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DEL.ICIO.USSuper Tuesday results reflects South’s sea change
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Robbie S. Moore awoke Wednesday to what she considers the New South.
Her new outlook stems from Super Tuesday, particularly the support Gwinnett gave Barack Obama, the Democrat running to be president. He tallied 68 percent of the votes cast. That’s 46,890 votes out of the overall number of 68,832 Democratic cards cast, according to the county Web site. By comparison, Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, mustered 30 percent, or 20,703 votes.
“His [victory margin] was more than I imagined,” said Moore, president of the United Ebony Society, a civil rights group. “People are pulling together, not just looking at color. They want the whole country to benefit. People are seeing the need to look beyond black and white. They are looking for higher ground.”
Race and politics are forever intertwined, not just in the South, but across the nation. But Moore and others say local primary results convincingly show the South’s political landscape may be shifting. (Obama captured Alabama and Georgia. To his credit, Obama has downplayed race as a campaign issue.)
Gwinnett’s electorate is mostly white. Today, 70 percent of Gwinnett’s active voters are white; a decade ago, 93 percent were. While the minority voter pool is growing, it remains small. Blacks, for example, account for 17 percent of the electorate. Even if it were higher, you can’t assume most of them are Obama supporters.
So white voters had to have supported Obama, and in significant numbers. Lynn Ledford, the county elections supervisor, thinks that’s the case.
“We’ve heard the grumbling,” Ledford said. “People are very dissatisfied with the Republican Party right now, and that crosses racial and ethnic lines. And that’s the way it should be. You should never vote for someone because of their color, or their sex or age. You shouldn’t vote against someone because of those things, either.”
In Gwinnett, Super Tuesday’s turnout set a record - 46 percent of the 328,132 registered voters took part. Before Super Tuesday, the highest turnout was back in 1988, when 39 percent participated.
Initially, Ledford had predicted 82 percent of the voters would turn out for the presidential election in November. She has since adjusted her estimate, given Tuesday’s turnout and overall public interest.
“We may even hit the 90 percent mark,” she said. “As election administrators, we are very excited.’
There’s still much ground to cover before we elect a president on Nov. 4. The Democratic National Convention takes place in August in Denver. A month later, the Republicans host their convention in St. Paul, Minn. It’s a toss-up whom we’ll call president.
Whatever the case, “it’s all amazing, and exciting,” Moore said.
Rick Badie will resume his community tour next week. His column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or e-mail: rbadie@ajc.com.
Permalink | Comments (72) | Post your comment | Categories: Rick Badie
Comments
By Katie
February 7, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Sorry but race wasn’t an issue when I voted for Obama. He was, and is the best candidate in my opinion. I’m so sick of this race issue, drop it already. We’re all a mix of something, there are no pure breds—we’re all mutts and let’s leave it at that.
By Katie
February 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Sorry but race wasn’t an issue when I voted for Obama. He was, and is the best candidate in my opinion. I’m so sick of this race issue, drop it already. We’re all a mix of something, there are no pure breds—we’re all mutts and let’s leave it at that.
By Mark
February 7, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Another race baiting blog from one of the best baiters, Badie. Yes,race was a campaign issue, and everyone knows it. Anyone who thinks different is simply an ignorant fool.
By James McCoy
February 7, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Sorry but you folk out there in never never land who believe race is not a issue in this county are living in a fantsy world.If race is not a issue for so many folks why is it being mention and played out in the media like it is?Stop with this garbage that everything is fair and equal in this society,you can’t change people’s racial attitudes with 40 years of man made laws,change must come from peoples hearts!
By Bruce Wilcox
February 7, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Don’t forget the fact that Hillary is the first woman candidate, add Obama, the Democrats offer something very new to the race, excitement.
The Republicans, the usual gang of grumpy old pessimist’s or gop. A bunch of old white guys claiming they’re clones of President Reagan, I would think that the RNC would make them stop slandering his memory.
By delois
February 7, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
I voted for Obama simply because I detest Hillary so much that I just wanted him to have one more vote in Georgia. It wouldn’t have mattered to me if he was green, purple, black or white. I don’t know who I will vote for in November. I do know though that if Hillary is the Dem candidate, I won’t be voting for her and neither will any of my friends or family. So there, no race involved in my decision - only hatred of Hillary, the liar, and Bill, the liar and cheater.
By deloise
February 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
And Bruce, I don’t like Bush or any of the Republican candidates either so you don’t need to jump on my case and call me a Bush koolaid drinker. I’ll save you the keystrokes.
