Obama plans major race speech tomorrow

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico.com

Barack Obama will give a major speech on "the larger issue of race in this campaign," he told reporters in Monaca, PA just now.

He was pressed there, as he has been at recent appearances, on statements by his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright.

"I am going to be talking about not just Reverend Wright, but the larger issue of race in this campaign," he said.

He added that he would "talk about how some of these issues are perceived from within the black church issue for example," he said.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0308/Obama_plans_major_race_speech_tomorrow.html

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I think this is a mistake that will keep this issue allive longer than it needs to. What he should do to get this behind him and better position himself for the Pennsylvania primary is to start talking more concretely about "bread butter issues" that his new approach to politics will allow him to address.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. The silence from the Dems...

All the Dems, on the economy, is deafening.

[caledesi]

29. BO is supposed to speak about the econ. as well. nT

[MNDemNY]

2. The selfdug hole will only get deeper.gobama?

[tabatha]

3. No, it is a good idea.

Race has to be addressed.

[fshrink]

7. I agree. That's the elephant in the room.

Then we'll move on.

[Larkspur]

4. Race affects "bread and butter" issues

Non-whites usually earn less than whites in this country.

[Mags]

5. I bet he borrows someone's flag pin and wears it.

[Kittycat]

10. Why would you say that?

[tabatha]

11. He is currently wearing a pin - not sure of what.

[Mags]

18. I just thought that maybe he doesn't wear one because of the good Rev.'s

attitude of America.

[haymakeragain]

28. You'd be wrong. He doesn't wear one because he ain't a tool.

Have you ever read the 14 characteristics of fascism? Let me know when you get to the one about overt symbolism.

[sudopod]

39. His stand on flag pins was one of the first things that impressed me

A jingoistic lemming Obama is not!

[Mags]

44. How do you know the the Rev. didn't influence him about the pen.

[haymakeragain]

26. I bet that you are wrong, again.

But that is a sure thing.

[classysassy]

50. Flag pin

much ado about nothing,some traitors wrap themselves in the flag and betray this country.

[Qutzupalotl]

6. If he's still being asked about it, it's good he can answer fully.

Waiting for an unrelated disaster or scandal to push this out of the headlines won't work. The only way to put it behind him is to answer it every time he is asked, as he has been doing.

[LSparkle]

8. This is an OPPORTUNITY for Obama ...

If he handles it correctly, I predict he'll maintain his momentum and even win more voters to his
side; if he doesn't, then he doesn't deserve to be our nominee. Here's how he can capitalize on
this:

He can answer the question that has come up as to WHY HE CONTINUED GOING TO TRINITY UCC FOR 20 YEARS.
He can remind the public of the hundreds of other sermons Rev. Wright gave at the church, which inspired
Obama to put his faith into action. He can talk about his faith -- and it's NOT Islam -- and about why
he jointed this particular church. He can try and flesh out Rev. Wright as a full person -- with good
and negative points -- to counter the caricature that he has unfairly become.

He can further point out the GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCE between him and Rev. Wright -- and ALSO Hillary's
generation of "fights" for civil rights/women's rights. Both Wright and Hillary come out of the '50s and
'60s, when it was NECESSARY to fight for rights -- of African Americans AND women. He can distinguish
himself from them, as a person who has benefitted from the struggles of his elders, but who now wants to
move the country FORWARD, in a less confrontational and more inclusive manner.

I truly do see this as "make or break" for Obama and as disappointed as I am in Rev. Wright's words, I
can't help but think that his has given Barack a golden opportunity to really show he's the kind of
candidate we believe he is -- a TRANSFORMATIONAL leader. If he meets the test then he deserves the
nomination; if he doesn't make lemonade out of these lemons, then he perhaps he really isn't ready for
prime time.

[tyne]

9. My thoughts exactly

[ksquire]

13. i agree 100% he's written books on the subject and knows more...

than all the pundits combined on this. seriously -- he's worked through this to a degree that I dont think most fathom. (I'm just reading dreams from my father now). It's a real "teaching" opportunity and healing opportunity.

Personally, I also think its' a test of his campaign. If he can put forth a unifying vision for how to think about these issues, and most importantly, suggest an inspiring vision as to what to live up to, he wins... well it depends if we can actually live up to it as a country. I for one am a little nervous that we may be much less ready to seriously "unpack white privilege" than i had hoped.

[LSparkle]

15. If anyone can do it, it's Obama

I know lawyers who consider him a BRILLIANT legal scholar -- something that doesn't get much
coverage -- so the guy has the smarts to craft a cogent, satisfactory response to this. I only
hope he doesn't listen to too many advisors (other than Michelle!) and speaks from HIS heart/
mind. This isn't a speech that needs to be "focus-grouped" -- it needs to be his words alone.

[coalition_unwilling]

24. Lincoln had great legal skills also. I really see Obama as someone

with the potential to equal Lincoln and FDR in the pantheon of presidential greats. Looking forward to the speech.

