Obama Supporter Here: I have a few concerns about Obama right now.

[redstate_democrat]

I am a strong supporter of Obama's, but there are a few issues I have right now that I need some answers on.

Let me preface this by stating that I am an African-American woman.

Now, I saw Obama on television giving a speech to a predominately black audience. In his speech, he told those people what they need to as far as their kids. One of the things he told these people to shape up, turn off the TV, and stop "letting them get fat with Popeyes chicken for breakfast".

Here are some quotes:

"It's not good enough for you to say to your child, 'Do good in school,' and then when that child comes home, you got the TV set on, you got the radio on, you don't check their homework, there is not a book in the house, you've got the video game playing," said Obama while in Beaumont, in southeast Texas.

"So turn off the TV set, put the video game away. Buy a little desk or put that child by the kitchen table. Watch them do their homework. If they don't know how to do it, give them help. If you don't know how to do it, call the teacher. Make them go to bed at a reasonable time. Keep them off the streets. Give ' em some breakfast. Come on. ... You know I am right." 'I've got to talk about us'

"I've got to talk about us a little bit," said Obama. "We can't keep on feeding our children junk all day long, giving them no exercise. They are overweight by the time they are 4 or 5 years old, and then we are surprised when they get sick."

"I know how hard it is to get kids to eat properly," Obama said. "But I also know that if folks letting our children drink eight sodas a day, which some parents do, or, you know, eat a bag of potato chips for lunch, or Popeyes for breakfast.

"Y'all have Popeyes out in Beaumont? I know some of y'all you got that cold Popeyes out for breakfast. I know. That's why y'all laughing. ... You can't do that. Children have to have proper nutrition. That affects also how they study, how they learn in school."

Now, I have been willing to overlook a few things, but this right here is a bit much. He goes in front of predominately black audiences and chastises them as if they are ignorant children. Now, why did he have to say stop feeing your children popeyes chicken for breakfast? WHat kind of WARPED view of black people does he really hold? To suggest that most black people are doing this is crazy. If a white candidate had said this, we would be all over their ass for it. I'm severely disappointed in him for this.

I have YET to see him get in front of a predominately white audience or even his Hispanic audiences and chastise them about THEIR problems. He can go in front of black churches and tell people to stop being antisemetic, homophobic, etc, painting all of these people with a broad brush, but he hasn't told white people what they need to stop doing or what Hispanics need to stop doing.

Now, in one debate, he said that undocumented workers were not part of the problem for the undermining of black wages. He called the suggestion a "scape goat". I would have liked for him to explain what he meant by that. Then what is the problem? He hasn't made one negative comment towards any group besides the Republicans (which he often says has good ideas) and black people. Now, I'm getting impatient here waiting for him to spread around his "truth telling". He seems to think that Black people won't also dismiss him simply based on the fact that he is black. He is very mistaken in that belief. It took a long time for Black people to come around to him, so he better be very careful of how he approaches the various communities.

I have yet to hear him discuss what he will do for Black people in particular since he has so many gripes with our community. I feel as though he is talking in code to white and other voters when he criticizes the Black community like this in the most stereotypical ways. I have yet to hear him acknowledge some of the REAL problems in our community and what he will do and trust me it ain't popeyes chicken.

He has pissed me off and I am not the only person pissed off because of this. He stepped over the line.

[ruggerson]

1. I'm wondering why you're not getting any responses

when you make some very astute points.

[FrenchieCat]

13. She will get response, if you could wait.

Maybe you should have asked for a link....in order to know that the "astute" point was actually backed up with verifiable information.

It is easy to accuse anonimously. The harder part is to actually back your shit up.

[redstate_democrat]

17. Here is the link

http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/819177,CST-NWS-sweet29.article

[FrenchieCat]

24. Here is a thread from DU, as they were watching this.....and there appears to be

comments about the diversity of the audience.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4811059

I believe that SunTime ain't my mama, and them choosing to call this Audience "Black" in the title is not impressive to me.

In other words, you've been hosed by a newspaper headline.

I'm sure they planned it that way.....as they clearly recall what Bill Cosby's similar statement did to him in the Black Community a few years back. :eyes:

[redstate_democrat]

28. In other words

I actually saw the speech being given. It was a predominately Black audience.

[FrenchieCat]

37. So did I.....which is why I knew about that thread's existence.......

I dont' believe that there would be multiple posts about diversity if it wasn't evident.

I'm not saying that you didn't see things a particular way....I'm just saying I saw that audience too, and I disagree that it was predominently Black. I am backing up what I'm saying to you with the words of others that were watching what I was watching via the CNN feed online at that specific time.

In addition, I have heard him say this before to other mixed crowds, because his talk of personal family responsibility is not aimed at Black folks....it is aimed at all folks. That's all I'm saying.

[redstate_democrat]

95. I was not

aware of that other thread.

[TheDonkey]

107. If you saw the speech you should have known that this was part of the Q&A TOWNHALL! Not the speech

This was part of an answer to diabetes and healthcare given to him, not part of some sort of special "black" stump speech.

[Barack_America]

64. It was only 4 minutes.

You must be one hell of a speed reader.

[ruggerson]

73. well her OP wasn't THAT long

:hi:

[Barack_America]

77. It still took me more than 4 minutes.

To read it, think about it and compose a post.

But, then again, I've never claimed to be the brightest poster around here.

[stop the bleeding]

2. typo

Now, why did he have to say stop feeing your children popeyes chicken for breakfast?

I am sorry I can not address the main question(s) of your OP, but here is a kick anyway

[redstate_democrat]

12. I'm sorry

its "feeding".

[DJ13]

3. Did you see the reaction of his audience?

They had no problems with him making those comments.

In fact they seemed to like him even more the more he talked.

[redstate_democrat]

19. You know

I agree with some of his broader points which are personal responsibility

But this message should not only be directed at the Black community, ok. It would be an entirely different thing if he went in front of other communities and told them to stop being antisemetic, racist, homophobic, why just the Black community? This is what I want to know.

And then why use such a stereotypical characterization of how Black people feed their children? Popeyes chicken for breakfast???

[woolldog]

44. Isn't Popeye's big in Texas

and in the South generally? I have a white friend from LA and he used to go on and on about Popeye's and how everyone down there loved Popeye's chicken.

I've never eaten Popeye's.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

103. It's big in Chicago too....

n/t

[John Q. Citizen]

4. You copied down quotes off the TV? Or do you have a link?

[redstate_democrat]

14. here is the link to the article

http://www.suntimes.com/news/sweet/819177,CST-NWS-sweet29.article

[John Q. Citizen]

83. Thanks for the link. I hadn't read that. The audience seemed to appreciate

what he had to say.

