OK. But is it true?
A statistical analysis might help.
How many years of Governor, or Senator level experience correlates to a better that 30% vote showing in a primary?
Is Obama outside of the 90% statistical confidence interval?
If he is such an outlier, then something MUST be used to explain the statistical anomaly.
That he is getting 85% of the African American vote should be considered in the analysis.

This sounds just like Bill Clinton in South Caroina. This is clearly a pattern of racial polarization carried out by Clinton Surrogates which Hillary can then disclaim, downplay, or deny. Even the most partisan Clinton Supporters should be able to find a drop of decency, a thimble full of intellectual honesty, and a shot of political courage to "denounce and reject" these tactics and back it up by withdrawing their support from the Clinton Campaign.

I guess John Edwards had such a strong run in 2004 because he was black, right? I guess Hillary who claims experience, while serving fewer years as an elected official than Obama, is where she is because she's black, right? This argument is absurd and divisive. It follows a clear pattern of the Clinton campaign trying to diminish Obama's success by playing the race card. Same thing happened after South Carolina. Nevermind that he won such overwhelmingly white states as Vermont, Wisconsin, Iowa, Wyoming, Kansas, Minnesotta, etc... Nevermind that Hillary's gender is an obvious advantage when 60% of the Democrat electorate is female. This woman needs to go away not, before she does anymore damage.

Sounds like Gerry has a problem with black men running for President.

Obama is attracting thousands of new voters and winning states that are predominantly white. When he first got in the race, many blacks wouldn't even consider him because of their loyalty to the Clintons. They questioned whether his background was sufficiently "black enough" to relate to the issues of poor or middle class black people. When Obama began to gain momentum and blacks saw that he was winning in white states, they realized that Obama was a viable candidate and someone they could support.

If it's fair to say that Obama would not be where he is if he were (or was) white, then you must also say that of Clarence Thomas, Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Deval Patrick, or any black person who has succeeded and earned a position of importance.

The point is, for a woman of Geraldine Ferraro's stature to say something like this with all of it's implications is careless, and does nothing to bolster or unify the democratic party. Nor does it do anything to bolster Hillary's candidacy.

Hillary and her campaign team are the same type of lowlife thugs that the Republicans are (win at all costs).

OBAMA 08!

It is good that nobody wants to be racist. However, that fear has robbed people of their freedom to state the truth, be it Blacks or non-Blacks.

The fact that Obama and his supporters keep trying to silence those who state the obvious, it clearly says that they are the one who use the race card. The majority of the blacks (80 to 90%) has voted for him, if that is not racist then what is it?

Clinton has had to worked hard to earn every single vote, including woman, man, latinos...and she shows that some has gone over for him. Obama has not shown any inroads to outside of his Blacks Votes.

Morgan:

You mean like in those big black population states like Iowa, Wyoming, Vermont and Minnesota??

Seems like he made some inroads in those states.

Geraldine Ferraro was just relating her own personal experience and what she had learned in looking back on her own personal history and applying it to her reasons why she supports Hillary Clinton and not Barack Obama. It has to do with experience and qualifications period. He is running on star power not qualifications or experience and part of her star power in 84 was her being a woman. Part of Barack Obama star power is being the first African American who really is expected to win the white house.

That does have a amount of star draw power and we all agree on that. That is all she was trying to say not anything else the spin doctors are trying to turn in to a racist issue. It is the Obama camp and now Obama himself who is trying to pump more into it so they can suck more out of it for Political gain. Typical politics.

We had a whole tread where we talked open and honestly about things like this and now we are resorting to making that thread a sham by this kind of discussion. Here Geraldine Ferraro was relating in and open way her personal lessons learned as to why she was the VP on the ticket. Now was that her only qualifications ..no. She had some experience and had done a lot of good work and was also ask for that. She had to have political qualification other then being a woman or they would have just picked any woman with a big name or a woman off the street. Still one of the biggest factors of picking her at that time was to create star power from her being a woman. The Times and what she brought was responsible for that. The times and who Barack Obama is (all parts of him) is making him the success he is today. He could not have done this 30 years ago or even 20 years ago or maybe even 10 years ago. To say there have never been qualified African Americans before Barack Obama that could have run for office before 2008 is just absurd an not true. The list is way to long to even attempt to say that... it has been shameful and stupid that we as American have not had such ability and wisdom running for President long before 2008 just because of ones race or gender.

What she is saying bottom line is that qualification and experience is not being place on a equal standing with other factors in the success of Barack Obama in 2008 just like qualification and experience was not being placed on equal standing when she was asked to run as VP in 84. Ask yourself what YOUR motives are for sharing in this thread?

Look past the smoke screen it is not that hard to do. She is kind of right that they are attacking her and yes her being white is part of the excuse but they could care less about her race it is the opportunity to attack for political advantage that is the important part. She could be purple or any other color and they would use it. This has nothing to do with Racism in any direction ....it is just who can take and twist and turn for political gain. A show, A Act. We the people are the only ones getting hurt in all this. I don’t buy into it from either side after the fact of her first comments. My above post says what she was originally trying to say and relate to and anything and everything beyond that is just media hype and political gamesmanship.

Why is anyone listening to Ferraro. She was one of the reasons Mondale lost. There were strong allegations that her husband was linked to the mob. I did not vote for Mondale and one of the reasons was his very weak choice in running mates.

Its about time someone stood up too Obama's pandering that people are racist. Its a two way street.

Obama has not shown any inroads to outside of his Blacks Votes.
Posted by: vote4thebest, Morgan Hill/USA | March 12, 2008 12:48 PM
********************

Right, Obama carried the Midwest by huge margins on the strength of "his Blacks Votes" alone. If there were just a few more white people in Wisconsin and Wyoming, Clinton wouldn't be down over a hundred delegates.

