C.R,

Keep in mind that Fmr Pres. Bill Clinton had no National political experience. He was the Gov. of Arkansas. That's state level. If you believe simply simmering in Congress or the Senate for 8 years gives you experience then you are ignorant of the fact the their are tons of career Senators/Congressmen that routinely make inaccurate and downwrite incorrect statements regarding national and world affairs.

The president is a manager. Short and sweet. Or current one has never been a good manager in any venture and it shows. If you believe HRC's abilities as a person that can "manage" this country, then fine. But so far, I've inadequacies from all the candidates. HRC and Obama need to show me they can reign in the comments of their own staffs before I'd feel comfortable with them choosing a staff that would begin steering us out of the mess in which we currently reside.

Charlie Rangel proved tothe world that he is the one that is stupid. The Republicans were telling us about this man now we believe.

Judy Lorraine, thank you for your excellent post!
I was going to add something but you have already shed the light of truth on this all.

C.R. ……8 or 9 years as Senator means nothing. While I applaud you for your selection process on voting not being based on race…..I do find that hard to believe. Well, if one is honest with themselves.

Lack of experience does not mean one will fail at a job. But, having the right people in positions does mean the job can be done effectively.

Obama supporters are the same as Hillary's, African American, Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, etc. (no intended order) Not all blacks are voting for Obama, not all whites are voting for Hillary. Not all women are voting for Hillary. So your comment is a bit juvenile and lacks intelligence.

Hillary lacks consistency. Hillary lacks honor. Hillary lacks the ability to be responsible. Her past record shows that. Look at some of the people that worked for them when Bill was in office. Where are they now? Look at some of the worse people he pardoned and gave commutations to. Hillary "lost" important documents that were under investigation. Hillary flopped on a hedge and got away with it. Could you have done that? Could anyone else have done that?

Get educated about the process of Political elections. Determine for yourself who you want as your President. Research past presidents and similarities they share with current candidiates. Some platforms have not changed. There is a wealth of information out there that will assist you in making an intelligent comment about such an important race.

Professional Hustlers: Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Robert Johnson and Charlie Rangel.

He is just one of those black leaders who cannot stand the fact that Barack Obama is taking over as one the most intelligent and greatest black leader. Sorry for them, they have to get used to it.

I've been reading most of these statements. I am offended by the posters that are implying that if you're supporting HRC, then you are somehow disloyal to your race.I will not stomp with Obama simply because he happens to be black. I have to look past color & vote for the person that's more experienced. I prefer a candidate that can get the job done. There are alot of tough issues facing the next Prez.. Speaking as a black man I am not voting for Obama because of lack of experience, come back after you've served about 8 or 9 yrs as Senator. I am sure most of his supporters didn't even know who he was before this election started to approach.

Lisa, Texas… good word, good word!!!

From his looks, New York Rep. Charlie Rangel is the kind of person that will sell his soul for a piece of the national cake. Even CNN's "best political" team have said it that Obama never started the race issue and for a senator who should be better informed, working to unite the part to come forth and make such statement is pathetic.

Least I forget, can any of Hillary's supporter tell me categorically what Hillary has ever done for civil right?

Monstergirl….Obama is no puppet. However, Rangel, Jackson, Sharpton and Robert Johnson are the true puppets.

I suggest you take some time to read up on these guys.

Let's not forget that Rangel was the person who strongly suggested to Hillary that she run for president. When Obama asked Rangel whether Rangel thought he (Obama) should run, Rangel said that he was supporting Hillary but that Obama should run anyway because it would be the experience of a lifetime, or something to that effect.

Obama is just another puppet! But everyone is to blind to see it.

'Like craps in a barrel."

I am baffled by the fact that so many people who have commented about this article have repeated the spin that it was Senator Obama who first injected race into this presidential campaign. The facts clearly show otherwise. The Clinton Campaign first injected race. And I believe it did so as a subtle reminder to White voters of Senator Obama's race. I am futher baffled by the fact that the Clintons were able to invent a lie and almost "make it truth" simply by repeating it over and over again.

I am afraid for our country because I do not think that we have forever to bridge our racial divide. We have some very immediate and complex issues to deal with–the war in Iraq, terrorism, health care reform, the growing divide between rich and poor, global warming, the current economic downturn, the continued explosiveness of the Middle East, etc. I had hoped that Senator Obama's candidacy had signaled that America was finally going to be "America" –that we would resolve our differences, heal historical wounds and start trusting and working with one another; that we would actually start judging one another on the basis of character rather than skin color, nationality, religious affiliation, gender or sexual preference; that it was possible to hope. Senator Obama gave me hope. He made me enthusiastic again about the political process–a significant feat considering I am nearing 60. He was restoring my faith in the system.

The Clintons shattered that. The Clinton Campaign showed me just how foolish I was being. Senator Clinton sneers at the very idea of hope. She made my dream a nightmare. For her own personal gain, she knowingly engaged in very divisive tactics and character assasination against her fellow Democrats Senators Obama and Edwards.

I am praying for Senator Obama. I hope his optimism has not been shattered by the Clintons' tactics and the public's failure to read, think and analyze for themselves.

Holly, maybe YOU should pay more attention to my comments. I never once said anything negative about HRC in my post. In fact, I stated that I respect what she donand Bill Clinton have done. But that my choice will be Obama. And my choosing Obama does not negate anything that Hillary or Bill Clinton have done in the past. Do I not have that right? Interesting how my words have been twisted.

And no, I am not a pretender…or new to politics. Should I infer that anyone who chooses to vote for anyone other than HRC, must be "a pretender", or new to politics?" Wow! I thought this was America. Has my right to vote been revoked and no one told me?

In my post, I asked, please show me where the Obama introduced race? To that specific question you offered no answer. Just as blanket statement that "of course you dont see that". Well I have no problems finding multiple examples of HRC making race an issue. But to make one thing clear….I dont think that HRC is racist…I agree that her comments were "ill advised".

I really dont understand your argument with me. Much in the same way that I dont understand the Hillary camp arguing that Obama has played the race card, when (by everything that I have seen…by my own research, and not just what the blogs are saying) they are the ones who introduced it.

If you can show me SPECIFIC cased that prove the opposite, then please share them with me. I like to make informed decisions….not just blindly attack anyone who disagrees with me.

I am disappointed in Charlie Rangel’s statements, he has proven to me that he is nothing but the Clinton's man dingo, in this day in time where the Blackman has been associated with nothing but negativity in every form of media in America, he has the ordacity to say that Sen. Obama is stupid! Nothing could be further from the truth. However, he has never said that George W. Bush was stupid, Even after katrina and what he did to the people of New Orleans. What's stupid America is being led by someone who has no respect for the American people or the Presidency of the United States. Its amazing that America would hold Bill Clinton as bearer of morality, (The same man who ejaculated in the orifice of his 20 year old intern repeatedly according to her testimony "in the oval office") The same man who swore it was a lie until his dna turned up on the dress, the same man that during his term sent more black men to the penitentiary than any other president. He is the same man that signed into legislation the 3 strikes rule. The same man that ordered rocket attacks on African cities. He has done nothing for black people that did not benefit him first. Think about this white America. With Barack Obama as our president we won’t have to worry about one group of people being left out, not even you. He is exactly what we need. He is man with a black heritage and a white heritage. Hillary Clinton didn't shed a tear when she found out that her husband had betrayed her in the worst way, when he had done the unspeakable. However, a woman from New Hampshire can make her cry with a question, please, you are all so gullible, this is why the world looks down there noses at us. Most of us will fall for anything and stand for nothing. The Clintons have a secret agenda, $, Sen. Obama has an agenda too, however, his agenda is “You” America. This country will become what it is suppose to become when he is President. “The Bearers of Peace”

Bob Johnson has changed his story. What he was talking about was the good community work Obama did in his youth. I am very disappointed in Mr. Johnson. You can read the full article on http://www.michellemalkin.com. She is very good political writer.

Whomever "Hillary 08″ is? You are about as scarey as Rangel is. When are you going to give up on the Muslim slams? The more I see your posts – the more I shake my head that in the year 2008, we still have narrow minded folks like you living and breathing in the UNITED States of America.

Bernie Moore-Knowles
Papa'aloa, Hawai'i

AA are divided very much -you know other races need to understand that the sorrry legacy of the black folk -both Africans and AA-they are brought up to think dat other people other than their race are better than them and will save them-this is a big fact that is hidden-barack is a bargainer including oprah and to note obama is black and white-shelby steele quoted-Al sharpton-challenger-all this so called self-proclaimed black leaders are jealous-obama will not be so stupid to make this into a race mess-leave him out of the fray-hillary should be more careful-sensitive like clyburn stated. have you people noticed- how many major black leaders have endorsed obama-none-it seems to me his mother's people are rescuing him more-i am not surprised-at work blacks will always gang up with a white person against another black person-whites/hispanics/asians are somewhat or very loyal to their own. sounds to me like this black race is ridden by low self-worth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlie Rangel and Bob Johnson etc. are out to stab Obama in the back. These guys need to get the facts right, feel the pulse of people and stop dreaming of favors and appointments from future Clinton administartion as at this rate she is not going to win the party nomination even. She is using her attack dogs to do her dirty work for her and play Mrs Nice on TV shows( that human side of hers is a BS). And Hillary Clinton who calls herself the champion of human rights , civil rights and women rights is trying to use GOP tactics by suppressing the Democrat vote in Nevada primaries. Shame on Clinton Campaign!!! Her position on on Iraq and Immigration changed multiple times whereas Obama's has been consistent.Public needs to know her true colors.

The choice in 2008 election is between:

Another dynastic rule after the Bushies vs a clean politician who can unite the country ( Jeb Bush figured this out and decided to lie low but Hillary did not)

Better future vs bitter future full of partisan wars

Merit versus married ( to an ex Prez and claiming his achievements as your own)

Enough is enough The American people cannot be fooled

WE ARE SOOOO STUPIT…. FIGHTING OVER CRUMBS AND GIVING THE ELECTION TO THE REPUBLICANS…

W.O Webb,
I responded to your questions below.
1.)Get a job! Then there will be no problems of unemployment or
underemployment in the African American community.
2.)Need Capital….See # 1
3.)Education is the responsibility of the parents, not government. All schools are
open to the African American community.
4.)Say NO to Drugs!!!!!! Say YES to Education!!!!!!
5.)Learn how to get along with each other. Stop the black on black violence, then
shucking and jiving will not mean anything to you.
6.)See # 3. Go to College, work in Corporate America, sign up for the health
benefits the job offers.
7.)Quit holding your hand out for free stuff. Get it like everyone else….
WORK FOR IT!!!!

Let me know if this helps.

He Wanted to reinstate the draft so that rich republican kids would have to go too. If that were indeed the case, this war would be over two years ago. The draft was a major reason why support for the anti war movement during Viet Nam had any traction at all.

Who cares what an old Uncle Tom who genuflects at the altar of the Clinton's thinks?
Rangel is all about Rangel and cares nothing for Black folks.

I'm not a Hillary supporter at all. I'm for John Edwards. But I do want to say that to infer in any way that what Mrs Clinton said was racist is just idiotic. She was making a plain and simple statement of fact. LBJ signed the legislation into law. It took a president to do this. Dr. King couldn't do this. He did what was necessary to get the legislation passed and in front of a sympathetic president who then signed it.

The key mistake (if you want to call it that) in Mrs. Clinton's statement is that she didn't clearly state that it took a President that would actually sign the legislation. I don't think she was so much drawing a distinction between herself and Sen. Obama with that statement as she was drawing a distinction between herself and the republicans. I would bet that if GWB was president at the time, he would have at least questioned it. or better yet, he'd have signed it but then made a signing statement that it didn't apply to the executive branch.

Why don't we talk about something more prevalent. Like…

Why is it that the main stream media won't give John Edwards any coverage. I'll tell you why. Its Because if elected, John Edwards would break up the media conglomerations, enforce the Sherman Anti Trust laws, and take power away from corporations and give it back to regular people.

John Edwards is Kusinich with a chance! Heck, he's only 6 delegates behind the other two.

Enough is enough. We have all made mistakes, said wrong things. What is the intent of all the other players weighing in rather than just let the candidates deal with it? Posturing, currying favor. Let's deal with some real issues like the housing and mortgage industries, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, our service men and women who are daily laying their lives on the line for us…

You know, I really appreciate the comments on this (huge) blog, and believe it or not I've actually read them all. Most of the comments are excellent and thought provoking.

But quite a few people are missing the actual point.

The big issue isn't the proportion or value of what Dr. King did vs what President Johnson did. It's the fact that Hilalry Clinton brought the entire subject up in order to try to counter the impact of Senator Obama's remarks. She was trying to compensate for the fact that the Civil Rights Movement didn't — simply couldn't — affect her or her potential future in the same way it would have for a promising person of color like Obama, so she felt the need to assert the idea that it took "a President" to make things happen, while a "dreamer" by himself could not.

The implication at the time was perfectly clear: Using the King Johnson as an analogy, SHE was the "President" who could make things happen, while Obama was the "dreamer" who was just talk. She was putting him down, but clumsily managed to denigrate the contribution of Dr. King while doing so.

Those black leaders (not Obama's campaign) who took her to task for this were perfectly justified. Her (likely calculated) response was to blame Obama's campaign for "playing the race card" and thus hope to bolster Democratic support for herself in the upcoming South Carolina primary. To accomplish this she could count on the further denigrating comments of black (I won't capitalize the word in this context) sellouts to their own people like Ben Johnson and Charlie Rangel.

Bottom line is basically this: The Clintons have never done a THING for the Black Community that the Black Community didn't already do better for themselves! The Black Community does not need "good white masters" (who expect to be praised and rewarded) to "do" for them anymore. That's what Obama's message of hope and pride is all about — not just for Blacks, but for everyone.

People, please remember this as you go to the polls.

– From a white, registered Republican (in Utah, for crying out loud!) who would happily cast his vote for Senator Obama.

Angie;

What exactly did the Clintons do for Black people? During Bill's tenures, did he:

1. lower Black un/under-employment?
2. enhance SBA to assist and increase number/quality of Black businesses?
3. elevate educational opportunities & qualitiy and/or lower number of secondary school drop-outs?
4. advocate fair laws for non-violent/first-time crack cocaine users vs. white-cocaine users?
5. shuck and jive with Blacks (i.e., be more hospitable than Reagan)?
6. pass legislation to improve health care for Blacks?
7. other……..?

Please detail some of the specifics that benefited Blacks. I acknowledge that the U.S. economy was more vibrant during his tenure as president. But, what else did he do that makes Black people eat out of his hand?

Please, remind me………….

Obama,
Before I decide to vote for you explain & elabrate on change & hope
that you keep talking about. Have no idea who you really are. I know who Hilary
Clinton is. Some times you compare your self to Kenedy, MLK, or Bradly you come close to non of them. Your speaches have no depth just empty flowery words.
explain your position honestly. Perhaps you are just a barganer or a manipulator.

Malkit San Diego CA

Charlie is right. There is nothing HILLARY said which is condisending to Martin Luther King. If anything she pointed out how Rev. King fought, organized and worked within the system to bring about major change. In no way did she imply that LBJ was the spearhead for the civil rights act. Instead of allowing the media to tell us what we should hear, we should be performing our own research into the truth. Did anyone watch Meet the Press with HILLARY this past Sunday? If anyone had watched, you would have known exactly what she said about MLK. This is being blown out of porportion in order to distract us from the issues. Let's not take our eye off the ball.

This thing with Rangel is all about Manhattan and Albany. It's like a subway series. Don't even worry about it. You know the Jefferson Airplane song, "Never Argue with a German When You're Tired" ? Don't get in a pissing contest with a congressman from New York City. They'll never quit.

You want to get him started, though? Ask him who's more experienced, Hillary or Rudy. That ought to be good for a while.

To James who called Charlie Rangel a "warmonger" because he introduced a bill to reinstate the draft. The purpose of the bill was to highlight the fact that most of the soldiers dying in Iraq are predominantly young people from disadvanted backgrounds. The draft is a great equalizer, it would make all of the warmongers /chickenehawks think twice about starting a war because kids from all backgrounds would be eligible for the draft. Unless of course you can get a deferment for a cyst on your butt like Rush Limbaugh, or five student deferments like Dick Cheney, or even get a coveted position in the Air National Guard like President Bush.

I have been reading this board and once again I am bewildered at some of the comments that I have seen in particular in relation to Bill Clinton and cabinet appointees.To the people that have suggested that Bill Clinton didn't have any African Americans in his cabinet here is the list of African American Cabinet Appointees during his Presidency

Mike Espy – Secretary of Agriculture
Ron Brown – Secretary of Commerce
Alexis Herman – Secretary of Labor
Rodney E Slater – Secretary of Transportation
Hazel O'Leary – Secretary of Energy
Jesse Brown – Secretary of Veteran Affairs (2nd)
Togo D. West Jr- Secretary of Veteran Affairs (3rd)

If you do a little research on the above Cabinet Secretaries you will see that most of them were the first African Americans to hold those posts. Please do some research before you comment on issues.

GROW UP!!! HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MINDS? LISTEN TO YOURSELVES. JUST STEP BACK FOR 1 MINUTE AND RE-READ SOME OF THESE COMMENTS YOU ARE MAKING.
HAVE YOU NOT LEARNED YOUR LESSON YET? ISN'T 8 YEARS WITH BUSH, THE NICE GUY AND NO EXPERIENCE TAUGHT YOU ANYTHING? IS THIS WHAT OUR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HAS COME DOWN TO?

GENDER & RACE DOES NOT ENTER INTO THE EQUATION.

ISSUES ARE WHAT MATTER! EXPERIENCE IS WHAT MATTERS! WHOMEVER YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE.

THE MEDIA SHOULD NOT ELECT THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT THEY ARE DOING ONE HECK OF A JOB DOING EXACTLY THAT. ARE WE AS AMERICANS GOING TO LET THAT HAPPEN? UNLESS YOU CAN STEP BACK, RESEARCH THESE CANDIDATES YOURSELVES AND TELL THE MEDIA THAT WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THEIR BS, THEY WILL DECIDE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT, NOT US THE CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES.

WHO ARE YOU GOING TO BLAME THEN? I CAN TELL WHO! OBAMA SUPPORTERS WILL BLAME CLINTON, THE CLINTON SUPPORTERS WILL BLAME OBAMA, THE PEOPLE WITH A HALF A BRAIN WILL BLAME THE
MEDIA. BUT THE ONES TO BLAME WILL BE THE VOTERS FOR LETTING THE MEDIA AND HE SAID, SHE SAID NON ISSUES INFLUENCE THEM.

YOU WERE GIVEN A BRAIN, FOR CRIPES SAKE, USE IT!!!!

All those folks talking about Rangel’s position on the draft are mistaken. He was not advocating a draft for the sake of draft, his point was that the hawks beating the war drums didn’t have their kids in harms way. Their kids are mostly safely tucked away in private clubs and Princeton/Harvard/Oxford etc while the regular citizens’ kids are in the service defending the nation and some with the hope of eventually getting educated on the GI bill. With a draft (equal opportunity conscription) in place, maybe these hawks will not be so quick to beat the war drums when their loved ones may be in harms way.

I am a black Democrat and I like both Clinton and Obama. Obama is a very eloquent speaker and I get mesmerized by his command of the language and I also feel a certain kinship to him because of his African roots.

JFK was very eloquent and we saw actions from him that made America the most loved and respected country in the world. MLK was eloquence itself. He stepped out of his comfort zone to mobilize the oppressed, confront the oppressors and motivated a president to break out of his own comfort zone and with new courage to sign the Civil Right Act.

So far we have only really known Obama for his likeability, good looks, and eloquence. Although these are fantastic qualities they need to be followed by deeds. This I have not seen. Who is asking the tough questions?

A little while ago, my family was dealing with an issue which we felt had to do with prejudice, incompetence and total abuse of power by a government official and we individually decided to contact our senators. My brother in Illinois contacted the Obama office which totally ignored all contacts. Since we don’t have any Democratic senator in Georgia my sister contacted the office of Chambliss the Republican senator from Georgia, who promptly responded and even followed up on the matter. If I was undecided, that rookie mistake would have sent me to the Republican side.

I see a President Obama in the future of America but for now he needs a proofing ground where he can build up his resume with actions to backup the talk either as a senator or even a VP.

After all is said and done, Obama is still better than any of the candidates on the other side. We in America need somebody like him to inspire us like JFK and MLK did.

When Obama's bandwagon's wheels go flat, and Hillary's bobblehead has broken…….vote JOHN EDWARDS!!!! He'll put up a good fight for us, and not eachother.

I am soooo surprised by both of them. Don't they know that they should wait to use the race and gender card against the republicans? Didn't they understand that taking innocent comments and turning the speaker of those words into racists or sexists should be held until later. I find it so sadly ironic that it is only until this form of gutter politics (using racism or sexism to bloody your opponent even when you know that they are neither) is turned on themselves that all these democrats now feel that this is somehow a terrible thing. This cheapening of the real racism and sexism that needs to be confronted has been going on for way to long. I guess only when one starts to eat their own do they stop and see the damage done. Even if they call a truce I am sure many here will stand and cheer when they play this sick cards again in November. All the candidates from every party want to win and they are going to do some sick things to make it happen. Hopefully this affair will make them pause before they start throwing race and sex around as just another tool to beat your rival over the head with. I hope no one here will be cheering it if .. (hey lets face it) ..WHEN they do it again.

Our country is finally waking up to the fact we need major changes in our government if it is truly going to be for the people by the people. The movement has already begun in 2006 when we voted out many Republicans that were seen as untrustworthy amongst the electorate. Our next step should be to vote out members of our own Democratic Party that do not reflect well on our efforts to have an ethical and positive government in the future. I believe Congressman Rangel and Senator Byrd should be at the top of that list. Both of them seem more interested in political games and wasting money on pet projects to have their names on it. Democrats have a wonderful opportunity to clean house and get our government back on track for the American people again. Let’s do it right this time.

Hillary is correct!

Bill and she are just like LBJ. It took Newt to control Bill. Bill then played the spin game. History has also been rewritten for LBJ. Everett Dirksen is the politician that championed civil rights, not LBJ.

What is absolutely stupid are the words that came out of his mouth.

Alright, my proof was right. Not wasting any more time here. I attempt to post two (mildly) negative comments about the conduct of the Obama campaign in this episode and they still sit a day later "awaiting moderation" but the one I open by praising him a couple hours ago gets posted immediately.

Yeah, moderation. Love it. Wonder whose comments are getting dropped on the floor in this neutral discussion?

GO OBAMA!!!!!!

MY HERO!!!!

Bimmer, if that's the best you can come up with, then its truly pathetic how your nasty campaign has clouded your reason.

The Clintons are both very cunning and dangerous. Sen. Obama will have a very hard time competing with them. They are both liars and will do anything for power. Hillary is desparate for power and Bill is ready for the next "intern" at the White House. I will not, ever, vote for Hillary. I hope America will see the Clintons for phony people they really are.

Sen. Obama, I pray for your safety and success with your campaign. You are a man of honesty, inspiration and hope.

Obama 08!!!

I thank God that Senator Obama realize that he can overcome evil with good. He realizes that he must become all things to all men that he might help some – not just Blacks, but Whites, Hispanics, Jews, etc. His message of HOPE is rooted in the American dream that our forefathers {Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, James Madison, Dr. King, the consititution, etc.] spoke of and died for- that we are a "UNITED NATION" composed of mutiple cultures and races. Senator Obama is a CONSITUTIONIAL LAWYER who understands the legal process of bring ideas (legislation) into law.

Many of us who remember our Elementary & High School Constitution Exams will readily see the ignorance of those in our political arena who make comments that reveals their lack of knowledge of the law. These revelations of people who are "ILL ADVISED" and "LACK KNOWLEDGE" but are in high places are not a surprise and we should not become alarmed at their ignorance. I JUST THANK GOD THAT SENATOR OBAMA IS A GOD FEARING MAN AND HAS RISEN ABOVE ALL OF THIS AND HAVE CHOSEN TO OVERCOME IT BY DOING SPEAKING AND DOING GOOD.

The message that if one of us hurts the whole should feel their pain and suffering whether we be rich or poor – we are touched by the feelings of their infirmities. I wish I had had the persona and knowledge of conducting myself in fashions like he, Kennedy, King, etc. had and have at their young age. I don't have time to become a HATER, but I do have time to LIFT UP MY VOICE in support of those that have a VISION similar to the founders who wrote our consititution to UNITE as ONE PEOPLE! The will of Senator Obama to hope and believe that we can achieve this level of Cultural Competence – hundreds of years later reflects his avocationi of becoming a CONSTITUTIONAL LAWYER.

I am proud of him. I am proud of America, I am proud of those of you who would dare believe that this is possible. For this, I will voite for US SENATOR OBAMA.

God be with him and Bless Him!
Rev/Dr. Standberry, EdD, DMin, JD Cd, MA, MEd, BS

This is exactly what the republicans want. Thank you Hillary and Obama!!!

Yes man…! Let's call a spade a spade. Rangle is right. This is all BS. The fact is that the Obama campaign knows that anything to do with race will hurt him more than Hillary. The Obama campaign is in shambles to put away this smoke because it has taken the heat out of his campaign. But the issues will NEVER die soon and is bound to drag Obama to the pits.

Imagine, even Clayburn who started the whole racial thing is not accepting his responsibility but pretending to be the neutral peacemaker. He is real BS.

To
Travis Sugarland, Texas

Don’t be so condescending… Just say what you really think!!!

That what is why racism is not going anywhere with people who still think like that . Obama might be the anti Christ don’t forgot that one…I don’t trust him at all. Yes some of us black people think for them self

This country is NOT ready for a black OR female president, BOTH of whom are racist: Obama attends an exclusively BLACK church and Hillary is too emotional for her own good. Neither are capable of leading this country and are too padded with financial backing from very wrong sources! We are doomed if either of these incapable candidates are to become Commander in Chief. If there's to be a Democratic candidate let Edwards be the ONE. He doesn't accept "funny money" as these others do and he holds to his promises. GO EDWARDS!

The highest ranking Black person under Bill Clinton was his secretary. Bush put 2 on his cabinet.

To: David, Gilbert Arizona

Thank you. Someone else who knows his history. I wish other people had paid attention to their history lessons in High School.

Obama's not the racist. No one has played the race card more than the 43 White men elected president by mostly White people … supported by people of color who have always had to vote for the lesser of the two White evils. .

This started with Hilary stating that LBJ was more important to the Civil Rights Movement than MLK. Then, Hillary back tracked and tried to reinvent the truth in her original misrepresentation.

what is happening to people in this country?
All this stirred up racism and reverse racism. This is not good a tall.
People are equal, should be equal. These comments about African Americans are getting too old, and scary. In this country are all the races, religions. Not only africans, not only asian, not only american indians, not only indians, not only hispanics, not only europeans………. why people cannot live in harmony, tolerance? We are inhabitants of this planet. It is the diversity which is nice. Why to hate someone because she/he is white, yellow, or black or…?

What I do not like is lack of tolerance, lack of respect, lack of intelligence, but still I do understand that some people are different. Everyone has something good, and something not that great, it depends how much of each is in one person.

If there is supposed to be change these issues should not even come up. This country suffers – war, economy, unemployment, health insurance, education, etc etc. The race should not be issue now.
We need strong leader = strong means smart, fair, intelligent, kind and tough when needed, not using races and masses to get what he selfishly wants. Who cares if the president is black, mixed, white? I do not, I want someone with wisdom, experience, tolerance.

yes Hillary!

VREY GOOD COMMENTS. OBAMA WANT TO PLAY GOOD COP BAD COP. HE WANT TO BE BLACK WHEN IT SUIT HIM AND PLAY WHITE WHEN HE WANT TO. OBAMA NEEDS TO TAKE A FIRM STAND ABOUT HIS RACE AND NOT PLAY THE FIELD TO WIN. I STILL DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HIM AND HOW CAN L VOTE FOR A PRESIDENT THAT I DONT EVEN KNOW? TALK IS CHEAP AND SORRY I WONT WASTE MY VOTE, OBAMA HAS TO EARN IT AND IN MY BOOKS, ALL THE LONG TALK HE IS GIVING BORES ME AND IT IS MAKING ME LOOSE MORE AND MORE RESPECT FOR HIM.
I DONT CARE FOR HILARY EITHER, BUT SHE IS NOT PLAYING GOOD COP, BAD COP. I KNEW THE RACE THING WAS GOING TO COME INTO THIS AFTER OBAMA LOST IN NH. INSTEAD OF HIM TO RESPOND THEN WHEN HE THOUGHT HE WAS WINNING, HE WAS BUSY SAYING WHEN THE DUMP TRUCK COMES, IT SAY BEEP, BEEP, UNTIL THE CLINTONS UNLEASHED ON HIM AND WON NH. NOW HE WANT TO PLAY THE RACE CARD. GUESS THE JOKE IS NOW ON HIM AND YES THE DUMP TRUCK CAME AND DID A BEEP BEEP ON HIM.

The saddest thing of all in this campaign is the level to which the Clintons will stoop,or crawl rather, to attain the African-Amerian vote and also the White House. The pandering by them and their minions is truly revelatory. Why is the public embracing this? They make George Bush and Karl Rove look like choirboys. The current Democratic Party is certainly not the party Robert Kennedy stood for or anyone else who had a dream,including Martin Luther King,Jr.

Looks like the CNN censor is trying to play politically correct again for the under-intelligent. So let me try again.

Boy there are forests of rubbish being dumped on this thread, mostly by the supporters of the democratic candidates. But you repub-bots who posted here really do stick out like baboon rears in the canopy.

For all you democrats and so-called independents who hate Hillary or Bill for what ever irrational reasons you have, or for those who have shrilly belittled Obama for no factual or logical reason, and especially for those who have indicated they are prepared not to vote, or vote republican if your candidate doesn't win the primary: please take your ignorance, stupidity, and dogmatic views over to the party that embraces these characteristics, and there you can have fun debating who is the better christian to sacrifice your children in the next quasi-religious crusade for nation-building; who is the better purposefully ignorant anti-science wingnut that will see to it that the oceans rise the most while leaving your progeny little natural legacy; who can cut taxes the most for the wealthiest and sell the most national debt to our foreign competitors; who can most quickly drive our economic system backwards to the late 1800s so that your children's work has the greatest benefit for the wealthiest few; who can game the illegal alien issue the most to simultaneously benefit employers with low wage workers while stoking racist fires amongst the ignorant; who can sacrifice more of your civil rights all in the name of keeping you "FREE"; who can grow the Federal gov't the most while telling you they are for small gov't; who can take the least amount of responsibility for the negative outcomes of their own policies by blaming Bill Clinton's presidency; ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Campaigns are tough, candidate vie for the vote, but those of you who cannot see the major differences between the parties, after all that has gone on over the last 7 years, deserve what you get ….. Bush III. Just stunningly STUPID!

