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I'm Black and for Hillary.Get Over it.
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Posted By:
i77 at 04/25/2008 7:34:53 PM
Comment:
The problem is that, even in segregation, white women got to eat at the restaurant while both black women and men were restricted. White women got to ride at the front of the bus; and it is black women who bear the pain of their misguided children due to the inheritance of social economic disparities.
White women are privileged to inherit social and economic advatage over parents who grew in segragation -- parents who couldn't send all their kids to the best schools. The reality is the following generations inherit from the parents whom have inherited from their grandparents.
Race disparity is worse than gender issues. Proof of that is that Hillary can say, as she does repeatedly, that she is running to break the glass ceiling for women: running as the first woman President. Senator Obama couldn't ever make such a bold claim. It would turn white voters off. He can't say, I am running to be the first Black president. He can't say he is running to fix Black issues, while Hillary can say she is running for women's issues. Obama can't say I know Black's will support me (Bill and Hillary do that just fine), or that he is breaking a glass ceiling for Blacks. You will not hear those words coming explicitly from Obama, but Hillary has that luxury.
Black had it worse than women. The history of America has had effect on the present. The foundation of America is as follows. When Blacks slept in the dirty slave quarters, the white women slept in the house and the bed of the rich slave owner. A black woman has it double hard. Hillary can run for office as a woman, but if a Black woman runs for office, she is seen as black, first and a woman second.
Whomever wrote this article, need to recognize being black has its context, which is different form being a woman. -
Posted By:
i77 at 04/25/2008 7:31:37 PM
Comment:
The problem is that, even in segregation, white women got to eat at the restaurant while both black women and men were restricted. White women got to ride at the front of the bus, and it is black women who bear the pain of their misguided children due to the inheritance of social economic disparities, while white women are privileged to inherit social and economic advatage over parents who grew in segragation -- parents who couldn't send all their kids to the best schools.
Race disparity is worse than gender issues. Proof of that is that Hillary can say, as she does repeatedly, that she is running to break the glass ceiling for women: running as the first woman President. Senator Obama couldn't ever make such a bold claim. It would turn white voters off. He can't say, I am running to be the first Black president. He can't say he is running to fix Black issues, while Hillary can say she is running for women's issues. Obama can't say I know Black's will support me (Bill and Hillary do that just fine), or that he is breaking a glass ceiling for Blacks. You will not hear those words coming explicitly from Obama, but Hillary has that luxury.
Black had it worse than women. The history of America has had effect on the present. The foundation of America is as follows. When Blacks slept in the dirty slave quarters, the white women slept in the house and the bed of the rich slave owner. A black woman has it double hard. Hillary can run for office as a woman, but if a Black woman runs for office, she is a black.
Whomever wrote this article, need to recognize being black has its context, which is different form being a woman. -
Posted By:
samuelt at 03/29/2008 2:50:44 PM
Comment:
test test -
Posted By:
danaw7 at 03/29/2008 1:04:09 PM
Comment:
I am a woman and I am black. I am also a mother of a daughter who is old enough now to vote in her first presidential election. I am supporting Obama, not because he is black but because he has inspired an entire generation to get involved in the political process. I support him because I see a political fire in the eyes of my daughter and her friends--they are excited about politics and have expressed not only why they are supporting Obama, but why they do not support Hilary in a manner that I honestly did not believe them capable of. I support him because I whole heartedly believe that he is the ONLY one that can serve as a catalyst for the much needed change that we need in this country. I support him because he is the ONLY one that can help repair the poor relationships that we have abroad. I support him because I believe that he is honest and trustworthy (something that Hilary has proven she is not).
My biggest challenge will be that if Obama does not get the democratic nomination, having to vote republican for the first time in my life. I must say that I have never been a supporter of Hilary Clinton. She has never come across to me as a trustworthy person. Despite that, I tried to support Clinton based on her gender alone but I just couldn???t do it. Besides the fact that would not be right, she does not make be feel any additional pride at being a woman. So, if put in the position of having to vote for her or McCain, I will, for the first time in 23 years, cross party lines and vote republican. I feel that strong in my support for Obama. I feel that strong in my gross lack of respect/belief in Hilary and I can not???in good conscious exercise my right to vote for a candidate that I have absolutely no respect for. Therefore, if circumstances are such that I am put in a position of having to choose the lesser of two evils--I'll take an ex-war hero over a liar any day of the week. -
Posted By:
danaw7 at 03/29/2008 12:35:54 PM
Comment:
I am a woman and I am black. I am also a mother of a daughter who is old enough now to vote in her first presidential election. I am supporting Obama, not because he is black but because he has inspired an entire generation to get involved in the political process. I support him because I see a political fire in the eyes of my daughter and her friends--they are excited about politics and have expressed not only why they are supporting Obama, but why they do not support Hilary in a manner that I honestly did not believe them capable of. I support him because I whole heartedly believe that he is the ONLY one that can serve as a catalyst for the much needed change that we need in this country. I support him because he is the ONLY one that can help repair the poor relationships that we have abroad. I support him because I believe that he is honest and trustworthy (something that Hilary has proven she is not).
My biggest challenge will be that if Obama does not get the democratic nomination, having to vote republican for the first time in my life. I must say that I have never been a supporter of Hilary Clinton. She has never come across to me as a trustworthy person. Despite that, I tried to support Clinton based on her gender alone but I just couldn???t do it. Besides the fact that would not be right, she does not make be feel any additional pride at being a woman. So, if put in the position of having to vote for her or McCain, I will, for the first time in 23 years, cross party lines and vote republican. I feel that strong in my support for Obama. I feel that strong in my gross lack of respect/belief in Hilary and I can not???in good conscious exercise my right to vote for a candidate that I have absolutely no respect for. Therefore, if circumstances are such that I am put in a position of having to choose the lesser of two evils--I'll take an ex-war hero over a liar any day of the week. -
Posted By:
strawberrypanther at 03/26/2008 7:06:44 AM
Comment:
Tara Roberts wrote:
I met two young gentlemen from George Washington University who'd volunteered for the Obama campaign in South Carolina. One, very eloquent and smart ??? the kind of guy you'd be proud to introduce to your parents, told me plainly that black women will always be seen as black before they are seen as women. He was a gender studies major with a concentration in black feminist theory; he shook his head and said gravely, "Race will always trump gender."