Yes, being black has clearly catapulted so many politicians to power! That's why the Senate has had about 3 of them in its history! This is KKK level propaganda - turn the "statistical outlier" that is Obama into a simplistic and sick race issue, instead of believing somehow that a black man might have the intelligence, vision, and charisma to pull it off. Got to be because he's black! Affirmative action! Yeah, that's why people VOTE overwhelming for him in so many places, white people as well!! This talk of black voters making this happen is silly - how black is Maine, Iowa, etc? Ferraro reveals herself as a closet racist (or perhaps she can't even see it), and certainly as senile.

If Obama was a white man he wouldn't be receiving so many death threats.

If Obama was a white man he would have already wrapped up the Dem nomination (which he already has for the most part).

Hillary needs to put her little racist friend, Geraldine, back in her box.

Geraldine Ferraro's comments are absolutely correct. She is not a racist. She's just speaking the truth and some peoplel can't handle it. She's not a paid staffer or a surrogate for Hillary Clinton.

As for Obama, he's not electable. The numbers tell it all.

In Ohio, Obama outspent Hillary 3 to 1 yet won ONLY 5 out of 88 counties in Ohio. Those five are where the large black voter turnout was. The black vote is the ONLY group that Obama won. That's not a "racist" statement, it's just a FACT.

If you can't win in the big,must win states like Ohio, you can't win the Presidency.

In Mississippi last night, Obama won 91% of the black vote,(Miss has the largest black population in the nation) while only winning 21% of the white vote. That's not a racist statement, it's a FACT.

Obama's negatives are rising.

It's GAME OVER.

Hillary Clinton has proven she can win big in the big states that are the must wins for the Dems in November. It's that simple.

Hillary is the strongest, most electable candidate in the race and should be the nominee of the Dem party.

Obama is destroying the unity of the party, Obama has been the one who has continually interjected race and sexism into this campaign. Shame on Obama, he's the one who should apologize.

Who is funding Obama and why? Why is Obama deriding a former President of his own party? Questions that require an answer.

After this campaign is over and the Rezko trial is over I'll bet Obama won't even be re-elected to the Senate from Illinois.

I feel sorry for Hillary Clinton. She had part of my support early in the campaign, but now I just feel she has a team as bad as George Bush when he ran for president. If she comes in second place, I certainly hope Obama does not select her as a running mate. She should be ashamed of herself.

Voteforthebest, I am a 45 year old white male who voted for Obama in the primary. My wife id also. I would vote for McCain over Clinton is she was the nominee. I would vote for Obama if he was the nominee. This is not a race issue. Obama would make a better president.

Why does this suprise anyone? The campaign started off with Bill Clinton, then Gov. Ed Rendell and now Geraldine Ferraro spewing racists views. This is very calculating campaign tactic to Divide voters of all colors.

Ferraro is right. The only reason why these comments are considered racist is because she's a white woman. Obama is getting preferential treatment because any attack against him is seen as "trying to keep a black man down."

Don't worry though; there's enough hope and change to fill everyone's bubble.

i dont care if the next president is white/ black male /female race or gender ?havent we gotten past that.i think ferraro new what she was saying and said on behalf of clinton. clinton couldnt say it .to much back lash but if one of her generals says it . its out there and she cant be blamed . i think it was a calculated back door attac. obama may not have all the experiance but may be thats good . look at what all that so called experiance has done for america . may be common sence would be a good qualification.

Thanks for getting this historical information out of the blogosphere and into the mainstream! Hopefully, it will also be picked up by Diane Sawyer on GMA/ABC and by the NYT.

This story matters because Ferraro is supporting Clinton and she is part of the Clinton campaign. Also, if you remember last week, a big deal was made when Samatha Power, an Obama advisor called Clinton a "monster". Clinton threw a fit, and the media played it as a huge deal and she resigned. Here is a Clinton advisor who is claiming that it is better to be a black candidate running for president than it is to be a white candidate. Clinton might as well have Rush Limbaugh come out and start doing her dirty work...oh wait...she kind of already has. Ferraro is a member of a campaign that has said that John McCain is a better leader than Barrack Obama; is trying to reverse the history of the U.S. by claiming that white people are the victims against racsim; and, that has released a photo of Obama in African dress attempting to convince voters that Obama is a Muslim. This is just a shame that the media has not been all over Clinton about this the way they were about Samantha Powers comment about Clinton being a monster, which is much less offensive. Here the media keeps waiting for Obama to say something stupid and trip up yet Clinton has already said that John McCain is a better leader than Barrack Obama; circulated a photo of Obama that implies he is Muslim and that that would be a bad thing, and of course, he is NOT Muslim; and, now they have another "staffer" come out and say that blacks have it easy in the United States, and that being black makes it easier to run for president...which is why I suppose we have had so many black presidents. How can Clinton be portrayed in a positive light after she keeps having her goons go out and do and say things like this? And how can the media be on edge waiting to catch Obama on a trip up when Clinton has tripped up at least 3 times now by saying really offensive stuff. To quote Tina Fey, former member of a show that hasn't been funny in 15 years, I suppose " ***** is the new black ", only without the 300 years of slavery that included women...

Kevin Drum of CBS hits it on the head:

Implicit in Ferraro's statement is the idea that if Obama were a charismatic young white guy, there's no way he'd be getting any attention. And that's just plain crackers. Charismatic young John F. Kennedy won the presidency in 1960. His brother, charismatic young Robert F. Kennedy, attracted huge support in 1968 and might have become president as well if he hadn't been assassinated. Charismatic young Gary Hart nearly stole the 1984 Democratic nomination from Walter Mondale. And charismatic young Bill Clinton won the presidency in 1992.

Being young and charismatic has been a pretty good combination in the Democratic Party for the past 50 years. And being against the Iraq war from the start is a pretty is a pretty strong credential in the Democratic Party this year. Contra Ferraro, if Obama were a white man he'd still be getting plenty of attention this year.

The Clinton campaign has engaged in a pattern of race-baiting that used to be associated with Jesse Helms. Geraldine Ferrao is only the latest example. Clinton's Latino strategist said Latinos don't trust blacks. Ed Rendell claimed that PA voters won't vote for a black. Latino activist Adelfa Callejo said "the problem with Obama is that he's black".

