Lou Dobbs Almost Calls Condi A "Cotton Picker"

Lou Dobbs visited Wolf Blitzer in the "Situation Room" on Friday and railed against Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice for saying that race is still an issue in America because it was an American "birth defect."

Dobbs dismissed Rice's very notion, claiming race is no longer an issue in a society as diverse as modern day America. "The reality is, this is the most socially, ethnically, religiously, racially diverse society on the face of the earth," Dobbs said. "Now, Wolf, we don't make enough of that in the national media. We listen to some idiot say you can't talk about race."

Then Dobbs tripped over his words, as he declared, "Not a single one of these cotton...[stammering]...these just ridiculous politicians should be the moderator on the issue of race."

Watch:

Comments

[poeticjustice4all]

They shoot horses don't they?

How can this freak watch his own show without seeing that he's become the Archie Bunker of cable news? I'd rather watch O'Reilly or even Glenn Beck for GOD'S sake. Dobbs represents the very worst of the Whites-only, MSM messengers.

[JUSTME]

OMG! What a perfect description for this fat blowhard: The ARCHIE BUNKER of cable news.

This is what I call inspired. Thank you.

[slow2]

JUSTME, pretty accurate; except Archie Bunker was a role in a sitcom...methinks Dobbs is sincere in his bigotry and Dobbs' skewed "reporting" about the creeping tide of, let's see, it's usually brown people who are out to get us, right, according to Lou?

[mindact]

Lou Dobbs true colors are coming out. I always wondered why he was very negative about Obama? He'd always sought out somebody who was not beholden to special interests. Obama comes on the scene and he lashes out more venom on the guy. And guess what, there is no substances to the venom his spewing.

Lou acts like he's a friend of Blacks and trys to pit black VS brown. He brings all this quackheads to his show to say that Mexicans are denying blacks jobs. Who said that menial jobs are reserved for black folks? No jobs are reserved for any groups in this country. A black, Asian, Brown, polynesian or white person can aspire to any job they so desire.

Enough of Lou's bigotry. Calling that accomplished lady a cotton picker. Shame on you Lou. Why did you have to mention Condi and cotton in the same sentence? I've not heard you metion cotton picker before while describing any other ethnic group. I bet you suscribe to Pat Buchanan's hate speech that blacks in American should be happy to have been brought here as Slaves.

People, this stuff is serious.....

[Counterglow]

Your allegation is ridiculous and unfounded. "Just a cotton-pickin' minute" is an expression I've heard Dobbs use before. My grandmother, who was certainly not a racist, used it all the time.

Dobbs' enthusiastic support of efforts to get rid of illegal immigrants is the best thing that could happen to many people of colour. They're disproportionately affected by the downward pressure on wages caused by illegal immigrants.

In fact, I think it's fair to say that if you're OK with illegal immigration, you're probably a racist.

[memoryaid]

Is it opposite day where you live?

When he says "none of these cotton (....) politicians should moderate any discussion on race", he is clearly objecting to any black people actually having any sort of dissenting views regarding racial equality. Lou WANTS it to be all good, and everybody to say it's all good.

The ONLY thing we should say about inter-racial issues is that it's cookies and cream. All is good.

Just like IRAQ.

Go find a shovel and help Lou dig some more.

[PhDiva]

Sorry to have to tell you the truth about your grandmother, but if you knew anything about the racial history of the United States, you would know that "cotton pickin'" is a racial slur. Your ignorance is proof that Rice is right. By the way, it's not accident that he pulled that outdated slur to describe a black woman. Get an education.

[bluestatelib]

Due to America's racist history, some insecure black people (and other non-whites) have elevated white people so high in their imaginations that the relative importance of any real or perceived slight or insult from a white is exaggerated. Those individuals are a distinct minority of the black people I've ever met, but they often have the loudest, often most politically motivated, voices. But don't get it twisted - much of this reaction is part of a media dynamic. The current dominant media narrative is to take any perceived or real insult of blacks by a high profile white and then find an aggrieved black (or white) person to complain.

In day-to-day interactions, however, I rarely hear black people complain, or even talk, about whites. I'd say that black people talk about whites at most 5-10% of the time and other blacks at least 90% of the time, since our lives generally involve other black people. I live for the day when the media narrative changes to represent what I see as the dominant "I couldn't care less" attitude of the black people I've met throughout my life when it comes to inconsequential insults from irrelevant whites.

[PhDiva]

It is not insecurity that makes some Black people to question racism; it's self-respect and integrity. By the way, pulling statistics out of nowhere does not make your pathetic argument any more credible.

