Quote of the day
posted at 10:20 pm on February 25, 2008 by Allahpundit
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“I admit it: I’m voting for Barack Obama because he’s black. Yes, I’m voting for him because he’s qualified, intelligent, charismatic and competent — and because unlike Hillary Clinton, he opposed the Iraq war from the beginning. But if he weren’t black, and Hillary had opposed the war, I’d probably vote for her because of her greater experience. In any case, it’s a moot point, because if Obama weren’t black, he would not be the Democratic front-runner.
I believe that most of Obama’s supporters are voting for him for the same reason. Like me, they’re drawn to his idealism, his youthful energy, his progressive politics. But it’s his blackness that seals the deal.
And that’s OK. In fact, it’s wonderful…
Obama’s charisma, which is his unique political strength, is real, but it cannot be separated from the fact that he’s black. When Obama speaks of change and hope and healing divisions, his words carry an electric charge because of who he is: He embodies his own message, the very definition of charisma. As a black man offering reconciliation, he is making a deeply personal connection with whites, not merely a rhetorical one.
So white enthusiasm for Obama is driven by his race. But there’s nothing wrong with that fact.”
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Mr. Spock was half human, but I still wouldn’t vote him for POTUS.
Veep maybe. But you don’t vote for veeps, do you?
Kini on February 26, 2008 at 12:46 AM
Wow.
Johan Klaus on February 26, 2008 at 12:50 AM
And according to Larry Sinclair also half-gay, and a cheater. >:}
Chakra Hammer on February 26, 2008 at 12:58 AM
He’s half black and half white.
Hmmm.
So your voting for him cause he’s black.
Hmmmmm.
I guess he’s anything you want him to be.
Hmmmm.
I’m voting for him cause he’s white.
Saltysam on February 26, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Obama tried to cover all the bases in Identity Politics 101.
Chakra Hammer on February 26, 2008 at 1:12 AM
I read the post and figured Michelle and the Cap’n had been keel hauled and Davy Jonesed. Then I realized it was the quote of the day. Whew!!!! I’ll put the tequilla bottle back now.
Limerick on February 26, 2008 at 1:17 AM
“I’m voting for Barak Obama because he’s black.”
So by that logic, it would be ok for me to not vote for him because he’s black? Dude! Where’s this guy’s absolute moral authority card?
Yodafunk on February 26, 2008 at 1:20 AM
Weird, I just don’t find him charismatic at all. He’s always yelling in his speeches, always defensive and argumentative, until he breaks into “preacher-speak”.
I’ll take logic over hope 8 days a week.
reaganaut on February 26, 2008 at 1:22 AM
The early history of identity politics has yet to be formally addressed as a subject in its own right in full-length scholarly literature. It was first described briefly in an article by L. A. Kauffman[1] who traced its origins to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), an organization of the civil-rights movement in the early and mid-1960s.
The origin of the term itself, however, is obscure; although SNCC invented many of the fundamental practices, and various Black-Power groups extended them, they apparently found no need to apply a term. Rather, the term emerged when others outside the black freedom movements—particularly, the race- and ethnic-specific women’s liberation movements—began to adopt the practice in the late 1960s. Perhaps the oldest written example of it can be found in the Combahee River Collective Statement of April 1977, subsequently reprinted in a number of anthologies.[2]
The best-known aim of identity politics in the United States has been to empower the oppressed to articulate their oppression in terms of their own experience—a process of consciousness-raising that distinguishes identity politics from the liberal conception of politics as driven by individual self-interest. Identity politics may thus focus on diverse forms of identity: race, ethnicity, sex, religion, caste, sexual orientation, physical disability or some other assigned or perceived trait (see below for a more complete, but still non-exhaustive, list). Some groups have combined identity politics and Marxian social class analysis and class consciousness—the most notable example being the Black Panther Party—but this is not necessarily characteristic of the form.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_politics
Chakra Hammer on February 26, 2008 at 1:24 AM
Not really looking for an affirmation–of course it would be untrue, but true to form for the Dems to claim otherwise.
