Geraldine Ferraro: 'If Obama was a white man'

One thing is for certain about the Dems.', they are a party of racists and bigots. They are fast becoming a real joke this election season. Their motto is..."Do as i say ,...not as i do. I'm sure bill "Hussein" r. will shortly comment about this because he likes to call out racists and bigots.....right bill ?

Top class, Clinton campaign, top class.

"He happens to be very lucky to be who he is."

And the conclusion must be that Hillary Clinton is unlucky to be a multi-millionaire, former First Lady who grew up in a upper class Chicago suburb with wealthy and influential parents (2 of them) and the best education money could buy. Or perhaps George Bush is the unlucky one, growing up in one of the country's wealthiest families with everything at his disposal.

If Obama is the privileged one, that must make Clinton on the level of Queen Elizabeth.

And Hillary would not be where she is if she were a white man either. In fact, she would be no where were she not married to a former president. Most politicians don't get to start their careers as Senators. Some of them (like Barack Obama) actually work their way up the system. Does Ferraro really want to go down this path?

> political commentator for Fox News

That should explain her racist comment

Obama wouldn't be where he is if he didn't have a gift for communicating and connecting with people. Period, the end. The last president who was as gifted as he is in this regard was Reagan. Does Geraldine Ferraro really want to argue that black men occupy a privileged position in society? I'm happy to take her up on that claim.

Moreover, Clinton wouldn't be where she is if she hadn't lucked out and married one ambitious SOB. So Geraldine can shut that crap down.

I used to respect her; I no longer do. She's as an idiot, and Clinton ought to distance herself as far as possible from Ferraro. Way to go, Gerri. Way to help out your preferred nominee.

Well, I want to thank Geraldine for playing not only the race card and implying that my support of Obama is only because he's black but also playing the gender card and giving us yet another shot of "Boohoo the liberal media is too mean to Clinton" for our wannabe Victim-in-Chief.

You gett'em, girlfriend!

Geraldine:

Next time you complain, remember what you and Mondale did to our party in 1984. You two set the Democratic Party so far back that we are still recovering from it.

Your reward was getting a job at Fox News.

I have never liked Ferraro, but what she said is true about Obama. Just tell me again what his qualifacations are to be president. The truth be told, many are caught up in his blackness, and the fact is that, he is only half black. His mother was white as snow. I think it is racist for people to call him "black."

The only thing more irrelevant than this story if Ferraro herself.

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," Ferraro told the newspaper. "And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

What an absolutely meaningless statement.

He is what he is.

And Ferraro is what she is - a mediocrity.

I love the fact that the issues and challenges of this unique race for the white house are allowing the world to see the true selves of some these reknown political actors. I would have never known Hillary had bi-polar tendecies had she not begged for that last debate which she described as one where she was being asked too many questions. Go Figure. Thanks Geraldine, everyone knows it's easy for a black man to just coast right into the top seat in the country cause their the US's favorite group. WOW.

Wow! What an eye-opener this campaign season has been for a poor, delusional, fairy-tale, fantasyland, Pollyanna, pie-in-the-sky nice, black Democratic like me. Here I thought we were all a united party and we'd all get behind a candidate that has shown he's got the stuff ON ALL LEVELS.

But, sigh, I guess not. Instead said candidate gets denigrated by his own party for being "just black and lucky" and his supporters are labeled "just emotional and not right thinking in their support" of this "just black" candidate.

Silly me! Why didn't I think to go Independent sooner!

When will Hillary reject & denounce Ferraro?

I won't hold my breath.

This woman's comments only strenghten my belief that this country isn't ready to elect a black president.

Well, he is half white, Geraldine, so that makes him every bit as much a "white man" as a "black man."

HELLO: Geraldine, Obama is half-white.

As a conservative backing Senator McCain, I tend to agree with some of what Ferraro said about Senator Obama; although clearly she appears to have said it in a manner that comes off as racist. I think Senator Obama is doing so well for two main reasons---first, he is offering, far more than anyone else, a brilliantly eloquent appeal to bipartisanship and national reconciliation to an electorate clearly fed up with 16 years of he said/she said partisan sniping. And second, he is a "black" (actually, mixed race) leader who does not in any way frighten most white people who (through white guilt or just common sense) are eager to heal our nation's racial wounds---as opposed to black leaders like Jackson, Sharpton, et al, who are very capable leaders but who have a whiff of hostility and retribution about them. It's no accident that Senator Obama launched his campaign at the Old State Capitol. He fashions himself as a Lincoln Democrat---a statesman, a gentleman, a reconciler, a healer. Thus far, America is clearly agreeing with him on that. Time will tell if the trend holds.

This is proof positive for all black people across America that the democRATic party really doesn't care about you.

If they can't get your vote the racist remarks start rolling off their tongues.

Their hypocrisy has no limits.

Paulo

More sour grapes from a Clinton supporter. More racist statements from the Clinton campaign which is having a hard time dealing with the fact that they are losing. Obama has worked hard to get where he is today. Unless you were raised by a single parent and have faced the major disadvanatages that puts you in you have no idea. "Lucky" is definitely not what Obama is but "persavering" would be a proper adjective.

I suppose Ferraro's argument is that Obama is here because of Political affirmative action. The irony is her political career is more of a reflection of that so who is she to pass judgment? She spent less than 6 years as U.S. representative before becoming a V.P. candidate.

Obama has paid his due, he took out loans to go to Columbia and then Harvard law school. Was president of Harvard law review. He spent 8 years in Illinois senate and 3 years in U.S. senate before running for president.

On the other hand Hillary got to the senate because she was the wife of Bill Clinton. She wasn't even a resident of New York. She only has 7 years of elected office experience. Without Bill Clinton, Hillary will be a nobody much less a presidential candidate.

Ferraro's comment at best is a case of the kettle calling the pot black. She's a worthless has been that's only remembered as the "token" VP in 1984. Besides that free ride, she hasn't earned anything else for herself (3 failed senatorial runs).

Here is audio:
Its Ferraro on the John Gibson show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqL_sm0J8jc

The fact that Hillary and her reps are able to play both the "fighter" card and the victim card is undeniably anti-feminist. The media could, if they wanted, rehash Whitewater, Hillary's offensive statements under oath and in public regarding Bill's escapades in which she implied the women were trash, her shady investments, and her arrogant and disastrous attempt at universal health care. As a woman who has fought sexism all my life, I feel I'm a pretty fair judge of biased media. Sure, sometimes it's sexist. It's also racist. More than anything, it's lazy. If you lose 11 contests in a row, the story will be that you lost. If you use negative attacks that seem desperate, that's going to get reported, too. Last year, Clinton was the darling of the media. Now, it's suddenly turned? Don't think so. Ms. Ferraro, a woman I once respected, by implying that Obama has gotten a free ride because he is black (and not because he is remarkably intelligent, an incredible organizer, hardworking, and a man of great character and charisma) presents herself as a racist fool. Ask any white American what they would choose if tomorrow they had to wake up and be a young black male somewhere in America, or a young white woman, and the realities of what's fair and unfair in this country would hit you like a ton of bricks. The sexism and sexual harassment faced by women (including myself) today is nothing compared to the significantly higher mortality rates, lower education rates, higher unemployment rates, and day-to-day discrimination faced by young black men. Ask Ms. Ferraro if she would rather go into white-owned stores as a young black man or a young white woman. Ask her if she would rather get pulled over by the cops as a white woman or a black man...if she'd rather apply for a loan as a white woman or a black man. These women who live their lives centered around the discrimination they faced in the 50's need to come visit me as I teach at my public high school in Baltimore. They need a serious reality check.

Affirmative action should end.

It does diminish the self worth a person feels.

If you can't look in the mirror and say to yourself "I did it on my own" affirmative action is a negative influence on a person's self-esteem.

I believe that Ferraro has a point.

Geraldine Ferraro is right on. He certainly would not be where he is if he was anything but a black male. The blacks will vote for anyone that is an African-American. The others are caught up in this hopeful rhetoric that is simply just motivating speeches. I am a Clinton supporter and if she does not make it to the Democratic nomination, I will vote for McCain and make sure everone that I know and come across does the same. How soon people forget about putting a relatively unknown as President. Remember Jimmy Carter?? Enough said!esidentian am e

Of course some Clinton surrogate will play the "race" card and the "gender" card!

Unless you've been asleep the last decade, you should be aware that's all the political Left does is play the race, class and gender cards.

Why should Clinton or Obama change what has worked so well for them (and other Democrats) in the past?

One thing is for certain about the Dems.', they are a party of racists and bigots. They are fast becoming a real joke this election season. Their motto is..."Do as i say ,...not as i do. I'm sure bill "Hussein" r. will shortly comment about this because he likes to call out racists and bigots.....right bill ?

Posted by: Don B. | March 11, 2008 9:49 AM

Don B, FU Manchu!!! Turd.

Geraldine Ferraro really is quite pathetic. I saw her on The News Hour (PBS) and she attempted to put out the company line about Obama and experience. Bill Bradley shut that down big time by bringing up the fact that all Mrs Clinton did in her travels was drink tea and eat cookies. Not exactly much of an arguement for election to the highest office in the land. Poor Geraldine sat there looking like the Clinton stooge she is. After that Mr Bradleys comments were backed up by the female panelist who had covered Hillary during the Clinton presidency.

When the Clinton people open their mouths it just makes the difference between Mr Obama and the sleezy Clintons. Barack Obama shows more leadership qualities on any given day due to his superior character and judgment, than Mrs Clinton has shown in a lifetime. She is well aware of the fact that without Barack Obama she would have no chance of winning a general election. The only problem with that is the fact that she is LOSERING to Mr Obama.

I also hear that the Clintons are wrangling behind the scenes to get Hillary on the Obama ticket once he defeats her. Which surely he will.

I look forward to the day when this mess is put to rest.

Obama 2008

p.s. Don B, your comment was typically pathetic. Get back under your rock with your friend, and like minded troglodyte Paulo.

Again, any critique of Obama and it's called racist. Obama-bots, that's a tired tune. Ever hear of backlash?

Obama has very much had luck on his side. Not luck, in his hard work to get through Harvard Law School. But he was lucky to win the notice of a top fund-raiser and backer (Rezko), lucky to be kind of hand-chosen in his Senate (state) race, lucky to have competitors implode in his US Senate raceand enormously lucky to have been selected to do the Keynote address in 2004. Do not say he hasn't had an extraordinary run of luck COUPLED WITH LOTS AND LOTS OF HARD WORK, to get where he is. To deny his luck is to be disenguous.

(And I'm an Obama supporter, by the way.) But I'm also a woman, and I've been stunned by the sexist coverage in this race.

Yes, he's lucky to be called a Muslim terrorist! I agree!!!

"This is proof positive for all black people across America that the democRATic party really doesn't care about you.

If they can't get your vote the racist remarks start rolling off their tongues.

Their hypocrisy has no limits.

Paulo"

Paulo,

you are so right...all of this has shown me what I have always suspected...the dems want my vote but does not want to work for it or respect my intellect or who I am as a person...I am really leaving this party and going independent...

For crying out loud Jeff, his skin is black! If you had no idea who Obama was and he was walking towards you would say to yourself, Hey look a black man.

Geraldine Ferraro needs to be reminded that she was not given a fare shake when running for president, not because she is a woman, but because she is Italian and alleged to have family and or close ties with the Mafia.
Once again the ugly side of Race rears its head.

Typical psuedo-liberal racist commentary.
Obama should know his place! How dare he spit on the silk slippers of the benevolent masters!
Of course, what do you expect from a Clinton supporter.
By the way, why are there no comments regarding Park Ridge, IL the (at the time) all white segregated community where Hillary was raised?

Ferraro's statements are entirely race-tinged sour grapes. But here's a thought: Would Obama be where he is if he had failed to connect with 80 to 90 percent of black voters -- you know, those votes that served as an equalizer of sorts against Hillary early on? Would he have won South Carolina, for instance, if his skin was white? Remember, before 2008, the Clintons were held in high regard by many African-American voters. Could a white man, regardless of his "ability to communicate," have been able to pry those votes away from Hillary the way Obama has done? Doubtful.

And if Geraldine Ferraro had been a man? There's no way that Walter Mondale would have made a CongressMAN from Queens his running mate in '88.

The Clintons are now the lunatic (right-wing) fringe of the Democratic Party with their race-baiting and fear-mongering and war-mongering.

And if Geraldine Ferraro had been a man? There's no way that Walter Mondale would have made a CongressMAN from Queens his running mate in '84.

The Clintons are now the lunatic (right-wing) fringe of the Democratic Party with their race-baiting and fear-mongering and war-mongering.

If Obama "was" a white man

It's "were" Geraldine, go back to grammar school. Good grief.

There's no limit to how low they can go. This statement by Geraldine Ferraro is 10 times more vicious (as well as bigoted) as the "monster" comment (which happens to be true, as this episode proves). Will she resign? Will HRC denounce and reject this outrageous show of racism? Wait, she was happy to perpetuate the Obama Muslim rumor with her "as far as I know." Too much to ask for her to reject THIS.

Would she be where she is if she wasn't the former first lady who turned a blind eye on her husband's misogyny because she had her eyes set on the senate? Women are voting for her because she's a woman. She wouldn't be where she is if she wasn't one.

Is it just me or does anyone else think that its a sign of progress when a former VP nominee says that a candidate has an unfair advantage because he is black?

The irony in Ferraro's classless statements are thick. What was her qualification to be Mondale's running mate? Was she really the best running mate or the best female running mate?

If Obama were not a black man he wouldnt be in the favorable position he is in.

If Geraldine werent a woman, she wouldnt have been on the democratic ticket in 1984.

"He happens to be very lucky to be who he is.." Yes, we've had so many black (or half black) presidents I've simply lost count. The Clinton campaign and surrogates are starting to grasp at straws.

No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

Above are the qualification for being president of the US; I believe OBAMA meets every one of them.

The blacks will vote for anyone that is an African-American.
Posted by: LINDA | March 11, 2008 11:08 AM

Would that be any different than the extremely religious voting for anyone extremely religious? Would that be any different than you as a white woman voting for a white woman? Those blacks...huh?

Ms. Ferraro says she loves her children, grandchildren & her life - what happened to the felonious husband who was convicted for a fraudulent real estate deal? also her mixed up son who was convicted of selling cocaine? We do appreciate her rising to the occasion of being this week's Hillary Clinton surrogate to play the "race card" against Barack Obama. Both Clinton & Obama have uphill climbs in this country to become president, and Clinton had a huge head-start. I realize that the Clintonites (Ms. Ferraro was an Ambassador to somewhere under the Clinton administration but could never get elected to the U.S. Senate) will never admit that the reason Obama is ahead of Clinton is because: (1) he's smarter (never flunked a bar exam, for example); (2) he's wonderful to listen to; (3) he's right on the biggest issue of our times (the Iraq War); and (4) yes, Hillary, people (who are not paid/favor-promised campaign staffers, racists, bigots or stupid) "like" him more than you b/c, Hillary, despite what Barack said in NH you not definitely not "likeable enough".

Paulo,

you are so right...
Posted by: Disgusted Dem | March 11, 2008 11:25 AM

If you believe Paulo...hurry..don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.

