Dear reader,
I have so much to say today, that I have decided to spend the entire day blogging! So keep coming back to talk about the massive movements going on today. I plan to write about:
- Hillary's decision not to concede the race
- John McCain's campaign strategy
- More details about Father Phleger's smackdown
- BET's Bob Johnson's sudden reappearance on the political scene (I can smell the sulphur burning even as I write this)
- My brother's primary nomination win in NJ
Let's get this party rolling!
Last night, while we were on our live online radio show The Queens' Council, Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination for the Presidency!
I could not have planned timing any better: it simply felt right to experience that historic moment with a core group of powerful black women who will usher in the next generation of political action in this country.
At the moment that Barack and Michelle Obama took the stage and began to address that enthusiastic throng of 20,000+ people, the words of my comrade focusedpurpose resounded in my mind: MOVING FORWARD POWERFULLY.
This primary - as historic as it is -- is bigger than most of us realize. The manner in which Barack Obama conducted his candidacy will forever change the foundational principles of campaign strategy in America. Obama has flipped the script and done the impossible: a relative nobody has made seasoned, connected, wealthy, 'all knowing' politicians scramble for their political footing, and cracked their foundational assumptions about the American people.
It is not often that we see a politician take the high road on a consistent basis in the face of blazing, white-hot, underhanded attacks. Heretofore the prevailing belief was that a political race could not be won by doing so.
On June 4, 2008, that belief changed. For that reason, America is a better place today than it was yesterday.
I do not believe that Barack Obama is the messiah. In fact, I have grave concerns about his ability (or anyone else's ability , for that matter) to unite the deep racial divide, to freeze our economic free fall, and to stop an unjust war with minimal collateral damage.
However, after reviewing the content of three speeches yesterday, that of John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama, I am now completely convinced that Obama stands head and shoulders above his competitors in terms of character and moral leadership... and is best poised to lead this country through the deep political waters onto a more settled shore.
It would serve both John McCain and Hillary Clinton well to rip a page from the Obama playbook, and to finally learn that a political opponent does not have to be considered an enemy to be targeted for personal destruction. The American voter is not a hostage to be taken in your negotiation for power.
Enlarging the scope of the dream for Black Americans
One of the greatest accomplishments of Obama's nomination is a curbing of a prevailing attitude of defeatism in the Black Community.
I am simply shaking my head in wonder today. I've been reading the black message boards, and it's as if many of our folks are realizing for the first time that we are not living in the days of Jim Crow anymore! And I am talking about YOUNG people who should know better...
Now I'm not going to go all Larry Elders on people and say that racism isn't a problem in America, but it's high time for us to recognize that we have a significant amount of untapped power in the black community, which should be used to start solving our economic, educational, and social problems.
To advance powerfully, black people must change from an 'outsider-looking in' mentality, to one of full citizenship, co-ownership, co-dominion, and co-stewardship of this America that we live in.
Let's get the conversation started:
Should Barack Obama consider inviting Hillary Clinton the VP position on his ticket? If he did, would that diminish your opinion of his ability? If you listened to last night's Queens' Council, you know my opinion, but I am open to listening to yours.
I nominate John Edwards for the VP position. (ducking behind keyboard, because I know that certain people won't appreciate my nomination)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The Obama Candidacy... moving forward powerfully
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23 comments:
Shecodes, this is the best post you've written this year, IMO.
Quote of the Day:
"To advance powerfully, black people must change from an 'outsider-looking in' mentality, to one of full citizenship, co-ownership, co-dominion, and co-stewardship of this America that we live in."
Truer words never spoken.
Of course, I'm wondering: "Is Jim Crow dead?"
His son, James Crow Jr. Esq. (to quote Al Sharpton) is alive and well, but what I like about Obama - and why, for the first time this whole year I believe he can win it all - is that, unlike previous black leaders who have been fighting Jimmy Crow Junior boy as if they were fighting his daddy is that, Obama is a genuine leader who can actually deal with and combat Racism 2.0 that Jimmy Crow Jr. represents.
And that is why most black people are still in awe about last night. Obama has shown that this is a different era and that he is poised to deal with 21st-century versions of racism. He seems to be the first to emerge in a long time who has broken away from Civil Rights era-type struggles to embrace the new millennium challenge of social justice.
Yes, he is flipping the script, and I think many Americans and citizens throughout the world will only be amazed from hereonin.
Now, as for the Hillary "dream" ticket: as I already said on my blog, any person who vocally talks about possible assassinations and who seriously sees herself as another Lyndon B. Johnson is NOT somebody any serious presidential candidate should pick as #2.
I'm not even going to get into the other issues that have emerged during the primary campaign.
"To advance powerfully, black people must change from an 'outsider-looking in' mentality, to one of full citizenship, co-ownership, co-dominion, and co-stewardship of this America that we live in."
I completely agree and I also feel there is too much "Obama shouldn't have to do this because White folks don't" stuff.
