Black president? Impossible: Congressman savors moment

[babylonsister]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/59940.html

Black president? Impossible: Congressman savors moment

By Lisa Zagaroli



Rep. Mel Watt was wrong, and he's so glad about it.

snip///

Though he doesn't remember most of the details of their conversation, Watt's thoughts on Obama's prospects became clear. Though Watt considered Obama bright, smart, "a wonderful guy," he didn't endorse Obama initially, choosing instead a fellow North Carolinian, former Sen. John Edwards. Watt said publicly that he didn't think a black man could be elected president.

When asked about Obama's chances of winning North Carolina's electoral votes during the general election season, Watt repeatedly referred back to 1990. Gantt had been running ahead of Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., in the polls, with 47 percent, and a large number of voters remained undecided before Election Day.

Helms won, in part by running his highly controversial "white hands" ad that suggested white people were losing out on jobs because of unfair advantages given to minorities. Gantt got his base of 47.6 percent, but picked up none of the undecideds.

The better part of two decades has passed since Gantt's loss, and Watt has achieved much on his own. He's been elected in nine consecutive campaigns for Congress. But doubts lingered for Watt right up until Obama's election, he says, because of all he's seen.“The great thing is Barack wasn't burdened by any of that.

"It wasn't likely I was going to jump up one day and say I think I'll run for president of the United States. You just don't do that. And if someone else does it, you say, 'I think I better stick with John Edwards, he has a better chance.' "

Watt laughs out loud.

He's 63 now, and with the country now facing a crippling economic crisis, Watt is brimming with hope that Obama will put the nation on a path toward financial recovery, energy independence and peace.

"I am so glad I was wrong," he says. "Our nation is better off that I was wrong. I'm big enough to admit when I was wrong. I love admitting when I'm wrong."

[BlooInBloo]

1. Heh. That's what I thought until Super Tuesday.

[Captain Hilts]

2. Naw, it was Powell's for the asking in the '90s.

He STILL has hugely positive ratings in opinion polls.