Michelle Obama says America will be viewed differently with a black president

[babylonsister]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/11/20/michelle-obama-says-america-will-be-viewed-differently-with-a-black-president/

Michelle Obama says America will be viewed differently with a black president


Sen. Obama and his wife, Michelle, in February 2007 when he announced his White House bid.


ORANGEBURG, South Carolina (CNN) – Michelle Obama told an audience Tuesday that electing an African-American president will challenge America to "look at itself differently.”

"Imagine our family on that inaugural platform," she said. "America will look at itself differently. The world will look at America differently. There is no other candidate who is going to do that for our country. You know that."

Obama was campaigning on behalf of her husband, Sen. Barack Obama, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama told the audience at the historically black South Carolina State University that she and her husband realize there are doubts among black Americans about whether an African-American can win a presidential election. But she called those fears "the bitter legacy of racism and discrimination and oppression in this country."

"We would never entered this race if we were not confident that America was ready," she said. "We're not crazy."

The Princeton and Harvard Law school graduate paraphrased Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in describing her husband, saying he should be president "not because of the color of his skin, but because of the quality and consistency of his character."

"Imagine a president of the United States who actually has experience working with people on the ground," she said, referring to her husband’s background as a community organizer in Chicago. Obama said this background gives her husband the experience to confront racial disparities in income, health care and education.

"Inequality is not a burden we have to accept, it is a challenge we must overcome," she said, explaining that she herself overcame "voices of doubt and fear" about her race to now accept the challenge of possibly becoming first lady.

"I'm asking to stop settling for the world as it is, and to help us make the world as it should be," she said.

[jenmito]

1. Thank you for the article! Yes, it's about time she pointed that out...

and for those who keep saying Michelle called Black people stupid for not supporting him, the above shows what she actually said. She was talking about Black people who'd LIKE to vote for him but wouldn't because they don't think a Black person could win. They should stop thinking that and not let their fears get in the way of voting for who they think is the best candidate. K&R.

[1corona4u]

6. One thing she keeps forgetting is...

that black people think he is pandering to whites. They resent him for that. Some even say that he "acts white, not black". I'm not sure he can overcome that and gain their votes. And, there's still a section of this population that won't vote for him, because of the color of his skin.

However, her saying that "america would been seen differently", makes it sound as if putting a black in the white house is somehow going to be better, or more important than a woman, or another white candidate. As if all the woes in the world would just disappear... That's the way it hit me anyway....

[jenmito]

14. I don't know of any Black people who think he's pandering to White people...

America WOULD be seen differently. I saw someone who's Mexican say he thinks it would be a great thing to have "someone with brown skin like mine" and that WOULD help bring the country and WORLD together. (I wish I could remember who it was. I think it was on MSNBC.) There have been women leaders all over the world. And Hillary wouldn't be seen as "the first woman" by many but "another Clinton." Obama would bring needed change all around.

[1corona4u]

36. Well...

here's one that does, and there are many, many more, if you care to research it.
http://www.countercurrents.org/kimberley170507.htm

Here's another opinion on the matter;
If you're wondering why the Barack Obama campaign is losing traction among black voters--and make no mistake, it is, the latest Washington Post/ABC News Poll show he trails Hillary Clinton by at least 13 percent among blacks nationally--look no further than the meta-messaging presented in the New York Times interview with Adam Nagourney and Jeff Zeleny.

The senator rehashed his all-too-familiar "change" rhetoric and says "now is the time" to distinguish himself from the Democratic front runner and accused her of trying to ... obfuscate ... and avoid the big issues.

Blah, blah, blah. It's like going to the club on a Saturday night and watching another guy publicly announce that "now is the time" to put his arm around the neck of a hot babe standing nearby--or, in our case, a hot man--and ask for a kiss. Geez, just grow a pair and just do it.

After almost a decade of languishing under the "compassionate conservatism" of the George W. Bush Administration, the roll-back in civil rights by the Supreme Court, and, the horrors of Katrina, black voters are looking for strong, decisive leadership from the White House. The fact that it could come from the first ever elected black president is definitely a plus. Platitudes on awareness, strategy and messaging just won't cut it senator.




That delicate racial balancing act has consistently been Obama's strongest suit with white voters and the intelligentsia--he is non-confrontational and does not address unpleasant subjects such as institutional racism--and his Achilles heel with black voters. That triangulation on race relations is precisely the reason why Hillary Clinton (so far) polls stronger among blacks--she and Bill are too smart to take black voters for granted.