All this political bickering and spin in the democratic party lately, derives from Obama's ability to unite the masses from all political affiliations and show the nation that he has the ability to become the first black nominee of the democratic party, and also the ability to be elected President.
I am a fan of Hillary, but lately both Bill and their cronies make me sick to the stomach with the rethric and spin and attack on Obama. Unless this nonsense is put to rest once and for all we will see the nominee for the Republican party as the next president of the great USA. For the sake of the Nation discuss the topics that is of importance to the nation, like healthcare ,the economy, rising fuel cost ,jobs, security,lets see some beef in this campaign. Give us the American people something to look forward to when we cast our votes. Please stop the slandering of one another and pay attention to the message of each candidate, vote your conscience.

when will this be over

Are people taking notice of how many Dems are saying they will look outside the party if Hill is nominated? Where is the reporting on that? Where is the polling on that?

If the most important thing to Dems is taking back the White House, the significant number of Dems declaring their potential opposition to HRC as the nominee is a very significant turn of events.

Down on the Clinton plantation, Rangel works in the house. We need new leaders with better vision!

I thought I would never say this, but after this incident I am now beginning to believe every bad thing my friends have told me about the DNC over the past 30 years is absolutely true. Thanks HRC machine for making me embarrased of my party's campaign tactics for the first time ever.

What if this guy is making it look like he is against Obama, but in fact he wants voters (whites) to believe that Obama is not welcome among African-Americans. How you think whites voters will vote if the believe him? Now, who is really stupid? Rangel, Obama, the Clintons?

Toronto, Canada

As a life-long democrat, I'm so disappointed in the Clintons and their tactics against Obama. But then who else is bringing Obama down? His own black people like Bob Johnson – who I've lost all respect and Charles Rangel – who I never had any respect for in the first place. Rangel calling Obama's comment stupid is like – a dog barking at it's own shadow. Whatever the case is, the Black Leadership will change and Rangel, Dinkins, Sharpton and all the sellouts will be shafted for a new Black leadership with some vision. For the first time, I'll vote Republican if Obama doesn't win the nomination. The black man is always brought down by his own people and here's a typical example of it.

I am afraid that if democrate didn't selected a better presidential candidate, then republican will rule for at least another four more years. So it is high time to resolve all the problems and support a right candidate. I believe Hillary is smart, inteligent, and knows what it takes to be a President of United States and also knows how to keep the country united.

Ladies, help Hillary to be President ….do not you think it is high time that US should have a female President?

At the time that MLK and Lyndon Johnson were working on getting the civil rights bill enacted, Barry Goldwater was campaigning against the desegregation bill. Guess who was supporting Barry Goldwater at that time. None other than "Goldwater Girl" Hillary Rodham-Clinton, that is who. That means that she was actually working to elect a Republican Right winger who wanted to block the civil rights bill. So, if you want someone who was on the wrong side of civil rights history, she is Your Goldwater Girl. You go Goldwater Girl. You can fool some of the people all

What is this idiot talking about? The Clinton camp need to apologies to Obama and move on really!

it is proven: use of drugs alters the brain, so does alcohol.
I want to know the truth: he admitted to do drugs, he wrote about in book…..so why it is getting twisted? To what extent did he do drugs – and which ones?

Do we really want a president who did drugs, who attack a woman who is running for president?

We need to know much more about him – no words about his mother.
Those attacks on Hillary – this is not classy, he constantly pushes her to defend herself – I can imagine how it would be if he would be a president – no white woman would be respected, no woman at all possibly…I just plain do not like this, i fear him.
There is no democracy under fear.

What Hillary says has solid background, what he says gets changed many times -is this the "change"?

just need to know.

I am neither black nor white. I am a foreigner that is an American now and I take great interest in how things are done here. I am quite surprised that it took as long as it did for race to become an issue. I have heard what Hillary said multiple times and firmly believe that is ihas been completely distorted and taken out of context. I am a democrat and want to vote for Hillary. I will never vote for a republican, not going to happen. I hate to say I may not vote at all if Hillary does not get the nomination.

I also have to admit based on my observations after making my home in this great country that is does not take anything to make something an issue about race. There are so many people walking around with such big ( not chips) but rocks and boulders on their shoulders about black people not being treated right it would be very funny were it not so irritating. Lot of these people were not even born at that time and live vicariously via the horror stories told to them by their families.

The debate is senseless. Black people will vote for Hillarea no matter what is said or done. Many black people are upset that Obama even has the nerve to look her in her eyes. I won't even go into the outrage of black America after she manufactured a few tears.

Rangel and John Lewis are correct, that uppity Obama doesn't know his place. This is not the first time we have experienced these issues. For example, Booker T. Washington felt we should be patient and stay on the farm. W.E.B. Dubois felt otherwise. Black folks were split…..

It was brave of Rangel, Johnson, and Lewis to protect their master's wife from the mean old public. They are courageous enough to keep the natives in line. Black folk will dance to the sound of Bill's sax and behave in the proper fashion. After all, Hillary has promised free healthcare, more entitlements, and to love us. What more should we want?

To all those obama supporters who say that obama never brought in race into this.

WHAT WAS OPRAH DOING IN THIS PICTURE THEN?

YOU HAVE VERY SELECTIVE MEMORY. JUST GO BACK AND LOOK AT WHAT SHE SAID DAY ONE. IT IS PLAIN EMBRASSING.

reply to Mia;

Not sure why your getting we are all racist from this blog….I think its great that right now we have these two top dem. candidiates, either will make good presidents, I however am strongly for Senator Obama because I think he has a better chance at getting elected and once elected I think his administration will have a better chance at getting both parties to come together for true change….I think that the is the only way to get America back on track.

People who think Obama never brought up the race should have listen to what Michelle Obama was mouthnh around on balck event. it was just shameful to hear her speak. Clintons are not racists and that is fact. Obama need to win SOuth carolina so his camp felt the need to fuel it. So they did. That is exactly what Obama's wife did that evening. Why didn't media put light on that. Please give me a break. Obama is no angel he is just like everyone else.

Mr. Rangel is a respectable man and has served this country as a soldier, a veteran and as a congressman. He made things better for his constituency and does anyone of you can say that you have more than equal his achievements? He is right to chastise Mr. Obama who has been written about by a black journalist that Obama seems to pass that thin line many times of being brash, cocky, and arrogant. These demeanors certainly showed after winning in Iowa. Most voters have probably noted the air in his head. Obama must have gloated on the side when he played his race card about the Clinton's factual remarks that made some black leaders and journalists stepped up to his plate and started attacking the Clintons as well. Was that a dirty ploy or what? It was right for him to throw in the truce since he started it with his remarks. It is very scary to put Americans future in Obama's incapable hands. He is just another politician who may inject subtle ploys to garner votes. Do you think his campaign for change is realistic? He has already started a campaign of racial divide with his attacks on the Clintons, not racial unity. He has in many ways seems to have successfully put wools on the eyes of many. Hillary all the way. She is the most capable, gutsy, knows the issues that our country faces and has the smarts to lead this country and make it better for all Americans and she will deliver those changes that we desperately need.

Race isn't the big issue.

Gender is the big issue in this election! Misogyny/sexism is a major evil in the USA and all over the world. It transcends ethnicity!

The dehumanizing of women that we allow produces violence – prostitution, savage beating, murder, rape, pornography, sex trade/sex slaves, ridicule of young women/exposure…, and all of this is covered by the media – sometimes obsessively, sometimes as humor and often without human respect.

In this country we still have a male establishment. There are a few exceptional woman who fight the battle and gain a voice! However, the only real change we have are the ethnic males who have been let in the club. This is true in politics, in the church and in our culture. It is an ego/power/control issue.

If you want real change – healing, unity, peace…, get out of the silly attack mode and challenge the real issues – make a difference – not just a noise!

Face it CNN!

This ticker blog reminds me daily that RACISM IS ALIVE AND WELL IN THE USA.
Blame the media, blame the Clintons, blame Obama OR JUST LOOK IN THE MIRROR and reflect on how you think, what you write and how it would be perceived.

Charles Rangel should be worried about putting more Jell in his hair instead of politics, he obviously does'nt know what he is talking about.

You knew this would happen! First Bill helping Hilary with her campaign. Then Bob Johnson trying to stir stuff up, now Rangel. She's trying to get "top" African American figures to put Obama down to boost her campaign, but it's so transparent! I guess she couldn't get Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Give it a break Hilary! PLEASE

As yourself these simple questions when your in the voting booth:

1) What policies and what not are most important to me and who do you feel can solve them or help them?
2) What is in the best interest to your state and this country
3) Who can best handle this global market and economy and help put America's exports back on the map
4) Who's foreign policy will make America more safe and not in jepardy of another attact either on our soil or one of our allies?
5) who can will the 2008 election, the world is watching and they have little faith left in this country after putting this Administration and president back in office in 2004

Obama is too young he makes a lot very bad mistakes. He very naive and it will hirt him in this elections

I voting Hilliary if she gets the nomination. The Clintons record speaks loud & clear. I don't know anything about Obama but I do know while the Clintons were in office the ecomnomy flourished. I will not vote for Obama simply because he's of African American decent. I am voting for a candidate that I feel I can trust and whom I'm familiar with. Have you people forgotten the peace and prosperity we all had with the Clintons in the office.

Stupid are you "media" who follow this guy like he's Jesus Christ. If you want to be for this guy, fine, but to suggest he and his staff didn't try to milk this and turn it into an issue when it wasn't is pure bull. You guys are practicing Bush politics. Your man can do no wrong while the opposition is sinister. That's how we got into this mess in the first place. All of you clowns need to wake up. Obama has been a incredible man. Just a good example to our world today.

"Crabs in a Bucket" It is sad!

Obama comparing himself to MLK is something , I have to see carefully. He looks very dangers to me IF he gets white house

As far as I am concerned Obama is neither honest nor trustworthy, he has shown himself to be a conniving, deceitful person at the highest level. He is using race at every turn, and may not realize how damaging that will be for him. For every black voter he wins he will be losing white votes. We in NH voted for Hillary because, the more we saw and learned of Obama, the less we liked him.

He makes wonderful speeches full of promises. But what happened to the promises that he made to the people of Illinois when they elected him to the US Senate?? His voting record shows that he didn't bother to show up for for 66% of the votes this year, which means the people of Illinois have not had representation in the US Senate and thus have been disenfranchised in the political process by Obama, that is unconscionable.

If he didn’t fulfill his promises to the people of Illinois who sent him to the US Senate, I don’t see how we can depend on him to keep his promises to the rest of the country as President.

If Obama can’t handle the heat now, just wait till the republicans get hold of him they will eat him alive and spit out the bones.

With Obama as the Democratic Nominee we can look forward to 8 more years of Republicans.

Go Hillary !!!!!

Also, why in the world is it so wrong to make an issue of Obama's drug use? He is running for President. I joined the Marines and they asked me about my possible past use. Now, being a MArine is a great thing and it's important to know that those applying are worthy. Why not when running for President?

I have respect for sen. Obama. I have followed him all through and would be a true inspiration to our young society which hasn't been a case for a long time!

Rangel calling a brilliant, talented, educated man an "absolute idiot"?! Classic case of someone spitting straight up in the air – you know where it lands, right?

what have the Clintons done for the Black community? hire a couple of people to there administration (Bush has more blacks in his administration and at higher positions then Bill did) what because Bill Clinton has an office in Harlem he's heaven sent for blacks naw yo. Martin Luther King started the movement he organized the people the community to get what he dreamed of into reality. President Johnson just added his stamp of approval.

After Obama and Clinton called a truce Rangel had to chime in this his 2 cents, how come Hillary didnt condone his comments when Obama has taken the high road, in sorts defended her. All Obama has said after the press asked him about Hillary's remarks is "For them to somehow suggest that we're interjecting race as a consequence of a statement she made, that we haven't commented on, is pretty hard to figure out,"

Somebody stole my thunder! I was was going to say Rangle introduced legislation to reintroduce the draft and when it came up for a preliminary vote, he voted against his very own work. Talk about stupid!! I guess I won't say it now!

The agents of change against the benefactors of the status quo. It could not be more obvious!

We can't change the past but we can certainly improve our future.

Yes we can!

Wow! "Stupid" huh? Great vocabulary! I see the Clinton's haven't called off their surrogates yet.

GO OBAMA!!!

It seems to me by these posts, that the real issue is who you like, not race!
You simply don't want anymore division in this country. You are true Americans and your voices will one day be represented if Obama don't go beyond february 5th.

Ok …….so WHO exactly is SURPRISED that life long old school politico is sideing with Clinton??? If Washington changes even 15% Old Dinosaurs like him will have nothing to do. C'mon!!!!

If you think Clinton didn't engineer his comment after claiming to call a truce…well you haven't learned much over the last 7 years. SHE has!

Mr. Rangel, Get a Job !!
'cause as a representative you are not doing very well.
How Stupid can you get, Randal?

Clinton's political genius masterminded this whole saga by injecting just enough fuel to spark a controversy within the black community and uses this divisive tactics to play up her main voting block in CA and Nevada–the hispanics. We all know there has been tension between the two communities, but it is despicable for the Clintons to use this as a wedge to split the votes.

Folks, wake up, the Clintons are playing the race card so Obama may get more black votes in SC and a few other Southern states, but they will use that as a factor (just like the "tear" factor) to get the bigger prize–California.

But Obama will rise above all this divisive political trickery by the Clintons and we will not be fooled twice–once by the Rove Evil Empire and now by the shady Clintons. As Obama said, we are all one people, one nation !

Obama, forever !

I am black but Rangel is only a "brown-noser" for even suggesting that Obama had some sort of powers over my thought processes is absolute "stupidity"!!!
I am a woman of color and I heard what Hillary said and the tone she used and I was immediatly offended.
Dr. King forced the hand of change mainly because of boycotts and not beatings as Clinton stated. The American system of government respects money more than brave men.
Barry Goldwater was vehemently against the Civil Rights Act and Hillary Clinton worked for his campaign. If she was a racist Republican then, her nasty disposition tells me she is still a racist Republican!!!
Realistically, what have the Clintons ever done for minorities???

We need to remove all the Clinton and Bush clan from the Washington, DC arena forever. That's why my bumper (Rear Window) sticker reads:

Politicians, like diapers, should be changed often.
And for the same reason!

Anyone who is even remotely familiar with Rangel knows him for what he is, a crude, loudmouthed, Boor. The Clinton's have NO compunctions whatsoever about resorting to any means to achieve their ultimate goal of getting back into the white house. Impugning reputations comes quite naturally to them (They've committed far more egregious offenses during their careers as we all well know). Barack Obama is a conscientious, introspective man. You can see this when you listen to him speak. And I personally tend to trust the judgment of a man who thinks CAREFULLY before he answers Yea or Nay (Obama), as opposed to one who merely tries to ASSUME what it is I want to hear and then say that (Hillary). And I find it particularly ironic that the only people who are truly fooled by the Clintons are those who choose to fool themselves. But putting on blinders will NOT help us solve the problems facing our country. We're going to need someone who will TAKE a stand and fight the unscrupulous, profit minded, corporate entities that prevent Economic stability, Ecologic stability, Social stability, and international stability. What we don't need is yet another insider, sneaky deals done behind closed doors, sell out your own people and their children's future, politician who values only power, money and influence. Lest you forget, we've had that for about 25 years now, How's that workin' out for you?

why are these people dividing our country?

you people are stupid. never once Obama has commented on race or played the race card. It's other Black leaders who are jumping on the Clinton comments, not Obama. It's being turn around by folks to portray that is all Obama's doing. Seriously, y'all don't read enough of the news, and just take folks at face value too much.

The thing that is really stupid about of this is that the Clintons were trying to say that Obama tried to compare himself to MLK and therefore their comments were fair. However, the real truth of the matter is that obama was stating that MLK's vision and JFK's vision were seen as empty hope at one time. His point being, was not to let anyone tell you not to hope (like the clintons were doing). Here is a person running for the highest office and one who held the highest office who just doesn't get it.

Posted by: Blake | January 15, 2008 11:23 AM

The theatricals and symantics are all typical distractions from the real issues, leave the Democrats to it. Mitt Romney is the professional if you want to get serious about straightening out Washington, get serious with Mitt Romney. He is the one with the economic track record and the outsider from those that have got the country into a mess – Mitt your country needs you NOW !!

They are going to use the Hispanic votes as they did with the black votes, to win their elections and dump them after their done with them.

I cannot think of a better expert on stupidity than hillary. She personifies stupid, ignorant, unqualified and moronic. Maybe that should be her campaign platform:
I WILL MAINTAIN STUPIDITY IN WASHINGTON!!!

What these old folks don't know is that People are more educated now than when they started running for office.
Vote Obama anytime!

Mr. Rangel should shut up, He just kissing up to get a cabinet position. I tell you, if Clinton is the nominee I will vote republican. I'm a diehard democrat. People need to understand Clinton will not win. It not because she is woman because I would support a Woman candidate, she and her husband would tear this country apart

This issue between hillary and obama,about who is a better candidate can be resolved if you look into the republican camps. Hillary is just mentioned en-passe. they are asking the voters to select someone out of them to stand up to obama. Obama is considered to be the real threat to their nominee.

Rangel is so irrelevant in my eyes!

Obama and Clinton have called for a truce. How about the surrogates and the media doing the same.

Bottom Line is Hillary and the entire Clinton team will lose the general election by several points when its all said and done….the democrates could be peaking too soon and that is bad for America and this World!

I agree with KOJO. I have faith in African Americans to see through the Obama hype that Oprah started – and the on-going accusations from the Obama camp against the Clintons. Let's get the candidates answering the hard questions. So far Obama hasn't done or said anything substantive.
GO HILLARY! We need a real agent of change next door to Canada.

If "youthful indiscretion" is a defense – wouldn't you all agree that there are a few million people in our prison system right now for their "youthful indiscretion" that need to be immediately released?

I know I would like to be reimbursed for all the money I spent in 1978 and 1981 ($15,000) on attorney's for my sister (went to jail for 16 months) and brother (a Vietnam Veteran on probation for 5 years) for doing drugs. Also, my ex-brother in-law that spent 8.5 years in jail for drugs while he abandoned his 2 children to my sister and her family to raise for his "youthful indiscretion".

Illegal activity is still illegal activity for some of us that made better choices but paid the price for others. It is important and those who say otherwise are ridiculous.

Reply to both TX Democrat and other Sen. Obama supporters.

Many of you are obviously so new to campaign tactics, most likely due to never having had the opportunity to care enough to become involved in politics until there was an opportunity to jump on a ground swell.

Senator Clinton made remarks with regard to Dr. King, the Obama camp ( campaign managers & strategists ) then saw an opportunity to "Spin" this and play the race card. Of course, TX Democrat didn't see or read a remark directly from the mouth of Sen. Obama, DUH!!!

Come on get real for a moment, everyone with half a brain (yes even the Obama Campaign Mgrs. ) knew what Sen. Clinton meant, don't be so naive, the Obama camp was opportunistic & predatory ( really desperate) to play this wild card regarding HRC's comments because there is not much as they can do right now.

If you all had been following politics and not just pretenders you would already know that HRC has been a freaking huge proponent of Civil Rights & womens rights (United Nations Speech in Beijing, 1995 …on Chinese soil no less) but I don't expect most of you to have researched anything beyond CNN Headlines, sound bites & You Tube.

I am glad more people are involved in the political process this time, however having read & participated in some blogs it's become obvious to me that many of you blogging just blow whatever direction popular consensus happens to take you.

This election is important enough that many espousing change & requesting change are going to get change alright if the wrong candidate gets in, but it won't be the change you had wished for.

GO Hillary!!! NOBAMA in 2008

BLAKE SAID IT BEST….

This is one issue that Charley Rangel, and all of the Black politicians who line up to support Hillary Clinton and are defiantly opposed Barack Obama should leave alone. What is left out in the MLK/Johnson discussion is whether or not the dream has been reached or is still a work in progress. If the dream were realized already there would not be a "Black Caucus" waiting to pounce on every Black issue. If the dream were realized then we would judge these candidates on the "content of their character" and not their gender or race. If the dream were fulfilled then race would not have taken center stage in the political discussion.

Hillary did not come across as expressing a deep revelation about the historical events, but she obviously was making it a political attack against Barack comparing himself to two legendary men with the gift to inspire people through their oratory. She was trying to bring him down. What does that say about her character?

The bottom line in the whole political debate is whether White people are still afraid of Blacks, and vice versa, and whether America can get beyond the artificial divisions. Barack Obama has clearly outdistanced the old guard civil rights leaders, who's raison d'etre is girded in old fears. Their support for Hillary, while mainly politically based, is also based on fear – the fear that they will be accused of being racists themselves if they backed a Black candidate.

This has to be the most ridiculous controversy in political history. I suggest that everyone commenting here go out and buy the book Judgment Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Laws that Changed America." It's a detailed, compelling history of the relationship (and lack thereof) between those two great men, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Nick Kotz. It demonstrates how both of these men contributed — in very different ways — to the amazing political victory that was the 1965 Voting Rights Act. And, yes, it leaves little doubt that both men were equally essential to this monumental advance in our society — King with his inspirational rhetoric and grassroots awareness campaign and Johnson with his arm-twisting political strategy. They represented a rare and winning synergy. Instead of arguing about this non-issue, why not seize this opportunity to learn something about our history, something that will make us all better equipped to fight the battles for equality and social justice that are still upon us and those that are yet to come?
Obama is soo right.
I am just tired of this politics of divisiveness!

The more Clinton talks about Obama, the better it is for Obama. Why they cannot understand that is beyond me.

As for the MLK/LBJ, both of their contributions were crucially important, but MLK's had to come first. In short, no MLK, no civil rights legislation.

Lastly, did you EVER think you'd live to hear a top-tier Democratic candidate compare themselves to LBJ?

Ever?

It's a wonderment, I tell you.

Does anyone wonder why it's always the Clinton campaign getting mired in controversy?
That should tell you something. It's pretty clear they're running scared and know they'll lose. If it wasn't the crybaby incident(trick), she would have been history.So much for the strength candidate!

For the first time in my life, i felt stupid to have this idiot represent me in the congress. For Charles Rangel to suggest that Obama started the whole thing is mind bugling.

FYI: The Clinton can do damage control all they want. I have made a decision not to vote for Hillary Clinton Inc. be it primary or general election.

I am sick and tired of Politician who thinks they are God.

Obama did not call or imply that the CLintons were racist.

He said the comments upset "some people" not him specificially and he said they were ill advised.

That was the only comments he had. He never said the Clintons were racist or against civil rights, etc.

That is all media spin.

Put me down in the camp that thinks Rangel is an idiot.

Barack thought that he was going to take NH and he didn't. I'll admit that it was noble of him to pay congrats to Hillary, however, he is worried and grasping at straws with the race thing. Hillary has been working with minority women and children all her life. I think that Mr. Obama understood exactly what she meant, however, this is his last efforts to gain all the black votes that he can and try to turn race into the issue when there is no issue. I do admire Barack Obama and think that in another 4-8 years he will be ready to lead. I just do not think it is now because he lacks the experience. With all the problems facing our nation right now, we need someone who can start on day one and begin mending and fixing the problems we have had left to us from GWB. Everyone wants to say this or that about Bill Clinton and how we don't need another Clinton in the white house, but lets think about how much better the economy was and jobs that were available then along with the huge budget surplus and how easy money came back then. Get real people, who cares about the name, lets put someone in there that can get us back to that. Please people think about it, we need someone who can fix the problems and bring hope back to the world. She is strong and smart and exactly what we need right now. So please lets put someone on capital hill who cares. If you are wondering what she stands for go to "wikipedia" and look her up. Her efforts and all the good she has done in the world. She is the one we need, and yes she is a woman but she is a woman with strong conviction and a good heart. She is our ticket and we should buy it.

Hillary Clinton's husband admitted smoking pot. Now we get Obama doing it.
So what? Clinton still won, didn't he? Hillary Clinton by her MLK remarks,
shows she's not above playing the race card if she has to. What's shocking
to me is that only 15 per cent of Hispanics are supporting Obama; while
three times that number of Hispanics are behind her. This reality suggests
the race card being played more and more and not going away.

I dont know who is stupid here. Obama never talked of President Johnson. This was Hillary's idea to try to diminish the power of hope, words and speech, because she can't challenge Obama on oratory. Along the way she deep dived into controvercy. She should have just owned her words, said sory and moved on. But instead she used the old politics books by pushing it to her chief oponent. It then became a hulabaloo. For Rangel to suggest that Obama, a consititutional professor, said Dr. MLK would sign a prez order, is another spin, a 'stupid' spin. Rangel as an employee and suppoerter of the Clintons should have played a better role in advising them how to deal with it. By just spinning it, definitely it goes no where in the black, it stick. Obama doesnt want race to be an issue because he does belong to both races, white and very balck. The high road he took make him a more attractive candidate to end the old politics and surely looked very presidential.

I dont know who is stupid here. Obama never talked of Johnson, this was Hillary's idea to try to diminish the power of hope and speech. Along the way she deep dived into controvercy. She should have owned her word and said sory but instead she pushed it to the oponent and it then became a hulabaloo. For Rangel to say that Obama, a consititutional professor, said Dr. MLK would sign a prez order, is another spin from a 'stupid' Clinton suppoerter. Obama doesnt want race to be an issue because he does belong to both races, white and very balck.

I moved back to New York than two years ago and now reside in Rep. Rangels
district. I felt very good about that, but I must say I am extremely disappointed
in his latest comment. Surely, he should be a leader who would help to dampen
down the recent commotion like others of stature have…including Obama and
Clinton. We have too many big issues and problems that would be better
addressed by Mr. Rangel.

Well, since Obama never said anything about this, in fact remaining silent, Rangel is either stupid, or a liar. And since we know he's not stupid….

Charles,

Why are you weighing in on this with more partial information? It was not Obama who brought up the problem with the word "race". Clinton brought up the problem with the way she phrased her comment about Dr. King and LBJ. What Obama said was her comments were ill-advised and unfortunate. And they were. She clarified them partially, then had another foot shoved in her mouth for her by the idiotic comments of Bob Johnson.

Obama was reasonable to call her out. He was also the first to call a truce to the matter saying it had gone far enough.

For you to distort the nature of the argument and conclude that Obama is dumb…well, let me offer you a mirror.

I have always found it rather amazing that relatively unintelligent men attain relatively high levels in American politics. Charles Rangel is no exception to this generally accepted phenomenon. This only happens in America. In other countries for a relatively unintelligent or dispicable character to get to a level like a position on par with Rangel's he would have to be part of a dictatorship.

If Hillary were running for President of the NFL: "The Colts wouldn't have been Superbowl champions unless someone handed them the trophy." Who cares? If they hadn't played the way they did they wouldn't have one.

If MLK hadn't inspired so many Americans to push for change, it wouldn't have happened.

Posted by: Blake Foster | January 15, 2008 8:49 AM

Poor poor simpleton. I don't think Rangel got the point. Yes, we know that Dr. King couldn't actually sign legislation, but legislation is just a stamp of approval, the content of that legislation was inspired by civil rights activists. That's the whole point.

Hillary is stupid to even bring up that point. That would be like someone saying that the only reason the Colts won the Superbowl last year is because they were handed a trophy.

I think my point is made, can we subtract a point from the Hillary machine and move on now?

I believe the media participates in damage control for the candidate of their choice. Mr.Obama's campaign never commented – except to dismiss blame. I ve watched every speech and meeting for each candidate Obama does not once bring up HIllary's name. I must say the majority of HIllary addresses are abouT obama. Wake up People – there was not argument The Clinton's were wrong.

EX – HILARY SUPPORTER

She and her husband and her camp LIED ON OBAMA and HILARY MADE RACE AN ISSUE. This Rangel person is LYING and Bob Johnson is absolutely reviled by anyone who'd been disgusted with BET's earlier programming in particular.

I'm an independent who'd liked Edwards, Obama, Clinton and McCain for various reasons, but Sen Clinton has made my decision that much easier. I will not vote for her.

She's screwed up so bad here that she's given hopeless Republicans hope. Obama may be able to pull this if he can go on about his business has he has been doing — and bring better listening and decision-making skills to the White House. Too bad more haven't rallied behind Edwards – either will do for me just fine. Much more class and fairness, tempered and smart toughness where needed.

And why is CNN reading like a tabloid these days instead of reporting all sides of issues in a balanced way? These last two stories on this issue read as if you allowed Hilary herself to edit them, with your misleading captions and headlines and giving so much room for her slimey friends' doing the typical attack dog dirty work — when seeing some other pubs who report more thoroughly that Obama never said the things Clinton's people claimed. She put her foot in mouth, blamed him for others being taken aback and couldn't clean up her mess efficiently.

Am I consulting CNN or Fox News here? Aren't you supposed to be the objective and thorough? You've got 24-hour-a-day to get it right and your viewers and readers expect better.

MSNBC has the EVENT TIMELINE on their website. Read through it and then identify where Obama brought race into it. Trust me, every African-American knows when it happened and where it happened.

Congressman Rangel is wrong about this one. Just like he said he encouraged Obama to run for president but he will not win, and he is supporting Hillary. Congressman Rangel will be wrong again. Congressman, be objective.

The upstate economy in NY is so much of a disaster that our Democratic governor has proposed a multi-billion dollar incentive package….. and Hillary was touting her success in helping the upstate economy? What a fairy tale …. this is worse than her failure to change national health care .

Here is a thought that should stir the pot a bit more. — LBJ would not have been able to pass the Civil Rights bill with out the support of the Republican Party. The Democrats would not and could not have passed it on their own even though they had majorities in the House and Senate.

Charlie, Hillary, and Obama chew on that for a while.