So what? Democrats–which for within the African American community we’re talking 80+ percent–will see an Obama loss as further confirmation of American racism. The Dems will be unable to attribute the loss to anything other than racism because they value emotion over critical evaluation. They will truly and sincerely believe an Obama loss would be due to racsim–it would not be a political ploy, but something they truly believe nomatter how wrong they are.
So what? Well, if McCain wins, I doubt it will be a landslide. No matter how honorable McCain’s campaign, some comment or event will be used to “prove” McCain himself is racist. Claims of racism would be a powerful way for the Dems to steel their rank and file to oppose everything McCain does with a particular vehemence. McCain should just neutralize the issue and nominate a minority as VP. JC Watts would be great–a solid conservative, capable and successful politician, and young enough to balance McCain’s age.
BryanS on February 26, 2008 at 1:24 AM
Racism is okay, even wonderful, as long as it’s the patronizing, self-aggrandizing kind practiced by the Left.
If a leftist can bend down and pat the head of one of his pet victim minorities, like Gary Kamiya does in this article, it’s enlightened. Maintaining one’s elitism requires it.
Woe be unto any conservative who judges others solely on the content of their characters. That’s the bad kind of racism - the kind of racism that rejects the inherent inferiority of certain ethnicities.
Wonderful leftist racism makes superior whites feel better about themselves. And that’s all that really matters to them.
Gilda on February 26, 2008 at 1:26 AM
For the life of me I don’t know how the Republicans will do anything without being racist.
KBird on February 26, 2008 at 1:27 AM
Well, I’m not voting for him because, for Christ’s sake, he’s more liberal than Jimmah Carter!
AlanC on February 26, 2008 at 1:39 AM
For the life of me I don’t know how the Republicans will do anything without being racist.
KBird on February 26, 2008 at 1:27 AM
…without being labeled racist.
This is why I think the Texas repubs should vote for Hillary. I don’t care what Dick Morris says.
I don’t like Hillary, but the longer this fight goes on, the more the Democratic party can’t hide its dysfunction from itself. This would provide an opportunity for some folks in the Democrat party to abandon identity politics for participation in the shaping of the GOP’s politics of principle.
Saltysam on February 26, 2008 at 2:06 AM
I don’t care what Dick Morris says. - Sam
At this point, does anybody care what Dick Morris says?
Tony737 on February 26, 2008 at 2:20 AM
This guy is MORE left wing than hillary, which is why he’s gaining more support. Nobody wants billary back in the white house, even the left.
People voting for someone based on their color should NOT surprise. Especially since it’s NOT hillary.
tx2654 on February 26, 2008 at 2:28 AM
While skin colour can, in some cases, be used as an easy to use label for racial identity, we should never use it to determine a race in entirety. When analyzing a race, it is the character/culture of said race which is of any importance. Being black, for example, does not excuse bad character, nor does it justify good character. Actions determine that.
OldEnglish on February 26, 2008 at 2:40 AM
“his blackness sealed the deal.”
Now imagine what would happen if someone supporting Hill said, “her whiteness sealed the deal.”
DCIndy on February 26, 2008 at 3:43 AM
It is really sad to me for people to vote for or against someone because of their race, gender or religion. What ever happened to voting for the best qualified ?
OBX Pete on February 26, 2008 at 4:13 AM
Thats why I supported Rudy.(Most qualified with the most accomplishments)
Now McCain is the Most Qualified one remaining.(He has my full support)
Chakra Hammer on February 26, 2008 at 4:52 AM
And how is that going to Unite America? LOL
The guy did NOTHING in the Senate to be bi-partisan..
He is nothing more than a Radical Leftwing Extremist.
Chakra Hammer on February 26, 2008 at 4:55 AM
Like everything else, emotional reaction is what’s driving Obama’s popularity. He is like a stock that has no value. It reminds me of the Dot.Com bust where product worth is like that of a roll of toilet paper. There’s a lot of sheets, but they all go to the same place when used. Eventually, you’re left with a cardboard tube.
