Comments on: Obama: Is Bill Clinton really a 'brother'? I'd have to see him dance

By: Brenda Kay

Brenda Kay — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:56:54 +0000

I was appalled at Obamas remark. What are you, American or a "brother" -Talk about racist! If a white person had said that they would have been crucified! I want a President that is NOT going to divide us. Go Hillary!

By: Ken Lampkin

Ken Lampkin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:44:45 +0000

The Last Word on Race. The Black Democrat voters of South Carolina have certanly answered the Pivotal question of the 08' Democrat debate season. "Do you think Bill Clinton was the first Black President of the United States?"....... By a 80% majority they have concluded that the 42nd President of the United States was "Not A Brother"..... "SORRY BILL"

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:53:39 +0000

Some people feel that Obama's terrible reference to race and dancing ability was just a lighthearted joke. - Since Obama's father was black and his mother white - Would it be a lighthearted joke for any of the other canidates to ask Obama if he has one leg that dances better than the other?

By: David

David — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:25:15 +0000

Can someone from CNN please explain why this question was asked? At the beginning Wolf Blitzer said that this debate would be about the issues. What does this question have to do with the issues? Do better CNN. Worry less about ratings and more about responsible journalism.

By: Joss

Joss — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:59:53 +0000

I'm sorry but all you people who are offended or didn't like this comment need to lighten up in my opinion. It was a joke.. everyone in the room was laughing. Clearly he wasn't being racist and was just trying to make light of a clearly absurd question.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:11:32 +0000

Why do white people get all worked up when they can't say something that a black person can get away with saying? Give me a BREAK! Try waking up in the morning and being black in this country for ONE DAY. Try living with the legacy of slavery and discrimination that is inherent in EVERY INSTITUTION this country holds dear. There is a double standard, because we face discrimination EVERY DAY. If you don't get that, maybe you should wake up. Guess what...I'm biracial too...and when you walk down the street as a biracial person, they don't say,"hey, she's white" they say. Oh, she's black. Dishonoring your white mother? I don't think he dishonors his white mother. I don't dishonor my mother by marking the box "african american" either. It is what it is. If he said he was white, nobody would believe him.

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:23:46 +0000

What happened to my post CNN? It was right after Zima's! It wasn't offensive! Ever hear of Free Speech? This is ridiculous!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:30:41 +0000

Are we forgetting that Hilary laughed at Obama's comment? If it was such a racist comment (which it wasn't), then maybe she should have said something to take advantage. Instead she laughed and added her own humorous comment. Some of you people are mentally insane and wouldn't know a racist comment if it smacked up upside your heads.

By: JS

JS — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:01:40 +0000

"Racist?" Anyone who was legitimately "offended" by that response has serious issues. How about Hillary adding to it by saying it could be arranged? Certainly you must have been offended by her joining in this hateful display. Oh, wait, but you're all HRC supporters grasping for anti-Obama straws, aren't you? And to all the "Obama isn't black...why doesn't he talk about his white family members," people: Obama has not been running as a "black candidate" or as a "mixed race candidate." He frequently mentions his "mother from Kansas," and his "grandfather who fought in Patton's army," and I've seen plenty of pictures of his mother's side of the family in campaign ads. If you read his books or have just been paying attention to his campaign you would know this. If you want to take issue with the media labeling him as "black," fine, but to suggest that Senator Obama has either downplayed or disrespected any aspect of his heritage is just a flat-out lie.

By: AtlantaVoter

AtlantaVoter — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:05:52 +0000

Obama gets in trouble when he goes "off script" because his true self shines through. Remember that next time you are entranced by his oratory.

Hillary Clinton 2008

By: Far Away

Far Away — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:21:29 +0000

We keep hearing that President Clinton did a lot for black people. What EXACTLY did he do? The state of some of the schools attended by black children are still delapidated and have been delapidated prior to 1992 and after 2000. The injustice in the legal system never changed much during his presidency. The gap is still the same, or even wider. I am stumped at what may have been perception rather than reality.I say it's the "feel good" effect.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, the Clintons are laughing all the way. They are getting down and very, very dirty with Obama because he presents a real threat to her bid for the White House. Then she turns around a tries to accuse him of starting the fight. That is so typical of people like her. What the Clintons understand very well about black people is that they are disloyal to each other and they are stupid. That is why people like President Clinton and his wife can say such awful things about Barack Obama in the name of politics and get away with it. The balck people will go out and put their X where it hurts.