TX Democrat,

Well done! You said exactly what I wanted to say and why THIS is an issue amongst African Americans.

And I'm still waiting to see where Obama mentioned race… anyone???? If you can't produce – take a chill pill.

Obama started playing the race card first, early on in the campaigns, and has done so at every opportunity. He should never have tried such a disingenuous tactic. In the long run, he'll reap what he's sown.

Johnson, after all he is the person that brought us BET, which is a total disgrace and a step down from Porno; BET is Garbage.

It was Oprah who injected race into Obama camp, when she went to SC to tell the black people that this is the moment to vote for a blackman because of his race to fulfil MLK dream. I am a black man will never trader the Clintons over any black man. The Clintons are hated bye white America because they are too close to blacks and minorities in very issue. Oprah with all her money what has she done for the black people, when she gave out cars , how many went to blacks in her talk show. How many blacks get tickets to her show. All the so called blacks who are speaking out for Obama, how many are still leaving in the hood.
Clinton setup his office in the hood Harlem, my recent visit to NY, Harlem has changed and is a nice place to be.

What I know is that when Clinton was in power I had respect and a good paid job, when he left office in 2003, I was forced to trained a white guy to take over my job. in 2005. All the black men in my company including myself were fired. In my case it was so difficult for them that they created a new position for me anf after six months it was dissolved.

Clintons will slice and dice this country so badly. Just what people don't want! If you vote for Hillary, you are guaranteed Bush third term. They shamelessly do that because you know they don't go through what ordinary people are going through in this country.
Vote Obama or third party candidate if He doesn't get nominated!

Tara G. Right on. This is a tried and true strategy also employed by the British Empire in all their colonies – divide and conquer.

The Clintons knew exactly what they were about. Their divide and conquer strategy in this campaign will only bear fruit if voters do not think critically, label their game publicly, and vote for true leadership, unity and prosperity for the majority of Americans. Obama and Edwards do indeed have what it takes to lead this country to a better future.

Beneath Hillary's seemingly innocent comments re: MLK/Johnson/Civil Rights, Bill's "fairytale" angry taunts, and their attack team are indicative of a Hillary Clinton Administration's tone and modus operandi should she win the election.

Now that I've witnessed her in action she has lost my vote if she becomes the nominee unless she publictly apologizes to Obama and African Americans for injecting racial politics into this campaign. (No, I'm not African American).

I don't think Obama has ever brought the race issue up. Hillary and Bill have and have well succeeded doing just that. Isn't this the old kind of stuff that we are refusing. Now you can see what experience does.

Gender is the big issue in this election! Misogyny/sexism is a major evil in the USA and all over the world. It transcends ethnicity!

The dehumanizing of women that we allow produces violence – prostitution, savage beating, murder, rape, pornography, sex trade/sex slaves, ridicule of young women/exposure…, and all of this is covered by the media – sometimes obsessively, sometimes as humor and often without human respect.

In this country we still have a male establishment. There are a few exceptional woman who fight the battle and gain a voice! However, the only real change we have are the ethnic males who have been let in the club. This is true in politics, in the church and in our culture. It is an ego/power/control issue.

If you want real change – healing, unity, peace…, get out of the silly attack mode and challenge the real issues – make a difference – not just a noise!

Robert Scott

I respect what you're said but please give me one specific policy that help blacks that didn't equally help whites or any u.s citizen while Bill Clinton was in office, especially since some of the most racially motivated people in this country are southern democrats

Scott below is an article from
DeWayne Wickham's "Bill Clinton and Black America

I want to ask you what pieces of legislation you think he got passed to help the black community, but I'm also curious: How important is style? What impact does that make and does that mean more than a politician's legislative record in some ways?

They're both very important. In some ways the legislation is far more important to those who are close to the process. The vast majority of African-Americans aren't close to the process, have little if any knowledge about the legislative process or which legislation is in the hopper. But what they get on TV, whether it's about Bill Clinton or any other president, is a lot more style than substance. We see presidents walking across the lawn outside the West Wing with a head of state, or making a brief statement. Or they give a State of the Union speech that's 45 minutes long and covers 25 or 30 issues — they're only giving a fleeting notice to any of them — and all you get is style. That's what you measure. When you measure that, you come to some estimation of who this person is.

I don't think that he was without substance. When you look at the lengths to which he went to put African-Americans in significant positions of authority … those who understand the legislative process know that billions and billions of dollars flowed through the controlling hands of these appointees. It would literally take a political anthropologist, if there is such a creature, to figure out the real impact of the flow of that money.

For example, Ron Brown, the secretary of commerce, redefined his role — something he called "commercial diplomacy." He really wanted to be secretary of state so he found some way to merge the two. This whole thing about commercial diplomacy allowed him to go to Africa and to talk, not only about commerce, but also about politics and how the United States government could help reshape the political map of Africa.

Did you notice not one piece of legislation, black are enameled to Hillary because of their attraction to Bill. During his presidency, all he did was appeal to blacks without delivering anything not 1 piece of legislation that blacks felt would prevent prejudicial barriers that prevented them from being treated as equal to whites.

You might be reading this and saying that stupid but you know what you're right. The legislation has already been passed The Civil rights act of 1964. No president can prevent business from racially discrimination, that's done through courts. No president can say white man give black man their dues then enforce it. I'm embraces to say that if you're black and you like Hillary because of Bill Clinton then you are very misguided their attraction with no substance. Blacks have this unbridled loyalty to the Democratic Party, since Bill Clinton appealed to blacks more then any U.S president, blacks have this unconditionally loyalty to Hillary.

You need to vote for the president whom will best service America not black America or white America but America. I would add further that Bill's biggest legislation that affected our nation NAFTA did more damage then good to blacks…

He speaks of Africa but what about his failure to act in Rwanda.

Scott like I said I respect what you wrote but you are misguided.

Rangle is right.

Obama's propensity to disregard a comment simply exemplifies his inability to stand up for a position.

He doesn't understand…wah wah wah…he understands, he just doesn't want to get into a dialogue he knows he can't win. That's not leadership, that's duck and run (his mouth).

He was against the war, then he was for it, now he's against it…now he's calling his initial OPINION, which counted for NOTHING, better judgement than anyone elses!

Give me a break!

Obama's rhetoric is as empty as his Illinois voting record was pathetic.

To facilitate CHANGE, one needs to understand that actions precipitate change, not wishes.

Hillary Clinton is the real change agent in the Democratic Race not Barack Obama.

CLINTON 2008!

I'm a liberal Democrat from Pittsburgh but if Obama doesn't get the Democratic nomination I don't see myself voting for anyone else in the Democratic field. I'll switch and support McCain before I vote for Hillary. Not a gender or race issue. It comes down to trust.

Rep. Charlie Rangel, while your quoting clarifications are You Latino or a Brother?
Are You inspired by MLK or Ceasar Chavez ?
Many of the "Illegals" are also confused with places like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Las Cruses, Yuma, El Paso, Laredo, San Antonio; to them its just another Papagallos. Whats say, Charlie?

Obama has stayed above the flay the at Clintons started. Now the media mixed them up with all these. I hope this doesn't make me not vote for Hillary which I am about to do!

Rangel should have kept his comments to himself. Isn't it enough that Obama is already campaigning against Hillary, Bill, Bob Johnson, etc. And he has maintained his eloquence and dignity in the face of their obvious distortions of the truth.
Go Obama!

Race got into the forefront when Oprah stumped with Obama.

CNN its obvious you are a Obama supporter!!

Stupid is as stupid does. Rangel called it right here.

Stay positive Senator Obama, do not stray from your campaign, trust me,those who are truly listening believe and trust your messages of change and that you are the only person to lead our country! Not to mention you you are the only candidate that can pull 100% of support from your party but most of all independents and some republicans that are on the fence.

Rangel and Johnson are both just Clinton house "boys" (to be kind). Charlie has not had a real clue to what is really going on for years. Johnson's BET has done more to hurt young black folk than almost anything else.

And we wonder why we can't work together.

I will never vote for Hillary Clinton. NEVER!

I will never vote for a woman who allow her husband to abuse her
over and over and over, again. Why would I want a woman like that
for my president!

All you blacks that think the Clintions are the best thing that happen to blacks. You need to read Bill's full record he signed the Crime bill in to law .That have destory many young blacks men they are in prison. The Clintions do not have a record on Civil rights for blacks in this county they used us to get into office. What we need to do is take a step back and look at the Clintion record. He new when he signed the Crime bill regarding rock Cocane and Powder Cocane that Blacks used rock cocane and white used powder he also new our young black men were going to be the ones going to prison while powder cocane user whites would get probation. I say again Bill was not a civil rights President. All they wanted was our vote to stay in office. Obama did not start this mess he was only getting to many whites vote . Black people we need to vote out any black that's supporting and pushing this mess. We need to ask Charlie (NY) and Sheila Jackson-Lee (f Texas) why they did not tell the blacks that Bill signed that crime bill that has place our young men in prison. That not the only bill he signed that was negative on blacks that need to be addressed. Ms Clinton said she has 35 years what have she done show us the beef. We need to ask her to release her records from when her husband was in office. Obama have had more years in in elective office than Ms. Clintion. Charlie is acting like a slave he has not gotten the word yet we are free we do not have to used to carry water for any one Dr. King is turning in his grave I hope( NY) show him the door and also Sheila Jackson-Lee need to be put out of office.

Hillary could have squashed this whole race baiting issue from the start. The Hillary camp has been very clear to point the finger at Obama for "race baiting". But why? The ill-advised comments where made by Hillary Clinton. The influential black leaders (and others) who took issue with her comments responded to the media. Hillary and her campaign were careful not to denounce the responses of Jim Clyburn or Dorothy Brazille about Hillary's own comments. The Hillary campaign attacked Obama. Hillary directed accused Obama and his campaign of "race baiting" on MEET THE PRESS without offering one shred of proof. The news media just ate it up looking for any opportunity to create sensational storylines on Politics and Race regardless of truth.

I am so tired of hearing how Obama is the voice of change. How is he going to change things? I can tell you that I am going to change this country & how its time for a change. No one would let me get by with it, sooner or later some one would ask me "HOW". Just saying it doesn't make it so!

If this is not about race, why did Oprah get up and say the time is now?
What did she mean?

To those of you who say that Senator Obama started this whole "race" thing…can you please show me anywhere that Obama made any statements about HRC's comments? I have been researching…and the most that I can find is him saying that it's ridiculous to say that he brought up the issue, when he hasnt made a comment one way or the other. And then, him saying that he doesnt think that HRC is racist and that she has been a championing African American causes for years. But that her comment were "ill-advised." (and I agree with that statement) And then, of course, his call for a truce.

What you dont realize is that Obama didnt raise this issue with African Americans. African Americans raised this issue with HRC. We dont need anyone to tell us when to feel offended. To say that we are offended does not mean that we dont respect the previous works of Bill and Hillary Clinton. It means that you cannot tell us that we are believing in a "fairytale" when we believe in the renewed hope that Senator Obama gives us. As Americans, we have a right to that hope. It does not negate what we feel about HRC.

It means that HRC cannot negate the contributions of MLK and not expect an outcry from African Americans. True, LBJ signed the Civil Rights ACT. But it was a RESPONSE to the movement. Do you think that without the movement started by MLK and thousands of others' LBJ would have brought forth the Civil Rights ACT on his own? WIthout those tireless, fearless activists…it wouldnt have happened. How do I know? Look at the history. Before the grass roots movement started by MLK, African Americans were 2nd class citizens for hundreds of years. Is it coincidence that the Act was signed only AFTER the works of MLK? I think not. It did not take a president to get the Civil Rights Act passed. It took the works of MLK and thousands of others campaigning and protesting, fighting and dying to motivate LBJ to pass sjgn the. So give all due respect where it is warranted.

So while I appreciate the works that Hilary and Bill have done in the past, I chose to look to the future…and give my vote to the first politician who has ever sparked this much hope for change in my heart. No longer am I apathetic about the politcal process in this country. I now believe that change is possible. Whether or not that happens with Barack Obama as president….at least I now have hope. And that is no fairytale.

Liz L. said

"Hillary is the one. She has experience and why is it that so many people are afraid of her???"

Because she is a woman – and the boys (and some girls like Arianna and Maureen) feel more comfortable having a beer with a male of the species.

At a McCain rally, someone calls Hilary Clinton a "b-tch" and gets chuckles all around.

At an Obama rally, Chris Rock calls Hillary Clinton "that white woman" and gets laughs all around. (Not a peep from Mr. Obama.)

Can you imagine the faux "liberal" outrage if someone called Obama "that black guy" at a Clinton rally – and got a big laugh – and Clinton stood idly by?

Robert M Scott

Hahahahaha, I was heartbroken at first when I read your first paragraph till I finished and understood what you were saying.
And yes we do need Barack to save this country from tyrany.
Obama supporter.

Here's something to ponder:

Last Sunday, BET founder Bob Johnson praised Hillary Clinton for being "deeply and emotionally involved in black issues." If Hillary is so in touch with the African-American community, then, why hasn't she apologized to the people who found her Martin Luther King comments offensive?

I initially gave her the benefit of the doubt in that I understood the point she was trying to make. She was saying that actions speak louder than words – that it's one thing to talk about change, but it takes strong, committed leadership to make it a reality. That is true.

However, I felt she could have made that point without using the Martin Luther King reference. After she received criticism for it, she should have paused to think about why her comments were offensive to some people. Of course, because Obama was one of those people – who just happened to express his opinion on the matter – she took it as a personal attack.

Hillary's response to the backlash has been "That wasn't what I meant to say" and nothing more. She avoids any acknowledgment of the undeniable fact that people DID get offended. By dismissing this fact, she runs the risk of being seen as insensitive. Just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't make their opinion any less valid. I feel that if Hillary really wants to reach out to the African-American community, she needs to admit that she did offend people, show that she understands their side of the issue, and sincerely apologize to the people she offended.

I am glad that her and Obama stepped up and agreed to put an end to this issue before it gets out of hand. Of course, Rangel – a politician nobody cares about for obvious reasons – just HAD to cash in on his fifteen seconds of…well, not fame, more like a reminder that he isn't dead yet. I didn't remember him before as the guy who advocated the draft (thanks to those who brought it up), but it makes sense. Some people will say anything for attention. Hillary got over it Rangel, why can't you?

Derrick January 14, 2008 10:54 pm ET

This whole comment about Race came from Hilary Clinton , Obama never mention race and did not want to comment about the stupid remarks that Hilary said. Hilary is bought and paid for by Washington and God forbid if she get the nomination.

Found this comment here…this is WRONG. Obama said Hillary brought "race" into the discussion. He said the word race. No where did she say race. She just said Dr. King couldnt do it by himself.

Our country is finally waking up to the fact we need major changes in our government if it is truly going to be for the people by the people. The movement has already begun by first voting out many Republicans that are seen as untrustworthy amongst the electorate. Our next step should be to remove the members of our own Democratic Party that reflect negatively on our efforts to have an ethical and positive government in the future. I believe Congressman Rangel and Senator Byrd should be at the top of that list. Both of them seem more interested in political games and wasting money on pet projects simply to have their names on it. Democrats have a wonderful opportunity to clean house and get our government back on track for the American people again. Let’s do it right this time.

The people who are saying "lies from the Hilary camp" need to read the article. Nothing that was said in the article was untrue. Smearing a respected Congressman simply because you do not agree with him is not the way this country should operate. It makes you sound like a republican.

Now you see what experience will bring to this country. This is the kind of porilization that we all just don't need in this country. I hope people will vote like Iowans who stood up with this kind of divisiveness. Time for change!

I might disagree with Obama on issues but I think Hillary is going way beyond what it should be for American President. We want a uniter not a devider. I am latino with all family members voting for Obama.

two words for you charlie, "SHUT UP!"
let's get back to the REAL issues of this election year, and not the color of a candidates skin.

Obama's remarks were probably one of his first really bad moves of this race. Bill and Hillary Clinton have been tremendous allies to and supporters of minority rights. Many people refer to Bill Clinton as the first black president. Obama was out of line and frankly devisive with these comments – which I have to think is why he quickly called for a truce.

But let's stay on point here. It is so easy to get caught up in the personality squabbles and lose sight of the goals. Who do you want in office? Who will speak for you and your agenda?

I keep seeing "Moderate Republicans" chiming in here saying they will vote for Obama, who's stance on social and economic issues are clearly very left of center. Hillary Clinton is a centrist – more conservative fiscally and more liberal on social issues. But more to the point, the Republicans are not going to be voting in these primaries, so you really don't get a say here.

Republicans do have the option of voting for a centrist, Rudy Giuliani who is the only Republican candidate who's more liberal on many social issues and more fiscally conservative. He sure helped NYC turn around after the disasterous Dinkins years. Or go for MacCain, he's a social and fiscal conservative but not a hard liner. He's one step to the right of Guiliani.

Now if you've ruled out the Republican candidates because they remind you too much of the current administration or they're too hawkish, then the next candidate that embraces a moderate Republican's ideology is Hillary Clinton. She's the only centrist in the Dem bunch. Love her or hate her, she will give you a voice in government.

But if you like Obama's more liberal agenda, great. I suggest you switch parties.

Finally, let's vote the issues this time around, people. Put race, gender, and personality aside. Vote for the person who is going to cut or raise taxes how you see fit, who is going to end the war how you think it should be concluded, who is going to fight or foster global warming in the face of an economic recession, who is going to come up with the right fiscal policies to spur economic growth and create jobs in America, who is going to protect our borders the way you think makes sense. That means reading the newspaper and watching the debates – really listening to the substance, not the spin. It's hard, but given the times we're in it is so VERY important.

I am livid at this latest cynical broohaha started by the Clintons over MLK and LBJ. I will not vote for Hillary Clinton under any circumstances, even if she wins the nomination. I hope this blows up in their faces and they lose the vast majority of the black voters, lose South Carolina, and every other state thereafter. It is an old political trick of throwing the hand grenade and then accusing the other side of over playing the controversy. It distracts everyone from the enthusiasm for Obama, characterizes him as a black dreamer and a "former" drug user, and calculates that any negatives she gets will be offset by the advantage of taking the wind out of Obama's sails. It is cynical, divisive, and not worthy of anyone who puts themselves forward as potentially the next President of the United States. This is worse than Imus to me. We all knew Imus is a racist blowhard. But Hillary and Bill put themselves up as so pro-black he has been considered by many in the black community as the first black president. Then, they resort to this? This is like throwing the black community under the bus, just so they can win an election. It's the dirtiest of dirty politics. I hate it. And I hate the Clintons for doing it.

Did G.W. Bush had experience when he ran in 2000? He didn't even know the name of the president of Pakistan. Did J.F.K had experience when he ran for the presidency?
Being the wife of a president and sitting in the while house for few years will automatically give you experience???? She became an elected official only after becoming a senator, so how long is Hillary has been an elected official????

What happened to Obama that African Americans are not approving him. Or is this the same thing in America that they wait you to go up then they bring you down. I think Barack was leading in polling and being voted for by his own merrits and credits not by what Dr. King did. He just invoked the words to get people inspired and I personally don't see anything wrong with that.
Go Obama!

And could someone explain why Obama shouldn't have to answer for his drug use in the same way that every other political candidate who has used or is suspected of having used drugs must face the music? Why isn't it a legitimate issue? You may decide it's not important enough, and that he should still be president, but why shouldn't he have to answer questions about it?!! Why does he play by different rules?

Charles Rangel is not an idiot. Hillary that the MLK's dream was realized when LBJ signed it into law. (Is that racist?) There is nothing negitive about that statement.

Like I said before if Hillary had a drug problem as a teenager that wouldn't be an issue?

Don't question Senator Obama I guess that is the anwser.

I surely fail to see how this discussion is about race, or race baiting. Clinton made a statement that could've appeared to belittle MLK's role in the Civil Rights Act. I highly doubt that it was her intention, but the comment seemed to ignore the catalytic role that MLK played in the civil rights era and that would permit such an Act to be envisioned at the time. Some people out there got offended and Barack simply admitted that it was an ill-advised comment. Till this time I still do not see him putting race into the debate, I have not heard Barack say that his loss in New Hampshire was because he is Black or complain of being unfairly treated or scrutinized because of his identity.

The media has gravely overreacted to this discussion, and they have introduced the notion of race into what otherwise would've been a difference of opinion. In my opinion it is unfortunate that so many people whether Republic or Democrat have chosen to not seek out the facts and make an informed judgment but rather to buy into the media hype.

Hilary had a right to say what she said, and Barack has a right to disagree. The only thing deserving of condemnation is supporters of either candidate turning this into a discussion about race and bigotry.

Both Charlie Rangel, and Bob Johnson have done a disservice to themselves by engaging in such provocative speech.

My 2 cents.
Kevin

To be quite frank, it is awfully disappointing to see that people cannot look into the truth themselves. As anyone in their right mind can recall, it was a South Carolina congressman that was offended by these comments and went public—not Barack Obama!!!

It is clear that the idea of the Clintons was to diminish the admirable traits of Obama and any relative comparisons to JFK and MLK Jr.

On another note, its quite hysterical how Clinton uses black men to deliver these absurd messages of drugs(WAIT, not drugs–any idiots want to side with him after he just lied, and is so morally perfect??–haha BET?) and needless to mention this most recent fool.

Why are African Americans going against each other. Shouldn't it time to uplift each other and make it a better country for themselves? I really feel bad about Obama if people like this keep on opening their mouth.
I would love Obama to be the president because even here in u.k, there is that feeling of a better world when you watch him.

It is really sad that still today, after so many trials and tribulations that we as Black Americans have endured in this country, we still cannot get together on any issue. It seems perfectly alright for every other ethnic group to have political and economic solidarity on issues of importance. But when Black People are involved or try and establish a political platform, plantation politics rears its' ugly head.

Idealistically, no one group of people will ever vote in a block. But even if Barack Obama got all the black votes, it still would not be enough to win a national election. But wouldn't it be nice if we could ALL STAND TOGETHER, and live the dream of "….Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God Almighty, Free at Last…."

Righ on Charlie Rangel! It was nuts for Obama to twist the comments which were actually praising Martin Luther King into something racially insensitive, and make no mistake it WAS Obama who did the twisting because they released talking points on the subject. If an African-American is ever to make a credible bid for the white house it has to be ok to disagree with him or her. It's unacceptable for a candidate for the presidency to pull this nonsense. Senator Clinton is hands down more qualified, more experienced and after a few more years in the Senate Obama will no doubt be a fine leader of similar caliber–he isn't yet.

OBAMA AND CLINTON ARE ACTING LIKE TWO LITTLE KIDS, ARGUEING OVER NOTHING – I DONT THINK " MLK" WOULD HAVE CARED WHO GOT THE CREDIT, AS LONG AS THE PEOPLE GOT WHAT HE HAD FOUGHT SO LONG
AND HARD FOR.

( VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE WHO HAS THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE
UNITED STATES AND ITS CITIZENS IN MIND, NOT THE ONE WHO THE IS MOST LIKEABLE OR WHO CAN LIE THE BEST)

What a polarizing effect that this event has had on most of you on this blog. Both Obama and Clinton are viable candidates and we are judging them on opinions based on legislation passed in the 60's. This is not a race war it's a political contest. Let's concentrate on the major issues that confront America like bringing jobs back to America. Now that affects all citizens of different race,creed and gender in the USA. I think Obama and Clinton have enough friends and supporters that are in those three catagories. Let's grow up. We know whose black and white. We also know that both candidates just got ridiculous for a moment. Time to move on and see that change is inevitable if either is elected. We need to demand change and apply public oversight. We need a Goverment of the people, for the people and by the people. What we demand is what we get.

I think this country will be so happy to have a third party candidate. I will vote for anyone if Hillary get the nomination. This is getting so dump!

Did G.W. Bush had experience when he ran in 2000? He didn't even know the name of the president of Pakistan. Did J.F.K had experience when he ran for the presidency?
Being the wife of a president and sitting in the while house for few years will automatically give you experience???? She became an elected official only after becoming a senator, so how long is Hillary has been an elected official????

When are you people going to wake up. Why are Americans so easily filled by empty rhetoric. Does "Compasionate Conservative" ring a bell – didn't "GW" bring you enough change.
Change can be a horrible thing, so forget about the words and look for the substance. I personally doen't see anything come from Obama to be excited about. Clinton actually has plans that are there for you to read.
Bring this contest back to the issues, and not where the "media" wants it.

Educated African American Male, you just injected race and you probably didn't even realize it. Typical of Obama supporters. Since when did "we become president"…. Where did "we" come from? Are you on the ticket? Who is we? Gimme a break.

Here we go again. No matter how good or bad the politician is, the circumstances of this world will bring about things that bring out the good and bad in them. Tell me a President who at the end of his terms was not thought to be a scoundrel for whatever reason, no matter what his intentions were. The Martin Luther Kings, the Billy Grahams, the Kennedys, the Ghandis, and so on of the world are gifted to us but once in a while, and usually the world is not easy on them because they are running against the grain. Musicians capture the moments after the fact with; "The Day the Dream Died", "Abraham, Martin and John", and so on, but the point is, a gift was given to us by each one of them and if we're smart we won't waste them. Unfortunately in too many instances, we do waste what was given to us, and then the rhetoric takes over and what's the point? If you politicians want to get elected, be successful in your endeavor , then know this world is driven by a dark force and stand tall above it all, be a leader for all of us, don't compromise, be righteous, and follow the coin; In God we Trust. The rest is rhetoric.

wow, me and my wife thought America is about to go a mile by having an incredible African American. Now, when we see things like this, it takes me back in the 80's where you could only see black people in the cities being dragged and being locked up.
America should wake up and smell the coffee.
I honestly agree these old guys should go!

I just read the comments by women, and then I read the comments by men.

I find it interesting how you have decided which candidate to support fueled by emotions and not hard facts. Our leaders like New York Rep. Charlie Rangel, are wasting peoples time, money and air. Americans leaders have far greater issues they need to be thinking and talking about. You know the Issues we’ll have to pay for.

This is truly getting ridiculous. There are at least 300 comments here posted by un-ethical, illiterate, self-proclaimed conspiracy theologists; it's time to stop. Everytime a comment gets posted, people scramble to their computers to voice their objections. The most widely used term on this thread, "Let's get the facts straight" makes me wonder where everyone is getting their facts from because they all differ. Obama is black, he uses it to his advantage to solicit the minorities votes; especially when he finally acknowledged his wife's presence by bringing her into the spotlight to shine light on her personal experiences. Hillary plays the gender/political ties cards; obviously she does something right.

But, our dilema is this, both candidates are backed by lobbyists; as well as every other candidate out there. They are not working for you or I, they are working for someone who gave them enough money to secure that office. Someone who has their own agenda. They are there to blackmail the presidential candidates into making them more money. Politics are simple: organizations give large amounts of money to candidates, more so to those that they think stand a chance; those candidates talk about issues that they think are close to heart to most Americans, they get voted into office, they now work for the organizations that gave them all of that money. Which in turn, is not advantageous to the agenda of the American people.

People, listen to me, do you really think that things will change? time has told us that they will not. Do you really think that Hillary is concerned for you defaulting on your home loan and forcing your family to live on the street? Will she offer you refuge in one of the many rooms available in the White House? No. Will Obama petition OPEC to stop raising the price of oil? Will he devote funds to companies in America researching alternative fuel sources? No, he won't. Do they make you think they care about you by claming gender, race, and religion? Yes. They are there to solicit your vote by undermining your intelligence. The republican party is not much better. Will Guiliani withdrawl troops from Iraq and Afghanistan? No, but, here's the kicker does that really affect you? Unless you are currently serving in the military of the United States of America, it doesn't. Studies have shown that 1 in 4 homeless Americans are veterans of war; will either party devote time from their hectic schedule to assist in habitat for humanity? No, quite clearly because they don't care; why get dirty laying foundation for a troop when the lobbyists are not paying them to do so.

The real choice is clear, Americans do the presidential work themselves; we look after our own, we provide funding for research, and we run the country. Politics is a dirty game and no one will win unless they truly care for the Americans by addressing their real issues; not race, religion, and gender.

Respond to this if you will, I will sit back and watch the United States crumble from within.

Boy there are forests of rubbish being dumped on this thread, mostly by the supporters of the democratic candidates. But you repub-bots who posted here really do stick out like baboon butts in the canopy.

For all you democrats and so-called independents who hate Hillary or Bill for what ever irrational reasons you have, or for those who have shrilly belittled Obama for no factual or logical reason, and especially for those who have indicated they are prepared not to vote, or vote republican if your candidate doesn't win the primary: please take your ignorance, stupidity, and dogmatic views over to the party that embraces these characteristics, and there you can have fun debating who is the better christian to sacrifice your children in the next quasi-religious crusade for nation-building; who is the better purposefully ignorant anti-science wingnut that will see to it that the oceans rise the most while leaving your progeny little natural legacy; who can cut taxes the most for the wealthiest and sell the most national debt to our foreign competitors; who can most quickly drive our economic system backwards to the late 1800s so that your children's work has the greatest benefit for the wealthiest few; who can game the illegal alien issue the most to simultaneously benefit employers with low wage workers while stoking racist fires amongst the ignorant; who can sacrifice more of your civil rights all in the name of keeping you "FREE"; who can grow the Federal gov't the most while telling you they are for small gov't; who can take the least amount of responsibility for the negative outcomes of their own policies by blaming Bill Clinton's presidency; ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Campaigns are tough, candidate vie for the vote, but those of you who cannot see the major differences between the parties, after all that has gone on over the last 7 years, deserve what you get ….. Bush III. Just stunningly STUPID!

I cant believe how many obama supporters will vote republican if they dont GET THEIR WAY !!!! (Obama)

The republicans dont stand for anything that Obama does.

You will vote to continue the war in Iraq, tax cuts for the rich, and broken healthcare? All because the beloved Obama isnt nominated?

This just goes to prove that Americans will give their vote away , and issues dont matter.

Hillary is the one. She has experience and why is so many people afraid of her???
Obama is a great speaker but does not say anything. I think times were pretty good 8 years ago and she knows how to get things done and will be able to "talk" to the Middle East, I think that is most imoortant.