Just because someone doesn't like Hillary doesn't make them a sexist. Neither are you a racist if you don't like Obama or an agist if you don't like McCain. Thinking like that is ridiculous....

Ferraro is absolutely correct. Obama is one of the most contrived candidates ever. From his deceitful, but focus-group tested message of "change" to his overrehearsed and stilted speech pattern, Obama is like a juvenile mind control experiment.

Obama is a robotic cult leader like we haven't seen since the days of Jim Jones and David Koresh. Many clearly has swallowed the Kool-Aid, but the rest of America won't drink it come November. Whether black, white, green or purple, Obama is a dangerous hack.

Julie, luck is an understatement. Obama was manufactured by the Chicago/Illinois Democratic machine. He backed into the Senate when the leading candidates in the primary and general election imploded due to marginal moral issues. He continues to support the corrupt Chicago/Cook county establishment. And his campaign is full of the same. Beware America, Chicago style corruption is coming your way.

Who and what you are has some impact on whether or not you have a shot at becoming president. Does anyone think Hillary would be in there if she hadn't been Bill's bride? Obama is far more self made than she is so lets cut the crud. And that is coming from someone who is not even an Obama fan or a Democrat.

Neither Clinton nor Obama would be where they are if they weren't capable, smart, energetic, and hard-working Senators of the United States. That she is a woman and he is black/bi-racial is very appealing to a democratic electorate that's overwhelmingly made up of non white males (ie-minorities and women). Nothing wrong with voting for qualified appealing candidates who are not WHITE MALES!

To: Posted by: LINDA | March 11, 2008 11:08 AM

Makes no difference who you vote for -- Clinton or McCain. They both represent the same thing: status quo.

One more reason why I support Obama.

Personally I do not care if Clinton is a woman or man, I do not like her and do not appreciate her tactics and abrasive ways. I'd be more than happy to vote for a woman as long as they were suitable for the job, she however, is not.

Geraldine Ferraro: 'If Obama was a white man'
by Mark Silva

Really? This is a news story... really?

Obama has my support because he is the first serious presidential candidate in my adult life I find to be intelligent, moral, and not overly emotional. I believe he will be able to work across party lines like no one in my lifetime. The fact he is such a gifted speaker is a bonus. Obama as president gives us instant credibility in the rest of the world. They would be more willing to atleast listen to what we have to say after 7 years of us not caring what they have to say.

Hillary comes across as someone who thinks they're smarter than everyone else, better than everyone else, and knows better than everyone else what we want and need. We already have a president with these qualities. Do we really whant another one?

I found Ms. Ferraro's comments interesting. What is the crux of the matter is neither Obama or Ms. Clinton have given me an indication of how they are going to effect change, or implement programs to get our country on track. This election is the Democrats to lose as the economy and the unpopular war should in effect derail McCain's campaign. Instead of worrying who is being treated fairly or unfairly they should worry more about winning the White House. Then once they do, actually do something and not waste another opportunity which the Democrats are prone to do.

There should be another follow up to this piece. It should be entitled: If Geraldine Ferraro had a BRAIN!

http://OsiSpeaks.com

Guess we can do away with affirmative action now.

The truth is that the longer this drags on into meaningless name calling the less we are going to like anyone. Maybe shorter campaign seasons are the ticket with the money going to support those who need it: citizens.

Ms Ferraro was making some rediculous comments on NPR not long ago as well, claiming that the only reason Hillary is losing is because she is a woman. Now she is dragging out the race card. Seemingly, her only viewpoints hinge on her rather twisted viewpoints of racial and sexual discrimination. She seems to believe the former only exists as a positive and the latter only exists as a negative, and that both of these things are the only issues in this campaign. Just plain stupid, biased and offensive, this person.

Questions about the Clinton's background and experience:

What actually happened during the Whitewater scandal? Why hasn't the press reinvestigated that?

How did President Clinton's cabinet member actually die? (It was ruled suicide..family members didn't agree.)

As for Mrs. Ferraro, her statements are extremely disappointing. She should be a positive leader, not one who gives unscrupulous, lame and poorly substantiated claims. Her remarks are unconscionable.

As for Barack Obama, since when has hope, inspiration, and being an excellent communicator been a disqualification for a presidential candidate? One of the most important qualities a leader can possess is the ability to inspire and motivate others. Mr. Obama decidedly has that.

N. Alexander, Michigan

it's shocking how much bigotry still exists in this country, but there it is, in Ferraro's comments as well as some of these very posts, like the purely delusional generization "The blacks will vote for anyone that is an African-American."

Geraldine Ferraro is an idiot. Of course that's better than being what Hillary is. In November, I'm voting for (D) None of the above. I see another celebrity Dem was unable to keep his tool cool.

Another Clinton tactic. Have someone say something negative about Obama just to see if it sticks and then lightly say... We don't agree with that. I know that all these attacks on Obama are calculated. I did not know that Hillary was such a good violin player. We have not heard anything negative about Hillary for a while. Look at how fast she threw Spitzer under the bus. The only worry she has is that now she won't be able to get his superdelegate Vote.

Get the chip off your shoulder Ms. Ferraro!

Also, when will Hillary reject & denounce SUPERDELEGATE Governor Spitzer??? Oh wiat! I think he has endorsed her...she will want to have his vote count.

I don't understand this speculation on Ferraro's part. She is playing the what if game. The reality is that Obama is of mixed race, not white, period. I agree that Hilary has been treated unfairly by a liberal media that loves Obama. However, her campaign has engaged in some cut throat tactics that are less than desirable for a Democratic Party that is supposed to be distancing itself from the poison politics of Bush II's Administration. Hilary should distance herself from this lady and concentrate on realities and issues, not what ifs.

Who is GF anyways? Chris Rock would beg to differ with her notion that Barack Obama is lucky to be a black man -- "a white bus boy, wouldn't trade places with me, and I'm rich"

Ferraro is right . The media tiptoes around this man because he claime he is black. However, I think that is to his advantage. Many of us have "mixed" heritage but we don't dissect ourselves. How many affirmative action programs did Obama take advantage? If he didn't tell others his mom is (was) white one wouldn't know it. Half white argument is tired and worn. We don't need to wear signs and dissect ourselves to be validated worthwhile human beings. Black is good enough for many of us "mixed" heritage.

Are you kidding me?

Barack is uniquely privileged in this race because he is black?

HA!

I love this campaign - people are LOSING THEIR MINDS! At 72, Ferraro has probably been getting her racist on for a minute, so this is not surprising.

Whites, generally, have no idea what to do with the race conversation in America, so they do what they've always done since it has become somewhat unfashionable, which is to ignore it in public and demean minorities in private. Let's just stick with Britney, Lindsay and Angelina - they're easier to digest.

Its great so many of them are voting for Barack, but I think it has less to do with him and more to do with the somewhat seething hatred Hil can inspire. I don't hate her - heck, I intend to vote for her in the general if Barack does not win.

Of course, Ferraro's comments come from a woman who lost in her race to become veep. And she's backing a woman who's losing. So, her opinion is her own.

But, wow. Maybe all that privilege has cost her her good sense.

Interesting to see Clinton surrogates are trying to get in to Obama's head. The question is did they get into Obama's head?

You have to give credit to Clinton for playing hardball with the Momentum King Barack Obama.

A classic insider like Ferarro really thought she was the best qualified to VP when Mondale chose her, in spite of her lack of real experience and the stink swirling around her husbands real estate practice. In no way would she consider that she was chosen because of her gender.

On the other hand, being black has certainly been a stepping stone to the White House. That's why the 43 US Presidents have all been black.

She has also totally discounted the insurgent campaigns on the GOP side of relative unknowns, such as Huckabee and Paul. If Huckabee, in particular, had been a Democrat and more liberal, his style and presentation may have made him the front runner.

You Dems are a joke, fighting over this nonsense. Geraldine may have a point, but in a sense, you could apply her logic to Hillary. If Hillary hadn't been Bill's wife, do you think she would have waltzed into the Senate representing a state she wasn't a resident of? No way!

Meanwhile, the press' "annointing" of Obama is just crazy. Here's my question for all of you: when it comes time to make the tough decisions that come with being President, will Barack Obama have the experience and insight to make those decisions? You all rail against Bush, and that's your right, but unlike Obama, he's had a few years actually running something. I do NOT believe that being a member of the Illinois corrupt, do-nothing legislature is adequate preparation for being in charge of the security and well-being of 300 million people. And 4 years of being a US senator is just not enough experience, in my book, to deal with the foreign policy issues that will come up.

Charisma is nice, but at some point, I need my president to do more than make nifty, inspiring speeches. Sometimes I need him (or her) to make difficult decisions, decisions that require insight from years of experience and leadership. McCain has that. Reagan had that. Even Slick Willy had that. Barack Obama does not have that...yet. But give him another 4-12 years in the Senate, and he'll be a much more qualified candidate. And, unlike many who question his motives, I think he'll remain true to his beliefs, and avoid the kind of scandals we've seen amongst career politicians lately.

This is an historic election. I know we’ve all heard it. We have an African-American running against a Woman for the most important job in the World. But that is not what makes this election historic. No – that is tokenism. Let’s not be distracted by the racial or gender tokenism that waves at us from the pages of our daily newspapers and the chatter of talkshows.

No, this is an historic election for reasons that are far more important than the irrelevancy of the complexion of a candidate – or whether a candidate has internal or external plumbing.

So, let’s not talk about what the candidates are; but about who they are. Let’s talk about what our candidates have done and can do. Let’s not talk about what demographic group our candidates fit. This is an election, not a census.

Barack Obama is talking about things that matter -- and doing so very well. Hillary Clinton and her surrogates are talking about census data. They paint her as a victim of everything -- a victim of the Hillary haters, a victim of sexism -- and argue that her victimization is a strength. They then turn and attack Obama -- who has bravely stood above race and has run as a Democrat, not as a Black Democrat -- for being in a victimized group. The logic -- Hillary wins because she is a victim; Obama can't win because he is a victim.

The real problem is that many people hate Hillary for person, not sexist, reasons. They just don't like HER. She has a solid disapproval rating of between 45 and 48%. Even if, say, half of that is for bad, sexist reasons -- the rest is because of her personality -- and the fact is that the Democrats would be crazy to run a candidate against McCain who will lose unless she wins the vote of everyone in the country who does not actually hate her.

Obama has one critical strength -- people don't hate him personally. Some people hate him because he is black. Other people hate him because they perceive him from taking an opportunity away from Hillary Clinton. Both these are horrible reasons -- and both are impersonal.

The fact is that elections are won by the most likable candidate. That is a strange and somewhat unfortunate consequence of determining a government through a popularity contest. Our goal should not be to put forward the most qualified candidate (although, of the remaining candidates -- that is Obama, even though he his no Richardson, Biden or Dodd); it should be to put forward the most likable qualified candidate. That is how elections are won. Further, if there is no qualified likable candidate -- a Party is better off with an unqualified likable candidate. As Reagan proved -- incompetence can be compensated for in cabinet appointments -- but the opportunity does not arise if you lose elections.

This is so indicative of the Clinton campaign. Shame on them!!! Ferraro of all people should realize that a person is so much more than the demographic data assigned them. What if she weren't a woman? What if Hilary weren't a woman?

Where is Hilary's call for Geraldine to apologize for being off base??

The Clinton campaign is just showing itself for what it truly is ---- deparate and pathetic.

Former Rep. Geraldine Ferraro expressed her opinion, and I agree with her. Even SNL's hilarious skits are so popular because they're right on target about the unfair media bias against Clinton, which is largely sexist. Hillary Clinton is not only a woman, she's a white woman. Many in the media like Matthews and Russert have attacked her like sharks, daring not to attack the black man, Obama. Rep. Ferraro raised a question that each person has to answer. Would Obama be where he is now if he was a white man running for office? He is half black and half white, but is promoted as being black to the black community, thus assuring himself of their vote. Because someone is bi-racial, it does not naturally follow that they will end joblessness, rescue the economy, improve the supply of oil, end war in the world, improve education, solve the drug problem, provide dental and medical care for all, deal skillfully with foreign nations, or be immune from the influence of easy money and corporations. Obama secretly accepted two million dollars from a wealthy Iraqi through his conduit, Tony Rezko, now on trial in Chicago. What promises or services did he perform to get this money? Being bi-racial does not signify anything other than a biological fact. Rep. Ferraro had the courage to speak the truth in an effort to get people to actually look carefully at each candidate's platform, their words and their plans and not at their race or gender, just the person running for President.

Obama wasn't back by the Dem Party of Illinois when he ran for U.S. senator. Furthermore Ferreo comments go along with the Clinton campaign's motto. Racial statements that appeal to the ignorant masses.
After this primary is over I will reevaluate whether the Dem party is worth staying in.

Obama's ties in Chicago to Rezko, his friendship to Farrakhan and the Weathermen, make him unfit to be a Senator from Illinois. Except that that is how politics operates in Illinois. And, his being black, made it even easier for him. Geraldine is correct.

If Ms. Ferraro is a racist for calling Sen. Obama Black, what do you call the 90% of Black voters who vote for him? Issue driven voters?
As a Democrat, I am thrilled to have two strong candidates vying for the White House. Let the best candidate win!

Obama is a robotic cult leader like we haven't seen since the days of Jim Jones and David Koresh. Many clearly has swallowed the Kool-Aid, but the rest of America won't drink it come November. Whether black, white, green or purple, Obama is a dangerous hack.
Posted by: Jon Jay | March 11, 2008 12:17 PM

I don't know if it's what your doctor prescribed or what you're smoking, but you're suffering some pretty nasty side effects! Paranoia can kill ya if you're not careful.

I will be SO happy when Obama wins the nomination, then loses the general election in the biggest landslide in history. At least then we won't have to hear his empty rhetoric anymore....and all his idiotic supporters will SHUT UP!!

Who cares about the opinion of a political has been...especially when they are both racist and sexist. Geraldine, button your lips.

I was a 23 year old recent college graduate when Geraldine Ferraro was selected as Mondale's running mate. As a young feminist, rather than be inspired by the selection of a woman as VP, I remember how disappointed I was about Mondale's choice. Why? If she was a white man she would never had been considered qualified to be vice president.

One message very consistent with the Clinton campaign is that Obama is all talk but is "unwilling to do the HARD WORK required to be president". Also after her Mar. 4 wins, "never underestimate the intelligence of the voters" or something like that. These are more subtle reminders of how Hillary Clinton is using the squalid and age-old stereotypes so many people in this country cling to, so as to feel a little better in any competition. It also indicates how old-school she is and how we as a people of all races desperately need a new type of thought leader that we find in Barack Obama.

One message very consistent with the Clinton campaign is that Obama is all talk but is "unwilling to do the HARD WORK required to be president". Also after her Mar. 4 wins, "never underestimate the intelligence of the voters" or something like that. These are more subtle reminders of how Hillary Clinton is using the squalid and age-old stereotypes so many people in this country cling to, so as to feel a little better in any competition. It also indicates how old-school she is and how we as a people of all races desperately need a new type of thought leader that we find in Barack Obama.

