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  Posted By:
  Dibs at 02/13/2008 1:09:04 PM
  Comment:
  I think that the Clinton's sense of entitlement to the African-American vote really has really helped them to lose that vote. As the campaign increasingly focuses on 'their' Hispanic vote in preparation for the Texas primary, I hope that we will see the same revolted backlash.
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  Posted By:
  fullerg at 01/31/2008 6:17:50 PM
  Comment:
  Excellent situational insight . And it shows the value of an experienced journalist - they don't scare and they know stuff .
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  Posted By:
  Dianne D. at 01/31/2008 9:31:41 AM
  Comment:
  I am just surprised that it took this long for anyone to catch on to the subtle racism that has so disappointingly leaked out of the Clinton campaign since the Clinton camp realized that Obama was a contender. To repeat all of the negative things would be to slander Obama again but we know that at least one Clinton campaigner was dismissed for making racially insensitive remarks and another about suggesting using unethical tactics. Clinton used the fact that these remarks were made by staffers to distance herself from the remarks while doing nothing to slow the remarks that somehow continue to be released to the media from her "staff". The strategy of keeping race the issue, though repulsive, may be effective. Obama is the only real threat to a Clinton candidacy. What is sad is that Clinton used the African-American population to gain the White House twice and now they are willing to dismiss us to gain it again. Clinton claims to stand for an end to Washington "business as usual" politics but her campaigning reveals that she harkens back to a time when the word "Democrat" was an anathema to African-Americans. I am shamed now to admit I voted for the Clintons... twice. I will not make that mistake again.
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  Posted By:
  Ms.Martin at 01/31/2008 4:07:22 AM
  Comment:
  I too understood that comment to mean exactly what you are suggesting it meant. It played to a mostly white audience in a town known for their racism, Independence Missouri.
  
  The tone also seemed to suggest he was speaking to the black voters of SC who supported Obama heavily (a backlash so-to speak).
  
  
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  Posted By:
  mathatha at 01/31/2008 2:52:17 AM
  Comment:
  Hi Sam, My name is Mathatha Tsedu, a South African journalist. We met many years ago. I am now the Editor in Chief of City Press (www.citypress.co.za), a national Sunday newspaper which i am sure you would remember from your time here. I am looking for an indepoth piece on Super Tuesday looking at Obama's chances. It would have to be about 1200 words and deadline is Friday 12 noon SA time which is GMT+2 hours these days. Do you think you could do this for us? Just read your piece on the Clinton strategy. can you check if we can also use that from Roots with the usual acknowledgements? My email address is mtsedu@citypress.co.za. My mobile is +27824540527 and office line is +27117139577. Amandla
  Mathatha Tsedu
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  Posted By:
  vicissitude at 01/30/2008 11:10:07 PM
  Comment:
  well, well, well, looky here...I have been scratching my head wondering about Waters and Lewis' endorsements of Obama and then I read this:
  
  "Comparing notes, Ifill and I realized that Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., had made almost identical comments to us. Clinton had given them his talking points in advance, covering himself beautifully.
  You don't have to strain to see the parallels. "s
  
  So these two have been carrying Clinton water a looong time, I see. I was so surprised that Lewis would not support Obama given that Obama represents everything Lewis was bloodied up for walking cross the Pettus bridge. I learned recently as well, that Bill made Waters spouse the ambassador to the bahamas.
  
  But the debts owed by black female politicians must run deep. Kilpatrick, Tubbs, and Jackson-Lee all are nothing more than Clarence Thomases' in a dress. Or either they must be the women Young was speaking of when he talked about how much blacker Bill was than Obama.
  
  Unbelievable, that we have one sitting US Senator and the CBC endorses Hillary?! What do we even need the caucus for if they can't even endorse their own.
  
  I bet they all pooped in their pants when Teddy endorsed Obama and may they remain shamefaced when Obama is sworn in January09.
  
