Is America Ready for a Black President?
Written by:
Kim Sawyer)
Yep, I said it. A lot of people are tip-toeing around this obvious question. If you ask Black people (or to be politically correct, African-Americans) this question, more times than not, you will hear a resounding yes. Partially because he’s Black, but also because he offers hope that things will get better. If you ask White people (is there a politically correct term for White people?), you will hear all sorts of answers, but deep down inside, some of them are thinking, NO! I think some White people are just not comfortable with the thought of a Black man running the country. I say this mainly because as this democratic nomination goes on, and on, and on, and on, it appears quite a few of Hillary’s supporters are of the mindset that if Hillary doesn’t win the nomination, they will vote for McCain. According to this article, http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/27/clinton-tells-democrats-dont-vote-for-mccain/, posted on CNNpolitics.com, “A Gallup poll released this week indicated that 28 percent of Clinton’s supporters would back McCain should the New York senator lose her quest for the Democratic nomination.” Based on this, is it safe to assume that these supporters of Clinton would just rather not vote for a Black person, even though that person is in the same political party? I understand that there are differences (some would consider them vast differences) between Hillary’s and Obama’s campaign. But isn’t voting for McCain just because Hillary doesn’t win, spiteful? Based on what I’m saying, I’m sure it sounds like I’m making this presidential race about, well race? I guess in some ways, I am, but if you are really honest, I’m not off base, am I? Read this article talking about Mike Huckabee’s very offensive joke about Obama being shot (click here to read:http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/16/huckabee-jokes-about-obama-ducking-a-gunman/) and tell me what you think about my assessment of this presidential campain.
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I hate to have to say this, but I agree with you. I do believe that there are countless white people, from lazy couch potatoes to brilliant rocket scientists, who believe a black/African American man is not suited to run our country. And it is sad. Although Obama so eloquently articulates much of what we all say we want, the fact that he isn’t white, makes some folk close their ears to his inspiring and hopeful words.
The reality is, Barack Obama is such an encouragement and asset to society now, without even being president! He has proven he has our best interest at heart. He is easy to look at, easy to listen to, easy to trust, and easy to believe in, yet, he is black. Do I worry about him surviving presidency…yes. No doubt. But I worry more about us surviving McCain.
The sad truth to this is that in 2008 it still matters. Someone should do a poll and ask people who is the best person for the job - not just who they are going to support. It is dumb to think that someone would rather vote based on race instead of what is best for them. That is like saying you would go to radio shack instead of best buy to purchase a computer because you don’t like large electronics stores. Now you know best buy has the best options, but because of your bias you would choose a worse option? Maybe that isn’t the best analogy, but I hope I got my point across.
First, let’s see if they don’t cheat us again. I’ll follow up in November.
You are absolutely right Barry. We don’t want to have a Florida all over again.
Not Florida! lol.
There will be ignorant people who will not vote for Barack simply because he is black. But I also think there are as many people who are against ANYONE who may carry the same political values and beliefs as Bush as there are against Barack. People are tired of Bush because now not only is the president affecting just black people or low to middle income people but he is affecting every single class and color taking away family members who are loved and losing them in war. At this point many people would see anyone that is against the war as a saviour. So it should be really interesting voting. Cant wait to see the outcome!!
I am not sure if we are ready for a black president, But I know I am ready not just for a black president but one who is ready to change the current economic situation in the USA.
Debbi, that is smart thinking. It shouldn’t matter if the next president is purple, as long as he/she/it can do something about the economic situation.
There’s purple people these days???
Just kidding, but yeah… I was supporting Clinton at the beginning, and the reason was this :
I would like the Democrats to take over.
I figured Hilary may have a better chance, overall, to sway some of the Republican voters away to vote Democrat.
As much as I do not doubt Barack’s ability as president, the only difficult part is this - how much can he get done? In our democratic system, the Presidential powers are not as great as they may seem, as we can see from the fact that Bush lost a lot of his power when Congress was won by the Democrats nearly 2 years ago.
I supported Clinton at the beginning, not because I do not like black people, but because I acknowledged that some people still discriminate against black people, and my thoughts were “if this man came along 20 years later..”
But now, it seems like Obama will win the nomination and I hope he becomes the next president of the United States.
I agree Debbi
So, let’s just say we all agree that we want someone in office who can change the current economic situation. And we all agree that it doesn’t matter the ethnicity of the person. Now, I ask, isn’t that idealistic thinking instead of realistic thinking? If we look at America and its voting history, has that ever happened?
You are right Kim. I just keep hoping and praying most of all we get someone in the White House to end this terrible war and help the economic disaster we’re in.
I am your average unhappy American, politically speaking and I don’t care for the politics of any of the viable candidates. I’m used to that. Still, I think having Obama as President will give the US a much needed PR makeover around the world, though I don’t agree with his politics. As for the supposed spite-voters for McCain? Any time there is any social progression or just the symbolic step toward it, you’ll have to drag some people kicking and screaming through it. That’s life.
CNN and others would like to know if the American public thinks we are ready for a Black President. The fact that this question is even asked tells me a lot about the mindset of America. My answer to that question is a resounding YES. Obama is articulate, brilliant, and likable; and this is only to name a few of his positive attributes. Does anyone out there understand how much Black American has contributed to this country? Does anyone out there understand that being smart is not limited to the White and Asian communities?
Frankly, I consider your question an insult to the world in general.
Hey Patricia. Welcome to 7daybuzz. Thanks for your comment. I am well aware how much Black Americans have contributed to this country and that being smart or intelligent is not just limited to White and Asian communities, since I’m a Black woman. But at the end of the day, racism remains alive and well and alot of people do not want Obama to be president JUST because he is Black. It’s uncomfortable to think this way, but it’s true.
On a side note, did you hear about how they are quietly trying to ban Black people from patronizing night clubs during the Olympics this year? Racism is not just limited to America — it happens throughout the world.