Clinton is a racist and she has surrounded herself with the same sort of people.

Ask Hillary where she would be if she hadn't been the wife of Bill Clinton

Rose Law Firm - donor to Bill hired Hillary

Walmart - donor to Bill hired Hillary

Pardongate friends of Bill - donated to Hillary senate campaign

Face it folks, Hillary has accomplished NOTHING ON HER OWN!

"and the fact is that, he is only half black. His mother was white as snow. I think it is racist for people to call him "black." " I absolutely agree. On another topic, who needs to like the president? So what if they are abrasive? You need someone smart and tough who can stand up and hold their ground. We all like George Bush, a great guy to have a beer with, but look what he has accomplished! People, use your brains and not just your emotions when deciding.

I guess Ferarro & Hillary belong to the same exclusive "Rich Old Racist White Women's Club".

Be it race or gender, the two leading candidates are in front for all the wrong reasons. The two remaining choices for president are there because of who they are and not what they have accomplished. The Dems all got caught up in the media frenzy instead of making a responsible decision for the highest office in the country. The qualified candidates were pushed off the page by emotion not reason. If this continues down the current path and people vote democrat just because they are democrat they are voting not for change but for ignorance.

God, what a hateful old crow.

What? Like this is news? Barrack Obama would be a landslide victor if he was white.

You idealist underestimate the power of racism in this country. Everybody is on board with Obama until it comes time to actually go into that booth and vote. It's trendy to lend support to him, yet he keeps losing. Wonder why?

You want to see racism in this country? Wait and see if Obama wins the nomination. When he gets trounced worse than Mondale in 84, you'll know what happened.

Hidden racism is far worse than overt racism.

ferraro is right.

obama is able to inspire people, get people involved, restore faith in america, excite world leaders, and call for a change to the divisive politics of usual because he's black.

and hillary is able to inspire hatred, divide the democratic party, say and do anything she can to get elected, distort the truth, and use whatever back-alley form of strongarm politics she can to secure superdelegats because she's a woman.

what a freaking joke.

There's no limit to how low they can go. This statement by Geraldine Ferraro is 10 times more vicious (as well as bigoted) as the "monster" comment (which happens to be true, as this episode proves). Will she resign? Will HRC denounce and reject this outrageous show of racism? Wait, she was happy to perpetuate the Obama Muslim rumor with her "as far as I know." Too much to ask for her to reject THIS.

Would she be where she is if she wasn't the former first lady who turned a blind eye on her husband's misogyny because she had her eyes set on the senate? Women are voting for her because she's a woman. She wouldn't be where she is if she wasn't one.

Posted by: gracia figueroa | March 11, 2008 11:55 AM

You are right, Grace - You've just supported the notion that BOTH DEM candidates are in it for superficial reasons--NOT true accomplishment and a bastion of good--AFFORDABLE--plans for the future of the bottom-feeders they rely on for votes!

Ferraro has no idea what she is talking about. No one should care what she thinks considering she hasn't done mich since her bid for the vice-presidency in the eighties. check out her actual comments. ridiculous.

http://campaigncircus.com/video_player.php?stat=Most%20Recent

Thanks Ms. Ferraro for speaking the truth. We reformers in Chicago know what Obama really is. He supported the very corrupt Mayor Daley over two qualified African American candidates. Barry Obama likes to be Black when it helps him and is white when that helps he. He is lucky the GOP in Illinois melted down so badly in 2004 that they made the foaming-at- the-mouth carpetbagger Alan Keyes the GOP opponent to Obama. Any breathing being on the Democratic ticket would have been able to beat Keyes. Obama has a thin resume of legislative achievement and he shows his arrogance by turning up his nose at the VP slot. I HOPE that voters in the remaining states get to know what he really is.
BTW I was a Richardson supporter until he dropped out and then I switched to and voted for Hillary in the Illinois primary. So Hillary was not my first choice even tho I am white, female and over 50.

Once again, someone speaks their mind, someone with nothing to gain simply makes a statement, and the whining sheep start calling her a racist.

Do any of you think that what she said wasn't true?

My question to all the Obama supporters and critics out there is the question of eligibility? It strikes me strange how McCain's eligibility was called into question because he was born outside the United States... Even though his father was stationed in the Panama Canal zone and both his parents were citizens of the United States.

Barack Obama, however, was born in the United States, but only one parent was a US citizen... His father was Kenyan and his mother was American.

In my opinion, that strikes me as more of an issue than his race.

I am disgusted that the Clinton campaign is starting racist attacks they lower themselves on, what seem like, a daily basis. I am also repulsed that the remarks that are being said are clearly racist but the public is constantly being told that is not what was meant. To treat everyone as if they are incompetent and don't know what was meant by that remark is to cause her to attain an even lower amount of votes. She doesn't deserve to be President because it seems if she were to be elected we would end up with a re- enactment of white supremacy.

Do you smell that? Yep, that's the smell of white entitlement.

In my mind, that's so 20th Century...

Rev. William Hayashi

It the party and color that protect Obama.

A couple of years ago, it was OK for Democrats to get a Black Republican's credit reports by stealing his Social Security Numebr, and not a peep from people like Silva.

Democrats were silent when some of their pals called Secretary of State Colin Powell an "Uncle Tom". That was OK with most journalists, including those at the Tribune. And calling Secretary of State Rice an "Aunt Jemima" was OK too.

But Obama has been protected and propped up by the left, in politics and the press.

“For one thing, you have the press, which has been uniquely hard on her. It's been a very sexist media. Some just don't like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign."
Geraldine, did it ever occur to you that maybe Hillary is simply not a likable person? She is arrogantly dismissive and disrespectful, and carries on as if she is somehow entitled to be the next president. Focus on that, and perhaps you'll see that there's more to just gender in her "coverage".

Hillary needs to put Geraldine Ferraro back in her box.

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

If Obama was a white man he already would have locked up the nominatin.

OBAMA 08!!!

Ferraro is a woman whose history displays nothing of distinction, save having run, unsuccessfully, for vice-president.

Her comments on Obama only re-inforce that fact.

Racism is alive and well in the good old U.S. of A. Frankly, this Dem. primary has proven once and again this country should shut up criticizing the dealings of other nations until it sifts through its dirty laundry. We criticized apartheid in South Africa and yet Ferraro and others like her denigrate blacks for daring to have amibition. Other bigots label a name "Muslim terrorist" just because the name doesn't fit into the glossary of Anglo-American names even though names like Jesus, Mary and Joseph originated from the same semitic origins as the name Hussein.

Ignorance is rampant in this nation of privilege and hope, What a waste! Before we play savior to the rest of the world, let us get our house in order first.

I hope, whomever the next President may be, that person takes on the office with dignity and honesty, and more than anything humanity.

Obama has an unfair advantage because he is really, really cool. If he was an over-priveleged super-ambitious cut-throat with a huge sense of entitlement, he'd be in second place.

I'm not sure where this is going ... help me out here.

LINDA said: "Geraldine Ferraro is right on. He certainly would not be where he is if he was anything but a black male. The blacks will vote for anyone that is an African-American. The others are caught up in this hopeful rhetoric that is simply just motivating speeches. I am a Clinton supporter and if she does not make it to the Democratic nomination, I will vote for McCain and make sure everone that I know and come across does the same. How soon people forget about putting a relatively unknown as President. Remember Jimmy Carter?? Enough said!"

Blacks have been voting for WHITE Democrats since we got the right to vote; there was no one else to vote for. Nobody complained then. The first candidate to come along that wasn't running just to make a statement (like Jesse)that has a real chance to win, and now WE'RE racist? Please.

"People in this state are not going to get jobs because of hope, inspiration and change,’’ Ferraro said at Michigan State. “You have got to go in there and work."

Wait, I'm sorry - what?

Oh right. Cause the people of America aren't working HARD enough. That's the problem. People should clearly be working HARDER.

I'm so over all this. It's to the point of absurdity. This government is no longer for, by and of the people. They are clearly insane.

What does Ms. Ferraro think Hillary would be doing if she wasn't the wife of Bill Clinton? Obama is much more self-made than Hillary riding the coat tails od her hubby.

Gerry dear, your 1984 campaign was pretty uninspiring. Let's check the record: You accomplished very little prior to 1984. During the big campaign you (and your hubby) were liabilities. And you have done nothing noticeable since. So rivet it shut.

The Dumbocrats spewing racist comments. Geraldine Ferraro is married to a mobbed up guy and is showing her true colors.

Does anyone care what Geraldine Ferraro thinks? She's a rabid Clintonite and ex VP candidate from the most disastrous democratic team of all time. I'd forgotten she even existed until she started spouting out recently. She's the kind of "superdelegate" that's going to destroy the democratic parties chances this Fall by her stupid vitriol. And don't forget she's from New York (never a good recommendation when it comes to arrogance.)

As you consider Ms. Ferraro's comments, remember this: she is a so-called, Superdelegate. She is one the Democratic Party elite who will probably chose the DNC nominee.

Moreover, Ms. Ferraro is not concerned about your criticisms. She knows better than you do, anyway. As she put it in a February 25 Op-Ed in the NY Times, "superdelegates were created to lead, not to follow... they were, and are, expected to determine what is best for our party and best for the country." So, don't you worry your pretty little heads about this election. Ms. Ferraro and the rest of the Super-D's will do what's best for you.

To read her Op-Ed article, "Got a Problem? Ask the Super," See the following link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/opinion/25ferraro.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=ferraro&st=nyt&oref=slogin

"former First Lady who grew up in a upper class Chicago suburb with wealthy and influential parents"

Her parents were solidly MIDDLE class.

And I TOTALLY agree with Geraldine. She is on the money! THANK YOU

Wow. What a joke. With the president of the last 8 years the Dems should walk right into the white house, yet only they are somehow finding a way to mess it up. Amazing. At least next president McCain is middle of the road.

All I have been hearing the last 8 years was all this Clinton love, if Clinton was still in office ect. How quickly you turn on your hero. Dems are ruthless.

The silly arguing between democratic candidates is making me sick. This is one democrat who's going to escape the idiocy of the fighting freshmen senators and go with the moderate republican McCain.

Geraldine Ferraro is exactly correct, but given that she was a 'token' candidate in her own right, it doesn't bode well for the Clinton argument.

They should keep race out of the discussion entirely, and just focus on the merits of Obama's campaign - there are few. Pointing out that Obama is unqualified and has a thin resume doesn't require anyone to comment on the fact that he is given a pass simply because he black. American's can figure that out for themselves.

If Obama where white he wouldn't have a chance!!

I think Ferraro's on to something re Obama's campaign.

Obama himself is trying to run a race free campaign, but quite ALOT of his followers very much have a pat-me-on-the-back because I'm supporting a Black Candidate attitude (though few would own up to it).

We Republicans, are no better, as our perennial over-the-top Colin Powell Mania demonstrates.

(Of course, unlike Barack Obama, Colon Powell has actually done things that warrant the admiration).

I'm afraid that many many Americans of all races aren't to the point where they judge a man, not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character.

Sometimes this manifests itself in Racism and sometimes this manifests itself in Reverse-Racism as we see here.

Ferraro and Clinton better think of what they will say when the press asks Hillary what she thinks about fellow New Yorker - Spitzer!!! I have got to see her blame Obama for that!

Sorry, a correction to my prior post, Ferraro is not currently a Superdelegate.

Where were Obama's charisma, oratorical skills, message of hope, and mass following prior to 2004? How come such a great leader was not able to defeat Bobby Rush? What specifically did he organize in Chicago a few years ago. Is there any significant evidence? What did he he accomplish in the Illinois State Senate? What has he accomplished during his sojourn in the US Senate? How did he involve Rezko in the process to purchase his mansion in Kenwood? Any tit for tat there?
Has he ever had a job apart from politics?

Why is it that Obama cannot admit that he is also a white person. That really aggravates me. He's only half black ....

Cuddos to Geraldine for calling Mr. Russert on his badgering approach. Although I am not fully in agreement that Senator Obama has only been where he is due to being more black looking than white. Mr. Obama did have a rough beginning in life when he black father left at an early age, but he did seem to be raised very white with an excellent education. Senator Obama has been able to step in and luck has been on his side for several of his previous elections...opponents dropping out or being unelectible (Keyes). I really dislike the fact that as soon as Senator Clinton calls the media on being unfair with gender...the racist card goes into play. Senator Obama is VERY confident, almost arrogant when he began as to think with his little experience and even shorter time of being a Senator would qualify him to be President. The "preacher" like ability to heard in a flock like MLK ins uncanny and he has used it well.

One thing is for certain about the Dems.', they are a party of racists and bigots. They are fast becoming a real joke this election season. Their motto is..."Do as i say ,...not as i do. I'm sure bill "Hussein" r. will shortly comment about this because he likes to call out racists and bigots.....right bill ?

Posted by: Don B. | March 11, 2008 9:49 AM

Don Bin Laden,

You are a racist and a bigot.

The only difference between you and "Paulo" is that he knows he's a retard, you don't, and in your little lizard brain you still fancy yourself a "smart guy".

What a great country! Hilary's rise to this level includes marrying Bill, becoming first lady, and setting up residency in a state that neither she or Bill was from, giving her the best chance to get elected to the Senate. What great things has she done to be chosen to run for President?
I give her credit for being an opportunist but let's be honest, Obama's race or gender is no more 'special' than Ms. Clinton's connections.

Why is that Democrats make personal attacks on anyone they dont agree with?

What you people fail to recognize is that neither of these candidiates will represent you in the white house. McCain is no better.

If you want chnage then you have to vore for someone who lives and breathes with integrity and fights for honesty.

Yes you guessed it Ron Paul is the only agent of change left in the race.

Any other vote is a vote for a Socialist or Fascist. If you dont like the terms look them up and see what qualifies as a socialist or fascist and look at the programs the "Candidates" support.

John McCain is a white man, and Hillary Clinton is a woman of any color...and they ar eboth in the same position as Barack Obama in running for President...Ferrarro has to be the biggest idiot of the year for that remark.

WE ARE THE ONES LUCKY TO HAVE HIM!! NO MATTER HIS SKIN COLOR! OBAMA 08!

Hmm, well I do see what she meant in her statement. She seemed to imply that he was getting alot more attention because of his ethenticity. This in part plays into the "change" that America wants to see. An African American man and a white woman is quite a change for president. In truth, I don't think people would have been as excited about him if he were white, so I agree with her there. I'm far from a racist, but I do agree with alot of what she said. I do know I wouldn't have a problem voting for him in November if he's the nominee. However, my support is behind Hillary because I do think she is the better overall choice between the two.

Regarding the media, she is somewhat correct there as well. I mean it can't be denied that Obama gets much more leniancy from the media than Hillary does.

When is it wrong to speak the truth?? She is not vicious or trying to slander Obama,he is black and there is no way around that. History shows us blacks were able to vote before women,so if anybody it should be the white woman who should be offented. We are subject to mean vicious talk from people like Chris Matthews and Tim Russert and other reporters, if he gets upset about being called black and this being an advantage for him, well I say grow up. If he gets nominated this remark will be like child play. I think Obama and his supporter's have very thin skin, they constantly cry about everthing that is not praise. Well get a life, politics may not be the right career for him.