“But there is nothing that Hillary Clinton has said that baffles me. I would challenge anybody to belittle the contribution that Dr. King has made to the world, to our country, to civil rights, and the Voting Rights Act,” said Rangel. “But for him to suggest that Dr. King could have signed that act is absolutely stupid. It's absolutely dumb to infer that Doctor King, alone, passed the legislation and signed it into law."

What a moron. I have followed Obama campaign ever since and I know for sure he didn't suggest that.
Now that Dr. King was abused because of standing up you want to suggest we continue being beaten, dragged, all abuses before we become a president or get any chance for a position in the goverment?
I am so proud of Obama not injecting race in this campaign. We all see Clintons through.

Charles Rangel is an idiot. Sen. Obama has not said one negative word about any of the negative comments that have come out of the Clinton camp. He is not attempting to make race an issue they are. As a African American I am ashamed of both Charles Rangel and Bob Johnson. If you don't like Sen. Obama that's your decision but he, like you, has struggled long and hard to accomplish what he has. The Clinton's are allowing their workers and supporters to drag this election in a very negative direction and when Sen. Obama doesn't respond they make something up. She said what she said and people are intelligent enough to interpret it in any way they wish. This is a perfect example of the Clinton machine at work or should I say the Clinton/Washington machine at work. They will do anything and use anyone to win. Her 30 years of experience is as a Washington insider not experience in an elected office. This is the devisive nature of the Clinton's and it amazes me that some blacks choose to turn a blind eye. They are so focused on what they perceive President Clinton to have done for African American's in the past that they will allow them to disrepect one their own to support them. Let the election be won by positive not negative. Hillary cried when she thought she was going to loose New Hampshire and got the sympathy vote now she is crying poor me trying to sway the Nevada vote. I will not support her even if she steals the democratic spot because I don't trust her as far as I can throw her.

What did Charlie Rangel say that was wrong? If it was not for JFK/LBJ would the MLK civil rights bill be passed? No way if Barry Goldwater got elected in 1964. Everybody can rip Hillary and Bill about anytrhing they feel like but Sen Obama is off limits. Sen Obama writes a book in 1995 and reveals his drug use (tell all books do sell better). Now that he is running for President that is off limits. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HILLARY DID COCAINE AS A TEENAGER? Lets play fair here!!!

This is crazy! All of these people on here having to state that they are African-American. Who cares! Why do you have to justify your vote for Hillary? The race card was pulled a very long time ago. People are not blind, Obama is black. The point of the matter is that whether Obama gets the nomination or if Hillary does, we are witnessing historic change in America. We all know that if either of them wins, there will be a Democrat sitting in the White House. My ideal world is to see one of them pick eachother for a running mate. My vote is with Obama, not for his color, but for what he stands for. If he does not win, I can deal. Then my vote will go for Hillary.

Who is Rangel in the eyes of African americans. People this guy don't speak about us. Sorry dude, we know too well what is like to make those old comments that don't get anywhere beyond you!

I must make this statement… with all of the negative remarks aim at HRC and anyone that comes to her defense one would think that most of the response that is posted on this board is from a member of the Obama staff posing as a supporter for Obama . A staff of sworn and dedicated staffers of writer keep it negative for the opponents put out any and all that would make the other opponents look bad . So Mr Obama is that whats going on. when you go over to his there are very few attacks on him. So i m calling you all out OBAMA STAFF POSING AND TRYING TO KEEP THIS CAMPAIGN NEGATIVE,

HRC 2008

From everything I've read here, I would have to say that – as in all politics around the world – most people pick a politician/political viewpoint to support, and then find reasons to support them, not the other way around.

And believe me, despite your efforts to bend over backwards to say to you are doing just the opposite, your words reveal the truth.

Very few people actually have paid attention to facts or have bothered to look for an undistorted source.

The true lack of intelligence does not lie with Obama or Clinton, and not even so much in their camps of supporters, but with the people on forums like this who take media reports that agree with their own views as the holy gospel, shunting aside (or failing to seek out) any other type of information.

To quote:
""People are stupid; given proper motivation, almost anyone will believe almost anything. Because people are stupid, they will believe a lie because they want to believe it's true, or because they are afraid it might be true. People’s heads are full of knowledge, facts, and beliefs, and most of it is false, yet they think it all true. People are stupid; they can only rarely tell the difference between a lie and the truth, and yet they are confident they can, and so are all the easier to fool."

"If Barack Obama is elected President, he will become the least experienced and least qualified individual to be elected President since the 1800s"

Really – Tessio?

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ……..

Thanks for the laugh. That prize goes to Dubya!

Hillary is scary!!!! I am a democrat but I am voting republican if she gets the nomination. Bill is even becoming Scary!!!!

Many African-Americans don't like Hillary because she is white; many whites don't want Sen Obama because he is African-American. Get over it people – neither of them can change how they were born. I know people are going to respond by saying I'm not voting for Sen Obama because he is African-American, I am voting for him because he can bring the changes that are needed to this country; sorry but I'm not sure how true you are being to us or yourselves on this one. I'll be honest here, as a woman, in my heart, I would like to see Hillary Clinton become the first woman President, but I choose to use my head and I am voting for Hillary Clinton because she is the candidate whose beliefs on many issues are closest to my own. If she were a man (not matter the race) and held the same beliefs I do, I would surely vote for "him." Granted, in this case, it is just an extra bonus for me that she is a woman.

At the rate we are going, I would have to agree with a number of posts that if we don't come together as Democrats, we are not going to remove the Republicans from the White House which is the biggest change needed and will hopefully start a cascading effect of changes all over. Forget the inner bickering, start attacking the Republicans and call them on what they have done to this country. The one who does that and continues to do that is the one who is going to bring about change, be it man or woman, black or white.

I ask all Americans to please vote your head – not your heart. In the long run it will be better for us all. Thank you.

Great endorcement for Bilairy… What a joke.

This guy think the old way of thinking still rule this country. I have loved to vote for hillary but people like this just make me think twice. I am looking for other candidates who deserve me going into cold to vote.

Yeah, foo, but look at tha man…he be so handsome with his double, um make that triple, chin and all…me wanna buy tha man some shickan wings to shar, you know ma talkin' bout

Time for change and change means People like above, Rangel and alot more!!

Us young people 48 and below have refused our future to be so much screwed up by this guy and the like. We will stand up to what is right. Time to tell them to pack and leave the white house so as clintons. Household names are not gonna run the most democratic country on earth!

From a military vet

Its interesting to me that the many people in this commentary that comment on the 'draft' probably have NEVER served in the military. What a bunch of cowards to make comments like you are making! The draft would make possible for a stronger defense of our country and ensure deeper thinking goes into any commitment of our country to war. The AVF also known as the all volunteer force of our armed forces was manned for a continuous wartime footing of approximately three years. After that timeframe a draft would be proposed to relieve the active forces. Now with both Afghanistan and Iraq wars going into the seventh year both the active and reserve forces are exhausted. They need some help and relief. How would any of you like to go fight a war for the fourth or fifth time?

Anyone remember 9/11 when everyone seemed a bit concerned about their future and whether or not they would survive the next attack. Well that's never happened because of the continuous sacrifices made by the men and women in the armed forces. What have you done for a veteran lately, have you ever shook a vets hand and thank him or her for their volunteer service. The only reason anyone would be scared of a draft is because it might make them fight for their freedom and take them out of their comfort zone. But is there any better reason that fighting for your country, fighting for freedom – I say not! Bring back the draft and give America's all volunteer military force a break, what are you all scared of. That way we can all continue have the FREEDOM to vote for whoever we want to.

There is nothing diminishing in Oprah speech about MLK.
Actually MLK didn't live to witness the accomplishement of his dream (speech). The facts say that a black man can now compite in a presidential race in the same level as a white man. There is nothing insolting in Oprah's introductory speech as it was in bob Johnson's introductory speech for Hillary. They are just driven by hate against a young and a promissing USA president.

WHAT A SHAME!

To Southern Gal:

Johnson was very vocal. He was very powerful in Congress before running with Kenendy. So powerful that the Republicans were happy to see him go.

I am so happy this country is not being run by people like this. I hope he is not over 50 because if he is I give him a pass and move on. Give me Obama any time of the day!

O and for the folks leaning in the clinton camp on experiance …… WEll all we've had for the past decades is Career politicians and look where it get us , Empty promises and an even emptier pocketbook. MAYBE we need a peron who as the drive , ambition , and dream to make a change with the way things are done and not the same old Lobbist Washington Truffle shuffle … I mean I want a women to be president too and I like Clinton as a senator , but not as president , come on didnt we learn from the last 8 years of Bush

*** This is the same toolbag who wanted to reinstate the draft. Warmongers think alike (or don't even think at all). ***

Uh, actually the only reason he proposed restarting the draft was to END THE WAR. He knew if rich white kids were dying out there it would get wrapped up in a hurry.

You really ought to get a clue before posting.

I am a lady and I wound love to see a woman president but not Hillary. For Rangel to come out swinging like this will only hurt Hillary not Obama.
Obama 08, 12!

Has Hillary promised this guy vice presidency position or what. I cannot imagine an African American saying this to a fellow African american. The media is celebrating this so as the Clintons. God Help us all.

There are other people in this race. Stop bickering and for God's sake, stop crying. Hillary come out of the panic room and run. There are other creeping up on you while you are in panic mode. I think Edwards is using the both of you to smooth the pavement for him. My hat is off to all of you, But, remember we are suppose to try to win over the Republican.

Charlie Rangel, Bob Johnson, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!

This election isn't about race or gender. It is about moving forward to bipartisanship for the citizens of this country. Something the Bush's and the Clinton's just don't get and don't care about. Bi par ti san ship! Something that hasn't happened since the 1800's. It will not happen with Senator Clinton. Rest assured, if the the Clinton campaign keeps this up and Senator Clinton does win the democratic nominee, young African Americans will vote republican in droves and here's why.

Young African Americans are not naive. We know that Rengel's pockets are lined by status quo interests just like the Clinton's are. Young African Americans stand nothing to gain by voting for a democratic era that has passed its time. We will not be duped! This is our time! It's really comes down to Senator Obama or vehemently reject the old democratic era and vote republican. America would be better off voting republican than voting for Senator Clinton. The real opportunity lies within bi partisanship. Word to the wise, pouring tax payers dollars into federal programs does not work. Federal programs is like trickle down economics that lines the pockets of the CEOs and project directors of not for profit programs who use impoverished communities for their economic gain. Educated young African Americans are proud people and it wasn't given too us by our politicians of the past 30 yrs that's for certain. We earned it by studying our history although it was taken out of our schools! It's unfortunate we haven't had authentic African American leadership since Dr. King who bye the way wasn't a republican or democrat, Dr. King was indeed bipartisan. Senator Obama possesses that brand of bipartisan leadership although he is a declared democrat. Dr. King had flaws and certainly so does Senator Obama but, not nearly to the degree that the old democratic status quo does inclusive of Senator Clinton and certainly let's never forget President William Jefferson Clinton. Senior African Americans really stand nothing to gain from the Clinton's either unless of course their pockets were lined and now they feel obligated or they are obligated. I support President Obama 100% and the reason why is because through all of this he has demonstrated supreme character and class. If you have to ask what character and class has to do with it, guess what, you just missed what being the President is truly about.

If given the chance vote Obama '08 in November if that chance is taken away I'll be voting republican and I know I will not be the only young educated African American doing so.

The Clintons are all for an African-American being president, but not at the same time as the Hillary coronation is going on. After the Clintonistas destroy Obama with their dirty tricks, they'll make nice again with the African-American community.

No wonder Barack is so smart he didn't associate himself with people like this one or run his presidency based on race. I wish him well….
Go Go Obama!

Funny because When I was watching last night Clinton and Obama – They asked Obama about the Race issue and His Remark was "We should focus on what needs to be done in this country" While Clinton is Back padlling with Dr. King This and Dr, King that , why is she so on edge unless ….. I mean if she knows deep down what she says is being twisted or mistaken why is she backpadlling so bad- Like a deer in Headlights….

wow, what a moron?

Does this guy has mental Problem? People should start thinking who they are associating with since I think we are so different in thinking. I hope Clintons are not laughing off their nose by now…..

I just love to watch the quadrennial implosion of the Democratic Party. You folks practically have both houses and the executive office placed at your feet and will walk right past just so that you can argue and fight with yourselves.

Obama interjecting race into the primary is just folly, and then trying to have a faux truce is a sham. This is what we get when America chooses pretty and inexperienced over competence. 8 years ago we all wanted change blah blah blah and look what we get. A weak executive advised by Washington insiders. For all the change that the Democratic 3 promise who do people think will be put into positions of power other than the same Washington insiders that they complain about. Think about it the Democrats were running Dodd, Biden and Richardson, three pols with actual experience and ability, instead they choose photogenic empty suits. You know the next time I have a major life crisis, I will actively seek out a solution from a pretty, unimaginative, inexperienced amatuer instead of going to someone who has been dealing with such problems for 20 years- yeah that is a real smart idea.

I have a question,
Don't African Americans have serious problems that need to be addressed in a serious way. I think if they have a President could be better and will be in better positions to ask and air hard stuff than when they do to white people. Just my 2cents thought.

Come on, Clinton and your supporters, you guys are suppose to be the older and wise ones please set good examples, and stop acting like kids.

White Dems invoke Marting Luther King EVERY SINGLE FREAKING ELECTION like they own the rights to his Deeds. Let a Black candidate do the same and his comparing himself or injecting race? BS BS BS

Forgive Charley Rangel, he's just one of many Washington insiders quivering in their boots, wondering what will happen when CHANGE sweeps across this nation.

Clintons did for blacks what they did for women. Take advantage of them when it suited their interests and bash them with typical stereotypes when it suited their interests. Women's issues?!? Hillary?!? She was not only front and center, she LED the brigade against every woman that accused Bill of inappropriate behavior. Tell me, exactly, how you promote women's rights when you go around bashing women constantly as lying little tramps? Hmmmm. Tell me Mr. Rangel, how you think you are helping black America by bashing Obama and lying about what he said? Hmmmm.

The Republicans will never destroy Obama. The Clinton's will do it before the Democratic nomination. In fact, they will do such a great job Obama will never be a candidate for president again.

Darn it people! Obama said nothing. It is bloggers like us keep this crap going! We are hurting Hillary by making her believe Obama said something about her. Then we are hurting Obama by trashing him for thoughts, words and ideas that are ours. If we stop then the media will stop. This afternoon msn confirmed that they are reading blogs and seeing how upset we are about this race misunderstanding.

Charles Rangel made a statement that was "ill-advised". Why draw attention to it?

He claimed Obama said things that Obama never said. Then Rangel went on to attack said fictional things. This is a classic verbal manuever intended as a distraction. It fools some people, but his Jedi mind tricks won't work on thinking people – namely, us.

Nothing to see here. Move along. (Unless you are in Rangel's district, in which case, please make a different choice at the next election…)

For those of you who keep asking how the candidates stand on issues, I strongly encourage you to visit their respective websites. All the major candidates appear to have good info on the Internet – take advantage of the information age.

Very interesting to follow the Obama/Clinton story as a Canadian living in Toronto.

This is really all about the fight for the control of the Democratic party. The old established guard are not going to sit by idly and watch a newcomer bypass them with a "grass roots" movement based on new, young voters to get to power. That will destroy all they have worked for the last several decades.

Old timer politicians like Mr Rangel revel in the power they wield in Washington as the "fixers" of Democratic politics. They built that power during the Clinton years and are not going to sit by and have it taken away. Clearly Obama threatens that status-quo.

All I can say is that America deserves the Presidents it votes for. Bush is a clear example – he was elected twice by Americans meaning it was not a fluke. He was truly the choice of the American people albeit narrowly.

People like Obama, inspirational as he is will not get to power as long as the old, established, political guard has anything to do with it.

I have a lot of respect for Mrs Clinton's accomplishments; she is a brilliant individual with lots of experience and could make a great President. But I wonder how she can ever unite the American people around the big changes the country needs. The Republican party will simply gridlock any and every thing she wants to do in Congress no matter how smart or well thought out, similar to what is happening in Congress today. It is simply impossible for her with the legacy of her past and her husband to work as a centrist. Too much hatred for the Clinton name in "Red" America, just as "Blue" America cannot stand the Bushes. Result; standstill in America.

About Obama, he has to be given credit for recognizing that "politics" as usual will not move America forward and galvanizing a new generation of Americans to get involved in changing the country.

But I wonder if the American people understand that enough to take that chance given his short resume.

As much as I loved Bill Clinton as President, we can't elect him again. If Hilary thinks she's going to be able to bring him into every tight and tough situation she faces, then she's not presidential material. Hilary has already played the "female tears" card, another sign of weakness. And now, she's trying to play the "race card". Obama can't play the race card, he's black and that card won't work for him (just like female tears shouldn't work for Hilary. Although, race is implicit in Obama's campaign, due to it's greater meaning to American history. But, Obama can't run on that slogan; "Vote Obama and prove we truly stand for freedom and equality"…although John Kerry stated as much in his endorsement speech of Obama.

Ultimately, I think the Clinton's are in panic mode after Iowa and the close race in New Hamsphire. They want to change the discussion because Obama's message has more attraction…so they attack the man, and now his race! Rangel and Johnson only confuse the matter, going against Obama based on civil rights and the legacy of Martin Luther King. Bill is said to be the first black president by many blacks (I don't mind calling him that either), but Bill is not actually black…and I don't think that's what black's actually mean when they say this, nor will history document him as that. Obama, however, is the real deal…a blessing to America both at home and abroad…doing the whole world a bit of good.

Sadly, no one seems to recognize that the media, including CNN, continues to fan the flames of this "racial" controversy.

The Clinton and Obama campaigns have apparently agreed to disagree on many issues but both view the legacy of Dr. King in the same light, one of respect and admiration.

Congressman Rangel is certainly entitled to his opinions about a statement by candidate Obama, referenced in the article above:

":Rangel’s remarks came in response to Sunday comments from Obama, who told an audience at a Nevada campaign event: "I am baffled by that statement by the Senator. She made an ill-advised statement about Dr. King, suggesting that Lyndon Johnson had more to do with the Civil Rights Act. For them to somehow suggest that we're interjecting race as a consequence of a statement she made, that we haven't commented on, is pretty hard to figure out."

Later in the article he is quoted as saying (and here is the stupidity comment):

“But there is nothing that Hillary Clinton has said that baffles me. I would challenge anybody to belittle the contribution that Dr. King has made to the world, to our country, to civil rights, and the Voting Rights Act,” said Rangel. “But for him to suggest that Dr. King could have signed that act is absolutely stupid. It's absolutely dumb to infer that Doctor King, alone, passed the legislation and signed it into law."

Perhaps a poor choice of words, but true. Congressman Rangel has a history of rhetorical excess, in fact he is famous for it.

Given that the opposing political camps have "buried the hatchet" on this issue, CNN and the rest of the media, might think about ratcheting down the excess emotional content of their headlines.

But wait, then the eyeballs they want and need will not continue to be attracted to this "story".

Let's see – Obama was the one who asked for a truce. Obama was the one who said that the bickering pulls them away from the message. Then, Clinton's supporters attack Obama on the same issue today. Hmmmmmm – seems to me that Sen Clinton is the one with the problem of being divisive and polarizing.

Obama really has not defined his policies except in broad brush terms.To have a vision is great but I want to know how he will achieve these lofty goals Where's the Beef,Obama?.

This just deflects from discussing the real issues confronting us all. The media fans the flames because they love the hoopla and then they do not have to ask the tough questions. It does the democrats no good against the republicans.

Do not forget folks, the media, by not asking the tough questions, has a hand in why we are in Iraq and why we have Bush for a president. They also decide which candiates they think we should like and hear from and pay scant attention to the rest. I take nearly everything that comes out of the news anchors mouths with a grain of salt (especially fox news).

They fan the flames because they think we want to hear it and they hope someone will trip up and say something awful, which will make them further fan the flames. In the meantime the real issues that concern us all are shoved aside.

I do not pay attention to it. Also, Bill Clinton (I like him) should let Hillary fight her own battles. It is unseemly for the former president to be campaigning for her in this way; he is the former president, not, merely a spouse. They come across as looking like they are entitled to win this election and everyone should step out of the way.

how many bed crumbs he got from hillary in exchange for his backbone?

I have lost so much respect for the Clintons over the last couple of days that its now hard for me as a life long democrat to even contemplate voting for Hillary if she is the nominee. People are cynical over politics becase of a reason, Bill and Hillary have protrayed that reason very bluntly over the last couple of weeks. So charisma and idealism is just BS? Man, what kind of president can lead without hope??? Oh ya, just look at Dubya. Obama inspires, just like JFK and MLK…..I guess the Clintons would have attacked them too, have they no shame?

Five steps up by African Americans, ten steps down with the highest ranking black members of congress. No wonder we will head nowhere!

Charlie Rangel, you might not know it but you are a pure waste of time. You ruined Harlem and profited royally. Others had to finally roll you over to get things done. You are no more than an opportunist looking for a last hurray in the Clinton Cabinet. What you need to do is get out of the kitchen cabinet, stop stuffing your mouth, stop spouting ignorance and finally help those in Harlem who are not benefitting from the new Harlem Renaissance.

Rangle is a great guy who is using a sense of humor and irony to call the bluff of the administration, who seem to think that we can stay overseas indefinitly withou consequences to our economy or popular consensus. HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO BE THERE!? 10 years? If we are going to be there as long as they think we are, why not institute the draft like Rangle says, so that everybody can enjoy the fighting, including the sons of Republican senators AND Ivy Leauge elites.

And don't buy for one second that Rangel didn't get the memo. Just like all the other cronies didn't get the memo about not bringing up his past drug use. I don't care if they bring it up, but Hillary is lying through her teeth when she says it shouldn't be used against him. All her cronies bring it up again and again. Same as this, someone linked to her will be bringing race up in the press again and again trying to paint it like Obama is bringing it up. Open your eyes!!!!

This guy – Rangel is just envious of Obama. Despite the gap in their age and experience, Obama's political career and personal achievement have been more stellar than his.

ABC: Anyone But Hillary

Remember at about four weeks ago when Oprah was introducing Obama, she said MLK drea the dream and Obama will make the dream a reality. Is that not deminishing MLK achievement? If Oprah could go awaywith that statement, why the double standard about the Clintons?

Congressman Charles Ranger as well as Mr. Johnson (BET owner) are doing the dirty work for Mr and Mrs. Clinton. Those guys are old school African-American politicians who can only see the world in Black and White. They should look in the mirror what happened in Iowa and New Hampshire. Those two elections were basically color-blinded.

It is obvious that the Clinton's want to divide the "black block". If she can get 50% of that block that's fine to her. Unfortunately for her we are in 2008 not in 1992. Now more than ever, people have easy access to information thanks to the INTERNET. And people are able to sort out what matter for them the most and what is better for themselves and their family.
Eventually Obama will prevail not because he is black. Mrs. Clinton will lose not because she is a woman. The decision will be made based on the ability of Barak to help us extract in us the best that we have to move our country forward. A country cannot be strong without unity. The Clinton's time has passed. It's time for CHANGE.

So contrived Obama's comment. What is he really saying?
That it should have been him to have made the comment, that no one but african- americans can make statements about civil rights leaders…hmmm who is the polarizing figure(s) in this debate….it certainly seems to be the two (Obama/Rangel) most making noise…not surprising to me…

Race, just like MLK, have no place what so ever in this political race. Toootally stupid.

I agree with Rangel on this.

I would qualify that by saying that what Obama said was worse than stupid.
He was trying to portray Senator Clinton as a racist by distorting what she said.
This is gutter politics.

Obama has been slavishly following the advice of those who pay his bills.
Go negative, young man.
So far it has paid off in that his poll numbers are rising, but at what cost?

I never thought I'd see the day when I agreed with Representative Rangel. Today is the day! Mrs. Clinton should have phrased her MLK comment better, but it was not disrespectful to anyone. Before assigning 'messiah' status to these folks (candidates), we should remember they are politicians. They are not going to save anyone. They can't hold a candle to Dr. King.

Clinton supporters have to be the stupidest people in the world. Get you head out of your +++ and try to educate yourself. Clinton's did wonders for blacks in this country?!? Are you nuts? What did they do, but pander to them so they would get more votes?!? Idiots, every one. Did Obama ever say anything about race? NO! Did Clinton put her foot in her mouth, AGAIN? YES! Someone said, "why is always Hillary's fault?" Anopther example of how stoopid Clinton supporters are. It was Obama's fault all summer long, REMEMBER? And who is the idiot that can't decide between Clinton and McCain? There is a real winner. I am not even an Obama supporter, I am voting for McCain, but Hillary has BLANTANTLY LIED already!!! Take some of your free time that you are using to pamper your backside and listen to what she and her lying husband say. They distort and lie constantly. One of you Clinton supporters, JUST EVEN ONE, tell me how this was distorted by Obama. He said she made an ill-advised statement, and obviously from the backlash it WAS ILL-ADVISED. That doesn't mean he said she was RACIST, it mean she said something that could have been said better another way. And you are all even more blind if you can't see she is doing this to stir up race as an issue. "I didn't want this campaign to be about gender and certainly not about race." Oh yeah?!? Then why does she constantly and consistently talk about the glass ceiling. The only time Obama has alluded to race is when he has won or in reference to his high polling numbers, stating that it says a lot about America for him to be in that position. Hillary, however, brings up the glass ceiling and how wonderful it is that a black man and white woman are competing for the nomination. WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP.

Unemployment is rising… people are being evicted from their homes… the rich are getting a little bit richer and the middle class are getting poorer… and america is still afraid of another attack from the outside, and that's just the beginning of '08. We have another year before a new president takes office, and each of us can be directly impacted, significantly, by the creation of the current administrations policies… and we're bickering over the color of our skin.

Congressman Rangel has just poo-pooed his – and by necessary extension his heirs' political significance by descending inot the muddy galary and taking sides against Obama. Here is my humble take on it; Obama has upstaged Rangel inspite of his political experience – jealousy has beclouded the man's judgment and the man cannot help himself but bleet.

This is called a SELF-CURSE. The mindset is one of "I cannot …, therefore no other member of my race ought to dare to …" – Rangel may be viewing this in the near term, but posterity will judge him and more. Long after the steam over Obama's bid for the presidency of this country, Rangel or one of his children will seek "to be" anything.

It is only then that 'rangel' will take full responsibility for this wickedness. We the people will wait – patiently.

All this continuous senseless bickering is making my choice very clear. Edwards in 08!

Finally in all this someone got it right and that person was Charlie Rangel. I am a fence sitting southern moderate Republican and at 61 watched intently through all the civil rights period. As a political science major at UNC I was fortunate to see history in the making and that period shaped my life as a civil rights advocate in the south. Representative Rangel, as a schrewd and practical politician, knows what it takes to get landmark legislation through our system so wisely set by our forefathers.
Senator Obama was probably just out of diapers when the Civil Rights Act passed. To bone up on his history I suggest the series of books by Robert Caro on Lyndon Johnson. He was the most forceful, effective and most likely corrupt President of the twentieth century. Nobody said no to Lyndon when he grabbed your label and got in your face. He had something on everyone. JFK wouldn't have come close to getting that legislation passed or any president since when put in that time frame.
I consider MLK 's "I have a dream" speech the second best any American has ever given second to the Gettysberg Address. MLK was the agent of social change but only LBJ could have got that bill through congress and signed into law.

OK, I am going to throw in my 2 cents on this, first of all, everyone seems to be questioning Obama's expierence. How much expierence did our founding fathers have when they built a nation from the ground up? and it seems pretty obvious to me that W didn't have any expierence handling diplomatic issues, ( i still can't believe people voted for him twice). The problem with washington is we keep electing these people with "expierence" and thats why it will never change, everyone wants to blame the canidates, or the officials, I blame the people.. WE THE PEOPLE, are the ones who did this to ourselves because we keep electing these officials who are "expierenced" at running this country into the ground. Its time for a change and if that mean choosing the inexpierenced canidate, then thats what I am going to do. Because it seems pretty obvious to me whats going to happen if we elect the same old cronies.

Okay, people, you can argue with what Rangel has said about Barack and Hillary or what he didn't say, or with what Obama said, or Hillary originally said, or what they meant, 'til your little heart breaks. But get one thing clear: Rangel proposed reinstating the draft ONLY so those who support the war but aren't sacrificing anything or anyone would think again. He was trying to get our attention. His point is that if America wants to fight a stupid war like the one in Iraq, then every young person who can serve should do so. Just imagine Romney's support for Bush's war in Iraq if his sons had to serve. So argue this race thing all you want. Just don't use Rangel's "modest proposal" as amunition to dismiss him. Sheesh! When you read Swift, let me warn you: he doesn't really think the Irish should eat their children.

Funny…

Why are people accusing Obama of playing the "race card"? From the very start, it was asked "was he black enough?". Now that it appears that he is black enough, he is being criticized for something he did not start. All of this started from the Clinton campaign and the media. The man called a truce and today, another one of Clintons supporters AGAIN, fans the flames. Who is playing what card? You even have political analysts saying that Clintons camp started it all. It appears to me that the Clintons want to play in the mud and then question why they are getting dirty…

No wonder we are not going anywhere. People like this will always keep African Americans down. Thank God young African Americans are not gonna follow stupid people like this one!

Why is Fox New's Murdock a fundraiser for Clinton?

It is unfortunate for a uniter like Obama to look like a divider on this issue….

It seems that Mr. Rangel has forgotten what his mother must have explained to him why he (yes, even a politician) has two ears, but one mouth.
Clearly, he, like the rest of Washington, continues to underestimate the brilliance, judgment and honesty of Obama. Only a dishonest person, a shill, or a fool would characterize the Illinois senator's response in the manner of Rangel.
So sad.

I heard Hillary's comment about Dr. King, and how anyone could misinterpret what she meant is beside me. She was simply trying to get people to understand that, if elected, she will be a president who will work with our nation's leaders, both political and social, to get things done, just as Dr. King and President Johnson worked together to bring about the Civil Rights Act. Everyone in America knows that Dr. King was the "drum major" for civil rigthts, but he was not the president, and it is the president who signs bills into laws. All Hillary was saying was that it takes a "cooperative" effort to bring about change in this country, and that is what she intends to do, if elected.

This is not a battle between 2 campaigns. Obama camp is not involved. THis is HRCs bad comment was poorly received by black people. Obama has chosen to stay out of the fray. He only became involved when Hillary said " I think the Obama camp is pushing this".

