Elizabeth Warren camp: Her great-great-great-grandmother was Cherokee
posted at 5:02 pm on May 1, 2012 by Allahpundit
Yesterday I thought this story was small potatoes but revealing as an insight into how far Warren might go to gild her resume with a diversity credential. After this, though, I’m honestly interested in hearing her address it. What’s the threshold of “minority” status in her mind? Are we back to the “one drop” rule or is 1/32 juuuuuuust enough for a shot of authenticity whereas 1/64 is a bridge too far? Actually, maybe those standards aren’t so different: When you’re talking about a great-great-great-grandparent, one drop is about all that’s left.
Ace notes that the premise behind diversity hiring is that a minority employee brings a perspective that whites simply can’t. Another premise, a la affirmative action, is that a minority employee deserves special consideration because he/she had to cope with cultural disadvantages that whites haven’t. Is Liz Warren claiming that she’s in either of those boats? Can’t wait for this press conference.
Desperately scrambling to validate Democrat Elizabeth Warren’s Native American heritage amid questions about whether she used her minority status to further her career, the Harvard Law professor’s campaign last night finally came up with what they claim is a Cherokee connection — her great-great-great-grandmother.
“She would be 1⁄32nd of Elizabeth Warren’s total ancestry,” noted genealogist Christopher Child said, referring to the candidate’s great-great-great-grandmother, O.C. Sarah Smith, who is listed on an Oklahoma marriage certificate as Cherokee. Smith is an ancestor on Warren’s mother’s side, Child said…
Meanwhile, Warren’s camp issued statements from five faculty members at the four universities where she’s taught, including Harvard Law School and University of Pennsylvania, to knock down any suggestion she used her Native American background to get hired.
“To suggest that she needed some special advantage to be hired here or anywhere is just silly. She was hired for her great abilities as a teacher and a scholar. Her family tree had nothing to do with it,” wrote Jay Westbrook, chairman of the business law school at the University of Texas at Austin, who hired Warren.
The same genealogist also discovered that one of Warren’s great-grandfathers, although white, did live for a time in Cherokee territory, which makes him … kind of minority, I guess? Good enough for her to claim 1.5/32 status?
Three lingering questions here. One, as noted yesterday: Why did Warren stop describing herself as minority circa 1995? What changed? Two: Why did she start describing herself as a minority circa 1986? If she didn’t have hard documentation until literally yesterday that she was part Native American, what evidence was she relying on to claim that distinction in the first place? “Grandma told me I might be part Cherokee” doesn’t cut it, I hope, when we’re talking about criteria that qualify as a competitive advantage in one’s profession. You need proof, or at least you should. Three, via Ann Althouse: Why does Warren’s campaign seem so impressed by the fact that her previous employers are willing to say her ancestry played no role in hiring her? Of course they’re going to say that. If they don’t, they know it’ll be interpreted by the public as an admission that she was graded on a curve in the hiring process. Either embrace diversity hiring as a glorious fair-minded policy or don’t, but don’t try to have it both ways.
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Its hard to care about this, or anything going on with our corrupt federal government anymore.. its all a sham and a joke to them, they only care about their good ol’ boy clubs, perks, and jaunts to the Dominican Republican.. Really is about the worst of the worst on display in DC.
gatorboy on February 1, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Wouldn’t this have been the case even if Brown had won?
Nick_Angel on February 1, 2013 at 4:01 PM
He would have kept the seat blue.
smoothsailing on February 1, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Christie/Brown 2016!
joepub on February 1, 2013 at 4:01 PM
O/T:
Did I miss it, or has there been no Hot Air headline yet on the death of Ed Koch, one of the last respectable, old-school Democrats left in this country?
Right Mover on February 1, 2013 at 4:02 PM
If he’s seeking the governor’s office in MassachusettEs because he hopes to be President someday, I have two names for him: Dukakis and Romney. It ain’t happening, Scottie.
Doughboy on February 1, 2013 at 4:03 PM
Yep, you missed it. Ed blogged about it this morning.
Allahpundit on February 1, 2013 at 4:04 PM
OT
“Dow Closes Near 14,000 After Boost From Jobs Data”
…but all the data were negative…and Faux is reporting “all due to Obama” — Shep Smith, in Obama’s azz, literally.
Schadenfreude on February 1, 2013 at 4:05 PM
No, because there’s a post about it.
KingGold on February 1, 2013 at 4:05 PM
what Hillary said re: Benghazi
DanMan on February 1, 2013 at 4:06 PM
Maybe’s he’s joined the let it burn contingent…
changer1701 on February 1, 2013 at 4:06 PM
He’ll run for governor, not so tough, not so many runs in so few years…in Hell.
