Michelle Obama: America the Ignorant

posted at 10:40 am on March 26, 2008 by Ed Morrissey

Jim Hoft links to this speech from January of this year by Michelle Obama to students at the University of South Carolina, presumably just before their primary. It shows how Mrs. Obama can utter some truth but put it in such a tone-deaf manner that she obscures the truth with hostility and sneering condescension. In this case, she starts by challenging students to actually embrace diversity by having the courage to reach beyond their social comfort zones, and winds up calling America ignorant:

We don’t like being pushed outside of our comfort zones. You know it right here on this campus. You know people sitting at different tables- you all living in different dorms. I was there. You’re not talking to each other, taking advantage that you’re in this diverse community. Because sometimes it’s easier to hold on to your own stereotypes and misconceptions. It makes you feel justified in your own ignorance. That’s America. So the challenge for us is are we ready for change?

Anyone who spent time at a college or even a high school with a diverse population knows that the first part of her statement is absolutely true. I discovered this for myself in college, ironically when I took an African-American Studies class at Fullerton State. We had a debate over diversity in public schools, and I said that my high school was a good example of how diversity could work — and I got challenged by a student who had gone to my school whom I had barely known. Despite the diversity, the populations didn’t interact much socially at either level of school.

However, the second part of the statement doesn’t follow from the first. America is not about being “justified in our own ignorance”, no matter how Mrs. Obama feels about campus life. America has been about fixing its flaws, sometimes haltingly and imperfectly, but always working towards that end. If she feels otherwise, then how can we explain the efforts made by many people of all backgrounds to end racism and protect civil rights? If anything, America is about hope, not ignorance. Her husband didn’t invent hope and change.

Besides, after the exposure of Rev. Jeremiah Wright as a racial demagogue, the Obamas are the last people to talk about reaching beyond their comfort zone. They financially support a church that excoriates black conservatives such as Clarence Thomas and Condoleezza Rice by using playground-level names such as “Clarence Colon” and “Condoskeeza”. The Obamas supported Wright as he called the nation the “US of KKK-A”, not exactly a formula for outreach and understanding. The Trinity United Church can hardly be considered an inclusive environment, given the nature of its pastor’s tirades.

The Obamas want to be seen as agents of hope. Calling America ignorant and framing the situation so that Obama’s election will be the only cure doesn’t sound very hopeful to me. Perhaps this is why we’ve seen so little of Michelle Obama on the campaign trail of late.

Update: I forgot to include the video:

Blowback

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Comment pages: 1 2

Keep talkin, woman.

Tony737 on March 26, 2008 at 10:44 AM

ERRRRRGGGGHHHHH…

The worst thing about this is that very few of the average populace would even care if they heard this, because those kinds of cracks are standard fare in practically every TV show and movie out there today. We laugh off those things, because we’ve gotten desensitized to America-bashing. Yes, there are problems with America, just as there are with every civilized nation.

News Flash: Smarmy remarks about America don’t provide any resolution to those problems. Taking responsibility for your own actions helps. Making laws based on how you think other people should live does not.

MadisonConservative on March 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM

Bill Clinton: Michelle Obama. These two are made for each other.

jencab on March 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM

Perhaps this is why we’ve seen so little of Michelle Obama on the campaign trail of late.

In the end, she will be worse for him than Wright.

Dash on March 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM

this woman is to Obama what Hillary is to Bill.

If Obama gets elected, America will hate her with as much passion as Hillary was hated.

what is it about the wives of Democrat politicians on the national stage???

jp on March 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM

I am so damn tired of ‘diversity’. It’s just another word for segregation and it comes from the mouths of Democrats every day.

geminicontender on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

Her husband didn’t invent hope and change.

BLASPHEMER!! YOU SHALL BE TRIED AS A HERATIC!! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!

Tony737 on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

This women is a never ending gold mine for folks like us.

AbaddonsReign on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

This woman shows how a six-figure education achieved through affirmative action, can still leave the recipient a complete idiot.

Only a very stupid woman would see that a problem such as this (whether it exists or not), is a uniquely “American” problem.

Human nature is pretty much standard across cultures. To be petty and ignorant enough to think that human imperfections are a unique product of a country, is really, really stupid.

Someone needs to tell this clownette to stuff a sock in it, there is nothing Michelle Obama has to say that’s worth hearing.

