Obama's charm lost on America's black activists

[Superman Returns]

HE is a media darling, a paparazzi target and a source of inspiration for millions of Democrats who dream of retaking the White House in 2008. But Senator Barack Obama, the charismatic African-American who is shaking up the presidential primary race, has not impressed some of America’s most powerful black activists.

Civil rights leaders who have dominated black politics for much of the past two decades have pointedly failed to embrace the 45-year-old Illinois senator who is considering a bid to become America’s first black president.

...

“They are basically jealous,” said a Democratic strategist who has not yet decided which candidate he intends to support. “They’ve been toiling in the trenches for decades, and along comes this son of a Kenyan farmer and suddenly he’s measuring the drapes in the Oval Office.”

<http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2546081,00.html>

I'm white, so maybe I'm not the best to comment on this but I feel Obama represents the future and would definitely support his candidacy. For influential civil rights leaders such as Jackson and Sharpton to not just pass on endorsing Obama, but also undermine his candidacy, I believe it highlights exactly why we should give a new generation a chance to truly move this country forward into the 21st century, both in the executive office and on matters such as race.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. Obama's wife, Michelle, has been best friends with jackson's daughter since

grade school. I think once Jesse Jackson comes out for him, things will change. This is a little known fact. And many blacks do not want to build up hope around Obama and see it dashed. Some feel he isn't real black. Not from slave ancestors. He's the son of an african and a white. So, they think he doesn't understand.
But, I'm guessing that with Jesse Jackson and Jackson's son, a congressman from Chicago and a friend of Obama's, that when they come out in support things will change.
They are not now due to his not announcing just yet.
Sharpton won't because he wants to run.
Me, I am a white female from Illinois and have been a big supporter since 04. He is the future and promise.

[beaconess]

18. I don't know ANY black person who thinks Obama's not black enough

or that he doesn't understand, simply because he's not descended from slaves. Obama was raised as a black man in America, he identifies as black, he is married to a black women, and his children are black. He's just as black as any descendent of slavery - in fact, perhaps more so, given that he has much more "pure" black blood running through his veins than the majority of black Americans do. I don't know anyone who claims he's not black enough. Every black person I know - without exception - feels good about Obama and enormously proud of him, whether or not they want him to run.

[Bucky]

2. Whoever becomes president will do so thru bypassing those who've tolled longer.

Democrats don't nominate our senior statesmen--not Biden, not Dodd, and certainly not the Reverend Jesse Jackson. We like to nominate new faces, we dream about knights in shining, albeit wonky, armor. Obama's no different. This article is premised on the perception that blacks are just somehow different than whites in politics.

You humans never surprise me.

[illinoisprogressive]

3. Are you a machine?? an android? lol

[madrchsod]

4. i am amazed that people who write this shit

get paid for it. sometimes i wish i`d have stayed in jr college newspaper production so i could get paid for my speculations. but then again i do have principals unlike the writer of this crap from the timesonline.

[illinoisprogressive]

5. these guys love to start crap and play pretend.

[BluegrassDem]

6. This article is so wrong for many reasons

First of all, it acts like Sharpton and Jackson somehow speaks for every black person like we don't have minds or something. It's ridiculous. All the black people I know are excited for Obama. If anything, most are worried that he's going to get assassinated. That seems to be more of a concern than anything else.

I think Sharpton may be a little jealous though. Obama comes out from nowhere and steals the limelight. Personally, he probably doesn't appreciate it. But to somehow make the generalization that all blacks feel like Sharpton is very insulting.

[Auntie Bush]

7. Also, Sharpton may run again himself so why should he be expected to give

accolades to his competition. He also might not want people to think he is just supporting Obama because he's black and wants him to earn his respect with time and not just jump on the band wagon. Some writers put too much psychology and analyzing in their writing. They should lighten up and stop looking for something to criticize.

