I watch almost nightly, and I’ll admit — he can annoy the heck out of me sometimes. But underneath the silliness, the self promotion, and the bluster, there beats a passionately liberal and honorable heart. And I love that.
Last night he eloquently expressed what I was feeling about the Geraldine Ferraro fiasco, which in my opinion, will prove to be one of the biggest nails in Hillary Clinton’s campaign coffin. Thank you, Keith, for using your platform so effectively.
Oh, and by the way… to Mark Penn, the Clinton strategist who says Obama can’t win the general election — if the people of Pennsylvania are anything like Philly girl Ryan Barrett, I think you better get ready for a big “yes, we can!” in your face.
What are your thoughts on Geraldine Ferraro’s comments?
It was only a matter of time before someone said what Ferraro said. She said what plenty of people think. Other than Olbermann, these pundits are slyly treating Ferraro like a pure, brave soul who spoke the truth that everyone else is afraid to say. She helped Democrats lose 49/50 states back in the day but she’s the she’s some awesome genius.
I read somewhere today that Clinton’s campaign is calling for MSNBC to fire him, but who knows if that’s actually true. In the meantime, gas is about to hit $4 out here in LA.
I think the Clinton camp wants to stir the pot to see how far the can push Obama until the “Angry Black Man” comes out so the can then say see you can’t have that guy as President. Obama is setting such a good example for all minorities to keep a level head when faced with racism. BTW I’m a unicorn…a black Hispanic. We really exist and we vote too.
I think she is one of those closet racists who say things like…”But some of my best friends are black!” Whatever! From the early 1980s until now, she has made comments, always attributing any support or success of a black person running for president to being black. That is racist. The fact that she was completely unapologetic shows that she just does not get it, and most true racists don’t. They don’t understand how they offend, because in their world, they are truly expressing a legitimate and ultimate truth. Like Obama said on cnn.com, if anybody thinks that an African-American whose last name is Obama (much less middle name Hussein) has some kind of advantage because of that, puhleeze! Because he has apparently has appeal across the spectrum of race, economics, and gender, and isn’t running on a savior of the black race platform, some people can’t take it and try to pigeonhole him, anyway.
Wow! That was absolutely powerful to see! I think that her comments are what she truly believes and that’s a total shame. This world is so big, and to have such small-minded people running it has got to change. And she said those things because she fears that change. The very change that she knows Obama will bring when he’s elected into office. I think it’s very sad that Clinton allowed herself to be associated with this and didn’t take a more firm stand against this blatantly racist woman. However, I can only expect that non-commital attitude of hers because that’s how she’s always been as a senator, and how she WOULD be if she were to miraculously become president. She is not a woman who stands firm for what she believes in (if she truly believes in anything) because she’s trying too hard to play the politician instead of making a difference or, at the very least, doing what she was elected to do – serve the PEOPLE’S interest. Ferraro’s comments are inexcusable, and to have such a lack-luster response to them is inexcusable. So for me, I would rather not vote at all than for Clinton if, by that miracle/ sabotaged voting results, Obama somehow doesn’t make it as the final candidate.
“YES WE CAN!!
@ Fina, I, too, find it nerve racking that Black Hispanics are not apart of the country’s racial debates.
I do not think that Obama will get nasty with Hillary because he better know better and he has to fight off McCain and Clinton (such a shame)
Ferraro is mistaken about Mr. Obama because she was picked by Mondale unlike Mr. Obama, who, has created a campaign from the grassroots up. The problem is that Hillary thought she had the nomination on lock prior to the primaries and Mr. Obama came from nowhere to overtake her in the popular vote and delegate count. She wants to be president too bad and it has made her crazy.
The Geraldine Ferraro comment was a classic Clinton strategic move. I believe this was all part of her plan to plant the seed of doubt in people’s minds as to whether Barack Obama is really qualified to do the job. Sure, Geraldine took the fall, and Hillary “apologized” and disagreed with the comment, but it accomplished what she wanted to do.