NoDonkey on March 26, 2008 at 10:49 AM

Keep opening your mouth mo. Tell all America what you and bho think of us. We already see what bho thinks of the Jewish people.
L

letget on March 26, 2008 at 10:49 AM

a true ‘racist’.

geminicontender on March 26, 2008 at 10:50 AM

I adore this woman, just like I do the Right Reverand Dr. Jeremiah Wright…

The thing about Obama that makes him difficult to deal with is that he’s amazingly good at hiding what he thinks and still making it look like he agrees with you. He’s very adept at articulating the positions of others back to them, and people naturally tend to take this to mean he then also agrees with them somewhat (of course, he is in reality a rather radical leftist with a racial chip on his shoulder nurtured by a long campaign to make himself feel authentically black).

So Obama is smooth and subtle, and effectively hides his own opinions. However, the two biggest figures in his life, Wright and Michelle are not smooth or subtle, and have a seeming inability to not constantly ram their racial grievances and egos down the world’s throat in the most obnoxious way possible. It’s glorious!

Muswell Hillbilly on March 26, 2008 at 10:51 AM

I’m just an ignorant, inbred, mouth-breathing white Southerner, and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.

Lee on March 26, 2008 at 10:51 AM

Perhaps they’ll be classes on Afrocentric Elitism at Universities if Obama becomes President.

AYNBLAND on March 26, 2008 at 10:51 AM

Hillary is either working for the Devil or for God; there’s no way this could just happen continuously.

Hillary: “Hi, Michelle…I loved your speech, would you be interested in speaking at a few more events for your husband? I think you’ll really influence the vote…Gotta get those Republicans…”

emailnuevo on March 26, 2008 at 10:53 AM

It will not be long before she has a Rev Wright moment.

KBird on March 26, 2008 at 10:53 AM

and I said that my high school was a good example of how diversity could work — and I got challenged by a student who had gone to my school whom I had barely known. Despite the diversity, the populations didn’t interact much socially at either level of school.

Question, because this bothered me…

Was this non interaction due to Race? or chosen Culture?

I didn’t hang out with Goat Ropers in High School (Cowboys)… didn’t hang out with Stoners… didn’t know the Jocks and Cheerleaders either…. and they were all White folks.

You tend to hang with those who are culturaly like yourself. Those who like the same music, speak the same lingo, have the same interests…

And this is OK! We don’t have to like and know everyone… or has PC’ness gone so far that I can’t even choose my friends and aquaintances anymore?

Romeo13 on March 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM

Keep talkin, woman.
Tony737 on March 26, 2008 at 10:44 AM

Exactly what I was thinking. The more they speak, and tell us what they really think, as opposed to the scripted speeches, the more we really find out what they really think.

If this keeps up, they will be spending more and more time in the media ‘explaining what they really meant to say’ i.e. spin a truthful comment of theirs to claim that ‘they misspoke or were taken out of context.’

wise_man on March 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM

Fair game – unlike the sexcapades of the father.

HotAirJosef on March 26, 2008 at 10:55 AM

Isn’t ignorance indispensable to the Obama campaign? The candidate professes “ignorance” of his pastor’s sermons. His supporters profess “ignorance” of the Wright controversy details. When platitudes take the place of policy details, it’s the politics of “ignorance.”

BTW, greetings to Captain Ed from Costa Mesa, California. Despite our burgeoning population since you left, CSUF is still the only California State University/College in Orange County. When MCAS El Toro closed and attempts to convert it into an international airport failed, did they consider the site for a much needed State U? Of course not. It’s becoming a Great Park!

Terrie on March 26, 2008 at 10:55 AM

Notice she’s been nowhere to be found since the “downright mean” story came to light?

Is Obama ashamed of her?

JammieWearingFool on March 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM

this woman is to Obama what Hillary is to Bill.

In that case, let me ask one hypothetical question.

Warning: If you are easily frightened, or are taking medication for a heart condition, STOP READING THIS COMMENT NOW.

Otherwise, please continue.

My question is:
After Barrack steps down from the presidency, into which state will Michelle bag her carpets?

Bigfoot on March 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM

Clarification: bag her carpets to run for Senator.

Bigfoot on March 26, 2008 at 10:59 AM

Notice she’s been nowhere to be found since the “downright mean” story came to light?

Is Obama ashamed of her?

JammieWearingFool on March 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM

Let me try to make a substantive contribution to the community (?) here.

Ever since I muckraked and exposed the wife of an Island County, WA judge as a bully and general embarassment while serving on my alma mater’s board of trustees – she is nowhere to be seen for now four years now. Her husband, a 20-year Navy veteran and well-respected judge, (most likely) reigned her in for good. I could see the same done to Michelle Obama easily.

