Ferraro's comment similar to Chris Matthews' statement on Hillary

[Drachasor]

He said she was only were she was because of the Lewinsky sex scandal (because she showed resolve there). He was decried for making a sexist remark. He apologized and said that she was a capable person and you can't say what would have happened if certain events hadn't happened.

Ferraro said Obama was where he was because he was black. IMHO, that's even worse (because it isn't even tied to an event), but it is at least just as bad. He belittles his ability to lead, inspire, and run a good campaign -- because it acts like his great qualities mean nothing next to his race.

I think people should think about that comparison before defending Ferraro.

[jgraz]

1. Bingo. Matthews is an asshole and so is Ferraro.

:thumbsup:

[Drachasor]

9. I'd say how they handled it are a bit different honestly

You know, I'd say there are some key differences between the remarks. Matthews didn't say Hillary was successful because she was a woman (he tied it to an event -- that's probably just a small point though, given the event). Still it showed a lack of consideration that events demonstrate the ability of the individuals caught up in them. Matthews also came out and said he was wrong later and explained way. Ferraro is just saying she was right again and again. For what it is worth, I think Matthews deserves points for how he handled what he said.

(I have heard Matthews has acted in a sexist manner elsewhere which helped stoke the fire over his comment though. I only started watching him within the last two months or so I missed much of this).

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

2. Great point. Tweety was out of bounds. How 'bout a little consistency around here?

[theboss]

3. Hillary's fame and power are directly tied to her husband

It's simply insane to argue otherwise. We should be successful without her husband? Certainly. Would she be a Senator and serious Presidential Candidate? Probably not.

I really don't see how Obama's race is a contributing factor in his acension in politics. Two African Americans have been in the Senate since reconstruction. One African American won a state primary in the Democratic election prior to him. He is part of a ridiculously exlcusive club. And that club has two memebers - Carol Mosely Braun and Jesse Jackson - whose reach as politicians was very limited.

Did anyone really think that Carol Mosely Braun could be a contender for the Democratic nomination?

[MethuenProgressive]

4. Sorry, only Obamas can play the hypersensitivity outrage card on DU.

The DUbamas applauded and endorsed Matthews hateful remarks, and echo them in post after post.

[Drachasor]

6. Much like Hillary supporters are doing the same with Ferraro?

[JerseygirlCT]

5. Yes. They were both despicable comments, and demeaning

to candidates who are both accomplished and qualified.

Isn't it funny that we're now arguing that being female or black is a plus when running for office? Please. That's why we've got 51% of the national elected positions in this country filled with women, and an equally representative portion filled with African Americans, right? Because, you know, being a white male is a real deterent to getting elected...

Sorry, that's just one huge, tough, sell. I'll welcome the day when it's really something to consider, but we sure as heck aren't there yet!

[tammywammy]

7. Agreed, good post

[jillan]

8. Oh - that's who they were talking about, and laughing about, on CNN.

[K Gardner]

10. Tweety apologized. What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? What does that

have to do with Ferraro? What does that have to do with racism? What does that have to do with Hillary not coming out strongly against the statements and cutting Ferraro loose, or the fact that she barely condemned it, or the fact that she is once again triangulating and refusing to take a stand?

[Drachasor]

11. I agree Matthews handled the aftermath better, I am just talking about the nature of the comment

Seems like a worthwhile thing to point out, since in that event the shoe was on the other foot, as it were.

[Cha]

12. Tweety apologized and gerry ferraro, hilary's surrogate,

goes on the offensive with saying, "Obama should thank her". Which makes hilary faux outrage at tweety's comment all the more obvious.