By James McCoy
February 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Yea you folks who claim race is not a fact in your decison of who you vote for,but did you mention how many close black and brown friends you had over for dinner last night?Or did you happen to forget how many black or brown folk you have had a social outting with lately?just a thought for you colorblind hypocrtics.
By delois
February 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
James, I just had dinner with a black girlfriend last week and I’m a 55 year old white lady. As a matter of fact, the three people I keep in touch with from my last job are all black. The two neighbors I socialize with the most are Venezuelan and Mexican. And my husband is an Italian (just thought I’d throw that in since the Italians are always looked at in a derogatory manner too). So shut up.
By James McCoy
February 7, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Delois you maybe a little different,but the truth of the matter is you only socialize with people of color that fit your streotype,so please get real about life my dear,you wouldn’t be caught dead in certain parts of Atlanta simply because you were not comfortable around a certain type of black or brown.So cut the crap and admit you are still a racist in heart.
By delois
February 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
James, My father was a minister who had churches in the inner cities of Baltimore (where I was born), Boston (the Roxbury area), Philadelphia and downtown Hartford, CT so don’t give me your crap. I have never had a racist bone in my body because I was raised to love and respect everyone and I grew up playing with everybody. Maybe you southerners think everybody is racist but I am one Yankee who is not. I have never encountered such racial issues anywhere I have lived like I have here in the Atlanta area. Don’t lump me in with your stereotypes. Oh yea, there is one group I despise - you sick left wingers. You just hide your racism by claiming to be open to everything.
By James McCoy
February 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Sorry to disappoint you my dear and bust your colorblind mindset,it’s one thing to growup around Black and Brown people and another thing to be Black and Brown.And please don’t tell me how colorblind Baltimore is or was,I grew up in Baltimore County(Catonsville) and went to segagated schools(Banneker Elem. in the 1960’s)so you may fool some of the people some of the time,but honey you can’t fool me with your fake colorblind eye.
By delois
February 7, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Oh well, can’t win. You just go on hating everybody who is not in your world.
By James McCoy
February 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Sorry to bust your bubble again my dear it’s not hate on my part,just an ability to see the real world and not pretend that everything is hunky dory!
By Calandra
February 7, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
The kind of people you hang out with doesn’t determine how colorblind or racist you are. Seriously. Even to ask such a thing or defend such a notion means that you are confused about your own beliefs.
And I’m definitely voting for Obama. He represents definite change and is, in my opinion, the least corrupt of all the candidates.
By Outspoken
February 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Rick, can’t you find someone else to interview? How many times have you used this same person as your black spokesperson? There’s lots of us out there. Stop falling back on your rolodex for quotes.
By PDB
February 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
68% of the voting Registered Democrats in Gwinnett County is not representative of the new south. There was a Republican contest as well.
By Bruce Wilcox
February 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
deloise, I wrote my comment before you, it would have been kind of hard of me to jump on your case.
By Bruce Wilcox
February 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
deloise, I wrote my comment before you, it would have been kind of hard of me to jump on your case.
By Anonymous
February 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
The reason Delois got defensive is because she is racist and doesn’t realize it.
By LT5000
February 7, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Gee Rick,
I could have sworn there were Republican and Democratic primaries on Tuesday. Didn’t see word one about the Republicans, what a surprise.
I wonder if Rick ever wrote a word about Alan Keyes or JC Watts? Or maybe they were just Uncle Tom’s to Rick.
Another insipid article by an insipid journalist. Yawn.
Republicans 2008.
LT5000
By LT5000
February 7, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Uh Rick. There was also a Republican primary on Tuesday. Guess it doesn’t matter. Right?
I see Affirmative Action has made it into what you deem as news. How enlightening.
Did you ever write an article about Alan Keyes. The Black Republican Candidate? Or was he too much of an Uncle Tom for you.
Another useless Badie article. Pure drivel. Yawn.
LT5000
By Michael
February 7, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Boring!!
By Paula
February 7, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Rick, it is such an entertainment to read your articles and then the resulting comments! You really know how to stir up the morons!
By Angela
February 8, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
This is definitely a race issue although we hate to admit it. There may be a handful of people that are not, but we just need to look at the profile of people that voted for Barack, especially after the media put a spin on what Hillary and Bill had said that was misconstrued as racist. Get real people, this is an election year, and there would always be a spin on both sides. But we need to look at their record of what they did for the American people of all color, background and race prior to this election year. Is our memory that short ? Actions speaks louder than words!!!