But why? Why am I asked to always put one before the other?
My response:
"Why?" you ask. The struggle for black people proved to be far more intense than the struggle for women. Women are portrayed to be the weaker of the two genders simply because we can bear children, nurture our husbands, and let us not forget have PMS. This is something that women of all races can do and are expected to do and have been since the beginning of time. However, to be black was the equivalent to being old mule horses utilitilized to aid in farming the land and picking the cotton. We were thought of as animals. Not just animals, but filthy animals that didn't even deserve to eat in a white mans diner or even use their bathrooms. Keep in mind, this is because we were black and not because we were women.
Hillary can identify with us for being a woman. She's has had to face the humiliation of adultery just as many of us women do. She has had to decide how long or short to wear her hair, just as many of us women do. However, at any point in her life time, she would have been able and allowed to walk in a white man's diner in any town, city, or state. In addition to eating she would be allowed to use the bathroom and even wash her hands when finished. We (in this instance of we I mean black people and not women) on the other hand, had to fight tooth and nail just for being black in American. Nonetheless, we had to fight for the right to eat in the same restaurants as white people, to be as rich as white people, to choose our own seats on the bus when white people were aboard, and even to receive the same level of education as white people.
Now the popular black vote may be for Obama, but it definitely isn't because he is black. If that was the case, then Reverend Al Sharpton would have been elected president in the last presidential race or Rev. Jesse Jackson in the presidential race before that. Barack Obama is not just another black man, he is the PERSON who can make a difference in America which will benefit black people and all other racial backgrounds in America alike. However, we as black people can identify with him because he extends from the lifelong struggle of being BLACK.
Can you do me a favor? Research each candidate and decide who will represent this country best based on their credentials and what they have to offer; not because of their gender or the color of their skin. That is what an educated WOMAN would do. -
Posted By:
Bay at 03/23/2008 2:32:13 AM
Comment:
Hooray for you!!!!!
I find it unfortunate that you are critisized for supporting who you think is the best candidate and not who is the right color for the job. Obviously there are many white amercians that are not voting there color but there convictions. If we all voted for the color Obama would have a tough time winning and who would the Latinos and Asians vote for? -
Posted By:
THEDEVILCOMES at 03/22/2008 10:59:33 PM
Comment:
I think to many Black People that like Clinton feel a little guilty about voting for her when Sen. Obama has the same history as most or all Black Americans living in a nation controled by one race that doesn't like the other! Katrina Mrs. Clinton hasn't shine enough light on that subject, nor that concerning Black Womens counter parts Black Men[ Fathers-Brothers Uncle's Nephew's] who are Black and rank the highest in all catogorys of Death!! Prison life- highblood pressure-Diabetes-Jobs are needed for Black men across this nation instead of a life control and paid for by working American taxpayers called the prison system.How much to educate a black child or how much to lock him up is not the plan. How will his parents surport there children when all around them Black men feel locked out of most job markets no money to train them in a life skill like carpenters-plumbers-roofers-cable installers get my drift. I'm voting for the canidate who speaks to my iusses [BLACK MAN FOR OBAMA] -
Posted By:
Karen9 at 03/22/2008 9:58:50 PM
Comment:
I too am a Hillary supporter. I was sent this article by my nephew because I have spoken to him about the expressions of anger from individuals or should I say the black collective because I proudly support Hillary Clinton. I knew I was not a lone supporter but most times it feels like I am.
When Obama initially considered to run for the Democratic nomination, my thoughts were, Obama needs to pay his dues. Hillary has been on the front line of world/women politics for decades and it was her turn, a woman's opportunity to become the President.
I was disappointed when Obama entered the race. I am solidly disappointed at the blind gathering of black peoples support for Obama. What is more shocking is that Obama does not court the black vote. He courts black leaders who deliver black people's vote to him. When Obama is missing in action at black functions, Jessie and Al (our collective black leaders) has made excuses for him, replying, ???he is where he should be" meaning courting the white vote. So, is courting the black vote a hindrance to his campaign?
The male that proclaimed blackness trumps gender understands the mind set of the black community. Women are second class citizens in the black community.
Moreover, I am shocked at the demonization of the Clintons by the black community.
I have faith that Hillary will be the Democratic nominee and she will forge onto success in November to become the first female President of the United States of America, 2009.
SUPPORT HILLARY-- DONATE TO HER CAMPAIGN--MONEY, TIME, Go to hillary.com -
Posted By:
MoonScape at 03/22/2008 12:36:22 PM
Comment:
I agree with all that you are saying and yes, I'm a Hillary supporter and black. I'm really getting sick of American voting by "labels". Anymore it's not about what you can do for the country or local area, but about "WHAT" you are (Democrat, Republican, Catholic, Hispanic, Black, or some other labels) One day we will wake up and start putting people in office who we feel can get the job done, and not people who have the same label as we have.
Ken in Cincinnati -
Posted By:
jmc at 03/22/2008 8:56:36 AM
Comment:
You should choose a candidate for President of the US, not on the basis of race or gender but on the qualiifications that the person brings to the office just as you would if you were hiring someone to work in your company. It is fine to support either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama but niether should be supported on the basis of their race or gender. To do so would be either rascist or sexist. Martin Luther King asked that he be judged by the content of his character, not the color of his skin. Barack Obama is asking no less. -
Posted By:
rootcanal at 03/22/2008 1:35:03 AM
Comment:
"The truth is that the rape of, the violence against and the suppression of millions of beautiful souls just because they have ovaries is happening in every community all over the globe, and most people are not talking about it. Because my spirit swells with compassion for women's causes and concerns, I gave my heart to Hillary long ago."