HotAirJosef on March 26, 2008 at 11:01 AM

Because sometimes it’s easier to hold on to your own stereotypes and misconceptions. It makes you feel justified in your own ignorance. That’s America.

[emphasis mine]

Kinda like when your husband rationalizes your Pastor’s comments and rhetoric?

geckomon on March 26, 2008 at 11:02 AM

In that pick on the front page, Michelle Obama has the same crazy eyes as Cynthia McKinney.

krabbas on March 26, 2008 at 11:05 AM

The Obama’s are singlehandedly setting back race relations 40 years.

fogw on March 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM

We don’t have to like and know everyone… or has PC’ness gone so far that I can’t even choose my friends and aquaintances anymore?

Romeo13 on March 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM

Yes, if liberals and pretend conservatives get in control. Whoops. Too late.

Branch Rickey on March 26, 2008 at 11:06 AM

Her husband didn’t invent hope and change.

BLASPHEMER!! YOU SHALL BE TRIED AS A HERATIC!! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!

Tony737 on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

lol

carbon_footprint on March 26, 2008 at 11:07 AM

I am so damn tired of ‘diversity’. It’s just another word for segregation and it comes from the mouths of Democrats every day.
geminicontender on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

OMG! Do I know you? Are you in the office next to me?! I see it daily.

Oink on March 26, 2008 at 11:07 AM

Black people and white people don’t (generally) like to talk to one another because black people are %80 socialist. That’s not a stereotype – that’s a mathematical political fact. White people are more 50/50.

I won’t lie – I generally feel awkward around black people I don’t know (moreso than whites) because I know statistically speaking the odds are tremendous they will hold political views that are the polar opposite of mine – not because of their genetic makeup.

And the truth is – once I know a white person who is a hardcore socialist – I feel the exact same sense of awkwardness around them.

It’s got nothing to do with race. It’s got nothing to do with DNA. It’s got everything to do with personal beliefs and the pain in the ass that comes from honoring people by being honest about your own beliefs, and the inevitable backlash that will come from an angry leftie.

thareb on March 26, 2008 at 11:12 AM

You are ignorant. That is why you should vote for my husband.

Well done Michelle.

shaken on March 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM

If the United States of America is such a mean and racist country, then how come we have immigrants of every race, creed, color, ethnic origin, and religion come here, and we accept them all as Americans (just come in the legal way).

Does any other country have such open arms?

rbj on March 26, 2008 at 11:15 AM

I don’t know, but I’ve been told, a college degree gives one license to call everyone else “ignorant”

heh

franksalterego on March 26, 2008 at 11:16 AM

The woman is a revolutionary Marxist and she makes me sick. To paraphrase Forrest’s mother . . . “ignorance is as ignorance does”.

rplat on March 26, 2008 at 11:17 AM

OMG this woman is somethin’ else! I keep having this recurring nightmare..its 2020…St. Barry Hussein O’bama has finished his second term and has been named Lord and Overseer of the UN…who better than the First Lady who sat at Barry’s side through out the 21st century renaissance to fill his shoes…………AAARRRGGGHHHH!

StuCon on March 26, 2008 at 11:18 AM

Her husband didn’t invent hope and change.

BLASPHEMER!! YOU SHALL BE TRIED AS A HERATIC!! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!

Tony737 on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

Ha! You beat me to it!

CP on March 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM

she is soooooooooo draining…

D2Boston on March 26, 2008 at 11:22 AM

On the one hand, we have the class and grace of Laura Bush, and on the other…Michelle Obama.

Connie on March 26, 2008 at 11:23 AM

fogw,

Isn’t it possible that bringing all the black racism out into the light of day will make things better in the long run?

MO is actually talking about her own inner issues programmed by rev wright. We need some research into how pervasive the problem is.

dogsoldier on March 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM

The problem of black racism that is.

dogsoldier on March 26, 2008 at 11:26 AM

Isn’t it possible that bringing all the black racism out into the light of day will make things better in the long run?

No! I am not in any way responsible for whatever problems she believes others have, and I’m sick and tired of hearing about it.

rplat on March 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM

Are we pretending McCain’s current wife didn’t steal drugs from a charity to feed her habit?

Michelle will look pretty good against Cindy in the general election.

alphie on March 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM

“America, The Land of the Stupid, and Home of the Ignorant.”