Obama..even though he didnt start the contraversy, even though he didnt do anything to keep it going was the better man and calmed the tensions down. He is an amazing man and would make a fantastic president.

I'm going to do waht MLK suggested and judge a man woman in this case by the content of her charachter.

I find it lacking at this point. The intentional playing of the race card by a politician of my party is destructive to all the advances we have made. It say's I put my interests above the nations the peoples and all that our party has previously stood for.

This race is about issues not genetics. About improving our nation not dividing it along the lines of Hillary's childhood.

Of course Obama through the race card in there. That's what black people do when they are not getting what they want.

Enough is Enough!!! To all of the prominent and not so prominent Clinton Supporters/Surrogates, rest assured that Black America is very grateful of Hillary and Bill's contributions to black issues and civil rights. I have much respect for the Clinton's. However, as an African-American, no one "owns" my vote!! If the Clintons or their supporters/surrogates think and believe it is owed to them for their work on behalf of blacks, then they are truly wrong!! There are many other whites who have champion the causes of blacks and should also be noted, yet have not asked us for anything. Wake up Black America – we were all given the right to vote and make our choices based on the issues of candidates whose views are closely related to us as individuals and as a people. Someone forgot to tell me that right was only given to me in order to vote for the Clinton's!! I am a pretty savy person and will vote for a candidate on the issues and for whom I think, feel and believe would be the best for this country and who can help heal this nation. It is very unfortunate that these so called prominent black leaders supporting Bill & Hillary's bid for President AGAIN, are not prominent enough to stand up and say in their own right "that enough is enough". It is enough that the media is keeping this race thing going, it is now black on black hate that is continuing it!! My vote belongs to me and I will excerise in the way I see fit!

Again, why isn't talking about the NH recount scheduled for tomorrow?

I have to say I was very disappointed by this comment by Obama, "I am baffled by that statement by the Senator. She made an ill-advised statement about Dr. King, suggesting that Lyndon Johnson had more to do with the Civil Rights Act. ."

It's ridiculous, did it ever occur to him that when we read his statement we would go back and read exactly what Hillary said and say, hey, he's twisting the truth for his own gain.

I'm still undecided between Obama and Hillary, but I admit the scale is starting to tip.

Democrats need to wake up. There are large numbers of moderate Republicans ready and willing to vote for someone to replace the current guard. They need to put a candidate in place that is ELECTABLE and will bring us moderates out. Hillary Clinton is not really electable, no matter how much I admire the thought of a woman President. She is too polarizing and if the Republicans play it right and put a moderate as their candidate, we will vote for him.

Is all of the US population stupid and does not realize that these fights will not help the country to move forward. We have 2 intelligent candidates going for the nomination and we the people should determine whom is best suited for this position. Does experience no longer matter in American society; Would we not want to have most the most seasoned and experienced person occupying the highest post in this country.

Is Obama untouchable of criticism because he is black; Would we all react differently if the person was of a different race or gender. Having seen the NBC Meet the Press whereby Tim Russert relentlessly hammered Hillary Clinton and and to know surprise she held her own. How about bringing Mr. Obama to the program and ask the tough questions and lets see how Mr. Obama performs..

I have to admint that I was going to vote for Mr. Obama initially but am so disllusioned how he and his camp have conducted themselves since their Iowa win. I still haven't made up my mind for whom to vote, but I know I will vote for the person that can best run the country regardless of political affiliation, race or gender.

Hillary Clinton made an excellent point, about the fact that it was the enaction of legislation which secured Dr. King's legacy legally. She did not belittle his achievements.

Obama, in my opinion, made a mistake by misleading people into thinking Hillary Clinton was belittlting Dr.King. He knew she was not. He was trying to make the black community think Clinton was undermining one of its respected leaders, one of America's respected leaders also. That's what was dishonest.

But enough, let's concentrate on the economy, and the health and strength of the american nation.

Rangel better hope that Hallary wins in order to get a job. As a black man, I will actively campain for whoever runs against him in the next election. I am sure people know that he is doing the dirty work for the Clinton's machine taking down the hope of the black race to change the status quo.

God have mercy. I thought it was over. Here comes Rangle with an attack?. Please this needs to stop.

Since I was only a couple of years old during the days of MLK and President Johnson, can someone please tell me if President Johnson was as vocal during civil rights movement as MLK, or if he was just the neccesary final step to get the work done?

it is the Clintons and there supporters that keep bringing up this race issue. Obama has answered the press' questions when asked what he thought about Clintons remarks and left it at that. The people that say her remarks were uncalled for were Black civil leaders in general no one that has campaign ties to Obama (from what i know) but supporters of Clinton have out right pointed there finger at Obama, blaming the remarks directly on him, calling him stupid, Wow that’s real diplomatic.

Just wondering, when exactly did Obama say anything "attacking" Sen Clinton about this? What exactly did he say?

"A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand" – I wonder who the countless thousands of African slaves, who endured untold cruelty, would vote for if they could speak from their graves.

Shame on those who forget.

I dont understand you people,

when has race EVER become an issue until NOW? and its kinda funny that Hillary would bring it up right before the primaries. Kinda funny huh how she won over New Hampshire when everyone was distracted by her "crocodile tears" (which was completely fake because not one tear dropped out of her eye) and now she is desperate and wants to win the BLACK vote…sends guys like this on top of her statements that Obama twisted her words? put 2 n 2 together people… shes just one powerhungry woman who wants to slide to the white house….. WAKE UP EVERYONE WHAT WE NEED IS CHANGE NOT POLITICS…. which she is stirring up as usual…. and it makes OBAMA look even better. He has my vote!

The American people have lost faith in experience it hasn't worked and screwed us up even more. Obama hold hope and promise for America. Everyone vote Obama!

I'm an independent with conservative libertarian tendencies.

Charlie Rangel wanted to reinstate the draft because he thinks the current method we use to maintain troop levels unfairly targets minorities and the poor. People with power and money don't have to put their health at risk defending the positions our elected officials place us in. Instead they stay home and whine or wave the flag while others spill their blood.

If congress and the white house risk placing family members into a war they may choose to make different decisions.

Why hasn't my email been posted yet, while others who posted after me, have???
What's going on CNN???

Thank you. Also, Dan Abrams told the truth about the entire situation. He showed how the media put snippets out that were totally out of context. His own station people – Chuck Todd, Joe Scarbourgh, Chris Matthews, Andrea Mitchell started it on NH primary night. "The only way Hillary could have won was because once a person was behind the curtain they still couldn't vote for a black man." That was absurd and racist and the rest of the media have run with it. They should all be fired.

Go Hillary! Your heart was and always in the right place.

You have to bear in mind that Rangel is just as senile as Hillary.

This is the kind of crap I am tired of.

The latest dust up involving the Clintons reminds me of the 90's; the division and absurd petty beltway politics that had nothing to do with serving Americans and everything to do with saving pride. I am frankly tired of this behavior. The worst offenders of this type of 'surrogate issued, campaign approved' attack politics are the Clintons. Based on their behavior, on Rangel's comments as a Clinton surrogate, and Bill's absurd 'insult and apology pony show' have convinced me that I can't take another Clinton in the White House. This country deserves better. I am ready to write these dynastic families into the pages of American history.

I am voting for Obama or Edwards when the primary comes to my state. I am ready for a big change.

I dont understand you people,

when has race EVER become an issue until NOW? and its kinda funny that Hillary would bring it up right before the primaries. Kinda funny huh how she won over New Hampshire when everyone was distracted by her "crocodile tears" (which was completely fake because not one tear dropped out of her eye) and now she is desperate and wants to win the BLACK vote…sends guys like this on top of her statements that Obama twisted her words? put 2 n 2 together people… shes just one powerhungry woman who wants to slide to the white house….. WAKE UP EVERYONE WHAT WE NEED IS CHANGE NOT POLITICS…. which she is stirring up as usual…. and it makes OBAMA look even better. He has my vote!

Does it matter to anyone that LBJ was pressured in to signing?

I guess Rangel didn't get Hillary's memo about the truce.

It bothers me that it's the Hillary supporters who think Obama is the one playing the race card here. To me it's a sign of leadership that Obama's surrogates aren't stirring this pot.

All of the "stupid" comments have come from Hillary's people: cocaine, cocaine, shuck and jive, LBJ =civil rights, fairy tale, not to mention the knowing distortions of Obama's words and record.

Aren't you tired of this? Don't we deserve better? Don't fall for the person who can give you the better one-liners. Vote for the smartest, most honest person in this race.

Obama 08!

Those individuals who are feeding into the media are the same ones voting???
Hummm makes me wonder about our citizens. Folks the truth is no one is "stupid" just "ill advise" per Senator Obama's words (ill advise) yet Senator Obama feeds into it himself and yes, he did use the word "race" while Senator Hillary did not. Yes, it took a President with experience (Pres. Johnson) to sign it…folks he could have vetoed it instead knew what was right…needless to say it took several individuals including the supports of the movement as without that support none of it would have occurred. The current president continues to veto bills that would be right for our country.

Let us get back on track and CELEBRATE Martin Luther Kings Jr. example: put away the "he said/she said" and gives us as the voters reasons with examples of what your going to do and how your going to pay for it as I have heard of alot of proposals though no one has mentioned how we are going to pay for it. Also no one has mention the issue of "higher unemployement for folks of color" vs anglos/white folks in almost all 50 states. Please do associate it to "illegal immigration" as that just a scape goat method.

MLK spoke lets us listen to those wise words again. I pray one day that we will have a holiday for Pres. JFK as he was another great individual killed because he supported those less fortunate.

The bottom line is we need to stop focusing on such petty things (tiffs between Obama and Hilary, Britney Spears's break down, etc) and start focusing on the things that need changing (Economy, The environment, Troops, Healthcare, and the world). We are all human beings…black, white, red, tan, purple, blue…whatever. How long is this world we live in going to continue living with contention and strife? WAKE UP!!! Enough is enough!

Give the people of America something to be proud of…a president that knows what is important and can start cleaning up the mess that Bush has made. We have had a president that has had nothing but his own agenda from jump…and we have all been suffering as a result.

re "race"
Clinton and her cohorts are moving daily to a newer LOW.
I did not like her before, but now i abhor her and her campaigning style.
On with Obama!!

As mentioned earlier, by another poster:

I haven't seen any mention by the "best team in politics" about the lawsuit in Nevada concerning the "at-large" caucus sites. CNN, could you enlighten us?

Apparently, months ago the DNC approved creation of these "at-large" caucus sites to enable shift-working members of the culinary union easier access to the caucus process. But, seems that since the union has endorsed Obama, (and it looks like trouble for Hillary) that the teacher's union has filed suit to "disenfranchise" the culinary workers. Four of the litigants bringing the suit forth were AT the proceedings where the logistics for the "at-large" sites were approved.

Chicanery? I think so. Whether or not the good senator is directly involved or not remains to be seen, but why is it that questionable tactics always seem within her orbit?

Have a good Tuesday!

Mrs. DEVIL Clinton can you please explain to the AMERICAN Public on how close of a relationshipy ou had with Mr. HILLRAISER Norman Y. Hsu?

Hillary is just like bush in so many ways.

We need some one New any body but a Clinton or a bush or a look at like.
Question for anyone

Why would anybody vote for a Republicans after bush has Disgraced this party so bad?

It seems to me that we would want to stop all hazing and bull _crap and stop looking at the party and just pick people.

Another Question

What real forgien poylics has bush before he got into office did he have?

Very Little I Think

Obama is still standing strong, he still has sensible supporters. All this twisting of words must be a political thing because more than half the stuff people are saying NEVER happen….

The congressman's failure to use the proper word "imply" rather than "infer" suggests that he should return to grammar school and leave the political rhetoric to more qualified linguists.

To CNN and other media outlets: Stop allowing the Clinton camp to reduce this primary election to the type of politics that we have been confronted with for the last two decades. For more than half my life, there has been either a Bush or Clinton in office. During that time, our political system has been reduced to partisan bumper stickers and tacky birthday cards. Please do not deprive the American people of the opportunity to move beyond this.

Why do we as African Americans always want to inject race into everything. It bothers me, because are so called leaders always want to use the community as a pawn. They treat us like were not smart people, like once someone is black, we should automatically vote for them. We have known the Clinton's for long and we know them for taking care of the black community and black issues, why are we letting ourselves to be used by people that always want to find a reason to tout there blackness.

I admire Barack Obama, but what has he achieved in polititics that makes people think his going to be there savior. You know talk is cheap, Dr King at the tender age of 35 yrs old has done more for black than barack has at that same age. Have anyone even gone back to study this mans record, or because Oprah says vote for him, black people should automatically as always just not investigate, the star of the moment has said vote , as always we do what the rich say. Do you guys know what she might stand to gain, if not now in the future, or what she just doing it for her own selfish reasons, so people can say she is the most powerful person in the country.
Black people its time to start asking questions that pertain to your life, bacause when the dust settles it is your life.

I think a lot of posters here just see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear regardless of the facts. LISTEN to what the Clintons actually SAID.. not what somebody said they said. LISTEN !! objectively !!
Charlie Rangel is also a Korean war combat vet ( which most of you probably don"t know) and the disrespect to him I read here is appalling. As far as I am concerned he hit the nail right on the head in his remarks. Do you really think th Clintons are so bloody dumb as to start a race war right before the SC primary for pete's sake where just under half of registered democrats are african americans ?
This whole mess was obviously started by third parties (GOP ?) for their own gain whatever that is. Think for yourself about this instead of just jumping on somebody's bandwagon regardless of the facts. This whole deal cuts both ways and on both sides.

Mr. Rangel is not a war-monger; he is just the opposite. He wants to reintroduce the draft so that the rich daddies' kids are just as likely as the poor daddies' kids to head to war. If Mr. Congressman knows his son may be drafted in the event of a war, he is less likely to vote for the war. To say he is a war-wonger is ridiculous and it just goes to show a lot of Americans are minsinformed about politics.

wHAT DID THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION DO FOR THE BLACK COMMUNITY? i AM SURPRIZED TO SEE THAT THOUGH YOU ARE IN THIS COUNTRY YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT CLINTON CAME INTO POWER WHEN EVERYTHING WAS SMOOTH GOING. JUST NAME ONE THING MR. CLINTON DO FOR THE BLACK MAN OR EVEN FOR THE NATION, OTHER THAN CONTINUEING WHAT HIS PREDECESSORS HAD STARTED. STOP BEING STUPID LIKE ALL THE REST AND FOR ONCE BE REAL AND TRUTHFUL TO YOURSELF.

My educated view is that Hillary Clinton was playing to the similarities that have been drawn between Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack Obama and trying to dilute the potency of such a connection. Therefore, she attempted to discern between the ability to make a movement and to make a change. Hillary basically said that though MLK lead a great movement and had a great dream but he was not a 'President' and could not make change. Hillary then emphasized that it takes a "President' to make change!" such as Lyndon B. Johnson ensinuating that she is, like LBJ, is the true change agent.

Hillary attempted to pose the question: "Who was the true change agent MLK or LBJ?" She attempted to make her case that though Obama has a great vision and can spark a great movement it takes a President to make change and more than a movement. Hillary was attempting to present her case that she had the resolve to be a better change agent.

Though this was not an attempt at racism and perhaps a calculated statement, the statements did belittle the image of MLK and his role in making prompting change. This was indeed a very ill-advised statement and risky contrast to try an distinguish. One could insinuate that Hillary was saying that Obama would need her to realize his vision as she implied that MLK needed LBJ to realize his dream.

I feel that any person can see that Obama has the vision and resolve of both MLK and LBJ and Hilary is no MLK but perhaps an LBJ. In spite of all, I cast my vote for Obama not because of the comments that are spun in the media but because I believe in Obama's vision, I believe in Obama's character, and I believe in Obama's leadership and resolve to make this country a better place than that which we inherrited. I believe in Obama's ability moreso than any other candidate.

-CDR

You are so right Rangel and Johnson are real sellouts. Obama might be our only angel. After all are'nt those the same old faces running against him and we are all in a deeper hole. Come on people wake up and stop all the racist comments.
Obama 08′

DO YOUR RESEARCH

You are letting the Media put words into peoples mouths. Pay attention to quotes, not hype.

SAD.

Whoever said Clinton has more black people on her side than Obama haven't seen the latest polls suggesting that Obama has 67% to Clinton's 20%. Hmm, I know polls often have error, but not that much. Finally, this bickering is a little tiresome, but it is only continuing because Clinton can't say she is sorry and should have worded herself better and move on. Instead, she has to call in all her favors belittle Obama's character. What a leader!

Rangel is dumb. Obama didn't even make a commit until asked to respond to Meet the Press. Hilary's team dreamed this up!

Susan how did Obama bring race into this campaign Hillary was the one that brought it in. So what if Obama quotes MLK he was one of the great black heroes, if anyone else quoted him then it wouldn't be a big deal. If we want a Democrat to win and I'm sure most of us do then we have to stop this, we have to come together as one party and stop attacking each other.
Obama 08

The Civil Rights Act was introduced to Congress by President Kennedy in 1963, not Lyndon Johnson. Kennedy was assassinated before the Act could become law.

Lyndon Johnson did take up the cause, however, and was very instrumental in keeping the legislation from becoming lost in committee. Because of Lyndon Johnson's nationwide advocacy of the Act Congress was forced to pass the legislation on to the Senate because of an overwhelming public outcry. Lyndon Johnson in a very real sense shamed Congress into doing the right thing.

In this light Hillary is correct about the role Johnson played in getting the Civil Rights Act passed. Her wording is a bit inaccurate but the sentiment still holds true. It took a president to get that Act passed.

Our society has become so overly politically correct to the extent that when a candidate makes an honest truthful statement it is still used against them as "ill advised." Since when has the truth ever been ill advised?

Obama has shown once again how inexperienced he is when it comes to politics. He is playing the race card by invoking Dr. King's name. Most people would agree Obama has made himself out to be the fool on this one.

Gads, I'm sticking up for Hillary. I'll forever hold that against Obama.

Hillary has given us the impression that hearing Dr. King in person inspired her to a life long commitment to his ideals. She champions LBJ for making these ideals happen.

The fact is that she went on from Dr. Kings speech to support Goldwater in 1964 and did everything she could to defeat Lyndon Johnson (and Dr. King's ideals with him).

A youthful mistake – yes. But without any apology, to try now to claim what she once worked to bring down is unforgivable.

Senator Rangel betrays Dr. King commitment to truth by shielding someone who once worked against him and tries now to take credit.

George

Rangel is an idiot. Hilary's campaign built up this whole thing. Obama never made a commit until directly asked to respond to her charge on Meet The Press. And the commit to that was above the fray.

Obama's noble act to reduce the level of racial tension was because he saw it was boomeranging on him. The California NAACP, the day after Obama's "answer" to Clinton, endorsed Hillary Clinton for president.

Hillary, Bill and the other Clintonites, including Rangel and Johnson need to simply stop. At this point when the candidates have put this to rest, by continuing they run risk, at least for me–and Black male– of cause me not to support Hillary is she becomes the candidates. This entire conversation has become embarrassing and unacceptable. Let it rest folks. It would be easy for me to vote for McCain.

I am surprised that CNN is actually reporting this. Charlie Rangel is not my favorite person in congress but I am glad he has finally said what most of us have been thinking. The candidates have called a "truce," but will the media allow a truce? Looks as of today the media is not accepting that truce. Apparently the real story of Americans losing their jobs and homes is not as much fun as a made up story about race.

I see no where on this site the announcement that the President of the California NAACP has endorsed Hillary Clinton. Of course, I understand…that would not bode well for the stupid race story.

Marc in CT: Apparently you`re having the same problem understanding what Clinton said about MLK as Obama did. I don`t recall her saying, or even insinuating, that MLK`s role in the civil rights movement was diminished when LBJ signed the bill into law. The Obama camp just wants to fan the flames of racism and you fell for it. Don`t feel bad though, there are a lot of people out there who didn`t know any better either.

It is time for Rangel RETIRE.

Robert M. Scott from Atlanta,

Thanks for a thoughtful intelligent post. With more of you around, this dialogue would be elevated to a much more meaningful level.

Charlie Rangel for President. He could not be more right. And the draft SHOULD be reinstated. That is the ONLY way Obama could ever win, becaust that is the only issue that would ever motivate his real "base," 18 year old clueless college kids, to actually VOTE. The only people who inject race into any situation are the ones who could benefit from it, and that is certainly not Hillary Clinton. GO HILLARY!

With Charles Rangel what we are seeing is an old black politician showing his envy and dislike of a young skillful, decent and intelligent politician who happens to be "black". Charles Rangel should go to bed feeling ashamed of himself tonight.

I hope a more capable politician replaces him soon in New York. Somone that will show more respect for his fellowman.

"Rangel’s remarks came in response to Sunday comments from Obama, who told an audience at a Nevada campaign event: 'I am baffled by that statement by the Senator. She made an ill-advised statement about Dr. King, suggesting that Lyndon Johnson had more to do with the Civil Rights Act. For them to somehow suggest that we're interjecting race as a consequence of a statement she made, that we haven't commented on, is pretty hard to figure out.'"

How can these remarks by Obama be construed as interjecting the race card? How is it that the Clinton campaign has surrogates that continually say things that the Clintons need to back away from? Give me one more example about what Obama said to inflame this debate.

I don't think the Clintons are racist. I do think they, and people around them, are running the type of campaign they said they wouldn't. That to me is the problem. If you want to run a no-holds-barred campaign then do so. But do it out in the open and stand by what you say. Bob Johnson' half-baked attempt to excuse his remarks Sunday night as well as Bill Clinton's vague attempt to distance the campaign from them without angering a huge financial supporter are not working. I can't figure out Rangel's need to comment when he did. It was a bit late to say anything at all. You don't hear Obama supporters making such ill-advised statements.

Rangel has much at stake in his support of Hillary. It is interesting to note that her two biggest African American defenders in this matter are part of the very establishment that stands to lose so much if Obama or Edwards is elected. Rangel's logic is circular and fuzzy – trying to cover Hillary's offensive remarks about King's accomplishments by attacking those who were offended by it! Why doesn't Hillary just own up to her own arrogance and stupidity in this regard, instead of hiding behind her minions? Mr. Rangel: Of COURSE King couldn't sign the law – but there would never have been a law to sign if King and others of his movement had not taken the courageous steps they did to secure it! Implying anything else is what is stupid!

I really am starting to wonder why it is that when anyone attacks Hillary or John Edwards it's perfectly fine, but when anyone, whether associated with the election process or not speaks out about Obama, then it MUST be Hillary being racist. That's just absurd.

Perfect example is Mr Johnson, the boss at BET(that's Black Entertainment Television for you that only read the taglines). He was supporting Obama, but then changed his mind. So then when he expresses his own personal choice for Hilary because of her proven work history concerning minorities, children, and the working poor, all of a sudden it's Hilary being racist. Huh? That doesn't hold water.

I know several Democrates, white, black and other races included that were excited about Obama – at first. But now the new car smell is starting to wear off and we want to know what a leader will actually do in office. Obama has admitted that he is not a paper-pusher, beaucracy kind of leader, those were his own words. I'm sorry but after the hope speeches, there doesn't seem to be much to Obama. I want to know why he thinks he's qualified. What has he actually done to deserve this position? I hear the hope message and I like it, but I don't think that he has a clue about what happens after election day.

Until I hear something from his mouth that tells me he's already thinking past the election and on to the next 4 years, I'm not sure he's the one. Don't get me wrong. I'm all for changing things and mixing it up a bit. But sometimes change just for the sake of change is more damaging than what you had in the first place.

Its abvious to me that the media has spun yet another "WEB" of excitement to sell papers and boost ratings.

The statement by Ms. Clinton was unfortunate, it could have been said in a much more diplomatic way given this sensitive time in her political career, I do not believe she was even in the race arena.

The Media spun the "Race Web" and Mr. Obama's Team got caught in it because they did not think … the Media is in love with itself and know one else.

Please do not be fooled, the Media is only concerned with "NEWS", even if it does harm to the countruy as a whole.

My message to "all americans is 'you have a brain of your own ,… use it" or you are doomed.

George T. Brown

I am a very, very, VERY liberal Democrat, and have no Republican leanings WHATSOEVER, but I would vote for Guiliani before I would ever vote for Hilary Clinton- she's a bad representation of Democrats and it's ridiculous that she's even in this race.

Excuse me Bella Girl, this is directly from ABC news.com and they also have the undoctored video available on many other sites, sorry, Fox news has nothing to do with this, so put down the Kool-aid and yes, google is your friend, when you go to a reputable major NEWS source.

"Tensions between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton hit a boiling point Monday over what critics call racially charged remarks by the Clintons".

"At a New York event honoring Martin Luther King Monday night, Clinton faced catcalls and boos — backlash from a comment she made suggesting King's success in the civil rights movement was possible thanks to President Johnson."

Catcalls and boos "Bella girl", catcalls and boos.

Knowledge is your friend, unless you support Clinton.

From today's LA Times…

But Arnold figured that the words were calculated to bait Obama into speaking more about his race, thus distancing white voters.

"That's what it is," he said. "She's trying to pick him clean."

Experts, too, are trying to gauge how calculated the Clinton rhetoric is. David Bositis, a fellow at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies — a think tank that focuses on issues of concern to blacks — thinks the Clinton camp is sending signals that could alienate blacks but enhance the candidate's appeal to working-class whites.

"Hillary's people would like Obama to be seen as the black candidate," he said. "That would help in terms of her appeal to white working-class voters. They are voters who represent a backbone of the campaign."

Bositis, who is not affiliated with either campaign, said it reminded him of moves Bill Clinton made in his 1992 campaign that sent a message that "he was not going to be pushed around by Jesse Jackson."

Bositis also mentioned Clinton's high-profile 1992 return to Arkansas for the execution of Ricky Ray Rector, an African American, and to Clinton's rebuke of black hip-hop artist Sister Souljah.

Hillary and Rangel represent the old politics of division and hatred, just as much as Bush does.

Obama can unite the country if we give him a chance

People need to wake up. The South-overall, will never vote a black man into office. There are parts of the south that are still too racially divided and old fashioned. The Race card is pulled all of the time in towns through out the south and people are tired of it. There are republicans out there that are truly unhappy with today's government and want change, but they do not want to see a Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton saga.
As great as Obama and Clinton might be, they alone or together, will never win the south. It is time everyone looked at reality and did what was best for this country, and not themselves. The Democratic party has only one shot at regaining the presidency, and that is John Edwards.

Just having a serious African-american candidate now, who is definitely a front runner with a great shot at the Dem. nomination, is revealing a lot of interesting things. Rep.Rangel & Bob Johnson speaking out against the first (in my opinion) real African-american candidate? That's wild! And personally, Pres. Johnson could never hold a candle to people like MLK, I don't care how you slice it. His actions & decisions concerning the Vietnam war(?) is telling enough. Diametrically opposed to the ideals of Dr. King. If we, the black (& white) people of the grassroots had not made SO much noise, do you think Pres. Johnson would have enacted a civil rights bill? Give me a break! It was the steady fighting back of those who were most impacted by Jim Crow & lynchings, beatings & injustice on an immense scale ( meaning BLACK people ) that forced the issue. And of course sympathetic whites also sacrificed & were even beaten, jailed & killed in the effort. But I for one am peeved when people insinuate that if not for the benevolence of " the great white father" in Washington we would not have gotten anywhere. I for one think Mrs. Clinton showed a little of this patronizing attitude in her comment. "Oh thank you Master & Mistress for freeing us po' black folks & givin us our civil rights. Ya'll are such good massas, we gon always be on your side!" Yeah,right. During slavery, we had field slaves & house slaves. Bob Johnson (although respect is due for making himself so successful from probably a humble beginning) & rep.Rangel have lost touch bigtime with the rest of us "in the fields". Sen. Obama was right in saying change doesn't necessarily come from the top down, but quite frequently from the ground up. Our government is supposed to be of the people, for the people, by the people. People like Mrs. Clinton may think otherwise.

What is really sad about these comments is that he is calling stupids thousands of african-americans who were offended by Hillary's words on MLK. She did not apologized for her vote to authorize the war in Iraq, and she will not apologize now. Also because she will always have people willing to support and excuse her no matter what she says.
The fact that MLK gave his life to give a chance to a guy like this to become a senator makes the whole thing even more sad.

We are a united nation but we are entitled to a divided opinion. Race and politics is a valid issue just as socioeconomic, social injustices and civil rights are legitimate issues. Race and gender are not invisible. Prejudice based solely on race or gender divides this country and should not be ignored. I want to know if Barak Hussein Obama would seek unfair advantages based on racial issues. I want to know if there are individuals who would not elect Hillary Clinton based solely on gender bias. Why hide bigotry? The Clintons have done a tremendous amount to eliminate racial divides in this country. The Clintons have invested their entire political careers to public office and undeserved criticisms because they have been always so visible. What have Romney, Obama or other candidates done? Romney hasn't stepped foot in Michigan in forty years. Where has Romney been? Ah, let us testify to our own prejudices and not be overwhelmed by the media. The candidate of your choice should be based on credibility, past performance, results and a vote that is unobscured by hidden prejudices.

My friends and I started a list of change. If Hillary wins the democratic nomination we have a list of over 2,500 people that will be voting republican. Please join us. I'd rather live with their junk – then hers… The list is growing larger everyday. We just started this list 2 weeks ago.

I know Charles Rangel. Although what he says is somewhat misplaced. Let us give the old man a break. He is obligated to the Clintons. He probably had nothing better to do at the moment he made the denigrating statements about Obama.

Let me just state that Rangel amazes me with this comment. Obama didn't state that Martin Luther King, Jr. signed the act, he simply said (truthfully) that MLK Jr. had more influence in the Civil Rights movement than Johnson, and you would be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees with that statement! You know that if Obama's campaign had paid Rangel more than Clinton's he'd be agreeing with Obama right now. This whole poll race is getting ridiculous, and they need to move off the race card now.

Rangel is right. Obama is a politician that thinks all he has to do is give a good speach with no policy, unlike Clinton. When it comes down to it we as a nation is still at war, our economy is falling a part, the dollar is tanking, and terrorism is still a major threat. He has no experience in none of the above. That is why I am voting for Clinton. She is not just talk unlik Obama.