  
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  Posted By:
  missdeejay at 01/30/2008 9:46:06 AM
  Comment:
  You are on point Brother Fulwood, I see the same thing, some of us will always take the easy way out [politicaly safe path]. My personal experience has taught me that on the shop floor in a auto factory.Politics is like this on every level isn't it. More people need to realize this about ourselves And other people. I wish that some of these so called Black Leaders would be defeated in their next election, they are in the way.
  Thank you for your input,it was a reminder of my life as a working person. Thank God I am retired now.
  Donna Jordan
  Toledo Ohio
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  Posted By:
  farussell at 01/30/2008 8:28:53 AM
  Comment:
  You are correct and insightful in your analysis. We as a race get so caught up by every once of attention a white candidate gives us, even though it is patronizing attention. I do not believe that Bill Clinton has respect for Black people, but has assumed that he can say anything he wants to us or about us and we will still love him. That is degradation at its worst. We cannot get hung up on a "few crumbs that fall from the Masters table," but must be more impressed with a persons character, integrity, honesty and sincere commitment to the issues that impact the majority of Black families.
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  Posted By:
  slugbug13 at 01/29/2008 8:47:09 PM
  Comment:
  This is what I've been saying all along. The Clintons act as if they are all about black america when in reality, they are no different from the whites who are saying, "Obama is all style and no substance." For some reason, we are so quick to let them have a pass. Wake up folks! Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.
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  Posted By:
  Lil Roc at 01/29/2008 7:40:22 PM
  Comment:
  The man was only telling the truth. He wants his wife to win. If your faithful wife was running for office and you were a politically savy senior stateman, wouldn't you proceed by any means necessary. After all this is hardball.
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  Posted By:
  Lil Roc at 01/29/2008 7:36:01 PM
  Comment:
  The man was only telling the truth. He wants his wife to win. If your fithful wife was running for office and you were a politically savy senior stateman, wouldn't you proceed by any means necessary. After all this is hardball.
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  Posted By:
  blini4me at 01/29/2008 6:59:10 PM
  Comment:
  Yes, Clinton is referring to the majority, which is not Black. That is a fact. The Clintons are clever. They are cunning. They understand Marketing and PR, unlike the majority of Democratic politicians. Bill's comment was an honest one. Was it meant to indicate that SC is the exception to the rule? Yes. Is SC an exception to the rule? Yes. The author has made the issue personal, when in fact it is merely the business of politics as usual.
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  Posted By:
  vincent1204 at 01/29/2008 6:58:20 PM
  Comment:
  You have hit the nail on the head. Not many people are able to read between the lines and pickup on the subliminal statements that your article has done in reference to Bill Clinton's political savvy. Nice article!!!
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  Posted By:
  eldaq7 at 01/29/2008 3:29:14 PM
  Comment:
  Beautiful! No matter how much intelligent blacks raise their heads with pride and inspire the nation which we so diligently help to build, we are always reminded by Mr. Charley that we are who we are, knee-groes, and we must always remember where our place is. Which begs the question why participate in an election that makes no real difference for us? I echo the sentiments of Fredrick Douglas who asked "what does the 4th of July mean to us?" [blacks]. Indeed, Obama had better watch his back! We have duped for too long into thinking we share an equality with eurocentrism. Physical lynching still exists and we are still on Plantation bowing and scraping like little pickininies protruding from the porches between the legs of white Amerikkka. This election is proving this to be so....
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  Posted By:
  beige at 01/29/2008 1:33:32 PM
  Comment:
  Great article. I've been disgusted by the Clinton tactics and did not remember or realize this has been such a long time strategy.
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  Posted By:
  curtis_wiley at 01/29/2008 12:40:22 PM
  Comment:
  Finally, this position has been articulated in a way that is both astounding and clear. The Clintons are using the black vote just as this nation's forefathers used black labor for their own benefit, with no regard for the people themselves.
  Because I have been such a fan of the Clinton???s I had tremendous difficulty seeing this issue clearly when it broke. I did not want to believe that the Clinton Train placed black people, and their issues, in a black car at the rear of the train. But here we are.
  I applaud Obama and his team, which now includes the Kennedy Dynasty. He, Obama, belongs to us. The Clinton???s would have this nation believe that the ???us??? I???m referring to is black folks. But the fact of the matter is that Obama belongs to all of us, independent of who we are, or how we came to be in this world. Obama???s hope, his spirit and his dream unites us (all of us) in a way that the Clinton???s can neither understand nor imitate.
  None of us should be surprised that a black person is galvanizing and inspiring people all across this nation, we???ve seen it before. Add to that, the story of how we came to be in the country. If there is an art to serving white people while at the same time serving ourselves, black people are Masters, in a class unto themselves. It is time, Obama 2008.
  