My biggest fear is for Obama and his family, because I worry about the 00.1% American who can stop him. The Clintons know it and they are doing a good job of trying to destroy him while lauging in the face of all the black Americans they claim to love so much, because they know that they can get away with what they are doing, with people like Rangel to back them up. Shame on you Mr. Rangel.

As a former president who may have done a lot for African Americans and who has so obviously been one of the best presidents, he is still, and will always be remembered as the Billy "Mon" guy. That is his biggest legacy.

By: jerzee gal

jerzee gal — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:51:17 +0000

"S" i hope there are not too many racist out there like you. Blacks are what puts dems over the top when candidates run for office!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are actually millions of us in america that vote or do you live under a rock? What happened to "every vote counts" grow up!!!!!!!!!!! Monorities decide the vote. If hillary is the nominee, I'll take mccain. At least he's honest. Don't think if she the nominee she get elected, Billary went too far.

By: j.l.

j.l. — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:17:33 +0000

QUIT BEING SO SENSITIVE people! Geeze. It wasn't meant to be a 'racist' question or answer. You all laugh at Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle when they say things of that nature, but Barack Obama's not allowed to say it?

Hmmm.

:::rolls eyes:::

By: Me-Again

Me-Again — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:58:02 +0000

Relax everyone. It was funny- Period.

By: Zima

Zima — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:23:13 +0000

When did Obama become black? I've always believed we are defined by our parents. He seems to embrace the heritage of the African father that abandoned him but ignores the white mother that raised him alone. He is as much white as he is black. To only call black is to dishonor the accomplishments of his mother. As someone who was raised in Detroit (95% black), I can tell you that it takes more than birth and skin color to make you a "brother". Please remember that. By the way, I'm neither black or white.

By: Truth for you

Truth for you — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:07:45 +0000

Here come the closet Racist. Your media asked the dumb question to begin with. Why is he asked the question to begin with. Ask Hillary why she is pretending to be a Feminist.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:10:48 +0000

The race is now racially based. What a shame! "Dance"? It appears Obama is the candidate of race...Too bad.

By: Boyd

Boyd — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:09:57 +0000

Tricky question with light weight.Toni Morrison started the race thing by saying the comment .And by referring the question to Obama was a direct injection of hatred between the presidential hopefuls.We are all brothers and I guess everybody knows that.But by asking the black thing question, maybe Hillary could answer if she married a black president.People are too much on Obama jus because he is a lone first runner.Never be surprised when things turn around the jukebox and theaters will be playing "Head of State" movie by Chris Rock.All we want is a president who can liberate this country from the suffering and hatred from the outside world.

By: Mscarol13

Mscarol13 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:09:26 +0000

I was just a great sense of humor. There was nothing racist about it. My thing is that people of cultures are differ from each other. I am so tired of the race thing. yes, remember calling ladies nappy headed hoes is racist ......not just checking out how some one dances. Yes, blacks and whites do dance differently. And there is nothing wrong with it. I was just humor. Hillary even thought it was funny and stated it could be arranged. For one that questions should have never been asked. Bill would never be black. He would never understandt the legitimacy of being black and the hardship that comes with it. That questions was just inappropriate and ignorant. Because how can you ask a black man about a white man being the first black president.

Also, that debat was so heated that a bit of humor did create laughs and a sigh of relief from hostility of words.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:06:14 +0000

Keep in mind who the audience was – primarily Black. The question was ridiculous, so Obama can be forgiven for giving a silly answer.

Hillary is the most racist candidate of either party. Why dont they ask about her comment about Middle Easterners and 7-11's? At least Obama's comment was not mean-spirited like Hillary's

If Clintons are so "down", why is it that President Bush installed Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice in such powerful positions, not Clinton. Simple – Democrats will say anything to get elected, then screw the common man once they are there. Republicans will talk straight, like it or not, but in the end they are more fair.