‘Cept, of course, if you have a PhD. (Piled higher & Deeper)

franksalterego on March 26, 2008 at 11:32 AM

“So the challenge for us is are we ready for change?”

She’s really showing us how to do it, isn’t she? I can’t imagine what her nick was at Harvard. Her Royal Sweetness, maybe, or Ten Foot Pole?

Dusty on March 26, 2008 at 11:32 AM

Are we pretending McCain’s current wife didn’t steal drugs from a charity to feed her habit?

Michelle will look pretty good against Cindy in the general election.

alphie on March 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM

Please make sure you folks use that one in the general election.

The true compassion of the left.

JammieWearingFool on March 26, 2008 at 11:35 AM

Are we pretending McCain’s current wife didn’t steal drugs from a charity to feed her habit?

Hogwash!

You cannot equate the short time indiscretions of a sick woman to the radical ranting of a Marxist race baiter.

rplat on March 26, 2008 at 11:35 AM

This is interesting, I had in college, black roommates and dorm-mates, one dorm-mate who’s parents were Armenian (she was born in US), one dorm-mate who was a Chinese exchange student, and one white room-mate. And the only person I became friends with was one of the friends of the Chinese dorm-mate who was also Chinese. I was friendly with all of them, but they, as well as myself, chose to stick with who we were comfortable with. I would have become friends with anyone, but I did notice, the black roommates and dorm-mates all stuck with other blacks more than any of the other groups did.
Just an observation.
My other observation is that Mrs. Obama is an idiot. The thought of that couple in the White House scares the daylights out of me.

4shoes on March 26, 2008 at 11:37 AM

This is what is considered the essence of liberal education in American colleges: being insulted by members of the under classes. Under classes are rich black women on corporate boards of directors.
Fortunately, the majority of Americans still aren’t dumb emough to fall for this.

snaggletoothie on March 26, 2008 at 11:39 AM

There should be an ellipsis between, It makes you feel justified in your own ignorance, and that’s America, as oiriginally posted. I would like to know what’s in that ellipsis because that was what Maureen Dowd used to smear President Bush, and I don’t want anyone from the fifth column saying we do this too.

mymanpotsandpans on March 26, 2008 at 11:40 AM

Glad to discover a fellow Titan, Ed (Class of ’90).

sgt_rich on March 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM

[dogsoldier on March 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM]

I don’t think her issues were programmed by Rev Wright. I think rather, that they were affirmed by Obama and Wright, each in their own way.

Dusty on March 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM

I see a light at the end of this particular tunnel-in simple,we are getting beyond race, and I have a dream that someday the race crusaders will be left behind, the segregationalists will be forgotten, and good people of all races will say to the Rev. Wrights of the world:”Shut up-you don’t represent me.”
Why is this possible? You’re looking at it: media, new media, internet, information streaming around the world every second of every day.
People are people are people.

Doug on March 26, 2008 at 11:42 AM

After Barrack steps down from the presidency, into which state will Michelle bag her carpets to run for Senator?

Bigfoot on March 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM

She won’t have to bag any carpets. Illinois already has the inclination to elect her. It also has the size she would need to be vaulted onto the national scene.

Harpoon on March 26, 2008 at 11:45 AM

Cindy was “sick” because her hubby had been caught helping bankers rob Americans of their retirement savings, rplat.

Oh, well.

Maybe the wife McCain dumped for his rich child bride will speak well of him in the fall?

alphie on March 26, 2008 at 11:47 AM

Just think about the Rev. Wright issue, not to mention all the backbending done in the name of “diversity” when reading that and tell me she isn’t one of the biggest hypocrites on the world stage.

She’s as clueless about the real world as Barry.

Dangerous morons.

benrand on March 26, 2008 at 11:47 AM

Some turd on CNN last night was happy face clamoring that 7 out of 10 Americas felt what Pastor Wright said was correct. With this type of left wing hype going on and the number of truthers out there, we are in for a bad storm in this country. Stay armed America, you may well need it.

wepeople on March 26, 2008 at 11:49 AM

If Obama gets elected, America will hate her with as much passion as Hillary was hated.

what is it about the wives of Democrat politicians on the national stage???

jp on March 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM

They all give the air of being entitled to half of what their husband has, including the White House.

4shoes on March 26, 2008 at 11:49 AM

“In that pick on the front page, Michelle Obama has the same crazy eyes as Cynthia McKinney.”

I knew I’d seen that look before.

Along with the same delusional, paranoid line of “thinking”.