By ESR
February 8, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
How can this not be perceived as a race issue when almost 90 per cent of blacks voted for Obama? You have to admit their support and votes were predicated on his race. At my work not a single black could name one piece of legislation, one bill, one anything the man has sponsored or has been associated with it. They couldn’t name one thing he’s done to make them vote for him other than that he stands for change. They couldn’t define the subtance of Obama that draws them to him. They also did not consider this racist. But, in turn if I were to say I voted for someone because he’s a white male like myself, that’s racist. It’s almost a shame how ABC, CBS and NBC news has endoresed this man, they have no shame in their one sided reporting. This will all change when the gloves comes off if he wins the Democratic primary. Republicans will shine a light, and a bright one at that, up his rear and everything this man has said or written will be exposed. Recall the Kerry swiftbaot campaign? Multiply that times one thousand and you have the effort Republicans will make to expose the truth to Amercia. This is not about being anti-black, it’s about being anti-Amercian, something I think Obama is. The truth will be exposed.
By Katie
February 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
People who vote for someone because of their race or sex are just plain stupid and shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
By Katie
February 8, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
People who vote for someone because of their race or sex are just plain stupid and shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
By Jane
February 8, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Several in this blog need to grow up! This is an election year and we need to FOCUS on what the issues are and where the candidates ACTUALLY stand not necessairly what they say. Individuals that vote PRESENT instead taking a stand on an issue of anything make me seriously DOUBT their true motives and whether or not they will be capable of making the tough decisions a President will have to make.
If race is why you chose to vote for a specific individual then that is truly YOUR problem.
This country is in serious trouble - we need to do something about the number of homeless individuals, children that go to bed without food (yes, it does happen in the good ole USA), the housing Mess (courtesy of greedy lenders - that our present government officials have determined need help by approving more loans to help them out), the dollar is at an all time low, illegal immigration (legal immigration is a totally different category), low paying jobs, high unemployment, health insurance costs (lets face it folks the cost of health insurance is out of reach for the average American citizen -this does not mean they don’t want insurance simply that they can choose to put food on the table and cloth their kids or pay the insurance premiums -this does not even begin to have to face having a hospital stay), education (this country needs to step up and face the fact that we need to provide a quality education for our children and Make sure that it happens - teachers need to teach NOT take care of administrative duties, hall monitoring, disipline, etc) and the list just goes on and on.
I would like to KNOW that when I vote for the next PRESIDENT of the United States that he truly UNDERSTANDS what that means and that he will take the appropriate measures to HELP the people of the United States FIRST. That his first consideration of each and every issue will be the AMERICAN people - that would alleviate the illegal immigration issue immediately - applying for citizenship will always be an option for anyone based on what this country is based on-however coming to this country receiving an education (free of charge) and going back to your country will no longer be tolerated -
By Get a life is really not hard
February 8, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
You all will argue about anything. If you are racist, so what. If you are not, so what. If you are labeled black, white, latino, asian or purple so what. All this race fighting on blogs is so lame. You will never get anyone to see your point of view yelling and screaming or knitpicking each other in a damn blog. All you can do is your best to live in harmony and peace with others and see them as human beings and not as a color or some outlandish generalizations. I am sure many people do this on a daily basis already and many don’t, but what can you do? Answer: Be the best human being you can be and not worry about proving anything to naysayers or critics.
By Regularjoe
February 8, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Rick,
Outspoken has a point about your “spokesperson”.
About Obama, sure many blacks are voting for Obama. He has received a lot of votes from others also, that is why he won so big here.
Hillary Clinton received most of the white female vote. Didn’t white males vote mainly for white males? What about Romney in Utah and Nevada, didn’t he get nearly all the Mormon vote?
A fact is, people who look like you normally get your first consideration. If you like that person, they have a good chance to get your vote. If you don’t like them, you consider others who you do like.
Many blacks like Obama. A lot of whites and others have looked at some of the other candidates, they don’t like them and they voted for Obama. It is that simple.
By Earl
February 8, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
James McCoy I will be friends with anyone I choose to and have dinner with anyone I choose to without one thought as to what some prick like yourself thinks of me. Racism is always a bad thing if is’s a white guy that is a racist but it’s not so bad if it’s a minority being racist. Until racism is the same across the board James McCoy, stop saying racist like it’s only a white thing you old fool.
By wyno
February 8, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
I hate everybody - makes life much simpler.