Wasn't it the clintons who darkened Obama's picture in one of their ads, I guess in an attempt to use his "Blackness" against him? Weren't the clintons trying to scare people into not voting for Obama because he's Black? Now his being Black (half Black anyway) is an unfair advantage? WTF?

Who played the race card first?

http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=aa0cd21b-0ff2-4329-88a1-69c6c268b304&k=5083

I am so sick of people telling me what I think. You have no clue what I think and you have NO CLUE what it is like to be a white man so stop your ridiculous presumptions. The difference between me and you or some woman? I have no excuse if I fail and if I am discriminated against it is ok.

I agree with Ferraro's statement. The left wing of the D-party is somehow falls in love with Obama, simply because what he is. BTW, I support affirmative action in work place and other areas of the society, but not with the position of the President.

It is somehow amazing that some democrats think that he could attract independents. The independents are scared by the majority of his supporters, the left wing of D-party.

Ironic comments from Ferraro, someone who became VP candidate solely because of her gender, had no qualifications for the position, and was simply picked by Mondale but did not earn anything on her own. Like Obama or not like Obama, he has earned his votes the hard way...he campaigned for them. Geraldine and Hillary's husband should take their Willie Horton type comments (we all know what they are doing) and go crawl under a shell

As the offspring of a white mother and black father and the infamous one drop rule... which most whites labeled you black if you had so much as one drop of black blood, I feel for Barack. Clinton backers are p*ssed that he is so popular and they drop hints at this religion, race, ect... anything to win eh Hillary? I voted for Bill twice but I've been so turned off by her tactics I plan on staying home this November unless by some long shot she doesn't manage to steal the nomination at the convention. As low as the Clinton's will stoop to win I still can't stomach voting Republican because I can't afford another 4 years of Bush's policies.

Ferraro is absolutely CORRECT about empty suit
Obama who HARDLY WORKED
hard to get where he
was. His Harvard Law
Degree is a fantasy
as was his cushy upbrining
in Hawaii and in the
ex-pat section of Jakarta,
Indonesia. Obama has worked
the LEAST to get where
he is. Ferraro is saying
what others are afraid to
but is patently obvious:
Racial guilt and multicultural correctness
are so in-bred among liberals and in academia
(as an over-reaction to
previous discrimination)
that a White male could
not be appointed head of
the Harvard Law Review
if the donated his life
savings to Harvard. Obama
is an empty suit plain
and simple...about Hillary
I don't entirely agree with
Ferraro...people who happen
to dislike Hillary do so far
more because she is a Clinton than because she
is a woman...Ferraro
was a poor campaigner and
that is why she lost..but few would question her
intelligence and there
are several female politicians that would do
well if they ran for
office (Susan Collins
and Olypmia Snowe both
of Maine come to mind).
If you like/dislike Hillary, you
should so do because of
her ideological positions
and not because of her gender, and the same applies
for Obama who IS being promoted because of his
race and Denzel Washington
teflon personality and not
his experience whatsoever.

Ferraro is absolutely CORRECT about empty suit
Obama who HARDLY WORKED
hard to get where he
was. His Harvard Law
Degree is a fantasy
as was his cushy upbrining
in Hawaii and in the
ex-pat section of Jakarta,
Indonesia. Obama has worked
the LEAST to get where
he is. Ferraro is saying
what others are afraid to
but is patently obvious:
Racial guilt and multicultural correctness
are so in-bred among liberals and in academia
(as an over-reaction to
previous discrimination)
that a White male could
not be appointed head of
the Harvard Law Review
if he donated his life
savings to Harvard. Obama
is an empty suit plain
and simple...about Hillary
I don't entirely agree with
Ferraro...people who happen
to dislike Hillary do so far
more because she is a Clinton than because she
is a woman...Ferraro
was a poor campaigner and
that is why she lost..but few would question her
intelligence and there
are several female politicians that would do
well if they ran for
office (Susan Collins
and Olypmia Snowe both
of Maine come to mind).
If you like/dislike Hillary, you
should so do because of
her ideological positions
and not because of her gender, and the same applies
for Obama who IS being promoted because of his
race and Denzel Washington
teflon personality and not
his experience whatsoever.

I wonder why is it that Sen. Obama is always identified as African- American. Since he is 50% white, should we not, at least occasionally (upto 50% of times), refer to him as a white male candidate, thereby refuting the Clinton camp innuendos?

As I read the comments on this page, I realize two things: one, many of you don't understand the written word very well and two, many of you are embarrassingly transparent in your desire to escape your own self-imposed guilt for being white. Ferraro was implying that Obama would not be LEADING THE RACE FOR DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE if he were a white man, NOT that he would not be a candidate for President if he were not black. Read it again.

DUH, you morons...He is only in this position because he's black. It is no secret that he has won the lion's share of black votes. Erase those votes...would he be in the lead? I DO NOT believe that it is racist to point out the obvious. And I do not believe that Obama himself discredits his race the way some of you would have Ms Ferraro to. He knows why he's on top. He knows who his constituants are. He's no idiot.

If it wasnt true, then why have 90% of african american vote for him, while all other races are practically split. Are we to believe all african americans just think alike, or are they being drawn by something else? its funny, they are not called racists for voting for somone primarily for his race....lol this race thing has honestly become a joke in america, nothing is equal.

To quote a previous poster,
"Obama is a dangerous hack.." I could not possibly agree more...

'If he obama was a white man'....but he is NOT..i don't thing anything of the statement...she has the right to say it - it's her opinion.

barack obama is sharp, fresh, and has earned every step of the way to where he is now. why not give him the airplay, he's awesome. who wants another scaly president? as for shoulder pad feminist hypocrisy, if hillary did not marry a clinton, she'd be clawing ambitiously up some other tree somewhere else in her own miserable life, rather than failing to demonstrate the qualities we want in a commander-in-chief, as we see for example in senator obama.

What Ferrara says is true. If Obama and Clinton were the same race and sex, Clinton would already have synched the democratic nomination. Obama wouldn’t even have been in the running. As for discrimination, you have got to be kidding!! Why is it allowed to print a women should not be president. Can you imagine if people were writing a black man should never be president and giving stereotypical reasons to back the statement? There would be an uproar and rightfully so. There equally should be upheaval when statements about women are made. The media shouldn’t allow comments like that to be put in the press. I’m assuming they are filtering out anything that would say a black man shouldn’t be president. I challenge every media person to do research on the candidates, something that is part of your job description. Look and see that when Obama was asked about his experience he spoke of the death penalty reform. He had NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DEATH PENALTY REFORM! Obviously if he had experience he would have picked something he actually was responsible for as opposed to taking credit for something others were responsible for changing. He also has done nothing for civil rights or women’s rights. Hillary Clinton on the other hand has extensively worked her entire life for rights for all. She was named one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the United States of America. As for Clinton, people that have done the research and speak of her experience are not referring to being the wife of Bill Clinton. She has worked her entire life improving the quality of life for others; education, health care, human rights, poverty, economic issues, foreign affairs to name a few. She has been extremely successful at problem solving. If you truly care about your country go to www.hillaryclinton.com and actually see what she has accomplished. You can also research it in credible government archives, newspapers etc. You can then research the Illinois Congress and see that Obama did not accomplish anything. Then go to the US senate and compare what Hillary Clinton has accomplished verses Obama. Hillary has accomplished extensive projects, Obama has accomplished NOTHING!!

Just a little history lesson, I can recall a time where wars were started because of human rights violations due to race, religion, and political affiliations, but never due to human rights violations done to women. In history women’s human rights have been violated more than any other group, which includes unfortunately the present.

Let’s elect a president based on their resume and history of positive change, not on their promise of change. By the way there are plenty of affluent Americans that want Hillary Clinton for president, me for one. Therefore the media should quit insinuating that the affluent people are backing Obama. Most of the ones I know are not!!

Some media people are doing their jobs, unfortunately in this election a majority I’ve seen are not. Thank you to the media people who are remaining impartial and reporting the facts. You can truly be proud of doing your job!! Thank you again to those news people!!!

Wow!

It's stunning to hear Grealdine Ferraro rant like a racist from the Jim Crow days.

It's one thing to be bitterly disappointed a viable woman candidate is going to lose to a young upstart. A 72 year old cannot be assured she'll live to see another.

But Hillary is not losing to Notorious BIG. Knowing Ferraro is capable of unloading such a vile attack against a Barack Obama makes me wonder if the candidate she speaks for is too amoral to be President.

And as much as I hate to say it, America dodged a bullet when Reagan beat her and Mondale in 1984. She was unfit to serve.

I use to respect you once upon a time. What has happened to you? Do you have no shame? It's time for you to get out of the political game and let the younger folks walk it out.

I have never seen a more racist campaign than Obama's. They want all the black vote in the name of race but if more than 50% vote for Hillary its called racism ??? People will see for what it is, nothing but a coalition of 85% of racist blacks, ignorant teenagers and college students and corrupt rich white Democrats like Kennedys (who "has been"s and with no relevance now), he is an empty suit and will be crushed in general election. Nothing to worry.

This is a messing campaign Hilary Clinton and others that are working with her has really show there true colors and what they think of Obama and his race.She really did not expect him to give her a run for her money. I was at first really thinking about picking Hilary but of all that I've seen I won't vote for no one and I hope when it over people will wake up and do the same. She is not what I though.

Why is what she said so terrible and 'racist'? What do you call it when Obama's campaign people say he'll take Mississippi because of all the black voters? Is that not racist then as well?

BHO is getting 90% of the black vote so hwy is anyone surprised? Finally the HRC team pointed out if the blacks were not voting on race then BHO would be far behind. So who are the racists? Clearly black voters.

Well it's the truth, Obama has 90% of the black vote, black racism at it's best.

Hilary Clinton is by NO means a Margarat Thatcher!!

I agree with this title of this document. But I also agree, most of all, that if Hillary was a man (white,black,yellow,brown,or any color), and not being supported by her husband ex-president. She would defenitly not be where she is at now.

For Geraldine Ferraro, if you hear hoof prints, it must be a zebra. Her establishment-entrenched mind cannot accept the notion that perhaps today's voters-- most of them, in fact-- prefer Obama because of the integrity with which he has run his campaign, the principles for which he stands, and the policies that he advocates. Instead, she reduces his success to the fact that he is a black man. Since when has being a black man ever been an asset in American politics? One would think black people had suddenly become the majority in this country.

Just curious: If a black man or woman votes for Obama based only on the color of his skin, is Ferraro wrong? Not racist or bigoted, perhaps maybe just right.

Geraldine should have said that the only reason Obama is where he is because the world's biggest media whore put him on her list of favorite things, between the $100 lipstick and $1,000 pillows. I think a wise, intelligent, substantive black candidate would be great. Too bad there isn't one running.

I sure hope the voters in Pennsylvannia, North Carolina and the other states and territories that are still holding a primary are smart enough to see the future they will have with Billary in the White House. The voters in NY, Massachusetts, California and especially the pathetic state of Ohio (who have done nothing about their economic problems and are expecting someone else to fix all their mistakes)should be proud that they allowed this joke to continue.
Well the jokes on you. Hillary creates her own reality depending on which way the wind blows. Wake up people.

At this point HOPE is more than a reasonable alternative.

If Obama were white he would've sealed up the nomination on Feb 5th. Now what would Hillary be if she hadn't married Bill?

A black man makes more money then any woman no matter the color. A black man will be hired BEFORE any woman and fired AFTER any woman. When Obama won the Iowa primary it was called historical even though a Jesse Jackson had won 5. When Clinton won New Hampshire nothing was said of its historical importance because she was the VERY FIRST WOMAN to have won a primary. Yes, he's damn lucky to be who he is today.
And please, Park Ridge is hardly priveledged

geraldine hit the nail on the head,all you hussein obama lovers should take the time to check out the history of your little boy the past 16 yrs in chicago, hillary has a expensive home someone posted well go check out the obamas pad not bad for hardly working, while your at it check out his district when he was in the Illinois senate, some of the worst living conditions and crime ridden in the country, and many of the good people living there almost froze one winter when his crooked buddy refko turned the heatoff, hussen obama is what he is a liar, shuftless, lazy bum, go spend the time and check out for yourself, it may be hard because the media does him no harm, also check out his campaign donations it is not grass roots it is WALL SI. FINANCIAL CO. AND ALL THE BIGGEST IN THE COUNTRY, check it out

Democrats party of racists and bigots? Republicans are bigoted against anyone who isn't them... as in white and rich.

I'm 39/white male and I will support Obama... why... well he doesn't represent the old system which is so entrenched and so many have a vested interest in maintaining that they will do or say anything to keep him out of office.

In every revolution... there is one man with a vision. Only Obama is showing any vision in this election.

Ferraro is absolutely, positively correct! Obama has been treated by the media with kid gloves during this entire campaign and many argue a primary reason being his race. No journalist wants to be the first one labeled with the oh so convenient R-word for having the nerve to hit Obama with the same toughness as they would any other political candidate.

It's far easier for them to just wail on the old broad until she breaks. After all, that S-word seems farrrr easier these days to live with than that nasty old R-word.

Today's journalists need to grow a pair and start treating everyone more equally.

At least SNL got it right!

We don't need another technician (hard worker) in Washington.

Bush and Congress have been "workin hard" for the American People and we're in the worst shape we have been in for the last 40 years.

We need a leader who can give Americans and the rest of the World some hope. An inspired country can accomplish almost anything.

Clinton or McCain would be fine if we want to dig a deeper hole.

My hope is with Obama.

Question: Does Obama and his group deny that he is Black ? Does Obama(D) deny that he is American ? At this point he has 1/4 of the people voting for him,1/4. Hillery(D) has 1/4 and McCain(R) has 1/2. Neither Obama nor Hillery will be in the White House together as Pres and VP, they could not work with each other due to what other people would expect of them or force on them.

Hillary really is a MONSTER !!!...AND, "IF" elected will host "THE MONSTER BALLS"

Ferraro is just voicing the frustration that many of us feel about the unfair media prejudice against women. Because Hillary is a woman, she has had to work twice as hard as any man has at trying to win the nomination. Conversely, Mr. BHO just has to smile pretty and repeat everything Hillary says to try to give the appearance he knows what he is talking about. Make no mistake, we women aren't whining about the discrimination. We are fighting it! Don't count us out just yet. There is a long way to go and a lot of fight left. We aren't going to take this lying down. The fight has just begun. Women everywhere unite for equality! Hillary 2008!

GF is a wasted footnote to history who already had her 15 minutes of fame when she was chosen from obscurity and without regard for her qualifications, if any, by Mondale in a failed effort ot pander to her sex.

Since she was "so supremely talented," why did she have to crawl back into her hole after the Dem's go their butts kicked? Where ya been Gerri? The world would have been so much better with "all you had to contibute. I guess, we have in fact, already received "all you had to contribute," a big zero.

But you can always say you will make a great jeopady question.

some people just do not give up and are livid closeted racist..Geradine need to move on with her miserable life..enough is enough..race or gender should have nothing to do with this campaigne..as a life-long democrate, I thank my God I didn't waste my vote on Geradine.