McKinney is Michelle’s alter ego, while Jesse Jackson is Barack’s.

NoDonkey on March 26, 2008 at 11:49 AM

Isn’t it possible that bringing all the black racism out into the light of day will make things better in the long run?

MO is actually talking about her own inner issues programmed by rev wright. We need some research into how pervasive the problem is.

dogsoldier on March 26, 2008 at 11:25 AM

Your comment reminds me of this little story ……

Two liberals are walking down the street and they come across a man laying in the gutter, apparently robbed, severely beaten and bleeding about the head.

One liberal looks at the other and says, “We have to find the person who did this and find out what happened in his past to cause him to beat this man.”

fogw on March 26, 2008 at 11:51 AM

She is one very angry woman. I actually feel sorry for her in a way. Walking around with that kind of anger in you heart everyday must be exhausting.

TheBigOldDog on March 26, 2008 at 11:51 AM

I am so damn tired of ‘diversity’. It’s just another word for segregation and it comes from the mouths of Democrats every day.

geminicontender on March 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM

My feelings exactly!!! When you look under the hood of all these “diversity” and “equal opportunity” programs, you find they FORCE you to list everyone by race, gender, or whatever…allegedly to prove you didn’t notice!!!

The practical effect is that these programs actually install discriminatory treatment by race and gender in places where it did not previously exist!!

landlines on March 26, 2008 at 11:53 AM

I think I just found McCain’s biggest asset!

Reaganite84 on March 26, 2008 at 11:54 AM

Thank you for reminding me, Mrs. O’Bama, that diversity = perversity.

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 26, 2008 at 11:58 AM

Unfortunately, I think Michelle Obama is like many other Americans on the left and right. Any time she sees a problem, she attributes it to the American way of life, as if these same problems don’t exist globally. If anything, Americans are much more likely to function outside of their old “comfort zones” on race today than in Europe and especially Asia, where (outside of Singapore) populations frequently are unbelievably homogeneous.

doufree on March 26, 2008 at 11:58 AM

Cindy was “sick” because her hubby had been caught helping bankers rob Americans of their retirement savings, rplat.

Oh, well.

Maybe the wife McCain dumped for his rich child bride will speak well of him in the fall?

alphie on March 26, 2008 at 11:47 AM

Yeah, all 3 suck. Who are you going to write in?

JiangxiDad on March 26, 2008 at 12:02 PM

I am getting pretty tired of everyone bashing on the white folks for being racist. Were we in the past? Yes. Are many of us still racist? Yes. But, in the good old US of KKK…who were the ones that made the voiting rights act a reality, desegregated the schools and the military, used affirmative action to help level the playing field in education and employement? Yep, those same hate filled, racist white folks. What annoys me about so many minority groups is that they fail to recognize that the white community does see that there have been great injustices in the past and has tried to change and make things better.

415woman on March 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM

Anyone else think Michelle Obama has been hanging out a little too much at Black Planet?

It either that or she’s been watching nothing but Spike Lee or Tyler Perry movies. One Tyler Perry movie comes to mind.

Dr.Cwac.Cwac on March 26, 2008 at 12:05 PM

Just listening to that clip, she came across as very condescending and unlikable. I hope America sees a lot more of her.

I keep thinking of her as the anti-Michelle whenever I see her mentioned in HotAir.

Messiah and the anti-Michelle.
I think it works.

Canadian Infidel on March 26, 2008 at 12:08 PM

You better listen to Mama Michelle! Mama Michelle knows what’s good for you! So you better listen to Mama, or she gonna put the hoodoo juju on you! You all listen to Mama! Yeah!

When exactly does this whole election thing end again?!!!

pilamaye on March 26, 2008 at 12:15 PM

I think that racism is lessening in this country as people go to school together and work together. In many of my jobs, my best friends there were black people. The more people are exposed to one another and work together, they see that we are all just regular folks with the same dreams and ideals. They go to lunch together, hang out together, share their worries and their joys. Michelle’s attitude only harms this kind of progress. We need to see that we are all just “people.” She and her ilk (on the black side) and skinheads and white supremacists (on the white side) are the ones who cause division and “issues” between races. Most people are far more alike than they are different. We all want love, security, friendship. While racism may never go away completely, I think things get better every day. Thank goodness not everyone views the world like Michelle Obama does.

squeek71 on March 26, 2008 at 12:16 PM

I get so tired of being reminded that we (white America) just doesn’t “understand” and just doesn’t “get it” regarding our fellow black Americans. Is it possible that these people are the ones who “just don’t get it”? We are not all rascist crackers and the only reason this still continues to be an issue is because we are constantly being slapped in the face with outdated stereotypes. I think Michelle Obama is in the wright church.