From the article:

FORT WORTH, Texas -- On the campaign trail, Democratic front-runner Sen. Barack Obama talks about how he would use the bully pulpit if president, and he offered a demonstration Thursday when he drew wild cheers as he told a mostly African-American crowd that parents need to shape up, turn off the TV, help their kids with their homework and stop letting them grow fat eating Popeyes chicken for breakfast.

[Johnny__Motown]

15. I saw the speech,. it is an accurate quote

[tabatha]

5. I think his advice applies to black, whites, and everybody else.

There is a huge problems in the US regarding junk food, drinks and lack of exercise.
And this leads to disease, and medical bills, and having to take medicines, very few of which do not have adverse side-effects.
He is talking sense.

[redstate_democrat]

25. You know

it IS good advice, but my problem is why is he only telling us this? It seems to be VERY calculated. I'm very disappointed in this. He is seemingly taking for granted the Black community's support here. I will not blindly follow any one leader simply because he is Black. I supported him because of his platform. But now he is getting his message across in a way that I don't entirely agree with.

He needs to be in front of all audiences delivering the same messages.

[northzax]

36. true, it is good advice

and just as a fun mental exercise, imagine Hillary Clinton saying this same thing, to this same audience. Now imagine the reaction on this board to her overt racism. Fun, right?

[Honeycombe8]

39. Why do you think he was saying that ONLY Af. Americans need to have healthy eating patterns?

I mean, did he say that? I think you are making assumptions or projecting something onto him that just wasn't there.

I am not offended that someone is advising me to eat healthier, exercise, get plenty of sleep, keep kids off the streets, etc. I am white. Why would you be offended by that advice because you're Af. American?

[redstate_democrat]

48. Look

let's not pretend here. He was in front of a predominately Black audience saying, "hey, I've got to talk about us?" Then add to that other statements he has made in the past that I just overlooked because I agreed with him. But I see a PATTERN. He says these things in front of predominately Black audiences and then doesn't say these things at other rallys.

[woolldog]

47. write to his campaign

and let them know how you feel, redstate.

[BringBigDogBack]

126. I agree hes on the slope, but I took it the same way.

Here's to an Obama victory Tuesday, and history Wednesday. :thumbsup:

[Hoof Hearted]

49. He didn't make the comments to whites though. He was specific about addressing the black community

and has spoken about it since then (and other times) too.

[BlackVelvet04]

136. he's talking down to people.......

we aren't electing a mother but a president.

[TwilightGardener]

6. I don't know, I'm not black. He's said this to other predominantly

black audiences before, with no controversy. Maybe because he's black and worked for years in inner-city Chicago neighborhoods, he feels like he has a special rapport with black people and can say such things comfortably? Maybe he's genuinely concerned about the black community? It's not up to me to tell you how to take it, if it offends you, then it offends you.

[TwilightGardener]

18. By the way, as a woman, I'm not offended by Hillary's "mop and broom"

"clean up the White House" speeches.

[dkf]

7. My parents stressed education very much, but even

they didn't go as far as what Obama is saying. And we did all get our college educations, including one graduate degree.

Frankly, I wish he would say this to everyone.

Lastly, I'd say he did it more out of love than anything else. He wants people to do well in life and he credits everything he has to education. He wants to impart what he sees as the key to his success and to their future success.

[NYCGirl]

8. I think that the problems he brought up are universal in the U.S. NT

[redstate_democrat]

35. They may

be universal, but when he says "I've got to talk about us?" he was referring to Black people, okay. Now, he can DO THAT, but I want him to go talk to other audiences like he did at Ebenezer Baptist Church and tell them that they need to also stop being homophobic, antisemetic, and racist. That's all I'm saying. I still support him, but he needs to know that he can't take our votes for granted at all just because he is getting 80% of our votes. That can change.

[Honeycombe8]

41. Apples and oranges. He was speaking on one subject, and you're ticked because

you think he should be speaking about another subject.

I am wondering why you get upset when someone advises you on healthy eating and behavior habits? I don't. In fact, I seek out such advice. I am hoping to stave off big medical bills in teh future by some healthy living now. I'm not too terribly successful at it, but I'm trying.

(There were whites in teh audience, too. I didn't view his speech as referring ONLY to Af. Americans. But there is a certain eating pattern in the Af. American culture that tends not to be overly healthy, is what I have observed. That is not racist to observe that. I say the same thing about MY cultural background - cajun.)

[KLee]

76. I've got to talk about "us"...

means Americans

[ContinentalOp]

114. Maybe that's the only audience that will let him get away with it.

You say you have no problem with him speaking out against homophobia in the Ebenezer Baptist Church but you would like to see him do it elsewhere. Do you really think it would fly though if Obama somehow got to be onstage at Ted Haggard's New Life Church and said similar things? :o At least he's saying these things somewhere. And yes, maybe he's pandering a bit to white voters who wouldn't take the scolding directly but have no problem with him lecturing black audiences.

[FrenchieCat]

9. Do you have a link? I recall him making this statement to a regular rally.....

not a majority "black" audience.

For your info, I am an AA woman as well.

In other words, please put up your sources to back you stuff up in your main op, instead of posters having to ask for it.

Thanks!

[Omega3]

10. he's very egotistical, no doubt about it.

[JanusAscending]

27. Can you explain to me the difference,

between "egotistical" and confidence and his burning desire to help us to have HOPE again? One could say the same thing about Hillary as well, but to her I would also attribute drive for POWER!!

[emilyg]

102. Don't fool yourself.

Obama has drive for power.

[redstate_democrat]

32. No

I wouldn't call him egotistical. He is just a little too comfortable right now. I don't deny that the message is good, but I am disappointed in some of his characterizations...like the Popeyes chicken statement.

[JanusAscending]

50. Honey, where I live in Ct. there are exactly

two Popeye chicken franchises. It takes over half an hour to get to one of them, and EVERY chance I get, I buy me some Popeye chicken. When my kids come to visit from NY State, they make sure we get some. I've even eaten it for breakfast. Ever had cold pizza for breakfast? If it tastes good, and I'm in a hurry, I eat it. I wouldn't let my kids get away with it though!!:rofl:

[KLee]

I am white and I eat Popeye's......

OMG now your making me hungry for it

[redstate_democrat]

61. LOL!

Hey, there ain't nothing wrong with Popeyes chicken. I eat it every once in a while too. But the characterization just rubbed me the wrong way. In my mind, he just painted the most stereotypical view of a negligent, Black parent. I didn't like that. He is still my candidate, but he needs to get it together on that. Just because he is Black does not mean he can say whatever he wants to us. If Hillary had said it, I would be on here blasting her for it too.

[KLee]

63. I get what your saying but....

He's been saying it to all of us LOL We need to be doing those things, and we are'nt.