By Katie
February 8, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
I’m a white female and voted for Obama. You can’t make general statements that women vote for women, blacks for blacks and white men for white men. Most of my white friends/collegues voted for Obama.
By Jan
February 8, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Clearly there are many blacks who voted for Obama because he is black. Admit it. That is not racist though. That’s just people excited to think that their voice will be heard. Plenty of white haired white men voted for McCain. Mormons overwhelmingly supported Romney. That is just what we do.
We give the benefit of the doubt to folks who look like us. Obama’s campaign is smart enough to realise that the black population is not large enough to carry his campaign. He can’t make race even remotely an issue. (the only states where the issue was discussed were states with a heavy black population)
If every black person in America voted for him because he is black, that would not carry the vote for him.
For those of you non-blacks supporting Obama - why? What specifically attracts you? I would love to get behind an exciting candidate. I’ve listened to Obama and read some of his speeches. But all I’ve heard him say is “we will do this” “we are the people we have been waiting for” (is he watching LOST on ABC?) “our time is now”…. I have yet to hear anything of substance. Not a troll or a bait - I’m looking for substantive answers.
By Suzanne
February 8, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Jane and Get a life is really not hard ..Thank you!
I am a 43 year old white female. I cannot believe we are still yapping about the race of a presidential candidate when our country is in shambles. I could care less about that. All I care about is the person with the best agenda and the seemingly most common sense. Personally, I think that person is Obama.
By Proceed with Caution
February 8, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
I wonder how many Republicans crossed over to vote for Obama and get rid of Hillary?
By GeezGuys
February 8, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
You can’t make general statements that women vote for women, blacks for blacks and white men for white men.
Sure you can. 87% of African-American voters in Georgia supported Obama. How hard is that to understand, Limo Liberal Katie?
By Capt
February 8, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Have any of you people stopped to realize that lots of Republicans, myself included, voted in the Democratic Primary to pick the candidate we wanted our guy to run against?….How do you think we got rid of Cynthia McKinney?
By lava
February 8, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
I am black barack supporter too. But im looking for a tall blonde(at least 5.5) in the 30 to 50 age range with sme college education at least.Let me know plz.
By Rusty
February 8, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Obama has statistically unanimous support among the Black community. Ambassador and former (two-term)Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and Veteran Congressman John Lewis (both Lieutenants of Dr. King)support Sen. Clinton. I wonder who Martin would be supporting? “not by the color of their skin, but by….”
By Capt
February 8, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
I’m with wyno
By Corey
February 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Delois, ignore the fools. The next time a black person refers to you as a racist look them in the eye and retort, “You would not say that if I were black”, and leave them speechless.
By sharon
February 8, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
ESR I was agreeing with everything you said until your last sentence. Exactly, how is Barack Obama anti-American?
By Capt
February 8, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
So Katie….are you the one who is going to construct the list of “who is allowed to vote?” What a moronic statement.
By Katie
February 8, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Heck no. The point is is that people should vote on ISSUES not based on the color/gender of a person. That’s uniformed voting. We need informed voters. This country is a mess and we need to fix it. Most people don’t even understand how our government operates and these are American citizens. I’m embarrassed for people like that, there is no excuse not to be able to vote intelligently.
By Obama 08
February 8, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Barack Obama got over 40% of the white vote in Georgia, including over 60% of white 18-29 year olds. Those overall numbers should make Republicans take pause. More Democrats voted than Republicans and that’s not all attributed to African American voters. There was major moverment among white voters in the core counties toward the Democratic party. Metro Atlanta is becoming more like northern Virginia. Bubba Republicanism is losing its appeal in the metro.
By Mark
February 8, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Re: Obama
Did James Earl Ray have any brothers?
By tom Robinson
February 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
People will always vote for the candidate who spouts platitudes and slogans over a corrupt power mad politician
The Dems in Georgia voted for an EMPTY SUIT when the voted for Barack Hussein Obama
By Capt
February 8, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I agree with you Katie. But unfortunatly most people do not like the fix. We need to go back to a strict interperation of the Constitution. Can you point out to me where it says we should have a Dept of Education, of Interior, of Agriculture. These are issues that were supposed to be handled by the States and the local communities. However if you espouse that argument you are labled a States Rights wierdo and no one listens. The Federal Government need to be pulled back to doing what the Constitution mandates—-Providing for the Common Defense by maintaing a standing army or militia, to lay and collect REASONABLE taxes, to coin money and maintain a viable economic system, establish a Judiciary and to form and maintain a Post Office and Post roads. Thats it….nothing more. But try to get this point across and see how many people start yelling “what about our entitlements?”…see what I mean….just watch the replies.