Schadenfreude on February 1, 2013 at 4:07 PM
I live in MA and a few nights ago I got a call for a telephone poll. The topic was clearly Sen. Brown and his electability vs Dem candidates. The poll tested both electability to the Senate seat and the Governor’s office. Looks like he’s chosen to run for Governor.
BillyRuffn on February 1, 2013 at 4:08 PM
Right Mover on February 1, 2013 at 4:02 PM
Just type “mea culpa” and get on with it. We’ve all jumped some guns, now and then.
Schadenfreude on February 1, 2013 at 4:08 PM
Scotty boy needs some hair club for men-Stat!
Mr. Arrogant on February 1, 2013 at 4:10 PM
It’s because Bernanke’s keeping the Fed pump flowing.
Doughboy on February 1, 2013 at 4:11 PM
yeah like brown had a chanc ein hell of winning. He lost to inept liar. But you moderates keep dreaming the dream.
unseen on February 1, 2013 at 4:11 PM
No doubt that loosing to Elizabeth Warren, Scotty B. is questioning his manhood…
… No doubt.
Seven Percent Solution on February 1, 2013 at 4:12 PM
I know. It’s not like he was leading all announced and unannounced contenders by double digits in the polls or anything like that.
KingGold on February 1, 2013 at 4:13 PM
“Tisei could be an attractive option for the GOP as an outside-the-box candidate. He is openly gay and pro-abortion rights…”
That would make for some amusing interactions with the GOP SoCons.
cool breeze on February 1, 2013 at 4:14 PM
Hey Scott, remember the jolly times in 2010 when you were bankrolled by the Tea Party? This time, your out of state fundraising will be as dry as a Martian canal, and I have a secret for ya – as years go by your state ain’t getting any redder. Good luck to ye, man, you’ll need all of it and then some.
Archivarix on February 1, 2013 at 4:17 PM
That would make for some amusing interactions with
the GOP SoConsBarney Frank. And no, thank you, I don’t need a visual.Archivarix on February 1, 2013 at 4:19 PM
Either Romney or Weld could probably have this seat if they wanted to make the effort.
cool breeze on February 1, 2013 at 4:21 PM
Your stuff is ready, Other thread. Best I could o as a quickie. Have to go now. ; )
Bmore on February 1, 2013 at 4:23 PM
o=do
Bmore on February 1, 2013 at 4:23 PM
OK then. What he said.
Right Mover on February 1, 2013 at 4:24 PM
I agree with other posters that Brown would not have ANY backing, financial or otherwise from conservative Tea Partiers.
Conservatives differ from Rino lefties in many ways, however, one
significant way noone really talks about is that we adhere to
“fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”.
Support for Brown is not happening. We are keeping track and
keeping lists. Support for any traitors to the conservative cause
is not happening unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Perhaps one of the reasons Brown lost to the faux Indian princess is that he also lost conservative backing.
Enough with the centerfold already.
Amjean on February 1, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Weld, maybe. He’s still a Rockefeller Republican, and he endorsed Obama in ’08.
Romney, absolutely not. Getting himself rightward enough to survive the 2012 primary, placed him firmly out of contention in a state as blue as Massachusetts.
KingGold on February 1, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Sen 41st Vote ?…..Chant to yourself quietly………….
It just doesn’t matter….It just doesn’t matter…..It just doesn’t matter
FlaMurph on February 1, 2013 at 4:32 PM
You’re the best. Thank you so!!!
Schadenfreude on February 1, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Alternate headline: “Lone popular Republican in extremely liberal state not seizing opportunity for some reason.”
==============================================
D*mmitt,Team Blue is still holding that seat hostage,
and is in hostile territory,and needs to be LIBERATED,
er wait,that would mean Team Red,would be on his/her own!
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…..
(sarc)
canopfor on February 1, 2013 at 4:34 PM
Sure. Throw in a bottle of whiskey and a revolver and we’ll call it a night.
CorporatePiggy on February 1, 2013 at 4:38 PM
Meh. Good riddance.
Scotty B. won’t get another vote from me.