We just saw this played out to disastrous results over the weekend with the "Embrace the Change" gospel revival concerts headlined by "ex-gay" pastor and gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. Instead of Obama using the opportunity to campaign on "change" and "transformation" within the black community, the campaign allowed ex-gay Rev. Donnie McClurkin to take the microphone and sermonize his brand of "change" and "transformation." It's still unclear who was asleep at the wheel--one of Obama's top LGBT advisors is black, and, the campaign's religious affairs director is black and, like McClurkin, a Pentecostal minister--but the poor choice and Obama's non-response demonstrated a lack of sophistication on the black church. Maybe these black "advisors" actually have little input? Wouldn't be the first time.

Is Barack Obama looking for directions for the road to Des Moines? Or Damascus? If the senator wants "change" or "transformation" in his traction with black voters, it has to happen fast. And now.



Now, just because a couple of you say it isn't so, doesn't mean everyone feels the way you do.

[jenmito]

49. Your article's from MAY '07. A little outdated. n/t

[1corona4u]

50. But the last part was from Oct. 30th, 2007...

which included the facts and figures. If you'd like, I can write the author of the first article, and see if she's changed her mind.

[jenmito]

58. I didn't see those things you quoted in your link. n/t

[Auntie Bush]

51. Aren't there more black/brown leaders around the world than woman?

I rest my case. Except to say...the rest of the world would love another Clinton in the white4 house. Only Repthugs and far left wingers wouldn't love to have Bill back in the white House whispering sweet advice in her ear especially regarding foreign policy. I Bet the other candidates would love the opportunity to get Big Dogs wisdom. I hear even bush has asked him for advice. Obama wouldn't have the nerve to ask him for advice after beating up his wife. If Hillary isn't nominated the world will have lost that important opportunity. Bill is the most popular man in the world and would do much to help America redeem it's reputation. Don't forget he would accompany her on many foreign visits. Now, I rest my case!

[jenmito]

60. Yes...where the majority of their citizens are Black/Brown. (and read post #40)

Don't rest yet. Bill isn't running for president. He'd take a position in ANY Dem.'s cabinet. Hell, he's working with Bush Sr. right now. :shrug:

[Auntie Bush]

62. I believe with everything said in post #40 .

But I also think most of the world would rather have the Clintons back in office. I think they have a lot of questions about Obama because so many people here admire him and they probably wonder why Americans would vote for a black man. If they knew Obama or heard his speeches they would...but that doesn't translate into preferring Obama over Clinton. The Clinton's are known and Obama is unknown. Bush was unknown and look what the world got. I have confidence in Obama but the world doesn't know him like we do.

Funny how my daughter just got back from a two week honeymoon in Italy and she got the impression everywhere they went that they were rooting for Clinton...and yes, they hated bush like no other man...just like we do!

[insanad]

69. Barack Obama WILL BE our next President!!

Every time I see Barack Obama or hear him speak I'm taken aback with how dignified, graceful, intelligent, thoughtful, strong, and capable he seems. He brought it out well on John Stewart's show when he mentioned that most intelligent people will look at the history of choices and leadership skills a person has and weigh that over the "experience" that some candidates claim. Sometimes the experience makes some politicians even more suspicious.

It infers that they've been willing to play the good ol boys game, that they'll accept graft, that they'll compromise their values to stay in the game. It's often the most experienced ones that I mistrust the most. Barack mentioned that Rumsfield and Dick Cheney had very long political careers and lists of experience, but "how'd that work out for them?" was a very telling statement.

From what I gather on the news, internet, and other media sources, very few Americans trust or believe in either of those men and even those that support Bush tend to believe that Dick Cheney and Rumsfield are very corrupt and sinister. Experience seems to equate with corruption in many cases. I'll take my chances with Barack Obama not just because of how he'll play the game in the future, but on how he's allready played the game in the past. His choices, focus, service and intellect are the very things I look for in a leader and I look forward to seeing how all those gifts will benefit all of us Americans.

