Geraldine Ferraro took her fight to NBC Wednesday night. Joining substitute host Ann Curry, Ferraro lashed out at the Obama campaign. She accused them of putting her remarks and questions of racism in the national spotlight.
"If anybody is going to apologize, they should apologize to me for calling me a racist," she said.
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Geraldine is just plain wrong. It's all part of the 'win at ANY COST' campaign of the Clinton's and it reflects badly both on the character of Ms. Ferarro and of Hill-Bill. As a former supporter of the Clintons I am very, very disappointed in their actions and lack of action in this matter. Make no mistake, these comments by Geradine were no accident 'blown out of proportion.'
The reason Ferraro gave her resignation 'yesterday' was it bumped Senator Obama off the of the news cycle!
Yesterday Senator Obama gave a press conference with NINE Generals and Admirals - they came out and endorsed him and said many wonderful things about the Senator and his ability to lead America as Commander in Chief.
None of the major news networks covered this story - and why? Because Clinton and Ferraro cause a media circus all day so NO ONE would hear about the Senator Obama and military endorsement!
That was the fault of the media, not Ferraro and Clinton. Who do you think chooses the stories to air?
Just out of curiousity, what did the nine generals and admirals use as the foundation for their knowledge of Obama's ability to lead and take the position of Commander in Chief? No one else will tell us.
Ferraro sounds like a Republican.
Gerry F. and Hillary cannot understand how this upstart could steal their nomination. I have not heard Barack Obama use the excuse that he lost because he was a Black Man (even when I was thinking it) but Hillary constantly use the 'sexist card'. There are many answers: He is three times (3x) smarter, 3x more organized, 3x more intellect, 3x more inspiring, 3x more for the American people's interest...He's just three times better. He is winning despite the fact that he is a Black man. Now get over it!
I am glad that someone had the integrity to say what many people have probably already thought. It could be argued that a major part of Obama's appeal is that he inspires people to be a part of a movement for change that represents stamping out racism. People may feel that by supporting Obama, they are supporting anti-racism.
I feel inspired to want my piece of real estate in Chicago too...better yet if Obama will buy half at full price so I can only pay 65% for my piece. The man inspires me so!
I'd like her to hold her breath until she gets an apology.
Why Geraldine, who are you?
right on !
In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a republican and should probably be happy about all of the problems Hillary is causing the democrats (it is a little fun :)). But I can't take it anymore and feel the need to help the poor, naive democratic flock GET IT. With a black person running against her, Hillary new along time before the South Carolina vote that Obama was going to take a more than average share of the black vote. The comments of Bill, Ed Rendell, Hillary herself, Ferraro and all the rest of Hillary's minions are meant to do one thing: make black people take offense and complain so when Hillary has to "fire" her overly zealous supporters and keep apologizing, she becomes a victim of "unsupported" racism charges, something that a lot of white people feel happens way too much generally in society. The result: Hillary's share of the white vote steadily increases and Obama's steadily decreases. You think Spitzer was hypocritical for claiming to be a crusader feminist issues? GET IT DEMOCRATS: Hillary is hypocritical for claiming to uphold the alleged democratic ideals of guaranteed equality, and for blatantly misleading people into believeing she is a HUMAN being. I've said my peace and will now allow the circular firing squad to resume.
Being a Republican, you have a totally different perspective on politicians. Your ability to determine when a politician has gone rancid is obscured by the white, corrupt, lying ignorant ogres that make up your party. We Democrats have fine tuned our shit-head meeters, and Hillory is fast becoming one.
She's just another ugly white racist, and repeat offender. Whatever reputation she had before this incident has been shot down in flames. Like all true racists, she's aggressively defending her indefensible position. Sad that these people even exist.
Common Geraldine, you know the real reason for this. You are in the headlines of the media. By you being there you keep Obama out of the media. Clinton used this in 1992 and it worked for him then when Hillary was making the stupid statements about opponents. Your comment was more than about race it was demeaning to Obamas intelligence and his integrity. I think his integrity is the reason as to why he is where his is now. Speaking of integrity maybe we chould compare Obama integrity to Hillary Clinton integrity?
Travelgate, cattle futures, the removal of the Vince Foster documents, Castle Grande, billing records. Hillary's campaign has taken to the low road, running ads falsely accusing Obama of supporting federal deficits and private Social Security accounts, and distorting his position on hot-button issues such as abortion. Newark Mayor Corey Booker, who branded the attacks "outrageous" and "dishonest," told Newsweek's Jonathan Alter: "We're trying to offer an alternative to the Republicans' fear and smear campaigns, and now we're being dragged down to their level by the Clintons."