Clinton critics say she's divisive. She's proving them correct. This kind of race-baiting will seriously damage the nation and take years to fix. If this is the Clinton method, she's in the wrong party. She should head the Dixiecrat Party with Strom Thurmond as her runningmate.

if you tell the truth today you are considered a racist or polit incorrect. can anyone give their opinion without being attacked, are we living in a hitler state again---

For all of you who want to say that what Gerry is saying is right you really need to grow up. To say that white people are voting for a black man over a white woman because black men are more esteemed in society than white women is really the dumbest thing I have ever heard. And I say white people because it is not just black people voting for him. You don't win Alaska, Vermont, Iowa, Wyoming, Conneticut and red states like Virginia with only black people voting for you. No candidate can win the nomination with only one race voting for them. And to say that whites just want to see a black man be President and it is not about his message or ideals....I'm sorry but when did this country become a Utopia? Stop believing everything the Clintons put in your face people..grow up

In Mississippi last night, Obama won 91% of the black vote,(Miss has the largest black population in the nation) while only winning 21% of the white vote. That's not a racist statement, it's a FACT.

Posted by: John | March 12, 2008 1:01 PM

Wow, you truly are an idiot aren't you, Einstein?

Gee, I wonder why Obama didn't get much of the white vote IN FREAKING MISSISSIPPI?!?!?!

Do I have to spell it out for you, Mr Geraldine Ferraro?

...and Hillary has won some big states because of her Democratic machine friends and NOT because she's such a good candidate.
She has run one the worst Presidential campaigns in recent history.

What's the definition of
"chutzpah" again?

Would it be when the wife of a former president whose primary qualification for office is name recognition gained from her husband's success, claims that her opponents BIGGEST ADVANTAGE (its so absurd that its hard to comprehend) is that he is an ethnic minority?

Hillary, darling, if your name were Jones you would have never been considered a credible candidate. Mr. Obama has MORE legislative experience than you do. He's ahead in the popular vote, states won and pledged delegates.

If you were anything but a cynical, soulless shrew (and I say this as a longtime Bill Clinton supporter) you would realize that you are not going to be president. In fact you're not going to be vice-president either, because the rightful nominee, Senator Obama, would have no reason to let your backbiting, underhanded tricks into the White House.

You could be the undisputed leader of Congressional Democrats for the next generation which, considering your underwhelming qualifications, is a pretty darn good gig. Instead, you appear intent on ripping the Democratic Party in half and essentially campaigning in this must-win election for the Republican rival.

For shame Mrs. Clinton!

Unfotunately, the people who are saying that Obama won more states are forgetting one thing. He won most of those states with caucuses. Sending few of the activists to those. I am a democrat, but I didn't have the time to stay in line for 6 hours as some of these jobless people have. If it is a primary election, instead of caucuses, Mr. Obama wouldn't have won half of those states. the primaries he won are the states with African-americans have more voting power in democratic party as in SC. The Obama-people, need to think, before jumping into conclusion or just supporting him blindly. I am not saying that he is not a capable person, but he is not ready now. He will destroy the democratic party, so bad that, the democratic party will lose the senate and congress in 2008 as lots of loyal democrats, not the activists, will stay home. Mr. Obama is an opportunist. He is a good orator, and he is good salesman. But we need substance.
Sorry, I will not vote for him, and if he is the candidate, I will vote Republican ffor the first time. I am not fond of HRC also. Wish we have another choice, Maybe we need to draft Gore as the president and keep Obama as the VP with training wheels.

Ferraro is projecting.

She should simply stick to the facts. As for me, I see voting for anyone as a leap of faith (based on their actions, promises and demonstrated ability to bring people together).

Contrary to what HRC would have you believe, being president is NOT a one-man/woman role. You have and entire team backing you up. What you need to have going into the role is sound judgment. HRC has demonstrated time and again that she doesn't have that ability.

My vote goes to Obama for many reasons:

Strong ability to inspire,
lead a complex team, phenomenal fund-raising ability, ability to bring together apparently different segments of society (very strong wins from various demographics), great orator, a strong legal/constitutional background, his emphasis on the importance of unity and excellence, demonstrated desire to listen to not just hear people, recurring theme that this campaign is about the American people as oppose to Hill (it's all about her legacy), ability to relate to the common man (community organizer), tactful and respectful, compassionate, strong support from other repected high-level officials from all levels of society, pioneering - go-getting attitude, true symbol of the American Dream and experience (as son of a Keynan immigrant -ability to seize every opportunity present to him and excel e.g. Columbia/Harvard & Law Review), resisting the urge to jump in the gutter with Hillary, etc...

Unfotunately, the people who are saying that Obama won more states are forgetting one thing. He won most of those states with caucuses. Sending few of the activists to those. I am a democrat, but I didn't have the time to stay in line for 6 hours as some of these jobless people have. If it is a primary election, instead of caucuses, Mr. Obama wouldn't have won half of those states. the primaries he won are the states with African-americans have more voting power in democratic party as in SC. The Obama-people, need to think, before jumping into conclusion or just supporting him blindly. I am not saying that he is not a capable person, but he is not ready now. He will destroy the democratic party, so bad that, the democratic party will lose the senate and congress in 2008 as lots of loyal democrats, not the activists, will stay home. Mr. Obama is an opportunist. He is a good orator, and he is good salesman. But we need substance.
Sorry, I will not vote for him, and if he is the candidate, I will vote Republican ffor the first time. I am not fond of HRC also. Wish we have another choice, Maybe we need to draft Gore as the president and keep Obama as the VP with training wheels.

Ferraro is not stating the truth, she is *overstating* it. Of course Obama has had help in this election by being black. But to call it the *ONLY* reason, as she did, is absurd and racist.