[LisaM]

12. We all know he has rhetorical skills.

Those who are impressed by speeches and words will, I'm sure, be falling all over it.

[superkia]

16. I dont fall over anyones words, only actions. I am a black man...

that is happy to see someone address the issue because it needs to be. If I were white, maybe it wouldn't be that big of a deal to me but after what I have been through because of the skin I was born with, it would make me feel worth something if a political figure actually spoke on the issue. Usually race is a taboo subject and I am sure there are reasons its not talked about too.

Sometimes I see replies by people around here that make me think that their candidate winning something is the only thing that matters, I don't understand it. So as a black person, I welcome someone speaking on race and I am not some ignorant person just falling for something.

I really don't know what you meant or what you wanted out of your reply but it certainly tells us all something about you.

[LisaM]

17. I think a conversation about race is long overdue

But a conversation, not a speech.

I also think we need a long overdue conversation about sexism, but if Hillary Clinton, who does not have Obama's speaking skills, gave a speech about it, it wouldn't change anything. Not that it really should.

[superkia]

20. If no one ever gives me a voice to start with, how can their be a...

conversation? Again, I am happy that a politician would even speak on race, that is, as long as it isn't a speech that divides races instead of bringing them together. If you look at the media and the sheep that follow them here on DU, the issues of sexism and racism have only been used as a tool to divide and has accomplished nothing but division amongst democrats.

I would ask you, instead of putting people down before anything has even been said , listen to him and maybe open your mind and your conscience. These important issues will get no where if people like yourself, just try to weaken the message before it has been spoke. Help Americans come together instead of divide, we will need each other in the near future.

[LisaM]

22. Believe me, I don't disagree with you.

But I just fear that the result of this, instead of beginning a constructive national "look in the mirror" moment will turn into more Hillary bashing.

And no one will question why there is this active politicking going on in churches (not just this church, Falwell, Oral Roberts, the new pope, etc., etc.).

[jonestonesusa]

21. I think it's great that Obama is planning to speak on the topic.

I hope that the Obama campaign and all Democrats look at these recent race controversies as a "teachable moment." The fact is that as much as liberals and conservatives alike these days claim to be non-biased when it comes to race, we still do a poor job of discussing the topic in politics and we're often blind to white privilege and achievement gaps that are still sociological facts of American life. Even if Obama did not want to talk about race as a part of his campaign, he doesn't have a choice - others won't let him move past race, not Fox News, Bill Clinton, or even Geraldine Ferraro. Plus, we are approaching a non-white majority in this country just as it is for the world population. Not to mention that African Americans have been a core constituency in the Democratic Party for many years, as have liberals, and recently it has been fashionable to ignore those core constituencies to the point where they become alienated. Yes, Democrats need crossover appeal to win the presidency, but the New Democrats have basically had a "vote and shut up" attitude toward much of its progressive and African American community. So I think it's time to listen to Obama's words on this, and move from there to other issues that can unify the party.

[superkia]

23. Racism and sexism have been used as tools and the sheeple...

have fell for it. It accomplishes only division when used as a tool and it has worked to anger many democrats and it will hurt us in the GE. The kitchen sink tactic that Clinton said she looked forward to has forced Obama to go further into the subject by I myself am happy that it is going to be spoke about. This is just another reason I think Clinton is the elites first choice, why would she possibly want to divide democrats so we would lose the GE? If the elite cant have their first choice, they will get their second...McCain.

[coalition_unwilling]

25. I'm white but here's a statistic that needs to be discussed on DU: why

are 1 out of 9 black men between 18 and 34 incarcerated or on probation or parole in this society?

[jonestonesusa]

38. Why so much incarceration?

In my opinion, it's a combination of many things, including a drug war that is waged with mandatory minimum sentences, disinvestment in urban communities, and free trade. It's also affected by the lack of national policy for urban America, other than NCLB. It's also a spiritual crisis in many black communities, with one factor being middle class black flight as well as white flight. Hearing Obama talk about this in his book _Dreams of My Father_ is one reason why I'm supporting him - no other candidate has the preparation and experience to deal with these issues nor the inclination to prioritize these issues, other than Edwards and Kucinich perhaps (I voted for Kucinich last time). I challenge HRC supporters to show where she has made these issues a priority in her Senate career - I am prepared to be convinced that she's taken action in these areas and shows promise for focusing on urban issues as a President. I would also like to see what her stance is on the drug wars, mandatory minimums, etc. - some of these policies were strengthened during the first Clinton administration.

[coalition_unwilling]

45. Since so many of the incarcerated subsequently lose their

voting rights, I see it as a systemic disenfranchisement of black voters. Note that anyone previously incarcerated and subsequently released still must pay income taxes and you're back to the "no taxation without representation" issue, along with various other issues like double jeopardy (being punished twice for the same crime) and systemic racism (people of color disproportionately represented and disenfrancised by current corrections policy).

[SurfLiberal]

19. The reason Obama is in this mess

is because EVERYONE seems to be impressed by speeches and words.

The next step is to get them impressed by his own words, and not somebody else's.

