And the Primaries continue, as they are likely to do until the very end (the DNC).  Clinton brutalizes Obama 67% to 26%.  Of course, Obama is still well ahead in delegates, and has a lead in super-delegates as well. 

What is of note of this primary as told in the New York Times is that 8 out of 10 people polled said race was a factor in their choice, showing that in some parts of the country it is still hard for people to accept a black man in the top position in the country, and easier to accept a white woman.  Also of note is John Edwards who is no longer even in the race still getting 7% of the vote.  A white man not participating gets about a quarter of the votes of a black man who many are considering the nominee with the rest of this just being a technicality.

So while the race factor in all of this is a touch disheartening, in reality, this Primary changes very little in the grand scheme of things… other than it continues on still…

Popularity: 1% [?]

Source: Video and Transcript of Sen. Obama Speech, March 18, 2008

Admit it. You were intrigued when you heard that Sen. Obama would give a planned speech on race.

He was catching a lot of flack lately by the words of his pastor, Reverend Wright. Not to mention that throughout his campaign he’s had to deal with the elephant sitting in every room he’s walked into.

Not that the other candidates don’t have similar troubles.

Clinton’s elephant is her gender.

But I wondered to myself if it would be beneficial to focus a 30 minutes speech on something that may be best left on the wayside? Is putting the issue of race or gender or religion right into the faces of American voters a good thing, or, will it just stir the pot even more until everything boils over in a mess of argument and debate?

As it turns out, that sort of outcome is all in how the issue is addressed.

I settled in last night to watch the speech at the link above long after he had already given it live. (Didn’t he know it was a work day!? Who could be home to watch it in the early afternoon?) I swore to be as impartial as possible. I wanted to hear the speech with virgin ears.

The first line of his speech came off as cliche, “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union”. I feared the next 30 minutes would be line after line of recycled rhetoric and I found myself grateful to have the ability to ‘fast forward’.

To my relief, he went right into the meat of the issue shortly after his introduction.

Never before has genealogy been so interesting. Senator Obama detailed his lineage as having both black and white bloodlines. He touched upon the heritage of his wife who’s lineage takes her through the terrible line of slavery. And then he said a line that rang loudly inside of me:

I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

Oh yeah. That’s right. Have we forgotten how special our country is compared to others?

Our country still carries upon her shoulders the shame of slavery but also the pride of embracing mixed races and creeds together under one roof. We don’t always get along. We don’t always like each other. But we still manage to coincide together in relative peace.

Obama’s point was that there’s still work to be done.

Some thought this speech would make or break him. No. It didn’t come off that way at all.

Instead, I think it only reinforced his loyalty to America and his understanding of the complex issues of race within our society. Not to mention, he’s a damn good orator.

Is America ready for a black President? I think after hearing this speech, any clear and logically thinking American can safely answer yes.  Clear and logical thinking is the key.  The reality, though, is that there are many Americans who are jaded and illogical.  The most perfectly written speach won’t ever sway their opinions. 

Obama did right to address the issue head on and he explained himself with elegance.  But I don’t anticipate the speech swaying naysayers.  Race is an issue that goes beyond resolution from one speech.  If anything, the speech only further solidified Obama supporters.  That’s better than nothing, I suppose.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Scrutiny has broken lose over a video posted by the Clinton campaign that allegedly shows Obama “blacker” than his true skin color. It was first observed and blogged about on the Daily Kos who accuses the Clinton campaign of not only making Obama appear “blacker” (i.e. more sinister) but also distorting his face to appear squished.

What say you?

The Kossack kids are crying foul claiming the Clinton campaign is preying on the public’s false conception of dark skin and the negative connotations associated with it. On one hand, it’s not a new tactic for politicians to paint their opponents as dark and evil regardless of their skin color. Nearly every election ad that’s focused on an opponents competitor in previous years has used this ploy.

But should a line be drawn with an African American opponent? Should this be considered treading too heavy on race waters that should be left undisturbed?

The right wing is calling this discovery preposterous. It’s explained as only a difference between video sources, software, and screens. Perhaps they’re right. But then again……..is it possible for a million dollar campaign to lay claim to electronic saturation and poor video quality? Is that really the best that their digital equipment can muster, not to mention, the best their video engineers can create?

Personally, I wouldn’t go so far as calling the Clinton campaign racist. But I would certainly acknowledge that it was a conscious effort to bring out the “blackness” in Obama. It’s a political tact to appeal to people’s fears and our country is still teaming with folk who shiver at the thought of a black man running anything in their lives. At this point, Clinton is on the edge of defeat. Put a Clinton against a wall and she’s sure to pull out some punches.Linkage:

The Clinton Campaign Ad showing Obama “blackified” here.
The original video of Obama here.

Popularity: 4% [?]