[Not the Only One]

131. There is a double standard, yes

There's a double standard, but it's no different from accepting comments about how you should dress differently from a friend or a sibling over some random person-- like on What Not To Wear. Being President includes a role of using that office as a bully pulpit for advocating things that aren't legislative that would make America a better place, and those things can range from very sober and serious things like homophobia to things that are lighter like telling parents they should do a better job of making sure their kids eat right and do their homework.

Obama is an African American. He believes that African American parents collectively could be more diligent about being better parents. Things like the high teen pregnancy rate among African Americans are related to the family environment at home, the number of parents and quality of parenting. He understands it's a difficult job and he's just offering encouragement to them to do what they know they should be doing. He's not suggesting that these parents think that fast food from Popeye's is what their kids should be eating for breakfast (he knows they know better), but he knows it's less work to feed them fast food and it's easy to let things slide like that and you have to fight that urge to do the easy thing.

He's just saying, "I know this is hard, and I know you know what you need to be doing. Keep at it, though. Exercise tough love. Don't let yourself cut corners." It's sort of a motivational speaker kind of message, and it's absolutely something a President does all the time.

[Honeycombe8]

43. Another "new" poster who (surprise!) doesn't think Obama should win. Hmmm. nt

[Binka]

98. I Was Gonna Reply To That Einstein But You Did It For Me

Jesus a month on the board and barking shit, ah fuck them, they have all the class of a snot drenched kleenex.

[redstate_democrat]

101. You really have no earthly clue.

I gather you're not Black so you would not really understand what the hell I'm talking about right now. I'm talking about what a Black person would perceive.

[Binka]

106. My Response Was Not To Your Post

I was replying to a poster down thread. I understand your premise, and you are right I am not black, and I think this is a good thread. Peace and out.

[Capn Sunshine]

11. Sorry you took it that way

But there is an element of our country that needs to hear this. Many poor folks act as if they have no chance, and Barack is trying to talk some sense into them. Change starts at home; always has, always will.

[JanusAscending]

16. What are your feelings about Bill Cosby???

'cause evidently he feels the same way about family responsibility. It might help you understand a little more of his immigrant policy if you could catch his speech from Parma Ohio today. It was on C SPAN this evening, and it may be on again. I've seen him do the speech you are referring to at other times, and in front of a mixed crowd. Just so you'll know where I am coming from, I am the widow of a very proud, strong and gentle black man, and we have a daughter who is like Obama. He gives her HOPE for a better life for her and her child and white husband! My family is much like Obama's, (United Nation)

[redstate_democrat]

42. Well

I agree with some of Bill Cosby's message, but it has to be a balanced message. Black people DO need to take personal responsibility for their actions, etc, but please, when you call us out, make sure you tell the complete story. What about these "two Americas" that John Edwards talked about. Let's get to the truth here. Don't just throw out blanket statements and then call it "tough love". He never did say what he could do about any of these problems. I just sensed that he was making the statements for reasons other than what appeared.

And negligent parenting IS NOT unique to the Black community. How do you think he would be received if he went in front of a predominately White audience in Vermont saying this? Telling them to stop feeding their children Popeyes chicken for breakfast? Stop being racist without even knowing a thing about these people?

[Bluerthanblue]

88. You have every right to feel the way you do- Please do consider

though, that he was speaking in Texas- a state where education is an especially difficult challenge-

According to the RAND Corporation, when comparing the performance of various states it is important to control for family characteristics that impact learning, such as, parental education, family income, age of mother at birth, family size, number of parents in the home, and ethnicity. Texas ranks 42 out of 47 on a weighted measure of family characteristics predicting achievement ( RAND Corporation, Assessing NAEP Achievement in Texas : Good News and Bad News ).

I DO believe Obama's message is intended for everyone- and as uncomfortable as it may be to hear, he speaks a lot of truth.

I would echo the person who encouraged you to let Obama, (and his campaign) know how you feel, and how this particular message affected you.
Even if you doubt that your words would be heard, (I believe they would be) you have an important concern, and your voice might be an important aid, in helping Obama to be sure that he gets the message out more effectivly, to everyone.

Thanks for posting your perspective-

peace~

[avrdream]

20. Thank you for giving your perspective on this.

Interestingly, I just had lunch with a friend who came back from Los Angeles last week. Her lesbian partner there is African American and I asked who she voted for. My friend enthusiastically said, "Hillary, of course!" and then proceeded to tell me that her partner's entire family and group of friends had voted for Hillary.

It put me in my place because I honestly thought that Barack had said the right things to the AA community. I suppose if he says the things you heard, he will be alienating some.

Hillary could not go into that same community and mention Popeye's chicken without being called a racist. It's another bloody double standard.

[KLee]

21. A woman asked him if he knew anything about Diabetes and Treatment at that rally....

If it's the same one.

The audience was not predominently Black, because the crowd was scanned, and I watched. Not sure of the percentages of race there, but I saw a rainbow of colors(for lack of a better phrase)

The comments you see stem from that question, he was expanding it.

I am an RN, and the epidemic of Childhood Diabetes Type II is epidemic. I fully understood what he was saying. It's all the truth. Kids are getting very obese today, because they are sitting in front of the tv, video games, computer, all day long, not exercising, and not getting the proper nutrition.

What Barack has always said, he will tell you the truth, no matter how difficult that truth might be.

[Honeycombe8]

34. I didn't know the question, so it makes even MORE sense. But even w/o that question...

all those behavior patterns he mentioned are directly related to healthcare, learning, income, and happiness in life. It is appropriate for a leader to encourage good behavior patterns for a healthier, happier, better educated citizenry.

[redstate_democrat]

55. Okay then

Well maybe I might be overreacting because I didn't get the that there was a question asked. I thought he just went off on some tangent about how he feels Black people should be raising their children. I get kind of sensitive to politicians telling people how they should raise their kids. I would simply like for them to lay out their platforms. Also, making blanket statements about a community doesn't help at all, either. I would like his message to be universal and not targeted to a specific crowd. Now, I want him to go in front a White megachurch and talk about those people being homophobic, racist, and antisemetic. That will go a long way in showing me that he is an equal opportunity truth teller. I still support him though but he needs to fall back and address the entire story.

[Indiana_Dem]

22. I can understand that you might have perceived it this way,

I saw/listened to a speech he gave where he mentioned the bad eating habits of our youth and the parents' need to limit/stop the junk food. This was awhile back and it has probably been in many of his speeches. However, I wasn't paying attention to the particular crowd and who he was speaking to. I felt in agreement with him when he came out and said this--it's been all too true in my own experiences. I felt like he was speaking to me on a personal level when he said those things. I'm also a white female. I really don't think he was singling out the African-American population. At least from my perception, I didn't feel that way. I felt he was just simply being honest and speaking the truth.

