overseas to make people afraid, that’s not real change.”
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Sorry Barack baby but as an American I can think of no white man or woman with 2 years in the Senate and community and local government work for whom Democrats or Republicans would give so many votes. Look at Huckabee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The really scarey thing is if Obama is elected I will not be at all surprised if any critique is framed as a "racial attack." I know Bush is bad but we don't need another trainee in the job and one who will not accept criticism.
Rosemary Catalana, Baltimore, USA/MD
Obama has run a campaign that is genteel, intelligent, thorough and totally non-racist or non-sexist. His success thus far indicates he appeals to all races. I wish the media would just report the Mississippi win as it did others- number of delegates..not "9 out of 10" black voters voted for Obama. 1 out of 3 white people voted for him, too. The media's reporting should rise above race and gender, as most of America has. Presenting the news in a tabloid fashion demeans all of us. Ms. Ferraro's remarks date her. There's a new America out there now, and I think a President Obama would elevate all Americans, as well as our standing in the world.
Kathryn, Ft. Worth, Texas
I have a few questions:
1, Why did Obama choose to remove his name from the ballot. The DNC confirmed that they did not tell or pressure any candidate to do this? I felt that he turned his back on us.
2. Why did he propose legislation that called for mail-in ballots and now - when it isnt'exactly his most secure forum he says it won't work and is calling for an eleciton and caucus.
3. The primaries are not his to do as he chooses. He runs a campaign as set up by the state. Michigan and Florida were both primaries.
4. The superdelegates each have 1 vote. They vote as one vote with every other regular delegate. The only difference is that they are by design, not tied to a state and are free to change their minds right up to the vote at the convention. Everyone keeps saying she can't win. Yes, she can.
5. Last, Michigan and Florida have led the way to oppose an unfair system, much like MLK. It is common practice that several states never have a say in the candidate
Cheryl, Temperance, mi
As well she should clear these accusations up. She gave a public speech to inspire people. The obama camp took her words out of context and made them an issue. He can not defend himself on issues, such as foreign policy (Samantha Powers embarrasing discrediting remarks) and has to pull this stunt to divide the party even more. Shame on the Obama campaign.
ren, PHX, US
Geraldine Ferraro is smart. This comment was thrown out like a carrot or a bone for a dog, and we fell for it. Now we're discussing this stupid remark, and have been distracted from the issues and the Obama's plans for dealing with them. Talking about this old has-been will not get us ONE VOTE!!
Let's talk about the economy and the companies that go overseas for labor. It's bad enough that the media only airs sound bites that make it look like he is just saying the same thing over and over, not talking about the issues that concern Americans now.
Black voters have not come out for a Black candidate before. We are the largest group, percentage wise, to vote because it was denied to us until 40 years ago. Some of us have even referred to Bill Clinton as the first Back president. THAT I don' understand. We did not come out for Shirley Chisom or Jesse Jackson like this.
Miriam Lawson, Philadeklphia, PA
I saw Geraldine Ferraro, yesterday on Good Morning America, and she didn't have the manners to let Diane, get a word in. Geraldine, has always been a crast belligerant person, and she still is. She does not even have a glue.
D. Allen, Arlington, Virginia
Well, first he's not black, he's half black and half white.
If what she meant was that his success is down to the fact that he has some black genes, then this is completely true: many voters have said they are voting for him because "he is black".
Given that if he was 100% white, he wouldn't get these votes (because means direct cause and effect), or certainly wouldn't get some of them, and his success is a product of number of votes, then it is entirely logical that his success is thus due to his blackness.
So what she said is true.
So what on earth is the problem with this truth?
Laura Roberts, London, UK
First it was experience. But being the wife of an ex-president does not make you experienced. Ask Laura Bush.
An experienced person would have seen through the phoney reason given to justify the attack on Iraq. Hillary Clinton could not see through that when over I million prostesters and more in the UK could easily figure that out. May be she saw through it but decided to vote for it to make her look 'macho and gunho' in the mould of George W Bush.
She is a very formidable candidate but Obama outshines her in every sphere. She should start canvassing for the VP slot.