As a White guy, I see no problem with Obama's remark. And if it was reversed, I would also see no problem with it. We shouldnt be ashamed to celebrate our differences.

By: J2

J2 — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:03:48 +0000

That is a pretty racist thing to say....

By: Jerryincinci

Jerryincinci — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:00:29 +0000

Obama's joke was inherently racist because it plays to stereotypes about African-Americans having rhythm while Caucasian people do not. Imagine if Hillary Clinton or John Edwards had made such a joke. They would have been eaten alive by the media and the African-American community. Obama (and many others) need to understand that racism has many facets and can come to/from many directions. It isn't directed only at African-Americans. It is possible for African-Americans to be racist toward White people. While Obama's campaign seems to be accusing others of playing the "race card," it seems that he and his campaign do it just as much, if not moreso, than others. Someone needs to take Obama to task for his racist comment, and caution his campaign about its own tendency toward racism.

By: clearwaterkevin

clearwaterkevin — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:42:17 +0000

sounds like racism to me. not the first time he has said backhanded racist comments. how about several times during the even referring to Hillary as the women , he as the black candidate , and then we have that guy "referring to john Edwards" denigrating the white man. Can you imagine if a white guy said we have Hillary as the women, me as the white guy and then referred to obama and then we have that guy.

By: John, Washington DC

John, Washington DC — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:38:34 +0000

How would Obama or the AA community react is someone called him a 'White' president? How would the media respond to anyone calling him such? What if Clinton said "Well, let the FBI investigate how well he (insert some stereotypical trait generally deemed good that a white man is known for, but blacks are not) before I call him a (insert some fantasy word for how white's exclusively relate to each other)". Can you imaine the scandulous uproar that would ensue? It cuts both ways, and jokes regarding racial stereotypes in any direction should be taboo.

Obama – you should not have touched that one.

By: Ralph

Ralph — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:36:08 +0000

At least HRC didn't whimp out and vote "present" numerous times when she did bother to show up. Mike(MD), Colby and Karen, they are all politicians they don't intend to change anything, and they don't care about us. They care about money and power.

By: james

james — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:33:25 +0000

The whole question is an INSULT to African Americans!

Bill Clinton was not African Americans..duh. How offensive that they would give the title "first black president" to a white guy.....

Blacks are being bamboozaled, and they don't even notice

By: MIKE (MD)

MIKE (MD) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:01:08 +0000

Colby and Karen
If you want to report the truth maybe you should also note that HRC has missed 103 votes and is #6 on your list at 23.3%. These are the typical Clinton tactics to distort the truth and only point out parts of the truth to discredit their opponents and make themselves look good. We as Americans are smarter than you think

By: Fyd

Fyd — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:55:24 +0000

It is amazing how Hillary can do everything just to get to the White House. She is spending her time attacking others just to destroy their image. She didn't realize till now that the dirty political campaign has been the real reason why honest people are staying away from Politics. I understand that it is the best way for the Establishment to stay in Affairs for a while again, but it won't last longer. American people are smart and the won't buy it this time. She claims all the time she fought for Universal Health Care when her husband was in power, but she didn't get till now why she failed. Well, when you spend your time sharping dirty and division strategies, when you eat in the plate of lobbyists all the time, you are bound to their desiderata. I wonder how she is going to accomplish all she is promising to people with that same mistruth political style.

I am glad Obama decided to respond strongly to each one of her gossip from now and on.

By: Amy R

Amy R — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:44:45 +0000

I think it is tacky to ask if Bill Clinton, a very non-black man, is black? So if someone asks me a dumb question like that, like Obama, I will give you an equal type of answer. It was classic and I LOVED IT. lol

By: Colby & Karen - New York, NY

Colby & Karen - New York, NY — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:44:19 +0000

And by the way, in regards to Obama making the "dance comment".

A lot of you folks say that we should lighten up, that it was all a joke, that people shouldn't make such a big deal about it...