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  Posted By:
  rjgaskins at 01/29/2008 12:33:54 PM
  Comment:
  Did you hear what Bill Clinton said when he spoke at Dr. King's Memorial Service at Ebenezer a couple of weeks ago. Your viewpoint is timely because in that 'unscripted' speech where he was invited to the pulpit, he made it a point to talk about himself as a white man and referenced some experiences at the hand of some blacks. You have to see about getting a copy of that speech to include that information in your comments here...this analysis is timely and full circle.
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  Posted By:
  flygryl at 01/29/2008 10:44:53 AM
  Comment:
  I too, think I was fooled by the Clinton's. I was a Clinton supporter because I thought Bill Clinton was for the Black people. Until his wife's campaign I see how they use the black people. I honestly do not think that either of them care about black people I think their main objective is to do whatever it is necessary to do for Hilary to get into the White House. Now, that I am an adult and I now get the idea of why it is so important to vote and have knowledge about the in and outs of politics I am no longer a supporter of the Clintons.
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  Posted By:
  Sherlock725 at 01/29/2008 10:12:09 AM
  Comment:
  Bravo for your article. It's about time that we as a people see the Clintons and other past Democratic politicians as they are, politicians. The Clintons care about race relations and the African American community as far as it translates into votes and no further. This insanity about dubbing Bill the "first black president" or as "black" as Obama is assigning a greater attachment to the Clintons then they feel for us. I urge my people to look at each candidates ability to reverse the economic, foreign policy, and moral direction America is headed. Pick candidates based on how they really can help us, improving jobs, changing our status in the global community and for God sakes attaining universal health care for our elders and impoverished. Everything else is a smoke screen. Be smarter my people. Matt in DC
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  Posted By:
  paulmarcw at 01/29/2008 5:42:47 AM
  Comment:
  I am not certain of the dates and details, but the broad outline is as follows: it was near the end of Clinton's second term in office and he signed into law a new welfare bill limiting the time one could be on welfare; and this was the beginning of workfare - a system under which once one had been on welfare for some specified and very limited amount of time, they'd be ejected and must find work.
  
  I thought that though welfare was not the noble, dignified way that one should live that one must live and welfare, with all its short-comings, allows someone to at least survive. But, with that safety net gone, with an economy in freefall, as the one we are now in, one would crash to a painful rocky bottom that knows no mercy and gives no relief.
  
  That is where we are now. I remember thinking back then that it was a "friend" Bill Clinton, who wrote the law that sounded the death knell. For what it's worth, at the time, I thought it was a stab in the back. And after the vicious Obama attack by the Clintons know it was a stab in the back.
  
  Fool me Once ...
  