Ferraro is certainly a beneficiary of gender preference, as is Hillary Clinton, and McCain has certainly capitalized endlessly on his service in Vietnam.

However, she is right:
if Obama were entirely white (rather than half-white) he would be nothing, nowhere, and nobody. Harvard and the other Ivy League schools lower their admission standards shamelessly to admit black applicants. A middle-class white guy with his degree of vapidity and vacuousness would never have been considered for admission there. (Grade inflation for all students is out of control there as well.)

He came along at the right time: when white liberal guilt and affirmative action were still strong enough to obscure his stunning lack of credentials and accomplishment. I think it's very telling that even his most ardent supporters can't name a SINGLE meaningful accomplishment during his time in public office.

He's a lightweight who's in way over his head - a lot like George W., I'm sorry to say.

It's Halloween in reverse! The Clinton campaign has let slip their mask of decency and, lo and behold, here be monsters. Desperate, vicious, bitter, and unscrupulous monsters.

It is a shame that Ferarro would say something like that. I am a Obama backer. And I will vote for him. Hillary showed the other side of herself in this race and it just turned me off.

Geraldine is right. A white man with no more experience than Barrack Obama would not have a chance to run for president. He has not even finished his first term as a senator and he has spent that time running for president. I didn't hear the speech he gave at the Democratic Convention so I can't judge
it; but in the ones I have heard, he sounds like a baptist preacher. I bet Denzil Washington could give just as good a speech but I don't think we would think of making him our president. If he wins the nomination I won't be voting because I don't want my friends to say, "Well, you voted for him." That's what people say about the people who voted for President Bush. I think a lot of democrats will be staying home if he is nominated to run for President.

Wow!!!! George Bush and Rush Limbaugh were right about these folks. I am changing my party affiliation ASAP. Obama will get my vote, but not as a democrat. Between Spitzer and Ferraro, what a couple of hyprocrites.

If the Clintons get in office than it will be business as always like it was in the 70's and the only diffrence will be is Hillary will be President and Bill is in the scandle like he is now.
Bill Clinton Link in Brazil Ethanol Probe.
Sorry people and I know there has got to be better people to run for office than Bill & Hillary Clinton.

Sad, sad, sad. The democratic party begins the tearing...itself apart. How about 1968 everyone? Then 30 or 40 years in the dust.... I'm sure not everyone on this is a democrat but it's depressing to hear unfounded, ignorant comments about race, advantage, etc. I'm sick of hearing one group out complain the other. Leave the racism and sexism to the Republic Party Please!! As a white male I guarantee the only person I WONT vote for is the white male running. I'll vote for either a black man or a woman unless this "I look like this person" mentality continues. Keep it up and good bye Democrats and WELCOME MCSAME!!

Right Geraldine, it's about his race. That's why Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Washington all voted for Obama by almost 3-1. There's such a huge african-american community, especially in Idaho. Or could it be Hillary never bothers to even make a stop in the smaller states because they aren't worth her time??????

The biggest joke in this "discussion" is about Obama's experience. Folks reference Jimmy Carter, but conveniently forget about the lack of experience of previous Democratic stars that they "like". John Kennedy was vastly less experienced than Richard Nixon and a very inexperienced Bill Clinton defeated the Presidential resume king George Bush the Elder.

Not much criticism of BC's lack of experience, only praise for his presidency. These same proponents of HC are completely mute on the experience issue--unless it favors their candidate. It's called hypocrisy.

African-Americans have been by far the most faithful members of the Democratic Party. If party members persist in expressing overt racism and attempt to label the new young star of the party an affirmative action candidate, then the party will see enough AA defections to permanently change the political landscape.

With "friends" like these in the Dem party, it's hard to tell who the "enemy" is. These folks are actually pushing the buttons for a mass movement of AA voters into independent status. Maybe that will be good for everyone. Familiarity has apparently breaded contempt for Democratic AAs.

"My hope is with Obama."

Well Jim from Iowa, your hope should be with Gd. Your mind, however, should be supporting someone competent.

Like Hillary Clinton.

After reading each and every post here I am amazed that they let some of you people out into the real world let alone vote. Why does Senator Obama have to meet a criterion that has never been set before for any other candidate? Does running a baseball team qualify one to be POTUS ala' George Bush? It is obvious that most of you have never held leadership positions or built teams to accomplish objectives. Some have talked about the home that Senator Obam's family occupies. What does Senator Obama’s "fancy" home have to do with anything? I haven't heard anything about any of the other candidate’s homes. You people (Obama haters) are amazing. Just what is it about a black man that frightens you? Do you expect him to run every facet of the government by himself? True leaders develop a vision and build teams to accomplish the mission. They draw upon the expertise of others. Forward thinking leaders attract good people, delegate, evaluate and move on to the next task. If what is happening on Wall Street is any indication of what real experience can bring about, I'll settle for hope and change. It's been a long time since I’ve seen a Democratic candidate articulate a positive vision for their constituency rather than rant and espouse platitudes about how we are victims of the man, the system, the Republican Party; etc. What does a man who graduated top of his class, (Harvard no less) and is a positive role model and who demonstrates admirable values as a family man, husband, father, active church member (Christian) and as a concerned elected leader have to do to be seen as “qualified”? “They” (those people) just never seem to be able to rise above the fear some of us have of black men. Yes I said it. He doesn’t have to play the race card because many of you are so busy playing yours. Where did Hillary graduate in her class? Did you know she failed the DC bar exam and that’s why she moved to Arkansas? Barack passed one of the toughest bar exams on his first try, the Illinois Bar exam. When will Senator McCain release his medical records and when will Senator Clinton release her tax returns? Why aren’t you asking those questions? It is no wonder the founding fathers constructed the Electoral College. Obviously some of you are too stupid to be entrusted with your vote.

I love how all of you people seem to have forgotten that Hillary Clinton was actually very much involved in politics and viewed as having a bright political future long before she agreed to marry Bill.

Secondly, to the person who commented about her failing the bar, it's an irrelevant points. Especially considering that you've probably never taken a bar exam and have no idea how hard it actually is to pass.

And lastly, I remember a time when the media was wondering if Obama was "black enough" to get the black vote. Isn't this *discussion* a giant double standard?

when our leaders make comments that belong in 'Alice in Wonderland' can we gong them.
One is fortunate to be sufficiently persuasive to convince significant percentages in Iowa[of other ethnic groups].

I just want to scream when I read these blogs. The mentality is truly amazing. Hillary Clinton did not make those remarks, yet she will be blamed again for it. It is a FACT that the Clinton family has a tremendous amount of friends in the African-American community. It is also a FACT that 90% of African-Americans are voting for Obama. Why is that? Why is it that great leaders in the African-Americam community were receiving threats if they did not switch and support Obama? Who's racial now??? Why is it that Obama is only referred to as African-American when he is half white? Should the white community be upset about that? Isn't that racial?

GERALDINE is "Married to the Mob".....The Clintons want Obama for their Butler in the White House. Why doesn't the public wise up... THE CLINTONS ARE RACISTS OF THE WORST KIND ...WHO THINK ALL BLACKS ARE NIGGERS JUST TO BE USED.....THEY ARE WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING.....BRING THE VILE CLINTONS DOWN!!!!!THIS SITE IS 1/2 FULL OF RACISTS !!!

Well, Hilliary Clinton has really worked hard and pulled her self up by her own bootstraps. This is a myth, but for being the first lady of the U.S., she would not have any national appeal or following. Her foreign policy experience is based on her husband's administration. The one clear issue she led in washington was "Health Care Reform" which she botched. The media has handled the former first lady with kid gloves, if Obama was behind in delegates as she is, I wonder if would be encourgaged to run on or told to pack it up for the good of the party. One thing is true white women can be just as racist and bigoted as any white male. The Democratic Party is on its last leg, and maybe its time for a real third party.

what makes you think this race isent raciest. look at the states obama has won large number of black voters that put him over the top, take that away an you just have a average canidate, yes hes a smooth talker, but that dosent make him with enough experance to run the country im waiting to see what comes out of the rezco trial where there smoke theres fire an my gut tells me there some fire there obama to consurnd about that trial why would he have a staffer ther taking note, there a lot of questions about his illinos sentorial years where were you mr. obama an how did you get there. rezco.people in politic no who this works an who you owe nedhuni auchi remenber that name you should anyone intersted should pull it up on the webb. thats the billionair you tried to help get a vesa in to u.s.a. after he was denied entre into the usa. hes your benifactor. an what a benifactor. big time crook. your his hand picked boy. an i mean boy you started this about race i only hope the american people wake up an read some of these sites its all there for them to read thats all you have to do.what do you know about foreign policy. you have none only words. you have all the top contribters on you list the insurance ind. cummincation,pharmacial, goldman sacs, i an sick of your bs words i need proof who are you will the real obama pleses show up.p

what makes you think this race isent raciest. look at the states obama has won large number of black voters that put him over the top, take that away an you just have a average canidate, yes hes a smooth talker, but that dosent make him with enough experance to run the country im waiting to see what comes out of the rezco trial where there smoke theres fire an my gut tells me there some fire there obama to consurnd about that trial why would he have a staffer ther taking note, there a lot of questions about his illinos sentorial years where were you mr. obama an how did you get there. rezco.people in politic no who this works an who you owe nedhuni auchi remenber that name you should anyone intersted should pull it up on the webb. thats the billionair you tried to help get a vesa in to u.s.a. after he was denied entre into the usa. hes your benifactor. an what a benifactor. big time crook. your his hand picked boy. an i mean boy you started this about race i only hope the american people wake up an read some of these sites its all there for them to read thats all you have to do.what do you know about foreign policy. you have none only words. you have all the top contribters on you list the insurance ind. cummincation,pharmacial, goldman sacs, i an sick of your bs words i need proof who are you will the real obama pleses show up.p

mass19 says: "If it wasnt true, then why have 90% of african american vote for him, while all other races are practically split."

Answer me, why did 87% of blacks vote for John Kerry in 2004? Only 6% voted for Sharpton. Your argument is hardly worth refuting. Hillary owns about 97% of the old-white vote. What a surprise! Ferraro is old and white. And apparently racist, to boot. Someone is lucky here, and it isn't Obama.

It is nice to see such a tight contest. Barak Obama already clarified that he wasn't running for VP but for president. Can Clinton also clarify weather, herself trailing, she really meant to run for President or Vice President under Obama. She proclaimed Obama unfit as a President. It would be wise of her to clarify her stand before asking for any more votes. Voter Confusion will certainly not be in her favour.

It's always good to get advice from a former VP candidate who knows how to lose in 49 of the 50 states

Some people really make mockery of American politics and life. People like Ferarro and Co. drag American politics below the level of politics of some sickening corrupt third-world country. America is a great nation and must work to complete what Abraham Lincoln hat started: and end to “black-white” binary thinking. Obama’s mother is white, whiter than Ferarro! Only in America and those countries that ape her that someone whose mother is white or pale is not white. One would think that Tiger Woods' protest against the negation of his mother's blood in him would put an end to this nonsense. Is a person with a Japanese father and a white mother an Asian in America? Why is this "black"-"white" binary mindset so rooted in American national psyche and distorts Americans’ perception of reality? Rick above is totally right: All the American presidents from Washington to Bush are “black”.. This whole campaign raises a disturbing problem in genderism and gender discourse. It is meant to overcome discrimination, but it could easily be exploited in the hands of racist feminists and power addicts. Why did Mondale chose Ferarro as his running mate? Obama is a brilliant scholar – a former president of the Harvard Law Review. Ferarro is even blind to how Obama has changed the political discourse within a short space of time. Is that also due to his white-black skin colour? Jeez! Switzerland may not be perfect, but you don’t find this crude talks in Swiss politics.

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HER, I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH ONE-SIDED MEDIA COVERAGE IN ALL MY LIFE. WHITE MALES DETEST HILLARY CLINTON AND IT SHOWS, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN FAIR TO HER BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION. RHETORIC AND A GLIB TONGUE WILL NOT CURE THE ILLS THAT SURROUND US. AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE ON ROSE-COLORED GLASSES. BEFORE OBAMA RAN THE CLINTONS COULD DO NO WRONG, NOW THEY ARE DESCRIBED AS RACIST AND RACE-BAITING. REMEBER, HE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAD A CABINET FULL OF BLACKS AND APPOINTED THEM ON EVERY LEVEL. HOW SOON THEY FORGET!!!!

White women from rich parents who are married to presidents are less lucky than immigrant black men with absent fathers and no money? Right. Hillary has overcome so much. I'm simply inspired.

All of you who actually agree with Ferraro, please vote for someone other than Obama. We don't want your vote.

Another reminder why the Democratic Party needs to move forward, and create a new party coalition under Senator Obama's leadership. Frankly, the comment is embarrassing, whiney, smacks of sour grapes, and seems like yet another "slug o' mud" from the Clintonistas. I used to be one of them. No mas! After seeing this string of destructive stunts from the Clintons, either from Hill and Bill or their surrogates, I've realized how much they are in it for themselves, and not for the party or for the people. They remind me of children....if they can't have the nomination, then they'll create so much muck that no one else can have it either! They're spoiling the waters for the eventual nominee. Maybe Hillary can become an advisor to the McCain campaign after Barack wins the nomination. After all, she's done enough of their work already!

Yes, it's important that only the individual who is most qualified should be president. And yet, we do base a lot of our judgements on gender and color of skin.
In fact, when was the last time you saw a Latino or Asian campaign to be president?

Now that everyone feels better about themselves for bashing GF, guess what ,
she's right !

I wouldn't care if the candidate is black, yellow white or brown, but someone whose love for this country is unquestionable, someone with enough experience on the issues confronting this country, that would not need to ask what to do everytime an issue arises. Someone who understands that at times we must make decisions that may seem the wrong ones, but are necesary for the sake of a safer future for our country for generations to come.

As far as I know the only qualifications a person needs to be president is to be 35 years of age or more and a natural born citizen. Nothing about white, black, male, female or being married to a former president. We could probably do a lot worse than Clinton or Obama or even McCain (shudder)

I'm not a big fan of Mr. Obama. I think he has no experience and is not qualified to be President. However, I don't think he's winning the nomination just because he's black... Anybody remember Jessie Jackson. He's winning because he's charismatic and Hilary's boring.

Still I think this is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. LOL!

http://whatsgoingon-bekalynn.blogspot.com/

I remember Ferraro when she and Mondale ran for in '84. I was too young to vote, but my parents, people of color were thrilled and excited and provided their support. However, as a life-long Democrat, I am becoming more and more dispondent. I feel that they are not credible. I have to wonder about Mondale himself (who is supporting Clinton). Does he too feel this way? People of Color in America should think long and hard before we blindly give our vote, our money, and our gratitude to these charlatans.