Bobber on March 26, 2008 at 12:17 PM

I think she will not resurface unless McCain gets Cindy more involved in her own independent manner during the general election. If Obama sees McCain showcasing, he will be compelled to follow suit.

MarkABinVA on March 26, 2008 at 12:17 PM

Racism is alive and well in the US. I expect that point to be driven home in November.

awake on March 26, 2008 at 12:18 PM

Is there a term for people who think everyone doesn’t like them because the of the color tone of their skin, and miss the point that they just are jerks?

Obama can really pick his woman and preacher. I shutter to think who is attorney general and surgeon general would be. Teaching masturbation in schools and blowing up religious compounds would seem like light fare next to his sense of the right person for the job.

Hening on March 26, 2008 at 12:19 PM

This is all just a precursor to the claims we will hear after McCain wins the White House. I can hear it now… Michelle Obama on a podium somewhere speaking to a largely black audience: “We didn’t lose because of ideas. We didn’t let go of our dreams of hope and change. Simply put, America is just too racist to elect a black president.”

You heard it hear first. ;-)

cannonball on March 26, 2008 at 12:38 PM

Black people and white people don’t (generally) like to talk to one another because black people are %80 socialist. That’s not a stereotype – that’s a mathematical political fact. White people are more 50/50.

thareb on March 26, 2008 at 11:12 AM

You have anything to back up the 80% figure? While you’re at it, can we see something saying 50% of whites are socialist?

I won’t lie – I generally feel awkward around black people I don’t know (moreso than whites) because I know statistically speaking the odds are tremendous they will hold political views that are the polar opposite of mine – not because of their genetic makeup.

And the truth is – once I know a white person who is a hardcore socialist – I feel the exact same sense of awkwardness around them.

So, you immediately assume a black person will be socialist w/o even talking to them, therefore making you feel justified in rejecting them. But, you give white people the chance to show you they’re socialist before you reject them. Hmmm.

Also, since when do people have to have the same political views to have a friendly conversation? I’m a black conservative and the vast majority of my friends (blk & white)are liberal or moderate, and most of my family are liberal leaning moderates, but we still manage to get along and even love one another. Having different political views does not necessarily preclude you from being friends with someone. As the saying goes, you can disagree w/o being disagreeable. We have some spirited conversations to be sure, but to my knowledge, not one dislikes me or doesn’t love me because I’m conservative (so far, no one has thrown the uncle tom/aunt jemima bomb at me yet, at least not to my face), and I don’t dislike them because they’re liberal. (I just think they’re extraordinarily ill-informed, lol).

Michelle Obama is the one who is ignorant. She received just enough of an ivy league education to straddle the ignorant/dangerous line.

She is one very angry woman. I actually feel sorry for her in a way. Walking around with that kind of anger in you heart everyday must be exhausting.

TheBigOldDog on March 26, 2008 at 11:51 AM

TBOD, I agree, it has to be exhausting to live your life that way.

macblanegirl on March 26, 2008 at 12:44 PM

This woman is a horrible public speaker. I’d venture to guess that she’s gotten some coaching during this “vacation”.

With people like Michelle Obama and Rev Wright, it’s always a one-way issue, there is no meeting halfway, we have to bend to THEIR will. These people need to get their heads out of their asses and stop blaming the rest of the world for their problems.

Maybe then, will I listen.

southsideironworks on March 26, 2008 at 12:46 PM

More BULLSHEET. When I went to college, it was the black students who “segregated” themselves. But not because the university didn’t make an effort. The first year students were likely to be randomly dormed, and therefore mixed.

I had 3 roommates, a generic white guy from upstate, an Italian (named Guido) from Manhattan, and a Jew from Canada. I loved them. I latter moved off campus with the Jewish guy, who I consider my brother to this day.

Farrakhan came to campus (Syracuse) and I went, much to the dismay of my Jewish roommate, who protested. I was not impressed. I knew these were the people who killed Malcolm X.

Somehow it seems Mrs. Obama lames the lack of diversity on the white folks. What a disgrace.

Agrippa2k on March 26, 2008 at 12:57 PM

What Americans need is eight years of Michelle’s preaching. Perhaps a Sunday afternoon broadcast all the while Barry’s president (God forbid), telling us all how ignorant, racist, and mean we are, and how the only thing we have to be proud of is Barack Hussein Yomama.