J.H. on February 1, 2013 at 4:39 PM
ROFL…after golden boy Mitt lost you still believe polls? how sweet. When are the moderates going to understand the liberals control the polling firms and the polls tell you what they want them too?
unseen on February 1, 2013 at 4:45 PM
*******************Alert *********************
Update: Secret Service director to step down, announce retirement, administration sources tell @NBCNews
1 min ago from firstread.nbcnews.com by editor
===================================================
http://firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/01/16810631-secret-service-director-to-step-down-announce-retirement?lite
canopfor on February 1, 2013 at 4:50 PM
Wonder if the next one will be as good of a pimp as the last one?
unseen on February 1, 2013 at 4:54 PM
No big loss….Richard Tisei is an even bigger fraud than Brownie.
wraithby on February 1, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Exactamundo!
And besides … Snottie Brown lost to a fake indian after the NRSC pumped MILLIONS into his campaign. Not likely he’d have won against any democrat with less baggage than Ms. Pokahontas had.
HondaV65 on February 1, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Umm.. the fake indian who you donated to, correct?
Illinidiva on February 1, 2013 at 4:58 PM
Democrats are on the phone as we type….
..ordering up another 1/32 Squaw with high Cheek bones.
ToddPA on February 1, 2013 at 5:02 PM
What difference does it make?
HerneTheHunter on February 1, 2013 at 5:13 PM
The polls were right. It was the braying donkeys like you, trying to discredit them, who were wrong.
KingGold on February 1, 2013 at 5:21 PM
So the Massholes will elect another fake native American?
GarandFan on February 1, 2013 at 5:38 PM
PFoof!
Great, time for another monitor cleaning.
Thanks for that.
Tenwheeler on February 1, 2013 at 5:57 PM
They can have her.
They sure don’t want her in Oklahoma!
Tenwheeler on February 1, 2013 at 5:58 PM
Warren thanks you for your support.
thebrokenrattle on February 1, 2013 at 6:22 PM
Hi Obama voter! Didn’t you also donate to “Ms. Pokahontas” as well?
Are you having fun with the daily entertainment of Kerry and Hagel?
You should be! You voted for it!!!
Have fun. :)
kim roy on February 1, 2013 at 6:27 PM
“And I know it’s not the only way for me to advance the ideals and causes that matter most to me.”
what ideals?
You’re a Liberal republican who couldn’t even beat a fake injun in a Liberal state.
PappyD61 on February 1, 2013 at 6:44 PM
Good riddance to Brown.
Let the Libs in Mass have what they want, Liberalism/Socialism/Marxism/Crony capitalism
Waller in it Libs.
PappyD61 on February 1, 2013 at 6:45 PM
I can’t blame him. If you can’t get past Fauxcohontas, why put yourself and your family through all that mess again? And really, what the heck do you owe people who would vote for a woman who has advanced her career by means of deceit?
Unlike alot of other people, I’m not mad at Scott Brown. It’s a blue state, and half a loaf is better than none if you ask me. But there comes a time where the voter no longer deserves your hard work or consideration, when the tipping point of public stupidity is clearly in the rear-view mirror. Fauxcohontas is that point.
If I were Scott Brown, I’d gather up my family and move to better climes, maybe a state where there’s still hope for better sense to prevail.
Murf76 on February 1, 2013 at 7:02 PM
Brown was a total failure and was only able to win the seat due to conservative backing. He voted liberal, lost the backing, and the seat. He was useless and stupid – typical republican.
Panther on February 1, 2013 at 7:13 PM
god you are dense. You were lied too for months with liberal polls showing Mitt was the only one that could beat Obama. You fell for it hook line and sinker. Then when reality set in and show then in fact Mitt was the only candidate that could lose to Obama you blame the people that were telling you all along that you were being lied too?
Wise up if the polls were right then Mitt would be POTUS. They weren’t they were liberal lies to make you pick the wrong candidate. You were a sucker. Some of us still have minds of our own and know what is going on. Sadly you don’t appear to be one of them.
brown isn’t going to run becaus ehe can’t win. He pissed off the conservatives, he isn’t liberal enough for the socialists and the moderates aren’t enough to win an election. Same reason Mitt lost.
unseen on February 1, 2013 at 7:28 PM
I’d like to thank everyone at Hot Air for all their help in keeping Massachusetts Pure Blue. It was especially heartwarming to see Kennedy’s seat passed on to a fake Indian. Now it appears that Kerry’s seat will be passed on to someone as equally fabulous as Kerry.
For all the purists, all I can say is keep rejecting centrist Republicans and you’ll wake up one morning and realize that big tent you used to talk about is a one-pole pup tent.