[VenusRising]

23. A quote from someone who went to the rally...

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19344768

His casual, frank demeanor was comforting for people like Shamieka Dotson, 28, a teacher at Beaumont's Southerland Head Start.

"He was speaking at our level," she said. "I really like what had to say about incorporating more PE and different kinds of PE like volleyball instead of just exercise. Nobody really likes to exercise. At least I don't. I like to play sports."

[Armstead]

26. I think he was just riffing

I saw it on TV. Seemed to me he was doing what I have seen black preachers and other orators do. Give the audience kind of a hard time, but in good spirit and hitting on truths that the audience realizes and basically agrees with.

I saw similar stuff from the panel on the portion of Tavis Smiley's forum I saw last week.

But I'm a WASP male, so I can't claim any insight on this. Just giving my impression.

[DemGa]

29. Wow, thank you for this insight.

That Obama talks to different groups this way is strange indeed. It doesn't sound Presidential to say "I've got to talk about us a little bit"; what does he mean "talk about us"?

[JanusAscending]

40. He doesn't !

This is something new he's added to his stump speech, and it's in reference to what responsiblities we need to take on to help him. He usually weaves it into his education platform. Telling parents to turn off the TV, and take away the video games UNTIL their homework is done. That parents should help kids with their homework, and if they can't help, ask the teacher for help! What's so different about this???

[KittyWampus]

30. It's his stump speech, but he has to tailor it if there's a lot of black people in the audience? WTF

Or, rather, you somehow perceive there to be a lot of black people in the audience?

BTW, have you ever worked at a food pantry?

Here in this town, where very wealthy people summer over and then leave the serfs behind with next to nothing for the winter, hispanics come in to the pantry and tend towards rice and beans. Blacks and whites come in and tend towards the boxes of macaroni and cheese & crap, for instance. This is in general terms.

Several generations of Americans have grown up now, with no idea how to eat healthy or for less money. At least the new-comers coming from south of border are more likely to know real food when they see it. Maybe they'll reinvigorate the American gene pool.

Heck, I don't even think it's less well off Americans that have forgotten what real food is. The amount of processed, MSG/Corn Syrup/Wheat/Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil laden garbage in stores is mind-boggling.

And off on a tangent, it's lucky the food pantry shelves have anything. This is a town that has many, many millionaires but the food pantries are struggling.

[Honeycombe8]

31. You are mistaken about something.

You said in your post, "Now, in one debate, he said that undocumented workers were not part of the problem for the undermining of black wages. He called the suggestion a "scape goat". I would have liked for him to explain what he meant by that. Then what is the problem?"

You are mistaken, if I recall correctly. I recall it because I was surprised by the answer. His answer to the question was that, in fact, there are some job loss/wage effects from the illegal immigration problem, but to use that as an excuse for (something) is just that..an excuse. He then went on to explain his view on the illegal immigration problem....all the candidates' views about that are similar, so I don't need to repeat that here.

As for the Popeye's chicken, get your kids to bed early, etc., etc.: I'm gonna guess you're not from the south. I think these sorts of statements are more acceptable, and more accurate, in the south. I am a white, middle aged woman from southwest Louisiana (close to Beaumont).

Also, please bear in mind that although you saw a lot of African Americans in the audience - and there were - that does not mean his speech was FOR Af. Americans. I saw part of his speech on TV. There were also whites in the audience. BUT...you ARE familiar with southeast Texas, aren't you? That is where the KKK is headquartered. That is where that black man was pulled behind a truck and beheaded in about the year 2000 or 2001.

So there WOULD be mainly Af. Americans in an audience to hear an Af. American in that part of the country. But that doesn't mean the speech was FOR Af. Americans only.

Obesity is a very real concern in America, and is directly related to healthcare, as well as to education, income, and success in life. Bad eating patterns have a direct relation to all those aspects of life.

It was a Bill Cosby-type speech. I am okay with that and do not view that as crossing the line, altho I admit that since I'm white I probably view it differently. But I think that EVEN though he's saying it to ALL of us, of every race and ethnicity and age group.

And yes...Popeye's is VERY big in that area of the country, and people DO eat Popeye's for breakfast, and lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and at holidays. I myself LOVE Popeye's, and whenever I go to southwest La. for a visit, I stop and pick up a bucket of Popeye's to take to my relatives'.

[TwilightGardener]

33. Popeye's is for everyone. That is true. I lived in the South for years--

it's an equal-opportunity treat.

[woolldog]

38. Turn off the TV and video games

The part about turning off the TV and the video games has been a part of his stump speech for a while, including when speaking to audiences of various ethnicities. It's one of the lines that gets the most applause.

[malik flavors]

45. Umm, I'm african-american, and I think you need to chill out. That is all.

[Honeycombe8]

46. Note that this poster is a "new" poster, you all. The "new" posters don't want Obama to win.

Just sayin', for all of us who are noting the influx of all these "new" posters that seem amazingly to have the same viewpoints about the Dem. candidates.

They are, however, out of their league.

[woolldog]

54. Nah she's not a troll.

I've read her posts before and she's genuinely probama.

[JanusAscending]

56. Ya really know how to kill a thread, don't cha??

Just saying, do we give anyone the benefit of the doubt? Are all of us who replied to the PO blooming idiots that have NO discernment? Give me a break!

[polticalpout]

62. Wow you have 1000 posts, you must be sooooo smart.

This "new" poster attack is really lame, have you polled every "new" poster about there views? I think you are just posting out of your ass.

[Bluebear]

75. And a great profile too! Oh, wait...

[redstate_democrat]

68. Whatever

I have been a strong supporter of Obama on here. Just because I support him does not mean I can't criticize him for something I find wrong. I am not a BLIND supporter.

[Bluebear]

74. Please. I have never seen so many "new" posters joining a bandwagon as the new Obama folks.

And that's fine, but let's be fair.

[emilyg]

104. You're full of it.

[NashVegas]

132. Would That Include All the Pro-Obama Posters Who Signed Up In January?

Damn, I knew they were all trolls.

[rug]

51. Don't blame him. Bill Cosby has started writing his speeches.

[spag68]

52. I was also bothered by that speech

At one point he said "can I get an amen here". IMHO too close to church-state pandering.

[4themind]

57. Personally ,

I've seen in secular settings too (in a joking manner)but, perceptions will differ.

[woolldog]

58. I didn't like that either.

Too preechy.

[4themind]

53. sorry wrong thread

edit; posted in wrong thread by accident
edit again: but to add to this thread, I think obama balances the political and personal responsibilities better than bill cosby does, although I can understand if he's seen as making some upsetting generalizations here.