Akzed on March 26, 2008 at 1:01 PM

Michelle Obama is pertinent only in the fact that she shows Barack’s lack of judgement and decision making abilities.

TooTall on March 26, 2008 at 1:14 PM

About as bad as Teresa Heinz Kerry for First Lady.

Travis1 on March 26, 2008 at 1:18 PM

Besides, after the exposure of Rev. Jeremiah Wright as a racial demagogue, the Obamas are the last people to talk about reaching beyond their comfort zone.

Well, remember, the speech was given in January, before the exposure of Wright. At that stage in the campaign, they obviously knew his views (having listened to them for 20 years), but were probably hoping they wouldn’t come to light. Of course, your main points still stand, but she didn’t say this after everyone had seen the videos of Wright’s preaching, and so don’t show that she’s being tone-deaf.

Speaking of which, I haven’t heard much of or from Mrs. Obama since the Jeremiah Wright kerfuffle.

JS on March 26, 2008 at 1:20 PM

On the one hand, we have the class and grace of Laura Bush, and on the other…Michelle Obama.

Connie on March 26, 2008 at 11:23 AM

Don’t forget Hillary. Mrs. Bush is definitely in the middle of a sh$t sandwich.

sheesh on March 26, 2008 at 1:25 PM

When I went to college, it was the black students who “segregated” themselves. But not because the university didn’t make an effort. The first year students were likely to be randomly dormed, and therefore mixed.

That’s along the lines of what I was thinking, though I’d clarify that it was only some of various minorities, certainly not all. I bet it would not be difficult to find out if that happened at Princeton when she was there. Someone might just find that she joined a bunch of race-based organizations, not that anyone excluded her.

MamaAJ on March 26, 2008 at 1:27 PM

Without the race-baiting, this chick has got nuttin’!

D2Boston on March 26, 2008 at 1:33 PM

MadisonConservative on March 26, 2008 at 10:45 AM

Excellent use of “smarmy.” One of my favorite words :)

loganthompson on March 26, 2008 at 1:36 PM

You know people sitting at different tables- you all living in different dorms. I was there. You’re not talking to each other, taking advantage that you’re in this diverse community.

She thinks race relations are just the same now as when she was in college.

What’s it really like at U. of South Carolina today? Anybody actually interested in finding out? Was she aware of anything going on there or just interested in complaining about how bad she had it and being sure that America is and will remain just terrible unless her husband is elected?

MamaAJ on March 26, 2008 at 1:38 PM

Keep opening your mouth mo. Tell all America what you and bho think of us. We already see what bho thinks of the Jewish people.
L

letget on March 26, 2008 at 10:49 AM

Again another myth. Most jews do not believe the bunk about him being anti-semitic, he is as anti-semetic as I am anti-Christian.

Not at all, that link to Calypso Louie is gettin’ tired. People aren’t buyin’ it, it’s not a constructive arguement.

Let’s be real and let’s be fair, I see people on The Far Right having a larger problems with jews like Buchanan and his ilk, not Obama.

AprilOrit on March 26, 2008 at 1:50 PM

Amazing this is swept under the rug by most people.

tx2654 on March 26, 2008 at 1:54 PM

Was this non interaction due to Race? or chosen Culture?

I didn’t hang out with Goat Ropers in High School (Cowboys)… didn’t hang out with Stoners… didn’t know the Jocks and Cheerleaders either…. and they were all White folks.

You tend to hang with those who are culturaly like yourself. Those who like the same music, speak the same lingo, have the same interests…

And this is OK! We don’t have to like and know everyone… or has PC’ness gone so far that I can’t even choose my friends and aquaintances anymore?

Romeo13 on March 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM

I would have become friends with anyone, but I did notice, the black roommates and dorm-mates all stuck with other blacks more than any of the other groups did.
Just an observation.

4shoes on March 26, 2008 at 11:37 AM

When I went to college, it was the black students who “segregated” themselves. But not because the university didn’t make an effort. The first year students were likely to be randomly dormed, and therefore mixed.

Agrippa2k on March 26, 2008 at 12:57 PM

Yup. To all the above.

One of the fundamental difference between liberals and conservatives is the difference between naive, immature, pessimistic idealism versus mature, realistic optimism.

Liberals simultaneously believe the worst about people – and expect the government to fix them – while believing that if only people could be fixed, an idealistic utopia would arise. Conservatives recognize reality for what it is and accept it – with a generally optimistic view of that reality.