By yep!
February 8, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
The only reason Metro Atlanta is losing its appeal is the number of blacks. Smart white people do not want to live around them!
By Michael
February 8, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Obama will come close but will not win the Presidency. Our nation is another generation away from this. The current “Old Gaurd” black leaders and those who continue to use racial rhetoric and in your face tactics from the civil rights era must either die off or fade by attrition, and give way to Americans like Obama who are paving the way to take America to the next level.
Obama’s campaign results to date provide a very clear picture of where racism in our country today is most predominant. It is this “Old Gaurd” constituency that is in its own way and will cost him the election.
By NParry
February 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
OK Black People!
What do you WANT? This is a question from a brown man! We know the whites want - they don’t want you or me either… So spell out clearly, dear Black People and let’s get it over with.
By White For Obama
February 8, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Pure and simple, the Republicans are washed up. As a 47 year old white woman, I voted Obama because he shares my beliefs and is the most intellectual candidate to come along in some time. The new generation is sick of RICH, OLD WHITE MEN running this country into the ground as long as they and their rich, white friends profit. Take Dick Cheney. He has been the most ineffective VP ever in my lifetime. And I’ve seen many changing of the guards in the Oval Office!!
By The Explainer
February 8, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
“His [victory margin] was more than I imagined,” said Moore, president of the United Ebony Society, a civil rights group. “People are pulling together, not just looking at color. They want the whole country to benefit. People are seeing the need to look beyond black and white. They are looking for higher ground.”
The bigoted ridiculousness of someone from the “United Ebony Society” talking about people “not just looking at color” is self-evident.
By SD
February 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Why did Hispanic voters stay away from Obama in droves? Could it be that for economic reasons Hispanics have been forced to live in areas with lot’s of blacks and they see the carnage, the increase in crimes, the devaluing of property happen when blacks converge to an area and they are simply afraid that Obama will be the first step in turning Amercia into a black governed country. Look at Africa and other large cities in the USA where no whites can be elected. Name one major city that where blacks have taken over the government that’s in better shape now than it was before black rule. I am not trying to antagonistic or racist, really I am not. I am being realistic.
By NParry
February 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
The current crop of sorry aging, crippled white men running for President wearing a Reagan face mask makes for a pathetic soap opera. Not one has shown the spine to say something different that may displease the Republican Right! It’s a sorry tale of wimps and weenies, with heavy make-up and mouthing incomprehensible words about a supposedly American hero - R Reagan.
By nP
February 8, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
SD! Oh! Thimble-tick…. Do you realize that African-Americans are only 13% of the US pop? Whites cannot be elected to top offices in any major city, because they’re soaked in apathy, indifference and lazy stupor - so deep that they don’t realize an election is going on around them. Blacks are committed to ensuring change and representation - ain’t nothing wrong with that.
By EC
February 8, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Dear SD….Obama is half white! There are just as many hispanic gangs and crime in those poor areas, which often contribute to the carnage and devaluing of property that you are talking about. Since it is so bad for those Hispanics, what has Hilary Clinton done to help?
Ahhh! I’m so glad there are people in this country that are actually trying to move forward instead of backwards like you. Please learn and do your research on Obama and black folks before you open your mouth about it.
By the truth
February 8, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Sea change? Are you kidding? Blacks voted for the black man because he’s black. That’s what democrats do. Separate everyone in to race and never as an individual. Remember, George Wallace and Bull Connor were Democrats so don’t blame race on republicans all you marxist liberals.
By Mark
February 8, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Blacks are committed to ensuring change and representation
That scares me.
By GeezGuys
February 8, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Since it is so bad for those Hispanics, what has Hilary Clinton done to help?
They must think Hillary has done something, since they avoid Obama like the plague and vote for Hillary in large numbers.
She has little in common with them demographically, being a white middle class woman. Obama carries African-Americans by being… African-American.
Something to think about for the nomination…which candidate can carry large states like Florida and California? You don’t win the Presidency by carrying the heavyweights like Idaho, North Dakota, and Alaska.
By sharon
February 8, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Actually Mark, once upon a time your “disguised racist” remarks were scared me. Anyway, SD get your head out of your azz and realize that you have people of all races who are not fit to live with, so stop your ignorant remarks about blacks and hispanics devaluing property and increasing crime. Your people aren’t exactly the pillar of society. I don’t care what color you are as long as we ever we elect take a strong stand against illegal immigrants and border patrols.