A true leader is not one who bullies or manipulates people and organizations to do his bidding, or whose leadership can be purchased by special interests, or who caters to whatever the polls dictate. A true leader is one who educates himself and staff on the important issues at hand, who weighs the options and outcomes of each decision, who is willing to listen to people that he may not agree with or like and still respect their position. A good leader is able to pull together opposing sides and come to a healthy balanced compromise that benefits the most on both sides.

A good leader is one who shows grace under the constant glare of public light. A good leader is one who can motivate, inspire, and show by example the value of action and work toward a common goal. A good leader represents the best in himself/herself, and all of us in the choices to do good, say good things, act upon good instincts, and enact good laws. A good leader creates a setting where many people of diverse cultures, religions, races, and motives can come together to reach balanced treaties. A good leader will show strength of character, conviction, and universal values by his decisions, both in his personal life as well as his public life.

I believe Barack Obama has reflected every one of these traits. It's because of his past record that I believe in his future as the President of OUR United States. He represents the best in all of us and I believe he will represent our nation in the worlds arena with the grace, dignity, strength, and intellect that such a position requires. If anyone can take the bag of broken glass that will be the legacy handed to them in the coming presidency, he can. I believe he has the skills to appoint and direct the right people to help make a beautiful stained glass window of the whole mess. His integrity inspires me and I believe he represents the kind of leader America needs.

[beaconess]

23. "Black people think" . . . ? We do? nt

[goclark]

28. We do? Not my fellow African Americans that I know of ~

:bounce:

Speak Obama,speak!

Speak for EVERYONE!

I'm with you all the way and so are my $$'s.

[itsrobert]

38. What?

Now I heard everything. Black people think he is pandering to whites?

[beaconess]

39. Yes. We all do. Every single one of us.

:sarcasm:

[TAZller]

45. In response to both #14 and #6

On Edit: fixed my response numbering

But you can't link to two posts at the same time. As someone on the fence between Clinton and Obama, I found it ironic both of your arguments seem to be pissing in the wind, and you are facing opposite directions. Truly, discount one minority, base your arguments on your favored minority and vote for that?

In Response #6:
"black people think he is pandering to whites", that is akin to saying black think the goals of whites are detrimental and at cross purposes to those of blacks. Surely you don't mean all blacks think......pandering to all whites? That sounds a little racist. Or is it that you mean some blacks see him pandering to the powerful, establishment, corporate whites? Who hasn't heard Clinton being cast guilty of pandering to the corporate establishment without regard to color?

"Some even say that he 'acts white, not black'", some people say that Clinton acts like a man... You wouldn't be actually agreeing with the racist, sexist biggots, or buying into the belief that they predominate the voting public?

"And, there's still a section of this population that won't vote for him, because of the color of his skin." And there are still some that won't vote for Clinton because she is a woman. Overcoming either of these views will effect change.

"However, her saying that 'america would been seen differently', makes it sound as if putting a black in the white house is somehow going to be better". Remember the context here, she was speaking to a predominately black college. To this audience, of course this is a valid point. Just as valid as if Clinton was speaking to a league of women voters and said, "It is time to have a women reach the highest office in this land", which she of course never said....did she?

And in Response #14:
"I don't know of any Black people who think he's pandering to White people..." Of course we can all agree that NOT knowing something doesn't give you knowledge on the topic at hand. I had someone say to me, "I don't know any women that wouldn't vote for Clinton because she is a woman" my response, "well then you don't know my grandmother. She is Old, shes sexist, she because doesn't believe a woman can be effective in a man's world, and she votes."

"I saw someone who's Mexican say he thinks it would be a great thing to have 'someone with brown skin like mine" and that WOULD help bring the country and WORLD together." I am sure you meant someone of Mexican descent, is if they were Mexican all they would have to do is look at their own president to see someone with brown skin. But the same could easily be said about a young girl that would like more then to look at Easy Bake Barbies as something they can identify with.

"There have been women leaders all over the world. And Hillary wouldn't be seen as 'the first woman' by many but 'another Clinton.'" That is a bit xenocentric. There have been 'brown' leaders all around the world... Unless of course you wish to ignore leaders of Latin America, and South America, and Africa and narrowly define brown. Some will see her as "another Clinton" as a good thing, some as a bad thing. Those varied views will be in addition to "The First American Woman President" or they aren't looking. There are real problems in this world in regards to women issues, such as education, reproductive rights, gender equality, that as a powerful woman Clinton can impact without regard to being just 'another Clinton'. There are real racial divisions in this country that Obama can impact without regard to being just 'another President'.