Thank you Rangel for actualy bringing the country back to reality.

Hey, Hillary 08′

Barak didn't swear in on the koran but he did swear in on the bible. The man who swore in on the koran was Ellison. I can't recal his first name but, please do good research before you post ignorant comments. Even if obama was born into and was raised muslim, he had no choice. He did have a choice however in accepting jesus christ as his lord and savior. What he was before that I could care less. Let me make this clear, no muslim who is dedicated to islam will convert to christianity just to become the president of the U.S. That is looked at as a disgrace among muslims and would gaurantee him a trip to hell according to the koran.

Rangel and the entire Black Caucus is useless, a bunch of democrats they have contributed to the manipulation of blacks by constantly using the race card to increase the size of their pocket books. I'm a Black American don't give this hypocrite any praises he's worthless along with the other member of the Black Caucus. It doesn't surprise me he's in bed with Hillary. Isn't it funny, (we) black people surround Hillary like she's the next coming but Bush hired and appointed more blacks to his administration then Bill Clinton, including Powell and Rice who held two of the highest position by a black person EVER!!!! blacks who support Hillary are suckers you should be ashamed yourself you are getting played!!! Tell me one thing Bill Clinton did for Blacks, we were still getting convicted of crimes in record numbers and doing more time then our white counter-parts, still living in subsidize housing in record numbers (more blacks bought houses under Bush administration then any U.S. President), still making less in the job market compared to whites, still attended inferior schools. Oh I know the economy was good NEW FLASH IT WAS GOOD FOR EVERYONE NOT JUST BLACKS! I'm confuses why is it a white republican president has done more for us then your herald Bill Clinton who you fools label as the first black president ever did.

Obama is the only hope we have! Obama 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There, seeing if this gives me any better luck since anything remotely negative to his campaign goes into a 6 hour queue for review before it is posted.

My posts eventually do make it to the board, normally the next day. So much for a lively discussion.

America, please don't fall for the 'okey-doke'. Focus on the REAL issues we face. Leave it to white males to make a total mess, and expect a woman or a minority to clean it up. The Bush Administration has wreaked total havoc in this country (and throughout the world over) for the next 25 to 50 years. It will take at least 8 years just to sort through the mess of what we know he has done, let alone the untold years to uncover what we don’t know. The proof in the pudding is apparent when the office of the Presidency is no longer coveted by the usual suspects (i.e. privileged white males), and we’re left with a bunch of ‘wanna-be’s on the Republican side, and a more diverse group of hopefuls on the Democratic side. Be it an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama administration in 08, it will be ‘business as usual in the good ole United States of America. They will blame the mess on the woman or 'the black guy'.
As a minority I’ve decided to cross my traditional party lines and vote Republican. Let the Neo-con’s ‘contract with America’ play itself out to its logical conclusion of total disaster for the next eight years. Then we can give credit where credit is due, and the angry white males can clean up their own mess for a change with no one to blame it on but themselves. I just hope that there will be enough of the country left to salvage by then.

Maeistro

does anyone care to get back to discussing the qualifications of these candidates, for example Mayor Guiliani got over 500,000 able-bodied people off welfare. That's the kind of leadership that would translate well on a national level. What similar achievements do Hillary and Obama have — something that actually reduced the size of government or made cuts in a budget?

What has yet to be mentioned is that the Congress at that time in U.S. history was run by the Republican majority. Last time I checked, even the President hasn't the power to draft legislation and set it before "himself" for signature. What also is unmentioned is the predominantly Democrat opposition to that legislation and President Johnson's role in swaying the old southern Democrats to support civil rights for the black population.

What say you?

Rangel should have kept his comments to himself. Isn't it enough that Obama is already campaigning against Hillary, Bill, Bob Johnson, etc. And he has maintained his eloquence and dignity in the face of their obvious distortions of the truth.
Go Obama!

It's a good thing that Obama followers weren't around in 1936 Germany….oh wait…maybe those kind of people were!!!!

This is the first time in the history of presidential election politics that race is being discussed seriously. And, not from the direction of a white man's discourse. Bravo!

FYI a race card is NOT being played here. Race is just as important as other "issues." Obama is an African American man, and racism in this nation is still a dicisive factor and did not end with the instituting of a civil rights act.

The discussion of race within this election is an interesting and an educational phenonema, as it is bringing out many American's latent racist tendencies.

we can only learn from this. And grow as a nation and as human beings.

To all those supporters of Obama who claim that his camp and supporters don't use the infamous " race card" I want to repeat a comment from one of you. "saddest thing she sends out other blacks to attack anouther. They don't realize when you attack one you attack yourself" by ,SC. In other words–don't go by the issues facing ALL of us, just vote for anyone that looks like yourself. For me this is the saddest thing of all.

Piddypoo

This is getting old… I have no faith in either of them…I will be voting republican this year….

Barack Obama doesn't make " stupid" comments; Mr. Rangel is expecting favors from the Clinton Camp in exchange for his support.

More importantly, Hillary is trying to be all things to all people; her goal is the power of the presidency, not the end of racial strife and bigotry in America.

Linn

Actually, Opra was the one who truly played the race card while on stage for Barack. Prior to her involvement, Barack was trying to avoid the black/white issue.

As for Charlie, he didn't actually want the draft. He presented a bill that purposely would never get passed so the war discussion would heat up. He never wanted the bill to pass.

And finally, for any of you who want to vote for a republican after watching what you can buy with your income dwindle, Exxon make record profits while gas jumps from $1.40 to $3.10 and up, while the entire world thinks we don't play by the Geneva convention (no Iraq did not bomb the WTC), and while a budget with a surplus turned to record deficits, you just go ahead and put your blinders back on.

CNN, reports on both sides of the fence. Fair and objective. Thanks!

And I bet you haters of Hillary on here are just Republican's on here trying to bring her down because you know you could beat Obama in the General Election.

It's apparent that all the 22-year old Obama supporters are flooding the internet because they have nothing else going on. Some of you have no clue what you are talking about, and you listen to his empty rhetoric about "change" and "hope". How about demanding something a little more intellectually substantive?

He clearly did try to manipulate Clinton's words to play the race card. What is incorrect about what Rangel said? Stop following like sheep. And a little hint: voting for a black person does not make you progressive, per se.

Charles Rangel speaks more like the Clinton's butler than like a sensible politician. I wonder how a decent person like Nancy Pelosi deals with this fool!

I don't get it. This issue was being bounced back and forth for days before Mr. Obama said anything. My understanding is he did not comment on it until Sunday. I'm sure I started reading articles about it in the middle of the week before. So how is it that Mr. Obama "attacked" Hillary? It seems like the press and "supporters" are the ones that are perpetuating this. It looks like a distraction to me. Trying to get everyone in a tizzy and focused on irrelevancies and trivialities rather than the issues. Looks like it is working.

Who’s zooming who? Obama’s claims he has been consistent in opposing the war was undermined his votes in favor of funding for the war effort. But Obama, like Clinton, regularly voted to continue funding for troops in Iraq until last year. Obama also waited more than 18 months after his 2004 election to the Senate to deliver a speech against the war as a sitting senator. This guy is a major con man.

Obama/Paul in 2008!

Senator Rangel where have you been!! It must be time to return some favors for your political friends. Just give it a rest! Both candidates need to concentrate on the real issues that are effecting American's; health care, education, out sourcing, jobs & the Iraq War. Please give the word experience a break… If George W. Bush can be President then anyone else can too.

Wish everone one would just get along and just talk about the problems our country has.{ 8 years of George W. Bush }

Would you like your President to be in the pocket of this man?

Nuff said.

Edwards…2008.

Unbeholding to anyone but the people of America!!

The one true…perhaps last chance to redirect our out of control government and it's mad experiment with trickle down economics and ischemic management of the U.S. economy in a global marketplace.

Time for a leader who will "just say no".

to Tom Dedham, Kerry supports Obama, you bonehead.

As a legal resident of the U.S. WITHOUT the right to vote I have been watching the election process and following along the debates with great interest. It would appear to me that campaign funds on both sides of this argument are being squandered on defending what I can only describe as internal 'bickering' within the Democratic Party, using semantics to try and stir up media sensation to influence the voter. Quite frankly, it's a pathetic strategy unworthy of a future President and I hope the bar of professional integrity can be raised to another level in the DP to avoid such destructive and personal remarks in future. Let’s not pretend that anyone, especially Obama has any reason to truly believe this garbage. For a person with even moderate intellect, which I believe Obama has an excess, you would only need to look at Clinton's record on her Civil Rights work to establish NO credibility in the accusations. Obama and Clinton, stop listening to your campaign ‘spin doctors’ looking to score points and clamber up the next rung on the political ladder and start listening to the people of America. We want a serious candidate that can stand above this nonsense, so stay focused on the task in hand and getting the best Democratic candidate for the job to White House and stop letting your egos get the better of you.

And message to the media, put your political agenda on the hold and try to be responsible and report the 'real' and important stuff. The focus on civil rights issues and race is on the streets in every city in the U.S. where violations take place every day of the year. Point your cameras and journalist at the world outside Washington for the real stories.

Mr Rangle,
Your STATEMENT is LAUGHABLE and outrageous; The CLINTONS and their HACKS started and continued every day with these SLURS and SLEEZY attacks ever since Obama won in Iowa and you accuse the Obama campaign of indulging in it ??!! The Clintonians and the Bushies use the same SMEAR TACTICS on their opponents. I wonder why? – - -
There is only one word to describe your behaviour and that is 'I-N-S-A-N-I-T-Y' !!!!!!!!!

WOW. You members of the Obama Cult have LOST IT!!! No One can harm your Obama? No one can talk about him? You cant bring up his past. He copies MLK quotes and speech's and thinks he is today's MLK? How, Why? He is open game. Just because he was not leading in any polls the last 12 months no one talked about him. They were bashing Hillary. Well guess what, They are tied now and GAME ON!!!!! If you or him can not take it, then you need not be in the race!!!

Then to top it off you say if he is not the nomination, you will vote Republican. So who is splitting the part now? Obama Cult = CRY BABIES!!!! I guess you guys are the same people who say you will never watch a reality show like American Idol again when your favorite gets voted off. Well guess what? Your there next week watching. Get a life. Game on!!

Why is everyone bickering about these two? Both Clinton and Obama both made the “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2007.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY):  In addition to her long and sordid ethics record, Senator Hillary Clinton took a lot of heat in 2007 – and rightly so – for blocking the release her official White House records.  Many suspect these records contain a treasure trove of information related to her role in a number of serious Clinton-era scandals.  Moreover, in March 2007, Judicial Watch filed an ethics complaint against Senator Clinton for filing false financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate (again).  And Hillary’s top campaign contributor, Norman Hsu, was exposed as a felon and a fugitive from justice in 2007.  Hsu pleaded guilt to one count of grand theft for defrauding investors as part of a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL):  A “Dishonorable Mention” last year, Senator Obama moves onto the “ten most wanted” list in 2007.  In 2006, it was discovered that Obama was involved in a suspicious real estate deal with an indicted political fundraiser, Antoin “Tony” Rezko.  In 2007, more reports surfaced of deeper and suspicious business and political connections  It was reported that just two months after he joined the Senate, Obama purchased $50,000 worth of stock in speculative companies whose major investors were his biggest campaign contributors.  One of the companies was a biotech concern that benefited from legislation Obama pushed just two weeks after the senator purchased $5,000 of the company’s shares.  Obama was also nabbed conducting campaign business in his Senate office, a violation of federal law.

You people accusing Obama of playing the race card are just idiots. Yes the Clintons have been on the right side of many racial issues over the years; however, Hillary made a comment basically belittling what MLK did for this country. That is what started this entire ridiculous BS. This outraged some in the black community, Obama himself just said he was "baffled" by the comment and never said anything about the Clintons being racist. That was exactly my response, I was just well baffled.

At first, I thought it was just a gaffe by the Clintons but after this comment by Rangle, I think this is all very calculated on the Clinton's part, these people are professionals. They want to force Obama run more as a black man and to either alienate white voters if he comes off too strong, or black voters if he isn't seen as standing up strong enough. They seem to want to remind the voters that Obama is even black, which they seemed to forget in Iowa, and bring back up questions of electability.

They also know that whenever the issue of race comes up, it takes the focus off where the Obama camp wants it to be, which is on Hillary's lack of judgment in helping to get us into this quagmire of a war which Obama was against from the beginning despite Bill Clinton's attempted distortions.

I think Rangel is scorned because Obama is getting the chance he wish he had.

Can you imagine four years of this race baiting nonsense with Obama in the White House?

Every time someone criticizes him or his policies, he'll have his minions like Sharpton out there turning it into a racial issue. You either worship him and agree with everything he says — or you're a racist. Pathetic. Nobama. No way.

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills…doesn't anyone else see that Clinton is a woman?!?

It is disgusting how some Nobama supporters are disparaging Charlie Rangel. He is an American politician with a proven record on minority causes and the plight of the poor. Shame on them. Rangel is a statesman, while Nobama is a political punk with the rhetoric of a preacher.

Charlie Rangal is an idiot; I don't understand how NY votes can continually elect such an ignorant space consumer.

i will vote for obama

It's not that the candidates or campaigns disagree, it's the manner in which it's done. Clinton's and their followers seem able to disagree only by using insult and denigrating statements… slams and slurs. I remember a hostile couple who whined, cried, attacked and blamed everyone — the Republicans… the media… the right wing conspiracy… anyone but themselves, for Bill's immoral indescretions… Well, THEY'RE BACK! Using ruthless attacks offensively and defensively is what has always defined them, even more than the good things they did do for the Democratic party and America, and if she wins, it'll be by using meanness and pettiness to attack another person's intelligence and character (though Bill and those in her support who minic these same negative tactics). Why should I believe this makes her more able to bring unity to our party and the Congress, or to have the diplomatic and social skills, including common respect, with foreign leaders for the sake of diplomacy? Very divisive. Very disappointing behavior. I won't vote for Hillary. I'm a 59 year old college educated white woman in mid-Missouri, and I have a 19 year old son. We're both for Obama for the work he has done, his job experience in Chicago to improve lives of the underprivileged and his work in the government. And for the vision he has and can articulate, even through a time of conflict and insult, with wisdom, decency and fair play.

For all you you saying that Sen. Obama's comments were "absurd", please go back and read them more carefully! Senator Obama made a very intelligent and carefully measured response to comments by Senator Clinton.

Who campaigned for Civil Rights for YEARS before LBJ was even in office?
Who led marches and organized peaceful protests for Civil Rights?
Who spoke eloquently about Civil Rights on innumerable occasions?
Who twisted the arms of the politicians in power (including LBJ) to get the bill signed?

Did LBJ do that – NO Did Kennedy do that? – NO Did Martin Luther King do that – YES. While he wasn't the person to sign the bill, he's the arbiter and powerful force that pushed the concept and idea through. THAT is what Obama was saying in his statement.

I don't care if you favor one or the other in this campaign, but please get your story straight before you decry either candidate's comments.

Charles Rangel is a great American who has served his country admirably and honorably both in the war and then in congress. Yes, he has proposed the draft. Why? Perhaps you should actually look into this before you defame and ridicule him. He rightly believes that the Iraq war is being fought by the poor in our society. The military families are carrying all of the sacrifice and have been for the last 5 years. He is trying to make a point. Does he believe it would become law? No, of course he doesn't. He has said as much. He has been trying to raise the topic to a national discussion. A reasoned debate. Not the knee jerk disrespectful rantings I have been seeing by many of the Obama supporters. I used to be neutral on Obama. If he was our nominee, great, I would support him. Not now. I have seen many great Americans savaged recently. It seems any of our older Americans who have contributed so much to our past are being denegrated by surrogates of this campaign. I am done with Obama.

This is ridiculous. At first, we (Black America) were all rooting for Obama. Winning the run for the Senate made black history. Now, he is all of a sudden this bad guy.

Come on. . .

obama is an idiot and i would never vote for him. Go Hillary!

Chris, Orlando FL

You are wrong. Hillary does not have more black support. That is the very reason why she was booed yesterday. She should have admitted she misspoke instead of blaming Obama for her mistake. Obama never came out and said anything about the issue. However, people like you try to state otherwise. Like Obama stated she misspoked. She should have moved on. But instead she wanted people to think Obama pushed her into it. He did not have anything to do with her and Bill's words. She will not next time to say, " That is not what I meant to say". ? That would have been so easy to do. However, you never hear the Clintons admit when they are wrong.

Already a dead horse. CNN, take this story off your current headlines! There's still on the homepage a heading of "Obama's MLK Comments Called Stupid." That limited information is enough to get me rowled up again but the candidates are past it so CNN should too and in the process will help get us commenters commenting about better things!

This is Obama's Sister Souljeh moment. Bottom line shouldn't both men (MLK and LBJ) be given credit for the civil rights act of 1964 along with John Kennedy?

Without LBJ's wheeling and dealing influence on this piece of legislation I am not sure it ends up passed at all….

Obama is a "Never done anything about anything" egocentric that has tried to associate himself with John and Bobby Kennedy and Dr.King.He makes pretty speeches promising everything and anything that people want to hear to elect one of the worst fakes in our history!

If Dr. King ever heard him,he would slap his face for deceiving everyone,especially black voters and the black community in such an abusive manner for his own personal fame,fortune and power!

At last there are enough cracks in his carefully designed con job for people to begin to see him for the fake that he is.Let's just not hope it's already too late to send this con artist packing.

Americans should DISALLOW A CLINTON THIRD TERM! . . . .

It is very obvious that the self-destructive Bill Clinton is using his wife to win a THIRD CLINTON TERM in the defiled White House with the interns.

Last time the self-destructive Clintons built up a huge White House legacy and then proceeded to foul their White House nest and undermine the US Presidency, which has not recovered after 8 years.

It will take a character of Obama's stature to fix the US Presidency.

Obama does not need to respond to Rangel. He is a member of congress with very little power after attempting to reinstate the draft.

As for the response that the Obama camp has had to all of these statements from the Clinton's, I feel that he has handled it far better. The Clinton's are really digging themselves a hole in this election, and may not be able to dig themselves out.

The same tactics that worked in '92 and '96 are just not paying off for them this time around. Now, will someone please tell the former "impeached" President of the United States to put a sock in it! We're tired of the "he's bashing my wife" garbage.

All these nonsense should just stop. I will go for one who is competent, who can lead, who has the experience and good enough to clean up all the economic downturns the country is going to face.

Whatever the supporters comment, we should just leave it. Most importantly it is to look at the candidates capabilities to govern US. What for elect someone simply good at power play and can't govern the country well. I mean we should look at the objective of what the US president should achieve, and use those as the criteria to judge the candidates. What we need now is peace and stability, so enough of slandering. Nobody's right, nobody's wrong, all has part of the blame. So let's move on.

I am not for either one. I hate to see Obama who will not salute our flag that he will be supporting. I could not vote fo him just because of that. Even if he was the best qualified for the job. I would only vote for Clinton as the best of the worst to select from. I hope to fine someone truely qualified that loves our country for the right reason!

Hillary can say what ever she whats to say and people will still vote for her. I do not understand. She has said everything but what she is thinking that if you are black you have to vote for me. Blacks are aloud to get her into the white house just not walk throw the doors with her.

YENDIS, For some reason I doubt what you're saying about who you are,but I'll conceeded that point ..Bush missed Bin'ladin in Tora Bora as we didn't have enough boots on the ground.Bush thought Iraq was more important.It's coming back to haut him. Bill Clinton had to work with the republican controlled congress and he did it well. With regard to the Contract with America it seems the GOP forgot about it and spent like hell not to mention the corruption that pledged and continues to pladge the honorable GOP party.

GaryO Virginia Beach January 14, 2008 11:16 pm ET

Obama cannot be that unaware of history. Of course, MLK had a lot to do with the advancement of the Civil Rights movement, but he did not sign any bills into law.

It is YOU who are unaware of history sir…..THE ONLY REASON JOHNSON SIGNED THE ACT WAS BECAUSE OF THE PRESSURE HE WAS UNDER BY MLK AND THOSE FOLLOWING HIM. JOHNSON WAS RELUCTANT TO SIGN BUT HAD NO CHOICE……..but I'm not surprised you posted this as it is becoming clearer to me that all of Hillary's supporters are liars, distortionists and historical revisionists.

Rangel has been an appaling embarassment to blacks (and yes I am a black man) for way too long. Just seeing him spout his nonsense makes me even more committed to support Obama.

Obama '08!

Thank you Brooke from January 15, 2008! You are the Perfect example of exactly what the Clinton camp was trying to accomplish by bringing race into the debate. You see America, Brooke is right. Americans would never elect a "Black" President. However, America might elect a "Qualified" President which is exactly what the Clinton camp is afraid of (Barack would win). The Clinton camp is the one that interjected race into the campaign by attempting to pander to Black churches and find Black supporters. Would someone please tell me where Barack introduced the word "race." African Americans were INDEPENDENTLY offended by Hillary's silly comment concerning LBJ. The only thing Barack said was that Hillary was 'misinformed' and 'ill-advised.' He never attacked her commitment to Black issues, etc, which he certainly could have because Clinton was responsible for the crack/cocaine sentencing laws which disproportionately detrimentally affected African Americans. I mean really, everyone wants to sit up here and say that the Clintons have 'helped' Black people, but how? Cause he can play the sax!!! Insulting. I want facts, not rhetoric (especially since there are alot more facts to sugest otherwise). Hillary is literally arguing with herself. If anything Barack has been very cautious about discussing Black interests (to the point of garnering criticism) because he and his camp know that he can't possibly win if America sees him as the "Black" candidate. America must see him as the most qualified candidate (which he is) if he is to win. Barack is not stupid, why would he play the race card when he knows it would only hurt him. Hillary, on the other hand, does not want America to forget that Barack is Black because she is banking on deep seated racism and feminism to win her the election. By the way why isn't it equally unacceptable to play the gender card, especially since WHITE WOMEN have been the primary ones to benefit from affirmative action. The only reason why race is coming out now is because HillBilly (Hillary and Billy) knows there is a good chance they may lose the election. They are using their "Black" mouth peices to do their dirty work.

I always greatly admired Congressman Rangel, but not any more. I have listened to many speeches made by Barack Obama, and not once did I hear him say that Martin Luther King could have signed the act passing civil rights. Getting caught up in the Clinton Machine of deceit and lies is really beneath Mr. Rangel, but c'est la vie!!!! People change I guess. What a disappointment.

Hiliary is doing fine, as she is! Watch her in the debates! Obama can't really cut it in the debates……

He wanted to reinstate the draft to force Republican's to put their own privlidged children at risk. It was in no means meant to pass.

It is also amazing how many people are willing to give the Clinton Crime Family a pass on anything they say regardless of how racist it may be.

Rangel Sold out his people in his district to the highest bidder. What can you expect from him. How much did the Clintons pay him?

T all those criticizing Hillary for initially being in the republican camp……………ever heard of the term DIXIECRAT…………………….

Will some of you people PLEASE get your facts straight instead of blindly repeating lies generated by the Clinton attack machine. You drive me nuts with the statements that are total fabrication.
Obama has done NOTHING wrong here at all. HRC made a thoughtless comment about LBJ and MLK. It was not well thought out. Obama said nothing about it until asked by reporters and then responded it was possibly ill advised. He NEVER put put race into it all. The Clintons and there supporters did that and tried to blame Obama. He has taken the high road all along and is the only bright spot on the horizon. Please do not put out this wonderful light with lies and rumors.
The Clinton do not deserve another chance to live in our White House. Is is sad to see what has become of Bill and also sad to see what Hillary really is. We have had enough of their dirty tricks and smear tactics. Please hear only the truth. You do not have to read between the lines to find it. It is right there for all with an open mind to see.
Get the hate out of politics and take the Clinton with you.

When Hillary first decided to run ,I really thought I would definitely vote for a woman in office, no questions asked. However, after Obama came into the race, it was like a breath of fresh air. It made me sick to read of women voting for her in New Hampshire just because she tried her crying act in public to gain support. I thought her husband actually did some good things for the country while he was in office. However, I despise when Hillary, her husband, and their camp start personally attacking other candidates and turning around their words or making up things they actually didn't say. Also, if she gets into office, it will be the same old power broker moves you have seen in the past along with all the hatred. Mr. Rangel looks a bit tired, doesn't he?

I have never considered Congressman Rangel to be that smart an individual. However, I never actually thought that he was as stupid as he now appears to be after making the comment about Barack Obama's response to the foolishness and race baiting statements from both Clintons. I guess Rangel is just another black politician from the outdated era that feels he must still sing for his supper.

Can someone please educate me by descibing what EXACTLY the clintons have done for the African-American community?

Saying someone has done so much for the community and ACTUALLY delivered are two different things.

Please, someone prove me wrong……..

It is amazing to see all the blogs from Obama's supporters as "very uninformed and no class". They want their guy as the President so far that anything the Clintons do is "calculating, manipulating, and evil. I just want you all to check Obama's record in the Illinois senate. Oops! he has not only "present votes" Be real guys, Obama is not ready or qualified to be US Presudent now, maybe in the future. Hillary have paid her dues and ready.

Tom Davie January 14, 2008 10:27 pm ET

This episode is a case of experience in washington CRUSHING an inexperienced Obama camp. This is how things are done in washington and no green horn newcomer is going to ever CHANGE IT

TOM: MAYBE YOU GET YOUR KICKS OUT OF HILLARY'S DISGRACEFUL DEMONSTRATION OF OLD SCHOOL POLITICS. I DON'T! THIS IS THE KIND OF GARBAGE THAT TURNS ME OFF. I'M DISGUSTED WITH A SELL OUT LIKE CHARLIE RANGEL AND THIS IS PRECISELY WHY (1) I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON NO MATTER WHO SHE IS RUNNING AGAINST, (2) I WILL CHANGE MY PARTY TO INDEPENDANT AS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS NOW SHOWN THEMSELVES TO BE NO BETTER THAN REPUBLICANS.

I keep hearing that the race card is being played but I have yet to see it.

It's funny too. I read a lot of comments on CNN saying Obama needs to stop playing the race card and that we should never elect this "Muslum" as a president. Clinton's topic is change but her tactics remain the same. Shame.

I am truly shocked at some of the comments I'm reading…………….

People are truly sheep…………sad!!!

Say what you want, support who you want, but Hillary Clinton's record on civil rights speaks for itself. Please read the backgrounds of the candidates before you pounce.

Before you get mad, notice the candidate that the republicans truly fear, that's right Hillary Clinton! They KNOW that if Obama gets the nod, the republicans take the Presidency, plain and simple! Not a peep from them, because they don't have to! Why, they know that they will take the red states (and most of the blue) without a fight! Why do you think the polls were wrong, people will lie in your face! Be careful what you ask for people!!! This is politics!!

Charlie's suggestion that the draft should be reisntituted may be hard for most people to take, but it's not stupid. If everyone was subject to going to one of Bush's wars, there'd be a lot less support for them. Plus we should require some kind of national service for everyt one—CCC, military, Job Corps, etc etc

“But for him to suggest that Dr. King could have signed that act is absolutely stupid. It's absolutely dumb to infer that Doctor King, alone, passed the legislation and signed it into law."

Now, THAT is a stupid statement. Who asked this idiot for his opinion anyway? Obama didn't infer that at all by his remarks.

I'd like to encourage all of you to read up on Lyndon Baines Johnson. To an extent, I truly believe that LBJ, Bill, and Hillary are a lot alike. Black folk have a certain place and they should be happy. Moreover, read about Everett Dirkson.

Please, spend 10 minutes reading about Everett Dirkson. Thedn spend 10 reading about LBJ. You may change your views.

LBJ, like the Clintons, was poll and image driven. Rangel should know better.

Several years ago many brothers and sisters were calling Bill Clinton "The First Black President". How Insulting! I hope now you see how when race is brought into the cards, "The First Black President", is showing his real colors. If Hillary wins the primary, I'll vote for McClain. As far Rangel and Johnson, They are who we though they were. Out for themselves. Where is Al and Jessie and the rest of these so call leaders now?

He suggested to reinstate the draft as a measure to prove that typically the poor fight in our wars. Further, that if there was a draft then maybe the people sending our troops to war would realize the error of the war since- via draft -would be sending their own children to war.

Three cheers for Congressman Rangel,
Hip, Hip Hooray!
Hip,Hip Hooray!
Hip,Hip Hooray1.
God bless you for standing up and telling the truth.

I am glad to see it is politics as usual and that this election year nothing will change – regardless of all the change talk that goes on. Listen people in this day and age who cares about the whole race card. Minorties all have the right to vote, work, play, live, breathe, and die freely in this country. If politicians really want to implement change in this country what thye should do is change the way they run their election campaigns and stick to what really matters. Lowering taxes, working towards peace, and saving the environment. I dare anyone to find me a polotician that will focus solely on that.

Soemtime I think these politicians start these he said, she said, it said confontations to move away from discussing what should really matter.

FINALLY someone calling it how it is. Obama IS using race in his campaign. He tried to do it in a subtle way but got caught. He refers to MLK in every speech he makes and somehow we were all supposed to pretend that that didn't have to do with race? He's not so suave, not so experienced, and not so qualified for the presidency. Clinton '08!

Senator Clinton was answering to the public in an educated and well informed manner. The truth. We need to remember that these men have kicked her, belittled her, and have been after her like a pack of wolves. She has demonstrated she will stand up to what is right. She is a good, solid, intelligent, strong candidate, understands the system and knows what it is like to negotiate.
As an observation of Mr. Obama he appears really over zealous, and just wants to make history. He is a fast talker, and is Exceptional at telling people what they want to hear. He would make an EXCELLENT Attorney if he opened his own practice.
We need more wisdom, someone that has balance. We simply CANNOT COMPROMISE the highest office in the land to someone that has honestly not earned their way. This is like when we go to the doctor, and see that he is really young. Go Figure…………..
Senator Clinton tells it whether good or bad to keep the public well informed. Don't give up on Senator Clinton.
These debates, elections have always been this way, and I have followed them for 38 years now.

After reading Rangel's comment about what Obama said, I have come to the conclusion that veracity doesn't have much of a keen role in the manner in which the Clintons and supporters choose to deal with an opponent. I read Obama's statement, and if it was quoted accurately, he did not say that MLK actually signed a bill into action. Do we really want another leader who readjusts facts so as to meet their own personal criteria when it comes to taking care of America?