Nosa Akpo, Middlesbrough,
Before Shrillary supporter Geraldine Ferraro thinks of demanding an apology from Barak Obama for "playing the race card", she ought to apologize to the Democratic electorate for her husband's sleezy real estate dealings that helped to capsize the Mondale campaign.
People who live in glass houses might do well to keep the curtains drawn.
Renfreu Neff, New York, New York
It is so sad indeed that a country that boasts of being a "melting pot" has so many negative comments floating around in that pot regarding Mr. Barack Obama. His color has nothing to do with anything! Focus on his qualifications and his ability to do the job. One day real soon, our counjtry is going to have to answer for all the injustices and bigotry that filters into our minds and our mouths. Remember 911....we found out we all bleed red blood!! Good grief America, wake up! United we can stand...divided against ourselves, we are weak!
Anne , Los Angeles, Ca/USA
Mr. Obama has achieved success on his own. Hillary has ridden the coattails of her cheating husband her entire life while all the while claiming to be a feminist. I'll be proud to vote for Mr.Obama for president.
marc, Seattle, WA, USA/WA
The only reason that Hillary is where she is depends entirely on the white american public, of which I am one, totally ignoring the sleazy nature of the Clintons. If, heaven forbid, Hillary wins the the Democrats nomination the Republicans will destroy her with her own history combined with revealing her own very limited experience. If the eight years she spent in the White House slurping tea with foreign dignatories counts as experience I suggest my company's tea lady should consider running in 2012.
Victor Marriott, Sarasota, FL
I am starting to find it a bit tedious how every time someone attacks Obama, even if the accusations are a bit bonkers, his opponents are somehow demanded to dissasociate themselves with it strident terms. The man's running for President for goodness sake - he has deal with the attacks against him on his own! Who is going to call on to help if does get to the White House?
Clinton has said she doesn't agree, but somehow that is not enough. Why should she have to get involved in what someone not in her campaign says about her opponent?
The same goes for the Hussein stuff - I notice NONE of the candidates are brave enough to say there is no reason on earth why a Muslim shouldn't be President in acountry allegedly with a secular constitution, whilst happily making the most of supposed persecution for being black/female/old etc.
Nick, France,
Before I am accused of being a racist, let me say I am a proud black person and an Obama supporter.
However anyone looking at this campaign objectively will see that there is a small glimmer of truth in the comments made by Ms Ferraro. The fact that Obama is mixed race adds to his transformative appeal. Part of the reason Americans have lapped up the 'change' theme in the absence of any real specific policies is because he, as potentially the first black president, embodies change. Obama himself cleverly uses his race to add to his appeal, whilst never directly refering to it. When he says things like 'they said this day would never come' when he calls on Americans to 'make history' and 'turn a new page' what do you think he is talking about?
Obviously being black is not enough to win an election and Obama has fantastic charisma and ground organisation, but it is undoubtedly a key theme in his campaign. You show me a newspaper article anywhere where his race is not mentioned.
Nathan, London, UK
Actually Obama's first name is Judeo/Arabic in origin.
In Arabic - Barack, in the Hebrew language - Barak - both means blessing. Someone running for the American Presidential office with name reffering to 'Blessing'.
Also, not all of Arabic descendant are Muslim, Christianity had it's roots in the Arab culture when those of "English" names were still worshipping pagan Gods.
Rick - Toronto , Toronto, Canada
Soyab, folsom, usa
The media did mention he was a right wing christian nut job when he blew up FBI building in OK. However he didnt do it in the name of Mohammed which is why the media mentions Islam in the same sentance as a muslim terrorist.
joseph, san marcos, TX
So then Clinton's advantage is she is white??? There are more whites than blacks. So how come Obama wins north to south, east to west and in the middle? Anyway Obama is half white. Let's stop this nonsense. Barack is simply the best.
