Obama: Health care anger not race-based

[RamboLiberal]

Source: MSNBC

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said Friday that angry criticisms about his health care agenda are driven by an intense debate over the proper role of government — and not by racism.

Asked by NBC’s David Gregory of "Meet the Press" if he agreed with the assertion by former President Jimmy Carter this week that Republican opposition against Obama is motivated by racism, the president said "no."

“Look, I said, during the campaign, are there some people who still think through the prism of race when it comes to evaluating me and my candidacy? Absolutely. Sometimes they vote for me for that reason, sometimes they vote against me for that reason," Obama said in an interview that was to air Sunday. "I'm sure that was true during the campaign, I'm sure that's true now.

"But I think if you actually put your finger on what this argument's really about. And it's an argument that's gone on for the history of this republic," Obama continued. "And that is, what's the right role of government? How do we balance freedom with our need to look after one another?"

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32920370/ns/politics-white_house/

[babylonsister]

1. Great answer, and the only one he could give. nt

[SharonAnn]

24. He's probably right. See below, Machiavelli on "Change"

From Machiavelli’s book, “The Prince”. The more things advance, the more they stay the same.

Here’s Machiavelli on change and innovation:
And let it be noted that there is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to set up as a leader in the introduction of changes. For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only the lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new. This lukewarm temper arises partly from the fear of adversaries who have the laws on their side and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who will never admit the merit of anything new, until they have seen it proved by the event.

[noiretextatique]

2. in other words

it is about race, but i can't say it's about race. fair enough.

[bluestateguy]

3. He has to say that

If he said otherwise there would only be other media feeding frenzy.

So we have to say it for him.

[Thrill]

4. Obama isn't falling for that trap

.Great Answer

[joeycola]

5. yes, it was good.

[AlbertCat]

6. Exactly

Criticism that is really about health care reform is criticism about health care reform. However, holding up "lying African" signs and images of Obama as Hitler and Birthers are race based.

[onehandle]

7. The Presidential answer. I'm sure the racists he was talking about will have a racist response.

Did I mention they were racist?

[kelly1mm]

8. While politically the correct thing to say, my question is was his answer a lie? nt

[hileeopnyn8d]

15. I see what you did there.

No, it was a carefully crafted answer, that avoided specifics.

But why do you ask? Are you planning on pulling a Wilson?

[kelly1mm]

16. No, not pulling a Wilson. Some posters are saying he can't say

that and I was wondering if he was saying something that he knew to be untrue - aka a lie. I think there is some wiggle room in the original question anyway which was described as:

"Asked by NBC’s David Gregory of "Meet the Press" if he agreed with the assertion by former President Jimmy Carter this week that Republican opposition against Obama is motivated by racism, the president said "no."

That question could be read as "Is every single republican act of opposition to you (or your policies) based on racism?" My answer would be no as was the President's. Not EVERY SINGLE repub. act of opposition is based on racism.

If the question was carefully worded such as "What percentage of republican objection to you (or your policies) is based on racism?" it would be much harder for the President to answer without stepping on the political land mine that is racial issues in the US (including DU apparently).

I just wanted to hear what people thought about it on, you know, a discussion board. I guess discussion and sharing of opinions is not what is supposed to go on here. My bad!

[Blandocyte]

9. Some of it is, but he can't say that

That's why I (and Jimmeh) will.

[MercutioATC]

10. He DID say that.

...but he also (rightfully) said that the majority of it is about the issue, not race.

[AverageJoe5]

11. It's good to know ...

It's good to know that President Obama will not play the race card which was significantly devalued by his election.

[hileeopnyn8d]

13. How so?

[marshall]

12. He can always be counted on for a voice of reason

He's not falling for a trap, from either side. He rises above the fray.

[hay rick]

14. The anger isn't ALL racism...

a lot of it is gullibility, foolishness, and plain old-fashioned stupidity.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

17. i can't believe he has to even say this

:eyes: sad

[rayofreason]

18. I agree with the President. n/t

[earcandle]

19. Thanks Obama! I think you hit the nail on the head.

[aquart]

20. God knows, mine isn't.

[Township75]

21. GOOD ANSWER MR. PRESIDENT!!! I agree, it is the truth.

And now, the focus can be on HC reform, and not race. Good Move!

[Ruby the Liberal]

22. He has to say this.

Had he said there was racism at play, he would just fuel their fires.

Its up to people whose names aren't "Obama" to point it out at every instance when it is on display.

[Neecy]

23. Actually, it isn't a good answer at all

How do we balance freedom with our need to look after one another?

These idiot teabaggers who are screaming about our "freedoms" will love this answer. In truth, it doesn't take away a single damn freedom for our country to be more humane, more compassionate, or to look out for each other. It's what decent people do and it has NOTHING to do with 'freedom'.

[SweetDreams]

25. Health Care

Great article!

[JeanGrey]

26. He is right. It has nothing to do with race. I wish people would

stop with the "race" thing. I don't think race has played a large part in anything having to do with Obama. I knew he'd be elected easily and race wouldn't be a factor, and it wasn't. Now everytime someone doesn't like something, somebody calls it "race". It's silly.