Poor Obama. Always the victim.

Despite protests to the contrary, the Obama campaign very clearly and actively sought an opportunity to inject race into the 2008 campaign leading into Nevada and South Carolina. See the four-page memo leaked from his campaign that outlined his race strategy – the same memo that Tim Russert held up during the SC debate.(simply Google "obama racist memo")

But Clinton wasn't giving them anything to label "racist" so they first went with the wholly benign "fairy tale" as being racist to describe one of Obama's positions. Hardly racist. Then his campaign picked up on Clinton’s MLK comment and misinterpreted it. He needed to trick and incite African Americans, while distancing himself enough personally so as not to be obvious to whites, Hispanics and others.

Obama is a con man. He needs to keep in mind, however, that if his race is going to held out as a reason to vote FOR him, it must also be a valid reason to vote AGAINST him. He can't have it both ways.

His tactics worked in SC, but will fail long term. America won’t stand for four years of an Obama adminstration’s racial slicing and dicing.

Why is the media trying to convince the American public that the Clintons are racist because they predicted Obama would do well in South Carolina because of the large % of African Americans in South Carolina?

Why did they try to paint Clinton as a racist when she called Obama out on giving rhetoric speeches with no details after NH?

The media seems bent on helping Obama. Why?

WOW!!! Will be an interesting week if these endorsements from former Clinton supporters keep coming.

Now we will have to hear from all the Clinton racists who condemn her endorsement because she is black…oh, right the Clintons have dropped AfroAmericans…the "Latinos" are their new "win at all costs" strategy.

Vote for unity…

As a writer, I have the upmost respect for Ms. Morrison; however, I really don't see the significance in who she supports. The same goes for actors and other famous celebrities. Our culture has become way too enraptured in the opinions and views of these so-called celebrities that it almost seems we need them to make decisions for us. You can see our obsession every day in the media. Heath Ledger dies and the whole US stops and reports on it meanwhile does anyone know how many US soldiers were killed or wounded on that same day? Enough with reporting on famous people's opinions. Stick to the issues and stop stupifying the American public.

Wow…all the former Clinton supporters keep leaving and leaving…

So Obama dominated Iowa, split delegates in NH, won the delegate count in Nevada, and dominated SC. Hillary has got to be pretty scared - scared to the point that she'll start campaigning in a state who's delegates don't even count.

I wonder if she regrets her comments from a decade ago.

I want to see race taken out of this campaign. Obama is trying to rise above that. The only one injecting race is Bill Clinton with his Jesse Jackson comments. Obama is proving more and more to be a viable candidate.

I'd like to see him and Romney square off.

At least she got it right on the second try.

Thank you for setting the record straight. Toni you have a beautiful soul.

The Clintons are having a bad day. I can't stop smiling.

Wow, that's huge. A big boost to Obama, and a HUGE slap in the face for Hill/Bill.

What a surprise! No other black canidate in the race.

Hmm … integrity, authenticity. Three words that have never been used in print or spoken about the Clintons … EVER!

Bill Clinton wasn't born poor. He drove his own car in high school.

Can we talk about the bias reporting of the press. Toni Morrison endorses Obama and it's all over the news. NY Times endorses Hillary and I can hear the birds chirping. The Farmers Union in Calf. endorses Hillary , but you don't hear a word about it. Gov. Ed Rendell of PA, the former chairman of the Democratic party endorses Hillary and you don't hear anything about it. I'm pretty sure only about 15% of America knows who Toni Morrison is, but everyone knows the NY Times. I'm just saying, the media is backing Obama and they are not being shy about it. It's not only unfair to Hillary, it's unfair to John Edwards. By the way, Resko was just arrested this morning, but his name is not Norman Hsu, so CNN won't report that either.

It's all about race and not qualifications. Too bad.

I guess I will say I am voting for the first white woman president….

She's a nut case…

How refreshing that ALL the black endorsements come out AFTER a recent win. Where were they in the beginning! I suspect they weren't so sure of his qualifications either. In the words of another debater "Sir, you are no John Kennedy". The Kennedys should be ashamed of themselves to waste my generations memories on some snot-nosed junior leaguer.

What beautiful words from Toni Morrison. She clearly shares the feelings we all have about Barack (and probably expresses those feelings more eloquently!).

You know, after that crap question in the last debate about Bill Clinton being the first black president (which was really almost impossible for Barack to answer well, though I thought he did great)… I really hope they ask Hillary at the next debate: "So what does it mean when Toni Morrison, who said your husband was the first black president, is now emphatically endorsing Barack?"

Anyway, I know I'm not different than Millions of other Americans… but my heart is pouring over with love for this man. I just re-read The Audacity of Hope, and was so struck by that last sentence of the Epilogue: My heart is filled with love for this country. (or something like that, I don't have it here with me).

I can honestly say I know how he feels. Remember the way we all felt in the days after 9/11? The pride in this country, the love for our fellow Americans, the feeling that we'd be willing to do anything for each other? Barack inspires that feeling in me again. I haven't felt it for years, and listening to him speak on Saturday night, those feelings came flooding back. It's amazing that we can rally around not just a negative moment in American history, but around one of the most positive moments in American history: the leadership and ascension of Barack Obama.

Love that man.

I had a lot of respect for Ms. Morrison until now. I don't trust Obama any further than I can throw him. He's too shiny, and frankly, he lacks the stamina to clean up the mess from our current badministration. This is just another example of how our nation will never see beyond race or gender, because unfortunately folks are still going to vote for their skin color or gender rather than the best person for the position.

"..acclaimed black writer.." Do you refer to Bernard Goldberg as an "acclaimed white writer"? How about "acclaimed American writer"?

Hillary has Maya Angelou.

It wasn't about race when she BACKED CLINTON. Now because she backed OBAMA it is? GET REAL !!

I think a lot of people have different things to say now about the Clintons than they did 10 years ago….

This election is taking place in 2008 people, not 1992 or 98. Thank you.

Also, her quote about Clinton kind of reminds me of Norman Mailer's "The White Negro." Anyone ever read that?

Report: Former Obama Donor Tony Rezko Arrested on Bond Violation

Still haven't seen this anywhere on your website, but I see it on all the other major news websites!!!!

Gloria, I have to agree. It seems to be turning into a race about race. Blacks voting for a black man and white voting for a white woman.