It's these little stereotype remarks that do major damages in dividing our country. A major political figure should not be saying such things.

By: Tom , Flagstaff, AZ

Tom , Flagstaff, AZ — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:38:52 +0000

A sense of humor is a necessary but not sufficient quality in a president. Obama's response demonstrates, again, that the man has a sense of humor. Neither Hillary nor John Edwards can top Obama in this regard. And you may not believe that a sense of humor is an important qualification for the presidency, but it is. Hillary is too wrapped up in herself, like most individuals who lack a sense of humor;. She's Nixon in a dress. Of course, a sense of humor is not, by itself, sufficient to qualify anyone for the presidency. If it were, Abott and Costello would have been a winning ticket. Nevertheless, we should be wary of anyone who lacks it.

By: AJ, IL

AJ, IL — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:30:47 +0000

Without a doubt, the dumbest and least entertaining question not only of this debate but of all past 2007/2008 Democratic debates. As SuperTuesday approaches I wanted to see how the candidates would respond to future challenges in America surrounding affordable education, terrorism, the deterioration of the American family, energy independency, the economy, and etc. Hmmm...what question was wasted, Was Bill Clinton the first "black" president? It was presented to only Obama, how dumb was that. That ignorant question deserved a humorous and ignorant answer.

By: Andrew, Nashville TN

Andrew, Nashville TN — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:29:14 +0000

Two things...

First, did anyone notice Edwards' face when Barack made this comment? It looked like he was a bit uncomfortable and that he probably thought it was a racist remark...or maybe he was thinking "Man, if I had said that, my candidacy would be OVER in a split second!". Double standard much?

Second, I do believe this was a racist comment. I mean, think about it! This was NO different than saying "I don't know if Bill is a brother, I'd have to see him play basketball" or "I don't know if Bill is a brother, I'd have to find out if he listens to rap music", is it not? How rude and how ironic that the black candidate is actually the one that is invoking race in these inappropriate ways more than anyone else.

Last His "dancing" arguement clearly fails when considering his lethargic gyrations on Ellen's show several months back...just goes to show Barack, you cannot make broad statements like this!

Dr. Paul would NEVER say anything like that.

By: DD, New York

DD, New York — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:26:51 +0000

This whole thing (democratic prmaries) is a lot of double standards: race/gender. I was a bit taken aback by Obama's performance last night. Stuttering and fumfering, not answering questions; the not explainining the 130+ "present" voting record; the stereotyping (he'd have to see Bill dance); and telling John Edwards that Edwards can have the white male vote??!?!?? Neither Clinton nor Edwards would EVER speak in such a way. And if I am not mistaken, when the "Bill Clintong dance" comment came up, the camera panned the audience, and did I not see a few audience members stunned by this remark (as was I)? Obama may have just self-destructed. Go HIllary '08!

By: Disappointed

Disappointed — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:20:32 +0000

Hillary supporters nice to know that you come out without your hoods too.

By: Sig, Los Angeles CA

Sig, Los Angeles CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:19:14 +0000

It is amazing to me that Obama could be attacked for a racist remark when the entire premise is insulting to HIM as a black man that he isn't "black enough."

By: Barry

Barry — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:18:24 +0000

@ Mollie...that's actually not true at all because Al Sharpton actually hates Barack Obama..do not forget that he thinks he is capable of being the president and has shown a strong resentment against obama because he knows he could never be taken seriously

By: KM

KM — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:18:14 +0000

Obama made light of Toni Morrison's appeal to black stereotypes as making Bill Clinton "black" by adding another stereotype in a joking manner. He did not, however, do a good job in explaining his position. It was very similar to Hillary Clinton's play on the "that hurts my feelings" comment from the debate a few weeks ago. I am not a HC supporter, but I found the comment funny and not at all sexist. Hillary Clinton mocked a female stereotype. Barack Obama mocked a Black stereotype. John Edwards even mocked a White male stereotype (always being the majority and how this was different). To say that Obama's comments are racist is ridiculous.