Before people start commenting on the things they seen on TV and the short shots in ads THEY SHOULD REALLY RESEARCH IT TO SEE WHAT WAS REALLY SAID.. clinton (both of them) made some really stupid remarks then had their supporters add insult to injury. Obama NEVER MADE A NEGATIVE COMMENT about anything said. He won't fan the flame that the clintons have started. Can't anyone read between the lines; the clintons are doing all this to try to make Obama look bad; thankfully he's too intellilgent and has too much charactor to fall into their trap. I'm just surprised that the clinton African Americans supporters involved in this whole mess are making everyone look so stupid.

I THINK hrc has finally hired rove to help her campaign, obama never stirred the race issue, its too divisive and he know better as for who loses, i think hrc does herself more damage, as the blacks in south carolina will not be voting for her much, also as for losing the the white vote, wont happen to obama folks know he is of mixed raced and not completely black, they like him and know he is a un iter and see great potential in him, obama tried to quell this issue, yet hrc attack dogs are still barking, folks its time to change washington and flush out these old and divisive do nothing people who have been in washington so long they dont know how to get anything done anymore, we need fresh new leadership if we are gonna take this country back, hrc was bought off once when she tried to pass health care reform, who says our whole govt wont be bought off if she becomes president?

Come on Rangel do you seriously think I care what you have to say!!! You of all people to say that Obama's comment was STUPID! For decades I have heard you make some pretty STUPID comments.

Obama is channeling MLK, once again. He may think he can "hope" us into a strong economy, a sustained peace in the middle east and less angst about our constitutional rights…it's just a fairy tale of words. The next time you listen to an Obama speech, focus on the MLK-like hesitations, the choice of MLK words and highbrow inspiration and his choice of MLK mannerisms. I believe Obama has his supporters drugged on eloquence, most of which is pure pablum.

Chris, Orlando FL January 14, 2008 10:17 pm ET WROTE:

Agreed. Stupid Obama. Can't wait to see how Barack is going to turn this last comment by one of the highest ranking African Americans in Congress into a racially-motivated attack on him. Hillary has more blacks on her side than Barack ever will.

And you know this how? Do you represent all the black people in the world? I don’t know what is more stupid…..Rangle’s comment or the one you just made. Who cares if he is the highest ranking African American in congress? Does that mean he's the smartest black man and the most influenced black man in American Society? Because of that I should respect his opinion?? NO! Coming from an African American I was shocked at Hilary's statement about MLK and respected Obama for addressing it in a dignified manner. There was so much he could have said.

This question inspired some very lengthy replies. The flap was trggered by the Media intrpertaion – reading in meaning not directly expressed. Rangel is usually right but often over-the-top. He was stupid to call Obama stupid. Both Obama & Clinton need to let this go and stop pointing fingers and trying for advantage where none is deserved.

(don't use my full name – thanks. This is not a duplicate comment)

Joe in Delware

He didn't want to reinstate the draft because he is a WAR MONGER. He wanted to reinstate the draft so that it's not disproportionately kids from the projects who are dying over there – so that the war might end SOONER because middle America might finally get slapped in the face with some casualties.

Use some common sense.

And he is 100% right about Obama injecting race into this campaign. "I am the next MLK Jr." is injecting race into the campaign. It sets up an argument that there is no way for her to respond to without race baiters jumping down her throat.

Why is my comment still in moderation???

More Media Hype January 15, 2008 12:39 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

You can all "pretend" to want change all you want. When you're in the booth all by yourselves ready to vote for our next president. I can assure you, it will NOT be for someone named Barack Hussein Obama. Stop lying to yourselves. I am a black female and I can't do it. Go Hillary!!!

OH, for heaven's sake. This is exactly why republicans keep winning elections – this in-house squabbling over NOTHING has killed the democrat party. Can't we just stick to the real issues instead of bad-mouthing each other…?

To allow clinton to attend much less speak at Dr. Kings event is an insult to the King family and all they stand for and have fought for in America. Any political figure who support her i.e. rangel that's a joke, has to be a bribed ,they had to be promised something if she would ever get eleceted Oh, it hurt me to even write that. would anyone really believe what she said about how she repects and worked for civil rights . How stupid can people be ? can't people understand she feels NOTHING for us everday hard working Americans. Family values ! ! that's a joke not there. all hilly-billy are doing is trying to set their legecy "the first to be " in the history books. I hope the 90's will be nothing but a also mentioned at the bottom of a page in our histroy books. Hook, crook, bribe, black mail, they will not lose. All voters should unite to get those two out of the political scene maybe they will ride off into the sunset, hopefully France.
I hope Obama will stop trying to be the gentalman because he not dealing with any lady. Not be rude he wouldn't do that but make her define her accomplishments let us know what has been done in 35 yrs. Ask her how she has improved the health care in New York in seven years. That's not personal attacts which she will call it. It's just letting America know what shes talking about.

For everyone trashing Rangel about the draft, keep in mind he only pushed for it to prove a point. He wanted to show how it would never get passed because that would mean that every segment of society would have to prepare to possibly go fight and die, instead of just the poor people who need the money. Of course, his idea never got off of the ground because of how crazy of an idea a draft is right? I mean how nuts is it to ask the entire country to fight when wars breakout? Wouldn't it make more sense? Wouldn't we be more hesitant to go to war? And that was his exact point.

Thanks Charlie – your defining the situation seems to say you've crossed the racial lines and can still speak the truth. Just like all religions interpret the Bible
to fit their lifestyles, so do we twist the spoken word. Any of us can take a statement or word and make it look good or evil. What is there about truth that hurts so many. If you don't know the truth, than know the facts – they end up being one and the same.

Hilary may be a lot of things to a lot of people, but she has never been racist.

Thanks.

Maybe we shouldn't have a Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year. I guess Lyndon Johnson is the guy we ought to give credit to for civil rights. Never mind the guy didn't get anywhere near Selma or Memphis. He did the heavy lifting. Got the job done. … NOT!

Hilliary is stupid for suggesting that Johnson deserves more credit than he gets for the Civil Rights Act. And she can trot out as many of her fat cat black show pieces as she wants to explain why I should give her a pass on those STUPID remarks she made on prime time., she ain't sellin' me that. I lived it. I know which way the wind blows.

She better get back to her issues. Stop trying to knee cap Obama all the time. Even if that tactic works, she'll make so many enemies along the way that she won't win the big enchelada in November.

It's amazing how so many are quick to turn a negative cheek to Clinton and leave Obama in the lime light. This race is not a question of race, but truly a question of gender. I don't think people are ready for a woman to play the same games that typical male candidates do, because apparently when she does, she is critizied for things she says and doesn't say. I fail to see the media showcasting Mitt Romney's negativity, or overdramatizing Guiliani's failure to lead in any of the polls especially when he was the projected winner of his party. Yet, when Clinton waves the wrong hand everyone points out how incapable of a candidate she is. One needs to recognize that the fact alone of being a woman and a true contender shows the strength, intelligence, and ambition needed to be our leader. So swallow all the negativity and focus at the issues in hand, and not just for some man who claims to have the experience to bring change, and can speak eloquently. Remember it was Bush's LACK of experience that brought us to this utter embarrassment of U.S. governments.

Hillary '08

Thank you Mr. Rangel for getting the story straight! Hillary said nothing racist and Obama had his own motives for focusing on Hillary's remarks. Obama is focusing on the young people of this country because they are naive and inexperienced like Obama himself. Wake up America and do your research!

You people are killing me, Obama has no race card! If he did it would be a race deck! He has no one race background as a matter of fact none of us do.

To Sen. Rangel and other African Americans in the 'Clinton Camp…', respectfully I admonish, 'Come On, People!'

The Clintons may insist that there is not and we need to forget about 'black or white,' however, Bill and Hiliary will never forget they are white.

Charles Rangel is a longtime friend and ally of the Clintons, therefore, he is on their side, or Hillary's, by defending her political interest, he is defending his as well. Mrs. Clinton made a remark about Lyndon B. Johnson putting into law what Dr. King started, created and demanded. By saying that without the power of a president no action takes place, she is right, or perhaps only half, it should be added that without the rallies, the recrutiment, and the uproar of a movement that was increasing by the day, and becoming an avalanche, Lyndon B. Johnson would have never even bothered to create the Civil Rights Act, which was the result of a black population that felt menttally and politically segregated ; this movement was led by Dr. Martin Luther King, in other words, Johnson acted promptly to stop a discomfort that was getting out of control, before it degenerated into chaos. Rangel believes that people, especially blacks do not how to discern what the truth is, or ignore their history, and Mrs. Clinton as an accomplished lawyer was playing with concepts and words, to get Obama right where she wanted to; on the race issue, so for those who have not yet figured it out, whites in Iowa for instance, Barack Obama is black, and that was her coded message.

Whoever said Clinton has more black supporters than Barak… 'Nuff said.

Now that's the truth.

Rangle is an idiot. Obama didnt say anything out of line. Obama didnt even respond to Hillary's ill advised comment. I would like to also add that CNN has done a poor job of reporting the fact that it was OBAMA who was the bigger person, who called an emergency press conference to bring this nonsense to rest. Hillary issued a statement AFTER Obama took the lead to settle this mess.

One would tend to ponder an "Elected Offical" public use of words. " Stupid and Dumb" in the same sentence, hence the support.

Rangel is a avid Clinton supporter. He was one of the original folks who persuaded Hillary to run for New York Senator even though Hillary didn't live in the state. Classic carpetbagging. Hillary knew she needed to run and win an elected public office to be a serious contender for President.

You don't be like Hillary, involved in politics for 35 years and then decide to run for a public office in the last 7 years without a higher agenda.

I am disappointed in Rangel and Johnson as well as other Hillary supporters who personally attack Mr. Obama. This a race for US President, not high school student body president.

Obama has initiated the first sign of intelligence and unity by calling for a "truce" in a speech he gave yesterday. Then Hillary puts out a statement after Obama's speech calling for a "truce". The Clinton camp let this "race baiting" issue get way out of hand on purpose. I usually don't paraphrase anything from FOX NEWS but Dick Morris, former Clinton adviser, had a good analysis of the Clinton campaign tactics. Morris said "The Clintons would rather lose some Black votes by creating a White backlash against Obama." That actually makes some sense.

I'm completely perplexed by the comments critical of Rangel's attempts to re-instate the draft. Mr. Rangel did this to force the Bush administration into making sure that the armed services were prepared to handle the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Rangel is not a "war monger" as some have claimed, he was simply trying to force George Bush and his chicken-hawk cronies into a corner. In fact, if one knows the facts, they'd know that Mr. Rangel was and remainds completely against the invasion of Iraq. I applauded Mr. Rangel then, and I do now. The ignorence of the comments here regarding this issue is startling. Read the papers once in awhile folks.

How much do you think Hilary payed him to say this?

Well done, Rangel. Obama lost every ounce of respect I had for him by playing the tired old race card.

Enough already. Both the Obama and Clinton camps are making the democrats a laughing stock in the eyes of everyone, especially the republicans. We don't need to be reminded that racism in America still exists and we still have a long way to go. Stick to the issues we all care about. The economy and the war. This is so stupid. I think both sides have made their point. Move on!

Regarding Rangel's call for a draft, this was nothing more than trying to make a point about how only the middle and lower class are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. A draft would increase the likelihood the sons and daughters of members of Congress and the well to do would also be called to serve. Rangel was calling out war supporters on the other side of the aisle to offer up their own children for their endless war.

The young Senator from Illinois is a light weight and quite naive about the world. I hear him babble on about his programs and plans to resolve every ill the world and the country has. He has plainly has interjected "race" into the campaign. He is not ready to be president and we are not ready for him. We have a smooth talker in the White House now, look what he has talked us into. We do not need another George Bush type in the White House now, not ever.

Congressman Rangel supports a draft as an effort to get Republican's to resist a long-term stay in Iraq. Rangel's position is as long as it's all voluntary, the media and Republican's will try to push Iraq to the back burner. If there was a draft, I bet everyone in this country would be paying attention.

He is right about Obama's comment. LBJ (Please read, 'Master of the Senate') new how to manuver Congress in order to get the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act passed. He also initiated other beneficial programs through his Great Society initiative. LBJ rightly deserves credit for getting those bills passed. So does the women in the Civil Rights Movement that don't get credit (Fannie L. Hamer, Septima Clard, Ella Baker, Diane Nash, Jo Ann Robinson, etc.), and the courageous reporters who went to the South to report was was going on (please read, 'The Race Beat'). Dr. King and the other leaders deserve credit as well.

I never liked the Clintons or Democrats as well. I am a minority who is considered by many a multimillionaire but live like a lower middle class person because I am taxed to death for what I would call unsuccessful politics, in Washington. I voted for Clinton in his first term as a blow to Father Bush for raising taxes after being pushed against the wall by Democrats trying to abuse the use of Social Security. Clinton’s presidency was only successful because of the contract with America ( a must read ), he had the opportunity to get Bin’ladin and save this country’s respect. Now race is very important in this case because not only do you have a person of color running, you have one who takes then for granted by trying to be one instead of help to culture the minds of their own kind. You now have them enlisting the powerhouses of greed to assist in damage control. Let me define:

Charles Rangel – Most powerful man in the country ( he control all the money none of which minorities and poor folks receive )

Bob Johnson ( Billionaire who was discriminated against in NY and now promised Billions by the Clintons to build his Airport in NY )

Bill Clinton ( Disgraced President who tries to identify with another race by not trying to promote policy that would bring prosperity but to act like them by allowing statements that he is the first Black President as a joke)

I hate this mess it needs to stop, I will vote for Obama because it is scary that three Families have run this country for almost Thirty-years and we still are talking about race this is not productive nor bring our Economy or pursuits of happiness to flourish ion’ I made my millions from hard work and value not my color so Clinton stop thinking that minorities are voting for you because of Welfare and social programs, they want you to acknowledge the need for balance for all people not just minorities.

Does everyone forget the NH recount will happen tomorrow? Why does no media mention it?

I completely agree that Mr. Obama's statement was absolutely absurd. MLK was a great man to both blacks and whites. But alas he was not President of the United States. Fortunately for all of us, President Johnson was an intelligent man and signed the appropriate legislation necessary.

i hate this type of stuff. it's why i hate clinton, why i'll vote republican if she's the dem candidate. it's disgusting tired politics, …this issue isn't about anything other than Hillary feeling the squeeze of Obama as a viable alternative to her, and using lackies to make her attacks so she can lie and play ignorant/innocent later.

Where has her accent gone?

I don't feel no ways tired, I done comes too far….

A joke, get the Clinton side show off the stage.

How 'bout the time at a speaking engagement last year when she brought up Mahatma Ghandi, you know, he runs a gas station over here on the corner of….

I like how she talks about "If it weren't for Dr. King, I wouldn't be where I am today…"

Give me a break! During the civil rights movement, where was she? She was the president of the Young Republicans at a nice white-bread all girls university in the lily-white northeast, fresh from her suburban childhood home in Chicago.

The Clinton's are the Genovese family of politics!

Those who attack Rep. Rangel (and Senator Clinton) here have no respect for legitimate and fair discussion. A respected black leader has given his opinion of a racially charged subject. His views are valid and significant, and the stupidity of some of the comments here (about the Draft!, etc.) are more hate-filled bigotry that people like Rep. Rangel and Senator Clinton oppose. Senator Obama is no angel, he is not a savior and he is not always right. That doesn't make those who point it out wrong. Thank you Rep. Rangel for your honest and important views.

I must admit I had to chuckle reading all the comments from folks who remember Congressman Rangel FIRST for the legislator having the nerve looking for a re-implementation of the military draft. Kiddies, we have to do something…….tour of duty, go home……..next tour of duty……go home, and on and on and on. Would you like to live like that? Not enough troops to go around? Hell, we got the National Guard…use them….to hell with natural disasters here at home. I see a glimmer of hope in some of our Presidential candidates suggesting interest in a commitment from young people for national service for a period of time. Man, do I miss the Greatest Generation! With that out of the way, I personally still believe that this whole mess was manufactured by the folks in the Obama camp looking at the black vote in South Carolina and their taking the easiest way out to incite those minority votes to vote for the Junior Senator from Illinois. Think about it. …….and where does Obama stand on the draft…..or anything else, for that matter?

NEWS FLASH!!!!

Jesse Jackson, Charles Rangel, Bob Johnson, and Al Sharpton are not the voice for African-Americans.

As an African American woman I PROUDLY support Obama. I was raised in a republican household and will be voting democrat this year. Statements made by Bob Johnson and Rangel only solidifies my vote for Obama. I guess all of the negative, stereotypical, derogatory programming on his network – BET has done a lot for a neighborhoods? There are A LOT of african-americans that have boycotted BET for this very reason. More cheap shots at Obama is only making him look like the better candidate.

Vote Obama 08′

I agree. It just shows that Obama is not as clean as he claims to be. When votes are at stake, he will do whatever is necessary to win. This is low for any politician and so for Obama as well. Missing to be in senate when important votes are taken and then claim he was right. We should all educate (or not educate) our kids to be like politicians. They seem to have best of both worlds. My message to all the politicians is – Have respect and moral standards atleast to leave people like Dr. King alone.

Rangle is correct, good thing everyone is not Obamatized. They should get to issues at hand.

Does everyone forget the NH recount will happen tomorrow? Why does no media mention it?

What Charlie Rangel critisize about Obama has nothing to do with his reinstituting draft. Please stop this stupid discussion.

Can Bill or anyone explain to me what Obama said – that made people think he was playing the race card? To my understanding he said that Hilary's comment was "ill advised" and was confused as to how people accused him of bring up race when he didnt' initially comment on what she said.

someone correct me here…a president is needed to sign acts into law, right? so who signed the very things dr. kings into law that dr. king died for?

Charlie Rangel is a empty suit. Nobody pays any attention to what he's said in years. I wonder why I'm even bothering to post this. It's time for him to ride off into the sunset with, the Clintons. He'd make a good house boy for them.

"I hope Hillary puts Obama in his place. Its upsurd to even question the Clinton's respect towards the Black Community— after everything the Clinton Administration has done for them."

Um… exactly what have they done? As a Black American who voted for Bill Clinton twice, I am surprised that they are unchallenged when they go around touting that they have done so much for the Black Community. I want specifics! What is true, the Clinton's will use the black race to show that they aren't "liberals" when the opportunity rises; I remember the Sista Soljah issue.

Has everyone forgotten that it were the Republicans that pushed for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. LBJ had an extremely poor record on civil rights jumped and on for political expediance. Seem like Hillary leanred well from LBJ.

Here's the vote breakdown: Also, look to see who held the majority.

Senate: 77–19
Democrats: 47–17
Republicans: 30–2

House: 333–85
Democrats: 221–61
Republicans: 112–24

I thought this thing had been put to bed. I thought Obama's remarks were the perfect end to it. Does anyone believe that the Clintons don't respect MLK and his legacy? Of course not. I feel bad for both Obama and Clinton. Obama got attacked, and now Clinton looks bad because it came after the issue had died down. Let's get back to issues, please.

How come no one is telling Hillary to drop out of the race because of that comment, or would that be something only saved for a Republican candidate.

Rangel is not helping here. Obama, not my pick for the nomination, is correct in this case. Hillary's statement (she's not my pick either) gave undue weight to LBJ and slighted the social movement that forced the government to approve the laws she references. Her view of politics is lopsideedly government-centered and, at the time this legislation became law, she was an ardent college Republican who probably wasn't paying very much attention much less understanding how things actually worked. However, she and Bill developed a very good track record on civil rights in recent decades. Time to cool this whole conversation.

Us arguing about this now doesn't matter. This is going to be a brought up from now until Nov. when the Republicans can enter their opinion. No matter who gets the nomination there is going to be something said about Race or (wait for it) Gender. Have we all forgotten that Hillary is in fact female? This is going to be a topic that will show "true colors" as many of you have stated. There will be plenty of other statements made that will get everyone all hot under the collar. Just wait. This is only the beginning

Hillary did not say anything wrong, that was all about nothing.

Well, I guess 4 more years of GOP rule , thanks guys, well done.

Congressman Rangel is the consummate establishment status quo democrat. He shoudl be ashamed of his statement about Obama. What has he done for us? He got the coveted position he wanted in the House. The same old Al, Jesse & Rangel gang. Too much talk and finger poiting. No responsibility for uplifting us. Those who try are brought down. It is time for these co-opted politicians in our community to retire and make way for new ones–the likes of Obama.

Charlie Rangel is right the entire thing is stupid. I also think this has been taking away from talking about the issues, the problems this country has right now such as record high energy prices, those without healthcare, the fact that social security and medicare are in trouble and so on. MSNBC ran with this because they are so bias against Hillary Clinton and favor Barack Obama, that channel is bias and unfair. The ratings prove it, CNN is crushing MSNBC in the ratings.
If anything the next time there's a debate Lou Dobbs should be the one asking the questions because he is the only one that would force everyone on both sides to talk about the important issues that matter most.

As an African American, I am so sick and tired of these high ranking African Americans fighting like cats and dogs over these candidates comments . WE ARE HURTING OUT HERE. Healthcare, the price of gasoline, everhthing going up and our paychecks dwendling because of high prices. I am excited about both Hillary and Obama being catalyst for change but I hear very little about where they stand on the issues because everybody is fighting. What a mirror image it is of the division within our race! PLEASE, stop fighting for the good of hard working Americans who just need a break, a chance at the American dream. Shut up and let us hear where these wonderful candidates stand on the issues.

Kellybelle and Angela you are so right. I totally agree 100%.

I find it ironic that the candidate of change, Obama, is the master of spin. It looks like the same old politics as usual. I wish the media and candidates would focus on the issues.

Also, I find it interesting that the media decided prior to NH that the Democratic race is between Clinton and Obama and that Edwards doesn't have a chance. I thought that was for the voters to decide. Maybe Edwards will benefit from all this nonsense.

Here is what will stop women and blacks from getting into the White House; Every time something is said that has a slight hint of color and/or sex, the others feel the need to throw the race or sexist card in the ring…..

Well, I got news for both, Voting America is rolling their collective eyes and looking the other way to vote.

Knock it off and run on your own strengths and stop looking for excuses. We have enough victims.

Obama knew what Hillary was communicating. There was nothing racial until Obama alluded to it. It's just another case where he's been handed softballs the entire campaign, never been pressed with the tough questions, and when he wants to throw a spit ball it's never thrown back. This time it was and he doesn't know how to act. How's he going to act when N. Korea or Iran start throwing nukes? When's this guy going to answer so real questions. So far he's just been profiling for the cameras.

Race and gender should be non-issues. Talking about them is a waste of time and a smoke screen. MOVE ON to what's important!

and to think – we have until November to be bombarded with lies and half-truths. Honest discussion regarding policy seems to be unacceptable to candidates in both parties. It doesn't matter a person's race or religion. what matters is their ability to light a fire under congress and get some work done.

The middle class is on its death bed thanks to the policies of the president & congress for the past 7 years. What are our options? Who can we count on? So far, I'm not impressed with anyone at all. Bill Richardson was actually the most qualified for foreign policy, but no one seems to be concerned about domestic issues.

Too bad we can't wipe the entire slate clean, and choose businessmen, economists, scientists, doctors, teachers and other educated middle class citizens to take over the government. The elite of American have done nothing but line their own pockets.

Hillary's "experience" shines through – again and again and again.
As for LBJ: with his life time of public service, LBJ did only two things of merit:
1. He signed the civil rights legislation.
2. He decided not to run for president.

I do wonder about this: when Bill Clinton was president, the term was "Billary", now that Hillary is making a run, is the "Hillbilly" the correct referent? So, what other potions (opportunities that Hillary says she has for the nation) is she brewing up in the cement pond?

what the clinton camp is doing is using black leaders ( clinton surrogates ) who support them to attack obama …first it was bob johnson now rangel…….guess what we not stupid. anymore !!!!!…..if obama or edwards do not get the nomination …am not voting for the democratic party….am sure mccain can use it wisely than hillary……shut up rangel you are not running………or are you ?
marc

I think Rangel or whatever name he goes by, be educated in the scheme of things. I saw the jealousy on his face for he can not stand the, bright, clean, well educated and a sound mind of Obama caliber. He and Sharpton are impostors claiming to be civil right fighters while in essence they are a menace to the soceity. Looking for who is stupid, he epitomize just that vernacular. Do not the defunct draft of his making

Ragel was correct in calling Obama to task. King could not have accomplished what he did without the political backing of President Johnson and both liberal and conservative backing. I admirer Obama for his vision of what the future can be but in this case he's the one playing the race card,not Hillary.

OK! Enough! This isgoing too far. Word twisting and more fuel in the fire- People don't you get it–it is the media making a mountain of a mole hill. Both Barack and Clintons should understand this and stop and quit making statements that keep the media putting them in headllines. Ramgle should refrain from using stupid remarks himself — Barack never said Dr. King paased the legislation and passed it in to law. Regarding Rangle's remark on Barack's book– people like Rangle and Clintons should be proud of Barack who had the foresight to work for the community without aspirations for gaining money or kudos. I cannot start on Rangle or Clintons– the dirty laundry list will surpass the gigabyte space alloted for letter writing by CNN.

dear mr. rangel, leave obama alone. we all know that bill was the "first black president" how insulting to african-americans is that? there is a reason obama has the support of young americans think about it. we are raising our children that all men and women are created equal. these young people have been raised to judge a person for their deeds not skin color. bill clinton is not black. hillary is not black . what will be next with the clintons ? will hillary be the next "hispanic president".

"Can't we ALL JUST GET ALONG… ??"

I fail to see how "Ill-advised" constitutes an attack on Sen. Clinton. She was, after all, the person who brought up the MLK/LBJ connection, thus inserting the "race card" into the mix. She made the problem worse by cozying up to Bob Johnson, who does not enjoy universal respect from African-Americans, being as he is, a purveyor of cheap, misogynistic, voyeuristic so-called "entertainment". From former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE) to her own staffers to Johnson to her own husband to the NV NEA, she has shown a consistent pattern of getting other people to do the dirty work for her.

Rep. Rangel embodies the kind of shrieking, self-parodying, self-aggrandizing, "preacher man" that was the hallmark of the old style African-American politician – which accounts for the fact that, until this very moment, no African-American has been a viable candidate on the national stage. Mainstream America could not take those candidates seriously, and why should they? It's so easy to make fun of them; "Poor dears, how silly they look." Rather like anthropomorphising chimpazees at the zoo. We have evolved beyond this style of politics. It is time for them to stand down and shut up.

Sen. Clinton has shown very poor judgment throughout this campaign. Either she is the chief architect of her strategy and in total approval of it, or she is clueless as to what her campaign staff is doing in her name. In either case, she has proven herself to be not worthy of the Presidency.

For the record, I am an African-American woman. Whether or not I vote for Sen. Obama is still in question. But I will certainly NOT be voting for Sen. Clinton.

In time and sooner than he thinks, Rangel will deeply regret his verbal blast against Barack. When will people learn to reserve comment and let the cards fall where they may? US politics need a major overhaul.

At the time that MLK and Lyndon Johnson were working on getting the civil rights bill enacted, Barry Goldwater was campaigning against the desegregation bill. Guess who was supporting Barry Goldwater at that time. None other than "Goldwater Girl" Hillary Rodham-Clinton, that is who. That means that she was actually working to elect a Republican Right winger who wanted to block the civil rights bill. So, if you want someone who was on the wrong side of civil rights history, she is Your Goldwater Girl. You go Goldwater Girl. You can fool some of the people all the time.

I think my greatest pet peeve in this industry is watching people report news without context. Context isn't just important, it's everything — especially in these days of insta-pickup by blogs and online news sites, where just a snippet of text is enough to launch a million clicks.

Controversy is the only way to get people glued to watch tv news and it sells a lot of newspapers.

Everyone knows Hillary will win the nomination, Obama just can't compete with her at this time, hence it would be boring if it was a landslide early on, then there is nothing to report.

"This is the same toolbag who wanted to reinstate the draft. Warmongers think alike (or don't even think at all)."

Rangel is NOT a warmonger. He wants a national draft because he knows the real warmongers will never get war if they know ALL Americans will have to sacrifice. Let's face it, if people were drafted to Iraq, we would NEVER be in Iraq.

National Draft = Peace!

I love it, 7th Angel. January 15, 1:56a.m. Eastern

I'm so happy Senator McCain has a "lucky sweater" to wear to help him get elected for president. Maybe if he wins he can…"Not change his socks until the soldiers come home", or how about holding a "lucky rabbit's foot "in his hand under the table at all meetings with foreign leaders to get his way. I have heard there is some truth to "lucky underwear" as well

Bush to Obhama Make me President of Kennya for a year I will make it like United States in a year

Obhama to Bush Make me Presidnet of United States. I will make me like Kenny in a month

How dare you Rep. Rangel. You don't make remarks such as "stupid" especially when Obama graduated from HARVARD Magna cum Laude. Where the hell did you get your college ed from, anyway? Sure shows no class when you start going into another topic regarding his book and drug use which bears no relation to the issues.

So what if his motive of writing his book was money (which, is very hard to believe). What's it to you? And, what is your motive to present yourself and make innuendos that discredit him? You wanted the spotlight on yourself????? You sure look stupid.

Another thing, why won't you comment on the reasons why both Bill and Hillary Clinton wrote their own books? MONEY???????

GET A GRIP!!!

Fran

Charlie Rangel is STUPID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO OBAMA!!!!!!!

Obama has been very quiet about this whole issue. He has not sent surrogates to the media to fight a battle for him. The Clinton's are on the defensive for a reason – Change is coming…. Even if Obama does not win… Change of some sort is coming.

It is the right of the American electorate to voice their opinions about what HRC stated. Every time that she or any of her flacks speak they make the matter worse. She made the comment.

This should not make you change your vote. If you think this does, you were not serious about your first choice in the first place. AND the issue of race in this context gives you a reason and an opportunity to act on the racism that you know is harbored deep within you. That that says, I am egalitarian, but some folks need to be treated differently, looked at differently, belong in a certain station in life never to equal mine.

As a child my parents, who are black, explained this kind of foolishness to me. I, like my parents, am a republican. Although, I am far more conservative.