Toni Morrison - I wonder how 'black' Barack Obama is in your eyes. Since Clinton was 'black' becuz he was raised poor in Arkansas - let's hope that Obama fits the bill. What does that say for the rest of us black people who were born of well-to-do parents and do not play a sax? Guess I'm not black enough. lol

Gloria, question, would it be about race if Toni Morrison was white? If your answer is no then the race issue is yours.

This endorsement is about race and nothing more. It's too bad this is happening. I will vote for Hillary because she is the most qualified candidate of the Democratic Party and the only candidate that can beat any Republican nominee.

8 out of 10 black endorse Obama. how do the white people think about it?

shame.

Gloria San Francisco..ME TOO…

Some people who post here will say it is about race no matter what, which is sad. I for one will take Mrs. Morrison at her word. Her endorsement will have no effect on my vote, but she seems to have eloquently stated the reasons that some people have for backing Obama.

That's right, it's not about race. I'm an American of Hispanic descent and my vote on Super Tues. will be for Barack Obama. Why? Because I think he is the best candidate for President of this country. I want CHANGE!

Gloria come on……If anyone black endorses Barack the first thing people think "oh it's a black thing." Its different this time around, we never had a serious black candidate running and now that their is one, don't steal where people stand.

But if Americans are going to read into what the media wants to pit white America verses black America then I say to myself, "What is this country becoming?" Many of you might jump all over me and call me whatever name you want all I say is give Barack a fair chance. Don't tie one hand behind him because he's black.

Gloria,

Morrison is a gifted writer and you level her endorsement down to race?!?! Maybe you should examine your attitude about race before making such an ignorant comment.

I'm with you Gloria! It's unfortunate that they have turned this into a race issue.

Hillary Clinton will make a great president!

What a wonderful endorsement from a woman I deeply respect.

Unfortunately, voters arent listening to the candidates, theyre casting votes entirely based on gender or race. Its unfortuante for our country and our future. Race & gender should not win the job. Qualifications, ideas supported with plans should encourage people to the polls. None of the candidates are entirely great. We have to listen to the candidates and determine which candidate will do the least harm during their tenure in office. Race, religion and gender have no business in politics. Ive yet to hear Obama actually come up with a plan, a 'how-to' on all these issues. How can so many people be willing to cast their vote for a person who has no gameplan but happily picks fights with Hillary.

I too want to vote for a woman President; however, I would prefer that it be someone other than a Clinton or a Bush.

It's not about race? Then why did she call Bill Clinton the first black President? He's white. She wanted a black Pres all along. What a strange statement. I wonder if a white person would say they aren't supporting Edwards because he's white. Something isnt right with her comment.

So Gloria,

What do you have to say when KOBE BRYANT backs Hillary, MAGIC JOHNSON backs Hillary, even Al Sharpton is backing Hillary. Are they white????

I am asian, not that it matters, but I am voting OBAMA

Obama08!

Folks need to stop thinking about the symbolism and historic nature of a first "fill in the blank" (Black, female) president and vote for the candidate based on their qualifications and ability to be President of the United States.

It's not at all about race , if you think it is , it says more about you then it does anyone else.

Yes, Really. We believe you. It's not about his race. Surely it must be that vast experience he has.

Gloria that is an awful thing to say. She has been a Clinton Supported in the past and was very clear why she made her decision lest we forget she is also a woman and could have thrown her hat that way. I wish people would discuss the candidates based on their record, their track record of truth in advertising and stumping and the way they conduct there personal life and not there gender or race. Based on your statement above I should vote for Hillary? Why, because I am a white female? I do not care for her to become my President.

but she said it wasn't about race

Ahhh come on GLORIA OF SAN FRANCISCO….Change is coming. You can look beyond race and gender to see that Obama would a president worth supporting. Why Toni Morrison would choose to speak about Obama now is beyond me? Non-political surrogates endorsements like Morrison are meaningless other than making for a political ticker headline. If she was truely a believer in Obama's campaign she would be endorsed him back in the summer of 2007. But her endorsement is welcomed, now she can be quiet. LOL

Unfortunately, this primary looks more and more about race, not about substance. Otherwise, how could you explain more than 80% blacks supporting a black candidate? I am not black and I won't be voting for a black candidate.

Yes . it is about the race.

8 out 10 blacks vote for Obama. sigh.

Gloria I think you are not quite right. What will you say about endorsement of the Kennedy. is that also about race?

Me too.. I guess it's all about race not qualifications or experience as to what candidate had done before. It's not about Candidacy but about Race, I will be voting for first women president too.

another endorsement from a black 'leader'…. thanks God this is not about race….

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN HER REASONING SHE **DOES NOT** INCLUDE "SOLUTIONS" AS ONE OF THE THINGS THIS GUY BRINGS TO THE TABLE……

SHE **DOES NOT*** INCLUDE "ANYTHING" THAT HINTS AS TO 'RESULTS'!!!!! - INSTEAD SHE ONLY QUOTES "IMAGINATION"…..

WHATEVER!!!!!!

Oh please…this is not about race….she just said that did you bother to read it or Glorida are you one of these white women who thik just cause all of you share the same sexual equiment that add up to a vote…Black people are not voting on race here there voting cause Obama has the better Vision…please stop making this a race issue cause Obama is half white…he's as big a part of your race as he is mine…and if your voting for HIlary cause her message is better to you the i applaude you…but I can tell just from your statement that you thik every women in this nation should be ralling to the cause of HIlary…and you say blacks vote based on race..???…what are you voting based on..

I will vote for the first white woman president.

Yes, for some it's all about race, for others it's all about gender, and for the few it's about issues… for those that will make their decision based on race, their minds wont be easily changed, same with those voting on gender. People need to realize this and get over it, move on. Hillary will probably not become a man, Obama will probably not become more than half white, and Edwards will not become darker… so what else do they offer?

I must say, I find it funny when some people write things like "don't vote based on race, we need a woman in the whitehouse"

Yeah Gloria, I said the same thing after Bill Clinton's race baiting remarks during the South Carolina primary…..

That's funny, Gloria. I didn't realize there was a white woman running.

Gloria,
this woman has transcended race. Do you see what she says about Bill?
Please forget about race. Be American!

"Now, acclaimed black writer Toni Morrison’s first presidential endorsement is going to the potential second, Barack Obama". Why is CNN saying potential second? What a biased channel!