My point being that arguments saying one minority is better suited or better deserving, or of greater impact over another really doesn't prove anything other than your personal bias. In either of your posts, change the pronouns, swap the bias, and you could be making each others points and no one is convinced of anything. I wish people could acknowledge that racial issues as well as gender issues DO affect the candidates in the world we live in.... That's why I think that discussing the impact of a racially diverse candidate amongst an audience of racially sensitive voters is completely appropriate (as is discussing gender issues to a gender sensitive audience), but is hardly lowering the bar in regards to the bigger picture that we the voters should be evaluating.

[1corona4u]

52. Apparently....

I forgot the 2nd link. Here ya go;

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rod-mccullom/why-barack-obama-is-losin_b_70458.html

Look, I'm not arguing anything. I am telling people what I have been reading. I could care less about Obama, because I don't think he's a real threat to anything.

[jenmito]

61. Well...

Thanks for the link, but that article was written right before Obama got his mojo back, before his JJ Dinner speech, and his points have become sharper. He's been on the rise BIG TIME since then. He's making inroads with LOTS of people.

[jenmito]

55. In response to post #45

And in Response #14:
"I don't know of any Black people who think he's pandering to White people..." Of course we can all agree that NOT knowing something doesn't give you knowledge on the topic at hand. I had someone say to me, "I don't know any women that wouldn't vote for Clinton because she is a woman" my response, "well then you don't know my grandmother. She is Old, shes sexist, she because doesn't believe a woman can be effective in a man's world, and she votes."

True. I don't know every Black person in this country. I only know the ones in my family and circle of friends.


"I saw someone who's Mexican say he thinks it would be a great thing to have 'someone with brown skin like mine" and that WOULD help bring the country and WORLD together." I am sure you meant someone of Mexican descent, is if they were Mexican all they would have to do is look at their own president to see someone with brown skin. But the same could easily be said about a young girl that would like more then to look at Easy Bake Barbies as something they can identify with.

No, I meant a Mexican citizen who was talking about the face of America being "brown like his." There are MANY brown people in the world who might feel closer to us for electing a uniter like Obama who happens to look like many people around the world.


"There have been women leaders all over the world. And Hillary wouldn't be seen as 'the first woman' by many but 'another Clinton.'" That is a bit xenocentric. There have been 'brown' leaders all around the world... Unless of course you wish to ignore leaders of Latin America, and South America, and Africa and narrowly define brown. Some will see her as "another Clinton" as a good thing, some as a bad thing. Those varied views will be in addition to "The First American Woman President" or they aren't looking. There are real problems in this world in regards to women issues, such as education, reproductive rights, gender equality, that as a powerful woman Clinton can impact without regard to being just 'another Clinton'. There are real racial divisions in this country that Obama can impact without regard to being just 'another President'.

Good point. Yes, there have not only been many women leaders around the world but many "brown" leaders around the world. The difference is, and my point is, many of the "brown" leaders are leaders of majority "brown" people, unlike women leaders IMO.


My point being that arguments saying one minority is better suited or better deserving, or of greater impact over another really doesn't prove anything other than your personal bias. In either of your posts, change the pronouns, swap the bias, and you could be making each others points and no one is convinced of anything. I wish people could acknowledge that racial issues as well as gender issues DO affect the candidates in the world we live in.... That's why I think that discussing the impact of a racially diverse candidate amongst an audience of racially sensitive voters is completely appropriate (as is discussing gender issues to a gender sensitive audience), but is hardly lowering the bar in regards to the bigger picture that we the voters should be evaluating.

I disagree with your conclusion. My points are more valid than the other poster's. :D

[saracat]

2. You know, I am not sure I care for the race card being played anymore than the gender card.

And I like Obama but not because of the color of his skin. That is not a reason to vote for president. IMHO. We should be beyond this.I realize we are not and i respect what Michelle is saying but I think this could be divisive.I prefer the "audacity of hope."

[babylonsister]

4. I think she's referring to the outside world looking in;

his election might prove to other countries that Americans can be tolerant. But I'm with you; I have to like the message and it could never be solely about someone's sex or the color of their skin. We have too far to go.

[K Gardner]

40. Just got back from Italy and I agree with this, simply because

After spending a month there and enduring approximately 60 Italian meals (these are hours long events something like caucuses!), I can't remember one meal or conversation that didn't start off with: "Tell us about Barak Obama".