So this is your thesis... you support Hillary because she has ovaries and you are looking for people who will get angry at you because of it. This is like a Cat Fancy editor supporting Obama because he prefers felines to canines. -
Posted By:
LAP at 03/22/2008 12:46:56 AM
Comment:
I am a 70 year old white woman and I am for Obama. My husband is 68, white
and hes for Obama! Race does not matter. The Soul sure does! -
Posted By:
that Rainey girl at 03/21/2008 11:31:12 PM
Comment:
As the great-granddaughter of America's first Black Congressman, the Hon. Joseph H. Rainey, I appreciate the unique place history reserves for a pioneer. As a New Yorker and staunch supporter of Pres Clinton, I was truly torn by having to make a choice between Sen Obama (of Illinios) and Sen. Clinton (of my home state). However, in the end, it did not come down to race or NY loyalty, it came down to whom I felt was the person who could restore credibility to the office of President. I cringed as I watched Hillary change faces and say whatever she felt would gain her more votes. I was aghast when Pres. Clinton became unhinged when he saw his wife's lead slipping away. We would all be foolish to base our decision solely on race or gender. Let us cherish what so many of our ancestors fought for...the right to make our voices heard. But along with that comes a responsibility to choose wisely...not based on anything except who is the best person for the job. Both candidates possess attributes which make them appealing, but who will make the better decisions? Who has exercised better judgment? No one should be castigated for their choice of candidate, except those who have chosen based on physical characteristics. Our country is in dire distress. We cannot afford four more years of loopholes for the wealthy, disregard of the environment and illegal bailouts of corporate giants while people are homeless, hungry and uninsured. Relax Tara, this is America. Claim your right to be right or wrong. But in the end, we've all got to get behind whoever can keep the 'good ole boys' out of power.
Lorna Rainey -
Posted By:
moniquerenee98 at 03/21/2008 11:14:59 PM
Comment:
I think it is interesting that African-Americans (in large and small numbers at the polls) have supported a peanut farmer, an actor, and a business man as President. It is amazing that there are people in our race who will not support a man who has the vocational and educational pedigree to be the leader of the free world. No one who is running for office has experience running a country. There is a bigger picture here: a Democrat in the White House.
Based on the polls, Clinton cannot beat McCain. Obama has a greater chance to beat McCain. What needs to happen is unity in the party and fairness in that whoever gets the most delegates should be the nominee. As a democrat, I support Obama. If Clinton gets more pledged delegates, she should be the nominee. The same should apply for Obama. Clinton cannot resort to tactics that will split the party.
Who will the white males vote for if Obama is not the nominee and Clinton is? I have a feeling it will be McCain. If that happens, we will have another 2 years of gridlock and 2 years of a Republican agenda on the Hill. -
Posted By:
glomaz at 03/21/2008 7:52:31 PM
Comment:
As this article demonstrates, people confuse this primary contest with a one-or-the-other showdown between race and gender on the which-group-deserves-the-presidency-more factor. This contest is between two people. Having a female president will as soon solve society's gender inequalities as Barack Obama as president will magically cure all issues of race.
I support Barack Obama because he demonstrates brilliance, understanding, composure, and political deftness that resonates with many people. The qualities I have listed are his assets, I am not implying that Hillary does not have these qualities. Since this article is a tete-a-tete, however, I would like to compare them directly. Her campaign has shown a quickness to political trickery that I find disheartening. Barack Obama shows a dedication to unite America behind the issues. -
Posted By:
Kim Moon at 03/21/2008 2:54:51 PM
Comment:
I think it's unfortunate that you need to justify your reasoning for supporting Hillary simply because of your race. In fact, I think it's down right silly for anyone to support any candidate on such superficial characteristics. The problem I have with your position, in this article, is that part of your reasoning is this:
"If she inspires even a few of the millions of girls and women in this world to believe that they too could run for an impossible office and win, then she's the harbinger of the kind of change I think the world needs."
The issue with this statement is that the very same thing can be said for Barack Obama and the impact his presidency would have on African Americans (including women). So I think it's best to refrain from mentioning this when in a discussion of race v. gender. Both are equal in this regard.
You also took issue with those African-Americans who were Hillary supporters prior to the arrival of Barack. You somehow think it's odd that they have suddenly turned against her. Did it ever occur to you that the more they learned about her (how she has handle this campaign alone is disturbing) they less they liked of her? I am an African-American female that was never fond of Bill Clinton. I took little issue with Hillary because I knew little about her. But as she campaigned I realized she was not simply silent during the horrible things her husband did while in office, she was complicit. She was actually taking credit! tbc... -
Posted By:
Kim Moon at 03/21/2008 2:54:15 PM
Comment:
test -
Posted By:
Monroe Eskew at 03/21/2008 12:34:29 PM
Comment:
"She's a bit more liberal on foreign policy and the war"???? Get a reality check! This is their main area of contrast, and Clinton is closer to BUSH than to Obama on those issues! For a refresher, see http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/4940
It is sad that you support Hillary because of her gender. You need to think more deeply about the issues. It is also very sad that that you see this race as black power versus women's lib. Grow up. Start thinking outside the sociology buzzwords box. -
Posted By:
jmachats at 03/21/2008 11:25:17 AM
Comment:
I supported John Edwards originally. I now support Obama. I wonder if you've ever wondered why so many people, people who have known Hilary Clinton (I'm talking about people like Greg Craig, Eric Holder, Robert Reich - to an extent, so many that a debate moderator wondered how an obama administration would be different than a clinton one) longer and more intimately than you don't support her. I wonder if you've talked to Marian Wright Edelman or Lani Guinier - both women that have known Clinton a long time. I wonder how you put your faith in a woman that will do or say anything to win, regardless of the truth including but not limited to "I've been a critic of Nafta since the beginning" and "as far as I know" Obama isn't a muslim. -
Posted By:
diversitymtrs at 03/21/2008 11:14:02 AM
Comment:
Are you talking about the same Hillary Clinton that vilified Monica Lewinsky and the other women her husband exploited sexually? The same Hillary who just last year spoke of limiting a woman's right to choose? The "experienced one" who didn't say a word when Lani Guinier was summarily dismissed?
These are just a few things I am unable to get over.
-Black woman, ***, mother, sister, friend -
Posted By:
strawberrypanther at 03/21/2008 9:46:52 AM
Comment:
"Why?" you ask. The struggle for black people proved to be far more intense than the struggle for women. Women are portrayed to be the weaker of the two genders simply because we can bear children, nurture our husbands, and let us not forget have PMS. This is something that women of all races can do and are expected to do and have been since the beginning of time. However, to be black was the equivalent to being old mule horses utilitilized to aid in farming the land and picking the cotton. We were thought of as animals. Not just animals, but filthy animals that didn't even deserve to eat in a white mans diner or even use their bathrooms. Keep in mind, this is because we were black and not because we were women.