[FrenchieCat]

59. Well, by all means, take offense and get divided.......

it always works in our favor that way... :sarcasm:

Obama stepped over "your" line, not mine.....and I know a lot of Black people too...after all my husband is a minister at one of the largest Black Baptist Churches in the Bay Area.

So now, with your "help", Hillary can get the "offended" African-Americans vote, and she can become the nominee! How productive and principled of you!

Thank God that the larger majority of Black voters who vote don't see it your way.

[redstate_democrat]

78. WHAT?

Okay so is Obama not to be criticized AT ALL? I SUPPORT HIM. I am not advocating that Black people run and vote for HIllary. Because despite what Obama said, I still will give him the benefit of the doubt. I just want him to spread this tough love around. If it is that important of a message, go before other audiences and say the same things. And I don't know what "principles" you speak of , but my principles wont allow me to just blindly follow someone and not criticize them whenever they get out of line in my opinion. His views will not always fall in line with mine and I understand that. But I think the point I make is valid.

[woolldog]

80. What is your purpose here?

If it bothers you so much, why don't you just write his campaign an email? It's that simple.

[redstate_democrat]

84. Excuse me?

What is the point of any of these threads on DU? I have a gripe and I'm talking about it. Trust me, if this speech is shown on television enough, I will not be the only AA concerned about it. Bill Cosby basically said the same thing and he was dogged out by us. He needs to show that he is a little more balanced on this end or else this could be more troubling then what it appears to be now.

And I will be emailing the campaign. I am on several listserves for groups in my area through the Obama website. I will put it out on there as well.

[woolldog]

99. Oh calm down. Sheesh.

I just wanted to make sure you were going to do something productive with your outrage.

[femrap]

60. I am a HRC supporter....just want to be up front

about that. One of my pet peeves about BO is his arrogance. I don't see this as an asset for Leadership.

My Goddess, haven't we had enough of this arrogance with the present resident of the White House???

HRC has consistently worked for women and children her entire adult life...did you know after she graduated from Yale Law School, she started the first Legal Aid Office EVER in Arkansas?? She was only 27 years old. She didn't join a Corporate Law Office.

Please read her bio and see what she has DONE..not what she has talked about. And don't listen to the MSM...heavens, look what they have told us about W!!!

I don't trust BO as far as I can throw him. Shirley Chisholm always said: 'Men are men.'

[ProSense]

65. "I don't trust BO as far as I can throw him. Shirley Chisholm always said: 'Men are men.'"

So you don't trust men?

[TwilightGardener]

66. She didn't join a corporate law office? Are ya SURE about that?

[cliffordu]

81. RE: Shirley Chisholm always said: 'Men are men.'

Well, that about does it for you're esteemed opinion.

Thanks for sharing!!

:hi:

[redstate_democrat]

82. I'm sorry but

I cannot support Hillary after all she has done. Did you see her response regarding what that Hispanic lady said down in Texas? There was no rejecting or denouncing on her part. And as far as her record goes, I don't deny that, but I do know she also was a partner at Rose Law firm and sat on the boards of Walmart and Tyco.

I trust Obama, but I just don't want him to get too comfortable with our votes. Some Democrats tend to take the Black community for granted and then we wonder why our problems seem to always be an afterthought.

[femrap]

87. The Democratic Party has taken Black's and

women's votes for granted for years. I would really like to have a 3rd and 4th party.

And the Repugnants have used the 'Divide and Conquer' strategy on us....they have set the Blacks against the women.

The only thing helping HRC is that there is nothing to smear her with....BO has lots. But in the end the Democratic Party is split...just look at DU. More hate toward each other than toward W.

We'll end up with McCain...and probably Huckabee as VP. McCain is 72 and next thing you know Huckabee is Prez and we have a theocracy just like Iran.

What Hope?

[redstate_democrat]

100. As far as divide and conquer

goes, I don't think that will happen. We will all rally around the eventual nominee. I mean, what else is there? We definently don't want McInsanity in the WH. Even though I strongly dislike Hillary right now, if she does become the nominee I will hold my nose and vote for her because at LEAST she will implement some things on the progressive agenda. But if Obama wins, I believe there will be MAJOR change. I will eventually get over my gripe with Obama. We're just having a spat right now.

[cigsandcoffee]

67. His message to the audience is essentially conservative.

I'm guessing that's what makes it a little hard to swallow. It's also targeting backs as if they are different, which is impolite at best. I think he's pandering to white racists, and trying to score his "Sister Souljah" moment.

You're right about the Popeye's thing, by the way. If Hillary'd said anything approaching that, she'd be nailed to a cross.

[polticalpout]

69. A lot of people need to hear this speech, because he's dead on right

What he described is going on in almost every city in America, black and white. Is he trying to connect to the audience sure, is he getting a little personal, sure. I can't fault him, I give him credit for it.

[ProSense]

70. Ah, uncomfortable truths!

When Bill Cosby made his comments, I was pissed. Why? Because, whether by choice of words or intentionally, he was blaming black America for creating the culture that disadvantaged blacks.

This statement by Obama brings to mind the image of a child eating chips and drinking soda at 7 a.m. You know what: a lot of times the parent and child are not black.

So it's uncomfortable. It's a generalization, and some people don't really think it's bad to say feed your child more nutritious meals. You'll even hear some say, "I really need to do that."

[redstate_democrat]

86. You know what?

I get that. I know that some people in our community need to do better. BUT PLEASE understand that Black people are not the only people who have these types of problems. I don't have a problem with him pointing them out, but then what? He also needs to point everyone else's problems too. I wonder what would happen if he went before largely Hispanic groups and told them to stop being racist against Black people? He had no problem telling AA's not to be racist, antisemetic, homophobic, as if ALL Black people hold those prejudices. I want to look on the news and see him addressing that. It has been said many times that Hispanics hold this view and the Hispanic activist down in Texas basically said that the only problem with Barack is that he is Black. Now, why doesn't he address that in front of Hispanic audiences?

[zulchzulu]

71. Link from Lynn Sweet column

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/02/sweet_column_yall_have_popeyes.html

As for your assessment, I think you're taking a lot of what Obama says out of context. As for talking about problems, Chris Rick and Bill Cosby have been accused of being a little too close for comfort for some.

[redstate_democrat]

93. Well

I don't like Chris Rock's brand of comedy. He really just talks from an uninformed place. I find that some White people like Chris Rock and Bill Cosby because they feel it sort of let's them "off the hook" for problems in the Black community and reinforces stereotypical views, allowing them not to feel so bad for holding them.

[Barack_America]

72. A continuing theme of Obama's candidacy is that WE must also change...

That Washington can only go so far.

Just so I'm clear, do you disagree with the facts of what he said or that he said this to a predominantly black audience (which actually doesn't seem to be the case, after all)?

