Obama Tiptoes Through Nation's 'Racial Minefield'

Chicago Tribune ^ | Published July 11, 2007 | Clarence Page

[hardback]

The question of whether Barack Obama is "black enough" to win the Democratic presidential nomination never seems to go away.

Of all the constituencies to whom Obama must reach out, his fellow black Americans -- like me -- pose a special challenge. We expect him to connect with us in a way that shows he, as candidate Bill Clinton used to say in 1992, feels our pain.

With that in mind, I am hardly the only observer to notice that Obama seemed to be containing himself as an orator during the recent Democratic candidates' forum at historically black Howard University.

He seemed deliberately avoiding the soaring oratory, rhythmic cadence or targeted appeals to black grievance that would spark applause from the mostly black audience.

"The average black American onlooker can't help feeling proud but also just a little hurt watching Obama," freelance writer Amina Luqman wrote in a Washington Post essay.

"Proud of his ability to traverse minefields on a national political landscape and hurt by what America demands of black candidates seeking public acceptance and trust."

Instead, ironically it was Sen. Clinton who showed the most freedom to give voice to black grievances. In the evening's most memorable moment she brought some in the crowd to their feet concerning the disproportionate effect HIV has on black communities.

If "HIV-AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34," she said, "there would be an outraged outcry in this country."

"For Obama to have said the same words in the same fiery manner could have been political suicide," Luqman wrote. "By forfeit, Clinton essentially becomes the black candidate; it's not a space America would allow Obama to fill."

[jdub]

Maybe Hillary and Gore can give him lessons on how to talk like he was black.

[hardback]

Hillary is the black candidate now? I guess all of that hollering in the Southern Churches really did work...

[Sherman Logan]

If "HIV-AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34," she said, "there would be an outraged outcry in this country."

Don't use intravenous drugs or have sex with men who do or who are bisexual, and you won't get AIDS.

Apparently a greater percentage of young black women engage in these risky behaviors, and somehow this is (white) America's fault?

[N. Theknow]

We expect him to connect with us in a way that shows he, as candidate Bill Clinton used to say in 1992, feels our pain.

Question for Mr. Page:

So, after "saying" he felt your pain, exactly what did Bill Clinton "do" for you?

Bonus question: Exactly what did Bill Clinton do in 8 years as President?

[CarryingOn]

I would say that “rhythmic cadence” is a definite must have.

As for race-baiting, it will probably be hard to beat Hillary. She has a lot of experience pitting opposing groups against each other for her own benefit.

[BenLurkin]

If "HIV-AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34," she said, "there would be an outraged outcry in this country."

Bizarre, pandering horse-cr*p.

[Right Cal Gal]

With the exception of those who contracted AIDS through blood transfusions or hemophiliac blood medicines, the rest of the U.S. population were promiscuous and/or intravenous drug use. In other words, BEHAVIOR, Hildebeest. But of course, why spoil decent race bating with facts, right?

Gays all over San Francisco screamed bloody murder when Dr. Don Francis of the CDC tried to explain to them that all indications were that AIDS was blood borne and that they needed to close the bathhouses. Five years later, everyone admitted Francis was right, but by then it was too late. Then they screamed how the government OWED them research, OWED them money, etc. You know, the “government” at least TRIED to stop the epidemic, fools.

[bybybill]

Did I read this wrong, you want to know who Bill Clinton did in eight years? True full answer, Bubba did ALL OF US

[lesser_satan]

Bonus question: Exactly what did Bill Clinton do in 8 years as President?

Pardoned terrorists, got blown by his intern in his workplace, and bombed pharmaceutical factories.

[Enchante]

"...his fellow black Americans -- like me -- pose a special challenge. We expect him to connect with us in a way that shows he, as candidate Bill Clinton used to say in 1992, feels our pain."

translation: we [blacks] are waiting for Obama to prove that he can be as vicious and depraved a race-baiting Demagogue as his rivals. We are accustomed to scum-of-the-earth like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackoff, along with their white imitators like Shrillery and Bill, so why would we settle for anyone who is not willing to "pay his dues" as a muckraking, hate-mongering charlatan?

[ken5050]

“magic Negro” bump....

[Vigilanteman]

If "HIV-AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34," she said, "there would be an outraged outcry in this country."

Actually, it is a pretty safe bet that they'd blame it on white men.

[Sherman Logan]

With the exception of those who contracted AIDS through blood transfusions or hemophiliac blood medicines, the rest of the U.S. population were promiscuous and/or intravenous drug use.

A young virgin could marry a man with this history and come down with the disease. She would be responsible for nothing except a bad choice of husband.

But for the most part you are correct. Non-promiscuous, non-drug-using people are very unlikely to contract HIV/AIDS.

But it only takes one encounter with a person with such a background to become an exception.