Phil, Hong Kong,
Absolutely agree with that
"Democratic elders are becoming increasingly concerned that as the nominating battle breaks along race, class and gender lines, the party is in danger of an acrimonious split that could jeopardise its chances of recapturing the White House in November. "
Angelo, sydney, Australia
Anyone who thinks color is not an issue should take a good look at Missouri. Hillary took the State except for St. Louis and Kansas City............where there is a large concentration of Blacks. What bothers me is,if Obama wins,considering what is going on in Kenya where he reportedly still has family,will Kenya become the new Iraq? Just wondering. Also does anyone out there really believe Hillery didn't help Bill? Behind every successful man stands a good woman.....so I've heard. So getting Hillary for President could be like a two for one sale.
Mae Sutherland, Pineville, MO / USA
I have been following the US primaries with some interest and am really surprised that Bakar Hussein Obama does not accept the reality of life. He is where he is beacuse of what he is - black - and not who he is - an inexpirience first tem senator. The fact that Oprah Winfrey came out in his favour and the latest results in Louisiana demonstrate this fact. It is a shame that Ms Ferrraro is being cricised for enunciating something which is patently obvious to an independent outsider.
Forrester, Malaga, Spain
Nobody cares what Ms. Farrarro says. Her 15 minutes of fame came and went a long time ago. Why are so many women accusing blacks of being in favour of Obama simply because he is African-American, then they start yelling "YOU GO GIRL" and making it clear the only thing they know or care about with Ms. Clinton is that she is a woman. And they keep saying the same things, over and over and over. Of course Obama supporters aren't much better. Stop attacking Clinton, please, and tell us why Obama is better.
I think that Obama migfht be better for union members and working class people too. Ms. Clinton might do better with the union bosses who base their support on how many pork-barrell jobs a politician has gotten for them, and how many favours have been done. Most working class people don't belong to these unions and people such as Ms. Clinton and their leaders are the reasons why union membership, and jobs, have been declining for so long.
Christopher Hobe Morrison, Pine Bush, Ulster County, NY, USA
Why isn't the result being given in the normal way: 61-37 win for Obama?
Andrew Chapman, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
The reason why Ferroro's statement is so offensive is this, the only reason why she is questioning his ability and phenomenon is because he is a black man!!!! If he were a white guy or a white woman, she would deem him the'saviour' of the democratic party!!!! I can tell you this though that most hard working black professionals -sick and tired- of their success being attritubed to affirmative action, white guilt or simply stupid statements like this must be fuming!!! Goodness Gerardine ,can't a black man claim the glory of his own success without it being tarnish by some residual racist nonsense... Can you imagine the furore if you replace the words with 'jew' 'gay' or woman!!!! Maybe, the reason Obama is doing well is that he is an extraordinarily talented guy...
Tsatsu, geneva,
Simple minds,if they can't get it their way,they will use any argument no matter how hollow it may sound to send their message home;racism and religion has done more harm in dividing us than any other human traits.
FREDDY, Girona, Spain
It's a shame that Ms. Ferraro is persecuted for telling the truth, though in a less concentrated form than the media did. Remember "Obama-the great white hope"? Or other statements about how the white America expunges its guilt for slavery, lynching, and so on? Sen. Obama's campaign did not object. Maybe the key to such bruised feelings is that Ms. Ferraro happens to be some kind of consultant in Sen. Clinton's campaign?
Felix, MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA/CA
Geraldine Ferraro is a HAS BEEN! Who cares what she says!? She failed miserably in her quest for power; did so dismally in the Vice Presidential debates; and now she's just plain JEALOUS that an African American will be more powerful than she could ever dream of!! Wake Up Ferrarro... He already is!
And, as if clarification is needed, Obama is not Black. He is multi-racial, just like King Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) was! The Israelites of old were extremely proud of their multi-racial King... and so was the rest of the world. It brought Israel a lot of fame, wealth and glory.
Why can't their descendants THINK the same way?
Dave, London, UK
I cannot articulate my disgust and utter disappointment towards the Clintons and every other person who is willfully blind and coward enough not to call this as it is--pure and tactical racism calculated to appeal to that part of white America which retains its unfounded and most base racist fears. The truth of the matter is less than 35 to 40 years ago a black man was more likely to be lynched than graduate from high school. Today, black men continue to earn less than their white counterparts, experience higher rates of disease, incarceration, poverty and unemployment than any other group. I challenge Ferraro to identify just one of these who would laud their blackness the secret to their succes. The truth of the matter is being black in America means working harder and having to prove yourself more competent than your white counterparts to get the same results. So the fact that Obama has won 29 of 41 (or is it more) states probably, simply means he's just the better candidate.
