Why Rev. Al Sharpton is exactly right about Sen. Obama

[journalist3072]

As an African-American, I believe that Rev. Al Sharpton was exactly right in his recent comments on the presidential candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama.

On background, Sharpton commented that Obama should not take the votes of his fellow African-Americans for granted next year. He said "Why shouldn't the black community ask questions? Are we now being told, 'You all just shut up?'"

Rev. Sharpton, I believe, is absolutely correct when he says that we need to ask the tough questions of Sen. Obama (just as we would any other candidate of any other race). And as Rev. Sharpton often says, just because someone looks like me, doesn't always mean they are my kind (meaning they don't necessarily represent my values or my interests).

It would be a tremendous failure on our part, if we were to simply endorse Sen. Obama's candidacy largely on the basis of his race, and our desire to see the first African-American President of the United States.

As much as I love radio personality Tom Joyner and his advocacy on behalf of important issues (such as our HBCUs), I have been extremely disappointed thus far in how he has treated the Sen. Obama's candidacy.

He interviewed Sen. Obama shortly before the Superbowl, and did not ask a single policy question of him. Moreover, Tom Joyner has let it be known loud and clear that he endorses Obama's candicacy, saying recently "He's black enough for me."

Comments like "He's black enough for me" do a tremendous disserivce to the African-American community. It suggests that we would be willing to make judgements about someone (and even more specifically vote for them) largely based on their race. That kind of thinking, goes against everything that people like Martin Luther King and four little girls in Alabama died for. And I feel quite confident in saying that if members of the Caucasian community said that Sen. Clinton or Sen. John Edwards were white enough for them, we would rise up in indignation.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Comments like "he's black enough for me"

Are in the context of republicans saying "Obama isn't black enough for the black community."

[journalist3072]

6. Well, I haven't heard any Republicans say that

I'm not saying they haven't said it; I just haven't heard it. If anything, I've moreso heard this question being posed on our side. Is Obama too White for us? Is he too appeasing to the White community? I've heard that question being pontificated from a lot of commenators/opinion makers/etc on our side.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. It's the big meme republican's were pushing a few weeks ago.

I'd be suspicious of anybody on "our side" pushing the same crap.

[Connie_Corleone]

10. Ever since he announced, he's been asked that question.

There were articles posted here on DU about whether Obama was black enough.

[baldguy]

44. Have you been in a cave the last two months?

Google ""Halfrican"

[bobbolink]

2. Absolutely! As a woman, would I vote for a woman just because she's "woman enough"?

:rofl:

Yeah, I'm sooooo glad to be represented around the world by Condi...

:puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[Bombtrack]

3. A race does not have an ability to ask a question. It doesn't have a mouth.

And it doesn't have an election to appoint a figurative one, despite Al Sharptons unflinching belief that he has been elected to do that consistantly for decades.

[illinoisprogressive]

4. I don't think he takes anyone's vote for granted unlike Hillary who thinks

she owns this vote. and Sharpton is a clintonista.

[journalist3072]

8. He's not hardly a Clintonista. That's just not accurate.

He's made his differences with the Administration known before. I've heard him say that we've been too easy to call Clinton the "first black President." He's definitely had policy differences with the Clinton Administration that he has been vocal about.

[politicasista]

55. He made that clear in his first commentary on Tom Joyner n/t

[Connie_Corleone]

5. First point. Sharpton is making shit up.

Who is telling him to shut up and black people shouldn't ask questions? It's not Obama. He has said time and time again that he doesn't expect to get the black vote just because he's black. He knows he has to make his case to ALL Americans.

As for Tom Joyner, he probably made that comment because there were people questioning whether Obama was black enough? And Joyner saying that doesn't do anything to the black community because we haven't appointed a spokesperson to speak on our behalf. If Joyner didn't ask any policy questions to Obama, then maybe you should email him and tell him to do so next time he interviews him.

On edit: Tom Joyner, not Tavis Smiley.

[illinoisprogressive]

11. I agree 100%. Sharpton is a Clinton operator and trying to start stuff

[Colobo]

15. Exactly

[journalist3072]

16. As I explained to someone else in this thread, that is just not accurate at all

Rev. Sharpton is hardly a Clintonista. He's been very vocal about some of the policy differences he had with Clinton, and his belief that we've been too easy to call Clinton the first black president.

And I don't believe Sharpton is trying to "start stuff."

