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Is it Ever the “Right Time” to Vote for the Black Guy?

Started by baratunde aka jack turner · 11 months ago

Some people worry that electing a black president could actually end up hurting African-Americans in the long-run (you can read more about it here). I get the feeling that Tavis Smiley might fit in this category.

This concern often asks whether some whites will find it easier to dismiss matters of institutional racism if they can point [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ ... Continue reading »

41 comments

  • Lynne

    11 months ago

    LMAO @ GreenLadyHere.....I think the GOP strategists forgot one tiny little thing.....WE HAVE BLOGS TOO!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! What's driving these neo-con numbnuts crazy is that they can't grasp the concept of the black blogosphere, black media in general....hell, the entire progressive/left/democratic...whatever you wanna call it....these mediums are KILLING THE ROVE TACTICS!! Huffington Post, DailyKos, TPM........The scumbags didnt have these issues to deal with in 2000 or 2004! They used the lack of credible info accessible to people and bombarded folks with smear ads and the moonbats of FoxNews...well...ITS A NEEEWWWWW DAAAAAY! They put out a lie and its debunked before the sunsets! Just like McAncient, they can't get with the times and SEE that this ignorant crap just won't fly! I know I'm not the only one if I get some fringe email on Barack's jihadist Daddy, I debunk it and send it right back to the sender. Its a NEEEEEWWWW DAAAAAY!!

    Blogs like JJP are simply KIIIILLLLINNG the old guard of politics - I LUV IT!
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Lynne: Thank you. CO-SIGNING!! BIG TIME!!! :>) :>)
    And a BIG "VIRTUAL DAP" to you!!!! :>) :>)
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    As the mass majority ALREADY concedes that racism doesn't exist (except for reverse racism), I'm willing to bet an Obama presidency won't make that much difference.

    This new meme is probably a tactic to convince black voters that Obama will set them back.
    reply
  • eclecticbrotha

    11 months ago

    It'll definitely hurt black people like Tavis Smiley who make their living pimping black misery and discontent. The rest of us, not so much.
    reply
  • Admiral_Komack

    11 months ago

    Tavis Smiley: "I coulda been a contender...Wahhhhh!"
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    eclectic: Amen on the "Smiley - n - Stab"! :>)
    reply
  • kalagenesis

    11 months ago

    100% correct
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Good afternoon: I really don't know where to put this "tid bit" so I thought that it would fit here in response to "Is it Ever the "RIGHT TIME " to vote for the Black Guy? I'm so stating that NOW is the time BECAUSE "mcancient" - the "White Guy"- is duplicitous, forgetful, "flip flops". "pouts", envies, lies, is CONFUSED- and as a result of his confusion, he continues to confuse the world!!!!!! Look at this video - according to JED!! And it's about a MAJOR campaign, substantive issue - TIMETABLE!!!!

    www.jedreport.com/2008/07/okay/now/mccain.html

    The article begins: "Gold star goes to the first person who can figure what the ****** his real position is on ending the war."

    I still must have my "DISS THE DUDE" attitude on. And 'MCANCIENT" helps me keep it on!
    WHEW! (DEEP BREATHS!)
    reply
  • Town

    11 months ago

    I'm trying to understand exactly "who" is giving Obama a pass because he's black? Which black people are going out there and saying "I'm giving Obama a pass cuz he black?" It is only because black people are not voting the way they're supposed to that black people's critical thinking skills are being questioned. It is only because black people are voting for the black guy they're not supposed to be voting for that the black voting pattern is questioned. Black people voting 80, 90 percent for the white guy/woman, oh wellz black people historically vote Democratic so it is to be expected.

    Black people voting 80, 90 percent for the black guy OH NOES! CAN'T HAVE THAT! THEY AREN'T THINKING CRITICALLY! THEY'RE THINKING EMOTIONALLY! THEY'RE GIVING OBAMA A PASS BECAUSE HE'S BLACK! THEY'RE GOING TO BE DISAPPOINTED IF A PRESIDENT OBAMA DOESN'T GIVE THEM THEIR WAY! OH NOES!
    reply
  • TRW

    11 months ago

    Co-sign. No matter what Black people do, it is automatically assumed that we all can't think for ourselves. I find it amazing that these people get on tv with a straight face and talk about the voting patterns of a whole freaking group of people!!!!! Unless they have spoken with every single Black person that voted for AND against Barack in the primaries, how in the hell do they know what all Black people think?

