Politico: Obama Mentor Rallies Black Support ("How long are you going to owe?")

[Pirate Smile]

Obama Mentor Rallies Black Support

By: Ben Smith
February 3, 2007 07:40 PM EST

A key supporter of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama urged united African-American support for his presidential bid, questioning whether black Democrats still "owe" Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton their support, according to several people who attended a meeting of black Democratic politicians.
The comments by Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., which he confirmed Saturday, angered Clinton backers and deepened a sharp rift among African-American political activists.

"How long are you going to owe?" politicians for past favors, Jones asked in a speech Friday to more than 100 members of the Democratic National Committee's black caucus and other political operatives gathered at the Washington Hilton for the winter meeting of the DNC, according to people who were there.

-snip-
Jamal Simmons, a political consultant who was at the caucus meeting, said Jones' words and the heated response that followed highlighted the difficult, personal choice facing many black Democrats.
"The one thing that was extraordinarily clear this weekend is that many African-American political operatives are very conflicted internally about whether to support Obama or Clinton," he said.

-snip-
Jones concluded his speech with a reference to the jobs and appointments Bill Clinton had given blacks, including many people in the room, and asked when they would stop owing the Clintons for that patronage, attendees said.
"You could hear a pin drop," said one person in the room who doesn't currently support either Obama or Clinton. "It was one of those moments when you say, 'I can't believe he just said that.'"

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0207/2602.html

[carpe diem]

1. whoah!!! n/t

:wow:

[StClone]

2. I thinks it's great if they support Obama

I just don't think manufacturing a mindset that African-Americans "owe" the Clintons is a classy way to rally support. Obama is a spectacular politician and person in his own right. He can build support being positive. He is that kind of man.

[illinoisprogressive]

3. Aside from Rahm, the Illinois contengent is supporting Obama. However, many

of the newer members are tired of feeling like they owe the Clintons forever. Many want to support someone else and feel it is time to move on. The older members still feel they are in debt.
It's true about the conflicts.
Many of the African American congresspeople feel Clinton gave them a start and helped their careers. On the other hand the fact that alot of them want to support Obama and the fact that Bill does not translate to Hillary, is causing much conflict.
Rahm is in the same position. He wants to support Obama because he is a friend but, feels indebted to Clinton.
So, the question that has to be argued and debated and eventually solved is how long do you owe someone who gives you a break or jump starts your career, ect.
I feel that is a problem beyond the caucus. Many people in general who supported Bill are not all that thrilled with Hillary but, feel they must support her because of Bill. Some have jumped ship and are going with someone else but, donors, ect., are in extreem conflict. Many are not that into Hillary and like someone else for president yet, feel they owe Bill.

[BluegrassDem]

4. My biggest gripe with Bill is the lack of people of color in top positions

And top positions meaning the Big 4. I know that he appointed Reno as AG, but it's a shame that he didn't appoint a black person to State, Defense, Justice, or Chief of Staff. He had 8 years and didn't do it. Bush appointed Colin and Condi and it's sad that he had to be the first president to appoint a black person to that high position.

I think it wouldn't have hurt Clinton to appoint a black to the Supreme Court, though I adore Ginsburg and Breyer.

[AtomicKitten]

5. Bill Clinton is adored by the black community.

Suggesting that support is generated from a sense of obligation is underestimating the fondness the black community genuinely feels for Bill Clinton. Whether that translates into votes for Hillary remains to be seen, but I assure you Barack Obama will give her a run for her money. The black "activists" can support whomever they wish. It appears they are saying some rather inappropriate and not very well received things out of frustration in turning the herd away from the Clintons.

[Bullet1987]

6. As the article points out...

A lot of Black politicians and people in Washington have a job because of the Clintons.

[Bullet1987]

7. As the article points out...

A lot of Black politicians and people in Washington have a job because of the Clintons.

[AtomicKitten]

8. So nice you said it twice!!

No worries! I'm very happy that black voters will have a reason to get out and vote, and I do believe Obama will be on the ticket somewhere!

It is really heartwarming that Bill Clinton is embraced by most of the planet, if not by some folks here.

Gobama.

[beaconess]

9. I agree with most of your post - but Emil Jones isn't a "black activist"

He's an elected official - president of the Illinois State Senate.

And the political consultants mentioned are no more "black activists" than white political consultants are "white activists."

For some reason, black elected officials and political consultants are often referred to as "activists" when their white counterparts are not, so I'm sensitive about such characterizations.

[AtomicKitten]

10. I can see that.

But I put "activists" in quotation marks, so don't spank me too hard. :)

[beaconess]

11. I thought you did it for a reason . . . no spanking deserved or forthcoming

Just a gentle heads up to someone I respect and know would take it in the spirit offered.

:-)