  Marc Washington
  Budapest, Hungary
  (a black guy from Philly)
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  Posted By:
  GREGORY at 01/29/2008 1:14:26 AM
  Comment:
  I AM A SOUTHERN MARRIED NEGRO MALE WITH EIGHT CHILDREN MY FAMILY AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN IMPRESS BY THE CLINTONS. NOT TO MENTION THAT HE WAS THE REASON THAT WE SWITCH PARTIES. THAT WHY I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR MR.OBAMA IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE THERE WERE A CANIDATE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT THAT TRULY FELT RIGHT FOR ALL PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF RACE . GJ
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  Posted By:
  anthrop at 01/29/2008 1:08:37 AM
  Comment:
  Well, if Mr. Clinton fooled you once, Mr. Fulwood, he fooled Rep. Maxine Waters and a few other black political officials twice. Waters and her circle in Los Angeles and in the Congressional Black Caucus, have endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton. Is it naivete or is their support of Clinton simply for the sake of political expediency? The latter, of course, at the expense of African Americans, who Waters probably believes aren't astute enough to recognize the ruthless ploy by the Clintons to marginalize Sen. Barack Obama as the "black" candidate.
  Some label it the "race card", but that's a cute politically correct term. Call it what is is -- racism -- pandering to white voters at the expense of black Americans. Waters and the others backing Hillary should be ashamed. What do they hope to gain -- Cabinet positions? Real political leadership doesn't do what is expedient, but rather what is "principled" and right! But obviously, the Clintons, Waters and others will do and say anything for gain. Should Hillary succeed, watch what happens. She and Bill will throw the biggest politically expedient, unprincipled, "forgive us Black America" chitlin' block party in American history, to regain the backing of African Americans against their Republican foe. Waters and the others must feel beneath themselves right now. They should. Racism is unforgivable under any circumstances.
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  Posted By:
  Trouble at 01/28/2008 10:23:36 PM
  Comment:
  I am in disagreement with the Clinton bashing by the African American media and press. If the top democratic leaders were Hilary Clinton and John Edwards, none of the negative comments would be made concerning each and every comment made by the Clintons in reference to all things "Black". Can anyone say that the Clintons are making false statements? NO, because each and every statement made by the Clintons in regards to Martin Luther King, Civil Rights, Lyndon Johnson, Jesse Jackson, etc, ARE ALL TRUE STATMENTS. I just wish the majority of black people in this country would realize they can think for themselves, and stop playing follow the leader, monkey see, monkey do. This is the 21st century, wake up people, JUST BECAUSE OBAMA IS BLACK PERSON, DOES NOT MEAN HE IS THE BEST CANDIDATE. This country needs someone who can hit the ground running, considering the situation Bush has it in now. This country does not need a freshman senator still on training wheels, cutting new teeth on the country for four years, to get the experience that Hilary already has. My advice, Senator Obama, serve the State of Illinois in the position you were elected for. Just what have you done for Illinois lately??
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  Posted By:
  Kells at 01/28/2008 9:34:51 PM
  Comment:
  I totally agree with you. Great article. Folks who have paid close attention to Bill Clinton during his presidency and now as he attacks Obama, can see him for who he really is: a politician who saw that disenfranchised Blacks were looking for a leader and he jumped in to fill that void. Clinton doesn't care about us, only our votes. And, if we don't tow the line, he dismisses us like unruly children. Well, now is the time we show him whose boss and help put Obama in the White House.
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  Posted By:
  Kells at 01/28/2008 9:31:47 PM
  Comment:
  Sam, I am in complete and total agreement with your piece. I, too, had noticed Bill Clinton's mean streak during his presidency and most noticeably in his snide comments aimed at Barack. Bill Clinton only fools fools. If you pay close attention, you can see him for who he really is.
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  Posted By:
  holsen at 01/28/2008 8:44:51 PM
  Comment:
  Fulwood shows what is rare these days --- writers with a memory, writers who can put this stuff in clear perspective. You have a fine writer here. The Plain Dealer is so fortunate to have him and his sense of perspective.
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  Posted By:
  vicman at 01/28/2008 6:36:06 PM
  Comment:
  Sister Souljah is an idiot and the killing White people remake was stupid! Clinton's stament wasn't a diversion. I don't think Obama will win the national election and having Obama head they democartic ticket will only open the door for a republican win!
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  Posted By:
  rustedspear at 01/28/2008 6:03:04 PM
  Comment:
  another hollow. article. i am a black man and this junk shames me...is there no reason for this website to exist beyond crying wolf and whining...
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  Posted By:
  payme at 01/28/2008 5:11:27 PM
  Comment:
  I hope other black catch on to the Clinton's racist remarks. If Hillary wins the nominiation, I will not vote for anyone.
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  Posted By:
  payme at 01/28/2008 5:09:47 PM
  Comment:
  I hope more blacks caught on to Bill (and Hillary) racist game. As for me, if Hillary gets the nomination, I will not vote for anyone.
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  Posted By:
  ReggieG814 at 01/28/2008 3:09:00 PM
  Comment:
  Mr. Fulwood: An intense, passionate piece. Bravo! Thank you for recounting the history of the Clintons and race-baiting. I remember the Sister Soulja jab as "I can keep these Negros in line," and it worked like a charm electing Bill as our "Bubba" president. Ms. Toni Morrison (who now endorses Obama) metaphorically made him our first "brother" president, and Bill, post Washington, daily visits to Sally's - took it as his mantle. This has been a fierce, vitriolic race that I never thought would get this nasty, but the underbelly of the system of white supremacy started in the Democratic party (who owned the slaves) and migrated to the Republicans after the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts of the 60s. Thank you for pulling no punches in your analysis. We all need to read and ponder it: http://griotpoet.blogspot.com.
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  Posted By:
  eseton at 01/28/2008 3:05:24 PM
  Comment:
  Politics like boxing has become a bloodsport. It amazes me why anyone would want to become president in this atmosphere. In fact, boxing is alot easier on the eyes, and civil.
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  Posted By:
  chestervision at 01/28/2008 1:39:59 PM
  Comment:
  I am so glad to see Black America waking up to Slick Willie and his companion Hillary. Who talks about Hillary as the once Goldwater supporter? Who talks about how Bill left two black Cabinet members he aapointed to the "dogs" when they ran into a little trouble during his administration? I know Blacks who once thought the Clinton were "gods" to blacks. In fact, some called him the first black President. At last, I feel redemption. I knew the Clintons were highly overrated in terms of their concern for Black America.
  
