Harlem - Backing up Bill Clinton

[emilyg]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/nyregion/29harlem.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Nelson had stopped for a cigarette in the heart of Harlem on Monday morning when he found himself in a political debate. As many are these days, this one was prompted by a reporter and focused on Bill Clinton’s role in Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential campaign.

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Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times
Tasha Wilson, left, said, “A lot of black people aren’t really looking at race; they’re looking at who does good.” Omega Nelson, center, said, “When your woman tries to get somewhere, you got to help her.” Bruce Gordon said of Barack Obama, “So far, he’s a nice white middle-class guy.”

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Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times
Outside the building where Bill Clinton has his office, many called his tactics an understandable effort to help his wife.
“Look,” said Mr. Nelson, who was sitting at the curb near Mr. Clinton’s office on 125th Street, “all he’s doing is what any man would do. When your woman tries to get somewhere, you got to help her. His wife is running for president and, being his woman is involved, so he got involved, too.”

Mr. Nelson, 61 and unemployed, was not alone in his forgiving stance toward Mr. Clinton, who, by the sound of things on Monday, is as popular in Harlem now as he was when he opened his office there in July 2001.

While the blogosphere and commentariat rang this weekend with angry declarations that he had crossed a line in his criticism of Barack Obama, many in Harlem seemed to mull it over, shrug their shoulders and say they understood, even if they didn’t quite agree.

“What Bill Clinton said — well more...

[aquart]

1. Aren't they reading the polls?

Well, the guy they quoted was 61 and out of work. All Obama's people are young and have great jobs.

[KittyWampus]

2. Why did you leave out the quote from the guy recognizing Clinton's race baiting?

[Missy M]

3. The link is to the whole article so nothing is being left out...

all in all it seems everyone understood he is campaigning for his wife and don't blame him.

[emilyg]

7. I gave you the link to whole article.

[Cant trust em]

4. Aren't his offices in Harlem?

I remember this coming out a few years ago after he left office.

[mzmolly]

5. Let's hope that we can rid ourselves of the "black group think" talking points once and for all.

Recent chattle here has been disgusting beyond belief.

Thanks for posting. :hi:

[Kittycat]

6. Well it's a good thing Bill is running for president then, isn't it.

[TacticalPeek]

8. Thanks.

I love the truth when it's plain-talked.

:patriot:

[eridani]

9. Right. Thanks for welfare "reform" and NAFTA. Not. n/t

[Beacool]

10. Some of you Obama supporters don't get it: Clinton is beloved by the base of the party.

Regular folks don't give a flying fig about the crap spewed by the media and the party leaders. They love Bill because they identify with him and they remember how good they had it during his administration. Walk around Harlem and try to trash Bill and see whether you manage to leave in one piece.