By SD
February 8, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Interesting that NParry can blast anti-white racist statements and fly under the radar. Oh you all wear those double standards so well! Were they handmade double standards or, off the rack? I ask any of you the last time you heard a friend, a neighbor or a co-worked say..” You know, I think I will move to the black area of town where it’s safer..” Instead of denying the facts, change the results. You simply have more crime in some areas than other’s. A bitter pill to swallow? Try a water chaser. I’m done here…next!
By Jane
February 8, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Stop the black, white, gender comments and deal with the issues people!
By Michael H. Smith
February 8, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Take this anyway you want. Obama has something all the others lack and it is scaring the heck out of alot of people: Which is his ability to communicate his charm and charisma into a connection with the people.
He is definitely cross over material and I think it will be found upon close examination that he has captured the 18 to 30 year old age group transcending all the old political thought benchmarks.
It is too early to go into the political strategy in play suffice to say, though, what can be taken from all of this, is that, President Obama, can actually happen despite all odds, even with the strong dependence this country has on the ‘social crutch’ of race and contrary of political labels.
By GeezGuys
February 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
You bet his charm and charisma scare me; when people make government a popularity contest, life sucks. Charisma means nothing about you, your personality, and your abilities. Hitler had loads of charisma and charm.
Seeing as how your brain doesn’t even settle down until 25, I’m not sure why you’re crowing about the 18-30 demographic. Of course they like Obama, he looks better in music videos.
By Brucie McToy
February 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
John McCain in Iraq for 100 years looks better in an Alice Cooper video.
Welcome to my Nightmare.
By Crystal
February 8, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
There is a presidential quiz on vajoe.com. I took the quiz and was shocked at the outcome and did some more background on the candidates before casting my vote.
Some people would be really surprised after they compare their concerns/issues to the people who are running for president and how they stand on those same concerns/issues.
My mind spins at the thought of someone voting for the most powerful “man” in the free world based on what he/she looks like, OMG!! Just because someone has your same skin color and/or is your same sex doesn’t mean they stand for the same ideals, duh!!!
Please do your research and encourage others to do the same before voting.
By Gwinnett Fed Up
February 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
The next black person that says one damn word to me about racism is going to catch an hearful. 90% of blacks in GA and AL voted for Obama. Statistically that is impossible with only racism the explanation. I will never again listen to anyone play the race card as I see how the Black Folk react given the opportunity. I have been subtle but no Damn More!!!!!
The media is avoiding the issue and only showing the stat but no analysis. I am not a Clinton fan but when you have the Clintons who have done more for the Blacks in this country since Lincoln to garner only 10% of the black vote then there is no independent thought. The media is to afraid but the rest know what is going on. In politics there is payback — I beeter not hear one Damn racism remard when the payback happens. Call you buddies - Kennedy and Kerry
By Gwinnett Fed Up
February 8, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
The next black person that says one damn word to me about racism is going to catch an hearful. 90% of blacks in GA and AL voted for Obama. Statistically that is impossible with only racism the explanation. I will never again listen to anyone play the race card as I see how the Black Folk react given the opportunity. I have been subtle but no Damn More!!!!!
The media is avoiding the issue and only showing the stat but no analysis. I am not a Clinton fan but when you have the Clintons who have done more for the Blacks in this country since Lincoln to garner only 10% of the black vote then there is no independent thought. The media is to afraid but the rest know what is going on. In politics there is payback — I better not hear one Damn racism remard when the payback happens. Call you buddies - Kennedy and Kerry
By MJK
February 9, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Our next president will be a Democrat. Get used to the idea.
Of total votes cast on Super Tuesday, 14 million went to Democratic candidates versus 8 million to Republican candidates.
Which candidate to support comes down to how fed up one is with the current state of our national government, I believe. I also believe that Hilary Clinton is Bill 2.0. If one were to investigate the candidates’ positions on key issues click here for example, and its gotten much easier to do thanks to the web, each of us could find our true preferred candidate amongst the Final 4 (or 5 if you include Ron Paul) based upon their position on key issues.
Short of that Obama’s message that Washington is broken and voting for Sen. Clinton isn’t going to change things, is resonating with many voters. It’ll likely continue to resonate in the national election if he comes out of the primary as the nominee.
I think it is only a matter of time before we have President Obama and that’ll be a very good thing.