Obama is appealing because of the whole person, not just the color of his skin as she shamelessly argues. The reality of Obama's impressive accomplishments is unfortunately lost in the screeching of media and Clinton parrots who repeat the "empty suit" persona over and over. Obama has authored and successfully passed much more significant and important legislation than Clinton, and in less time. His work experience and public service track record are remarkable.

What bothers me is how Clinton supporters stand by her in the face of her overwhelming negative behavior. The false accusations of media bias ignore the reality that the media didn't force her to do any of the reprehensible things she has done in the course of her campaign. It's hardly media bias if she continues to give the media fodder. Should they just not write about it? That would be a greater disservice.

Unfotunately, the people who are saying that Obama won more states are forgetting one thing. He won most of those states with caucuses. Sending few of the activists to those. I am a democrat, but I didn't have the time to stay in line for 6 hours as some of these jobless people have. If it is a primary election, instead of caucuses, Mr. Obama wouldn't have won half of those states. the primaries he won are the states with African-americans have more voting power in democratic party as in SC. The Obama-people, need to think, before jumping into conclusion or just supporting him blindly. I am not saying that he is not a capable person, but he is not ready now. He will destroy the democratic party, so bad that, the democratic party will lose the senate and congress in 2008 as lots of loyal democrats, not the activists, will stay home. Mr. Obama is an opportunist. He is a good orator, and he is good salesman. But we need substance.
Sorry, I will not vote for him, and if he is the candidate, I will vote Republican ffor the first time. I am not fond of HRC also. Wish we have another choice, Maybe we need to draft Gore as the president and keep Obama as the VP with training wheels. It is time for Obama and his surrogates to get of this racial issue all the time. He is living in glass bubble. No one an say the truth or facts, then will become racism. News media is giving hima free ride.

America needs to hear Bill Clinton on the Rush Limbaugh Show

This is the link: Bill on Rush limbaugh begging for votes

http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/3/10/115320/234

This is same Rush Limbaugh show that aired this video and song about Barack Obama: The video is called - Barack the Magic Negro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm6hlj-BV0s

Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton are doing a virtual tag team against Obama.

I will vote for Obama in the general election and I am against The Clintons at any cost. I will vote Mccain in than Hillary any day!!!

What separates Obama from Hillary, Ferraro, Jesse Jackson, Edwards, Kerry, and a host of other Democrats the last 25 years is not his race, his gender, his experience or lack of, his ideas, his name or his cultural diversity. What makes Obama so appealing is his ability to communicate all of the above and this is apparently very frustrating for those who claim to have more experience, whose race or gender is not advantagous, and whose ideas seem to fall flat on many voters. In the wake of eight years of Bush, someone who can articulate the needs of Americans in a manner that inspires is very appealing and timely.

It's unfortunate that she cannot understand why her comments are both offensive and defy logic. First, in order to believe that Obama is only where he is because of the color of his skin you have to completely discount everything he is done in life to this point. President of the Harvard Law Review, Professor of constitutional law, community organizer, state legislator, the ability to develop a grass roots nationwide campaign and small donor network, his bold opposition to the Iraq war, the ethics bill he passed..according to her none of that matters. Only the color of his skin. If you cant see past his skin to view his accomplishments then I guess that makes her racist. Colorblindness is the ability to see past someones ethnicity and then evaluate his accomplishments. If you cant see past the fact that he's black then you must be racist. Hillary is not where she is because she is a women..she did get an assist by leveraging the Clinton name. If she was Bill's brother, sister or aunt it would still have the same effect. The Clinton name lends a certain degree of credibility.

I think all the comments on this board are biased. Those of us who suppport Obama think the comments were out of line and racist. Those of us that support Hillary agree with Mrs. Ferraro.

What we need to do is approach this evenly. First of all, as much as Hillary has turned me off in this campaign,and I say this as a person of color, I really don't think she is a racist. Her record of doing things for the black community cannot be disputed. I don't think that her refusal to denounce the comments made by her friend prove the contrary either.

However the comments made by Mrs. Ferraro are in doubt racist. It does not matter whether you think that it is true or not, they are racist. Obama has not run as a black candidate, he has run as the people's candidate. He engages people in the process and makes them feel like their voice actually matters. He has captured the nations imagination in a way that no politician since Bobby Kennedy has and it's not because of his race.

And as far as experience goes, he has been in elected office longer than HRC, and his 3 year career in the u.s senate is much more fruitful than hers.

My American Jewish friends are finally seeing the light. They are disappointed by both Obama's and Clinton's campaign. Jewish Americans should vote for McCain, the MENSCH. The Republican values of hard work, learning English, getting an education are shared with Jewish Values. These are not democrat values

You could tell right from the start this was all about the color of his skin when he won in Iowa. From the exit poll data, only 93% of the voters there were white, so clearly the his victory there was not due to his 6% margin over Hillary among white voters. It must have been his 3 to 1 edge in the 4% who are black.

No question Obama does well with black voters. As I recall, Bill Clinton was jokingly referred to as the first black president because he got a huge percentage of the black vote. Was Bill in the White House because he was black?

Here's my question for Geraldine Ferraro.

Where would Hillary be right now if she wasn't married to Bill?

I doubt Hillary would even be a Senator much less a Presidential candidate.

I have heard or read quite a few people who believe Mrs. Ferraro was right. But let's look at this deeper. Everyone who is running and is in public office runs based on some advantage their upbringing or heritage has afforded them. Hillary Clinton would not be were she is if not for her being a women. She may have moved futher in politics, but the same could be said if Obama was a white male. Coming from a upperclass family like the Rodhams. But let's look deeper, if a white man, living his early years abroad, goes through school and becomes the head of the harvard review, turns down jobs at the top firms, but goes to work for the poor, then becomes a State Senator, speaks about the American people being involved in their government the way that he does, becomes a US Senator, pushes ethics reform, fundraises for other Demos like he did- I would vote for him. He would be more like John Edwards, than Jesse Jackson.