Obama '08.

I dont believe is about race. Caroline Kennedy is white female supporting Obama. Mr Johnson (BET founder)is black and supporting Senator Clinton. Are they colour blind? or you, San Gloria, see something they dont see.

I guess Caroline Kennedy and Janet Napolinato thinks it's about race too right? get a life please…

It is clear where African-American votes are going. This has nothing to do with issues , policy, or capability and everything to do with racism.

Been wondering what’s up with this whole Obama ‘08 excitement, because the guy hasn’t actually done anything but win his first Senate race after Republican Jack Ryan had to drop out.

He hasn't done anything since getting elected either. As quoted in Washington Post, Obama's offer is:

"Obama dangles a tantalizing vision of a nation shattering old barriers of race, party and interest group to work together in a new unity of purpose. This promise rests not on his platform"-Washington Post

Well, Obama won't get my vote in a million years.

Hilary or McCain Perriod.

Morrison's endorsement is based on race, pure and simple. The reasons she gives for endorsing Obama are mind-boggling: a creative imagination coupled with brilliance equals wisdom? Good Lord, what does that mean? Sounds like a lot of manufactured sticky-sweet, writer's prose to me. Morrison may have some stature as a writer, but that doesn't provide her with the credentials she needs to give her endorsement any weight.

Come on, Maya Angelou, let's hear from your corner. You are more than a writer and poet, you are a woman of proven wisdom, thoughtful intellect, and strong character. You endorsed Hillary long ago.

Obama is clearly demarcated as blank canditate after the Nevada and SC elections. I hope the Republicans will have an edge if Obama has been nominated as Demacratic candidate.

America should need an experienced president to face the gobal challenges that america is facing. People should think twice before voting for the right candidate.

It should not be based on race or gender. It should be the right president for america.

As a Canadian I watch CNN. I cannot believe how negative you are about Hillary
Clinton. Why don't you report on all the candidates fairly and give Edwards his fair share of time as well. . I remember when Al Gore was running the CNN media was so down on him. You were constantly repeating how boring he was, couldn't
relate etc. Maybe you helped George Bush to get elected. Not the hanging chads.
Lets be fair. You claim to be the best political team then start actng like one.

Did we really expect much different…………since the Obama camp and the media have turned this into a race based on race and have used it to falsely accuse their opposition, are we supposed to feel upset or impressed because most of the spokespeople for the black community are suporting Obama? I thought this was supposed to be looking at the best person for the job - the highest job in the land who would normally be under the minutest of scrutiny along with every other person in the race. But….. I guess not. It seems it is okay to show favoritism if you are new, untested and espousing dreams and your scrutiny takes on new meaning - there is none! I am wondering if it is the old boy's school of not necessarily worrying about the race of someone but definitely gender is the issue?

Why do blacks have to defend themselves for liking Obama? Why do they feel that they have to make these "nothing to do with race" comments? If the reason is that whites fingerpoint and say blacks are voting race, then shame on them. It's none of your business why or how someone else votes anyway.

At this point, Edwards doesn't look like he will win, so voters turn to Hillary or Barack. A lot of people like Obama better, and it now looks as if he can win, so it's not a wasted vote. Case closed.

Incidentally, I will vote for Obama over Hillary any day of the week, and I am white.

Good for you Gloria from San Francisco! I hope that makes you happy. It's good tohave you on the OTHER side of society!

Ms. Gloria:

Your comment embodies everything that is wrong with this country. I am a white woman and proudly support Senator Obama. What part of Ms. Morrison's endorcement has anything to do with race? In fact, her endorsement was premised on the fact that Senator Obama transcends race and represents a unity for our country that I have never seen in my lifetime.

So, Ms. Gloria, I believe it is you who is the racist here. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Nice… you Clintonites are now slamming an amazing writer. News flash! If you can't read the entire article. Don't comment on it.

Good job, Ms. Morrison. You've redeemed yourself for the asanine comments that you made in that 1998 New Yorker article. You've done so by looking at the man that Barack Obama is and realizing his qualifications, and by understanding that he IS the best candidate for the job and that it has nothing to do with race.

There are many who can't yet see beyond his race to realize that he is the best candidate, just as there are many who can't see beyond Hillary Clinton's gender to realize that she ISN'T.

Apparently you didn't read the article, Gloria. She said that Obama "exhibits something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates"

It's not about race. Just because Ms. Morrison is black, doesn't mean she shouldn't be allowed to endorse a black candidate.

Are Ted and Caroline Kennedy endorsing Obama because he is black?

NO.

It's clearly not "all about race". We need to stop this new flood of ignorance, in which the Clinton campaign and the uneducated attempt to paint Obama as merely some "token" black candidate. He truly is much, much more.

Apparently, Senator Clinton has to defend everything said by her supporters. So, possibly, Sen. Obama should explain what Ms. Morrison meant by "this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril". Let's be fair about who's playing the race card.

I guess race is more important than gender for some of us
Isn't it girl freind
Real change is electing the first woman president ….guess that is just me.
Sexism is live and well in America

San Gloria,

I guess you haven't been following the news. You probably think Sen. Ted Kennedy and former Pres. nominee John Kerry are black.

Please grow up and stop thinking everything is about race. Educate yourself and you will empower yourself in the process.

Obama is able to attract people to his campaign and you should respect that.

Change is inevitable.
OBAMA 2008

Obama voted present for 129 times in Illinois .
Obama=Present= irresponsible

a god news for america think ,GOD like America

Any decision to support or not support Obama can be about race if a person's mind is small enough to only consider it in those terms. People have the right to support any candidate for any number of reasons - some intelligent and thought out and others completely superficial. Not every Black person supports Obama because of his race (btw, he is as much White as he is Black).

Gloria,
Did you even read the endorsement letter that Toni wrote? Clearly not about race or gender. Is Ted Kennedy's endorsement about race? Obama never brought race into the picture–the Clinton's did to try and marginalize him. Being the wife of a President or a Governor does not count towards productive leadership experience–she showed great support of her husband and she is intelligent and ambitious, but she lacks charisma, and sadly it seems, integrity. If she can't run her own house well, I don't want her running our nation.

All I hear from Obama was his beautifully worded speeches, can anyone show me what had he done for the nation? What will he do differently from Hilllary in the future?