[beaconess]

11. And to assume that Sharpton's feelings are unique to "black activists" is also insulting

I don't know how Sharpton feels about Obama, but if you're right that he is a little jealous, that probably puts him in the same frame of mind as Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, who are also having much of their limelight shaded by the Obama phenomenon. Race has nothing to do with it.

[JI7]

8. isn't this one of those murdoch sources ?

trying to make something out of nothing.

[JI7]

10. yup, it is a Murdoch paper

just checked.

[beaconess]

9. This is crap

What exactly is a "black activist" anyway? Funny that the Democrat quoted is simply a "Democratic strategist," but Black people who do political strategy are "black activists."

And since when does a failure to endorse a fellow black person who isn't even running yet mean that his "charm is lost" on them?

This piece is unmitigated bullshit.

[jefferson_dem]

12. Anyone surprised that sludge has linked to this yellow-journalistic non-story?

[Superman Returns]

13. i apologize

I didn't realize it was Murdoch's paper. And like I said, I support Obama, I was more fustrated with Jackson and Sharpson.

[beaconess]

14. Jackson and Sharpton have done nothing to undermine Obama at all

this is just an attempt to stir up controversy - some folks love nothing more than trying to pit black people against each other.

But it won't work this time. Obama's not stupid - he's laid his groundwork well and has established excellent relationships across the board. Jackson and Sharpton may not actively endorse him right away - for obvious reasons - but I'm sure they will do nothing to undercut him.

[oasis]

15. Crap article."They are basically jealous," said a Democratic strategist.

Riiiight. :puke:

[beaconess]

16. Doesn't look like a whole lot of hateration's going on here . . .

CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE BEST SHOT: http://www.petesouza.com/photos/Barack%20Obama/2/23/

[FrenchieCat]

17. The article is sooo full of shit, posting it was an insult to Obama.....

and to everyone concerned here at DU as well! :eyes:

[rhombus]

19. Sorry. Jackson and Sharpton do not speak for African-Americans

They are basically fighting for relevance at this stage. I'm tired of the media holding these two guys as the face of ALL African-Americans.


And without a doubt its true - They're superjealous of Obama's cross-cultural appeal to ALL Americans.

[beaconess]

22. They don't speak for AAs and don't claim to - that's a media boondoggle

Jackson and Sharpton don't speak for all African Americans any more than John Edwards or Mitt Romney speak for all white people. Holding so-called "black leaders" up as spokesmen for the race is the method of lazy reporters who don't want to bother figuring out what people who don't look like them really think and feel.

This approach once made sense - when blacks were not represented in politics, ad hoc "black leaders" were the only representatives anyone could turn to. But blacks are now represented - just like white folks - throughout most political entities. Some of our representatives are black, some aren't. And most of our black representatives also represent large numbers of white people, as well.

Yes, there are issues in which there may be a general African American perspective or in which African American interests are particularly important - but that doesn't mean that every black person is included in that - any more than someone who speaks up for women literally represents every single woman in America.

But I don't buy the claim that they're "jealous" of Obama. They both like and respect him and have been enormously supportive of him over the years. I think they both recognize their roles - and they are important roles - and also know that Obama and many other blacks appreciate all they have done to pave the road for him to be where he is today. Obama and Jackson were together just the other day at the CBC swearing in and were very warm to one another - and the audience cheered when Jackson was introduced as the man who, by running for president 20 years ago, made it possible for Obama to be this close to running now. This is not a zero sum game and Jackson and Sharpton don't need to be pitted against Obama this way.

I suspect one reason they've kept quiet is because they know that, at this point, if they jumped out in support of him, it would hurt him with some of the very people he needs to court and convince that he's not the kind of "black leader" that they disdain.

[Radical Activist]

29. You mean there are black activists other than Jackson and Sharpton?

I see no evidence of that in this article, or in most of the corporate media for that matter.