KEN BUDDY,U HAVE LOST IT..
OBAMA HAS NOT ONCE INTERFJECTED RACE OR SEXISM IN THIS CAMPAIGN..OK,HE DID WIN 91 PERCENT OF THE BLACK VOTE IN MISS.,AND 21 PERCENT OF THE WHITE VOTE THERE TOO..SO THAT MEANS THAT HILLARY WON ONLY 9PERCENT OF THE BLACK VOTE AND 79PERCENT OF THE WHITE VOTE..SHE COUDLN'T EVEN GET OVER 90 PERCENT OF HER OWN RACE TO VOTE FOR HER,LMAO..
U GUYS ARE a JOKE..THIS MAN IS NOT RUNNING A SEPERATIST RACE LIKE JESSIE AND AL DID,HE IS TALKING INCLUSIVENESS,AND HAS THE BACKGROUND TO SHOW IT..

OBAMA IN '08

Clinton and Obama Legislative Records

Who is more qualified?

Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's really working for the good of all of us in the Senate. Obama or Clinton.
Records of these two candidates should be scrutinized in order to make an informed decision.

Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term—6yrs.—and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law 20—twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov

Clinton’s Twenty Pieces of Legislation

1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.

2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more substantive. 16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11

18. Assist landmine victims in other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

Obama Legislation in Illinois and Washington—Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive, so I'll mainly categorize.

During the first—8—eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced

233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.

His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included

**the Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006—became law.

*The Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act—became law.

**The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate.

**The 2007 Government Ethics Bill—became law.

**The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In committee, and many more.

In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.

He's not just a talker. He's a doer.

barron pilgrim,

I agree that we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that Ferrero's comments are racist.

But what are Ferrero's motives?

If it's political, and the effect is to divide and polarize, then it doesn't matter that she isn't racist. Bill Clinton isn't racist but he clearly had political motives for his behavior in South Carolina.

Of course, her comments are absurd - for all the reasons that people have already mentioned. Especially given that there have only been three black senators and Obama has only been the presidential candidate who has a serious chance of winning the nomination.

I think Ferrero's comments serve two purposes. One, to diminish Obama's talent and abilities - and to try to goad some white voters into supporting Clinton.

Two, to try to put forth Clinton's supposed credentials as a given. They're trying to distract voters from the idea that Clinton's advisers say that she doesn't have the foreign policy credentials - or any other - to be commander-in-chief.

I think we should all be asking why the people who knew Senator Clinton best during her white house years are all backing Obama. Al Gore should have jumped out to endorse her the day after she tossed her hat into the ring. The fact that he hasn't should have raised some serious eyebrows.

First, if Barack Obama is only competitive in this race because he is a black man, then does it stand to reason that Hillary Clinton is only competitive in this race because she is a white woman? If blacks are voting for Obama because he is black which makes them racist and whites are voting for Obama because he is black because they feel guilty, then logic would have it that women are voting for Clinton because she is a woman and that makes them sexist and whites are voting for Clinton because she is white which makes them racist. Sounds like a standardized test question. And, Geraldine Ferraro, what does this have to do with his ability to do the job, unless you are saying he can't because he's a black man.

There have been a number of insults to the American people from the Clinton campaign and Senator Clinton has not apologized or denied that she believes them to be true.

Insult #1: The Clinton Campaign says every time a smaller state votes or caucuses in Obama's favor that the state or states are not representative of America.

Funny they didn't say that in New Hampshire. Every American citizen is representative of this country; no matter where they live. It is an insult to imply that someone's thoughts, ideas or votes are inconsequential if they don't live where a lot of other people do. Ask their sons and daughters, husbands and wives in Iraq if their state is unimportant in this race. The Clinton Camp should just come out and say "small states mean nothing to us if they go for Obama."

Insult #2: Any American who favors Obama is either ignorant, a fanatic or a racist.

Now, we're supposed to be so dumb, and our candidate of preference likewise, that we don't take these kind of comments personally. Questioning character or intelligence, if you hadn't noticed, are very personal attacks. People get sued for such things. But in politics, we understand all is fair, if you can get away with it.

I could say a lot of uncalled for things; like Geraldine Ferraro, making a statement that has nothing to do with Barack Obama's ability to act as "commander and chief." But I won't.

What I will say is this. Senator Clinton asked for and was given the responsibility of trying to get health care right as First Lady. She had eight years then and left with virtually nothing to show for it. And now, sixteen (16) years later, she's still saying she can fix it. Since then Al Gore's won a Nobel prize for something he really cared about without being in office. This is not an attack. It is simply a question of her ability to work with others to get something done, especially if it is something dear to her heart.

Getting things done in the government, communities and organizations is about the ability to create the belief that you can get it done, convince others that you have a plan that can work and putting it into action. Barack Obama was a community organizer. That tells me two things. One, he knows about people where we live, work, learn, and feel at the very heart of our cities, towns and farms. Second, he knows how to get people together and make things happen.

Barack Obama is about change and making a difference. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is not just insanity, it is the sign of someone who doesn't care what result they get to begin with.

Barack Obama is also about enlisting the rest of us to help him. We, his supporters, do not expect him to get in office and wave a magic wand. We expect to pick up our tools and help make the country and the world a better place. Many of us are doing it anyway. We've just been waiting for the right leader to champion the work. All you cynics are welcome to join us!

Yep, there are black people voting for Obama. I'm certain there isn't a single cracker out there voting for Hillary because they won't vote for a black man.

It is telling that the Obama camp has resisted pointing out that if it wasn't for women, Hillary's campaign would be over.