If it is not for race, what else is this endorsement about? Be honest please!

Gloria-what a naive view

I am a white woman and I am voting for Obama.

It's surprising to me how qualified some folks think Hillary is. She isn't any more qualified than Obama. I think Morrison hit it on the head with her statements about Obama's imagination. Here's hoping Hillary doesn't cheat her way into the nomination.

I wish I could vote in these elections. As an international observer I have been following the road to the US election. Mr. Obama rises high above all candidates in the elocuence of his words and in his capacity to make us all believe that change is possible if we engage.

apparently being the polarizing spouse of a former president means that you're "qualified".

to Gloria from San Francisco

You got to be out of your mind.

Come on Clintonista's, time to get out of bed and attack, it's after 11:00 for crying out loud.

Toni, you are going to get hammered now, for years your foolish words were used as some kind of "proof" that Bill cared about blacks (even though more blacks were put in jail and got booted off welfare under his watch and for the record as a CONSERVATIVE I can say he was actually right) and now the sheep are going to scream that you are only doing this because you are black.

Ted Kennedy, John Kerry and Toni Morrison are unlike the wing of the Democratic party that idolizes the Clintons NO MATTER WHAT and though I disagree with them most of the time, they ALL realize what Bill and Hillarity Clinton are doing to this country and it is wrong.

They NOW FINALLY see what the other side has known for YEARS that these two "people" will do or say anything to gain power including dividing the country by race and sex, but these two hicks don't realize that it is not the 90's anymore and THANKS to Al Bore we have the Internet and we are not forced fed the "news" only by the wholly biased media.

This campaign changed when Obama won white Iowa and almost won white NH (those tears and smears fooled a certain segment) and then the army of surrogates was sent out to spew the hatred and bigotry, we call it the REAL CLINTONS.

A FACTUAL STATEMENT SHEEP.

ABC.

Morrison is no surprise. But to this Latino male I prefer a qualified strong WOMAN president. Go Hilary, don't listen to the protectionist media pundits .

Al Villa

Oh shut up Gloria and take your race playing card home. I guess Angelou supporting Clinton is about race. I can't believe we still have people like you existing on earth today, you belong to 100 years ago. The most scary thing is that you get to vote in this age. WOW!

Oh please, anytime a white person votes for a white candidate, no one suggest the idea of race….but let someone black vote for a black candidate and it becomes an issue of race. Blacks are just as capapble of making a decision based on their individual ideology…., unlike most we are capable of seeing past Mr. Obama's skin-tone….and oh by the way if race were the issue what is Caroline Kennedy's reasone for voting for Obama….

No Gloria, it is not about race or color but HOPE AND iNSPIRATION ! If you find that in a candidate than it is our choice to vote for them. As an Obama supporter I have and I hope you find that in whoever you vote for.

Gloria, I couldn't agree more. It's not about the issues or qualifications, it is simply about race.

"You" should vote for who "you" think is best qualified. It is truly sad that if a black person endorses Obama it is immediately seen as something done simply because he is black. The beloved Bill Clinton was the one that brought race into this nomination process. Obama has proved and is proving that he is just as qualified as Hilliary. But I will say that if this true identity of the way Americans feel continues to be an issue, the Republicans can basically guarantee a win in November.

Gloria, quite frankly, I don't think you, or anyone else has the right to question Morrison's motives for backing Barack. She clearly stated, it was not race, and if you know anything about Morrison you would know that she has done nothing to have her integrity questioned.

Let us not forget that Obama has already touched the hearts and minds of millions of Americans. His ideals and ideas for our country transcend racial divides. We are all Americans, a view many miss in their 'win at all cost' race for that golden ring totally forget. Shame that we judge a man or women on their color or their desires for American. It is the principles that count, the ethics that matter and it is the sharing of a common goal that will be the spirit Obama brings to this political arena. I pray this spirit swells in the coming days and months.

From this 63 year old white guy raised in a segregated Southern state, I applaud this wonderful endorsement of Obama from an outstanding writer, Toni Morrison.

I wish the race had not come to this. Both senators are good and admirable people. Race & gender should not have gotten involved; but they did and such cannot be ignored.

Mrs. Clinton is not a racist. She is qualified, and she has been effective to this point. Mr. Obama has not been tested on any level. I'll support him should he be called to lead my party, but I have cast my vote for Senator Clinton.

That's how I wanted to characterize Obama. We get rare chances of having authentic people like Obama in politics.
Thanks, Morrison

Not really… I DO however agree that you are voting for the first white woman president … a white woman who could never qualify as president without riding the coat-tails of our former president. Without Bill…she isn't much. It would more significant if a woman ran on her own political accomplishments. Happy Monday!

“That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom." The creative imagination has to be the ability to avoid responding truthfully to questions about integrity!

Why did Obama investigate running for President shortly after his friend Rezko was indicted?

Why is it Obama keeps lying about the relationship with Rezko?

Why doesn't Obama speak about Michelle's work on Treehouse's board of directors, a major Wal-Mart supplier! Did Michelle change working conditions or unfair practices, even any enviromental concerns or anything while earning $52000 a year as a Board Member? No! She was dumped from the Board after a anti Wal-Mart speech by Obama!

According to Obama's Running speech he said: "This can't be about who digs up more skeletons on who, who makes the fewest slip-ups on the campaign trail," he said. "We owe it to the American people to do more than that."

Records are there for a reason, appears Obama doesn't want his record to be uncovered!

Obama is proving to be a master of lies and deception, fortunately the Republicans won't buy into it!

Gloria, why is it that when a black person endorses Obama, it's all about race??? So would it be fair to say that all the white people supporting white candidates are also racist because they are supporting them only because they are white???? That's so ignorant!!! Grow up!

Toni Morrison is basically endorsing Obama. She once endorsed Bill Clinton and now she is endorsing Barack Obama.

Like Toni said, it has nothing to do with race and gender and I applaud Toni Morrison for that. I really wish that the Clintons and their supporters should be ashamed for continuing to try to make race and gender a factor in this campaign.

Obama had a white mother from Kansas and was raised by his white relatives. He had an immigrant African father who left when Obama was only 2. Barack Obama embodies everything this country was built on. And we can all claim him as ours in this country as Obama is the people's candidate. Obama is America's candidate. We should ALL be proud! Obama in '08.