Qualifications rarely get scrutinized when platitudes and popularism ideas are eloquently spoken. It just sounds all too good because the message is a fuzzy feel good nonsensical lyric to problems and solutions. Our time for change is here.
Consequently, the desperate play-up-the-Obama Kennedy comparison hype the MSM slavishly oozes onto Obama further dulls the mind in deciphering the meaningless gibberish to his policies. It’s like Budweiser commercials that are fun to watch but the product is nothing more than a watered down version of what beer should really taste like. Seriously!
Frequently, real issues get lost in this reality-TV-politics atmosphere of entertainment tonight. Until people wake up and really listen to the message and think about the message, we will be doomed to soak up what the dictator said on Gilligan’s Island.
“I promise you Dis, Dat and Dee Odder Ting”
Kini on February 26, 2008 at 5:08 AM
Thanks to Texas Rainmaker, who spotted Susan Sarandon’s reason to support Obama:
I can’t argue with that logic. Sign me up.
fred5678 on February 26, 2008 at 5:41 AM
I can’t figure it out eather. I went through the segment 5 times and it seems as unintelligible as a Babelfish translation of Chinese VCR manual. Help?
Aristotle on February 26, 2008 at 6:11 AM
well at least the quote is honest..the rock star is adored not because of the content of his character but the color of his skin…sort of an anti M.L. King Jr.. To be honest while sad the whole issue strikes me as humorus…A well educated person with a middle class upbringing is the darling of the elite and the poor not because he has sound policies (so far I am not sure he has any policies)but simply because he is black.
The fact is America is a racist place…where it is okay to vote for a candidate because they have darker skin but not to vote against them for the same reason. To hire a person because of their darker skin but not to not hire them for the same reason. Sadly regardless of if Obama is elected POTUS or not MLK’s dream is still not fullfilled.
JKotthoff on February 26, 2008 at 7:09 AM
I am not voting for him because he is a socialist who believes that he should be chief Nanny in charge of the Nanny State. I wouldn’t care if he was purple.
King of the Britons on February 26, 2008 at 7:09 AM
Spengler pretty much encapsulates the whole phenomenon with his usual flair. Obama is about much more than race, and those who are sucked into the fantasy, as well as those who dismiss him as a harmless lightweight, are likely to suffer a very rude awakening to a national nightmare that will make our current problems seem like halcyon days in retrospect.
Thanks for the link.
Nichevo on February 26, 2008 at 7:21 AM
The man is a pure socialist. The only time he mentions the free market is when he vows to fight it. Why would any conservative in their right mind ever vote for Obama or Clinton??
jimbo2008 on February 26, 2008 at 7:27 AM
Let’s see….. 50% black. 100% socialist. 100% ambition. 100% charisma. 100% self-centered. Uncontaminated by experience. Uncontaminated by knowledge of economics. Uncontaminated by even the most basic awareness of foreign policy issues. Uncontaminated by patriotism.
Barrack Obama, the 450% solution! No preservatives added.
NeighborhoodCatLady on February 26, 2008 at 7:50 AM
WTF….it’s come to this? It’s going to be a looong and trying time between now and November. I can’t imagine 4 years of this type of debate, honestly.
Alden Pyle on February 26, 2008 at 7:51 AM
He couldn’t run anyway; he’s not a natural born American.
BacaDog on February 26, 2008 at 7:53 AM
A little racism never hurt anybody, I guess.
RWLA on February 26, 2008 at 7:54 AM
This story has made me proud to be an American for the first time in my entire life.
Lehosh on February 26, 2008 at 7:56 AM
The GOP and McCain only benefit from this sort of racist rhetoric. We should only hope that racist losers like the one who wrote the above will continue to run their mouth. It will force folks like me, who’ve been McCains opposition to become his enthusiastic supporter. DD
Darvin Dowdy on February 26, 2008 at 8:13 AM
Which of the following quotes are racist?
1. “I’m voting for McCain because he’s white.”
2. “I’m not voting for Obama because he’s black.”
3. “I voting for Obama because he’s black.”