The only reason why this is being brought up is because Barack has African lineage all linked up in his DNA. Im not even going to say African American. Why is it that its such an issue about Barack being as successful as he is, and no its not because he is "black"...has it occured to those of you that have an issue w/ Obama that maybe, just maybe he is successful because of him as an individual & people like what he is talking about? I mean, he has won states who clearly are predominately white. If it were just that he is black, Im sure he would not have won those states...whites would have checked off Hilary so quick this race would be over, & wouldnt the whole African American community be voting for him
?? Oh wait Im sorry, they are torn between their loyalty to the Clintons (because remember, Bill is considered the 1st "black" president) & then Barack himself, because he looks black. This is ridiculous. I dont see problems w/ Hilary being a woman floating around. So this Gerry chick, Im sorry but she needs to sit herself down. Who is she to say who is qualified or not? And for her to also say comments about Jackson back in the day?? Sounds like a racist thing to me. Either clean up what you say or shut up. Because youre making yourself look like the bigger fool.

To deny that race is not a significant player in this presidential election is just plain not facing up to the facts. Take a long hard look at Obama. He is nearing 50, but what has he really accomplished in any meaningful and lasting way? Those are the questions Obama will have to answer should he win the nomination. Pit him against McCain and you can imagine the rest.

The irony is that Geraldine Ferraro had far less legislative experience than Sen. Obama and far fewer legislative accomplishments when she was asked to be on the Mondale ticket (6 years as a House representative from a gerrymandered district). She did not win any primary campaigns and was elevated to the ticket precisely because she was a woman and therefore a novelty--oh, that glass ceiling sexism strikes again!

Similarly, John Edwards ran both his '04 and '08 elections on six years of legislative experience with no landmark reforms to Obama's 20 years as a legislator and 3 landmark Senate bills. Yet, criticism of Edwards focused on his policy positions instead of on his naivete or inexperience.

Ferraro and Clinton are pushing the affirmative action undeserving kid angle because they know this is one area where non-educated white voters and elite conservative political pundits still feel comfortable expressing their racism. This is one of many examples of the Clintons using the race card to try to reduce Obama's appeal with non-educated whites and Hispanics. A quick look at Sen. Clinton's record as a legislator--again, six years in all, in which she authored a paltry 20 bills, mostly honorary--shows that she doesn't have much else to stand on.

Anybody who buys this Clinton experience argument needs to take a quick glance at the Library of Congress website and compare Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama side-by-side. The press has failed once again to be diligent before parroting campaign talking points. The experience argument does not stand up to the facts. Ferraro and Clinton push this angle because they know most voters won't do that quick, basic research and will instead assume that a black man like Obama could not possible have gotten to where he is on the merit of his accomplishments.

Some people are determined to make Ferraro a racist. It's Obama who keeps this going by insisting that Ms. Ferraro take back her words and accusing her of splitting the party. He's trying to chase off those who support Hillary. The party is already split. Mondale would have lost anyway regardlell of his running mate. Obama should learn to respect women other than college age females that are on his wagon.

* * * * *

Posted by: Roger | March 12, 2008 12:54 PM

Roger,

It is often the case that the devil is in the details. Had Geraldine Ferraro simply said that Obama was running on “star power,” no one would be calling her remarks racist. But, such was not the case. She said he wouldn’t be where he is if he was a “white man,” thereby implying his success is attributable only to a large affirmative action campaign to put him in the White House. There was a very strong subtext in her words, admittedly not entirely free of ambiguity, that, as a black man, Obama could not have the talent or character to serve in the White House and, therefore, that he needed this affirmative action effort to succeed. Her racist intent, in this regard, is reinforced by the fact that she has directed the same criticism to other black candidates in the past. Her words (this time) not only demeaned Obama, but Democratic Party voters as well by suggesting they couldn’t see past his race to find his existing faults.

I’m sure you can appreciate that there is a very real distinction, drawn at the inclusion of racially demeaning language, that is not merely a matter of political correctness. As a nation, we are supposed to judge people, if at all, on the basis of their character and talents, and not because of their skin color or any other immutable personal attribute. A truly equal society is color blind. And this is not just some liberal ideal; it is the law of the land. Thus, for Ferraro to inject her brand of rhetoric into the ultimate American political contest is not only racist, it is demeaning to all voters as well as divisive – as Obama has pointed out.

To vote4thebest and others:

Most Black voters vote for Obama.

AND most white women vote for Hillary. Most Mormons voted for Romney. What's your point? Why is it that Black people are the only ones not allowed to vote in their best interest. Wouldn't this group be the ones most interested in a CHANGE to the status quo?

The racists posting here make a big deal of Obama's dominance of the black vote, but completely ignore his dominance of many other demographics. Obama is dominating highly educated voters. He dominated the "Democrats Abroad" primary, winnlng by almost 70%-30% among the most internationally sophisticated Democrats. Hillary is dominating among Reagan Democrats, who are frequent crossover voters to the GOP against their own interests, out of racism, homophobia and bigotry. Gerry Ferraro slammed herself when she said she was nominated only because she was a woman, putting herself below Ronnie "Alzheimer's" Reagan and King Bush I, who admitted he never could pass basic algebra. Good going defending the hierarchy, Geraldine. Tell us how many black men who speak English like George W Bush or his father could ever be remotely considered for the highest office in the land, since being a black man is such an advantage?

“ Well, let me first say that I wasn't born at the age of forty-three when I entered Congress. I did have a life before that as well. I was a prosecutor for almost five years in the district attorney's office in Queens County and I was a teacher. There's not only what is on your paper resume that makes you qualified to run for or to hold office. It's how you approach problems and what your values are. I think if one is taking a look at my career they'll see that I level with the people; that I approach problems analytically; that I am able to assess the various facts with reference to a problem, and I can make the hard decisions. I'm intrigued when I hear Vice-President Bush talk about his support of the president's economic program and how everything is just going so beautifully. I, too, recall when Vice President Bush was running in the primary against President Reagan and he called the program voodoo economics, and it was and it is. We are facing absolutely massive deficits; this administration has chosen to ignore it; the president has failed to put forth a plan to deal with those deficits and if everything believes that everything is corning up roses, perhaps the vice-president should join me as I travel around the country and speak to people. People in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, are not terribly thrilled with what's happening in the economy because they're standing in the light of a closed plant because they've lost their jobs. The people in Youngstown, Ohio, have stores that are boarded up because the economy is not doing well. It's not only the old industries that are failing, it's also the new ones. In San Jose, California, they're complaining because they can't export their high-tech qualities — goods — to Japan and other countries. The people in the Northwest — in the state of Washington and Oregon — are complaining about what's happening to the timber industry and to the agriculture industry. So, so things are not as great as the administration is wanting us to believe in their television commercials. My feeling, quite frankly, is that I have enough experience to see the problems, address them and make the tough decisions and level with people with reference to those problems. ”
http://obamarumors.blogspot.com/2008/03/geraldine-ferraro.html

Sound familiar?
It's another quote from Ferraro.
Shame on her... a woman is qualified, but a black man isn't?