YES WE CAN!!!

Great endorsements, but I don't blame the endorsers. The media has been ushering the coutnry along in this wake of Obama love. All while not outlining what he plans to do or how he has a record of getting things done. It's like we're in the twilight zone and only the Clinton Administration and its supporters get the big picture. No one is denying Obama's vision, it's a great vision but we need results.

Bill Clinton speaks the truth that nobody wants to hear ,"blacks vote for blacks " . Get real America ! Kennedy, Kerry are old establishments , that want to be politically correct . America must vote who is best to handle the economy and the war in Iraq . America 's economy is wounded and is bleeding profusely .
Would you rely on an experience surgeon or a fith healer ?

Gloria is another ignorant racist out there..!! What makes Hillary more qualified and experienced that Obama. Do you understand what the word "change" entails? Why didnt you say the Kennedy's endorsement is all about Race? Please be reasonable when making political statements. Morrison is a Clinton fan and she has seen thier negative and horrible side which other Americans have seen and decided to opt for Obama. Go Obama 08!!!

gloria:

did you not read a word she said? so a white person endorses a white person, it has NOTHING to do with race. the minute a black person endorses a black person, it is RACIAL.

this is like the cafeteria seating arrangement of yester year. it becomes readily apparent of the "minority conspiracy" when two or more black students sit together. what is not seen is the sea of white students surrounding them. no one ever says "hey, why are those white people sitting together?"

i am finding out quickly that the democratic party has a large demographic of liberal npr-listening bigots.

This is all so funny not about race as and african american female I can tell you it is all about race. Everytime I turn around I have on eof my "brothers" going come on sister are you with the brother. Its pathetic. I am voting with my heart and who I think can take care of the problems this nation has and for me thats hillary clinton. I actually like barrack but he is getting way to much of a free ride from the meida. He is beign set up. If he get the nomination the same media that cant seem to get their lips off his butt will systematically plan his down fall.

Wow…. totally racist. What a fluke this presidential race has turned into.

I am a fan of Toni Morrison's work, but this does in fact cause me to lose some respect for her as an individual. If you are supporting him because he is black, I would disagree with that, but could respect that you are at least admitting to it. But to pretend like that is not the reason is an insult to my intelligence. Why do you think Barack got 80% of the black vote in SC and around 100,000 more black voters turned out for this "crucial" election. Where were these educated, intelligent, patriotic black voters in 2004 when Kerry needed their support???? Interesting question….. very interesting…..but will never get a real and honest answer.

Unfortunately every Black person who endorses Obama will be seen as making a "race based" decision. I just would like to remind everyone of the THOUSANDS of White people who have supported this man thus far. I almost wish he wasn't Black because it some cases the color of his skin is overshadowing his message.

I am deeply touched by her way of expression about Barack. She almost made me cry. This is exactly what I feel about Barack. He is so unique, so special. He is our precious gift from the world. I am independent and I never felt this way about any of the cenadidates in both sides.

BARACK OBAMA IS THE BEST!

I don't get the point if you think is about race, and what about BET founder to support HC? Do you think he is wrong? No please!

Barack deserve for his qualification………..
and YES WE CAN…….!!!!!!!!.

I find it amusing that every time a black person endorses Obama, Clinton supporters say they are only endorsing him because of race.

No, it's not about race or gender, if you take those 2 things away, the most inspiring thing about this candidate is that he doesn't bring the same ole business or politics as usual back to the white house, I really don't want another 4-8 years of the Clinton era. They served our country proudly, & lets not mistake the fact that both of these candidates, Hilary Clinton & Barack Obama are historic in itself, the first female candidate & first black candidate….anyway you slice it, it's historic & a defining moment in our time. I can honestly say that for years I was turned off from politics, & that the only president I look upon fondly in our history is JFK. For the first time in my adult life I see a candidate that reflects upon the issues that are at hand, & that genuinely inspires me to get out the vote & promote his campaign to people that may not know him. Young voters especially have generally not participated in the past now show an interest in our political system that they never had shown before, this candidate inspires young people to get involved, & show a interest in our country's future, a candidate that they can identify with, which is something I never felt in my college years. As someone who is not black, but of ethnic minority in the US, I endorse Barack Obama, he is what this country inspires to be, he is what the American dream is all about.

To those of you defending the Clintons and arguing that they did not inject race into the campaign:

As various news sources are reporting, a key motivation for Ted Kennedy's decision to no longer remain neutral in his race was his disgust at observing the tactics of the Clintons and their campaign, particularly those which were intended to be racially divisive and paint Obama as "the black candidate".

This is a fairly bold move for a longtime friend of the Clinton family and proof that we are getting very sick of the type of politics of these two slimebags.

Clinton supporters, I beseech you to take a close look at the type of people you are supporting here.

So Gloria….why do you say it's about race? Just because Toni is black and supporting Barack? You do realize he is just as much white as he is black. You talk about qualifications….ask yourself why you think Hillary is more qualified? What about ethics? Good Judgement? Do you remember the White Water Scandal? Or what about this book "White Wash". If Hillary wins the nomination….all of the dirt of the past is coming up to haunt her BIG TIME!!

Its not about race, its about book sales. If Morrison didn't retract or do something like this, she would have lost alot of her readers who are black.

It is not about race. Yuo people don't see a person's strength with thinking about race. When a black persons endorses a black person, it is not about race, it is about qulaities that inspires the person who endorsed him/her. It is too bad that people in this nation still have the characters of a primite society.

This is to Gloria.
You say it is all about race, when she wrote the column praising President Clinton as the first black president you said nothing. Now you are claiming it is all about race. How did Obama win IOWA then?

REgardins the prevous comment, "a white woman who could never qualify as president without riding the coat-tails of our former president. Without Bill…she isn't much." Iguess you haven't paid attention during the debates. Sen Obama doesn't think on his feet to good.

Poor Hillary, She is so desperate that she is now on the hunt for delegates even in states whose delegates wont matter.