The outside world looking in is a whole 'nother ballgame than what we see here. Their media actually COVERS the news. So do their papers. They really do caucus every day, at bistros and standing at bars and around tables. They think and feel deeply. They are worried about our aggressive role in the world and disappointed in the turn America has taken. They hate Bush. They are proud that their Euro is freakin sinking our dollar. No one is polling them. No one is telling them how or what to think. They are looking into the window of America and, for some reason, seeing hope in Obama.

And before *I* get slammed, I haven't made up my mind yet. Pfft :-)

[babylonsister]

41. K, welcome to DU and thanks for your insight!

:hi:

[geek tragedy]

9. She is stating a fact, and considering the racist crap

that gets thrown at him, boo hoo if some white people who support other candidates don't like her pointing out the obvious.

[earth mom]

13. I don't like the race card being played either. Especially since Obama is a DINO.

Give me a REAL PROGRESSIVE/LIBERAL-I don't give a damn what race or sex they are!

I just want someone who is against the stranglehold corporate America has on Washington DC, the media and all of us-someone who will actively work to shut them the fuck down!

[jenmito]

15. Obama a DINO???

:rofl:

[earth mom]

16. Yup-Obama is a DINO and so is Hillary. nt

[jenmito]

17. Obama is not a DINO. Hillary is.

[earth mom]

19. ROFL!

:rofl:

[jenmito]

25. Intelligent response...

you sold ME! :eyes:

[Dawgs]

26. Wow! I read that entire thread waiting for you to explain why Obama is a DINO.

I guess we'll have to take your word for it.

[jefferson_dem]

18. A DINO? Good Gawd...

That's a classic!

[earth mom]

20. It's sad really. nt

[Dawgs]

27. Still no examples of why he's a DINO?

[tammywammy]

46. How is Obama a DINO?

You're the first person that I've read that says that.

Do you have an specific examples of how he's a DINO?

[beaconess]

24. How is "playing the race card?"

She's just stating a fact.

People have been talking about Obama's race throughout this campaign without being accused of "playing the race card." Why is it "playing the race card" when Obama or his wife talk about it?

Every mention of race is NOT the same as "playing the race card." Obama's black. If he wins, he'd be the first black president. That would be a big deal. Other countries WOULD look at us differently.

It's just a fact, plain and simple.

[KingFlorez]

54. It is not pulling the race card

Her point was that people will look at this country differently if he's elected and that is something that could happen.

[ccpup]

3. how is this any different

than Hillary mentioning her gender? So now we're supposed to vote for Obama and Michelle because they're black? :shrug:

And it's not as if the first female President wouldn't be historic in it's own right or anything.

[babylonsister]

5. Hopefully we will all vote for who we think the best candidate is and

not take sex or race into consideration.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

7. Though Michelle Obama explicitly says we should take race into consideration in the OP

She presents her husbands race as a unique positive qualification. (Unique within the field of candidates)

[tammywammy]

10. Though she says he should be president b/c of who he is, not b/c of race

"The Princeton and Harvard Law school graduate paraphrased Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in describing her husband, saying he should be president "not because of the color of his skin, but because of the quality and consistency of his character.""


She's stating something that's obvious, if the US elects something other than a white male, the outside world will look at us different. And that includes if Hillary becomes president, or even Richardson.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

11. Um, not so much...

"Imagine our family on that inaugural platform," she said. "America will look at itself differently. The world will look at America differently. There is no other candidate who is going to do that for our country. You know that."

[Cameron27]

12. I think she went a little too far with that statement.

There's more than an implication that people should vote for him specifically because of his race.

[murbley40]

22. I agree.

[beaconess]

29. I agree with her

Seeing the Obama family on the inaugural platform WOULD be a big deal to a lot of people - across the world. There's nothing wrong with pointing that out.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

43. not sayingthere is anything wrong with it... I'm disagreeing with post 10

[TAZller]

53. I don't think America is blind to color....

And I don't see a problem with that statement....

"Hey Cleatus, a black family just gawt up on dat inawgrel platfurm. What da hell is goin on?"