[Counterglow]

Nor does your weakness for unfounded assertion make your argument credible. The grammar mistake doesn't help much, either.

[bluestatelib]

There are so many guilt-ridden white people posting here, ironically claiming that they have nothing to feel guilty about in their posts. It's truly hilarious to read posts from guilt-ridden whites who feel oppressed by "over-sensitive" blacks who feel aggrieved because of "insensitive" whites. Well, this black American agrees that whites (and others) don't have anything to feel guilty about other than what they may actually have personally done wrong (and even then guilt is often a useless, self-defeating emotion).

Furthermore, if it gives any guilt-ridden whites any comfort, please know that I personally couldn't care less what negative things white people think or say about me or black people generally. It may deeply surprise many of you, but I rarely hear my black friends, acquaintances or family even talk about white people in any way - we certainly don't sit around agonizing over any real or perceived slight or insult from some random white person on television. When I lived in a predominantly black area as a child, I didn't even think about white people at all. Now I live in a much more racially diverse area, and I still don't think about white people that often - though more than I did as a child.

[melann830]

I find it amusing that many individuals who claim we need better race relations would never consider dating or marrying a person of another race, black vs. white or vice versa. I feel that so many of you who claim this or support BO would never put your money where your mouths are and go that extra mile to achieve successful race relations. Many are hypocritical on this issue and have no right to judge anyone else. Also, having a black president or leader will not necessarily improve race relations, but merely (hopefully) level the playing field for black Americans in politics. We still can't change how blacks feel about whites or how whites feel about blacks. Regardless, while I do not watch Lou Dobbs, I believe he does have a point. We probably do have the most progressive nation in the world with regard to race. However, that said, we still have to find a solutions to the problems that many urban cities are still facing with regard to successfully educating the majority of black and/ or other minority students. I think part of the problem is that perhaps we should stop looking at Barack Obama as a black candidate and just a candidate. Instead of focusing on Hillary Clinton as a female candidate, we should just view her as just a candidate as well. If we keep getting caught up in race and gender differences, we are creating more of an obstacle for both of them.

[tlk221]

COTTON-PICKING
cot·ton–pick·ing
Pronunciation: ˈkä-tən-ˌpi-kiŋ, -ˌpi-kən
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1952
1 : damned —used as a generalized expression of disapproval
2 : damned —used as an intensive

Oh, cmon!!! Are y'all going to call Lou Dobbs a racist now, just because he reported the studies that concluded the media was biased. The interesting thing was that he was quick witted enough to catch himself because he knew how ridiculous this name calling has become.

[MetalCanuck]

For gods sake huff you can do better than this, he wasn't talking about her at all. Pathetic.

[stonesoup]

I have watched Lou Dobbs for years. He is a good man with very positive ethics. He would never call an African American a cotton picker. I get so mad at him over the immigration issue, but back when the war was popular he spoke up and ask questions that no other reporter on a national news station would ask. He has earned my respect even though I totally disagree with hip on many issues. He is the only one that is addressing the problems with the education system it America. Even the Dem's wont address the issue. Why?

[BrianMac]

Wait! You're not drinking the knee-jerk Kool Aid! What's wrong with you? Don't you realize that you have to agree with EVERYTHING or NOTHING a person says or you're not pure? Baby and bath water - right out the window! That's what I say!

[MetalCanuck]

He is right about immigration. It should be enforcement only, you can't have a huge influx of people doing jobs for half price or less, overrunning the welfare/medicare system and adding to the crime rate. This has nothing to do with race. You have to stop drinking the Dem/Repub cool aide. This is about sovereignty and the economic well being of your country. Other countries recognize the problem for what it is in Europe and the rest of the world and it has nothing to do with anyones race.

[GodisHateSpeech]

Blame Canada!

[MetalCanuck]

I am right though, this article is to stir up shit for nothing. He wasn't even referring to her.

[samtaylor1]

I would like to see a a petition started to get Dobbs (and others) to use the word "human being" instead of "illegal immigrant", for just one show. If they were forced to do this once, we would also see how xenophobic these talking heads are (or at least how xenophobic there message is to attract viewers)

The power of words is one of the reasons I support Obama. I think one of the biggest issues that the left faces is that our words and phrases are used against us, when poll after poll shows that Americans favor left policy. Bill Clinton used triangulation to get his policies through, which worked for some of his policies at the expense of the progressive movement (Note- this is not meant to be a diss on Clinton). We need now, someone to change the tone, and re-take our words so we can get true change accomplished, both now and in the future.