WSutton, Eastern, North Carolina
Obama plays the race card more than anyone. Like Halle Berry at the Oscars, he emphasises the African-American side of his mixed race heritage while ignoring the Caucasian side, despite being raised exclusively by his white mother. I wonder how both their mothers must feel?
Obama should not be allowed to win, and it has nothing to do with race and everything to do with his empty rhetoric. He isn't remotely fit for the job.
David Harrison, Manchester, UK
Just a minor point here, but are American politicians (and voters) all so culturally illiterate that they have not so far realized 'Barack" is a Muslim name too? It means 'blessing' in Arabic. It's positively comic watching Americans "discover" that a mixed race guy has a mixed heritage. What planet have they been living on so far? Who says ignorance and uniformity is desirable in a president? I would have thought being acquainted with a wide range of people, backgrounds and opinions is a very valuable asset. And he certainly seems to have more emotional self-control and better social skills than anyone else in these primaries (including McCain). But I'm not a US voter - so who cares about my view?
Rw, London,
The USA is consumed by race and religion, if this race card cannot sting the Muslim-background angle will be placed again
Timur, London,
She is right!
Jane , California, USA
Ferraro's unfortunate comment reinforces the unfortunate truth that a percentage of Americans still believe in discriminating by colour and will use it any way they can to gain an advantage. A very sad reminder of reality! Hope these souls find real peace & purpose in life!
Ajay Kansal, Glen Carbon, IL USA
its impossible for obama to win on the black vote. he won iowa, maine, utah, these states are primarily white! anyone who claims that obama is still in the race because of the color or his skin is gravely mistaken. even if all the black people in this country voted for obama, he still couldn't win. i can't understand the logic that the fact that he is black has helped him when there have been several instances when people have openly said he will lose votes because of the color of his skin. the governor of pennsylvania said that he can't see the white people in his state voting for a black man, i believe the governor or mississippi said the same thing. racism is alive and well in the united states and obama's success in this race is despite the color of his skin not because of it
Maggie, nashville, tennessee
Senator Clinton can blame herself for Southern
African Americans backing Senator Obama so soundly. Her nasty, divisive attacks on him in advance of the South Carolina primary alienated blacks, who have been Bill Clinton fans and loyalists for years. What no one seems to recall is that states like Iowa, North Dakota, etc., where there are no black people are voting for Barack Obama! What's the excuse there? I'm disappointed in Hilary Clinton, because I was a fan. I have seen from her complete hypocrisy--she is doing the very thing that she accused the Republicans of doing when Bill was being impeached. Let's give people a little credit for being intelligent enough to see all of these things, and especially, black people in the South, who have seen racism, and who are probably as disappointed and shocked to see it from the Clintons as I am. I was convinced that if Hilary or Barrack got the nomination, I would be happy. That was then.
Pamela, Tampa, Florida
Whichever candidate is voted for in this election is going to raise these kind of comments. It's open knowledge that a lot of women are voting for Hillary simply because she is a woman. I suppose the same can be said for a lot of black people voting for Barack simply because he is black. Those people quite rightly feel that the person they are voting for has a lot more in common with their points of view on a lot of issues.
The candidates are bound to be polarising, one because of gender the other, colour. This lady is only speaking the truth but should also state the obvious voting base for Hillary.
Paul, Perth, Australia
We are a nation divided, the state America is in today will continue to decline until we can come together as a people, not as black or white, Protestant or Catholics. As Americans. What will it take? Most of the points made are just plain ignorant, his middle name, his color, his daddy's daddy. Why does it matter. At the end of the day all that matters is can he bring America back to a position of power, in case anyone is paying attention, we are having some major issues here. And if he is not that person so be it, but let it be because he is not qualified, not because he is black, or Muslim. For me the issues are, what are we going to do about the rising gas prices and the declining home values. What are we going to do to bring Manufacturing jobs back to America. How can I find money to send my children to college. How many jobs have been lost in the past 2 years. Lets talk about that, not the color of the man's skin. Lets address the real issues.