I am a life long democrat and I feel sorry for my party. We should have this election in the bag, but like always we are beating ourselves up. This primary is not going to be settled until the august convention, and between now and then we are at risk of running our general election candidate and our party into the ground. This divisiveness seems stem from both the media and the clinton campaign. The media does treat the two candidates differently, being a little harder on clinton than obama, but I do not believe race figures into it. Clinton is an easier target due to they way she conducts her campaign. She attacks obama on everything from his experience to his message of hope without any expectation of examination of her experience or message. I think the media is harder on those who relentlessly attack and this is something that the clinton campaign has done. You do not hear obama wining because clinton keeps attacking him yet the clinton campaign wines over the examination of her attacks and the criticisms these attacks bring on. Maybe if the clinton camp ran a cleaner campaign she would be out by now and we would not be in the position we are now. However, due to her "kitchen sink" tactics and her stubborn will to win at any cost, she is still in the race driving a wedge between the diverse members of this great party.

Cleary white people are losing their minds. But fine, I'll play.

White people have been voting white for over 200 years and black people didn't say a word. But now, since a VIABLE candidate of color is in the race, suddenly black people are racists. Yes, because we were totally behind Alan Keyes when he ran in '00. But not really. Do get your facts straight before you play the race card, thanks.

And Ms. Ferraro can leave us "women of color" out of her batty statement, as the feminist movement barely recognizes us and only when it's convenient. Just continue to treat us as the non-entities you've come to know and ignore.

More distraction. When can we just get news stories that are about the issues and not about the personal opinions of either Dem candidate's supporters? Do you really think Hillary would ask Gerry to say this kind of thing thinking it would help her? Stupid. It's just her opinion. It's not driven by anything but her own feelings of frustration, the same we all feel in a hotly-contested race, but express to our personal slant or taste. And of course the shrill, youthful Obamaheads rise to take the bait. The inexperience of supporters is as damaging as the inexperience of candidates. The only camp that benefits from this in-fighting is John McCain's. The Repubs have managed to plant the seeds of Dem self-destruction to put their candidate on the high ground and above the fray. The conservative press is only too happy to lend a hand.

Any outside observer can see the fine hand of neocon-biased media at play here and as usual, the Dems are fighting each other to the point of distraction. We have to pull it together and focus on a clean victory in November, not allow the Rove-style strategists to bury us again. No matter our nominee.

Geraldine Ferraro is right on target. I applaud her for saying what no one else has had the courage to say. She isn't racist and neither am I. People ARE caught up in the concept of a black man being president and they aren't looking beyond that at his lack of experience. In 8 more years, maybe he'll be ready. My research shows Obama voted no 5 times, yes 15 times and "no vote" the last 76 times.

Completely on point for her comments about Obama. If he wasn't black he wouldn't be getting the attention because he has nothing special going for him. Never a leader, never was a boss of anything, never a company president, never a decision maker, and he expects us to elect him leader of this country. Gotta show me more than what he has. Has alot of arrogance expecting me to vote for him. Last person on my list. Nader would get my vote before Obama.

I think Geraldine needs to cut down on the diet pepsi.

You know, the way this democratic campaign is going, NO ONE in their right mind will want to vote for either democratic candidate when the general election comes along.. This constant bickering over trivial things like off handed comments from supporters and workers makes me sick. And don't forget, HILARY was the one that wanted to start campiagning a full one year ahead of the normal time. I'm fed up with all of it and McCain is loving all of it. You Dems better watch out. Regardless of who wins, the respct for your party will be long gone and the Republicans will sweep this election.

I am a midddle age white collar white male. Both sexism and racism are alive and well in the US. Sexism is not only more acceptable, it is championed every day in the work place and every night on late night television. While Ms. Ferraro's comment is both politically and grammatically incorrect, there is an element of truth in it which apparently makes a lot of people uneasy. Senator Obama is an intelligent young man with very good oratory skills but not much of a national political history. His campaign for change and unity is appealing, inoffensive and safe. However, the 85%-90% African American votes he has won are most likely not due entirely to his credentials and campaign promises. Senator Clinton's appeal to women isn't so clear cut since she is apparently capturing a little more than 50% of the female vote.

Ferraro is absolutely right. I am so happy someone finally said what is on everyone's mind out loud. Sexism is alive and well. Obama is where he is because of those details that have snowballed him to a presidential front-runner. We all know Hillary is the best person for the job but that is overshadowed by the fascination people have with the concept of "the first black man" to be president.

It's always the same: some racist removing the sheet. It's unfortunate that race is still an issue in 2008.

Geraldine, He Gets Death Threats Because He's Black. .. That's right Geraldine. If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. He would not have gotten Secret Service protection as early as last May. If Obama was a white man, CBS.com wouldn't have temporarily turned off comments on Obama stories because of the volume and persistence of racist comments. If Obama was a white man, his Secret Service wouldn't rival that of President Bush's. If Obama was a white man, I doubt that the Somali photo would've resulted in the Secret Service investigating a right-wing radio show host threatening the Senator's life. This is just the publicly available stuff. I know people who have come off the presidential campaigns (particularly those who were on the staffs of all those who have dropped out), and staff members of rival Democratic presidential campaigns did notice when Obama's Secret Service protection was increased... And if you asked an Obama staffer about it, you might get the answer that there was a, um, rough patch. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/10/193818/500/87/473837

Wow this is news to me. After being a black man in the U.S for 31 years I did not realize I was "lucky" to be a black man...proud yes. But lucky?!!? I also didn't know the country is "caught up" in the concept of black men. Maybe I can thank Denzel or Jamie Foxx for that.

Wow, who let the Hogs out?Geraldine Who? Geraldine as in past tense, washed up and dried out Ferraro? Need I say more? It does not surprise me that we are in the 21st century and still there is a need to address the prejudices of old. This country is tired of those old ways and has spoken for change. Change the Obama way. Who will make another negative comment,slang or punch at Sen. Obama? Will you people, the newsmedia, journalists, campainge strategists, plain Joe's, etc.. give it up. Who cares what you are digging up? Enough already. I am tired of this mess, I might vote republican now. NOT!!!Obama is multi-cultural and his dominant feature is african american. What do you think about his white mother and his white grand parents who raised him? Do you care about what you are saying about their grandson? Does that make him less than a man because of his race. What's in a name, come on people get a grip! What person has experience in any position until they actually get there and do the job. How much experience did the previous presidents have before they went into office? Can he mess this country up more that it is already? What are you people afraid of? Beware of who is really the harlot. First, you media folks say he's not tough enough, when he does follow-up on and answer the negative comments thrown at him, now you're saying he's angry or radical or even a Muslim with controversial ties and issues. Is there any winning with you people? Note that he never wanted to start with the negativity, you know who generated the first blow. Make up your minds. You people have always tried to shed negatives on Sen. Obama. You pessimistic people all shut up and watch what will happen and not speculate of what you think may happen. You must know that it is not just the African American, insane or reject communities that are supporting him. Give it up already and allow him to focus on the message of change and not the same old politics that you are familiar with. He will win the democratic nomination and then you should ask yourself, what will I do next? Change is inevitable and no amout of negative comments will stop that. Ask yourself, when GOD is on your side, what can man do to you?

The whole "he doesn't have enough experience" thing is making me sick. After George Bush, Mickey Mouse could run the country with his experience.
Geraldine should have remained in seclusion - sipping vodka and smoking a cigarette.

You can always spot the bigots...have any of them stopped and considered that black voters vote for Obama simply because he is the better candidate?

White people and black people have voted white people in office for the better part of two centuries without a problem. Now, when a VIABLE black candidate steps into the ring and black folks vote for him, we're racists. Yes, because being black worked so well for Alan Keyes in 2000. But not really.

Perhaps it's time for white folks to put the race card down.

The response of Barack Obama's campaign spokesmen, Rice, proves Ferraro's point.

Any realistic analysis of Obama's meteoric rise, having had so little experience, is greeted with cries of racism and demands for retraction.

What white or female candidate would find their partisans responding that way?

And this, in spite of the Afro-centric appeals to black voters by Obama's minister and wife.

Ms. Ferraro is partially right in her comment. Let's face it, a black will vote for a canidate just because he is black. And that's ok! It's labled black pride! When a white does the same thing it's labled prejudice! What is the difference? Obama's roots go back to Africa--but that is his father's roots.From my bilogy classes I was taught that the were two people involved in the making of a child! So how come we never hear about Obama's mother's roots! If Obama would have come out in the beginning and said that he was half black and half white and is for all "Americans" I could see myself backing him. But he did what so many people do--Played the minority card.

Will the double-talk from these people never cease? If Obama's being black is some kind of free pass for him, then sure as hell the same should be said for Hillary's being a woman . . . and yet, there, Ferraro cries sexism.

There was a story yesterday about the neophytes in Obama's campaign being a problem for him because of their inexperience in tempering their public remarks. Ferraro is no neophyte and so doesn't have that excuse. The Clinton campaign fosters this level of negative idiocy.

It is interesting to me that the candidate that stands for change chose to endorse the establishment machine candidates such as Dorothy Tillman, Richard Daley, Todd Stroger, etc. as oppossed to reform candidates such as Forest Claypool. As an Illinois resident, I have not yet seen the "Change" in the Senators actions in this state. I am worried that we are blinded by the enthusiasm for Obama from the local Democratic Machine. Are they drooling because they believe they will be rid of Patrick Fitzgerald before he can indict them?

Do you smell that? Yep, that's the smell of white entitlement.

In my mind, that's so 20th Century...

Rev. William Hayashi

Posted by: Rev. William Hayashi | March 11, 2008 1:33 PM

Your racist remark is so 20th Century too, Bill.

The difference between a Republican and a Democrat is the Republican is a bigot, the Democrat is a bigot who points fingers at the Republican.

"MOSES SPEAKS TO AMERICA"

IS THIS WHAT IT TOOK TO GET PEOPLE ENGAGED IN IN THIS "RACE" TO THE WHITEHOUSE ROSE GARDEN!

IS THIS WHAT IT TOOK TO GET WHITE AMERICA, BLACK AMERICA, HISPANIC AMERICA, NATIVE INDIAN AMERICA TO GET ENGAGED AND VOTE FOR THE NEXT "ROSE GARDEN" SPEECHES ON $110.00 BARRELL OF "HOSTAGE OIL" IN AMERICA.

BOY IF HE WAS ONLY WHITE, INDIAN, BLACK, HISPANIC, HE WOULD BE STILL JUST A MAN OF DIFFERENT COLOR.

OBAMA IS A MAN, JUST LIKE MANY OF MEN. HE IS MAN WITH MANY OF MEN WITHIN HIM. SO IF HE HAD NO COLOR HE WOULD BE BLACK AND WHITE!

GERALDINE!

Mass 19, your comment was that Obama received 90% of the African American vote that is why he is ahead. Obviously math is a problem with you Hillary supporters so let me help you out. I am not math wiz but I do no how to google information and then count.
The last US census states that African American make up only 13.4% of the US population. Even if you what you said is true that means those votes only account for 12.4 % of his support. Thus far Obama has received 2,580,435 votes. The math indicates 309,656 are African american. 2,270.782 are non African Americans. It would help if everyone would take a few minutes to do some research before making comments.

I'm sorry to surprise everyone like this, but what she says is true. Come on it is common knowledge on all the news shows that Obama has done exceedingly well in the states with a majority black population. And also, Hillary has been treated badly by the media. So why should Hillary's people disavow Ferraro. How many times have I heard on CNN that Obama should do well in this or that state because of the large black population. Just heard it last night about Mississippi. So quit acting so indignant.

"I love how all of you people seem to have forgotten that Hillary Clinton was actually very much involved in politics and viewed as having a bright political future long before she agreed to marry Bill".

Posted by: FantumGrey | March 11, 2008 3:04 PM

Yes she had a bright political future but as a Goldwater Republican. It seems she longs for those days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDHsHM0laT8

Why is this covered up?
Clinton should apologize

RACISM is the game Clinton wants to play. This is a perfect follow-up after she had a picture of Obama "darkened" to scare voters and make him appear blacker. Fire her Mrs. Clinton. Or do you affirm her commetns by supporting her statement?

If Geraldine Ferraro was a man she would have been in the "family" business - you know it was construction or uh, waste disposal... Just like Tony Soprano.

ok, people who say "if _____ doesn't win, i'm voting for mccain are just idiots -- plain and simple. if that's the case, you should be voting for mccain anyway, because clearly you really don't care where your country ends up in 8 years, and obviously you're more concerned with who gets the trophy than what happens to our economy, our military, our health and our educational system. you people, yes you, are the reasons some voters advocate harsher voter restrictions so only informed, intelligent and non-emotional people enter the booths. stop the empty (and stupid) threats to vote for mccain, stop the inane and baiting posts and just shut up and pull the lever for mccain in november. your "i'm taking my ball and going home" attitude only reflects how juvenile you people are.

I've been a Republican feminist for many years and I'm supporting Obama totally. It's so incredulous to hear how so many women cry sexism at the media and the Democrats who are not supporting Hillary. The vast majority of negatives with Hillary have been self inflicted. She isn't likeable, but more importantly, integrity matters. It isn't because she's a woman!! Are these women too young to have lived thru the Clinton years of the 1990's? Or are these women older feminisms that only support her because she's a woman or because they were deceived by their own husbands in the past and it's a sympathy vote? The truth is Hillary's negatives come from her/their past of secrecy & deception(lost Whitewater files, FBI files of those in Congress giving the Clintons trouble, Vince Foster files), legal matters, trust issues, her arrogance (I'm smarter than everyone, so I know best), blaming everyone for their issues/problems in Washington and now in her horribly run campaign, non stop fights with Congress, etc etc etc. In addition, her dishonesty in claiming she's a feminist and then trashing all the women Bill has been involved with as bimbos and liars. A feminist who is only where she is because of who she married....a story as old as Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. A woman running for President with the total support of an ex-President that includes all his connections, "you owe me " super delegates, money, influence, presence, power, and the control of the entire Democratic party behind her. Not a real level playing field for new comers! And, it appears being a woman and married to the right man has served Hillary well in her personal ambitions. And Obama's success is because he's lucky? He has a real advantage in this election because he's black? He has the privilege to be the first candidate in our history who has to run against a ex-Pres/first lady, double teamed, and double attacked. It's a real testimony to his leadership, talents, skills, temperament, brains, emotional intelligence, calm/cool demeanor, charisma and integrity that he is winning against such trememdous odds. Obama's appeal reminds me of Ronald Reagan... a person comfortable in his own skin and so likeable because of it. Yes, Hillary is a fighter, but also a divider. We're so tired of the last 16 years of fighting in Washington. We need a uniter in the White House and on the world stage. We need someone who understands other cultures because they've lived them. We need to have someone in the White House that has a fresh vision for tomorrow; not the Clinton team, where the Mrs. feels she's entitled to the Presidency and the Mr. who wants so badly to return so he can rewrite his embarrassing legacy. It's the difference between "we" leadership and "me" leadership.
PS Barack Obama was not accepted to Columbia and Harvard because of affirmative action. His father had a graduate degree from Harvard and his mother had a PhD from the University of Hawaii. Seems like his brilliance was inherted!