If Ferraro does not want this to be an issue then why did she do a personal interview stating that she is the one who was offended and hurt by her own comments? The correct course would have been to fade away into the background, not go on the attack against her own comments that she said of her own free will.
We are supposed to be angry at Obama and his campaign pointed out her comments? Come on get real!! Who is whining and complaining about down and dirty politics now? That's right, the Clinton campaign. They get caught spewing garbage and then whine about it. So is this what will happen if she makes to the White House? Whine whenever someone takes offense to comments she or her surrogates say?
This issue will not die nor should it. The Democratic Party has a mess on its hands. This is a sorry time for the Dems and just another example of how the party will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
I would have supported Hiliary because of the need to change the presidency to a Dem. But now I am to the point that if Clinton does backdoor deals in Denver to get the nomination then I am staying home in November. Her behavior and the behavior of her surrogates right now is a looking glass into what her presidency will be like and it doesn't look much different then the Bush regime or what might happen with McCain.
How will Hilliary handle a division of the Dems in Congress when they do not support her 100%? Will she send her surrogates out to defame them which will further divide the Democratic party? My guess is that Hilliary will based on how she, Ferraro and the other Clinton campaign people are handling themselves in this sorry episode. That means the Repubs will be able to stand on the sidelines, drink a few scotch and waters while having a good laugh at the Dems expense.
The Clinton motto: Win at all costs no matter who or what is damaged in the process. Wasn't that the Rove campaign motto as well?
Not exactly the direction we need this country to be heading down. And for the record I was a Edwards supporter.
It is interesting to watch the chaos in the Democratic party as their years of politically correct identity politics is causing them to implode. Ferrarro is indignant that she is called a racist by members of her own party for observations she made about Obama's race and the election.
Wait until you hear the sound bites of racist, anti-American, anti-Semitic remarks from Rev Wright at Obama's church, the same church he has attended for 20 years. No wonder Michelle Obama doesn't like this country.
right on !!!!
I believe you meant FAR RIGHT on .
No wonder Michelle Obama doesn't like this country.
Without a doubt, the dumbest post of the day. No wonder people turn away from politics when stupid rascist fools like this post crap like this. Shame on you.
It is really stupid to equate Geraldine Ferraro's remarks with those of Reverend Wright. She is in the white majority. She really can do tremendous damage with her remarks. Reverend Wright is not going to harm you or me by what he says. He is in the minority, and I do not see him as racist. I am a European-American, and I am not insulted by his sermon. It just kind of rolls off my back, but I can only imagine what it must be to be an African-American in this country that promises equality for all, and the frustration that must come with having to listen to people like Geraldine Ferraro. By the way, I never thought of the Clintons as racist, but I do think they are people who will do anything to win.
Sorry European American,... you just miss the point. I did not say that the Wright remarks and the Ferraro remarks were to be compared. What I was saying is that we find ourselves in this mess because Obama was never vetted in the press .He got a pass from the news media because he is black and he has taken every criticism to be racist.I personally can not stand the fellow and it makes no difference what color he is. I think he speeks of lofty goals and his actions are ( particularly the way he bought his house) to be nothing more than those of a common criminal. I realy hope US Prosecuter Fitzgerald can get to the indictment stage of his transaction with Rezko sooner rather than later. By the way I myself am a Carribean- American I don;t think either Clinton nor Ferraro are racist, I don't like what Rev. Wright says, but I that is also not the issue.You say the Clintons will do anything to win. I have yet to see Obama do anything not to win so what is the difference. He is black and plays that angle all the time.
It is indeed interesting to watch this unfold. This B. Hussein has not been vetted by any one and now what we learn about his friends like Farakahen and Rev . Jeremiah " God Damn America " Wright we are baffled as to how he got this far. The media and their coddling of his people is unbeiveable. I think that Michelle Obama is a very angry woman who truly has never been proud of this country and should be offered a ticket elsewhere. I notice also that the picture of B Hussein in his muslim/arab attire is now refered to by his TV spokesman as attire he wore on a "diplomatic mission". Either that is a total Obama lie or he is guilty of conducting foreign affairs of the United States without authorization ( also known as a crime). Which is it? Lie or Crime? Obama is such a miserable excuse for a candidate he deserves to be in jail with his real estate buddy Rezko.
Identity politics? "NASCAR dads". But, I guess it's only wrong when we do it.