Ms. Jones, Schaumburg, Il
What a load of nonsense ferraro, well this will be the first time in history that being black has actually got you AHEAD instead of held you back.... and what about his other successes due to his race Geraldine like
1.Needing secret service protection (which could rival that of president bush) as early as last may
2. Having CBS.com temporarily tune off comments on Obama stories because of the volume and persistence of racist comments
3. Having threats to his life from a right wing radio host due to a Somali picture.
4. Being constantly made to explain his religion and parents unfortunate choice of a middle name.
If anything his race is a hindrance, people are not voting for him because he's black, he's certainly not the first back person to run for president and the others failed miserably. People are voting for him in spite of his race.
Andrea, London,
The only reason that we know the name of Geraldine Ferraro is because she is a white woman. We must consider that Jesse Jackson had received the third most popular votes for the democratic nomination 21% but, received only 8% of the votes at the convention. Walter Mondale added her as his running mate in an attempt to appear progressive hoping by adding a woman to the ticket that African-American and white women would stand behind the party following its clearly un-democratic and racist actions at the convention. It only worked for white women. Until Senator Obamaâs win Iowa many African-Americanâs including myself felt that was no in the Democratic Party for us. Yes, Reverend Jackson ran as a Democrat in 1988 but, there was little evidence that the outcome would be any different and our support was in hopes of sending a message to the party, I am not sure that they got it. It is clear that African-Americanâs were not fooled by Mondaleâs pandering to the female vote by nominating F
Darin , Bowie , Maryland
What Ms. Ferraro said is absolutely awful.
It's also 100% true.
Jim, Milwaukee, USA
The major point of Ferraro's comment is correct, namely, prejudice against women is more deep seated and has a broader impact on society than race prejudice does. The point is "more than". Do NOT throw a pioneer like Ferraro under the campaign bus for gain. She deserves better.
Dave, Happy Valley, OR
For those who say she is right...can you please enlighten us by letting us know why both Al Sharpton and rev. Jesse Jackson both failed miserably at there run for president?
Eve, MIA , USA
Please, if taken in the true context, I believe she probably meant because of experience!--I didn't think race except for the fact that he will bring a black following--all Ferraro meant!!!!!
Linda Ellis, Ocala, marion Florida
Ms. Ferrero is likely correct when she predicts that if "he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position".
From Obama campaign: Clinton is trying to score "cheap political points" with "a kitchen sink of distorted and discredited attacks that she knows aren't true." No comments!
Hillary will be a great President, I hope she wins!
.
Anne , LA, USA
GO HILLARY! Hillary for President ALL THE WAY!
M, Albuquerque, USA/NM
Ferraro's comments are particularly droll, coming from a three term representative from Queens who woke up one morning to find herself nominated for Vice President! Talk about people in glass houses.
Andy, Kensington, MD
Thats mean, you could say Hillary is only where she is because of who she's married to.
Sonia, Andresy, France
Ferraro speaks the truth. It's a relief to see that someone of significance is finally bringing this issue up in public. I've heard from a number of black Clinton supporters who say this very same thing. I've also heard that exit polls from the South Carolina primary vote showed that among whites the vote was split nearly even at 30% between Obama, Clinton & Edwards but among blacks Obama received more than 80% of the vote, gee who'd thunk? After that election when Bill Clinton suggested a racial bias he was crucified by Obama supporters and the media.
It always amazes me the degree to which a great percentage of the public chooses to remain ignorant, after all this is one of the main ingredients for all forms of prejudice.
christian Mrosko, youngstown, ohio
The more I see and hear from the Clinton campaign the more I realize the Hillary:
1) Did not grow up through the hard work of we the regular U. S citizens. Nor does she know us or truly care to.
2) Hillary talks nice to your face then dissects you via. character assascination.