Hillary can identify with us for being a woman. She has had to face the humiliation of adultery just as many of us women do. She has had to decide how long or short to wear her hair, just as many of us women do. However, at any point in her life time, she would have been able and allowed to walk in a white man's diner in any town, city, or country. In addition to eating she would be allowed to use the bathroom and even wash her hands when she finished. We (in this instance of we I mean black people and not women) on the other hand, had to fight tooth and nail just for being black in American. Nonetheless, we had to fight for the right to eat in the same restaurants as white people, to be as rich as white people, to choose our own seats when riding the bus, and to even receive the same level of education as white people.
Now the popular black vote may be for Obama, but it definitely isn't because he is black. If that was the case, then Reverend Al Sharpton would have been elected president in the last presidential race or Rev. Jesse Jackson in the presidential race before that. Barack Obama is not just another black man, he is the PERSON who can make a difference in America which will benefit black people and all other ethnic backgrounds in America alike. However, we as black people can identify with him because he extends from the lifelong struggle of being BLACK.
Before you cast your vote in this election, study all of the candidates, and not just the one who happens to be a woman. You may also find that Barack Obama is not just a black candidate but the change that America needs. -
Posted By:
tonishacameron at 03/21/2008 9:27:04 AM
Comment:
Ms.Roberts your boldness is an inspiration,more often than not i believe that the majority of the black community is joining the Obama campaign out of what they feel is their civic duty.As an Obama supporter myself sometimes i feel the need to clarify to other individuals that i am NOT an Obama supporter just because he is black but only because after extensive research i decided that the values he represents best suit the country that i want to raise my children in.And quite frankly if it werent for the race/gender issues being so prevelant in this campaign people would see that both the candidate went into this race with the smae goal.America has forced them in to division. -
Posted By:
ljsumner at 03/21/2008 9:03:31 AM
Comment:
Why does it have to be Woman vs Black Man. Why can't you see them for who they really are? She is a typically politician willing to say, do, pander to whoever will get her elected. The fact that she utilized a "kitchen sink" strategy is all I need to hear. She is willing to stoop to any level and skew/twist the truth (a Clinton specialty) in order to win. He is a genuine, intelligent person who understands compromise and can actually inspire this nation (something we desperately need). -
Posted By:
latchno at 03/21/2008 9:00:45 AM
Comment:
I love this article. I have only one question-- Your wrote: "Until we have a balanced world leadership ??? with men and plenty of women, especially women of color, at the table - encouraging countries to disarm, creating coalitions, focusing on the environment and supporting the least among them, change will remain a pipe dream." Shouldn't the phrase "especially women of color' be 'including women of color'? I'm don't understand why women of color would need to me more critical than any other woman.
Again, thank you for your honesty. -
Posted By:
chuck at 03/21/2008 8:01:43 AM
Comment:
Amen to you! I think thank openly encourageing racial chauvanism is not doing Obama in particular and blacks in general any favors. We should be thrilled that the Democrats have produced two tireless advocates for change and equity, who in addition, aren't white males. Instead, blacks revert to a crude, sophmoric racial chauvanism and create, out of thin air a false history of Clinton intolerance and bigotry.
BTW, since Obama has never had a real opponent until now, it must be a bit of a shock to him, his staff and to his supporters to be facing a rival who actually fights back! Just because Hillary is fighting back against a black candidate doesn't make her a racist. -
Posted By:
MaryAnne1 at 03/21/2008 6:02:09 AM
Comment:
What a good article.
You may be surprised to know most of the anger that I am not for Obama comes from Whites.
Obama is a good man.He is not experienced enough.Give him a few years,he may be.
Right now,Hillary has proved her courage under fire.She knows what needs to be done.She knows how to work with Congress to solve our problems. -
Posted By:
MaryAnne1 at 03/21/2008 5:59:28 AM
Comment:
What a lovely article.You may be surprised to know that the most anger I have seen comes from Whites who are angry that I do not support Obama.
He is a fine man and with a few more years experience he would make a good President.
That time is not now.We need a strong Woman who knows what needs to be done. Hillary has been through the fire.She is molded to survive. -
Posted By:
thinkinoutthebox at 03/21/2008 5:11:14 AM
Comment:
"I compared the voting records and positions of Hillary and Barack. She's a bit more liberal on foreign policy and the war..." Are you kidding?!!! You can quibble whether or not she really supported NAFTA, but she voted for the Iraq War, then didn't vote for the amendment that had diplomatic measures. I presume this is why people look at you incredulously. How can you call yourself a progressive and support someone who voted for the war? Regardless of their gender or race? The truth is that you're only supporting her because she's a woman, eventhough it's counter to the political position you say you stand for (I don't know any progressives -- regardless of gender or color -- who support this war). It also contradicts that you "envision a new world order that works inside of compassion rather than force..." Since again she voted to use force in Iraq, and more recently Iran. It is this type of logical gymnastics played by female Clinton supporters who claim to be progressives that wear people out. But then if those gymnastics aren't done, then it begs the question why wouldn't you support Condi Rice for Prez. Look, just say that you prefer Hillary, because she's a woman, and you don't care that she voted for the war, and admit that yes, you're being a political hypocrite to your progressive beliefs, but you just value gender more. I think that while people may still disagree with you, they'd at least respect your honesty. And by the way, I'm not a guy, I'm an African-American woman, who believes in being real. -
Posted By:
thinkinoutthebox at 03/21/2008 4:56:13 AM
Comment:
* -
Posted By:
thinkinoutthebox at 03/21/2008 4:53:47 AM
Comment:
"I compared the voting records and positions of Hillary and Barack. She's a bit more liberal on foreign policy and the war..." Are you kidding? Forget the quibbles of whether or not she supported NAFTA, she voted for the war!!! I presume this is why people look at you incredulously. How can you be a progressive who votes for someone who voted for the war, then didn't vote for the admendment that would have incuded diplomatic measures. Please be honest, you are only voting for her because she's a woman. Pure and simple. Especially if you "envision a new world order that works inside of compassion rather than force..." She voted for force in Iraq, and she voted again for its potential in Iran. So, again stop with the rationalizing to save face. Just say you prefer a woman in the White House, regardless if her actions are counter to what you alleged you politically stand for... Though it would then beg the question would you support Condi Rice for Prez -- and there in lies why I think Clinton female supporters like you play logical gymnastics, that's the question you don't want to answer, because it disseminates the female rah-rah argument. And no, I'm not a guy, but an African-American female, who prefers to deal in reality. -
Posted By:
ThinkingLady at 03/21/2008 4:52:21 AM
Comment:
Wow! this article read every word of my heart! Why is that the words of MLK fall deaf on many of the Obama supports, especially Black supporters ears. Why are we still judging people by the color of their skin only and not the content of their character. I am so very proud as a female professional - who happens to be Black that Hillary is a candidate for the Presidency. Never in my life time did I think that would be. Now my young daughter can truly aspire to be anything - yes, even President, if she wants. Why is that disdain by my fellow brothers and sisters? You said it all. THANK YOU! BRAVO! -
Posted By:
tkellih1 at 03/21/2008 4:24:33 AM
Comment:
I like Obama, and I do think Hillary would be a good President. She's really smart and knows what she's doing. But I don't trust her. She will say and do anything to win. She's a snake in the grass. Take NAFTA, she's for it, she's against it, back and forth... back in the 90s she was for it publicly but secretly against it. Either way she's being disingenuous. Or take the Michigan/Florida thing. You know all about that. She and Obama both agreed to the same rules the DNC set out... now she's going back on her word, crying and stinking up a storm that is throwing the DNC into choas, and on top of all that - she has the nerve to say Obama is standing in the way! Obama, who has played by the rules and pledged to be cooperative with whatever solution the DNC comes up with! How could someone support such a freaking psycho? -
Posted By:
dbarabin at 03/21/2008 2:55:13 AM
Comment:
How can I say this gently? Lady, what it all boils down to is that you are grown and I hope think for yourself enough to vote for whom you choose. Why this merits a column I simply cannot fathom. Go in peace! -
Posted By:
Cathangover at 03/21/2008 2:41:51 AM
Comment:
Oh, so you're voting for Hillary because she's a woman. That should have been the title of your article. It would've saved me some time. -
Posted By:
Cathangover at 03/21/2008 2:39:50 AM
Comment:
Oh, so you're voting for Hillary because you're a woman. That should've been the title of your article. It would've saved me some time. -
Posted By:
karif33 at 03/21/2008 1:40:02 AM
Comment:
wannabe white oreo -
Posted By:
gtrader952 at 03/21/2008 1:35:18 AM
Comment:
You are a bit presumptuous and very defensive. There's no need for me or anyone else to get over anything. I could care less that you're black and for Hilliary. The concern most of us have with Clinton is the fear that she would be a polarizing figure. That the Republicans would refuse to work with her on the major contentious issues that face all of us just because of who she is. As unfortunate as it is, she brings the investigative baggage of her husband's years in the White House with her (You know, "White Water, Travelgate"). What we absolutely don't need is four more years of stalmate.
Oh! And by the way, I am not interested in getting you to switch, just giving you food for thought.
GT ( An Obama Supporter)
maputo_gt@yahoo.com -
Posted By:
socialmedic at 03/21/2008 1:26:48 AM
Comment:
Thank you for this fabulous amount of thinking on your part. If the fashion industry was supposed to represent female freedom over the last 30 years then the street pimp had been replaced with the corporate pimp. So what is new? Black, white, or whatever color you choose, there is one thing in common to all of them and that is female repression. Keep your eye on the goal, stay strong.
Suzann -
Posted By:
gtrader952 at 03/21/2008 1:06:45 AM
Comment:
You are a bit presumptuous. There's no need for me to get over anything. I could care less that you're black and for Hilliary.
GT ( An Obama Supporter)
gtrader70@hotmail.com -
Posted By:
Morena at 03/21/2008 12:58:26 AM
Comment:
You seem impressed at finding yourself sitting in a living room with luminaries, but it is even more telling that you gloss over Hillary's stubborn refusal to acknowledge the painfully obvious--her profound misstep in supporting the immoral war in Iraq will not go away and is as sure an indictment as any of the kind of judgement she constantly touts. Her repeated denials and labored triangulations confirm that Hillary is, at heart, fundamentally no different from any white man running for office. You seem unaware of the widespread classism and racism that historically crippled the Women's Movement. In solidarity, Sisters who tied their hopes to those of white women and mistakenly believed that they truly understood their needs were in for a rude awakening. The hard truth, it turned out, was that white women simply wanted some of what white men had--power--and were building enough muscle to get it. Race was again at the bottom of the laundry list while they hollowly argued "Sisterhood." If you think Blacks will be more sympathetically dealt with under a Clinton 2.0 administration you are delusional. I would hope that the racist barbs by some of Hillary's sniper surrogates (Ferraro, Johnson, Rendell et al) and her campaign's tacit appreciation of whatever traction they might gain, have deeply troubled you as a Black woman. No Clinton supporters have managed to convincingly explain to me (or many other Blacks) how the credentials of another white candidate eclipse the staggering possibilities that an accomplished, intelligent, and experienced Black President represent. You carp about others' response to your declaration of support for Hillary, but I wonder if you are at all proud of or even appreciate Obama and the significance of his achievements. It is curious and a bit sad that after suffering for so long, when we finally have a chance to achieve greatness some of us choose the comfort and familiarity of the Big House. -
Posted By:
LAP at 03/21/2008 12:47:15 AM
Comment:
I'm white, 69 years young, a woman and I'm voting for Obama!! It scares me to
entertain the thought of a woman in the top job of our country who could get
a bad case of PMS and do something regrettable or just plain wrong!!! -
Posted By:
LAP at 03/21/2008 12:43:42 AM
Comment:
I'm white, 69 years young, a woman and I'm for Obama. YOU GET OVER IT! I
have had PMS and it scares me to death to think of what Hillary would do if
she gets the Pres job and has PMS someday. God help us!!! -
Posted By:
Smktr1 at 03/21/2008 12:09:20 AM
Comment:
I understand what you mean, you see every since the 90's when I was trying to explain to folks that Pres. Clinton appeased the R's by riding the backs of poor working mothers to continue the corporate welfare. And I was even more disappointed in the first Black Pres. when he came up with NAFTA to continue the Reagan union busting tactics.