Watch as she drags this out -- she loves the limelight -- she's enjoying this -- a has-been and knows it -- a wannabe
I think everyone should apologize to me for all the creepy politicians I've had to deal with all my life. Can't they go somewhere to leave us alone?
Take a Midol, Gerry and let it go. Obama hasn't hit back at Hillary over this and is not going to. Don't you have a red hat meeting or something you can go to?
Why is the media dragging this thing out? It's over.
Seriously, were you born yesterday?
Because whiny Geraldine won't let it drop. Stupid is as stupid does.
I'm sorry that Geraldine resigned. She doesn't deserve this. Keep this kind of BS and neither candidate will have anyone working for them.
Geraldine is someone who has fought for equality for everyone for years. Get to the real reason for this...let's split the party some more. We need another republican president.
You know that's how we got this country from the indians. Divide and conquer!
Remember the first amendant applies to everyone. Not just a few.
I basically agree with you. Clinton may be able to pull the nomination out of the fire by influencing superdelegates to vote for her and maybe poaching a few Obama delegates -- but it would be a hollow victory.
The real question is both practical, political, with a tinge of morality -- Would a Clinton nomination engineered by means of gaining the majority of superdelegate votes in spite of losing both the popular vote and pledged delagates to Obam in the primaries be in the best interests for Democrates overall in the coming November elections?
I believe Obama has a very strong case against a Clinton nomination via a delegate fight in August. Even if she can win by the rules, many will perceive that her winning as "anti-democratic." It will make the exciting primaries we have had this year seem as if they were simply empty gestures. That's not the impression that voters should have about their party's candidate before a general election -- especially against a competing party perceived to have "stolen" or "rigged" elections in the past. The energetic enthusiam presented by Obama supporters will certainly wain and perhaps create a backlash. I'm not sure the same would be true of Clinton supporters -- because the measures she must take to win right now are clearly desparate. If Clinton is such a good candidate, why is she in this position?
Clinton could still win I suppose -- but, given the best interests of the party, I wouldn't bet the house on it.
And who cares if Obama is black, white or green? The important thing is to win in November.
1. I think Ferraro means what Lloyd Bentsen meant:..."Senator (Obama), I served with Jack Kennedy: I knew Jack Kennedy; Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
Obama has 3 years of U.S. Senate experience, Hillary has 8, JFK had 14 years in the U.S. congress as well as served in the U.S. Navy, Bubba had 12 years as governor and 2 more as state Attorney General for Arkansas.
I would guess if Obama was Colin Powell, one who earned much experience over the years, Ferraro may not make the same comment and others would not feel as such.
She’s basically saying he’s getting a free ride based on race when "It's the EXPERIENCE stupid!"
2. Besides the fact the Obama has the top-notch education and is intelligent, he is clearly LIKEABLE and has that factor. He is new on the scene without a defined record and without any controversy, not sure if you can flip/flop him like Kerry. He is a "fresh face" candidate for many, not because of race.
3. One of his great successes is that he has intelligently worked to align himself with young (typically college educated) students from all backgrounds who are one of his main constituencies and brought them into the fold. He has successfully used the internet (sites like Facebook, My Space, YouTube) to attract this constituency similar to Bill Clinton starting the trend of politicians using shows like Arsenio Hall to make announcements, engage new audiences, etc. Clearly this early focus has led to a juggernaut/bandwagon environment among the young as evidenced by the popularity of “Obama-Girl”. Hillary's campaign has not put forth the same effort or made strides with this core Obama constituency, but, is now trying to catch up by having her daughter Chelsea make appearances on campuses prior to primaries/caucuses.
On one hand this has nothing to do with race. On the other hand, young people (current college generation) are in a post civil rights, post getting used to minorities in high positions era comfortable and ready with a young appealing candidate like Obama. He may also be "their" candidate…”their” meaning this young generation,. Just like Hillary is the candidate for many progressive/working and equal rights (NOW) women. Like Huckabee is for evangelicals, Romney for big business, etc. Again, this is an advantage gained by Obama because of targeting this group and because of his appeal (charisma) to them. For this, credit his ability to run/manage a top-notch campaign, not race!
4. There may also be a hidden "freudian" appeal for Obama by many. I don't doubt that there is a constituency out there that feels guilty about America's role in Iraq (where we are wanting that society to grant equal rights to women, other ethnicities and factions) and the world stage and wants to show that same world that we are an equal society capable of electing not only a black man, but, also one who has a middle name Hussein and a last name that sounds like Osama. I'm sure this same constituency feels that this will help our goodwill on the world stage. So, Obama is benefiting from his name and race somewhat just like Hillary is benefiting from her name (Clinton) and gender somewhat...not to take away their strengths and unique experience. Unfortunately this group is sweeping the problem under the rug, pushing a black candidate out there, but, ignoring the larger problems of black men.