By: kim

kim — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:17:01 +0000

John's question was rediculous and irrelevant.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:16:45 +0000

What kind of retarded question is that anyway? Is Bill Clinton black? Obama should have said "No, Bill Clinton is not black – next question" Maybe they should have asked him if Hilary is a man while they were at it. These debates are a complete and utter waste of time and provide ZERO insight into the candidates' policies or political ideologies.

By: Sloane

Sloane — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:16:25 +0000

Barack is no brother either, end of story.

By: Nina

Nina — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:16:06 +0000

OMG white people please stop whining and acting so shocked!!! Yes, black people can say things about their own race that others can't say. It's sort of like talking about your family. You might say something negative about your sister or brother and it's ok for your to say, but if someone else said it, then it wouldn't be cool. All races have internal stereotypes for instance the Irish are known for drinking–do you really want me to believe that Irish and non Irish white people never make jokes or comments about it?

By: Rico

Rico — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:15:26 +0000

It is ok for a black man to stereotype a white man but if the tables had been turned.................!
I am so disgusted with this race issue.

By: jellymom / florida

jellymom / florida — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:15:22 +0000

Since Obama came on the scene there has been something about him that I don't trust. As time goes on he is showing his true colors. His arrogance and swagger are too reminiscent of Bush. He does not have enough experience and has not said anything definitive about how he will handle the country. Plus, he can have all the ideas he wants but he has to get them through Congress and without having the ability or experience to play on that field he will fail at every turn. Why is there so much debate over Bill supporting Hillary and speaking out? Obama's wife left her job to be the "little woman" behind her husband. Her comment about hillary not being able to control or run her own house how can we expect her to handle the White House is one of the most sexist and outdated remarks uttered yet!! How can such a successful and educated woman have such a small mind?Obama is not what the Press has portrayed him to be and his true agenda will come to light soon. Let's hope it's before this Country makes him the nominee...

By: Disappointed

Disappointed — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:15:05 +0000

Don't ask any stupid questions like that anymore. That was a waste of Obama's and everyone else's time.

By: Sad to Say

Sad to Say — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:14:32 +0000

Why was he the only one asked the question? He should have told the truth no Bill Clinton is not the first black president. Just cause one person said don't make it so!

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:11:44 +0000

If all this stupid stuff keeps getting in the way – we may end up with a Republican in office again

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:08:22 +0000

For those that think the question was improper to ask, I can agree with that. However, the question was backed up by it being a legitimate quote that was made and they wanted Obama's opinion on it.

Personally, I think that Obama needs to leave the joking to John Edwards. He has the personality to pull it off a lot better. When Obama does it, for some reason, it comes off to me as very immature.

As for the debate as a whole, I have to say that both Hillary and John really impressed me while Barack was left in the dust. Hillary seemed to answer the most questions and John wasn't too far behind in that. It was as if Barack would start off on one thing, get lost, and forget what he started off with quite a few times. As a live speaker, he leaves me very cold. John has an engaging personality and Hillary seems to be the most in tune with what she's presenting and the facts behind it.

I just have to say NObama in 08! I think a Clinton/Edwards ticket would be very appealing after last night!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:58:27 +0000

Speaking of Rezko, I just read two articles, one on the Chicago Sun Times site, and one on ABC's. The information provided in these articles is quite concerning. Rezko did donate more that $40,000 to Obama. Not to mention the fact that Obama was able to purchase Rezko's land for $300,000.00 under the asking price. That's quite a donation. All while it was plublicly known that Rezko was under investigation and soon thereafter under indictment.

By: eddy

eddy — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:56:37 +0000

Did Bill Clinton really do anything for the economic and social justice of the Black community? Evidently not. Have the quality of the lives of Blacks and working class of all ethnicities really improved? The question is laughable. Bill Clinton really catapulted the selling out and outsourcing of the States like no one before him. It seems like they believe if they say something over and over long enough people will believe their lies. And to believe that Bill Clinton was the first Black president is to use Obama's race against him to the Clinton's favor. As if to nullify his running as a candidate. To the Black community: don't get suckered again and I say this from a white perspective. Go Obama!