We just don't know

[gateley]

if the majority of Americans are willing to vote for a woman OR an African American.

Maria Echaveste - Berkeley law professors and Clinton Advisor.


She's right - and we won't know until November.

[zabet]

1. She must not read DU...

'cause there are plenty of people here who would tell her. ;)

[gateley]

2. It was an interesting show --

on Moyers Journal.

Berkeley law professors, and husband and wife, Christopher Edley and Maria Echaveste on their different choices for the Democratic nominee.

She's Hispanic and a Clinton Advisor, he's black and an Obama supporter. They both have their reasons for supporting their candidates for many of the same reasons we here on DU support them (but without the vitriol :7). They had a very objective and informative discussion on the sexism and racism that DO play roles in this campaign.

But I found her statement to be just so wise.

[lumpy]

3. Interesting. Her statement is infact, wise. Only time will tell if

people are willing to overcome their prejudices. I don't know if what has been said on this forum is any indication of people using their better instincts. Not encouraging.

[FrenchieCat]

4. I think that there were some important factors not mentioned in that discussion.....

The issue of Obama's brilliance and foresight and Hillary's only realization being in hindsight.

The fact that Hillary had name recognition is the only reason that she did so well with the hispanic community. In fact, that is a large part of why Hillary has done so well,period..... and why she is a "hit" with low information voters.

I think that this asking ourselves can he win is much more complex than the two married people were able to express in one sitting. In fact, perhaps too many factors were left out as people ponder whether the melanin in Obama's skin is the only thing that will make the difference.

My theory is that at the end of the day, people vote for the person they don't mind spending 4 years with in their living room. I will place a wager that the person that folks will choose will be Barack Obama. At some point, people do see beyond color, in particular in respect to someone they get to know, and then they get to see the character. That's precisely what MLK was speaking of in is "I have a dream Speech". Many without tall walls of prejudice only saw Obama's character, or saw it in short order. The rest, the hardened, will have six month to get to see his character whether they want to or not. I believe that he will be successful getting this done. He is an extraordinary man, and he will get his dues for it. That's the only reason he is still standing today, because the odds have not favored him since his father met his mother.

Take that to heart and understand that he represents the country that we should be. If he, for whatever reason cannot transcend the prejudice that exists in this country, then we are not who we say we are, and we will have to deal with that.

But be reassured that I have more faith than that. Perhaps because I myself am of mixed race, and emmigrated (him from Hawaii to Chicago, me from France to California) and I truly understand what the gifts of intelligence and charisma and foresight can do in reference to those around you.

Obama is the perfect storm. Take that to the bank.

[EFerrari]

5. But we do know, Maria, that more Americans have already voted

for Obama than for Clinton or McWar. :)

[ruby slippers]

6. when the light turns yellow do you speed up or slam on your brakes? I think

that in the end the majority will vote for the thrill of changing the status quo....and daring to shake things up....