[sudopod]

42. Golf clap. nt

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sudopod]

41. I guess sounding like a retard

is now considered a plus when applying for the highest office in the land.

Thanks again, W.

[Quantess]

51. Touche'

:toast:

[Voice for Peace]

14. I think it's a GREAT idea.

After watching this speech:

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/03/as-this-video-shows-obamas-pat.php

about the larger issue of religion in politics, I am confident that what he'll say about the larger issue of race is going to be powerful.

[FrenchieCat]

49. Wow! I started to watch it, but it is really late for me,

so I will listen to the rest in the morning. But thus far, it is really profound and true.

Thank you for giving me this gem! :hi:

[depakid]

27. "I think this is a mistake" -that's precisely what a lot of Kerry supporters said

How'd that work out for us?

[cbayer]

30. I trust his political instincts and look forward to hearing it.

People make some very good points in this thread, but I have to trust that he has thought this through and is doing what he feels needs to be done.

[Phoonzang]

31. No, he needs to get this out of the way

before Pennsylvania. There's still 5 weeks. If he confronts this issue head on now, he'll have plenty of time to focus on "bread and butter issues". By then concerns about the economy will have eclipsed any hubbub about his dumbass preacher.

[ramapo]

32. Part of the test

In retrospect, the continued campaign may be a good thing. Obama gets to address a lot of the crap that will be thrown at him from now through November (assuming he wins the nomination) and figure out a way to perhaps rise above it.

If he can overcome the racial, religious, and faux-patriotism attacks along with the usual issue-oriented stuff, then he will deserve to be President. I honestly don't know if he can do it, if anyone can he can, but I have no false hope that either Clinton or Obama will be sitting in the Oval Office come 2009.

[thereismore]

33. Not clear this is happening tomorrow. This could be a historic speech. nt

[JerseygirlCT]

34. I think it's terrific.

It's not an issue that's going to go away by ignoring it. He's breaking new ground here, and it will continue, in one way or another, to be an issue. Better to address it.

I agree that we should hear more about bread and butter issues - right now, especially.

But I think in a way this is a central issue, and one we've sort of punted for years - just kicking the can down the road and hoping it would all get better somehow.

I'm glad to see this, personally.

[The Stranger]

35. No, I see this as a brilliant way to turn Hillary's racist campaign into an opportunity to shine.

When he speaks, he gets people to support him. Take her negativity, her greed, corruption, and obsessive lust for power -- her willingness to destroy her own political party and family -- and shine.

Take her racist campaign and turn it around, transform it into a new dialogue in America about race and politics.

This could be something extraordinary.

[canuk1]

36. in this case the hell with politics

This is something he should do no matter what the politcal effect is. Sometimes you should do what is right and screw the politics of it. This is one of those times.

[sudopod]

37. He tackles things head-on, doesn't he? nt

[hedgehog]

40. Any word on whether it will be broadcast or webcast? I'd like to

see it. I think this is one of those speeches that people will remember.

[greeneyedstone]

46. Reply to all

Unbelievable! Ferraro gets the boot for saying Obama's got an
advantage as a black man, but when Obama admits to a twenty
year relationship with a white hating America hating pastor he
gets to deny that he ever heard any of those messages or
indeed nothing similar? there is an incredible double-standard
at work here people. Senator Obama is being allowed to cry
racist for any slight at all and yet he is still allowed to
posture himself as a victim when his involvement with this
lunatic is exposed. Believe me when I say that I know more
about being poor and hungry than either Obama or his pastor.
My poor white ass has actually picked cotton, and I guarantee
neither of theirs has.

[truthisfreedom]

47. I liked his pastor's infamous sermon. It was refreshingly real. I doubt you've read a transcript

of the whole thing, and at 2 posts with such vitriol, I doubt you're a Democrat.

[greeneyedstone]

48. reply

What do my political beliefs have to do with whether or not the man is a black supremacist endorsing hater? Were this a white person in this position, the outrage would resonate until they were forced to step down. The fact is that Obama is being afforded more latitude than anyone else in this campaign. A speech isn't going to change the fact that he has attended a church for twenty years with a doctrine that endorses Pro-African policies to the exclusion of all others. If they truly harbor such tender feelings for Africa, then why not run for office there? He's as big a racist as we've ever seen.

[jonestonesusa]

52. Your language is over the top.

I disagreed with Ferraro's comments about Obama, but I would not call her a "white supremacist." Did you listen to this sermon in its entirety or any other sermon by Wright, who has been there for decades? Is every attendee at this church a black supremacist? What exactly does that term mean - does it mean they want black people to head the government and repress white people? I doubt if you can find any evidence of that, and on the question of latitude afforded to Obama: who is allowing him that latitude? The press has been constantly harping on the sermon by Wright as soon as they discovered the clips, and Clinton's charges about experience have gone largely unchallenged. And what do you mean by "pro-African" policies? Do you even distinguish Africa from America? African Americans contributed their blood, sweat and lives to build this country, and they too are afforded freedom of belief.