Bravo Keith!!! We need more people to speak openly and publicly about how dysfunctional the Clinton campaign is and stand against blatent racism. I do find it interesting that Clinton and alot of her inner circle have made “inappropriate” comments and need to resign or be silenced (as Bill has been). If you notice–people surround themselves with like minded people, so for all of the Clinton supporters–they need to be mindful of that. What we see in public, is a small window into what the mentality is of the Clinton campaign. I can’t say I am shocked, I work with someone who has views like to Ferraro (I call him Archie Bunker). He even had the nerve to say to me “you realize if you weren’t a black, and a women, you wouldn’t be where you are today”….now he thought this was funny–and was trying to “repeat” Ferraro’s comment. As we all know—and as I explained to him–it wasn’t funny–he wasn’t funny—and Ferraro’s comments were racist. Sadly this mentality is still prevalant in 2008. However, it’s time for change!!!!!
I agree with all of the comments,but there is something that I need to say.I feel that Diann Sawyer should have really let Geraldine have it on Good Morning America yesterday,and she just let Geraldine run the show.Where was Robin Roberts?,because she would have let her have it.Robin does not bite her tongue when it comes to the Clintons,and she has my respect for this ,because a lot of reporters are afraid to say what they feel about Hillary.All that I can say is “Get them Keith”.
It’s the same kind of subtle, insidious racism that makes someone ask “What sport do you play?” or when a minority person mentions they went to college on a scholarship. I remember someone telling me I was “taking one of their [white, natch]friends’ spots” with my academic scholarship. It’s the stupid idea that the “Other” are somehow ‘getting over’ because we’re not smart, talented or otherwise qualified enough to succeed on our own merits. What’s frightening (but unsurprising) is how many people agree with Ferraro.
When This campaign first began I was excited because either way history was being made for myself….one being a woman and two being an african american..So at first I would have been happy either way. Now I am disgusted and appalled at Sen. Clinton and her surrogates and campaign. I am beyond upset.. It seems like one of the 10 commandments have been broken when someone speaks ill of her and her family but when someone from her camp speaks ill of Sen. Obama its ok…Her National Co Chair and campaign mananger( both african american) needs to go and slap themselves silly for standing by a campaign who is has racist comments intended or not. Almost everyone of Ms Ferraros campaigns she lost and when she was running for vice president they tore her family apart and dragged her name thru the mud as well as her husbands…But its ok for her to do that now…. I am soooo glad and pleased that SOMEONE had the nerve and balls to voice what we were all feeling and saying. I am so glad whether intended or not Keith gave some of US a voice on a national level. However No matter what happens its a shame that in 2008 those views expressed my Ms Ferraro is shared by many americans today regardless of race. But I do say that As an African American Woman I was offended by these continuious comments made by Sen. Clintons Campaign and in no shape for or fashion will I ever support her. I have and will continue to pledge my support behind Sen. Obama not because I am African American or because I am from Chicago but because he is the best candidate to lead this country into a brighter future.
Go Keith. Weeks ago I posted a long response on my blog about all the Clinton’s “code words”. Do they think we are stupid? My brother worked in the Clinton Administration and I worked on the 92 campaign. We are both so over them.
HRC is all about winning at any cost even if it rips the party apart. I said it before, if she is the nominee I will not vote for her.
He nailed this!!! I’ve been extremely frustrated with the Clinton campaign. This woman will NOT get my vote. PERIOD. And Olbermann’s commentary explains my thoughts better than I ever could. That was ON POINT!!
@ Fina –
I know you exist, and was getting soooo frustrated with the whole “Latins only vote for Clinton” talk. Obviously, mainstream media does not understand that one can be of a multitude of racial backgrounds – and still be Latin. How this has been overlooked is beyond me. :-/
Re: Olberman – BRAVO!!! I’ve watched his show a few times in the past week, and he definitely does not bite his tongue. Thank goodness! He had words regarding HRC’s praise of John McCain as well, questioning her “strategy.”
T
Really, what can be said after that? I should be so well spoken!
My prayer? That America aligns more with Olbermann than Ferraro.