[wndrwrthg]

Is someone who enters this country through other than normal channels doing so other than legally? They are emigrating here, they have no intention of returning anytime soon if at all. Either use illegal alien or illegal immigrant as these words truely define their status.

[TN]

My mother was a legal alien for 30 yrs.

[jumperpin]

C'mon. It's a step up from nose picker.

[TN]

I agree with your second paragraph.

[WomanInOrangeSweater]

I agree with the third paragraph.

[afgail]

What is it with the Obama supporters who seem so adverse to accurate use of the English language? If one is in this country by means other than legal they are by definition illegal immigrants. The issue is not to get into a battle over language, but what to do about the circumstance. I personally think we should make a path to citizenship as easy as learning to speak , read and write in English and passing a citizenship test as soon as possible. Latinos are a growing population that are a real boon to our economy. And the sooner they are in the mainstream of our economy the sooner they will be paying taxes and contributing their fair share. Stop listening to the Repiblicans who can only win elections by scapegoating brown skinned people or gays. Get a grip folks.

[WomanInOrangeSweater]

You say we need someone to change the tone and retake our words. Who will do this, if not ourselves?

[Ronp]

Mr. Lou Dobbs

It’s so absurd and transparently obvious that America remains caught in a vicious cycle between guilt and denial regarding race. Whenever someone of color initially accepted as different by white America (code for non-threatening), reminds us of America's shameful legacy and its remaining and unacceptable vestiges, or has an opinion on America’s immoral foreign policies, they are suddenly treated as ungrateful and undeserving of whatever position they have through great adversity risen to.

Never thought I’d see the day I would be agreeing with Condolezza Rice on much of anything, but whoa, I stand corrected. You go girl! Hopefully America will support her on this. Were George Washington and Thomas Jefferson not slaveholders? This is not the first time I’ve heard and seen you make an ignorant … of yourself, as you continue to undermine the legacy of MLK while dropping his name every chance you get.

I suggest you go on sabbatical ASAP to let's say, the south side of Chicago and spend the next 6-12 months in a community building effort; possibly with the same organization of churches Sen. Obama worked with. Then, please return and remind us of your views on American diversity. We're all pulling to see if you’ll notice America’s schools, churches, communities and prisons are still segregated. It may as you say be the most diversified country on the planet, but please do add that it’s also the most terrified and terrifying country on earth as well.

[pithymaxim]

My guess is that Lou's statement was not extemporaneous, rather a studied, deliberate injection of the term to appease his core audience and continue to make himself relevant. His body language and facial expression belied no anxiety; this could mean it was rehearsed , that he has delusional defense mechanisms, or lacks a social conscience. His behavioral dissonance (Hispanic family vs. on air anti-Hispanic ranting) reminds me of Larry Craig and his ilk. Self-loathing expressing as reaction formation and projection.

[booboouu]

lol....you're an idiot...lol....

[jebamoni]

LOU DOBBS IS HITLER-INCARNATE. JUST LIKE HITLER, HE WANTS TO MAKE USA AN ARYAN NATION. THIS GUY SHOULD BE SHUNNED AWAY BY ALL.

[WomanInOrangeSweater]

My guess is that you're taking Psyche 101 this term.

[GodisHateSpeech]

My guess is that you didn't pass Psyche 101

[peterg76]

What a terrible insult to cotton workers.

[TN]

Some sayings we pick up as children we have no idea what they mean or refer to but we use them as adults. Take Cotton Picking, I've said that, "Wait one cotton picking moment" I have no clue what it means, but I've said it. Please, we can't censure every word. This is what the Repugs complain about, that you get to the point where your afraid to say anything because you might offend. Blacks need to get over it, everything is not about you or your color. We caucasions really don't care what color you are. Is that a problem, should we act a certain way when dealing with people of color. If you happen to wait an extra 5 minutes to be greeted, it's not cause your black, it's probably because the waitress is sneaking a smoke out back. Really, I am sick of the chip on the shoulder of a lot of black people. I've done nothing to you. My parents have done nothing to you. Their parents have done nothing to you. This harping on every word looking for something prejudice is a form of control.

[NoahVail]

I am only answering your question because I think you are sincere.

Cotton picker = a "polite" Southern term for negro

Cotton picking = adjective usually preceding the n-word

I totally agree with you that there is control being exerted when the vocabulary is restricted. We all know what the n-word is, so why are we so afraid of it? Well, personally- I don't want to get blocked. Sort of like the Stars & Bars- you cannot fly the Confederate Battle Flag anymore because it means more than just Southern pride. It represents slavery, white supremacy and racism. It is very sad that that symbol was co-opted by the racists, because it really is much more than that.