3) Is using the Nuclear bomb / fear mongering tactics of the Neo-Cons fanatics.
4) Is losing herself in the quest to become President
D. Marsh, Fairview, PA
Her 15 minutes under the publicity spotlight ?
Jim, Sidcup/Kent,
1984 in America. A speech. first words, "My name is Geraldine Ferroro", cue manic applause! . kettle pot black comes to mind.
tari, London, uk
Geraldine has been in the game tooooo long to wear her politics on her sleeve...Shame on her.
**Get over it.....Politics always has been and will always be about the re-distribution of wealth.
**If we truly wanted EXPERIENCE, then Joe Biden,Chris Dodd, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson would have been among the more prudent Democratic choices.
***Obama is doing no more or less than that what Hillary is doing--people just seem to be paying more attention to him at the moment.
*** I'm not afraid of Obama in the White House...Matter of fact, any of the three are FAR MORE CAPABLE to lead than what we have in the White House, now.
John McCain was far more qualified in 2000 but i doubt he would have rubber-stamped Cheney and Rumsfield's drive to invade Iraq.
DJ, Chicago,
Finally someone told the truth...whew! I knew CNN and its commentators couldn't do it. I am a black female and Hillary supporter who agrees with this statement. If Barack Obama were not black he would not be in this race period!
His message is empty and he speaks as though he's in the pulpit and preaching. Mainstream media has tiptoed around him for some reason and I think itâs because heâs black and they are afraid and feel that they are going to offend someone. Like for instance Barackâs friends Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Minister Farrakhan and Rev. Al Sharpton.
Thank You Geraldine!
Karen, Chicago, Illinois
Gore did it all by himself and this time it might take two democrats to let a republicans snatch the "sure thing" win
Keep up the fighting guys and im sure both of you can have another go at McCain in 4 years
Gavin B, London, UK
Obama is also half-white if anyone cares.
Issues are more important than race. His extreme left-wing views on presiding over America cannot be ignored.
Tax, tax ,and tax somemore ,is his mission.
Re-distributing wealth (except his own of course ) is Obama's mantra. A 'change' that only chumps could love.
His desire to turn America into the European socialist model may warm the hearts of 'Times" readers., but it chills those of us who believe in the American Dream.
And , we still vote.
wilfred knight, orange county , usa california
I am always amused when the truth is called racist, and what was said is plainly the truth and has been accepted as such by the vast majority. Of course the 'He's a new Kennedy' clan would never see it that way as they would never see that he is clearly not the new Kennedy.
D Case, Newquay,
It constantly amazes me how much the Democratic "old guard" just does not comprehend what Obama and his message are about.
I would ask Ms. Ferraro, if Obama's success is all about race, then how does she account for the multitude of people like me (a white male middle-aged republican, by the way) who support him? Are we just deluded fools taken in by empty rhetoric? Or do we see more clearly than she does that continuing her brand of divisive, identity driven politics will not take us anyplace we want to go as a nation.
Identity politics is just another form of politics as usual. Obama is a post-identity politics candidate.
Ben Hoff, New Jersey, USA
anyone voting for hillary because she is bill's wife??
mount, dorset, gb
I agree with Owen, as for Derek, please back up your arguement.......sorry you probably cant cause you dont have a reason, beyond the colour of his skin ,why Obama should not be president but clearly the rest of America so far disagree's with you, sorry
Steve Wood, london, uk
TRue, I for one was concened to learn that Obama had some contact with the radical Muslim leader, Louis Farraquan. But, as he maintains a Christian heritage, that might just be politics.
But, maybe Hilary has been dealt the death blow by her own side. Geraldine Ferraro has turned this race uypside down by her stupid remarks. Maybe, because he is black, more Afro-Americans will vote for Obama. But, how does that answer the fact that white voters are turning to him?
As for the fact that his middle name is Hussein, as we say, 'What has that got to do with the price of eggs?' He can't help what his parents called him when he was born. Clinton, even if she did ot plan these statements, has shown that her thinknuig shown in those who support her, would be a disaster for America and the world.