She is simply saying that people will take notice of a change in the racial bias we normally see in presidential politics. No other white person is going to make that statement. No other candidate is going to stand out as a woman more than Clinton would either (well I did see Giuliani in a dress but I doubt he will be repeating that on stage). An implication that that sort of shift as being a good thing, or even coming right out and saying it, isn't disagrable to me. An overwhelming factor in my vote, no.... Incremental though.

[ellacott]

37. It is unique n/t

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

42. I'm disagreeing with post 5, not michelle obama

[ccpup]

8. I agree

Race, gender, who won the pissing contest ... all of those things should take a decided backseat to one's qualifications and vision. And that's why the Obama campaign may find themselves wasting precious time explaining -- yet again -- something Michelle Obama says on the campaign trail or in an interview.

[DavidDvorkin]

21. Obama is half white

And was brought up by the white side of his family. Strange to refer to him as black.

[jenmito]

30. Tell that to the cop who'd stop him for DWB...

"Driving while Black." He often speaks of his White mother. But he's SEEN as Black.

[beaconess]

31. Oh, please - it's not strange at all - according to the standards set by the MAJORITY

he IS black.


In this America, a man who's father is African is black. No matter WHAT his mother was, he's black. A man with brown skin and crinkly hair is black, no matter what he chooses to call himself.

In this America, Barack Obama is a black man.

It wasn't Obama or black folk who set the rules. It was white people who created the "one drop rule." So it's hilarious to see people now claim that because he's ONLY HALF BLACK, he should not call himself black.

:rofl:

[DavidDvorkin]

32. I didn't create that "rule"

And I've always detested it.

[beaconess]

34. Whatever - you're free to call him whatever you want

But legally and for all other intents and purposes, Obama is a black man.

And, considering that HE considers himself to be black, regardless how you feel about it, that pretty much settles the matter.

[goclark]

33. I have loads of friends that are "half white." In America that means

you are BLACK.

My grandfather was whiter than white with blue eyes and guess what --in America he was BLACK. He was one proud man and PROUD to be African American.

Obama proudly knows he is Black and America knows he is proud to be Black. That is why some, that don't understand equality and racism in America fear him.

He is no Condi Rice or Clarence Thomas.

He is a Chicago brother, smart as hell and educated at Harvard.

He is a man for all seasons and a man for ALL people.

So, let's move on from there.

[beaconess]

35. Bam!

[maddiejoan]

44. a man for all people

unless they are queer!

[goclark]

74. Don't intend to get flamed but I do not believe that to be true

I am well aware of the discussion here at DU but I do believe that he cares about ALL people.

[KingFlorez]

56. So what?

He chooses to identify as black, so that's what he's referred to as. Also, in this country, most people are going to see Obama as black regardless of him having a white parent.

[geek tragedy]

57. The Stupid!! It burns, it burns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[Dr. Strange]

73. Rub some dirt on it.

You'll be okay!

[tammywammy]

59. He refers to HIMSELF as black

[beaconess]

63. There he goes again playing the race card!

:sarcasm:

[Dr. Strange]

70. So he's a DINO and a BINO?

Um...okay.

[tammywammy]

72. The things you learn on DU

BINO

:rofl:

[cutlassmama]

47. It's very true. Just the reason to vote for him

[Chovexani]

48. Can we just make Michelle president?

:shrug:

[calteacherguy]

64. How incredibly inspiring. It makes me feel good about America again. nt

[Imagevision]

65. After Bush the US. needs the world to look at America differently, much differently.

[neutron]

66. Obama cops out on senate votes

He didn't support MoveOn when the senate was voting their disapproval.
Hillary went to bat for them. He seems to duck at voting on anything that
might be held against him. Then attacks Hillary for not staying the course.

[beaconess]

67. And this has to do with this topic because?

[mrfixit]

68. Sure, that'll sell...Vote Obama - He's Black.

They migt THINK 'Murka's ready for a Black President, but the reality is that 'Murka's along way away from accepting anything of the sort.

Two words: Southern Democrats.

They've betrayed us before - they'll do it again.

[jenmito]

71. Is that what she's going to say? Oprah's ALSO a woman if you hadn't noticed...

and she's friends with the Clintons, but she's not endorsing Hillary. :shrug: Could it be she's campaigning for him because she really believes in him and that he'd be best for this country?

[Imagevision]

75. Michelle Obama; "he should be president because of the quality and consistency of his character."

(me)I believe the color of his skin is irrelevant...