    It just boggles the mind.
    reply
  • APeach

    11 months ago

    And the very ones who spout that "can't think critically" bunk are probably dittoheads.
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  • Quanli

    11 months ago

    Co-sign with msmartin. If I had a dollar for every time I've seen the phrase "reverse racism" relating to EVERYTHING black, I would be a rich woman. Black history month, reverse racism. The new Vogue covers, reverse racism. Voting for Barack, reverse racism. We cannot take pride in anything, we need only to blend in quietly after the umpteen & counting years of a tilted slate. Meanwhile, those who tout this reverse racism continue to enjoy the fruits of their skin color. Trust, casting a vote for McCain makes no difference to these folks--NONE.
    reply
  • Lynne

    11 months ago

    Isn't it amazing that all of sudden black people voting for the black man is because of some sort of reverse racism?? What was it when we were voting for white men for the last 40 years that we have been allowed to vote without fear?? What was it when the GOP didn't give Alan Keyes even .0002% of the vote in the last 3 GOP presidential primaries? Now they have a problem with black folks voting for the black guy?? Whatever...they can kiss where the sun don't shine.

    And yes Town, what is this "mythical" pass that Obama is getting?? I really want to know that too. Hell, Tavis bashed Obama for weeks while singing Hillary's praises, I listened to more than enough black folks holler about Obama's Father Day speech on black radio, and Jesse flat out called him a n*gger...but he's getting a pass?? All that's left is too waterboard the man until he cries Toby...damn. Well, whatever, I don't care....HELL YEAH I'M VOTING FOR HIM BECAUSE HE'S BLACK!!! That's what I'd tell any of em that approached me with that bull....
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    C-signing, Lynne: Nice visuals! I described one of "MCANCIENT'S" strategies as #4. "cry uncle". That's the major one he's using now to "force" Mr. Obama to totally agree "WITH HIM" in the "effectiveness" of the SURGE!!
    Whew!!! (Deep breaths)!! :>) :>) :>)
    reply
  • D.

    11 months ago

    I think.....who cares?

    Is a presidential candidate's race really the most important thing....or should we elect someone based on their actual postions (a novel thought!)?

    (and excuse my language on a Sunday) Black people bitch when someone says that electing Obama could actually help to quell (NOT END!!) racism in this country, but then directly/indirectly suggest that every non-black person (or, in some sick twist of logic, some black people!!) who isn't voting for Obama is a racist. White people bitch when they disagree with Obama and are called racists, but then are accused of having "guilt" when they say that the Obama ascendancy might be good for this country.

    Is this the most important issue we face?
    reply
  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    Race relations is a pretty important issue.

    Most important is in the eye of the beholoder.
    reply
  • D.

    11 months ago

    But what bearing does it have on the direction of our country when we're paying $4 for gas?
    reply
  • Plantsmantx

    11 months ago

    No, black people bitch when someone says that electing Obama will be proof positive that anti-black racism is no longer a problem, and we should shut up about it. Most people who say that are more concerned about us shutting up than they are about racism. Letting whoever needs to know...know that we're not going to pretend it no longer exists, and we are not going to accept it is a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
    reply
  • D.

    11 months ago

    Ok, "no longer exists" is a bit extreme. But I think we can agree that it will be one more barrier removed.

    I'm just of the opinion that racism-from all sides-isnt going anywhere, and that dwelling on it-by anyone-isnt helpful.
    reply
  • TRW

    11 months ago

    But aren't you making an assumption too though? I agree, you will certainly find Black people who will boo and hiss another Black person for not supporting Obama. I think that it is equally true that you will find Black people who will give a White person the side eye when they say they will not vote for Obama. But, I also know that there are other Black people who just don't agree with Obama's policies--i.e. Black conservatives, and there are also White people who don't agree with his policies, and rather take a gamble with McCain because he is the familiar choice.

    I think the problem comes from the fact you have people on TV talking reckless about a whole group of people, based on polling data, when there is no way to get a real sense of what they think--i.e. making assumptions about Black people that support Obama and why White people don't.

    But, but, despite all that, I also find it interesting the standards that Obama is held to compared to other candidates in the past and even McCain. I have never seen someone that has had to twist, turn, duck, and dodge to please so many people at one time or be called a traitor to his race, unpatriotic, or a flip flopper.
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  • Sepia

    11 months ago

    If black people are voting for Obama because he's black, then I say, "So What?".

    Every other ethnic/racial group can support their own (ex. Jewish people) without any cries of "reverse racism", yet when WE support our own, we're criticized. GMAB!

    I'm tired of US having to act like The Get Along Gang when it comes to racism, always being expected to include other groups into our world despite the fact that we're still left on the outside looking in when it comes to their world. Quite frankly, I think it's high time that WE put US first, then maybe we'll get some respect!
    reply
  • eclecticbrotha

    11 months ago

    Since 90% of the black vote went to Gore in 2000 and 88% of the black vote went to Kerry in 2004, they must be black too.

    The "they're only voting for Obama because he's black" meme is the excuse black Republicans offer up to their party to explain why their endless shilling isn't getting the GOP a good return on their investment.
    reply
  • CraigHickman

    11 months ago

    There you go. Funny how those stats get forgotten

    ::

    Anyone surprised this showed up on CNN?