Well, racist is as racist does. Why doesn't Ferraro say the same thing about McCain? Reverse it. HA! But the American people are so stupid when saying, "Obama does well with black voters." So? And so? And what do you expect? Would there be the same hoopla over Mormons if Romney were sitting where Obama is right now? No. Would there be the same hoopla over Jews if Lieberman were sitting where Obama was right now? No. Would there be the same hoopla over Italians if Giuliani were sitting where Obama was right now? No. So I got news fer ya: Black voters are people too and there happens to be a viable black man running now. It's about doggone time!!!! What's ironically disgusting though is that in the entire history of American voting it's been the blacks who have aided in putting a white in the white house. Remember all the black votes Bill Clinton got? And so now, when, finally, a great, super, inspiring, wonderful candidate in Barack Obama comes along, who happens to be black, America flies in a torrential tizzy because it just never happened before. Well, get ready because it's happening now, and change is coming, 'change we can believe in' and just like white voters have to vote for somebody, black voters are voters too, they have to vote for somebody, and so everybody has to go someplace, everybody has to vote for somebody and let me tell you, in this election Barack Obama is the best candidate for America hands down over Hillary Clinton. But it appears the racist Clinton supporters and media feel these blacks should've been voting for Hillary. And it isn't about Obama's race and Clinton knows that and her supporters know that. It's just they are trying to stop this Baracomotive somehow and that's how they figure they can stop him by injecting race into it, knowing that 'race' is the key that will turn white racists voters away from Obama and into the hands of the white gal. So the only ones who call it a race based election are the ones who are basing it on race and those who want others to base it on race but those who are basing it on OBAMA simply like the dude, really want him for our president whatever color he happens to be. It's just that the white conglomerate haven't seen this sort of thing in the entire 200 years since slavery and so they are not only picking their noses they are picking their hairs out as they try to squeeze it all in a little box, seeing it is busting through the seems of the box so the racists' true colors are emerging and some of them didn't even think they harbored racism -- until now, it's just staring them in the face. Hillary, and the Hillary media, was banking on being there by now. She was banking on it being over by now, long before now. She never thought she'd run into the Barackomotive. But unless she and they get out of the way they'll be run over right along with their racist old school America's-had-enough tactics. Go Obama!!

Geraldine Who? This woman is a loose canon and mentally not all there. Out of the spotlight for years, the poor thing has been itching for attention and now she's finally got it. Let's all do ourselves a favor and ignore Geraldinny and get on with our lives.

After reading, "Obama is destroying the unity of the party, Obama has been the one who has continually interjected race and sexism into this campaign. Shame on Obama, he's the one who should apologize."

All I can say is, John, are you on crack?

"THE SPIRIT OF RACE SPEAKS"

If Obama was a White Man, and all of the other candidates were Black Women, Obama would be the underdog and america in the "SPIRIT OF RACE" would tend to lean towards the one white man.

That is what she is saying nothing else and nothing more. It wasn't as highly offensive as the media portrayed it to be.

Amongst people, of color, race and gender, it is a common mechanism of society.

The spin ensures "the willing suspension of disbelief" You, me, him, her, them, those people will always make comment in the "SPIRIT OF RACE"

Save the Rhetoric and "LEAN WIT IT AMERICA"

voting is 3-1 so america is leaning somewhere either left or to the right and it is because of the "SPIRIT OF RACE" "SPIRIT OF GENDER" and the SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE"

I guess RACISM is rampant in BOTH parties. How disgusting. Hillary is a low-life candidate. HOW REVOLTING! How long is it gonna' be before her "supporters" start calling him the "N" word?

Well, Ferraro Geraldine is a closet racist.

Hilary is very divisive and anybody should denounce such comment.

Barack Obama is inclusive and a very intelligent man and l want him to be president of America.

barron pilgrim,

I agree that we shouldn't jump to the conclusion that Ferrero's comments are racist.

But what are Ferrero's motives?

If it's political, and the effect is to divide and polarize, then it doesn't matter that she isn't racist. Bill Clinton isn't racist but he clearly had political motives for his behavior in South Carolina.

Of course, her comments are absurd - for all the reasons that people have already mentioned. Especially given that there have only been three black senators and Obama has only been the presidential candidate who has a serious chance of winning the nomination.

I think Ferrero's comments serve two purposes. One, to diminish Obama's talent and abilities - and to try to goad some white voters into supporting Clinton.

Two, to try to put forth Clinton's supposed credentials as a given. They're trying to distract voters from the idea that Clinton's advisers say that she doesn't have the foreign policy credentials - or any other - to be commander-in-chief.

I think we should all be asking why the people who knew Senator Clinton best during her white house years are all backing Obama. Al Gore should have jumped out to endorse her the day after she tossed her hat into the ring. The fact that he hasn't should have raised some serious eyebrows.

Ferraro: Obama's winning because he's lucky to be black;
Rendell: Obama's worthy but can't win PA because he's black;
B.Clinton: Obama = Jackson; they're black.
The Clinton campaign of dinosaurs have found an issue for passion and hope: that racial profile will prevail in the election.

Maury:

Which closet do you hold your Jewish Republican meetings in? Or is that even too big for that group?

You seem to forget the 3 young Freedom Riders in Mississippi who were murdered.

They were Jewish.

They were working for civil rights for blacks.

