Sebelius: Obama’s race ‘may be a factor’

[Freddie Stubbs]

By John Deeth 9/16/08 8:31 PM

IOWA CITY — Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius publicly considered the possibility that Sen. Barack Obama’s race might be a factor in this year’s presidential election during an appearance here Tuesday.

“Have any of you noticed that Barack Obama is part African-American?” Sebelius asked in response to a question about why the election is so close. “That may be a factor. All the code language, all that doesn’t show up in the polls. And that may be a factor for some people.”

The remark, delivered in the governor’s low key, folksy, out-from-behind-the-podium style, raised a couple chuckles but few eyebrows in the downtown Iowa City crowd, but Republicans took offense and responded in short order.

“Governor Sebelius’s remarks in Iowa City today are hurtful and divisive at best,” said Republican Party of Iowa Executive Director Caleb Hunter in a press release. “With less than 50 days to go, Democrats will continue to try and change the focus away from the issues that will decide this election.”

more: http://iowaindependent.com/5627/sebelius-obamas-race-may-be-a-factor

[DU9598]

1. truth hurts

The republicans can spew it, but cannot take the heat.

[BeyondGeography]

2. Mistake

We gain nothing...other than people saying we're playing the race card.

Don't do it again, Kathleen.

[Phoonzang]

3. Really?? I never considered that.

;)

[abumbyanyothername]

4. Bring on the Issues

<<“With less than 50 days to go, Democrats will continue to try and change the focus away from the issues that will decide this election.”>>

Please. Let's make this campaign about issues.

[AspenRose]

5. Hmm, looks like she hit a nerve

Anytime the GOP sends a waaaambulance, it's because somebody hit a nerve telling the TRUTH

[firedupdem]

6. His race is the ONLY reason this race is close but you're right...

Obama can't say it, but we can.

[ErinBerin84]

7. lol

"Democrats will continue to try and change the focus away from the issues that will decide this election."

Nearly every surrogate ALWAYS gets the question "Do you think race will play a factor?? Why isn't he further ahead??", it's tempting to admit that yes, perhaps, instead of spewing out the usual "of course not".

[SuperTrouper]

8. Governor Sebelius is correct. Race is the 800 pound gorilla in the room

and we all try to ignore it. It is definitely a factor and thank God that Young America is becoming color-blind because I expect the elderly to vote McSame even to their own detriment because Obama does not look like them. And it is not the race card, it is reality. Now back to the issues...

[terrya]

9. Considering that some of McCain's supporters came up with "Obama Waffles"....

and that horribly offensive, racist package....

Of course it's a factor.

And I'm glad Governor Sebelius brought it up.

[rurallib]

10. "Democrats will try to change the focus away from the issues."

Gotta wonder if the reporter that took down that quote didn't laugh right in his face.
Wonder if old Caleb didn't utter the words "Obama called Palin a pig" once or twice this month?
Edit to add - I know that writer. I am sure he arched an eyebrow at least.

[EffieBlack]

11. Shhhhh! If we don't mention that he's black and that some people won't vote for him because of it

the issue will go away and the people who won't vote for him because he's black will end up voting for him since they won't know that WE know that they know he's black.

:sarcasm:

[Frustratedlady]

12. She spoke later in Burlington and did a good job.

She held everyone's attention and answered the questions fully. I was glad I attended.

[elocs]

13. To believe that race is not a factor in this election for some voters is a silly and naive notion.

To believe otherwise is to live in some kind of Liberal, Nirvana Never-Neverland. So if we pretend that race is not a factor it magically makes it so? Why is it that there are some voters who hold otherwise core Democratic values who are somehow at this point still undecided? I think that there are people who are "undecided" because it is politically incorrect to reveal the real reason why they just cannot bring themselves to declare for Obama even though they may agree with him on most of the issues. I don't believe that stating the obvious is "playing the race card". The card is there and we may as well call it for what it is. Yes, race is the 800 pound gorilla in the room and it is silly of us to claim that we just do not notice it.