"If Obama was a white man" I still wouldn't vote for him or any other democrat. I am tired of working 40 hours a week and having ALL of my money given to the low lifes who will not work but wants to collect welfare instead. All I hear from the Libs is let do this program or lets do that program and all they are really saying is lets take more money from the middle income working class so they will have to eventually have to turn to the government for help. I am sure also that anyone who doesnt vote for Obama will be considered a "racist" because EVERYTHING always comes down to race. But I forgot everyone in Champaign/Urbana who like the chief are racist and the LIBS have no problem vandalising our cars with bumper stickers calling us RACISTS for having anyone with the chief on our vehicle. That is the TRUE peace loving LIB isnt it? Nothing but a bunch of vandals who contribute nothing to society but their feelings of hatred. Whatever, all I have to say is if people want to survive and be able to pay their OWN bills then they better vote Republican if not we will all be on Welfare because the Government will TAKE all of our money to pay for their "programs".

If Geraldine were a woman...

...and Hillary is getting the majority of the female vote and the majority of the racists votes, so those that are calling the kettle black...please look into the numbers before spouting off. Comments like Ms. Ferraro's and many on this post only incite racial tensions when, if you really do look at race for ANY consideration you are by definition a racist.

If being an African American helps Obama get to the White house (Although I don't know how that could possibly be the case), so be it. If I didn't think he was the right candidate for the job, I might have a bit of a problem with it. White people certainly have taken advantage of race to control the White House and the rest of the country thus far.

I don't believe that black people will vote or have voted for him solely because he's black. And as a black man I find it insulting that people would think so. We can think and form opinions, just like the rest of the country. By the way, if you're half white and half black, you're black (unless you're lighter than Lena Horne.)Do you really think we'd be having this discussion if people truly thought of Obama as being "half black"...please.

What we have in Obama is a candidate that inspires people to come together. What we have in Clinton is a candidate that fights dirty, trys to manipulate the public, is a hypocrite and does not have the qualifications for the job. (I'm sure being the first lady gives a person certain qualifications, I'm just not sure being the President is one of them)

Geraldine, your hood is showing.

Hillary, we're waiting for your response.

"I love how all of you people seem to have forgotten that Hillary Clinton was actually very much involved in politics and viewed as having a bright political future long before she agreed to marry Bill."

You mean the one that saw her getting fired from her very first Federal job, The Nixon Impeachment Committee, over ethical charges? She moved to Arkansas almost immediately thereafter to work for Wal-Mart...

Promising indeed.

"Secondly, to the person who commented about her failing the bar, it's an irrelevant points. Especially considering that you've probably never taken a bar exam and have no idea how hard it actually is to pass."

Obama passed it, first try. Bill too. The writer of the comment isn't running for Prez, so your attack is a pretty infantile attempt to change the subject. A failed one at that.

"And lastly, I remember a time when the media was wondering if Obama was "black enough" to get the black vote. Isn't this *discussion* a giant double standard?"

Who started the "Black enough" debate? Obama? And what about the 'first black president,' Bill Clinton?

Double-standards sure DO exist in this campaign. It's why nobody has asked Hillary, point-blank, if she thinks that someone who cries under pressure should be President.

Double-standards indeed.

While I hate to admit it Ferraro is right. We all know Hillary's history and are familiar with her but Obama is completely unknown. Why isn't the media treating him like any other candidate that's running for a major office?
Let's see . . . . Rezko, Blagoavich, invisible voting record in the senate . . . the list gets longer. He was a Chicago lawyer with quite a few questionable ties, among other things. "Chicago lawyer" should stick out like a sore thumb.
To those who bring up race . . . race has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Before he's crowned he needs to be put under scrutiny and made to work and answer for his candidacy.
Amidst all the speeches & talk of change there's no substance or clarity to back it up.

Look close at everything people, your voting for commander & chief not class president.

People you all are killing me, why can't black people vote for a Black man for President without being call racist? Black people have voted for White men for President for years. Something is wrong here.

I don't remember the definition of racism meaning "anyone white who simply points out the truth about someone who is black" Now on the other hand, preference or favoritism towards one race over another, what racism actually is, like 99% of black voters voting for the black candidate, that seems pretty racist to me..

I have been reading most of these comments and find that most comments for Obama say nothing (like him) they rant and rave about name calling and some comments are really stupid. Hillary's supporters are intelligent and make sense. So let's not print any of the Obama's supporters comments and we will have a lot less, but more intelligent comments to read. Hillary will take PA and all the other states that are left to make it a decision for the supers. OB for #3. Back to IL.

Egads another Hillary dingbat. May wonders never cease. And Hillary wouldn't be where she is if she hadn't been slick willy's wife.

"Does running a baseball team qualify one to be POTUS ala' George Bush? It is obvious that most of you have never held leadership positions or built teams to accomplish objectives" Posted by: DRM | March 11, 2008 3:04 PM

DRM, he was Governor of Texas too.

I think what Ms. Ferraro was trying to say was that Obama was underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for him. Maybe Barbara Bush is available to have tea with her.

At a time when the Democratic party is poised to shine, the Clinton's are slinging mud and sullying everything within their over-reach, bending, breaking, and distorting the rules. Caucus delegates?!! My heart sinks.

For the record, this is coming from a 50 year old white woman that once fully supported the Clintons.

Hey Geraldine, shut your mouth... I hope you're not a super delegate, because your comments are about as racist as they come... There's a reason why Mondale lost, YOU!!!! And you call yourself a DEMOCRAT!!! Shame on you!!!
This country will do very well thank you with an african-american as president!!! Why can't white women wake up and see that Hillary will be terrible for our country!!!

99% of Blacks voting for a Black man is racist??? Come on now. What is it called when 99% of Blacks vote for a white candidate?
It's amazing how ignorant some of you are. Yes, her comment was racist. Yes, she is racist. And yes, so is Hilary. That's why Geraldine has not been fired.
Can we all say: WHITEWATER? TAX RECORDS? MONICA? THE LINCOLN SUITE? BLUE DRESS, BABY?

All of this was foretold in the classic Wu-Tang Clan track "Clan in Da Front."

That's one of the stupidest things I have ever heard any politician utter.

She is exactly right, and I'm no fan of Hillary. Where has Obama proven he will be a good president? By the books he's written since being elected to the Senate or by spending half of his term campaigning for the presidency? He hasn't even been an effective Senator! Anyone who characterizes her comments as "racist" is a close minded fool. She speaks the truth, sorry she's not on the butt kissing wagon of Obama. Oh yeah, Hillary and Bush may have been privelaged but Obama has NEVER struggled and has lived quite the comfortable life himself. Wake up liberals, Obama sucks. Oh and you "working class" voters who think Obama is your savior, inquire into the law firm he worked for and how they covered up Tony Rezko's subpar landlord standards. Obama knew he was representing a slumlord but looked the other way because of all the money Rezko contributed to his campaigns and certain interests. Is this the "change" all of you naive fools think Obama will bring. One more thing, stay out of my health care!

"If Obama was a white man I still wouldn't vote for him or any other democrat. I am tired of working 40 hours a week and having ALL of my money given to the low lifes who will not work but wants to collect welfare instead. All I hear from the Libs is let do this program or lets do that program and all they are really saying is lets take more money from the middle income working class so they will have to eventually have to turn to the government for help".

Posted by: Tired of Obama/Clinton | March 11, 2008 4:20 PM

Hey Tired,
Would the low life’s you are referring to be the Republican gangsters like Kenny boy and the rest of the gang at Enron or the gang at MCI/World Com where they looted their companies and left share holders holding the bag. Pensions evaporated so now the former workers are hungry because they have no money to eat with or to retire on and gas is approaching $4 per gallon. Now tell me again who is taking your money? Harriett Tubman said it best, "I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed more if I could have convinced them they were slaves". As the young folks say, "You need to wake up and recognize". You are one of us whether you want to acknowledge it or not. This struggle is along class lines. If the monied gentry keep us fighting each other over superficial impediments, they continue to eat whole slices while we fight over crumbs.

And if Geraldine had a male organ, her name would be Gerry

Just after Hillary scorns Obama for not being able to handle the press,saying he's going to have to get tough to handle the White House, she whines about how the press is soft on Obama. HUH? Her tactics are wearing me thin. And I'm also a middle-aged white woman who fully backed the Clintons. Before. Go Obama!

Try this as an experiment citizens...ask any avid Obama supporter why they think he is qualified to be President of the United States and what kind of changes/improvements he will bring this nation. I've asked several and cannot seem to find ONE person who can tell me why they support and believe in him. All they can say is...it will be an historic moment if he is elected.
From that I can only gather that most (not all) people are caught up in the fact that he is African America...even if he is only half black.

I've already been told I'll be a racist if I don't vote for Obama.

Thou dost protest too much.

This political campagin comes down the the decision of everyone between the ages of 18 and 40. It is not going to be the decision of generations that lived under the horrible Jim Crow age.
So all of you old timers whine all you want to. A new day is here. A new century is here.
Even if he does not get the nomination, he wins either way.
The new generation is taking over. We will of course pick up the problems of race and gender that the older generations failed to cure.

See that is the real frustration with Ferraro, Jesse Jackson, the Clintons and other older people.
You failed and now you have to watch while we try to fix the mess you left behind.

What exactly is the "change" Obama keeps talking about?

Why listen to what Ferraro has to say? When she ran as VP SHE WON ONE STATE!!! Her ticket didn't even win New York or California!!! But these old establishment DEMS of the Boomer generation refuse to pass the tourch...she is a shame.

Geraldine Ferraro? Thought she was dead. No, just ancient and bitter.I guess that's one of criteria to be a Clinton fanatic. If only Hillary could be cool. She just doesn't have it in her.

Whoa! Hold on everyone.

Making race and sex important distinctions will only serve to divide. A truly free and equal society is one in which, to paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man or woman is not judged by the color of his or her skin - or their plumbing and secondary features - but by the content of their character.

It is clear that Ms. Ferraro does not adhere to these ideals. She has judged Barack Obama on the basis of his skin color, and she has accused the entire voting public of coddling him because he is black. At the same time, she suggests that the American voting public has been unfair to Hillary because she is a woman. Her comments are both racist and sexist, inasmuch as she failed to give any weight to the actual character of the people involved. She has been unfair to American voters, who, to their credit, really appear to have looked past race and sex to evaluate the candidates on the basis of their individual merit. If people appear to favor Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton, it could well be because they like Obama’s character more than Hillary’s.

Ms. Ferraro should be ashamed of herself for injecting such divisiveness into the campaign. Hillary should disavow her statements along with Ms. Ferraro’s continued support.

Clinton would do best to remember that women of color do vote. If Sen. Clinton does not repudiate these comments by Ms. Ferraro women of color will not be voting for her. The divisive politics that Sen. Clinton is using through her surrogates is exactly why she is losing. WAKE UP AND READ THE POLS WOMAN! You are not losing because of Obama's oratory. You are losing because we the voters have figured out your "its my turn &@#!" attitude and are sick of it. Alienating the very people (women of color) you need to vote for you is just plan dumb.

While I do not agree with parts of her statement if anyone on here thinks that sexism has nothing to do with the harsh treatment HIllary gets from the media than they are really only fooling themselves. THings like calling her cold and calculating and the "ice queen" is so sexist. FOr some reason in our society we do not see women as a discrmiminated against minority when that is exactly what they are.

Shame on Geraldine Ferraro and her comments, it just proves why no one in this country is ready to vote a woman to the office of President, it just won't happen. When the country still doesn't really recognize woman as viable citizens, we make less money, new trends are that if a man wants to divorce a woman, simply kill her and don't bother with divorce. This country is both racist and gender prejudice admit it and nothing is going to change for a long,long time. If Hillary had been like Margaret Thatcher, then we'd have a viable woman candidate running for President. As long as we, as women cry on television, shake our fingers at men, we will not get into office. We need to realize that and accept it, men aren't ready for us to be in charge and I honestly have to say, if we did have a chance, it wouldn't be with Hillary. We need a woman with guts not tears! That's why I'm voting for Obama.

Linda wrote: Geraldine Ferraro is right on. He certainly would not be where he is if he was anything but a black male. The blacks will vote for anyone that is an African-American. The others are caught up in this hopeful rhetoric that is simply just motivating speeches. I am a Clinton supporter and if she does not make it to the Democratic nomination, I will vote for McCain and make sure everone that I know and come across does the same. How soon people forget about putting a relatively unknown as President. Remember Jimmy Carter?? Enough said!esidentian am e
===========================
Hey Linda,
Nice racist view you have. Hope you and your friends have children in Iraq. Maybe they would also vote for McCain so they could be sure to stay there and keep fighting the "oil" war. I'm sure Hillary is proud to know that you are on her side. Remember one thing...Geraldine was put on the ticket to make sure the women of the USA voted Democratic. Hmmmmmm, using your logic it would seem that all white women would vote for Ferraro... looks like the American Women were more intelligent than you thought they were.

Now, go find something useful to do such as knitting little white hoods for you and your friends.

Ok Swampies;

Most posters here are Dems. or Indies. I know, and some Republics.

Looky;
I have followed ever election closely since 1964, when I was only a teenager. I have never seen ANY primary season, with the possible exception of '68, as divisive and traumatic as this one. (One hopeful was actually murdered!)

Are the Democratic hierarchy all committing mass hari-kari?

It's up to us to fix their mess. When the nominee is chosen we have to close ranks and rescue the candie of choice.

Geri and Spitz; Stupid stupid stupid.

We all have unique circumstances, personalities, advantages, and disadvantages that put us in roles and places that otherwise would not occur. But to say Obama's race is the only reason for his success is ludicrous! Just like saying that if Ms. Ferraro wasn't a woman, she wouldn't be in the place she is today!

* * * * *

Posted by: C.Hussein.Morris | March 11, 2008 6:09 PM

You are absolutely right. Having an unpopular Republican incumbent or a slightly more popular Republican candidate for President does not automatically entitle the Democratic Party to win the contest for the White House. The Democrats can still lose if they choose to do so; and they will chose to do so if they remain as divided as they appear to be. Like you, I was thinking “here’s the spirit of ’68” when reading the other posts in this thread.

The statements made by Geraldine Ferraro are to put it mildly "absurd" and “hypocritical.” The primary beneficiaries of affirmative action have always been and still are "spoiled white women" like Geraldine and Hillary. Not African-American men like Barack Obama. This is just another example of “how” when women fail, they blame everything and everybody but themselves for that failure.

such unpleasant comments can only come out from empty heads like fererere or what ever she is called. she need to build up her mind with reality and give all the credits to obama

I am proud and not surprised that the Mississippi where I spent my summer vacations as a child should be so much more advanced and partial this primary day than the likes of Geraldine Ferarro.

Sad, sad, sad
The Democrats have really showed their true IQ as symbolized by their logo - THE DONKEY/ASS!
Instead of uniting the country behind them for a change, they, especially the Clintons, are dividing the party over "Change" that could be believed in and that could easily happen if only given a fair and civilized treatment- not the asinine brays that are coming out of the Clinton camp!!

All of you folks agreeing with her sound like black people agreeing with Minister Louis Farrakhan: "I'm not racist, but I agree with some of the things (he) says". Well, if you can agree with her, you HAVE TO equally understand Black people who agree with Farrakhan. You can't just have it only YOUR way. That time is over. All people are being forced by our changing society to struggle more for Understanding of another person's views and perspective, than Just lazily thinking your way is the Only right way. So, Again, If you can agree with Geraldine, you can agree with Farrakhan. Same apple, different sides. Deal with it, Folks. Deal With it!

