The euphoria that I and many others felt after Obama's victory in Iowa was soon tempered by the reality of the bloodfeud that had to come as She-Clinton and Obama compete for the Democratic nomination. While it was great to re-examine the reality of racism in America and the possibility of a Black man becoming president from a perspective of optimisim and hope; it is oftentimes best to allow cynicism to enter our minds just to keep things honest.
With the spectre of political correctness permeating nearly every aspect of our society; it is oftentimes difficult to get a straight answer out of anyone when the question pertains to a cntroversial topic. In New Hampshire, Obama had a 10% lead and was about to put another nail in the Clinton coffin until something strange happened, he lost. The only explanation for this outcome is that some of the White voters polled would rather lie about their intentions to vote for a Black candidate than possibly be branded a racist by telling the true feelings. This is where cynicism has its place and in tandem with something negative it NEVER fails to reveal the truth.
If we look at recent history in regard to race relations it is never moments like the March On Washington, Thurgood Marshall's appointment to the Supreme Court etc. that reveals where we stand as a nation, Rather it is events such as the L.A. riots and the O.J. Simpson trial that bring out our true colors. The riots and more significantly the Simpson trial had elements that wouldn't allow for fence riding and political correctness: crime, sex, interracial marriage and the Criminal justice system just to name a few forced people to truly speak their minds. In much the same way the Primary being located in South Carolina allowed for the same perfect storm.
The legacy of slavery, the confederate flag and an electorate that was nearly 50/50 Black and White in terms of population gave us the opportunity to have a better glimpse at where we truly stand. Watching some White voters openly stating that " Obama, Osama is too close of a connection" and the first "Black President" and his wife becoming suddenly paler by the minute as a means to win at any cost really demonstrates just how far we have actually come in terms of race relations. While Obama did win and captured 22% of the White vote, what happened in South Carolina was meant to set the stage for the major showdown on Super tuesday.
South Carolina was the only place that the Clintons felt comfortable in making their implicit overtures for the White vote to counter the supposed mandate that Black voters have now given Obama. Taking this into consideration with the crying game, I can't wait to see how things play out on Super Tuesday.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
It's On
Barack Obama just won the Iowa Caucus.
Now when the Obama campaign began with the slogan of "The Audacity of Hope" my immediate response was a synical "Another Jackson run". Obama would run as a means of inspiration with no chance of winning despite the multi-million dollar war-chest and the blessings of Oprah. While I still feel the same way; his victory tonight has stripped me of the cynicism I once had.
To make it plain, I don't believe that America is ready for the paradigm shift that would have to occur in order to elect a Black man as the leader of the free world. With that said, I am very much excited and intrigued by how close Obama can get to that unthinkable goal. With Hillary coming in 3rd the coronation is officially over and the bloodfeud that I was expecting is about to begin.
The opportunity to see 'The First Black President" and she-Clinton battle with Obama over who is more authentically Black in places like South Carolina and elsewhere is pay-per view worthy. The possibility that the euphoria of tonight's victory turns into stoic pragmatism amongst White voters as we get closer to November is also a point of interest.
The closest we have been to anything like this was the possibility of Colin Powell running for President. While Powell would win in all of the hypothetical matchups, his viability as a real candidate was never put the test. With Obama, there is something tangible to put all of that prior speculation to the test.
The Audacity Of Hope, while I am not a believer; I am a lot more open to being converted.
Now when the Obama campaign began with the slogan of "The Audacity of Hope" my immediate response was a synical "Another Jackson run". Obama would run as a means of inspiration with no chance of winning despite the multi-million dollar war-chest and the blessings of Oprah. While I still feel the same way; his victory tonight has stripped me of the cynicism I once had.
To make it plain, I don't believe that America is ready for the paradigm shift that would have to occur in order to elect a Black man as the leader of the free world. With that said, I am very much excited and intrigued by how close Obama can get to that unthinkable goal. With Hillary coming in 3rd the coronation is officially over and the bloodfeud that I was expecting is about to begin.
The opportunity to see 'The First Black President" and she-Clinton battle with Obama over who is more authentically Black in places like South Carolina and elsewhere is pay-per view worthy. The possibility that the euphoria of tonight's victory turns into stoic pragmatism amongst White voters as we get closer to November is also a point of interest.
The closest we have been to anything like this was the possibility of Colin Powell running for President. While Powell would win in all of the hypothetical matchups, his viability as a real candidate was never put the test. With Obama, there is something tangible to put all of that prior speculation to the test.
The Audacity Of Hope, while I am not a believer; I am a lot more open to being converted.
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