Pete Hodge, Skelmersdale,
That's the proof that age doesn't necessarily means wisdom .
Silvino Ferreira Jr, London, London
Well what a lot of nonsense Katherine! You know as well as everyone in the U.S. that the country is still racist and if anything Obama is winning against Clinton inspite of his colour. The truth is that Hillary has too many unpleasant skeletons in her closet for her to beat the Republicans. Furthermore she has failed once at trying to introduce universal healthcare and there is no reason to expect that she would succeed with a second attempt. As an Independent while I would vote for Obama there is nothing in the world that could induce me to vote for Clinton.
Victor Marriott, Sarasota, FL
The Democrats are the most confused group of US politicians there are. They insist on shooting themselves in the foot, which is usually in their mouth, everytime.
They can't get anything right and will lose big time to McCain come November.
And I say this as a member of the Democratic party.
Murphy, Cheat Lake, West Virginia USA
frankachaw, UK, UK
You're so right.
Sadly, the Western perspective has (and has been for a long long time) that if you're a Mulsim then you're a terrorist. Try being in the shoes of a decent (and this the vast majority) of uslims and see how hurtful that is. Strangely, does anyone remember the Northern Ireland conflict? I never heard anyone being described as a protestant or catholic terrorist. what was the religion of the guy who blew-up the federal building in Okhlohoma? A Christian. Did anyone accuse Christians of being terrorists? Of course not. That is something reserved for Muslims only.
Soyab CA USA
Soyab, folsom, usa
Samantha Power was sacked for stating the obvious....those who know American politics and have studied the Clintons know that they, and those in their orbit, are the worst element in American politics - the Clintons invented The Politics of Personal Destruction, per the theories of Saul Olinsky. Now the battle between the multicultural groupists is joined and we will see what is more powerful - race or gender. Don't you just love it when the multicultural chickens come home to roost?????
BTW, Kathy in VA - people in the U.S. can and do receive healthcare if they are gravely ill or injured and are lacking insurance (ever wonder why aspirin costs $25 in the hospital? That's why!). Let's try to rein in the trial lawyers, keep the welfare recips out of the emergency rooms for cases of the sniffles and yuckies, and try introducing competition to reduce medical costs. Common sense works every time!
Jason, Pittsburgh, USA
While Obama speaks well, charms his audience with rhetoric and can deliver a speech he has little if any experience, has said he is for change and then rolls out some of the most politically ingrained old boys in Washington as supporters, heads a committee which has not held a meeting for 18 months, has little or no tax plan, something the USA needs badly, his healthcare play was a rehashed Dole idea which was bad when first floated but worse now. In all honesty if he was not half black would we really consider him as the next president of the USA, I think not.
Lloyd, Geneva,
Whether he likes it or not, Barack Obama is a Muslim. That's why his father gave him the name "Hussein". The only thing he can claim is that he is NOT A PRACTICING MUSLIM - just as a lot of us in the western world are NOT PRACTICING CHRISTIANS.
R L Tanizaki, MANILA, Philippines
If all else fails (which it has for the Clinton camp) , play the race card..
Owen, London, UK
Gold is Gold no matter the name you give to it. Black or white, muslim middle name and so what. Does it matter if our hard working president has a Russian middle name during the time of cold war? Of course, it doen't. We didn't create or born ourselves and we don't change our names because of politics. People who pass these offensive comments are ignorants terrorists themselves.
frankachaw, UK, UK
Sometimes the truth hurts. Sadly, Americans are overly emotional and have lost the balance of looking at candidates objectively. Regardless of how a candidate made it to be one, Americans need to step back from emotions and access each candidate, from all parties and the independents, with rationality. Emotions are not going to correct the economy, give health care to all Americans, and help us to be a positive presence in the world. Emotions will continue to deteriorate and divide us. Yes, the truth *hurts*, but that doesn't mean that we have to be controlled by emotions. Move beyond the feelings.
Katherine, Central Virginia, USA
She's right..
Derek, Portland, Maine
Well she is right of course. Not racism, just the truth. I'm glad someone is brave enough to say it.
Tam, Oxford, UK