A: 1
B: 1 & 2
C. 3
D. None
F. All
Rod on February 26, 2008 at 8:22 AM
Obambi the Prophet is no more ‘black’ than I am, except for dark skin. He was raised just like any suburban, middle-class, well-educated ‘white’. /Mr Lynn
MrLynn on February 26, 2008 at 8:26 AM
One is only racist if they are white, anything else and you are just preserving your culture…be it graft as a way of life as in south of our border or the charming customs of stoning or beheading. It is all just part of cultural diversity and we are supposed to be OK with it. We are history unless something horrible happens to awaken us quickly - unfortunately, our enemies may be too smart for that.
rgranger on February 26, 2008 at 8:26 AM
Nice try but you cannot stiffle my enlightened political opinions with your neanderthal name calling. You are obviously black and therefore a close minded bigot. If you are not black you are a race betraying white, which is even worse. So save your breath, Uncle Thomas. I only listen to people who agree with me and demonize those who cannot accept John McCain as their own personal savior. Such is the blissful rapture of McCainmania.
miles on February 26, 2008 at 8:26 AM
Tell me people don’t REALLY think like this. If you think electing a half black man who is NOT a muslim is going to fool the America haters into suddenly liking us, all I can say is…..what have you been smoking?
Don’t you think it would be better to actually KNOW what he stands for and then decide for yourself if it is good, instead of just blindly supporting a person and HOPING he does well? I also think he has defintly convinced people that he stands for change and it scares the hell out of me to wait to see what he stands for.
SilntThnkr on February 26, 2008 at 8:58 AM
OT, but where is csdeven???
hollygolightly on February 26, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Isn’t that why they’re all voting for him?
kcluva on February 26, 2008 at 9:27 AM
A realistic Q&A with BH Obama:
Q. What is your plan for the coming economic recession?
Barrack: Well, I’m really a candidate for change.
Q. What can you tell us about your plan for health care in America?
Barrack: Easy, we’ll champion definite changes in that area.
Q. Can you tell us your plan for curbing rampant illegal immigration across our souther borders?
Barrack: Did I mention I was for change?
Q. How would you address the increasing threat of communist North Korea and China and their influence on Iran?
Barrack: What we need here is to champion change in our foreign policy. Oh yeah, can y’all see that I’m a black man too? Vote for me.
Wyznowski on February 26, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Identity politics is really hurting this country and needs to be discouraged, not encouraged. For every group formed, an opposing group pops up. Whereas it’s true that there is strength in numbers, and that occasionally, there is a need and a purpose to band together to reach a goal, for the group to remain together after the goal is achieved is counter-productive and actually causes divisiveness.
Connie on February 26, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Voting for him because he’s black is just as wrong as voting for a candidate because he’s white, or voting against him because he’s black. One’s race is not/should not be a qualification for the presidency.
But isn’t it okay to modify your vote for the purpose of beneficial social engineering, such as racial equality? Sure, but racial equality happens, almost by definition itself, when race disappears as a factor in decisions, and as long as we vote for a candidate on the basis of race, what we promote in fact is racial inequality.
True, if Obama weren’t black, he would not be the Democratic front-runner. (Not at his young age.) And if Hillary weren’t BJ’s wife, neither would she. So much for the fruits of identity politics.
petefrt on February 26, 2008 at 9:39 AM
I guess it’s nice that one of them finally admitted it, but it’s still depressing.
Esthier on February 26, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Now, that it’s on the table, and I can vote with a clear conscience, without being labeled “racist” or “bigot” or “misogynist”
I’m voting for McCain.
He’s not Fred!, but his whiteness and maleness seals the deal.
franksalterego on February 26, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Nice try but you cannot stiffle my enlightened political opinions with your neanderthal name calling. - Miles
But, if I’m gonna play lefty devil’s advocate … what else can I use? That’s the only play in my book! And, and if you take away my name-calling, well, then, you’re just not playing fair! I have no rational arguement to debate you with so I have to resort to emotional attack on your character! If I had a pie, well, I’d rush the stage and throw in your eeeeevil right wing face while you were talking! So don’t step on my freedom of speech! You, you, you nazi!