I think that we all need to accept that as much as Washington screwed up, we too have screwed up in this country (by not being involved in politics, our communities, etc). I don't fault him with trying to present this fact with a touch of humor. It's not going to be a popular idea, but it is true and we do need to hear it.

[redstate_democrat]

90. Again

I accept that part of his message. WE do need to be more responsible. But let's be clear, here, most Black people are not doing these things. He is talking down to POOR people within the Black community. Doing it this way does NOT send the message in the proper way. It stigmatizes them and really appears to just be pointing at them and saying, look at you, you have problems and America is not the cause of them. I think America has failed these people to some extent. That's just my view. It just rubbed me the wrong way.

[Barack_America]

97. That again assumes that...

The audience was prominently black and poor. Several posters have called that into question, so I'm a bit concerned that we're being spun by the press on that point. That's all.

But, unfortunately, do some of these issues plague poor parents more? I'd have to say yes. Wealthy parents, it seems, have whole other ways of neglecting their children.

[redstate_democrat]

128. Poor

When I said he was talking to poor people, maybe I should have said he was talking about poor people within the community. He was talking to the choir at his rally. That is why he got cheers and applause. I'm just trying to understand why people were so up in arms when Cosby basically said the same thing.

I've been reading about this on other message boards and blogs, liberal and conservative. The general consensus among conservatives and moderate democrats, and some self-proclaimed liberals seems to be that Barack was right on. I even ventured over to FreeRepublic (gasp!)and they were basically calling him a hero for "finally" telling Black people they need to get it together. One poster over there also mentioned the fact that he had read all of Barack's speeches to Black audiences and was happy to know that he "has always been hard on the Blacks". They seem to think Barack can put Blacks in their place and do what Cosby couldn't do.

I find this whole thing to be condescending. And I must be honest here, although I agree with the message itself, I don't believe his remarks were aimed at the presumed audience, but at a more targeted audience, i.e. conservatives and White moderate Democrats, etc. His tenor, tone, use of Ebonics in some instances, dialect, use of the phrase "Do good in school", was just inappropriate. If this is his idea of "reaching out" to the Black community to tell us about ourselves, then excuse me for not being impressed by it. I'm still a supporter of his, but I cannot deny that I was disappointed in what I felt was a very calculated move on his part to pander to and relieve the fears of moderates and conservatives. And yes, I believe if Hillary had said the same thing she would have been vilified in the media. I don't think he gets a pass for being who he is. Sorry. I don't think it is right for him to be able to use it as a way to pick up more moderates and conservatives as I'm sure he did as a result of his "tough love".

The statements brought to mind the thinking of most conservatives and moderate Democrats that some Black people are whiners living in perpetual victimhood. Basically, stop believing the government can change your lives, is the thinking. Well, I for one don't believe the government can change personal behaviors of people. It takes people changing their own behaviors. How do we achieve this? Education, opportunity, and fairness. Call me idealistic. But this is what we should be discussing in a presidential election. But these same conservatives don't want to put their money where their mouths are by funding schools and creating opportunities for those other than multinationals.

I'm sure that the people attending Obama's rally know that they should properly feed their children, not allow them to watch television for ten hours a day, and not feed kids Popeyes chicken for breakfast. To think otherwise would be narrow-minded. And I would honestly have to admit that I believe MOST people understand as much, even if they don't exactly follow such advice. What we have to start talking about is why these things are happening.

It just seemed like the oddest thing to say at a campaign rally at this point in time, with more conservative states like OH and TX coming up. I am also, as I've said before, confused as to why this message hasn't been given to other audiences. Barack likes to tell Black people what they should be doing, but then doesn't spread the tough love around in front of other constituencies. It, in my view, makes Black people look weak and simpleminded as if it takes Barack Obama telling us to do simple things in order for Black people to do it. Like he has control over the Black community. And, I am still wondering why Cosby was dismissed and Obama is praised for it. It seems a little hypocritical in my view.

I still haven't given up on him because I still believe his platform to be superior to Hillary's.

[frogcycle]

79. I think, and this is just my speculation

that he is going a little overboard on purpose. Yes, I agree, the popeye's chicken crack was 'way out of line in that venue; on national tv, addressing the entire country it would have been ok - and spot on.

I think that this and some other things he's said and done are evidence of his striving for acceptance by whites. There was a expression for this taken from Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel. Let me make clear that I don't think he is doing it all that consciously; I think it is perhaps a natural personality trait developed by growing up Black, going to Harvard... As the first serious African American contender for the Presidency, he HAS to feel that he is walking on eggshells. I commend him for keeping his cool so well, for being so "in control" - which is probably another trait he refined as a survival tactic to get ahead in environments in which he was not in the majority racially. Criticizing, chastising Blacks as he did in the address you reference was probably more to gain acceptance by the racist white folks who need to feel he is really an oreo if they are to support him. Unfortunately, it is really, really hard to look into someone's soul in this campaign environment. We can't know how sincere any of them are on anything, and can't know if he is judgmental about Blacks as a group or not. Bill Cosby and Charles Barkley sure are, and that doesn't make them turncoats; it makes them leaders.

[redstate_democrat]

92. I agree

I do think he is trying to cater to a specific group within the Democratic party. I don't like that and I picked up on it rather quickly. He needs to fall back on that. I'm not saying that he shouldn't point out problems he perceives to be within the AA community, but he needs to demonstrate that he comes from a place of caring. It sounded like some conservative talking about welfare queens, etc. I'm not saying he should make excuses, but he should at least recognize some of the causes of these problems and then say what he will do about it. That's, in my opinion, not asking too much. I would also like for him to address other audiences this way as well.

[LadyVT]

85. I am sorry to read this. I can see it would be hurtful.

I think he's trying to "connect" with an African-American audience which he believes feeds their children this way. It's been a LONG time since he lived in anything even near poverty, and that was not in an African-American community. Although he community organized in an impoverished African-American community, he was not impoverished himself. Perhaps he doesn't realize that most African-Americans are middle class, now. It's the Native Americans who are overwhelmingly Third World impoverished.

Anyway, I'm sorry to read of this.

[Bluerthanblue]

91. ""most African-Americans are "middle class now" ""?

are you quite sure?


peace~

[LadyVT]

111. here you go

33 million African-Americans in US (24 million in 2000 Census; 40 million by some counts--this varies widely based on just who is counted as African-American), just over 1/2 are middle, upper-middle, or upper-class. There are more Af-Americans living in poverty (1 in 4) than Whites (1 in 11) or Latinos (1 in just over 4).

Average median income: $31,969 African American; $34,200 Latino; $49,000 White; $45,248 Asian-American (but they tend to live in 3-earner households).