    They think they're slick. I will continue to refuse watching that network.
    reply
  • kenyaw

    11 months ago

    Sepia,
    I second everthing that you said. No one questioned the "black vote" when we voted for John Kerry's boring ass. I don't know what the hell he stood for other than stem cell research. And that he was a dem. I voted for Wes Clark in the primary though.

    Quick story--There was this nice Jewish guy on a talk radio show here in Atlanta a few months ago, he talked about voting for Lieberman, becase he was proud to vote for a Jewish man for president.
    His whole show, he wanted black people to call in and answer if they were voting for Obama because he is black. He kept saying, "if you are, I understand, but is it right?". I am thinking, right or wrong is not the point. It is a personal choice, for whatever reasons.
    He had his chance to show ethnic pride and vote for who in the hell he wanted without the MSM talking every night about Jewish people being wrong in voting for Lieberman because he was Jewish.
    This shit sucks!
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Sepia: ABSOLUTELY!! Co-signing -on my way to the Voting Booth! :>) :>) :>)
    reply
  • Get Togetha

    11 months ago

    I love the first comment! A new day indeed. Love "McAncient" as well.
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Get Togetha: I agree(on Lynne's post)!! Thanks on the "MCANCIENT"! At first, I tried to be reverent regarding his age, so I tried out different "terms of endearment". This one is my favorite and I'm sticking with it! :>) :>) And, because of his present disrespectful games against Mr. Obama, I am staying in my "DISS THE DUDE" attitude! More will be forthcoming! TRANSLATED: It's on!!
    WHEW! (REAL DEEP BREATHS!! :>) :>)
    reply
  • Brown Man

    11 months ago

    If having Barack Obama as president means that we will be subtly brainwashed, after seeing him on TV night after night signing treaties, vetoing bills, and pondering national defense, into rearranging our cultural totem pole to put high educational standards, superior operational and planning skills, and a superb sense of money management back on top where they belong, then bring it on.

    If the price we have to pay for this presidency is more vigilance amongst ourselves to get our own shit together, my man couldn't have come along at a better time.
    reply
  • melanctha

    11 months ago

    Teach Brownman! The time is now.
    reply
  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    "...vigilance amongst ourselves to get our own shit together..."

    Ya'll better pray no one like me ever gets appointed as Secretary of End Self-Loathing cause I will get that shit together and over with.
    reply
  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    Oops! My bad. Ya'll just doing that bourgeoisie thang.

    Okay... Brown Man, the floor is yours >>>> Back to your SELF-LOATHING PROGRAMMING
    reply
  • Quanli

    11 months ago

    I feelin' Lynn's response. Thankfully I haven't been asked "the question" yet but the minute it comes up I think I'm liable to say "Yep, I sure am". We have to bend over backwards even during the race relations discussion as the understanding, all-inclusive, "we're really just like you" folks. Nobody else is asked to do that. If it came down to needing a translator to live comfortably in this country do you think they'd abide? LOL. There is strength in community, culture, and a certain amount of PRIDE.
    reply
  • Lynne

    11 months ago

    You're right Nquest...Jesse didn't call Barack a n*gger..he called everybody else one. I mixed that up, my bad.
    reply
  • GreenLadyHere

    11 months ago

    Sharing: "Rabbi Condemns Release of Purported Obama Prayer Note"

    www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/obama.prayer/index...
    reply
  • Black Political Analysis

    11 months ago

    To TRW:

    Pundits (political scientists, too) have no choice but to speak in generalities. There are 300 + million Americans. We have to aggregate and yes, sometimes, even stereotype. Quite frankly, because blacks actually vote together more consistently than any other group, that's just what happens. As long as blacks actually vote Democratic 8:2 or 9:1, nothing will change.
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  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    There is validity to the idea that a Black president presents a new set of challenges and, as Ms.Martin noted, the fact that "the mass majority ALREADY concedes that racism doesn't exist" is the basis for people speculating that very thing and Obama isn't helping it...

    But wait... he's not running for president of Black America so that's the non-critical thinking, excuse everything excuse critics of Tavis Smiley, etc. like to use.

    A-freakin'-mazing.
    reply
  • msmartin

    11 months ago

    Huh?
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  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    Huh?
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  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    Jesse flat out called him a n*gger.

    STOP LYING!!!!
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  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    Hmmm.... You really do have things mixed up. Being "called" one vs. being treated as one... Go ahead, choose the former.

    But it's not about what you got mixed up. It's the fact that you would choose to lie. Whatever issues you have with Jesse or whoever, if they are as bad as you suggest they are, then there should be no reason for you to lie but for some reason you felt comfortable doing that and apparently feel comfortable with Obama treating everybody else but Black folks the way politicians are supposed to.
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  • Nquest

    11 months ago

    That should be:

    "Go ahead, choose the former... [to be upset about]."
    reply
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