Once again, another traitor stabbing the Clinton's in the back, and ANOTHER Black person making a big deal out of backing their BLACK candidate! Who cares??? TONI is obviously a woman with no loyalty and suffers from reverse racism. Why aren't people talking about how racist the BLACK voters are against a WHITE woman??? Oh, that's right, Nobody is allowed to say anything that might hurt Baby Obama! Has anyone noticed that the Obama zealots who post here just have no grip on reality? They blindly preach all of the same talking points as the campaign does, but THERE IS NO SUBSTANCE! You CANNOT fix the country by "wishing on a star" and "hoping" for change!!! You people have NO IDEA how the Republicans would destroy Obama! You are all naive and delusional if you think Obama can wave a "magic wand" and suddenly EVERBODY will get along because Obama said so….THAT is the fairy tale!!!!! They are licking their collective chops at the prospect of having such a weak person to run against, because they KNOW how easily they can beat him. Hillary continues to prove her toughness every single day, especially with all the media-driven hatred of her. She is the only candidate who can take back the White House! HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!

Hey Gloria,

I disagree with you! We need a leader of people, not a qualified politician/bureaucrat.

Regarding the prevous comment, "a white woman who could never qualify as president without riding the coat-tails of our former president. Without Bill…she isn't much." I guess you haven't paid attention during the debates. Sen Obama doesn't think on his feet to good.

i can see Bill Clinton's strategy is working out perfectly. Make Obama the "black candidate." The will shake the tree to see when the real bigots fall out.

He's a good candidate, as long as he isn't "too black."

you people are amazing…

Stop your whining Gloria. What is wrong in an African American taking pride in their own. It is not about race. I voted for Clinton twice, Al Gore and John Kerry, and was not because they were white, it was because I saw them getting the Job done.

Obama is 46 yrs old, why is a black man competing for the high office and gaining endorsement and winning delegates because it's the delegates who will select the democratic nomination not bias or prejudice people.

You have republicans voting for Obama. Can Hillary do that? Rhetorical question.

Hilary 2008!

Jack Berkeley, CA: I'm glad that you're ROFLOL at your jokes. That makes one of us.

Great call, insult Obama supporters for being young. We are young, but we're also statistically more educated than Hillary supporters (see Boston Globe, 1/13/08). Yes, we know who Toni Morrison is, thank you.

Why is Hillary so reviled? We as women are the fabric that holds this country together. Men in general, have deserted us, our children and our parents. We raised those men, coddled them, and stood behind them. Hillary has put up with all of their ribald jokes, attacks on her credibility, and their boiler room approach to the issues that this country faces. I see men who have worked in the senate against Hillary, why? I see men who have ran for president and lost, against her. I see great women of our time, against Hillary. I see Democrats who have never supported anyone, but the party’s nominee, against Hillary. We as women are afraid to say these things and I ask myself why. Never, in the history of a presidential race has the way someone looked had so much more import, than the way that person thinks. Her desire to be president is no more self serving than other nominees. I am tired of hearing, because he dares to give her what she gave him (loyalty), he is tainting his legacy. She has put forth real solutions to the economy, the war in Iraq, healthcare etc. She knows the nuances of her solutions and she gives details. The other candidates have no answer to Hillary’s real solutions, her intellect and her ability to stay on point in the face of such adversity. We will elect a woman for president. If this woman is not qualified, then, no woman ever will be. She is known all over the world. She has to be twice as good as all the other candidates and she is.

Hey who said you can't learn from mistakes?

This is about UNIFYING a nation to a new level with a new determination to make a real difference here and in the world. I hope the other "Glorias" of the world will open their eyes to see, and hearts to really FEEL what is happening here. Goodbye to polarizing candidates! Goodbye to cynicism! Goodbye to old politics. It's a new generation; it's a new time and it's now! Join us. It really is exciting and contagious!

Did anyone ever actually READ the whole piece she wrote on Clinton? It was more about his impeachment scandal and how he fits racial stereotypes than some coronation of him as the first Black president.

This is important because she is aware of how her words were taken out of context, and she is endorsing him because she hopes it will be given at least the same weight as her prior words.

And if you think the Clinton camp isn't race-baiting, you are fooling yourself. Why else would he without even being asked the question mention that Jesse Jackson had also won in SC? This being the latest in a long thread of evidence. Don't buy into it–vote form your conscience and not from spin.

And Obama tells us race is not a part of this election!!!! 80% of the blacks voting for him. Ok Hillary is not nice but why did they not vote for John Edwards, their own son in SC? Yes, you are right Obama, you are not winning with Black votes!!! If he wins nomination and runs against McCain, I am voting republican for the first time in my life, at least McCain is honest.

Tony Rezko was arrested this morning…didn't he make huge contribution's to Obama's campaign???

I really don't understand all this hype about Obama being a "visionary" and an "inspirational leader." Yes, he is very good at making speeches. As far as I can see, this is the only thing he is any good at. All of his claims, his sentences, his so-called plans for change are extremely vague. I never get the sense that he has any idea how he would actually carry out the job of being President–all he does is repeat the same catchphrases again and again: Bring people together. Unite the country. End partisanship. This all sounds very good, but he never says HOW he will bring about this radical change. Anyone can SAY that they will solve this country's problems, but there is absolutely nothing in Senator Obama's record, or in his responses in various debates, that convinces me that he can DO any of this.

He's just getting a lot of mileage out of the fact that his delivery and speech-making abilities are remarkably good. All style, no substance. This is not helped at all by the extremely biased presentation of the media, which appears to be positively allergic to criticizing Obama in any way. Shame on you. You're cheating voters of their chance to judge these candidates objectively.

Here's what Kathleen Kennedy Townsend said while endorsing Hillary:

"As a woman , leader and person of deep convictions, I believe Hillary Clinton would make the best possible choice for president"

AS A WOMAN?!?! So, let me get this straight, Morrison endorses Obama on the basis of his unique creative energy and wisdom, noting that race had nothing to do with it, and Clinton supporters say she's a giant racist. Kennedy Townsend comes out and specifically says she's supporting Hillary because she's a woman, and that's a complete non-issue?

What a surprise the colors match!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a lot of people are saying that the Clintons are playing the race card! Obviously people are willing to turn their backs on the very people they have endorsed in the past for someones color! If Obama gets the nomination we will end up with a republican again! I AM WITH HILLARY SHE CAN AND WILL WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOVE FORWARD DO NOT LOOK BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HILLARY CLINTON 2008

For a moment, can we think forward. When I hire poeple to work for me, I look for people with talent, skills and the drive to deal with the world of tomorrow. My company has key people (older) in the rigth positions, however tomorrows power comes from the Y Gen. It is time for the baby boomers to past the keys.
Most remakes are worse than the first one. BUSH I- BUSH II. I do not want to see Clinton II.