[richardsgirl]

I agree that we shouldn't be so "politically correct" that we can no longer have a reasonable conversation with each other. But there's a difference between a "cotton-pickin' moment" and a cotton picker! Words do matter, and just as you suggest that "blacks need to get over it," it wouldn't hurt for white people to also be more sensitive about the words they choose to use that have damaged a community's psyche for generations. It's easy to say "get over it" when you're not part of that community or when you've never experienced the piercing effect of some of those words that you want us to get over! African Americans are not so far removed the past, that they can simply excuse the words that have demoralized their very humanity throughout the history of America. It's not a "chip" that they carry on ther shoulders; they are carrying the burden of the past and the reality of the present that so many in white America don't want to think about or talk about or to be reminded of. But the burden doesn't go away simply because you don't want to see it or because it's not convenient for you or because it creates an awkward conversational situation. So you ask us to get over it to accommodate your comfort level, yet you choose to ignore the very root of the discomfort. It's not always about being "politically correct." Sometimes, it's just a matter of common courtesy.

[TN]

If you live in the past, you stay in the past. I for one will not censure every word I say before I say it because I am free. I have no idea what might offend or not and I'm not going to waste one minute of my time trying to figure out what people like yourself think. Sorry. I will be me and on most days I might offend some people, white people, old people, etc. Why don't you try in the future, when someone says something to you, that hurts you, and you alone, tell them, "hey that kind of hurt" and I'll bet they'll appoligize because they didn't mean to. You can not expect everyone to be sensitive to your insecurities. You have some responsibility to shake it off if someone says something that offends you. Just like we all do. Go Obama!

[tlk221]

He only got as far as "cotton" before he caught himself. So how can anyone possibly know whether he was going to say "pickin'" or "picker"? I don't think anyone uses the term "cotton picker" unless that is a person's type of work. That's what the migrant workers were on my Grandfather's farm and it was in no way derogatory - it was what they did.

[LiarLiarIraqsOnFire]

While I agree that 'Cotton-picking' IS a well-used phrase, it is the use of that particular phrase in regards to Condi, a southern woman of color, that reeks of racism.

[john85msy]

You have to be kidding me! You say " we caucasions really don't care what color you are". You speak as if its true. So you are saying if a black guy was up for a job interview and you had it that same day and come to find out a week later he got the job over you your going to tell me that you would say they liked him better or he was more qualified or would you assume he got the job because of affirmative action? What you are saying is ignorant at best. You ever heard of police profiling (New Jersey Troopers are notorius for it and they have gotten busted for it and it still continues), Katrina, Former U.S. Senator Tim MACCACA from Va., David Duke still alive I don't thinkkk he has changed his views about black people, Sean Hannity's best buddy Hal Thornton and I can name plenty more but thats where we get lost because both sides have it's wrongs. By the way Lou Dobbs is an Asshole.

[TN]

There are jerks every where you go, some are jerks to people because of their race, some because of gender and mostly it's because they are plain old jerks. For the most part, the typical/avg. most white people don't give a ____ about what color your skin is. I attended a 74% black public college. Come time to get a job, my resume was pulled frequently by companies recruiting there. It wasn't untill the public sevices director, a black woman, explained to me why I didn't get a job that I even knew what was going on. She said they were coming to that school to fill black quotas. Was that fair to me, no. Do I harbor resentment for it, no. I shrugged it off as the way it was and moved on. We all have our personal stories where we feel that race, or especially gender, has played a hand. Like I've said, we need to move on. I am more concerned with the 100,000 children who have lost parents, siblings, aunts and uncles in Iraq who will grow up hating all americans. Black, white, asian, hispaninc, you name it. I fear for my children. Will they harbor resentment against my kids and their kids for the next 100 years.

[RobtBrock]

Rice allowed herself to be a cheap toady for the neo-cons. I have absolutely no respect for her. She has made America much less safe.

[RogerHWerner]

What does your comment have to do with Dobbs' comments? So you don't like Rice. Niether do I but you might at least try to keep your comments relevant to the post.

[NoahVail]

What's ironic is that if Lou Dobbs were not a white dude he probably would be back in Yuma, AZ picking subsidized cotton on some guy's cotton farm.

[pollster08]

This man knew exactly what he was saying. Lou Dobbs is an idiot racist. He his married to a Hispanic woman and has Hispanic children. His wife is an idiot as well for marrying such a person. I guess she feels as if 'she is different than all the other Hispanics' in his eyes.....lol This is a warped world!