Eeeewwwww. Playing lefty dumbazz makes me feel all dirty, gotta go get a shower now.
Tony737 on February 26, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Considering Dick Morris donated ~165,000 Kenyan pounds worth of political services to Raila Odinga and the ODM campaign last year (Odinga & Obama are in the Luo tribe and likely cousins), I wouldn’t trust anything that man says about the Clintons, regardless of my feelings re: them. I just know he’s got a hidden agenda.
Miss_Anthrope on February 26, 2008 at 9:48 AM
How unfortunate for this country. The last time I saw this much hyper-ventilating, I was channel surfing and stopped on CBN and caught the BENNIE HINN rally. This election season could make the OJ trial look like the jury knew what it was doing. I have seen elections where the candidate got votes because of charisma, experience, campaign promises, and even because they showed well on TV. But to vote for a candidate because he is black. It is indeed coming to pass, you get the government you deserve. And these people vote. How pathetic.for our great country.
pueblo1032 on February 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Shades of Identity Politics appear throughout history. Identity Politics, in one form or another, is not peculiar to any particular civilization or race of people. Rather, it reflects a natural human tendency to avoid danger by discriminating the similarities and differences among others.
Merging it with Marxism and Postmodernism compounds it’s perniciouness. What follows is excerpted from the Marxists’ Internet Archive.
Exist question: Is Obama practicing ‘Alliance Politics’?
petefrt on February 26, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Miss_Anthrope on February 26, 2008 at 9:48 AM
I don’t know anything about that, but I love his other unhidden agenda.
I just think he’s wrong about Texas, because, for him, its all about the Clintons. For me, I’m sick of the entire effect that Democrat identity politics has had on themselves, the GOP and the entire American nation.
It’s sickening.
I’d like to see it blow up in our faces.
Saltysam on February 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM
The liberal elites have finally got their token. Now they can put aside their overwhelming guilt for their history of bigotry. They fought for slavery. They fought against the civil rights ammendment. They continue to fight for lack of personal responsibility among minorities and the nanny state. They fight for abortion (originally heralded as a way to control minorities and the lower caste). All those years of guilt can now be put aside because they have the perfect black man (albeit, not too black). Oh, redemption under the great god of self and state. There will be change! All hail the nubian god!
seaknightrider on February 26, 2008 at 11:08 AM
OK, if Barak gets elected can we finally expect black people to shut up from now on?
pabarge on February 26, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Let’s see…his church worships “black supremacy”. Wouldn’t that mean that he worships “black supremacy”? Yes, I’m not voting for him because he’s black. Give me Clarence Thomas, Alan Keyes, Thomas Sowell, or Jessie Petersen (to name a few) and I’m on board.
orlandocajun on February 26, 2008 at 12:27 PM
And just what is that supposed to mean? If that really came out as you intended, I suggest you find yourself another place to hang out (just my personal take, I’m only a guest here).
Splunge on February 26, 2008 at 12:29 PM
This reminds me of what my husband was talking about the other day when he made a good point: ‘Obama is only half black…Why doesn’t he talk about his white mother? We already heard from McPain’s mom, why not Obama’s? Could it be…he’s ashamed of her, or is he just staying mute on the matter and letting his mulatto skin lump him in with the black, African American community? Which is another issue: why can’t he just be an American?’
I happen to find Barak more pleasant than say, Herself but there’s something creepy about him and it’s not just the big ears and the purple lips: he’s a politician.
I forgot to say that I was wrong about the Obamas not having children, they have 2. This makes me wonder: why haven’t they used their kids for photo ops; is the media helping them to hide and protect them? I can’t say as I blame them but, I must admit that I’d be interested in seeing the whole, happy family.
Christine on February 26, 2008 at 1:51 PM
I’m with you orlandocajun.
Christine on February 26, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Hard to believe how shallow people are on their reasons for an Obama vote. I have a 3 card monty game they are welcome to join.
HAGGS99 on February 26, 2008 at 2:05 PM
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