All of you folks agreeing with her sound like black people agreeing with Minister Louis Farrakhan: "I'm not racist, but I agree with some of the things (he) says". Well, if you can agree with her, you HAVE TO equally understand Black people who agree with Farrakhan. You can't just have it only YOUR way. That time is over. All people are being forced by our changing society to struggle more for Understanding of another person's views and perspective, than Just lazily thinking your way is the Only right way. So, Again, If you can agree with Geraldine, you can agree with Farrakhan. Same apple, different sides. Deal with it, Folks. Deal With it!

Geralding Ferrero got where she was in 84 because she's a woman her comments prove she's a divider Obama is THE leader who will heal the democratic party and lift us out of this hell hole the Bushies forced us into

AMERICA.....Don't let the Clintons STEAL this election like Bush has done TWICE. They are injecting race as an equation because they know it is still an issue that plays softly on the weak at heart.
It's not only a shame, it's a low-down dirty shame. She is not fit to be president no matter how "entitled" she thinks she is.

Holy Cow! Just when the Dems looked like they might taste victory they manage somehow to mess things up. CURSED, CURSED I TELL YOU! Shoot the goat! Not Ferraro. Harry wouldn't vote for Obama, he's a Sox fan.

In a race this close, the candidates should really be discussing issues, not bickering over race or gender issues, neither of which ultimately matter (at least, they shouldn't matter). Neither race nor gender determines whether or not you're worth voting for. I'm more interested in what they will do to help put the this country back on track. Ferraro's comments are irrelevant, just as she is.

Obama is a brilliant scholar – a former president of the Harvard Law Review. Ferarro is even blind to how Obama has changed the political discourse within a short space of time. Is that also due to his white-black skin colour? Jeez! Switzerland may not be perfect, but you don’t find this crude talks in Swiss politics.

Posted by: Dr. Jesse Kally-Williams | March 11, 2008 3:16 PM

Wow Dr Williams, I'm very impressed with your comment. The only part I don't understand is why your voting for Hillary Clinton??? She doesn't seem to have a whole lot more in the way of experience that Mr Obama. She does however seem to have a lack of character and judgement. So I ask again why do you support her???

CUBS FAN: This matter is TOO serious to put it in the hands of an idiot like you. Grow up!!!!

Lili...

What kind of improvements? Fix NAFTA.... fair trade not free trade. Health care for all Americans... just some of the things Obama will change for America.

Your probably inured of the old system... and thats your problem. Your programmed to expect nothing,

DRM, WE ARE AT A DOLLAR MORE THAN WE WERE AT WHEN THE DEM TOOK OVER CONGRESS. AND IT HAS STAY IN A YEAR TIME. THEY ARE FORCE THESE OIL COMPANY TO DO THIS WITH ALL THIS ALT .FUEL PROG. AND TAXES THESE OIL COM. TO DO IT. THE OIL COM IS PASSING THIS RIGHT BACK TO THE CUST. THEY NEED TO MAKE THE OIL COM TO REDUCE THE PRICES IF THEY DON'T THEN TAX THEM. MAKE THEM TO BUILD MORE REFINERY. YES WE NEED TO SOMETHING WITH THE ALT FUEL. LETS TAKE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT. IT NOT LIKE WE HAVE TO HAVE TO NIGHT. ARE FAR AS THE BLACK VOTING FOR THE WHITE MAN FOR ALL THESE YEARS. THEY LOOK AT THE PERSON FOR THEY THOUGHT THAT CAN DO THE JOB FOR THEM INSTEAD OF THERE SKINS. WHEN HAS ANYONE BEEN ELECTED BY 90% OF THE VOTES. THE ARE THE BEING VERY RACISM.

When Ferraro ran for VP she was very sensitive about being singled out for scrutiny because of her Italian ancestry, especially when it came to an investigation of her campaign finances.

Funny, Hillary still hasn't released her financial statement has she?

Is it because he is black that Mr. Obama has no trouble raising millions over the internet and can be transparent about his finances?

No, it is because he is a true leader.

Is it because there is indeed a latent racism in the Clinton campaign that Mrs. Clinton cannot only officially disavow and repudiate Mrs. Ferraro's comments but also distance herself from Mrs. Ferraro completely?

Perhaps.

I looked into Geraldine Ferraro’s record at the time she got the VP nod in 1984…she was relatively unaccomplished and one can argue the only reason she was on the ticket was because she was a good attack dog and she lacked a penis, so for her as a “token woman” to say Obama is a “token black man” is hypocritical beyond words…as she is the prototype.

As I’ve shown before, even when you adjust for population, and compare white women to black (of any gender) there have been far more white females as Governors and Senators than any black person. It is not even close. Blacks are 12% of the population and white women are 33% according to www.census.gov. That means, if everything was equal there should be no more than 2.75X the rate of white women in those offices than blacks. A moron can find out in 5 minutes the number is way over double that.

There have been 3 black governors (one not elected) since Reconstruction and 2 black Senators (one a woman before Obama) that is it.

Now go check wiki and see how many white women have been in these positions…way more than 3X the black rate.

Historically it has been far easier for any white woman to get elected to higher office than any black (man or woman). How many white (men and women) have benefited from whites bloc voting against them? Quite a few.

So being black historically has not helped anyone in a state wide election and definitely not a national election…she is a racist scum bag and a hypocrite.

One of the reasons why Barack Obama was right when he observed that the Republicans had the big ideas in the 1980's is because Democrats had so many small-minded leaders, like Geraldine Ferraro, at the head of their party.

For all you Obama Haters on this site: My My, your "privilege is showing". Here is a Black American male who not only got accepted to Harvard on his own merits, but became PRESIDENT OF THE HARVARD REVIEW. What does an African American man have to do to prove his qualifications without them being questioned?. Black Americans have been voting for white Democratic male presidential candidates for 40 years, yet when we decide to vote for the black guy, we are only voting the man's skin color. (this stupid logic means that Alan Keys would have been a viable presidential candidate over the years). But hey, I feel your pain, you have had over 200 years of everything handed to you, and you have to watch an intelligent black man, who got full voting rights only 40 years ago, succeed to places that you have only dreamed of. So keep studying at that Junior College down the street, hawking your jealously on the Internet and watch the Obama revolution take shape.

Hillary was called by Obama, monster, called by republicans nut cracker bitch and all other despiteful names for a woman. No one called them misogynists. Yet you point out the truth - people are following Barack not for his original ideas nor his (absent) experience but just because their friends put barack's emblem on their facebooks.

I am an american Indian, and I understand white guilt. And I think thats all there is to it. Barack's getting by not on his resume but on white guilt. Sorry dude, I dont have white guilt. I really dont like most white either but to tell you the truth, Hillary is the true leader. Despite your rock star status, the DNC hasnt picked you yet because they know what is going on. The republicans are messing up this election so Mccain will win. If Hillary does not win, do you really think those catholic latinos wouldnt switch to McCain? Wanna bet?

I have to laugh as I read these comments and so-called news pieces. It isn't about race or gender at all. It's about age. When don't younger generations think they know better than much older or even slightly older ones? Without enough difference in the two Democratic candidates' positions to matter on anything, that is the most obvious conclusion we can make.

Kids, look at Obama. He's not your age, but he does look pretty young for his age. I see now that the Millennials' attitudes about work have crept into politics as well. Talk about entitlement. Hillary may think she is entitled to her go at the Oval office, but Obama's young supporters are letting their personal inflated sense of accomplishments and abilities, honed through years of disingenuous accolades and fawning parenting set their expectations in the affairs of government.

It's not as easy as just demanding a job, and not as easy as just wanting things to "change" to the way you see things. It is certainly not as easy as hiring one person to make the "change". It's a process that demands real experience and knowledge of the highest levels of goverment. It also requires the ability to work within the systems that are established or no change will be made. Most important of all, it requires the dedication and committment of the voter to see the process through and stay involved. That's real democracy. The continued involvement of the people. That kind of energy and doggedness is not exclusive to younger people. You don't get to stay in politics by being unevenly informed and easily bored.

I don't expect any change in the hearts of Obama's youngest supporters, but inevitably, the biggest change will come to them as they see he is just another politician who will either gain a little ground in Washington, forced to adhere to the process there, or more traumatically, when he fails. And he will. Even if he is elected, he'll experience the failure all presidents face. Something won't go the way he wants. The true test comes in how he and his supporters handle it.

The legions of fans will either leave the process entirely, bitterly disappointed their guy was not the messiah they thought or will become one of those "independents," an ineffective voice for nothing. The disillusionment that will occur if he wins or loses will be this generation's true "defining moment."

If you want to show your parents how much smarter you are than they are, show some real judgement and do prepare yourselves for the disappointment that comes when your candidate proves that they are all too human.

Now, can we please focus all this energy on defeating our Republican opponent?

While I don't appreciate Democratic Party politics, I believe Ferraro is spot-on.

Here's the issue: both Clinton and Obama are running campaigns based on entitlement. Both have used phrases like, "It's our turn." What does that mean? Clinton runs a race based on gender entitlement (woman as President). Obama runs a campaign based on race entitlement (black as President). It's good Ferraro pointed this out.

Wow, what a completely one-sided conversation. It must be nice to have completely driven dissenting opinions from your midsts so that you need not support or defend or even examine your positions.

Ms. Ferraro is absolutely correct, in my opinion. I don't believe her comments or this sentiment to be racist, merely an opinion culled from a reflection of the conditions culled from decades of service to this country.

You may disagree with her assessment, but the vitriol expressed in the above comments demonstrates the very worst kind of zealotry.

Hillary divides. Anything, anything to be elected. She has not fired Ferraro because she knows that finger pointing - even the most absurd - will stick somehow.
Latinos, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabs, Pakistani, all others, all non pure white, beware: racists are racists. This is the problem in the USA. This is the problem with Washington establishment and the Clintons are very much part of it.

Ms. Ferraro,

I am terribly disappointed. Your recent suggestion that Mr. Obamas’ success happened only because he is black is especially painful. To think that being black in America is a lucky thing strikes me as being inconsiderate.

I am a black person born the same year as Mr. Obamas’ wife 1964, and I can tell you at no time in my life was being black a lucky thing, or are you unaware of the sad and continuing legacy of American race relations. You disregard Mr. Obamas’ legitimate and laudable accomplishments by attributing them to one thing, and it’s the one thing Mr. Obama tries least to be – a man of race. Mr. Obama is a child of God, a husband, a father, a university graduate and a lawyer. Mr. Obama has been a stellar state representative of Illinois and he is currently a United States Senator, and great American. Somewhere probably in the high teens of the list of things Mr. Obama is would be black man.

The statements you have made and defend amount to making his race his primary attribute. You are playing the race card in a manner that is insulting, and quite frankly would be more expected from the kind of reactionary people America has hopefully outgrown.

In 1984 I was a student at the University of Southern California an institution with a traditionally conservative bent. I remember campaigning for and ardently defending a certain congressperson from New York as being more than just a woman, but a person regardless of gender worthy to potentially lead this country. I’m sorry to know now that I was wrong, and all the time any Gerard really would have sufficed.

The Democrats finally publicly announce that all their candidates are under qualified affirmative action recipients.

I can't remember the last time this much truth has passed the lips of Liberal.

I agree with PEDRO: Racists are racists - no two ways about it. And YES, Hilary is a racist.
She is not ENTITLED to be president, people. Don't be fooled by the smirk behind the smile. Bush did that to us for 7 years.

It really does amaze me how there is such an incredible double standard between blacks and whites. Obama is always regarded as being the "first black presidential hopeful," yet no one ever points out that his mother was white as can be and that he is muloto. Yet If we had a candidate who was a mix as well but spoken of as being a pure white man, there is no chance in hell that would fly with any of the blacks. We all know the same rules they want for themselves dont apply to the rest of the non-black pop. Neglecting to recognize that candidate's african-american genes would have racist fireballs being thrown at everyone white who supported him, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would march in the streets and the ACLU would halt the entire campaign. NO ONE can say it isn't true.

Lord have mercy on this sick and racist society!! Geradine Fararo is a racist and everybody knows it!!! this is nothing new to the African American community. You people who think Obama got to where he is because he's black are plum idiots. He's actually had it harder because of his race. Have you silly people forgotten the history of this country. There are no African American Presidents, vice presidents or the like. So how is being Black helpful??? Stupid idiot!!

She only said what was true. All the blacks are voting for him aren't they?

I guess what we have here is a lack of reading comprehension. Very few commenters here actually understand what was said by Ms. Ferraro. Fewer still understand who she is and how she came by her knowledge.
You've let someone and something else interpret the statement for you or your own bias has prevented you from allowing for the possibility that people can express opinions critical or contrary to your own and still not be a monster.

This was a commentary on the nuances of race and gender in what you realize is an election defined by race and gender. That is all.

Now, as I've said before, we've got to get back to business and nominate a candidate worthy of all this work and energy. And we need to do it in a civil manner, disallowing these forays into name-calling and voluntary ignorance....
or we will have another 4 years of the same blind nationalism we have already suffered.

O.K. people, Geraldine gets
my vote and i`m not a Democrate.She has the guts to say the truth - race is a factor in this world and if you want to ignore it than stick your head in the sand. I am a middle aged white male and I have
seen enough to realize that it is there and it will never go away period.
Example: If I wanted to print a magazine called "Ivory" which talked specifically about
"White" issues, do you really think it would be allowed!!! Or how about "WET" T.V. are you kidding!! Yea that will get on the air. Ever heard of "self segregation" people. It is human nature
to be birds of a feather
and it is a primal trait that has been there since the dawn of time. We just need to know it is there and learn how to deal with it.

If Obama had the same organizational skills, and grasp of the issues and was white he might get a few less black votes but many more white votes. Hence being black is no overall advantage.

Hillary is unique in having been elected to the U.S. Senate without holding a prior significant legislative, executive, administrative or judicial position. Admittedly, she had experience as the politically involved wife of Bill Clinton. Her marriage got her to third base. Now we are asked to believe she hit a triple.

Given her initial advantage,if she had Obama's administrative skills she would have locked up the nomination by now. She knew she would run years ago but her campaign lacked planning or forsight. She was not ready to manage a campaign from day one, much less be Commander In Chief.

Finally, it took her five years to understand her vote for the war was a mistake. Not a learning curve to inspire confidence.

You took her comment out of context; which, unfortunately, many politicos do, on either side. Ms. Ferraro did not say, "If Obama was white, he would not be in this position". What she said was that controversy and race "issues" would be non-existent if Obama had white man's skin.

I voted for you with Walter Mondale. If I knew then what you would have said today I never would have voted for you. Thanks for taking us 2 steps back in time. I don't see Hillary as a woman and I don't see Obama as a black man. I can't believe that you said that about him. I hear people are saying we need more experience in Washington. Well, we have had experience in Washington and look where it has gotten us. Shame on you. We are hard working middle class americans. We pay our bills and try to keep up with the price of fuel. All americans want is Hope. Thanks again for letting our country to take 2 GIANT steps backwards with your talk.