Obama will get the majority of the Jewish vote because of his policies.

Just like every other Democrat has.

Here's my question for Mrs. Ferraro:

If Jesse Jackson, who is black, ran for President and faired poorly, what are the differences between him and Obama, who is also black but winning the nomination in areas like Vermont and Wisconsin where there is a very small black population?

This article points out that everytime a black man runs for President of the United States and makes any progress Mrs. Ferraro claims that any success would be because he is black and not qualified.

If Mrs. Ferraro doesn't wish to appear racist, then she should explain how being black has somehow helped Obama. Obama is a Columbia and Harvard graduate who has lived around the country as well as around the world. He has yet to make any comments stating that his "blackness" made him a target or made his rise in the academic or politcal arena more difficult.

Clinton's claims that she is more qualified are even more absurd. Basically she's asserting that because she was married to the president that she has obtained executive chief experience by proxy. Isn't that a bit sexist?

Are we to believe that because Hilary is married to Bill she has made executive decisions?

It seems to me that because Hilary stood by Bill Clinton during his philandering and perjury that she somehow believes that she's "owed" the presidency. I believe that the majority of her voting base are women who feel her pain and support her for that exact reason.

It can't be because her record or resume is any more impressive that Obama's is, because it isn't.

Hilary voted for the war. Hilary knowingly stood by Bill when he lied under oath to protect their own interests(which is more telling than most will admit). She has insulted nearly every state she has lost in after the fact. Hilary is hurting the Democratic Party by endorsing McCain in an effort to slam Obama, and there's no way she can go back on those attacks later to support the democratic nominee, so she's screwing the party by basically saying "Its me or nothing at all".

I can't see how the democrats could in good faith endorse Clinton.

Question to Mrs Ferraro: Whether or not Hilary Clinton were black or white, wouldn't all these things still ring true?

This is what Ferraro said in 1984 in her acceptance speech for the vice presidential nomination:
"Change is in the air, just as surely as when John Kennedy beckoned America to a new frontier; when Sally Ride rocketed into space; and when Reverend Jesse Jackson ran for the office of President of the United States".

So, in 1984 she considered his run to be praiseworthy - 4 years later, her position's reversed and he's running because rather than in spite of his race?

After all the crap Geraldine took for having an Italian American husband (mafioso! said the media!) for Obama to twist her comments into 'racist!' is just plain dishonest, immature, and likely to cost us the election.
Go back to the Rezko mansion, punk.

black people were not called raciest when Bill Clinton was pulling int 80+% of the black vote.But because Obama is half black the votes don't really count. I suppose it fair to say that women that vote for Hillary don't count they're just doing it out of gender bias. Non black or white men are the only people qualified to vote in this election.

Hillary Clinton... We will fight you in the streets... we will fight you in the hills ... we will fight you everywhere !

-Democratic Grass Roots - Organizing against Clinton's - Campaign against America.

We will FIGHT YOU Everywhere !

EVERYWHERE !

First of all: Ruthie M. ..YOU SAID A MOUTHFUL!!! PEOPLE, HOW DO YOU THINK THE REST OF THE WORLD VIEWS THIS RIDICULOUS CONTROVERSY...GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR.. YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE, yet when an African American runs for president some people in this country are going bananas at the VERY THOUGHT!!! i HAVE A FEELING THAT THEY PROBABLY VIEW US AS POMPOUS, HARD HEADED (Bush projects that particular image VERY WELL!), DOMINATING AND RACIST!!! NO WONDER THE WORLD'S VIEW OF US HAS CHANGED FOR THE WORSE!!! Also, Alee21, do you just skim through these posts and read further into the ones that you like THE SOUND OF or what??? Scroll up to David Hussein Johnson's post; he's saved you the effort...it's all laid out for you. Elisabth: Barack never dignifies Hillary and her cohorts' inflammatory comments... he just says they're "unfortunate". How dare you try to lay the blame on the intended TARGET!!!!

How could Geri be more wrong?

'Bama has wide support and many Republics I know are even saying he seems like a real alternative. Jesse was always at the bottom of most primary results. Not so Obama.

Go away, Geri. Don't come back. You are hurting, not helping. You are no longer required. Leave. Retire. Go camping. Go away.

I am dismayed by the logic that Barack Obama's race is the reason he has received such a large percentage of the black vote. As a black female I have paid attention over the past years of the percentage of the black vote that a candidate has received. Bill Clinton has enjoyed over a 90% black vote in his last run for the presidential election. This also pertains to many candidates that campaign or performance indicates that the candidate is acknowledging issues pertaining to the Blackman's plight. Believe me if Clarence Thomas was running for office, he would not receive support from the black community. I am offended by the Idea that black people are so shallow that they vote for someone only because of the color of the candidate's skin, wouldn't that be racist! We as a race are quite politically astute. We also recognize when the issue of race is being used against a candidate, as Hillery's campaign is doing in this election.

The utter stupidity of Ferraro's shameful nonsense is evidenced simply by looking at the states he's won, among many others: Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, Minnesota, Washington, Alaska, Vermont, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Delaware, Missouri, etc. Lots of votes there simply because he's black, I'm sure.

I understand that it's an emotional campaign and I don't believe the Clintons or Ms. Ferraro are racists. What we're seeing, however, is frustration at being whipped and the stuff of sore losers.

Short and sweet: Stop thinking that all black people are stupid and illiterate by saying we'd only vote for Obama because he's black. Is it so totally unreasonable to think that we'd support him because we think he's the better person for the job??! Everybody does not like Hillary, and we don't have to. This is America! We can vote for whoever we want to without explaining why to the universe. Get a grip...

How come all the white people who vote for white politicians are not considered racists? Think about your comments from your own perspective. You might start to feel quite ridiculous*

i am given credit for a comment that i did not make above, what i said was that if anyone made a comment whether it be the truth or not, they would surely called a racist, and that seems to be the case. opinions are not welcome in america anymore, will rogers would be out of place in todays criticism.