Long before Barack Obama was a household name and we even heard of him, Rev. Sharpton was always making the point that just because someone looks like you, doesn't necessarily mean they represent your values. He's been saying that for ages. And I agree with him everytime he says it.

[Connie_Corleone]

21. And who are these phantom people going around saying that we

should vote for Obama just because he's black?

[journalist3072]

25. Tom Joyner and Jay Anthony Brown have suggested that is their reason for supporting him

Tom Joyner has a HUGE radio audience, and influences a lot of people. And that's why I was really disappointed in him and Jay Anthony Brown when they basically said they were supporting him b/c he's black.

[Colobo]

30. Let each individual make up their mind

If the basis of your vote is what some radio host or so-called "community leader" says, then you should not even vote in the first place.

[Connie_Corleone]

32. So, that's the ONLY reason they're voting for him, cuz he's black?

I'm sure they have more than just one reason for supporting him. But, I doubt they're going around telling people to vote for him just because he's black, which was my question in the first place.

[journalist3072]

35. I remember Jay Anthony Brown saying a few weeks ago that was the reason

Obama had his vote.

Tom and Jay had a very "lively" discussion with Cathy Hughes of Radio One about this some weeks back. And like Sharpton, she was pretty much sounding a cautionary note about Obama. And I believe that was when Jay said he was voting for Obama because he's black.

[Connie_Corleone]

36. That is not their only reason for supporting him.

They have more than one reason for supporting Obama or else they would've supported Alan Keyes for President in 2000.

And Jay Anthony Brown is a comedian. Of course he's going to say he's supporting Obama because he's black. But, he has more than one reason for supporting him.

And it still doesn't answer my question.

[journalist3072]

37. Jay Anthony specifically said out of his mouth

"Because he's black." That is what he said on the radio some weeks ago.

[Connie_Corleone]

38. I didn't dispute Jay saying that.

[Colobo]

27. Exactly, and that's why I don't care about what Sharpton says

and I don't listen to him, even though we have the same skin color. I'm my own "black leader", and I'll will vote for Obama.

[Solo_in_MD]

40. Sharton gets no props from me

[journalist3072]

12. That was not Tavis Smiley. As I stated, it was Tom Joyner who said it. eom

[Connie_Corleone]

14. I thought I read Tavis Smiley.

It doesn't matter. The reason I gave still stands.

[babylonsister]

7. I think race and/or sex should have no place in deciding who to vote for.

We have to vote the issues; times are too tenuous, and it's too important not to.

[flashlighter]

28. If you believe that race and sex won't play in this race,

I have some ocean front property in Kansas I'd like to sell you....

[Colobo]

33. Exactly

I like Obama because I feel he is one of those rare politicians that can actually inspire a nation and become the voice of a generation, and the fact that he is the first truly viable black candidate doesn't hurt at all.

My co-worker told me she's supporting Hillary because, "apart of being a wonderful candidate, she is a woman", and she would "like to see a woman in power". Nothing wrong with that.

[babylonsister]

39. I was voicing MY opinion, no one else's. nt

[BuyingThyme]

13. Al's just stating the obvious, from where I sit.

He seems to have a knack for it.

[BeyondGeography]

17. Agreed on Joyner

Obama's political talent soars above the mere facts of his biological background. Which is why, once Sharptopalooza is over with and the great one makes his decision to back Hillary (or whomever) Barack will still be standing tall.

[still_one]

18. Please educate me where Obama said he takes anyone's vote for granted?

so ask the tough questions, did Obama say not to?

In fact it has been the DNC in general that takes the African-American vote for granted. As far as I know Obama never said that, and if he did, I sure would like to see the source

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

20. Also...

anybody have any evidence on where Sharpton was complaining about Obama?

[still_one]

24. you might be right, this might be the RW talking points to try a divide us

[Morgana LaFey]

60. No, he's not right

There has been some discussion among some blacks that because of his heritage (half African and half white) he does NOT share the common experience of most African American blacks in this country. I see the point. Some here react rather vigorously (and IMO hysterically) against it, but I think it's a valid one nonetheless.

[Bronyraurus]

19. I'm backing Obama

but I agree with what you wrote.

[flashlighter]

22. God Sharpton, you don't speak for a whole race either

Obviously, I'm biased, but I think this is great for Obama. There are too many people who are switching away from the Republican party who are turned off by Sharpton- Obama probably doesn't want or need his endoresement.