CNN did not print my anti-Morrison endorsement. I see that CNN printed comments more damaging to Morrison than mine. Anyway, I still say that the Morrison endorsement is worthless to me. Obama does not have what it takes. Go Hillary!

Unfortunately this has become a race and gender issue on the Democratic ticket. … Whatever happened to picking the best possible candidate. … It could be that Obama is the best candidate or maybe it is Hillary. At any rate, when I take both race and gender out of the equation Hillary Clinton becomes the stronger candidate who gets my vote and I am a black male. … but you know what. … it does not matter the color of my skin or my gender. … my vote is not for sale to race gender or any celebrity endorsement. I choose to let the candidates speak for themselves. Not Oprah, Toni Morrision, John Kerry, Bob Johnson or even Bill Clinton can do that for me. … They are free to vote for whomever they like. … I just find it very surprising that these individuals feel it necessary to weight race or gender as if this is something new in politics. … Did any of them endorse Shirley Chisolm, Geradine Ferraro Jesse Jackson, or Alan Keys. All of these were history making cadidates. … so why were their voices silent then. … Shirley Chisolm had a very powerful platform. … where was your support then. …? Jessie Jackson also won South Carolina. .. hmmmm. ….

No, it's not about race or gender, if you take those 2 things away, the most inspiring thing about this candidate is that he shows that he can unite people & inspire people, a quality I just don't see in other candidates, he doesn't bring the same ole business or politics as usual back to the white house, I really don't want another 4-8 years of the Clinton era. The Clinton's served our country proudly, be thank for that, lets not mistake the fact that both of these candidates, Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama are historic in itself, the first female candidate & first black candidate….anyway you slice it, it's historic & a defining moment in our time. I can honestly say that for years I was turned off from politics, & that the only president I look upon fondly in our history is JFK. For the first time in my adult life I see a candidate that reflects upon the issues that are at hand, & that genuinely inspires me to get out the vote & promote his campaign to people that may not know him. Young voters especially have generally not participated in the past now show an interest in our political system that they never had shown before, this candidate inspires young people to get involved, & show a interest in our country's future, a candidate that they can identify with, which is something I never felt in my college years. As someone who is not black, but of ethnic minority in the US, I endorse Barack Obama, he is what this country inspires to be, he is what the American dream is all about.

I dont care who supports OBAMA. I don't.
I want a president not a preacher.

On the radio Friday night, was a man saying that race should not be injected into voting choices, but we should vote Obama because it would show the world America is capable of voting for a black man. That is exactly the Obama campaign mentality. Don't vote race, but go ahead and vote race.

How about we vote on issues, please, everyone.

Jack , who cares who you are voting for?

Who is this Morrison? What log did she crawl out from under? They can say what they want: Her voted changed from Clinton to Obama because Obama has "real" black skin. They aren't fooling anyone.

Ted Kennedy gets it! The race for the next President is and always has been the Democrats to lose. But the Democrat’s were going to risk it on a Hillary run. Knowing that she had Bill at her back. Bill had RELIABLE AA at his back. But the term UNGREATFULL comes to mind when analyzing the way the Clintons had been playing the Race card. The Clintons forgot that the AA does not need the Clintons. But the Clintons needed the AA community.

Ted Kennedy knows that the Democrats CANNOT win in 08 without the AA voters coming out strong on their side. Ted is doing what needs to be done to win at this point.

To ALL other Democrats with influence, NOW is your time to endorse Obama as well. Ted has given you political cover to do so. This should be done all at once so the Dem Primary race can be pretty much over on FEB 5th. The object was and is to get the Democrats back in the White House, NOT to get the Clintons back in the White House.

LETS REFLECT: ON IOWA AND SC…. HE WON BOTH……… 96% WHITE STATE… HE WON… 52% BLACK STATE … HE WON……. IT'S NOT COLOR… ITS WHAT HE CAN DO FOR THE COUNTRY…… UNITE… UNITE…. UNITE…. AND BY THE LOOKS OF THIS BLOG…. WE NEED IT NOW MORE THAN EVER

THE ONLY REASON WHITES VOTED FOR HIM IS BECAUSE HIS MOM WAS WHITE…… SOUNDS DUMB DOESN'T IT

THE ONLY REASON HILLARY WON NH IS BECAUSE SHES WHITE….. ANOTHER DUMB COMMENT….

HOE DO YOU'LL DO IT…. AND WITH SUCH CONVICTION… GOD HELP US ALL

I HAVE TO THINK UP THESE DUMB COMMENTS AND FOR SOME OF YOU ON THIS BLOG….. IT SEEM TO COME AUTOMATIC…… SCARY

It's about race and gender just as much as it is — lots of people really are pulling to see the ultimate expression of the civil rights and feminist movements over the past five decades. They would feel very gratified to see all of their hopes and efforts realized.

This is people of BOTH genders and ALL races.

But if it were ONLY about race, then Hillary would win hands down, as African Americans are still in the minority in this country. The problem with this viewpoint (thank goodness!) is that many non-African American people are inspired by Obama, too. Just as many men like Hillary.

This one is a no-brainer! She formerly supported Bill as the "first BLACK president"..because to HER race matters, and she wants a black president even if she has to dub a white man as black (which was always silly).
Now, she has a chance to vote for the real thing, so she dumps Bill for Obama.
It's transparently about race!
Hillary (1st choice) or McCain in '08!

Obama's mother was WHITE…so technically he is Caucasian/African-American. Technically he would not be the first black president! He would be a Caucasian/African American president. Right? Who would vote for someone based on their color? A racist.

anonymous - I believe Obama refused to accept Rezko's donation.

You won't be voting for HRC if she never gets the democratic nomination……go Obama

"Morrison backs Obama."

Of course she does! She's black!

If Mother Theresa were alive and supported Obama, all of you angry/bitter Clintonistas would probably say mean things about her as well.

Perhaps you would call her an old hag.

Clintonistas will say anything. You'all are downright frightening. You make the Republicans look dignified in comparison.

Another fact to support my point about this primary is becoming race-based is that the support among whites for Obama is declining (from more than a third to less than a quarter now). Not even mentioning his support among Latinos and Asians.