[bigdarryl]

20. Look i am a black man and i must say those SO CALLED civil rights leaders..

don't do shit for the black community and most of them are for themselves and how much money they can get. so the fact that there not to enthused with Obama doesn't bother me in the least.plus they don't speak for all African Americans anyway

[Bullet1987]

21. I don't totally buy that article...

...Just because Jackson and Sharpton aren't falling at his feet doesn't mean they don't (or won't) support him. I think the Black vote is going to come out strong if Obama gets the nomination in 2008.

[blm]

24. imo, the real leaders are those who refused to give government a pass on CIA drugrunning

when cheap cocaine was DELIBERATELY sent into urban communities in the 80s and early 90s with the intention of decimating an entire generation of black families.

The real leaders risked their lives and careers to step into an issue against a powerful CIA that was protected by secrecy and privilege, even by the WH operating at the time.

BET's American Gangster documentary series is a Must See. People need to re-assess what black AND white leaders have done and whose interests they have actually served - the CIA drugrunning story and hiow it was treated in 1996-1998 by lawmakers on a national, state and municipal level should give ALL OF US pause.

http://www.bet.com/BETShows/americangangster.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished

[FrenchieCat]

25. I believe you to be incorrect. Jesse Jackson was at our church

just a few months back giving away scholarships to about 150 deserving minority students in the Bay Area that his organization Rainbow Push payed for. In addition, he works with the GreenLine institute as well as others.

Hate to say this, but your indictment of the "so called" Black civil rights leaders sounds like sour grapes. The fact that Jesse Jackson ran for President in years past, and won quite a few primaries, is one of the reasons that Obama can do so now with much more ease. Respect for someone like Jesse Jackson shouldn't be simplistically based on "what have you done for me today?"....and the way that you have just attempted to vilify and demonize Jesse Jackson (which is what many whites have done over the years) in this post is shameful and shows that you have no clue....which leads me to wonder what kind of Black man are you, and what in the fuck have you done for the Black community that would allow you to portray another Black man in such a cliched and negative way?

I am not as informed on Rev. Sharpton's contributions, but I still would prefer that he not be judged in the manner in which you have. There's enough White Folks that will do what you are doing....why add to the pile-on? Just cause you can? How dreadful of you!

[beaconess]

35. You are SO right, Frenchie

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton work their asses off trying to better their communities. Both of them could long ago have sold out or just retired, but they work day in and day out to the point of exhaustion trying to make a difference. People may disagree with their perspective and their positions, but it is bullshit to attack them as ineffective or uncaring.

[leesa]

23. Do they smell a con man? There is some reason the corporatists are embracing

Obama. There is some reason he is being promoted as a Superstar. The network corporatists do not do this for populists folks. Have some promises been made?

[Jai4WKC08]

26. Maybe they just figure he'll be easier to beat than Hillary

Obviously the corporatists and their media dogs are most interested in seeing another Republican elected in 2008. The forming GOP field is very weak, and the country as a whole is not happy with them as a party. Only McCain stands much of a chance of winning the general, because he spent so long nurturing a media image that distances him from run of the mill Republicans. But first he has to get thru his primaries and the GOP activist base can't stand him. So the corporate media shove McCain down the throat of the Republicans and offer up to us the Democrats easiest for McCain to beat.

I happen to like Obama, altho he is often way too willing to compromise. But there's no way America will vote for a one-term senator who looks like a kid over a hardened war veteran, especially one with McCain's reputation as a straight-talker who fights for what's right (fabricated as that image may be).

Maybe we'll get lucky and McCain's support for the "surge" (escalation) will backfire on him. Maybe his health and age problems will become more noticable. I wonder if either will happen in time. Especially the latter -- look how long they hid Reagan's deterioration. What I'd really like to see happen is for Congress to stop the surge (not holding my breath tho); but if they do, that helps McCain even more with the GOP base. There's not good outcome to any of this.

[ripple]

27. It's called ratings

As far as politicians go, Obama is about as appealing as they come for the non-political observer. It also doesn't hurt that he has such an interesting background.