5. Obama's surge is also based on Clinton fatigue, not including me, I feel we need another Clinton to clean up after a Bush! Hillary has more to overcome: the dynasty issue, Bush/Clintons for last 20 years. This is quite unfortunate, because people like John Thompson Jr., Eli/Peyton Manning, Joe Buck (sports announcer, son of Jack Buck), Michael/Janet Jackson, Franklin Roosevelt (related to Teddy Roosevelt) have proven that they can be great despite nepotism. Hillary is the FIRST First Lady to have a POST GRAD DEGREE. I don’t buy into “Billary”, it is clear to me that after 8 years of presidency as evidenced by his silver gray hair, that Bill Clinton is not interested nor does he have the energy for the day to day running of the White House/Country. He is passionate about his wife’s candidacy because he believes in her brilliance. Brilliance and support that has helped him get elected many times to elected office and her re-elected in NY state. As a statesman, I see him taking on work that will further define his legacy, he also has his Clinton Foundation and Global Initiative, not day to day corridor minding as the media have suggested. Any CEO that has evolved to “Chairman” status will tell you they are not interested in day to day and would want to invest their talent on strategy/long term issues. Further, Hillary is a no-nonsense executive that would take control over her own administration, especially learning from this campaign experience.
6. Many vote for Obama as a vote against Hillary, primarily many white males and red-state democrats that resent the Clintons for some of their liberal policies and a pctg of this group hate them more strongly for putting America back on a trajectory of equality/diversity/inclusiveness, a trajectory unknown to Reagan and Nixon and one that Obama seems to be clueless about.
This would indicate that Obama is a white person's black man adding validity to Ferraro's statement. In addition, quite unfortunate that she is losing such a large pctg of the African-American vote attributable more to an identifiable inspiring candidate (Obama) and an ethnic electorate that is finally exercising its political power similar to how the Jewish, Evangelicals, Italians etc. have done in the past rather than the media-hyped Bill Clinton folly in South Carolina.
7. Republicans put the word out that they will coalesce AGAINST Hillary, that they will be far more ENERGIZED to defeat her than another candidate, this has the effect of her losing the "on the fence"/Undecided democrat voter. Obama has shrewdly capitalized on this indirect support as evidenced by his "Reagan trajectory" comment and by claiming many times he is more "electable."
8. Media has embraced Obama and repeatedly and unfairly bashed Hillary, again making a person like Ferraro ask why?
As an example, Keith Olbermann feels he needs to do a special commentary when Ferraro makes a comment, but, failed to make a commentary supporting the Clintons for their lifelong equality/diversity work when Obama made the silly Reagan trajectory comment or one of his staff called Hillary a monster. I have been watching Countdown since inception, but, will no longer tune in. Olbermann and the media clearly show their bias against Hillary. OLBERMANN IS ONE OF THOSE PATRONIZING IDIOTS THAT FERRARO TALKS ABOUT. “Give me a break”…this is no “fairy tale”!
It's not that complicated. People were forming around their candidates as they should. Then, Hillary decided to utilize the kitchen sink method and here we are. This is what happens when you try to manipulate people. It gets ugly.
"Further, Hillary is a no-nonsense executive that would take control over her own administration..."
Funniest (and patently false) thing I have heard about HRC yet.
Really! She can't even run a campaign, or pick people who give her good advice. Good Lord what would her presidency be like?
Your comments sounds too much like the "he doesn't back the troops" mentality - no logic here.
You are delusional
Wow - thanks so much for all the bullshit thumbnail psychologizing of millions of people ("Many vote...", "a hidden "freudian" appeal for Obama by many...") you don't actually know, in an effort to boost a candidate to whom you hold an irrational attachment - because, no, it doesn't "take a Clinton to clean up after a Bush," or any other such damned thing. You people repeat that crap as if it's drawn from Poor Richard's, or something.
Is a First Lady a statesman, and a Commander-In-Chief, to boot? Really? Not in MY country, she's not. Christ, you can't even make that argument for many of the Vice Presidents we've had in our history...Nor for many Speakers...This "experience" crap is a Clinton campaign meme--oh, no, wait, I forgot: didn't Hillary Clinton unilaterally solve "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland? My bad...
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First Posted: 03-13-08 08:05 AM | Updated: 03-28-08 05:12 AM