You are, perhaps, thinking of the fact that fewer African-Americans have been able to move into the middle class over the past 20+ years--it's more difficult for them to do so if they are impoverished, compared with other groups (except Native Americans)--racism, bad schools that don't teach skill development, fewer possibilities for advancement, etc.

[redstate_democrat]

94. It is

not hurtful at all to me. I am concerned, however. I already know about the PROBLEMS in my community, but then WHAT? We are electing a President, not a preacher. I want to know what the government will do to improve our educational system, criminal justice system, how will jobs be created, etc. This should have been tied in to his message about Popeyes chicken.

[ruggerson]

89. Why are some of you jumping on this woman?

It's her OPINION, for Chrissakes.

She's an Obama supporter with some reservations/questions about her candidate.

God knows, at times, I've had reservations about mine.

You are merely feeding the (wrong) perception that some of you are a little off balance when it comes to the adoration of your candidate.

He's a smart guy running for President. He's not some kind of religious icon, a saviour, nor the second coming.

It's perfectly appropriate to criticize him.

Lighten the fuck up.

[casus belli]

96. Maybe you should look at what he's done...

and if past performance is any indication of the future, you really shouldn't be too concerned about whether he will stand with those of whom he has asked support.

[redstate_democrat]

108. I know what he has done

but it seems to me that he is purposefully moving further to the right as this campaign goes on. He doesn't need to do that.

[TheDonkey]

105. This was an answer to a question given to him. Not part of a special "black" stump speech

and it really does ring true to the black community. There is a diabetes epidemic (that was what the question was asking) and to help curb this it starts at HOME. Kudos for Obama for telling it like it is and the audience appreciated his candor and regional humor.

[NastyRiffraff]

109. I want to commend this woman

for speaking out. I didn't see the speech, so I can't agree or disagree, but I think it's healthy that she has the guts to see what she perceives to be a problem with the candidate of her choice. I think more of us should be willing to do this.

I support Hillary, and I don't agree with her on everything, either. I think a lot of the problems on this board comes from people blindly supporting a candidate to the extent that no dissent is tolerated. And that's never right; I don't care who you're talking about.

As an aside...I'm not entirely comfortable with a politician telling me how to live, period.

[Tatiana]

110. The leading cause of death among African-Americans is heart disease.

That's followed by cancer (#2), stroke (#3), and diabetes (#4).

I like Popeye's chicken (and their biscuits too)! But I can't eat Popeye's chicken and biscuits 5 times a week and be healthy. Statistically, African-Americans experience conditions like cardiovascular disease (CVD) at a younger age and it shortens our life expectancy as opposed to other ethnic groups. It is a problem. And I don't mind that Obama said something about it.

Both of my sisters eat fried fast food at least 4-5 days per week. They are both overweight and one struggles with high blood pressure. It's a major health issue and I think Obama was speaking on the topic in the context of a response to a health-related question posed by one of the audience members.

Perhaps he could have phrased his comments to be more politically-correct. But you know what? I like someone who can be real with me. I like someone who won't sugarcoat things. People roasted Bill Cosby over the coals, but that man was speaking truth and only out of concern for the well-being of African-Americans; not out of arrogance or trying to be better than anyone. I watched that segment, and it appeared as though the audience agreed with him.

I don't think Obama was in any way trying to take the votes of African-Americans for granted. He was just being real. As an African-American female who struggled with high blood pressure for years (at a young age) and FINALLY gave up the Popeye's, KFC, and Sonic, I can tell you the health benefits are life changing.

It takes guts to voice what may be an unpopular opinion. Maybe someone in that audience will take Obama's words to heart in a way that makes them change their eating habits. If so, that's a good thing.

[LadyVT]

112. The leading cause of death in women is heart disease.

Just sayin'

[Tatiana]

115. Right. But I was referring specifically to African-Americans. Thanks. n/t

[redstate_democrat]

113. I really do understand

what he is saying. But I just would like for him to show some evenhandedness with this. That's all. I still support him, though. I'm just saying how I perceived the message. There is a way to say everything. I'm not saying he has to be politically correct in everything, but he needs to say things in a way so that the message will get across. A lot of times, it's how you say things and who is saying it, that matters.

[Tatiana]

116. Oh I understand and agree. But I think the message did get across.

And the audience applauded him. If they didn't appreciate the sentiment, they could have remained silent (as some audiences have done with other unpopular statements Obama has made). So I see your point, I understand your perception, but I think the perception of those people in the audience who heard the context under which the response was given, appreciated the sentiment.

I do believe, however, that Obama has to make his "off the cuff" remarks in a way that he can't be sound-bitten. I'm sure he'll work on that.

[Bok_Tukalo]

117. I love Popeyes

But I like Taco Bell better. The problem with Taco Bell though is that it is not any good the next day so he really could not use that. Same with Whataburger.

I guess he could have used KFC or Churches. What other fast food besides chicken makes it to breakfast? Pizza?

[redstate_democrat]

118. Oh so you think my concerns about

Barack's statements are trivial? Look, if you know anything at all about the criticisms Bill Cosby received within the Black community, then you would understand what I am talking about. I gather you don't, so whatever.

[Jamastiene]

119. Sounds as if he is stereotyping the entirety of the African American community

to me by saying that. He should have said we all should do our best to help children excel in school in whatever way we can and left it at that. A lot about his tone and his way of alienating people really disturbs me.

[anamandujano]

120. As a candidate, he should not be lecturing anyone on how to treat

their children. He should be commenting on how he's going to help.

[Drunken Irishman]

121. The president can only do so much.

I have no problem with Obama or any candidate stressing the importance of parental responsibility.

Ultimately, the government can only do so much and then it becomes the parent's issue.

[Binka]

124. Strident Much? He Isn't Lecturing He Is Admonishing

Grab a dictionary and a clue.

[mattclearing]

122. Don't know what to tell you there.

It seems like some of the people there were laughing, so he must have had a point, or at least had them going to the point where they weren't thinking too critically about what he was saying.

Perhaps he feels that as a member of the black community, he can say things about the community he wouldn't say to other groups of people.

The choice of Popeye's chicken, of all things, seems unfortunate to me, though. He can do better than that.

[JCMach1]

123. Bill Cosby syndrome!

You don't have to be a Pollyana, but please leave out the pudding pops!


Remember when Bill Cosby got into trouble for this kind of thing?


...Cosby’s widely circulated quote, “Your dirty laundry gets out of school at 2:30 every day; it’s cursing and calling each other n----r,” amounts to blaming the victims for their own oppression. It reflects both the class divisions within the black population and the fact that black oppression transcends class lines. The cruel and bitter truth is that black ghetto youth are not wanted or needed by America’s capitalist rulers. By the same token, growing alienation among black youth is the product of hardening race segregation in this country.