I understand why Scotti is walking away from the Senate, all I can hope is he starts building up now for the battle of governor. Do Massachusetts Republicans a favor next time he runs, and stay out of it.
c.j.ammenheuser on February 1, 2013 at 7:44 PM
yeah how is that big tent working for you? You lost how many seats in 2012? “Centerists” only serve one purpose giving dems cover when they pass liberal polices. the big tent you are looking for doesn’t include liberals and conservatives and moderates that’s not a big tent that’s a circus. A real big tent is a collection of different groups under the banner of conservatism. or liberalism or moderation. It’s not a mix and match of different ideologies.
Liberalism has feminists, environmentalist, socialists, etc under its tent. All have different goals but all use liberalism to achieve them thus a big tent appoarach.
the GOP is made up of conservatives and moderates both sides working against each other because both have different ideas on how to move forward. I.e not a big tent.
unseen on February 1, 2013 at 7:52 PM
oh one other point…the conservatives did stay out of it in 2012 and Brown lost. Brown won when the conservatives engaged in the election of 2009-2010. At this point in time I would wish the Mass republicans do the national gop a favor and switch parties since they seem to be mostly democrates anyway.
unseen on February 1, 2013 at 7:55 PM
Summed up perfectly.
fitzfong on February 1, 2013 at 8:06 PM
Hot Air sniped at Scott Brown constantly. As evidence you don’t have to look further than the first comment posted.
And “Snotti Brown” – Really??
In a state that is only 10% Republican Brown came within 8 points of beating the media darling. Maybe we’ll get him back as our governor next time. I hope so.
be careful now that Brown is out and Warren is in- Patrick/Warren/2016 is in the crystal ball. My bet is that they will be Obama’s chosen predecessors
c.j.ammenheuser on February 1, 2013 at 8:15 PM
Unlike alot of other people, I’m not mad at Scott Brown. It’s a blue state, and half a loaf is better than none if you ask me. But there comes a time where the voter no longer deserves your hard work or consideration, when the tipping point of public stupidity is clearly in the rear-view mirror. Fauxcohontas is that point.
If I were Scott Brown, I’d gather up my family and move to better climes, maybe a state where there’s still hope for better sense to prevail.
Murf76 on February 1, 2013 at 7:02 PM
c.j.ammenheuser on February 1, 2013 at 8:27 PM
I had a very Conservative fellow warrant officer I had served with who also was from Mass. So I sympathize with you. I really do. But your assessment that Hot Air had a hand in this man’s downfall is a bit of hyperbole if you ask me. The opinions expressed here are truly a microcosm of the entire Conservative electorate. And if this site expressed a majority view that he was disappointing, I think you’ll find it was a national view. If you look to the comment of panther above, I also agree that he summed it up perfectly.
Scott Brown received a level of support both ideologically and financially from Hot Air led by omahaconservative in his first election. I personally donated 200 dollars to his campaign the first time in two installments. And the symbolic victory of putting an R on a former Kennedy seat was great. But to me it abruptly ended there.
After seeing his legislative performance, it was obvious to me it was stupid to support him again.
I might just ask you what you can site that we conservatively achieved by having him there?
hawkdriver on February 1, 2013 at 8:59 PM
Fauxcahontas scalped him with a tomahawk made of lo-info morons.
Scott Brown must know there’s no hope for Mass. until the wampum sh!t hits the wigwam fan.
profitsbeard on February 2, 2013 at 3:30 AM
gotta agree with hawkdriver, my wife and I donated separatly and compared notes later. Both of us sent money to Brown when he ran against Coakley and both of us cringed at his votes and declarations defending them once he was elected. He didn’t get anything from us when it came time to defend his seat. He even made Kay Bailey look very conservative.
My wife grew up in Boston/Newton when it was still possible for a kid to ride the MTA unmolested. Glad she got to Texas.
DanMan on February 2, 2013 at 10:42 AM
No drama here. It was nice that Ted Kennedy’s departure was rewarded by the Scott Brown episode. But he disappointed on Obamacare and he failed to beat Elizabeth Moron. Two big strikes.
So, it’s no loss. We need better representatives than this. Move on.
virgo on February 2, 2013 at 1:40 PM
Exactly! Brown got the Neville Chamberlain treatment. In trying to become electable he lost his honor. He ended up losing anyway. I think that there should be no place in the GOP for the RINOs, just as somebody like Joe Manchin probably belongs in the GOP. This political transvestism is a betrayal to voters. Voters need to know that their political representatives are not going to betray the political values they once embraced. It is one thing to fail to live by the type of childish promises that politicians make during a campaign, quite another to be a traitor in chief. The GOP is better off keeping idiots like this at bay.
p_incorrect on February 2, 2013 at 2:31 PM