Thats part of the outsider looking in mentality with a little whoa is me thrown in.
Being "for Black people" doesnt demand a certain posture. And sometimes single decisions are not symbolic of an overall philosophy.
Shecodes, I enjoyed your post and analysis. I look forward to the day that Obama becomes our 44th POTUS.
He should not have Hillary as her vice president. She brings too many negatives. In fact, I think her husband, Bill Clinton, brings more value to him (perhaps as honorary chair of his campaign). Hillary needs to get comfortable with being a US Senator (as Teddy Kennedy did when he lost in 1980 to Jimmy Carter).
I look forward to reading your other posts today...
peace, Villager
If he wants to stay alive, he shouldn't ask The Hill to be VP. Her reference to the Robert Kennedy assassination is still ringing in my ears...
My vote is for Edwards or Richardson.
I vote for Richardson as VP as well. Edwards has no chance as VP because he is way too liberal also. That would be handing the GOP the vote.
I hope that Obama doesn't choose Hillary as his vp. Especially after the behavior that she displayed last night. The fact that she refuses to concede speaks volumes. I can't see her having the ability to take a backseat. She would really have to humble herself. As for who he should pick, I don't know. That's a difficult question. Whoever he chooses, he must do it decisively and not come off as conciliatory or iffy. As I mentioned last night on the podcast, Obama seems incapable so for of making difficult decisions. When he feels pressured, he caves. Hopefully he will find his balls in the coming weeks.
I just pray that whomever and whenever the Obama's biopic is done to please use H. Joseph Lennix as Barack and Theresa Randle as Michelle.
Their relationship would make a spectacular and believeable love story - "When He Met Michelle/Her Name is Michelle/Meeting Michelle". Young Black girls can then aspire for a real Mr. Right! (NO COMEDIES, PLEASE).
I believe that putting Hillary on his ticket would make his campaign unstoppable. She has the experience to assist Obama in tough times. It would set America on it's heels and begin a new (long over due)movement activist movement. We as American are experiencing a level of apathy never before seem in the history of this country. We have allowed others lie, cheat, and steal what ever it is that they want from us. We have bought and sold ourselves for on the dogie dog American dream. While all the while we feel helpless in our pursuit for economic, political, and moral equality. Hillary and Barack represent the two most powerful forces in this nation. They also give America a look at the two most discriminated groups in the world. I believe with all my heart that their ticket would set forth motions this country has not seen since the Civil Rights's Movement.
@tasha - Obama needs to grow some balls? C'mon ... the brother has accomplished what no other Black man in the history of the universe has accomplished ... and you're concerned about whether he has the balls to select the vice president of his choice?
I'd hope that we would give him more credit than that...
peace, Villager
@villager,
I wasn't referring simply to his decision of who is going to be his vp.I'm talking about his ability to be decisive accros the board. He has consistently failed to stand his ground, especially when white folks call his bluff.I'm happy he won the nomination, but let's not be confused about his past decisions (i.e. resigning from his church)that have shown IMO an inability to be forthright and decisive.
@tasha - thanks for the clarification. we can agree to disagree. if his church and his pastor (Wright) had recognized the significance of the moment ... they would have held back over the next few months so that this brother can do what he needs to do. it is the church leadership that made a miscalculation (IMHO). Barack tried to cut them slack when he gave the 'More Perfect Union' speech in Philadelphia. He even stayed the course thru the Wright weekend media tour ... however the remarks of Father Pflager were simply too much for a man trying to become the 44th POTUS. I'm sure he was told to cut off the church many moons ago ... he held back, until he couldn't any longer.
Personally, him having the oval office in the White House is more important than him having a membership in Trinity...
peace, Villager
If the only thing Obama accomplished for Blacks collectively was winning the nomination he has done us a great service in showing us how powerful we really are. I have no doubt he will much more - but now we will also demand more.
No VP. No Cabinet. No nothing. And if she keeps this up she's going to lose the more reasonable Black politicians who continue to support her.
I guess Obama really does believe in change!
Hip Hip..
Shecodes, I think we're on our way to see the first Black First Lady in the white house. She would be like no other First Lady in more ways than one.
I kept meaning to say this. All that fem. movement rhetoric never meant anything to me. Let’s see which way they turn now. I think their initial goal was to keep a brilliant black woman like Michelle far from the white house. Oh the possibilities of her very powerful presence. Scary...
@La ~ msviswan,
They wouldn't mind Michelle Obama in the White House... (as long as she is a cook, secretary, or housekeeper, lol)
Sorry SheCodes, but John Edwards is a terrible pick. He has the stink of "loser" on him and he is an establishment candidate, not a Obama "change" one.
He also was one half of the so-called debate gang-up on Hillary and white women will not have forgotten that.
He has too much money and his wife is a liability. Remember her remarks about her husband not being black or woman, but.....
He is also way too liberal and viewed as soft.
He'll just look a super wishy-washy, white, and well-dressed version of Obama.
Sorry! LOL!
