Race vs. presidential politics

Interesting thoughts here. Actually, I've been working on an article about Obama myself. Have you seen all the hoop-la about his pastor, mentor, friend - Rev. Jeremiah Wright?

I think all candidates wear masks. What each of us must do is search and research to find out as much as we can about the real person behind the mask.

I only partially agree with Steele's theory. Its not so much that Obama's position of bargainer is chosen but is forced as the choice. The mask he wears is necessary to insure an easier acceptance of his candidancy. At this point only a fool would broadcast the slightest notion of open thought that some were prejudice. Part of his appeal is the fact that he hasn't dragged that stingy rag of prejudice across America's face. Its as if we are already aware of an alcoholics addiction to drink and tho all see different levels of negative affects there is no need to even discuss it. Lets just move on with some sort of treatment. On the issue of race with Obama's candidancy we all know he is not the normal previleged white man running for office so do we have a need to discuss his race or do we proceed full steam ahead as if he were the same as any other candidate? There is where Steele and I agree in that the phenomon speaks more about white American now than it does of Obama. We are all hungry for a new sort of leadership. More are seeing Obama as a needed relief from the norm of rich men telling us what we want to hear and explaining that he has the answers to our pain. Obama not only soothes those scars left by former leaders but with his compassion and experience as an organizer he instills a belief in people who feel he knows what they feel. He awakens the feelings of belonging again in common American citizens who had lost it.

He was on Dennis Prager one day. He is very interesting. I've been planning on buying the book for a few weeks now.

If Obama gets the nomination it will be very interesting to watch the mainstream media in how they cover him. Right now, he is a rock star to the media,they all caught up in the frenzy. But, when things settle down, will they ask Obama the tough questions and will they demand a straight answer? They currently don't insist on a straight answers from Clinton. You see CNN almost rooting for Clinton in the recent debates. Will or can they treat impartially? You know the media is rooting for him.

Steele is a very interesting man to listen to. His perspective as a "black conservative" is very refreshing.

I need to look into Thomas Sowell's and Walter Williams' past writings on Obama.

It's too bad that black conservatives don't fit into the mainstream media's idea of "diversity". Steele, Sowell, and Williams have great insights that the political left should acknowledge.

if people really want to be honest about the rise of Obama, it is exactly the color of his skin that has gotten him to this level. Do you think a white, jr. senator could get this far, with no record of doing anything. I wish a black conservative like Steele were running for president, i would love to see a conservative African american elected president. But of course race hustlers like Jesse, Sharpton and many other black people would just call him----UncleTom!!! Steele vs. Sharpton???-----DAH!!!

Marilyn's point about all politicians wearing masks really struck me. Do we accept that and vote despite it, or are we drawn to - and perhaps even comforted by - particular masks?

"To what extent will race be an issue in the 2008 presidential election?" That's a tricky question to answer because it may be an issue on a personal or societal level...not to mention how the media [including public media, I work for Minnesota Public Radio /disclosure] treats it. Winston's wondering about how Obama's press treatment is a point taken...and I don't doubt people are already carefully watching.

Black conservatives pimp white conservatives for money all the time, didn't you know that, their worse than black preachers, no, their both about the same. They figure they have found a niche market, not a lot of Afro-Americans here. When their so few of you, you have more clout you get more attention. Didn't you know Shelby Steel's brother and sister don't talk to him. And who was that black dude standing on stage during one of those Republican debate. What's his name? Where Armstrong Williams, anybody seen him latley.
The republicans have so few blacks folks that they will pay you to sit or stand in a crowd of fellow Republicans and grin, don't have to say a thing. Now if they let you talk or run for office you can open up a Swiss Bank account, better yet get them to send you the money down to the Cayman Island. But if you are one of those Black conservative tell me about the state of the Republican party I sure like to know.
Where Colin Powell, after the negro got tired of carring around Rumsfeld luggage the tip he got you know it was a slap in the face, maybe that's why he quit.
And where is Condi. Oh, in Africa with G.W. only to find Chinese resturants all over the damn place. Black conservative look good in the window but what do they really let you do up there in the Big house?

I heard this program on MPR and frankly I was annoyed that this guy's viewed was aired more than once.

I think his theory about racial masks is basically putting lipstick on a pig. At its core it is racism, however its the other side of the fence style of racism. You see, when you are person of color, and obtain some measure of success by playing the game by the rules you are viewed as a traitor. Plain and simple. If you question me, think back to last fall. Wasn't the story in the media that Obama wasn't black enough? Do you understand where that notion comes from?

Playing by the rules of the game to become successful does not necessary involve giving whites the benefit of the doubt about their racism. In fact, you can fully believe and act from that point of view and be successful.

However, playing by the rules means two specific things. The rules require obtaining the necessary skills/education to qualify for the position sought. The rules also require a willingness to network, pull in favors, pull strings, etc. to find your way to the doors that lead to more doors that lead you to where you want to be professionally.

Successful people, regardless of color, do this as a matter of fact. Regardless of color, how far do you think you'd get if you are ticking off people regularly? How many times in your life have you bit your tongue when dealing with someone you can't stand because you know to have them as an enemy is much more detrimental than to maintain status quo.

The difference between a white person playing the game and person of color playing the game is that if you are a person of color you are a traitor if you conduct yourself this way.

The difference is, if you are a person of color, obtaining the skills/education needed for your goals carries along nasty luggage. You are perceived as acting/talking/thinking white, simply because of the language you use or the knowledge you've acquired.

The difference is, if you are a person of color, any success you may achieve is credited solely to your skin color.

I live this reality. When I look at Obama, I see this very clearly in him.

I think Shelby's theory is merely this type of racism in a nice, academic frame. Just because a black man is saying it, does make his point of view racist-free. It is just a form of racism you are not acquainted with.

As an aside, concerning Obama, the only thing that I have found to disparage him is that when its completely safe and appropriate to toss a brick at the opposition, he hasn't. I point to his conduct at the confirmation hearing of Condoleeza Rice for Secretary of State as exhibit A. If you can still find this hearing online, its quite educational.