Obama has a number of progressive ideological qualities and policy positions that go beyond his surface appeal. It sould be a shame to see these dismissed, simply because the media happens to like him right now.

[Radical Activist]

30. They promoted Dean hard-core before they tore him down.

Don't be so conspiratorial. Obama is an appealing figure for many reasons.
Of course, I would call Dean a corporatist so...

[shance]

28. Is Obama black?

Who would know?

;)

[Imagevision]

31. Have you noticed anything with Obama in it gets huge threads-- bullshit or otherwise

[snowbear]

32. I've noticed too.. and I think that Murdoch article is one of the bullshit ones!

I would've never started this thread and dragged over such a garbage RIGHTIE p.o.s. article.

But hey.. I'm like you ImageVision.. I like Barack too!!!

[Superman Returns]

33. I guess that is an insult towards me

I'm game. But this atricle is also on Huffington Post, hardly a right-wing website. Look, I like and possibly will support Obama. Check my post history if you want. I did not start a thread to undermine his candidacy but instead to talk about some of the issues the article brought up - such as the notion by some that its time for a new generation to take the mantle on issues such as civil rights.

[Dean Martin]

34. I can't really speak on the issues.....

....concerning Revs Jackson, Sharpton, and Sen. Obama, because I am white and I don't know what it's like to grow up in this white dominated world as an African American. I am attempting all I can to learn what it's like. Nathan McCall's book "Makes Me Wanna Holler" is a book every US citizen should be required to read, along with a book called "Black Indians", the author of whom escapes me now.
I am currently reading Senator Obama's first book and so far I am enjoying it immensely and I like Sen. Obama quite a bit, although I'm not too thrilled about his plan for liquified coal.

I will say my fiance, who is African American says right now she would probably vote for Obama if he is nominated and runs for President. She considers herself Independent as far as politics are concerned.

I hope more African Americans also contribute their opinions to this and other threads considering Sen. Obama, as I'd love to hear them.

[donsu]

36. charm is a tricky word

I'd advise using a different description of the man's personality

[Bullet1987]

37. McCain is a false image

I happen to like Obama, altho he is often way too willing to compromise. But there's no way America will vote for a one-term senator who looks like a kid over a hardened war veteran, especially one with McCain's reputation as a straight-talker who fights for what's right (fabricated as that image may be).

Obama fought against the authorization of the Military Commissions Act. There's also no way America will vote for another warhawk President. This public image McCain has is such a ficade because the man is a total neocon on foreign policy. And his commitment to the "surge" shows that.

[qwlauren35]

38. Most of us

Okay, maybe not most of us, but a LOT of us consider Jackson and Sharpton to be a joke, and many of us are quite happy that Jackson and Sharpton are staying the h*ll away from Obama.

Their voices bring NOTHING to the table as far as I can see.

I don't need some "baby daddy" to endorse Obama. And that's the most visible thing I've seen Jackson do lately, i.e. father a child out of wedlock.

Notice what you don't see... Al & Jesse aren't exactly jumping up and down against the Iraqi War, or talking about the disportionate number of black soldiers. I don't see them pushing for health care or the minimum wage (Jackson's son is doing this, IN CONGRESS!) which would benefit black communities.

They just make symbolic gestures.... banning the N word.

And the fact that people still think that they have clout is, in some ways, embarrassing. Grandstanding is not LEADERSHIP.

[TheDonkey]

39. Not that much of a problem. Articles today show that Obama is rocking Rainbow/Push

events. The few bitter activists will get over themselves.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070115/ap_on_go_co/democrats_king

[chimpymustgo]

40. I'm not sure it's fair to characterize the people quoted as "a few bitter activists".

I think the "reporter" takes great liberties to paint them as lukewarm. They are like most us - waiting to see he has to offer, how he stacks up against the other candidates.

[dtotire]

41. Obama

I feel he needs a little more seasoning. How about 2016?