You see its not that i'm for Sen. Obama cause he is bi-racial its that I believe he uses both sides of his brain. When he looked at the Baghdad invasion he saw what his cousin *** Cheney saw in the first Iraq invasion, all the problems that would come with an occupation. I want to vote for someone who understands that you do not continue to perform the same actions expecting different results. The change of which we speak is not change for change sake, it is a fundamental change in the way business is done in D.C.. We just want people who can address a problem based on an N.I.E. repoet, not a desire to look good on security issues which could be useful in case they want to make a presidential run.
And hey it does not hurt that Sen. Obama looks like me, but more importantly he thinks like me. A lot of the guys I hang out with and whose living rooms I sit in are like me, we prefer someone who can reason his/her way through a problem, even if the person is wrong we need to know thier logic holds up under scrutiny. I can live with my decisions but I need them to be well thought in order that I do not have to run away from them. This is what Washington needs, reasoned policy choices that are explaianble.
I am sorry that people look at you certain ways, but if it helps my friends who are voting for Sen. Clinton get questions from me, not looks. -
Posted By:
McCoveyd at 03/20/2008 11:46:57 PM
Comment:
By reading this it sounds as though you are trying very hard to put yourself at ease with your own decision to support a candidate who represents your view point. By you addressing yourself as a "progressive chick" says that you are doubtful in your position. -
Posted By:
Smktr1 at 03/20/2008 11:42:23 PM
Comment:
I understand your support of Sen. Clinton, and I appreciate your permission to support Sen. Obama, but I don't support Sen. Obama just because he is Black, I support him because I have never been a fan of the Clintons. Everytime I have said that going back to the 90's I have gotten the looks you describe from other, mostly older Black people. When I went on to explain to them that Pres. Clinton sought to appease R's by riding the backs of poor mothers while continuing corporate welfare was increased. I never was smart enough to understand how the NAFTA give aways would be good for us Union workers, so you see I know what you mean about those looks when you don't subscribe to the first Black Pres. rhetoric.
All that past I support Sen. Obama because I conform to the school of thought that says "It is a fool that continues to perform the same action and expects a different result'. The culture in Washington D.C. has to change and what is needed is a fundamental change, one that will not include throughing someone under the bus to appease someone else. No not Pastor Wright, I am talking about people who work for a living and are still poor, I don't want to punish anyone for not having health care, I want to give them an opportunity to purchase it. I don't know what Sen. Clinton did in the W H but, I do know I am not impressed with the Clinton W H so what ever her experience is there holds no value with me.
Sen. Obama stated early on all the reasons why we should not go into Baghdad, all the reasons stated earlier by his cousin V. P. Cheney when he was just practicing to become Darth Vader. Anyway, I have Hopes and I do not wish to be cynical about where we can go and what we can do. I don't have stars in my eyes, and I am not delusional, but I do believe we can change the way we do business in D.C. if we send someone there who is able to articulate well reasoned ideas, common sense!
I spent this weekend with friends and church members and I was really comfortable with those who support any one of the presidential candidates and they didn't look at me strange and I didn't look at them strange, but maybe we just aren't that sifisticated. -
Posted By:
esportland at 03/20/2008 10:40:21 PM
Comment:
HI! I am black and for Obama. Before that, I was for John Edwards. Yes, I was for the white guy who talked truth about classism and corporotism in America. I told people to support the guy, because the inequities of income ditribution combined with limited opportnuties realy help to keep people down.
Now, I see where you are coming from- I really do. But for me, Carribean Black american, the idea of having power being passed to on strength on one connection to one''s stank directly of Argentina. With so many Afro-Caribean women who had to deal with racism and sexism, and wind up having sucess on their own terms, it seems wrong to me to describe Hillary Clinton as the 'feminist' choice. And given her conduct throughout this contest, I would say she has the very worst of masculine traits and non eof the feminine ones that would make her comparable to say Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia.
And yes, the language used in the media is disgustingly sexist- the fat, hairsprayed, spraytanned white men who dared inveigh on a rather attractive woman at the height of her intellectual power only deserve to be mocked. But given that, moral leadership and judgement has to count for something. -
Posted By:
Michael's mom at 03/20/2008 10:38:14 PM
Comment:
Good! I hope you'll still be for her in the Senate 'cause that's where I think she'll be. -
Posted By:
rekhagirl92 at 03/20/2008 10:16:30 PM
Comment:
you support a ruthless, craven machine that has relentlessly slimed Barack in order to try to steal the nomination. You listened to the "Big Dog" attempt to dismiss Barack's landslide victory in SC with a sarcastic slur about Jesse Jackson. You witness HRC roll out the old, racist sow, Ferraro, to "blacken up" Barack. You are a disgrace to your race, a pathetic oreo, and a "House Negro" wannabe. -
Posted By:
rekhagirl92 at 03/20/2008 10:12:12 PM
Comment:
You support a machine that has slimed Barack in every way imaginable, willing to destroy him in order to steal the nomination. You listen to the "Big Dog" dismiss his landslide victory in SC with a sarcastic,reference to Jesse Jackson. You witness the old, racist sow, Ferraro, get rolled out to "blacken up" Barack. You are a disgrace, an oreo, and a "house Negro, wannabe. -
Posted By:
IHATEALIASES at 03/20/2008 10:11:37 PM
Comment:
I respect your right to support hillary clinton. In fact, prior to this campaign heating up, i was pretty indifferent about which one of them won the nomination. The reason that you get so many dirty looks though might have something to do with the racial tenor of this campaign. i agree that hillary has endured a lot of sexist attacks in this campaign. the problem with your argument is that these attacks never came from the obama campaign, while many of the racist attacks on obama did come from the clinton campaign. when mccain makes a terrible and inappropriate disgusting joke about clinton and reno, he should be condemned for it, but that attack didn't come from obama. on the other hand, the reason that i can't support hillary, even if she gets the nomination is that i am enraged over the way that she and bill have used race in this campaign. african americans (including me; i volunteered for both of bill's campaigns) were the most loyal constituency that he had. that we are not voting for her doesn't mean that its okay to use race against him. because when you use it against him, you use it against us too. implying that barack is a muslim, as if there is something wrong with that, leaking pictures of him in suposed muslim garb, comparing him to jesse jackson as an inconsequential candidate and then her delayed reaction to ferraro's racist comments...all of this to me is a slap in the face.