Michelle Obama’s perception is a case in point. And the above comments highlight the difference between reality and mindless idealism.

It’s simple. People self-segregate. They always have and always will. This is no ignorance or evil, it simply is. It is reality.

A quick story: the only truly integrated environment I’ve ever been in was Marine Corps boot camp. I remember being amazed I was at how little race and ethnicity mattered, especially considering how conservative and traditional the Marine Corps was supposed to be.

For those 13 weeks, race vanished. We were all the same color: green. The DI’s made a big point of it: we were light green or dark green … but all green. And we were all maggots and all equally miserable and all worthless, so distinctions like race vanished.

In fact, the only time I remember seeing a DI sincerely angry was when one recruit used the popular racial epithet (starts with an ‘N’) towards another. Sure, the DI’s yelled and cussed and acted pissed constantly, but this was the only time I saw one truly angry. He just about snapped. He lectured us for an hour and tore the kid a new one.

Oh – and the was white, by the way.

So I left boot camp thinking I’d found this idealistic society of racial harmony. Sure, we were training to go kill folks, but the Corps had solved the race problem. (And since I was still young and rather liberal, I thought that was pretty cool).

You can see where this headed, of course. Imagine my surprise when I got back from leave and started a month of combat training … where whites and blacks and Hispanics could, for the first time, choose who they sat with and ate with and hung out with …

Of course. Complete, total, and near absolute self-segregation. The blacks sat by themselves; the whites by themselves. It was as divided – and sometimes hostile – as a prison exercise yard. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. But it was a valuable life lesson.

People like being with their own kind of people. However they define themselves.

It’s just life. Realists understand that. Liberals weep over it.

Which of course brings me to that last irony: nobody actually segregates like liberals do. Don’t believe me? Ask them to hang out with Republicans. Especially BLACK Republicans.

————

Shorter me: Michelle Obama is an infantile idiot.

Professor Blather on March 26, 2008 at 2:04 PM

I wonder if she will tell us how she really feels?

Johan Klaus on March 26, 2008 at 2:06 PM

That smarmy self-entitled woman and her jive speak, raised and educated when affirmitive action was at its peak, needs to speak publicly more often and live on all the major networks during primetime when she does. Not enough people are seeing the truth and what’s in store for the people who love America and are certainly not ignorant! She constantly berates America and Americans with nary a word of the good done, and the striving for good. It’s ALWAYS negative speech with racist undertones.

She plays the guilt-trip perpatual victim well.

I can’t wait to see their daughter(s) on the campaign trail some day. I wonder if when someone asks about Daddy & Mommy’s 20-year allegiance and support to the racist America hating preacher and his church, and their seemingly disavowing of that man and his church only after it is all exposed for the racist AmeriKKKa hating gathering place that it truly is, if they’ll say “It’s none of your business!”

SilverStar830 on March 26, 2008 at 2:14 PM

AprilOrit on March 26, 2008 at 1:50 PM

Do you really think that Buchanan is anti-semetic? Just asking.

Johan Klaus on March 26, 2008 at 2:16 PM

Because sometimes it’s easier to hold on to your own stereotypes and misconceptions. It makes you feel justified in your own ignorance. That’s America. So the challenge for us is are we ready for change?

Vote for Obama or your are an Ignorant Racist!

Chakra Hammer on March 26, 2008 at 2:17 PM

She really isn’t the second coming of Jackie is she?

Can we put HER in Gitmo… she sounds a lot like those who are already there.

Gartrip on March 26, 2008 at 2:17 PM

Allah, Bryan, Michelle – you did good to bring the good captain onboard. His levity…coupled with Bryan’s…makes for a nice balance to the fringes Allah and Michelle sometimes skirt.

Al-Ozarka on March 26, 2008 at 2:24 PM

I am sorry April, but I do not see how Wright’s comments can not be seen as a slap in the face to the Jewish people everywhere. Does Obama feel the same as Wright? I do not know, but I do know that Obama did not bother to stand up to his professed mentor. As a Christian, I believe that the Jewish people happen to also be God’s chosen people. Therefore as a Christian, I am all-Israel, all the time. Not to say I will not disagree with Jewish people, but you will never see me trash them, or hang around with anyone who does. April I hope that this does not come off as a rant, I just wanted to put out one Christian’s point of view on this subject. I could be in the minority, I do not know.

chief on March 26, 2008 at 2:26 PM

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