Black folk love the democratic party for some strange reason. Their love for Wild Bill is even crazier. Seeing Andrew Young smile and talk about Bill's success with black women was sad. Seeing Johnson and Rangel rush to the aid of Mrs. Clinton reminds me of some of the stories that my grandfather told me about bucks and the South. "…leave Mrs. Clinton be. She loves us. She good white folk. She feels our pain. Dat' Obama is a troublemaker dat don't know is place. Lawd, lawd, lawd…dat Obama dun los his mind."

poor, poor Hill. If this is the best crap her and her supporters can dig up Nevada's going to be BRUTAL. I mean really, does this illustrious congressman think this matters in the least when you consider the larger issues? The whole thing is rather pathetic when you stop and actually think about it. Democrats be warned: nominating Hillary Clinton will spell disaster in November. The republicans keep steering their debate and talking points toward how to beat Hillary because they are all PRAYING for her to be their opponent. Truth be told, Edwards has the best shot at the general election, but Obama is by far the best choice for the country.

So Todd — does this mean that MLK and other Civil Rights leaders and supporters don't get credit for their efforts?

Further – can I ask if you think that LBJ would have signed anything without the mounting pressure in the country?

Oh, please, people. Charles Rangle only wanted to reinstate the draft as a deterent to future wars. If the wealthy have at least a chance of having their sons and daughters involved in the war — as opposed to having mostly lower class folks who see the military as a way out of a dire situation, which is what we now have with the all-volunteer army — then those wealthy people might not be as cavalier with the notion of going to war.

And as for Clinton "controlling" Bob Johnson or Charles Rangle — ha! Good luck. Neither of these men will be controlled by anyone when it comes to speaking their mind.

To Smitty,
You know nothing.

It's amazing that black people are the only group in this country that causes a huge stir of controversy over nothing. Why you ask? It's because of people like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Charlie Rangel, and Bob Johnson. Their minds are still stuck in the past. They give no positive hope to black people. All they do is handicap the black community with their nonsense. Black people need to be aware that we can move beyond the foolishness that current leaders spend all of their time focusing on. You don't see this crap with Hispanics, and you didn't see it when Bill Richardson was a candidate.

Obama gives us real hope for true change. All things are possible. We can believe.

Just gotta say to good ol' "June (California Voter)" and all others who cast their vote predicated on — what???? If you are actually leaning toward Hillary but could switch to McCain, then you clearly are not predicating your vote on anything of substance – these two are poles apart on nearly every issue and represent parties that couldn't be farther from each other. Unfortunately June represents so many in our country – don't do ANY homework, don't make ANY effort to understand the issues, don't EVER pick up a book or endeavor to understand history. That is precisely how we got the current freakshow in the White House — and we most surely cannot afford another one.

I see over and over again words put in Hillary's mouth that she did not say. GET THIS STRAIGHT…she did not say the words "did more". She did not even come close to implying that LBJ was more important. I watch the news and they flat out lie when they say she said this. The more it is reported the worse her words get. Watch the video! She never even compared the two men…This accusation is really digging. As a matter of fact she is saying how it took a president to realize one mans dreams. THAT IS A FACT. Get over it!
I hope she never says she bought a black purse…she will probably get accused of racism for that.

I am not yet decided, but I agree the bickering needs to stop!

I was on the Obama band wagon; though through all of the bickering and then to stop and think about saying "President Obama"; I am not sure how saying "President Obama" sits with me and his church affiliation seems somewhat racist to me; but what do I know…I am a midwestern trying to figure all of this out.

I was going to vote Clinton,but after her, having her supporters going out after Obama like this.I'm Voting Obama.I wanted experance thats why her,but this -It shows me what kind of nasty,slime ,2 faced person she'll be as a leader. and those thats she will surround herself with-Do what I say or I'll send in my team to personnal destory you-Thats not the principals I want for my country so I'm voting for whats good for my country-I'll choose Obama-At least he stands for Hope.-He reminds me of Bobby Kennedy.If she wins I'm not going to vote for the first time in my voting history-28 years-And I'll change my party to independant.

Only when the outcry became so great throughout the nation for change is when the Civil rights act was signed into Law. If Martin Luther King and the many followerers would not have stood up and demanded it, it would have never happened. It should not have taken the heroic efforts of MLK and others in order for equality to exist. unfortunately that is the only time change occurred within the white house is when the outcry was too great to ignore. So actually, it took over 400 years before the WHITE HOUSE did anything right? Why so long? If change began in the WHITE HOUSE then why did it take so long to sign the Civil rights movement into law?

Rep. Rangel needs to lay off the Clinton teat. I mean, I know he is a New York Congressman and stands to benefit from a Clinton presidency, but Obama did not say anything negative about Clinton's MLK comments. I think they were downright gracious, considering the Clintons were trying to blame Obama for their consistent stream of gaffes:

"I mean, I think what we saw this morning is why the American people are tired of Washington politicians and the games that they play. But Sen. Clinton made an unfortunate remark, an ill-advised remark, about King and Lyndon Johnson. I didn't make the statement. I haven't remarked on it. And she, I think, offended some folks who felt that somehow diminished King's role in bringing about the Civil Rights Act. She is free to explain that. But the notion that somehow this is our doing is ludicrous."

I personally agree with the sentiment a lot of people have expressed–All politicians lie, but the Clintons do it with such ease it's disturbing. All this said and done, Obama is the most honest politician I have ever seen. As a Democrat, I have to say at this point I will never, ever vote for Hillary Clinton.

In my opinion Obama has been chomping at the bit to bring race into this election, and he seems to have chomped too soon as this "excuse" to play the card was poorly chosen and is bad timing. I think that this will be a defining moment where the electorate becomes disgusted because, heretofore, we've been able to keep the real issues at the forefront between the two of them. I actually expected this, ever since Obama started to sound like MLK in his speech after the New Hampshire primary as he chanted "I have a dream". . . Sorry, I mean "Free at last" . . . Sorry, I mean "Yes we can", in an atypical southern drawl. Did anyone else catch this?

Uh… I thought both camps were moving past this issue? Which should mean that any major Clinton supporter would respect that truce.

Good job congressman, way to make Obama look good.

O8ama

Modern History Sourcebook:
Sojourner Truth:
"Ain't I a Woman?", December 1851

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain't I A Woman?
Delivered 1851
Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.

This is a very old argument. Hillary's got my vote.

It was just a matter of time before race was to be mentioned. Why is everyone so upset? Jjust wait, if Obama get's the Democratic nomination, the Republicans are going to bring out his first grade report card. Get ready to watch the sparks fly. And, you better believe the race issue will will be big. Personnally, I like both, Senators Clinton and Obama, and I'm still undecided.

How did this become a religion issue for some?
For those of you who still believe that Obama is Muslim because of those email rumors, etc., do a little more research next time.

How did it become a republican vs. democrat issue for some people when it is about two democrats?
People continually fall victim to the American political party system and feel the need to bash others because they are of the opposite party.

Sadly, race will always be an issue, until people aren't able to tell the difference between skin color anymore. And it is a shame that it will be that way, unless everyone learns to accept everyone elses differences. I personally believe that there is only one race – the human race. More people need to start seeing the world that way.

And with Black leaders saying that Obama "isn't black enough." What does that mean?

I don't think Obama is playing the "race card." When a supporter of one candidate says something about another, it is obviously a biased view, and words get twisted, and false statements can be made. Also, with the way the media portrays things nowadays it's hard to know what exactly is going on, what is truthful, and what is neutral.

I have not decided who is getting my vote yet. Democrat or republican, I don't care. What matters to me is what they will do for our country.

This time it is an opportunity for the great Americans to choose Barak as their President, not only to show there is no more black and white things. Much I see Barak speaking to the audiences, I feel he is a real democrat, for Americans and for the world. Hillary is also a right candidate to be the next President. But her speeches, attitudes show she is too White Housy, does not belong to ordinary people. As if she's just come out of the WH to collect the consent of people to return. Though I'm not American, I too have a right to speak about American affairs, as America touches world matters.

Ehsanul Haque
Montreal, Canada

I would like to mention one more truth if I may, I believe that neither candidate has taken a firm enough stance against America's biggest problem, big business. Though Obama and Clinton both say that they will take action against big business', I feel as if they are just empty promises. I believe that it is easier to become corrupt in office than it is to create change for the better. I don't mean to sound conspiracy here, but the people who attempted to create radical reforms were tragically kelled in one way or another dating back to Lincoln. I feel I will reserve my vote until the day comes when a candidate becomes public enemy number one.

I don't want to spend another 4 years parsing sentences to determine what the definition of is is. Anyone but Billary in November.

I keep hearing about this truce.
Correcet me if I am wrong but didnt hillary offer the first sign of a truce and barak followed.

LOL! Look at the Democrats destroy each other from the inside!!!! If this keeps up, it will bode VERRRRRY well for Republicans come November!

I find Charlie Rangal's comments a little too convenient given the fact that Senator Obama is leading Hillary in Nevada as we speak. The Clintons were also not happy that Senator Obama received the culinary endorsement in lieu of her so called victory in New Hampshire. Hillary is playing dirty politics and anyone with a brain can see that.

OBAMA O8

Thank you Congressman Rangel! Mrs. Clinton has been chastized by the media and Mr. Obama has taken unfair advantage of it. He absolutely tried to play the race card and he waited too long (until yesterday) to admit that her words were misconstrued and manipulated.

I apologize if this has already been covered in the blog responses but this comment,
"Rangel also implied that Obama’s admission of prior drug use in his autobiography may have had a financial motive: "I assume that the book was not written for political purposes. It was honest….It was a big mistake for him to have done it [used drugs.] For him to be honest enough to write about it, I guess he thought it might sell books."
Surely, maybe he thinks being honest is a good thing for politicians or anybody for that matter. And surely he thinks that sending a positive message to people makes them feel in touch with most of humanity. I am not sure what Mr Rangel thinks but I would imagine that he too would agree that being honest is a good thing. Also I for one have not been pure my whole life, and have had some transgressions in my youth and young adult life but thankfully the law never became involved and these were nothing more than me growing up. I do not think I am alone nor do I think I am in the minority on this one, so for all you people out there who may have done some drugs or perhaps got behind the wheel when you shouldn't have, you are not alone, and maybe these things were not smart but making mistakes is part of maturing!

Gotta Go, stay Solid!

Of course Hillary is technically correct, and of course she gets a pass. What would Rangel, or even the Clintons, have said if her comments had been made by any one of the Republican candidates? Imagine the furor from them all! There would be calls for censure, removal from candidacy and, at least, charges of racism.

Obama did not attack Clinton. Obama is class. Clinton is trash.

This is stupid. Who cares? Talk about something that matters.

It's sad that such a high ranking African American congressman completely misunderstood what Barack is saying. People are constantly trying to belitte the acts of African Americans leaders by interjecting a White American as a "savior figure". Yes, LBJ made moves in the right direction but i refuse to give him more credit or the same amount of credit as Martin Luther King. I am sure without King's actions, LBJ's actions would not have occurred!

Why do I think we're about to get yet another "Oh, we didn't authorize that comment" from the Clinton camp?

Their strategy is easy to see: get supporters or staffers who are about to quit to sling mud on their behalf, so that they aren't perceived as dirty themselves.

Twice is coincidence. Three times is a pattern. But this is incident number four.

why is this on the cnn home page? a comment someone made about obama based on a misinterpretation if his words doesn't seem newsworthy to me. it seems more like any excuse to make obama look bad for not responding to hillary's attempt at interjecting race into the campaign.

Obama is trying to align himself in the same camp as Martin Luther King ???
I don't think so. That's a cute political maneuver though

Has it occurred to any of you rocket scientists that Rangel is pushing the draft to force Bush to deal with the true cost of his wars, as well as to hilight the easy life of our no-pain citizens, who think they can afford to shop for new SUV's while someone else's sons are dying in Iraq ? If you bothered to follow the man's career, you might find that he has always fought hard for the average guy. If you want a black president, Rangel would tower head and shoulders above our man Obama.

Rangel wanted to reinstate the draft not because he's a "warmonger," but because he's anti-war and knew that it would quickly lead to an END to the war! nice attempt to spin (i.e. dishonestly distort) his position!

"and if he really did swear in on a koran then they should show that,
————————————————————————————————
BARACK OBAMA DID NOT SWEAR IN ON A KORAN !!!!!!!!

How many times are people going to repeat this stupidity without checking FACTS? All the people who aren't interested in truth keep confusing him with Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison. If you are going to vote, you owe it to your nation to have some interest in TRUTH.

Grrrrrr…

For goodness sake, would you stop already!!!! I actually had an open mind about all of the candidates, including Hillary, when the campaigning began. NOT ANYMORE!!!!

Both candidates called truce, but Clinton's camp is still badgering. Clinton…will you call off your dogs…..geezzz

Very annoyed

None of these comments were talked abot until the MEDIA MADE it a race issue. Once again the MEDIA is dictating the talking points. When will the rest of you idiots wake up and realize you are being manipulated by the MEDIA.

WAKE UP PEOPLE

The mud slinging is just starting and people are reading into it what they want.
I righteously can't vote republican because they not only help the rich, but they are taking away our freedom under the disguise of homeland security for a war Bush started. He knew about 911 and let it happen. All the lies under the current administration Bush/Cheney totally outweight Clinton's affair. Republicans are dirty and know how to hide their dirty laudry and not get caught. They fire anyone who speaks the truth. American's are going hungry while Bush sends our hard earned money to his war. Bush won't let Congress do their job by vetoing their acts, yet blames them for everything that is wrong. How about coming down from your high horse, where everything is my way or the highway, and start working with them. The republican's claim to be Christians yet they don't act charitibly and they won't even own up to their mistakes and indiscressions. People, vote for the best candidate, by watching them. Actions speak louder then words. If their words are fowl, or they talk about everyone else and not what they are going to do, don't vote for them. I'd rather see a woman or colored person voted as president and remove the traditional white male from the white house. People, it is time for a change!

So called civil rights laws are nothing more than an excuse to push reverse discrimination. When we get rid of these laws along with all special laws for certain groups of people the present discussion will not be necessary! Until that time the country will be divided along racial lines, all Africans hating caucasians and some caucasians hating africans!

Well, I say this Rangel, a lot of us act out on our emotions, but you acted out without the benefit of intellect. Did you ever think, "what make her call on me now", you have not made no public statement as of now concerning Hillary campaign remarks, so why now. She needed one of her high ranking African American to speak on behalf of her stupidity. Like, Forest Gump said, "stupid is what stupid does". So what does that make you. Again, Hillary underestimated the voice of the people. Believe, the people are not going to put Bill Clinton back in the White House.

All of these issues are meant to distract from Hillary's record in the Senate. Her selective recollection of which measure she supported with regards to the Iraq war vote, the fact her foreign policy adviser is chairman of a company that specializes in offshore outsourcing, the fact she voted against alternative fuels.

Without topics like these, and her public displays of humanity, her record would sink her. Its now just another sporting event to see who can outlast the other and win the "popular" vote.

What the heck does support for the draft have to do with this issue folks? Personally, I'm against war but think there should be a draft. The "haves" would have as much to lose as the "have nots" if this were the case. But again, this doesn't have anything to do with the subject matter. Sheesh!

Great examples of stupid, nasty liberals. That any group of people could elect and idiot like Rangel speaks volumes about the American idiocy that is the electorate.

If you lib's do elect Hilliary, you deserve everything you get. You already know what a vapid, immoral, self-serving whack job she is. You already know they will steal the furniture upon exit from the White House.

I only hope that enough people with a brain look to elect a real leader, someone like Rudy or McCain, as these are men with real leadership experience, who have made difficult decisions while those around them have lost their minds, not just professional blabber-mouths like Hilliary and Obama.

I challange anyone to list a time when Obama has injected race into this campaign. Name one time. He has simply said that Hilalry's commenst were ill advised…which quite frankly they were. For some reason now the CLinton's are tring to blame this baklash on Obama. It is laughable.

The Hill made an accurate comment. It took white folk who were inspired by MLK and others to make all this happen. As a former Marine I don't totally disagree with Mr. Rangel. What better way is there to stop a bogus war than to get everyone involved. A draft would definitely do that. I think he has said that before. As for Barack, I am still ticked-ff that he inserted the immigration issue into the debates by trying to blind side the Hill. As a latino living in the state of Arizona this issue hits too close to home. I have literally lost all respect for Obama. Where is the humanity when you act like a republican to score points.

I have always liked Congressman Rangel as a fellow African American, but for him to jump on Barack like we need a black person to bash another black person to rescue Hillary Clinton is stupid. Let's not be house blacks coming to the rescue of the master's wife…Hillary opened her mouth and not only is her husband coming to the rescue now we have a black leader coming to her rescue…if she keeps this up and is the nominee…I think a lot of blacks will NOT vote for her now…either make peace with Barack and try to win the nomination on her record not using others to fight her battle after the tears….give me a break….I use to like Hillary too but she has gone over the edge…stop dirty politics and run on your record only…

Glen H.

First off, I believe that neither of them were correct in stating any of their arguements. Anybody who has taken a history class will know that historically speaking, women-regardless of what race they are- were inferior to men of any color. I say that because some felt that what Hillary was saying fell along the notion that 'it took a white man to help the black man out.' If that were so, I would not take any offense because that is historically inaccurate and simply stupid on her behalf; not to mention the fact that African Americans had civil liberties before women ever did.

ABOUT RACE BEING AN ISSUE!!!!

When Hilary was behind in NH, she, Bill, and her campaign made gender the issue. She was losing because she was a woman and the "bad men" were picking on her. The women evidently bought into the hype and voted for her. My question was then, if she is the tough one, the one ready to take on unfriendly world leaders, then why is she the one who broke down and had to have her "big, strong man" come to her rescue? That was an insult to women and they didn't even recognize it.

Then she, Bill, and her people made remarks that were offensive to people and seen as racist statements. To control the damage made by their remarks, they immediately began an attack against Obama for bringing race into the campaign, when in truth they were the ones who did so. They were the ones who used "white speak" to bring out racist thinking, with the belief that non-whites would not catch on to it. Or perhaps it was done to bring race into it where they could attack Obama openly for getting the "black votes" they were counting on.

Anyway, it is time to let this drop from our open dialog but remember it when we vote. I will never vote republican, but I also will never again vote Clinton. In fact, I wish I could go back and undo my 1992, & 1996 votes for Bill and all the times I came to his and her defense in those troubled years. I still don't believe what the republicans did was right, but now I wish I had just stayed out of it all and not really cared.

What? Does Rangel even know what day it is. When did Obama say this? When did Obama bring race into the picture? Please Rangel, read before speaking. Especially before using the word stupid.

It might be time for us to run all of the old, hardliners like Rangel out of office. They keep up a lot of bickering and are very ineffective at crafting legislation that actually benefits their constituents or the American people as a whole. What is the last piece of meaningful legislation Charlie Rangel has written???

Housewiving during Bill's governorship and presidency isn't exactly leadership experience! Tell me who is getting a free ride! The media needs to wake up!

Obama showed strength and courage in opposing the war from the start…whilst the democrats in the house rolled over their backsides, for fear of being labeled weak!

Politics is almost by definition polarizing as evidenced by the comments to this article. What has Hillary done so wrong to illicit the vicious attacks by Obama supporters? What has Obama done so right to illicit so much hope? Change, we want change? maybe Michael Jackson had it right, — look in the mirror and change. Electing a woman would be change. This country has been run by men for over 200 years, it is an "old boys club" nearly an all boys club and Hillary is an outsider; Obama is not, he is a fully inducted member of the club and he will not bring about change. Look to his voting record, in the tough votes where loyalties vs. right, he has abdicated and not voted; a true politician.

The most astonishing thing of all is how the clintons and the media managed to spin this as "Obama's MLK comments."

Can't we all just get along?

Charles Rangel is the one that is stupid. He needs to find his own voice first before speaking. I guess he is jealous of Obama's potentials to be the next President. He is living in the past. I will take Obama's messages of hope, vision and inspiration any day than boring Charles Rangel, Johnson, and Hillary's messages put together. Hillary has nothing to offer than status quo. She is the crying candidate, and has used up her last life line in New Hampshire. She is desperate and knows that she cannot fool the people by crying again. Hence, she resorted to playing a race card. Who needs a crying baby in the White House when the going goes tough?

I used to respect Bill Clinton, but not any more. As a spouse, I realize he has to support his wife, but the way he is forcefully inserting himself in this capaign leaves little or nothing to be desired. It's a do or die for him and Hillary after spending 8 years in the White House. This is nothing but buy one, get one free package. This is a bad product. As a formmer president, Bill's gaffes during this capaign has diminished his legacy as far as I'm concerned. It is for this reason that I will vote for Obama no matter what the outcome maybe. If this bickering does not stop, democrats may end up losing the general election come November.

He challanges anyone to belittle the "contributons" that Dr. King has made, Ok. Here goes….Dr.King's real name is Michael. His thesis and doctoral dissurtation was plagiarized. Professors were happy to award a doctorate to such a candidate no matter how much fraud was involved because it was the "political" thing to do.

The list is long on this so called Dr.
He is a fraud and here is a source of info to ponder.
1. The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr.- – (an official publication of the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change).

2. "King's Plagiarism: Imitation, Insecurity and Transformation," The Journal of American History, June 1991, p. 87) David J. Garrow
3. New York Times" of October 11, 1991, page 15.
4. "The FBI and Martin Luther King, Jr.", David J. Garrow, (1981).

5. "And the walls came tumbling down," Rev. Ralph Abernathy (1989)

Well this is politics and its a dirty game. I think looking back to all the comments, the Clintons have been dirty and Bob Johnson and Rangel have degraded them selves. For 1 thing, no caucasian will come out to destroy a fellow caucasian the way both have! Absolute shame on them. During a radio show, Bill Clinton distanced himself from Bob Johnson but was fully aware of what they told him to say!

Hilary has shown she'll do anything to get in! We're back to the same dirty game of politics which destroys opponents without coming out to show what candidates can do. I won't vote for her. This presidency is more like a credential booster for her!

Turst me people, I do not like HRC, but I have to say the Media spun this one up. I am an Obama supporter….When I heard her comments, I did not think any thing of it, until the media tried to say she was belittling MLK. I was not offended by what she said, I was more upset by the media coverage. Obama should have left this one alone.

Hillary made the stupid comment….then her advisors rewrote it and turned it around against Obama. Do these Hillary supporters think the voters are also stupid to see the manipulation?

Well, I think everyone knows the dead horse of racism was going to get dug up soundly thrashed (were beating a dead horse). Now that we've done that lets let it rest in peace and move on.

What about those Michigan primaries today???

So tired of the "race card" being played. Can we please get to the issues at hand.

This is a very powerful,black man or is he just an intelligent man trying to tell the very emotional people of America that they should stop name calling and realize what a mess America is in. It seems to me to be very foolist to set black against white, aren't there more whites? How does that work? Aren't there more women than men in America? If Charles Rangel doesn't know what he is talking about how did he get so powerful? Of course I am just a stupid Canadian who knows nothing about politics…

Clinton makes a good point, and Obama's people just don't get it, or maybe they do not understand the political process and the political history of the civil rights laws. Marches and speeches didn't make the Civil Rights Act into law, a law which Southern Democrats fought against strenuously, by the way. Politicians ironed out a law that a majority would support and a President would sign. Without LBJ, there would have been no CRA. What would Obama's camp say if Clinton pointed out that Affirmative Action was actually proposed by Nixon when he was Vice-president, and then implemented by a President?

It's nice to see that Rangel, a man whose politics I normally can't stand, is willing to make sure everyone involved in the progress made in the 60's gets credit. I think that shows real class. All Obama wants to do is pretend he is the second coming of MLK, while pretending that the people who implemented MLK's dreams were just props. Inconvenient truth indeed.

As an African American woman I have an open mind to both candidates. I understand that Hilary was suggesting that the role of a president is important as without the president certain laws cannot be enacted (ex – Civil Rights Acts). However, she misses the point that LBJ was not just such a great guy that he wanted to enforce Civil Rights — there was a mounting pressure in the country that he could no longer ignore and that pressure stemmed solely from the Civil Rights Movement led by MLK Jr and other African Americans who were NOT elected officials. That's why I found her statement offensive – because it shows that regardless of her involvment with Civil Rights in the past…she doesnt GET it – she emphasized the wrong person when stating who made change. Dr King did more than "help along the way" – he and his supporters REVOLUTIONIZED the country with their non-violent approach and it was only years of marches, boycotts, and speeches that any elected official signed anything.

Also, a few people have commented that Obama has mishandled this situation and that there is now proof that he is too inexperienced to deal with politics in America. I understand their point (or at least part of it) is that to be electable means being able to play these games. I wonder, though, if we should be electing someone who exemplifies how politics SHOULD be and not how politics ARE? In other words, why elect Hillary who continues to play dirty games, rather than Obama who has not stooped to her level?

Wow. Senator Clinton is getting more desperate every day. And the Clinton camp wonders why Senator Clinton is unlikable. Every day the Clinton Camp sends out another prominent African American to bash Senator Obama. A very Clintonian playbook.

Thank you – some common sense. Obama – stop playing the race card. It's going to being mighty idiotic if Obama wins the primary purely by playing the race card and even more of a reason for me not to vote in the general election at all. He is the most devisive democrat ever – even more so than Clinton. She has repeatedly said "I am not running because I am a woman" but becaus she feels she is the most candidate, even though it is blatantly obvious how sexist this primary is; however, do you see her crying sexism- no. But Obama inevitably calls "race". Well, let him call it, because if he wins the primary, this girl isn't voting in the general election, and the Republicans will win a 3rd term in a row. Smart strategy on their part. I bet they are lauging right now!

If not for Dr. King and the many wonderful people like him, who sacrificed so much up to and including there lives, There would have been no Bill to sign.
So for Hillary or anyone to undermine his roll, [which she did] is wrong and Obama is absolutly right.
Hillary brought this on her self and for people to blame Obama is wrong.
I'm a Independent [more Republican than Democrat] but I see great promise in Mr Obama.

Rep. Charlie Rangel represents the worst kind of liberal politician, a liberal who would compromise his principal in order to secure his political career.

Case of point, Mr. Rangel injects himself into this divided issue that potentially will split the African American votes. Shouldn't an African American leader in the democratic party unifies his constituents, calling for truce between two candidates instead of fanning the fire? An honest democratic voter must ask such question.

I presume the reason of his remarks is that he has foreseen the diminishing support for the Democratic establishment if Barack Obama is elected. Over all his years in Wahington, Mr. Rangel has not really accomplished a whole lot to enhace the equality and justice for minorities? Inner cities has grown worst in most of easten shore, meanwhile, the democratic party has increasing tie with corporate lobbyists (just think why a billionaire Bob Jones would come out attacking Barack Obama on behalf of Hillary Clinton).

Mr. Rangel's statement is really to support himself for his political future in the democratic party. I honestly do not think he cares about the deed of MLK or his African American constituents.

Obama's comment *was* stupid, regardless of who (draft-supporter, etc.) called him on it.

I have been living in US (lawfully) for more than 22 years. Every time there is a presidential election I look for a female candidate. In all these years after Elizabeth Doyle, for 2008 presidential election Hillary Clinton is another female candidate. I am surprised to learn that America being one of the most progressive country with a democratic government, yet American public can not digest this fact that their female is as capable as any male contender and she can run this country better than or equal to male president. I believe this is high time American’s change their attitude on this issue if they want to maintain their status as so called first world countries.

Since everything being more or less equal in almost all the candidates (Democrat or Republican – I mean source of money, education, experience, etc. ) and if for no other reason to select Hillary then select her only to prove the World that you could also think of going out of the box and LET YOUR FEMELE BE A PRESIDENT. It is high time America, MORE THAN 250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT, and YOU PEOPLE CAN DO IT IF YOU WANT THAT MUCH I KNOW.

Clinton and Obama (and Rangel) are all racists. All democrats who use the word "racism" like a bludgeon to end conversation are racists. Actually, Obama seems the most intellectually honest. Intellectual honesty is not an phrase one would use in describing any Clinton (or Congressman Rangel). These are some of the most predictably silly people on earth.

Rangel totally twists Obamas comments. Obama never stated that MLK signed, or passed any legislation. Obama simply stated that MLK had more to do with getting Civil Rights the attention it deserved than Lyndon Johnson. Rangel is only inflaming the situation more with his comments while Clinton and Obama both are trying to tone it down. He is either not listening, or a total idiot….. He needs to just shut up.

I am slowly getting tired of the "Old Guard". Let me preface myself by saying that I am a 44 year old college educated African American. I am a father of one son and a husband of a college Educated African American woman. We both are community volunteers, here in metropolitan Atlanta. I grew up in Baltimore and witnessed my father serve as campaign manager for numerous Democratic politicians. I feel I understand the process. Let me also go on record as saying that if Hillary Clinton were to win the Democratic nomination for President, I'd support her.

The Clintons have been supportive of Black causes in the past and Bill has been the best President in terms of race relations, next to Jimmy Carter, that this country has ever seen. The history of African Americans voting for President has been a choice of the "lesser of two evils". Bill gave us an easy choice when compared to ANYONE from the past.

I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for our Black Civil Rights leaders of the past. They embrace the Clintons and show them their loyalty. Today is a new day. There is a better choice. That choice is not running on a "race" platform. That person is running on a "CHANGE" platform and has the country's attention. He doesn't represent the same old establishment. He's being embraced by EDUCATED, FREE THINKING, and fully-EMANCIPATED African Americans. He's being embraced by EDUCATED, FREE THINKING, and fully-EVOLVED White Americans. We are seeking CHANGE.

We respect the warriors of the past, but we don't want to go to battle with the BAGGAGE that goes along with the CLINTONS. We want to try CHANGE, first. I don't want to slam the Clintons, because it is true that we are all on the same side. We are at the point of choosing one or the other. I don't want to see some OLD GUARD Civil Rights veteran of the past use his TENURE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS in a way to slaughter or slander another AFRICAN AMERICAN man who is about TRUE CHANGE.

Quantitatively, most educated African Americans give Bill about a "B-" as a grade when it came to him fulfilling the promises he made to us. For example the Haitians not being allowed to enter the country. He barked like a Pit-Bull when he needed our support. He did little or nothing about the Haitians being shown racial bias. Mexicans can enter, have children and thos