The position of the black middle class in this country is a precarious one, even for those like Cosby who have “made it.” To be black and “make it”—to try to become part of “respectable” bourgeois society—requires putting as much distance as possible between yourself and the black ghetto poor. What better way to do that than to blame them for their own oppression? Cosby speaks for the thin layer of wealthy blacks who see the ghetto poor as “bringing the race down.”

Cosby, like many others, rightly opposes the casual use of the “N” word among blacks. On National Public Radio’s 7 July Talk of the Nation show he complained of the unhappy sounds of black kids: “Now you can tell me it’s the sound of the ’hood if you want to, but then when you put profanity with it, and degrading self-hatred sentences, you’ve got a problem.” But in response to another guest who denounced Black Entertainment Television making “billions” by “contributing to the degradation of our culture,” Cosby clearly defended capitalist enterprise in its entirety, responding, “You can do anything you want to in this United States. I can begin to sell—put a product out called Spit. And I can spit in a bottle and sell it.” Cosby is a true believer in the “magic of the market.” But it is within this capitalist market that “you’ve got a problem,” not the ’hood.

The new popularization of the “N” word is encouraged and promoted by America’s racist rulers by all means at their disposal, above all the capitalist market. The main revenues of the “gangsta rap” industry, shameless promoters of the “N” word, are generated in the white suburbs. The ideological campaign to “reclaim” the “N” word as a “term of endearment” is promoted by black intellectual apologists safely nestled in the universities.

The “N” word bluntly defines the race-color caste oppression of American blacks —oppressed as a people regardless of class. The Cosby family has direct experience with the “N” word as the cutting edge of racist reaction. In 1998, on the day after the conviction of the racist thug who murdered her son, Ennis, Camille Cosby, Bill’s wife, wrote a courageous USA Today commentary titled, “America Taught My Son’s Killer to Hate Blacks” (8 July 1998). She wrote, “All African-Americans, regardless of their educational and economic accomplishments, have been and are at risk in America simply because of their skin colors. Sadly, my family and I experienced that to be one of America’s racial truths.” She described how her son, Ennis Cosby, heir to a fortune, was murdered in a “middle- to upper-middle-income, predominately white community” by a white racist thug who boasted, “I shot a n----r. It’s all over the news.” A howl of right-wing protest answered Camille Cosby’s simple statement of “America’s racial truths,” repeatedly reminding the Cosbys of the class position awarded them.

Racist ideologue David Horowitz led the mob, penning a widely circulated hit piece titled “Mrs. Cosby’s Racial Paranoia.” With great venom he wrote, “What can be said about a mother who exploits the tragic death of her own son to deliver a racist diatribe against a nation that has showered her with privilege, making her family wealthy and famous beyond the wildest dreams of almost anyone alive...?” Though Julian Bond, then president of the NAACP, rose to her defense, he was the rare exception among black leaders. But Camille Cosby stood her ground against the mob of white racist media hit men. In a reply (posted on afrikan.net), she mentioned a “letter to the editor” she had written that the New York Times refused to print. She made this revealing point: the Times coverage of the killer’s trial excluded the inflammatory epithet, n----r. Cosby wrote of the Times “sanitizing the word ‘n----r’ with ‘black man’ in paraphrase.” Camille Cosby rendered a service to black America and the working class with these revelations. The same cannot be said of her husband.

Village Voice writer Ta-Nehisi Coates noted that the philanthropist Bill Cosby has played for some time “one ugly role that his activist friends like to ignore—patron saint of black elitists” (Village Voice, 26 May-1 June). ...http://www.spartacist.org/english/wv/archives/oldsite/2004/Cosby-832.html

[LiberalAndProud]

125. 'us'

"I've got to talk about us a little bit,"
Was he speaking of 'us' as a Black man? or was he speaking as a biracial American?

Must we interpret everything he says through the lens of race?

I would like to know what parent can afford to feed leftover Popeye's for breakfast. Although I think it might be more nutritious than 50Percent-sugar cerealCandy junk food stuff we are feeding them.

[LiberalAndProud]

127. I mean, it depends on what the definition of 'us' is.

(couldn't resist)

[redstate_democrat]

129. No

we don't have to interpret everything Barack says through "the lens of race", but let's not delude ourselves into believing that this was not about Blacks, even though the message is universal.

[LiberalAndProud]

137. Ok, I tend to ascribe the best of intentions where none are meant.

This reminds me of the Tiger Woods fried-chicken dinner preference after he won the Masters tournament. Chicken.

Chicken threads should be banned again.

[VoteSmart]

130. SNL suites him....Obama - Quit posin'

Without benefit of media slants on the "Popeye" brand-name drop in Obama's Texas delivery, I was immediately offended(I am not African-American). His backdrop included mostly young voters, possibly 2/3 AA; my impression: the white attendees were expressionless, not because they can't relate to the sub-theme he chose to present, but they were equally offended.

The young African-American in the audience had mixed reactions, but most seemed obligatory at best. Obama, not unlike Clinton or other politically influential leaders, All feel the experience begins at home and that routines and solid guidance contribute to strong families.

Obama conveniently "strikes a pose"; during his early campaigning as well as State of IL work, you would never hear his voice change, his intentional inflections, his attempt to "relate to his people". Perhaps he wants to relate more to his own ethnicity, but that is a personal journey and not meant for this walk to Washington.

I'm personally offended that he has recently adopted an MLK-esque speech rhythm to lull voters into his camp. Quit fronting. Sadly, I am more disappointed with the slackened integrity and uneducated approach many are taking during the vote-decision overall, however this wouldn't be the first time people were subliminally lead to their demise.

Thanks to people like redstate_democrat, insightful questions bring the promise of a fully critiqued decision and more powerful vote in this next election.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

133. Very Good OP. Was Refreshing To See Objectivity For A Change, And I Could Tell You Were Being Quite

genuine. I can definitely understand your point of view.

As you can see though, even as you're still an Obama supporter, god forbid you commit heresy by speaking ill of him whatsoever, and you still get called out as a troll or harassed. You don't deserve that, and I thought you did a fine job in you OP.

Thanks for actually using your critical thinking skills! There's far too much of a shortage of them here.

[BlackVelvet04]

134. I don't know what to tell you....

I have found him to be quite offensive on many occasions. I think he felt he was talking to his home crowd, so to speak, and thought he could get personal....I wouldn't have liked it were I in the audience or were I a woman. He did exactly what the Obama supporters accused Hillary of doing to him...scolded grownups as if they were children.

[meow mix]

135. why should he fear some aspect of american food culture?

its food, theres a problem in america concerning health, and he thought he would give it mention.

the thought of it being to "racially-charged" probally didnt occur to him because thats not what he is about.