Very interesting program on CSPAN2 (book review)

Politics
A Bound Man: Why We Are Excited About Obama and Why He Can't Win
Author: Shelby Steele

Maybe some of you Obama fans should read this !

Imagination does not equal wisdom……

It equall someone who when faced with a problem thier "Imagination" hasn't thought of, will only run and hide.

Obama is a fraud. I hope he gets the nomination so he can fail miserably and we'll just hand the country to another republican pupet. It's a whole lot better than giving it to a complete Noob!

In reference to Rezko, Obama has given all money he contributed back, and has opened himself to research any money that comes from him, and has pledged to give that money back if connected to him.

OBAMA 08 AND 12!!!!

For those who are pointing out that there are Republicans voting for Obama:

Did it ever occur to you that they're voting for him because they know he'll be easier to beat in the general election? They know that Hillary can win, but they can beat Obama even with the low approval ratings of the current President.

Hillary's been thoroughly tested over many, many years–they haven't got any dirt left to dig up on her. But there's a lot left that they can attack Obama with–Rezko is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Republicans WANT the Democrats to nominate Obama. They're just biding their time until the presidential election to release all the dirt they have on him so the Republican nominee will win. If we choose Obama as our nominee, we'll end up with 4 more years of the GOP. Just the thought of it makes me shudder.

I think one good question america should as themselves(most especially the blacks) if everything else remains the same with Obama and the only thing different about him is that he is white…will you still vote for him?

If you can answer that question honestly then you can tell if this is about race or not.

Obama made Judicial Watch 10 Most Corrupt Politicians 2007.

I am expecting Hillary to ENDORSE Obama!

America CAN NOT trust Bill and Hillary. The Clintons can spin their web of deceptions and lies and inject race into the campaign, but Americans are intelligent and know the games they are playing. We have not forgotten the scandals and impeachment of Bill Clinton. We know the Clintons are sleazy. In fact, they should do America a favor and disappear— forever.

Americans of all color, age, gender and income will unite and work together for a better country with Sen. Obama leading the way.

Sen. Obama for President 2008!!

Yes We Can!!!!!!

And I certainly hope that these awful people who are now leaving the Clinton's because they think they may have some advantage by endorsing Obama realize that Hillary Clinton wont forget these slaps in the face. If the black community wants to betray a couple who have always supported them, they deserve to get dropped and have the Clintons turn their backs on them. Obama will never be elected because most people see him for what he is, a racist, empty suit running on nothing but arrogance.

Who gives a crap who these people endorse? When does it end? Chuck, Oprah, Barbra, Ted Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, John Kerry, Peter Pan, Daffy Duck, etc. etc. etc.

And don't insult my intelligence by telling me that these black so-called "endorsers" don't favor race. They want a black in the White House so bad that they'd endorse a black toothfairy.

To "Katy, TX"

You wrote "I don't trust Obama any further than I can throw him. "

But you trust Bill Clinton? Please, help me out here. I don't get it!

No, anonymous, he actually didnt.

I know this is a fun sounding board, but you do realize that this is just pundits yelling at pundits, don't you? No one is going to change their minds because of this board. You can take 90% of what people say about Hillary and Obama and just reverse the names to make the same argument. Get involved. Make phone calls. Get the info out past this board.

If you want ideas, just check out Obama's action section on his website . I suppose Clinton supporters can do the same (lame joke). Seriously though. Support your candidate through action, not just back and forth!

I have a question! Why is it now about race since a viable black candidiate is running (and doing well) or is it now about gender since a female is running and doing well. We have has 43 Presidents and guess what , there all have been male and white! Has it not been racial and gender based for over 200 years? Why the issue now? Ridiculous! Your are concerned when 80% of black Americans support for Obama and Hillary has the lion's share of females voters. Up until then 100% of the white vote went to the "white" candidates. How racial is that!

A great endorsement- and typical hateful responses from the HRC supporters—The damage they are doing to the Democratic Party is immense.
There are Obama supporters who have been just as hateful in their responses. We need to realize this country can not handle another Republican administration! It's time for real CHANGE! Obama 08!

CALIFORNIA IS WAITING FOR YOU HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE CNN - STOP THE BIAS!!!!!!!!!! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???????

PEOPLE ARE VOTING ON FLUFFY SPEECHES AND RACE.
HOW CAN THAT BE DENIED.
I WANT TO SEE WHAT OBAMA HAS TO SAY BEYOND HIS FLUFFY WORDS.
AND ESPECIALLY WHEN HE DOESN'T HAVE THE TELEPROMPTERS IN FRONT OF HIM. I SAW HIS SPEECH IN GEORGIA SUNDAY, AND HE WAS FLIPPING PAGES IN HIS NOTEBBOK, AND IT WAS THE MOST BORING THING I HAVE HEARD. HE WASN'T INSPIRED, AND THE WORDS WEREN'T COMING FROM HIS HEART LIKE EVERYONE WOULD LIKE TO THINK. HE WAS READING THE SPEECH!
IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LOT MORE THAN THAT TO RUN THIS COUNTRY.

ARE WE ALL REALLY WILLING TO PUT OUR VULNERABLE COUNTRY INTO THE HANDS OF THIS MAN????? HIS SPEECHES WON'T SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS.
GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Google "NBC confronts Hillary with 'slum lord' photo"

Why did Hillary lied about Rezko? She and her husband have a picture posing with the man Rezko and when she was questioned by NBC…She quickly denied it . One can clearly see in her body language that she was lying and she is a complete mafia. HILLARY IA A CALCULATED SHARP LIAR!

I am not white American or African American. I am a citizen of the Unites States who has 4 children in the country with the right to vote. My youngest daughter is taking a major in constitution law hoping to serve the country one day.

CNN has a clear Obama bias and everyone knows it.

Why don't we stop trying to pretend that race, gender, etc. aren't issues in this country? Any label can be positive or negative depending on how it is spun. the exact reason we NEED Obama is to bury the negativity and get closer to realizing we are different, wonderfully so… and also have a lot of commonality as well. Is that such a scary thing….? Enough, I say. Vote for whomever will heal this country, and yes, there are prominent voices whom we respect, but ulitmately vote for who you want to vote for–but make it an informed and educated vote.

Obama won Iowa…95% white..so that doesn't fly..

Doesn't Bill Clinton reminds you of the a guy we dated