[journalist3072]

26. Sharpton has never suggested he speaks for an entire race. eom

[flashlighter]

31. Neither has Obama.

Sharpton's an attention whore. Obama isn't begging for his endoresement, and it's upsetting him.

[TomInTib]

23. That was very well stated, journalist3072.

A sober, well-thought-out statement.

We don't see much of that around these parts (certainly not from me) and we need a good bit more non-emotional, non-kneejerk posts and replies.

[KoKo]

29. Obama is being portrayed by the MSMedia as JFK-II .

The SECOND COMING. Maybe some in the Black Community would rather see Obama as the PROMISE FULFILLED by MARTIN? :shrug:

[Colobo]

34. Obama is Obama, and that's why I support him

[Tarheel_Dem]

41. thanks journalist......

as another african american, i have no problem with obama's "blackness" or lack thereof, but I really wish he had completed a full term in the senate before throwing his hat in the presidential ring. Of course, if he's the nominee, he'll have my full support.

I heard a brief audio clip of Sharpton this morning on TJMS where he was apparently responding to a question about Obama. And Sharpton responded, and quite correctly, that he and other black organizations would not bow to pressure from the Obama camp to fall in line. And who knows, it may even work to Obama's benefit, not to have a Sharpton endorsement.

[tomreedtoon]

58. Have any black organizations felt pressure from Obama's camp?

I ask just for curiosity's sake. Because it seems to me that the "race card" can be played several ways by several people. As a pathetic white dude, I've seen plenty of people claiming to speak for the black community - Sharpton among them. The only people I can think of who claim to speak for the white community are outright racists most people wouldn't touch with a ten-foot toilet plunger.

But such spokesmen seem to be all over the black community - and some of them pretend to be apostles of Dr. King, no matter how different their philosophies. Trying to keep all of these spokesmen happy would be like being betrothed to about twenty women at the same time.

[Tarheel_Dem]

59. Apparently, the National Action Network has.....

otherwise, the remarks by Rev. Sharpton would be totally uncalled for. And let me just say, I've had my differences with the good Reverend before, but I don't think he should be attacked just because he doesn't support a fellow african american. As I recall, he didn't support Alan Keyes either.

[Morgana LaFey]

61. Fortunately, YOU don't have to worry about it

Sorry, but this comment and the attitude behind it just frost me:

As a pathetic white dude, I've seen plenty of people claiming to speak for the black community - Sharpton among them. The only people I can think of who claim to speak for the white community are outright racists most people wouldn't touch with a ten-foot toilet plunger.

You don't need to figure out or worry about whether Sharptain CLAIMS to speak for the black community or whether he's entitled to, or whether he does a good job of it or not, or anything else. BLACK people get to decide that for themselves, and don't need your "pathetic white dude" input.

THere's a reason few people ever claim to speak for the white community: The White Community runs everything. EVERYONE who's white gets to speak for the white community. We're it, folks. We're the Dominant Culture and too few of us ever get it or give a damn about trying to equalize things (which will only happen when we willingly start giving up some of that white privilege that too many of us don't even recognize). Until we do, the one thing WE DON'T GET TO speak out about is: who speaks for blacks and other minorities.

Get it?

[tomreedtoon]

62. Trouble is, Ms. Hair-Trigger-Anger...

...whoever has the loudest voice speaks for ALL of us.

For instance, you may have noticed that George Bush speaks for all Americans, whether we want him to or not, and as a result the rest of the world hates all of us.

And if a heavily prejudiced candidate, or one heavily promoted by one powerful group or another, ends up as President, he or she will speak for all Americans. It would bother me if Al Sharpton, John Paul Rogers (the supposed head of the Florida Klan), Tony Soprano or Britney Spears became the voice defining who Americans are and how they relate to the world.

You don't like it? You can't do anything about it. That's the way the world and politics works. That is why, based on volume, Coulter is the loudest and most definitive voice in politics.

[Morgana LaFey]

63. Not at all

I think every premise in your post is at least overstated if not totally wrong. I'll just give one example, the first:

For instance, you may have noticed that George Bush speaks for all Americans, whether we want him to or not, and as a result the rest of the world hates all of us.

Not a bit of truth in there. GWB speaks for the government, but not all the people and the rest of the world understands that. They ESPECIALLY understand it after the November elections. Most people in most countries don't hate Americans as people, tho their patience is wearing thin. THey may, however, dislike the government intensely. And, SOME people in other countries hate America and Americans. A lot of them happen to be in Iraq, for some strange reason.