  CBS
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  Posted By:
  chestervision at 01/28/2008 1:13:43 PM
  Comment:
  The Clintons are highly overrated when it comes to their concerns for Blacks and Black America. I have said this many times before only to rebuffed by Clinton worshipping blacks who felt they were gods.
  
  
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  Posted By:
  chestervision at 01/28/2008 1:12:06 PM
  Comment:
  I am so glad to see Black America waking up to Slick Willie and his companion Hillary. Who talks about Hillary as the once Goldwater supporter? Who talks about how Bill left two black Cabinet members he aapointed to the "dogs" when they ran into a little trouble during his administration? I know Blacks who once thought the Clinton were "gods" to blacks. In fact, some called him the first black President. At last, I feel redemption. I knew the Clintons were highly overrated in terms of their concern for Black America.
  
  CBS
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  Posted By:
  Glarf at 01/28/2008 1:08:00 PM
  Comment:
  Bill Clinton can't be all that bad, after all he was voted in twice by all the idiots in this country that bought into his crap. Now his wife is having to prove herself as a top candidate. I am a republican and I really enjoy watching the other party fall apart with all this racial crap.
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  Posted By:
  The Grim Reaper at 01/28/2008 11:20:17 AM
  Comment:
  I am not voting for H. Clinton. A win for Hillary would simply mean that we would
  have Bill Clinton back in office as the real surrogate president.
  Hillary is running for Bill Clinton. She is old school Democratic politics and Bill
  has extinguished his political capital with me with that refrence to the Jesse
  Jackson remarks about the 1984 and 1988 campaigns.
  Bill is desparate and he knows that too many black voters are a sucker for
  a grinning white politician since we quickly forgive and forget.
  Not this time. My memory is good and I don't feel too forgiving this election year.