I don't see why people are viewing him as the "canidate for change." When I look at many of his policies and idealogical stances, I don't see much difference then what politicians have been doing in the past. Also, I don't see him as a vessel to combat the new social issues that America faces today especially issues that concern race. All I see is a POLITICAn who bows to White supremacy whenever it rears its ugly head.
I don't mean to rain on your guys happy parade, but I just wanted to get some of these things off of my chest.
"Should Barack Obama consider inviting Hillary Clinton the VP position on his ticket? "
I think a commentor put it quite nicely. I don't remember who. She said 'if Obama has Clinton as VP, he better watch his food!'
LOL! well put!
~~~~~
Also, not sure if this means anything; Barack means lightening in Hebrew.
the lightening comes before the thunder. thunder is compared to intense prayer.
All this is a round about way of saying, I hope we act, pray, and take advantage of this moment because the curtains are open for us. Its like an atmospheric "insert prayer here" arrow is pointing towards this time.
Lisa said:
Obama can NOT select a woman VP. Let's please put that fantasy to rest...shall we?? (smile)
~~~~
Why not?
hi all-
TLW brother speak! i don't view it as rain at all.
should hrc be his vp? try, no! i'd be afraid she would personally take him out,lie,cry,be forgiven, and "lead" america straight to hell @ an accelerated pace, all without messing up her hair.
i am still voting for Cynthia McKinney. voting one's conscience, the issues, and those with a proven track record of speaking truth to power and letting the chips fall where they may...all qualities i respect. i think she has a focus on helping americans. not just the black ones either.
the fact that the talking heads have rendered her invisible and unelectable sways me not in the least. if we continue to run in the direction the powers that be point us...how can we be shocked when we get nowhere collectively? @ what point do we acknowledge with our votes that Dem. & Rep. have no love for non whites aside from the token few?
i still firmly believe that if O was an Alan Keyes black man, he too, would have landed in the unelectable pile like the other men of color before him. historically, those like him have always fared better. so, i can't bring myself to get too worked up; intermediary comes to mind.
i tend to be in agreement with Lisa, in the absence of any real gains for blacks by voting for O, what difference does it make? while i am grateful that he reassured me that racism was not in my head---there is much more that is needed as far as i can see. great speeches are fab. promises of change, lovely. now that he seems to have shaken that rabid, lying, entitled hrc off; will he now get around to addressing real issues? or must he be graded on a curve because of his melanin?
on issues like Africom, iraq, afghanistan, the disappearing middle class---i see no difference between he, McCain, and Bush. did i miss something? i may have, (i have visited his website which seems to be the end all when discussing issues with his supporters:-) so i am all eyes and ears...
Shecodes, thanks for the shout out:-) i am in the process of mf...p in real life. i will be happier when i get there, geez:-) then i can resume my habit of writing books in your comment section!
blessings all,
focusedpurpose
@anxious: Thank you so much for the encouragement, that means a lot coming from you. I agree with your Jim Crow Jr assessment: it can be defeated, but we are going to have to change our methods to do so.
@villager: It has been a long ride, hasn't it? It might be best for Hillary to return to the Senate and retool her methods.
I honestly believe that if she had not tried the Karl Rove tactics, she would be the nominee today. Democrats are Democrats because they DON'T LIKE Republican ways... that should have been obvious.
@WIT: I think that Richardson is a good choice, but the media would hype the "Ticket of Colored People" angle and seriously harm their chances.
@jennifer: You have a point about Edwards being too liberal... Obama and Edwards together might turn the Independents off.
@tasha: Hillary's speech was a turning point for me, so I agree.
@privychairlady: I just realized that you have not been on my blogroll, all this time! It's up now, ma'am...
@2nd chronicle: There was a time that I would have agreed with you. However, now I believe that Hillary would never truly accept a #2 role, and would become more of a hinderance than a help.
@BWBTT: Agreed.
@villager: Hee hee... I definitely raised an eyebrow at the analogy LOL. He does need to step up for black people though.
@la~msviswan: Michelle Obama! She needs her own PR Firm, because they will stop at nothing to paint her into some dangerous, "Angry Black Woman" type.
@Professor Tracey: I did forget that white women are pissed at Edwards. I'm also tired of them thinking that they ought to be steering this ship. We should all be in this thing together.
@BWBTT: The 'black warrior' is beside him in marriage, not within him.
@tlw: You are correct: his policies are clones of Hillary's. The change is the methods, not the goals.
@miriam: Barack means 'lightening'? Who knew... my church sings a song that says "Shabbach hallelujah, Barack, Praise the Lord" and suddenly it has taken on a new political meaning. I think we should table the song until elections, LOL
@focusedpurpose: My choice is vascillating between Obama and McKinney as well. I think that there are better, more effective positions for my hero, Cynthia McKinney.
If I don't vote for her, it won't mean that I don't think that she isn't the most honest politician out there. My question is whether or not the Presidency is the right place to use her unique set of strengths.
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