I won't bother with the rest of your post.

[shifting_sands]

42. Obama/Clinton/Edwards/a host of others

I agree with Al Sharpton, "just because Obama looks like me doesn't mean he is like me" I could say the same thing about Hillary (I'm a woman and caucasian) but anyone I vote for has to look and sound a whole lot different than the group of GOP'ers on the docket, past and present. I question whether any politician's hands are clean, Republican or Democratic but I've got to take the chance that a Dem will be different than what we have had. Unless the independents can come up with a candidate that can out preform what is now presented, I will vote for the Democratic candidate. I don't see race or gender being a deciding factor, nor should it be a deciding factor. Obama had an interesting growing up experience which brings him different filters in America than what most of us had and that alone makes him a "wild card" as to what he will do once in office. Personally I am tired of the "Bush, Clinton, Bush Clinton" experience in this country, I have had enough of them and am interested in fresh ideas and application of those ideas. If Obama is the Democratic candidate I will vote for him and hope that he can really be those fresh ideas because we need them badly.

My biggest concern is there isn't much difference between Dems and GOP these days, but we have to take a chance on someone and they don't have to go too far to be better than what we've had. I agree Obama and all the candidates need to be asked questions of substance, but we sure as heck haven't had answers of substance from the present administration for 7 years so I don't know if I would recognize substantive answers this year almost any answer would sound good. It's going to be a very long election season and someone great might step up to the plate this fall that would wipe them all out, there is always a chance.

[Jcrowley]

43. Here's an old poster for laughs

BTW anyone who suggests Sharpton is a Clintonista has little historical observance of Al's political trajectory. That is pure disinformation.

Love him or leave him Al is whacky, straightforward and unpredicatable not to mention quite astute.

Personally I wish the American Idol political show would desist and substance would hold sway. Seems unlikely.

[champt10]

45. I agree...

That questions do need to be asked, HOWEVER, I think Obama will still gain overwhelming support in the end. I honestly do not believe that most people will ask those serious questions.

[Jim Sagle]

46. Sharpton's acting like a stealth Republican. Fuck'm.

Obama's a credible candidate, and Sharpton isn't a credible anything. Sucks to be Al.

[BeyondGeography]

47. It's not the first time

Just ask Ruth Messinger and Mark Green, two failed NYC Democratic mayoralty candidates who were damaged by Al's hardball racial political tactics in the past. Or Rudy Giuliani and Mike Bloomberg, the Republicans he helped get elected.

But that was New York City. Al will have no such impact on the national level.

[Jim Sagle]

48. If he helped Rudy, he forfeited whatever black cred he was born with, I would think.

[BeyondGeography]

49. He eventually endorsed Messinger

but not before he criticized her during a debate in the 1997 primary runoff campaign (in which he very nearly beat her) for failing to endorse Jesse Jackson in 1988. The implication was that Messinger wasn't a true progressive, which was a joke, but it damaged her permanently with many black voters so, by the time she faced Giuliani, she was unable to even count on her natural base. Sharpton also subsequently tried to shake her campaign down for money, which is chronicled in the book, The Campaign, written by Messinger's aide Evan Mandery.

Here's an old Joe Conason column about Al written during that period:

http://www.albionmonitor.com/9709b/sharpton.html

[progressoid]

50. Agreed. eom

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

51. Well said.

[MLFerrell]

52. It's long past time that people quit making decisions about their political leaders...

Predicated on matters of skin tone and gender. It really doesn't matter if one is biased in favor of or against a candidate because of their genitals or external appearance, either way it's wrong.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

We still have a long way to go, Dr. King. Too long...

[wryter2000]

53. Thanks for your insight

I'm struggling some with whether I, as a woman, should support Hillary. While I'd certainly vote for her in the general election, she sure wouldn't be my candidate in the primary if she were a man. I'd like to support a woman, but I can't if I don't like her policies.

[GeorgeGist]

54. I'm in the dark here...

did Sharpton provide any evidence that Obama has taken the Black vote for granted? Or is he prejudging Obama on the basis of race; which I believe is half-Black/ half-Caucasian.

[politicasista]

56. On Tom Joyner today, Al talked about Gonzales, and supporting Democrats

calling for his resignation. I thought Tom was going to bring up the Obama story, but didn't.

[mzmolly]

57. Sharpton is running aganist Obama and others who have their proverbial

hat in the 08 ring.

However, every candidate needs to answer "tough" questions, including Al Sharpton.