as a black woman, a feminist no doubt, i support your right to choose any candidate that you wish. my problem, and i suspect your teeth sucking friends' problem is that they see your support for a candidate that is willing to play on racial divides and stereotypes to win the candidacy. if obama made even one move that i saw as demeaning to women, he would lose my support, can you say the same? -
Posted By:
wm at 03/20/2008 9:37:24 PM
Comment:
The problem I have with this article is that it really isn't about Obama or Clinton, it is about how the author feels it is more important to have a woman president than a black president. The problem with this is that you shouldn't vote for anyone for president just because of their race or sex. I lived in England for a year when Thatcher was PM, and it cured me of any romantic notions about women leaders. Also, she "compares" the voting records of the two democratic candidates and finds them almost the same, but conveniently ignores significant differences, such as support for the War in Iraq.
Ms. Roberts, have you ever considered that the reason your friends roll their eyes when you say you are for Hillary Clinton has nothing to do with race or sex? Or are your friends that shallow? Or is it because your main reasons for supporting Clinton have more to do with her being a victim (attacked for her hair, her clothes, etc.). -
Posted By:
nette60 at 03/20/2008 9:13:56 PM
Comment:
Me too--HRC 100%-the real deal. -
Posted By:
Seattle at 03/20/2008 9:08:49 PM
Comment:
Go for it. -
Posted By:
Seattle at 03/20/2008 9:05:14 PM
Comment:
A few weeks ago, I was pleased to know that I could support which ever Democrat won the primary. Then..... Bill threw out the Jesse Jackson/Barack Obama comparision card. Then.... the governor of Penn. threw out the "many whites simply won't vote for a black" card. Then... a Latina Clinton supporter in Texas threw out the "Hispanics won't vote for blacks" card. Then... Geraldine Ferraro threw out the "he's only winning because he's black card." Then... without the slightest bit of shame, Hillary threw out the John McCain is better qualified than Barack card. This is the one that hurt me the most.
Tara, if you want to support a campaign that treats a man of Obama's talents as if he's an affirmative action quota hire, have at it. You're not the first person to be out of step your people. Clarence Thomas has made a career of it. -
Posted By:
nette60 at 03/20/2008 9:05:07 PM
Comment:
I can relate. I have caught holy h__ from family and friends. I am a HRC supporter to the end. College educated african American female. Funny many of our women are benefitting from HRC SCHIP plan and don't even know it. I will never vote based on race. It has been Obama playing the race card all along...I guess Oprah is really buying the White House. I'm very disappointed in this 'sham'. After the Rev Wright fiasco in the future no one willl be able to cry racism for any reason. All respect for society and persons will be lost....Still supporting HRC. Maybe she can run as independent.... -
Posted By:
smartykat at 03/20/2008 8:51:58 PM
Comment:
THANK YOU! I am so tired of hearing that only bitter old women. non-educated blue color workers and 'whipped' men are the only people supporting Hillary Clinton. I'm tired of the double sided meaning that white Hillary supporters just don't understand they are racist. Over half of the world is not African American, over half of the world, that is raped as a war tactic, sold like animals for sex and murdered for honor, is my kind: Woman. I defy any thinking human being to argue the point that if the most powerful person on the planet, were a woman, we wouldn't see a profound global change that just might, usher in a truly new age for our race, the human race. -
Posted By:
depends at 03/20/2008 8:37:26 PM
Comment:
Oh, come on. I'm a woman who supports Obama, and I have to listen to a lot of (mostly older) women saying "how can you NOT support Hillary?!" This cuts both ways. And could we please quit the "who's had it rougher" monologue? Yes, Hillary's had some tough times. Yes, she's put up with extreme rudeness, mockery and abuse (cf: Bill Clinton), but who hasn't? You want to throw that argument at John "I was tortured in Vietnam" McCain? You think Hillary is owed something because some yahoo told her to "iron my shirts"? Is that what it takes to be president these days? Victimhood?
Come off it. -
Posted By:
depends at 03/20/2008 8:32:54 PM
Comment:
Same goes for those of us women who support Obama, though. "How can you NOT support Hillary?" so many (older) women ask. And your arguments in favor of Hillary aren't about her, specifically, but about women in general-- the rude remarks, the condescension. I agree Hillary's had to put up with a lot (let's start with her husband...) but the point of Obama's campaign seems to be... let's get beyond WHAT WE'VE HAD TO PUT UP WITH. And you've just bought into her campaign of complaint, alas. -
Posted By:
WomenVote2008 at 03/20/2008 8:32:23 PM
Comment:
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! -
Posted By:
HDB329 at 03/20/2008 8:29:23 PM
Comment:
Not an issue for me....as long as a Democrat is in the White house in '09...either one will work!! What IS needed, however, is a Kennedy-like visionary in the White House to lead this nation in the right direction. -
Posted By:
HDB329 at 03/20/2008 8:28:14 PM
Comment:
Don't have a problem with this.....as long as a Democrat is in the White House in '09...either will do for me. I just wanted to have a Kennedy-like visionary as President. -
Posted By:
Mirren at 03/20/2008 8:04:06 PM
Comment:
Bless you and thank you! Funny thing, I was firmly and vocally against the Iraq invasion. I was enthusiastic about Senator Obama when he appeared on the scene and even shortly after he declared his intention to run. My reasons for changing to Senator Clinton's camp are too varied and gnarly to go into here. Suffice it to say that I don't believe it's necessary to choose between being black and being a woman, and, at this point in time, IMHO, electing a WOMAN president of the United States is far more indicative of "change" than electing a man of *any* color. I'm convince Senator Clinton is stronger, more seasoned, and more politically savvy than is Senator Obama - for now. Strategically speaking, as a longtime Democrat, I can see President Clinton for at least one round and President Obama for another perhaps two terms. I can't shake the belief that the "machine" will make mincemeat of Obama from '09 on. After one term, the Repubs would be back with a vengeance. -
Posted By:
huambo at 03/20/2008 8:02:19 PM
Comment:
honey, you're the one who needs to "get over it."
i won't even bother you---or myself ---to present an argument or to debate the race/gender/who's- the- superior- candidate question.
ftate -
Posted By:
arenglish at 03/20/2008 7:43:04 PM
Comment:
While I have no quarrel with Mrs. Clinton's politics, I do have an issue with the post-feminist backlash against Obama that is promoted by many of her supporters. By allying herself with the likes of Gloria Steinem or Geraldine Ferraro, women who support Hilary on the basis of a 'gender gap' while simultaneously ignoring the social and economic gulf that exists between whites and blacks in this country, Hilary has damaged her own credibility. Ferraro's remarks in particular, and Hilary's refusal to decry or even to acknowledge them, are a glaring indication of the increasingly misguided aims of the feminist movement in this country. While both are obviously still pressing issues, the 'gender gap' in America exists on fewer fronts and appears to be narrowing at a greater rate than does the 'race gap'.
