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When a white leader endorses a white candidate, is that based solely on race? Generations of white have been voting solely for white candidates over and over. Now at a state of heightened hypocracy, they claim blacks are only voting for a half black candidate based on skin color.

Open your mind, learn the candidates and their policies, and then make up your minds.

Tell the World we are for OBAMA!

For Shawnie and everyone else who down play the endorsement of Fenty for Obama show just what they are thinking and who they support. Hillary was endorse by the Mayor of Trenton NJ, that's hardly any symbolizm, Trenton like DC is Majority black, however unlike DC it has no National spotlight, FENTY was elected by majority Whites counties in DC and the black majority. To believe because Fenty (Biracial) is black some sort of back door deal took place is beyond me. The beauty of 2008 is that it is a CHANGE CAMPAIGN and OBAMA is that change. He represents all that is good in America, Hillary represents all that is old, all that is established and all that is WRONG. I am black, I am REPUBLICAN, but I swore no oath to any political establisment. I am my own person, in mind, body and spirit, having FREE WILL, I will vote for OBAMA this election and next November. It is no coincidence that OBAMA hails from the LAND OF LINCOLN, he represents the true virtues of all Americans, those whom have sceen the light and those still hoping, he represent a living embodiment of the Constitution and it's Articles, it is by and for the people, and he is that which has come. The National Media with all it's intentions, the journalist with all their bias can't change what is written. Hope is just that, the realization is, OBAMA is going to be the PRESIDENT of these United States, it is going to take place like a slow moving wind across this nation, from Sea to shining Sea, from the East Coast to the West Coast, from the Midwest to the South, OBAMA is the only Uniter and he is NOT devisive and he respects everyone politics, belief and values, he doesn't play to the left or the right. America at this time and place cannot afford to elect another divider to be President. Change is always good, OBAMA and America time has come. In OBAMA as in America, people see a bright Beacon of Hope and Opportunity, and yes a Dream now realized for all American. It is what makes us great and what will again unites us! I ask you all to become apart of the history and be about change for the better. He trancends all political and social boundaries, he is the light within you,..VOTE OBAMA, PRESIDENT 2008!
Yes tell your neigbor, your mama, your brother, your sister, tell the entire whole wide world, change is coming, we will elect OBAMA!

Regarding what Ilona Scherberg said, local politics in a territory like DC are a bit different from those in the states. The mayor's office might be considered to be closer to a governor, as Fenty runs the entire territory - at least to the extent that the federal government allows. Local politics are strong in DC, because it has historically been barred from participating in national politics, and even the permission to elect its own mayor was only granted in 1973. Fenty won a more or less landslide victory in the last election, in part because of his plan to assume direct control of the local schools and reform them in a manner similar to the NYC public school system. His endorsement carries a lot of local weight.

Here is a surprise. The Mayor is right up Obama's alley. Last month Obama was in DC talking at Howard explaining how he was going to increase funding to our "so-called" underfunded school system. DC schools allocates 13000 dollars a year to every child in public schools, one of the highest amounts in the country, and all of those schools are still failing to meet grade level. We already pay more for public education, per student (not in general, a really big difference), than any industrialized country in the world. Throwing more money at these problems will not help. Maybe Sen. Obama and the Mayor should discuss why DC schools are under performing despite their apparent wealth. Of course, that would mean Obama would have to start questioning teacher's unions and stop relying on class/race politics for cheap ovations. It would also mean that he might have to get his hands dirty instead of just hiking up taxes for those who have been able to become successful. Real problems require real solutions; not politics. I have yet to hear any real solutions from Obama. But, what should I expect from a guy that has only been on the scene for a couple of years.

If the mayor was white, would he still endorse Obama? Serious question. Does it even matter? When the camera is on you won't get the real answer. Watch for the votes coming in election day. You'll see how race affects things.

Fenty says he is supporting Obama because he will try and get DC it's own reps and senators. Imagine, a city counted as a state! And then Obama says at the same event

“Too often we’ve seen a government that is run by special interests and lobbyists who roam the halls of Congress, while average Americans are struggling to fill up their gas tanks or save for their child’s college education or save for their own retirement,” Obama said at the endorsement event that was attended by more than 100 people. “And, I’m running to change that kind of politics.”

Is the irony of Fenty's endorsement in exchange for Obama's support of Fenty's special interest lost on anyone here?

As long as Marion Barry stays silent, it could be an endorsement from people that were going to support him regardless.

Let's face facts. Obama is a political 'token'. He has no real concrete background, but naturally he has to pursue the Black vote. His endorsements from others are more humorous than anything. He needs to run on concrete issues, don't appear and cater to the 'Oprah crowd'. Oh wait, too late, CNN just reported he'll attend a $2300 fundraiser at Oprah's private Santa Barbara mansion! Good God, I need to upchuck.

Obama has more years in political office than Hillary does. He's been an elected official for 11 years, Hillary has only been an elected official for 8 years. Do Hillary's 8 years as First Lady count as experience?

Wrong and dishonest answer, Obama.
"it's because we haven't been running national T.V. ads," Hillary worked over 35 years for America everywhere and everything, it is her career and experiences, it wasn't T.V. ads. You have no experience like other candidates, that's why people couldn't vote you, it means you are not ready for the leader of America yet.

Duh...? This is hardly a compelling endorsement. Moreover, the guy is a MAYOR, for Pete's sake. Do you care who the mayor of your city votes for?? IMO, Obama exploits such non-events for the same reason he calls buyers of buttons and hats 'donors'. He is really desperate to seem weighty.

This was a deal made in the back room. Fenty – "I will support you if you will get DC equal status to a state in Congress". Obama – "OK, sounds like a deal." This is low-ball politics.