My Opinion on the Ferraro situation is that, for some one who has given tons of speeches she sure messed this one up. However I won’t call her a racist, she just chose the wrong words at the wrong time. Comments like that wont go un-noticed or un-criticized in this country any longer.
She should know better for some one of her caliber.
And Stepping down was the best thing she could do. And at least she should have some dignity to not go on every news media outlet and speak her mind, and not apologize. She’s no racist(?) she’s just stupid. And it cost her a potential job of a life time with the Possible ,First Women President.
But I also feel that she took one for the team, there is a clever political strategist behind every Presidential Campaign.
Oh and I really love Keith Olberman too! He tells it like it is with Heart, Sass and Professionalism!
I cant see the video.. 🙁
OK … I saw the video on MSN.com! Ditto to Keith!
I think Ferraro’s fiasco might help Obama in the end. I think only Pat Buchanan sides with her – and everyone knows he’s a racist fool.
But we’ll see.
My girl at angryblackbitch.blogspot.com said it best……and i quote:
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008
Dear Geraldine…
This is not an attack.
This is a response.
I woke up at 4 o’clock in the morning thinking about you, Geraldine.
I lay there listening to my sorta-beagles snore and wondered if you really think that Senator Obama is still in this race solely because he is a black man.
I don’t know you, Geraldine, and I don’t assume a person is decent simply because they hold a certain status in the Democratic Party and feminist history. This bitch has never met you, but I sure as shit know what it is like to have someone attribute my success to my being black.
It’s the freakiest mind fuck out there to have someone treat what has been the source of oppression like it is the “it†benefit of 2008.
But you know that, don’t you…Geraldine?
And it is a sadly powerful attack that dismisses all the hard work; the years spent biting your tongue, the ass whoopings you chose to hold back and the cussing outs that never happened even though not telling someone about themselves almost caused you physical pain.
Blink.
Pause…sip water…continue.
“If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position,” Ferraro said. “And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”
Which I translate to mean that you, Geraldine, think Alan Keyes just had bad timing.
Yeah.
Right.
Let’s get real, Geraldine. You don’t give a flying shit whether you offend the hell out of some people as long as your message gets through to the right people. The kind of people who hear a quote like that and are thankful that someone said it…fucking cheer when they hear it then eagerly e-mail it to five friends…and can’t believe you’re catching hell for it.
Those people…
…who you need to fire up and are confident the tried and true fuel of ‘gender trumps race’ will get it done and bring in some money.
This trifling ass shit has left me unable to imagine a scenario where I cast the vote people risked their lives and died to achieve for me for a candidate who’s campaign insults what I stand for and the principles I believe in.
Hey thanks.
This has been so fucking not nice.
And next time don’t bother with the “and if he was a woman (of any color)†pander, okay?
I haven’t been caught up in that unified sisterhood concept yet, honey…and your verbal malfunction didn’t help with that shit one bit.
I’m not attacking you because you are white.
This is coming at you because you’re wrong…
Hi all! I agree with everything that has been said about G. Ferraro. But I wanted to comment on Afrobella’s hope that folks in PA think like Philly Girl Ryan Barrett….Well, I’m a Philly girl and unfortunately Philly is nothing like the rest of PA. PA is a Commonwealth, conservative in thinking, primarily made up of blue collar White folks and very geographically racially segregated. I’ll stop short of saying that most of PA is racist because I don’t know for sure but I know parts of Philly are racially segregated and very racist but its still primarily African-American and Dem. Actually, PA is pretty Republican though the current Gov. is a Dem. Obama will more than likely carry Philly and maybe even Pittsburgh and I’ll jump out there and say maybe Harrisburg but the rest of PA is made up of Hillary’s base. Folks that unfortunately probably agree with GF. I truly hope that Obama wins PA but I won’t be shocked if she carries it.
Anderson who?
Well said Oberman!!
Zune and iPod: Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano. It’s very colorful and lovely OLED screen is slightly smaller than the touch screen, but the player itself feels quite a bit smaller and lighter. It weighs about 2/3 as much, and is noticeably smaller in width and height, while being just a hair thicker.