As a black woman you are stuck between a rock and a hardplace, bound to be derided a section of your peers regardless of your choice of candidate. Perhaps the acquaintances who question your decision simply wonder why you would choose to throw your support behind the candidate(or at least the campaign) which has sought to activelyu devalue a portion of your identity. I guess there's much to be said for CosmoGIRL! Power. -
Posted By:
BlackIce at 03/20/2008 7:31:01 PM
Comment:
I don't think I've read an article this campaign season that has hit this close to home. I'm a 31 yr old college educated black male who's also supporting Hillary Clinton and I face the same "rolled-eyes" and stern looks when I talk to my fraternity brothers or other black friends. I was beginning to think that I was the crazy one. I hope that other black supporters of Hillary "come out of the closet" before its too late. Thanks for a great article. -
Posted By:
momma bear at 03/20/2008 7:29:11 PM
Comment:
Thank you for saying it like it is. I'm an Asian-American woman and have always believed that Hillary represents everything important for women, children, and minorities. She has dedicated her life to our causes and I believe would continue to do so as president. I can't say the same for Barack.
If she doesn't win, I won't be too disappointed. She's already achieved so much. However, if she wins, I look forward to being able to tell my daughters, "Look at our president. Women have come a long way... and will continue to keep going. Believe in yourself and no one can stop you." -
Posted By:
arenglish at 03/20/2008 7:21:01 PM
Comment:
While I have no quarrel with Mrs. Clinton's politics, I do have an issue with the post-feminist backlash against Obama that is promoted by many of her supporters. By allying herself with the likes of Gloria Steinem or Geraldine Ferraro, women who support Hilary on the basis of a 'gender gap' while simultaneously ignoring the social and economic gulf that exists between whites and blacks in this country, Hilary has damaged her own credibility. Ferraro's remarks in particular, and Hilary's refusal to decry or even to acknowledge them, are a glaring indication of the increasingly misguided aims of the feminist movement in this country. While both are obviously still pressing issues, the 'gender gap' in America exists on fewer fronts and appears to be narrowing at a greater rate than does the 'race gap'.
As a black woman you are stuck between a rock and a hardplace, bound to be derided a section of your peers regardless of your choice of candidate. Perhaps the acquaintances who question your decision simply wonder why you would choose to throw your support behind the candidate(or at least the campaign) which has sought to activelyu devalue a portion of your identity. I guess there's much to be said for CosmoGIRL! Power. -
Posted By:
cac1031 at 03/20/2008 6:58:29 PM
Comment:
Terrific. I reallly enjoyed your viewpoint. I was wondering what is your reaction to Geraldine Ferarro??s comment....Was it candor? A gaffe? Racebaiting? True? Outrageous? -
Posted By:
maggie at 03/20/2008 6:37:40 PM
Comment:
Tara - I could barely read the final paragraphs of your powerful words because of the tears in my eyes. I'm speechless with admiration. Young women like you are my hope for the future. Thank you. -
Posted By:
maggie at 03/20/2008 6:36:15 PM
Comment:
Tara - I could barely read the closely paragraphs of your powerful words through my tears. I'm speechless with admiration. Young women like you are MY hope for the future. Thank you so much. Maggie -
Posted By:
brucds at 03/20/2008 6:33:04 PM
Comment:
"I compared the voting records and positions of Hillary and Barack. She's a bit more liberal on foreign policy and the war"
Huh ? Pretty much blows any credibility onn the part of this person out of the water. Explains why she's editing CosmoGIRL! ?? -
Posted By:
brucds at 03/20/2008 6:31:09 PM
Comment:
"I compared the voting records and positions of Hillary and Barack. She's a bit more liberal on foreign policy and the war"
Huh ? Could we get articles by people who actually understand stuff ? -
Posted By:
nucleusgrp at 03/20/2008 6:30:15 PM
Comment:
Tara, this whole idea of race and gender in this political campaign is nothing more than another one of ???Mr. Charley???s Okie Dooke ??? to divide the Democrats on issues that run deep inside of America and keep the conversation away from the real issues (economy, foreign policy, Iraq, homeland security, greed, housing, health care, energy and the environment). American voters are less than 1.5 questions deep on this popularity contest of the Democratic nomination and are losing site of the real change that needs to happen in the White House next year, get the Republican out. If we continue to foster this conversation we will be in a situation of another 4 years of Republican leadership because we???ve allowed the conversation and debate to stay and peculate on gender and race, thereby holding a mirror to ourselves for issues that won???t be worked out in the next year or two. Whatever side your on get back and keep it to the issues. It???s not about race or gender as the Republican???s would like it to be because of its ability to divide and conquer???whom, seen that before haven???t we? The best we can all do is to keep the conversation focused on the issues and winning the White House next year. Lets not get sucked into another situation where were so focused on a made up battle that we lose the war. Just one man???s thoughts. Rodney Northern, Springdale AR -
Posted By:
JustSaying at 03/20/2008 6:25:58 PM
Comment:
It's not that people assume that because you are Black you should support Clinton, they probably wonder why, if you support Hillary's policies, you don't support the man that offers very similar policies with the added advantage of potentially engineering change in the way the American government interacts with and treats its people and the way our nation views itself. I also find it insulting that you imply in your editorial that Black Obama supporters only like him for his color. we too are intelligent people capable of assesing his strengths, weaknesses and policy effects.