Spike Lee: Hillary And "Massuh" Clinton Would "Lie On A Stack Of Bibles"

Director Spike Lee was asked about his political leanings this season. He had kind words for Sen. Obama, even taking credit for his marriage to Michelle:

I'm riding my man Obama. I think he's a visionary. Actually, Barack told me the first date he took Michelle to was Do the Right Thing. I said, "Thank God I made it. Otherwise you would have taken her to Soul Man. Michelle would have been like, 'What's wrong with this brother?' "

However, Lee attacked the Clintons, calling them liars who drag along black politicians as subservients:

The Clintons, man, they would lie on a stack of Bibles. Snipers? That's not misspeaking; that's some pure bullshit. I voted for Clinton twice, but that's over with. These old black politicians say, "Ooh, Massuh Clinton was good to us, massuh hired a lot of us, massuh was good!" Hoo! Charlie Rangel, David Dinkins--they have to understand this is a new day. People ain't feelin' that stuff. It's like a tide, and the people who get in the way are just gonna get swept out into the ocean.

Read the whole interview here.

Comments

[LoloZ]

Hi point is correct, the Clintons pander for the black vote.

[ElkoJohn]

`
you go guy !!
.

[goo]

HuffPost's Pick

to deny that racism exists is to deny that you are American. Racism is alive and well. If people would stop saying "stop talking about it" and actually talk about it, deal with it and get over it....things might improve.

Race is the construct created to treat the unknown as "other" and now the "other" might be elected. "Does that mean he'll seek revenge?" Is that it?

I'm really trying to understand. As well I'm trying to understand how someone who has never been the object of racial discrimination can honestly suggest that we stop talking about it, to people who have and full recognize it, in all its subtleties?

Shall we stop the discussion because it makes people uncomfortable?

[Shantee]

You go Spike....I believe Obama is a 'visionary' as well.....only most American's are so f****** stupid , they have no idea what that means. But I'm in the arts, and we see things differently, but more importantly, its the Clintons and their supporters who are the cynics here. They want to do the same thing over and over again, expecting different results, which is the definition of insanity.

I'm a white woman, over 40, an artist and a feminine feminist. And by the way, the only true feminist in this race is Barack Obama.

[maggieb]

Yep, he sure is a feminine feminist...I've seen him bowl a 37.

[halyscomet]

Very good point, Goo!

Comet

[rojo7449]

Oh, I think we've evolved into so many protected classes, that racism is fighting to stay in the forefront.

Ever heard a person say, "they told me I couldn't do it, and that caused me to prove I could." Some white people stereotype all blacks, and somehow that translates to this being a racist country and the only two classes involved are white and black. Doesn't make any sense to me.

Spike Lee's choice of words to make his point said more about Spike Lee.

[veracal]

You are either willfully ignorant or in denial. Either way your claim that racism - some white people stereotyping black people is just plain stupid.

[Julia1023]

Oh please. Obama hasn't been the victim of racism. He's a bi-racial guy who grew up in a place with light skin and soft hair where diversity in appearance is part of the scene. No dark skinned Black father to "embarass" him or scare his poor White grandmother to the other side of the street. Let's talk to those African Americans like me who are just Black. Both BLACK parents. I;m over 40 and grew up in the south and REMEMBER the day Dr. King died. Yes, I'm old enough. And I REMEMBER hearing my Black gradnfatehr being called boy in the local mercantile in east Texas, and my Black father being called boy or by his first name by White men who were old enough to be his sons. My grandmother and great aunts worked in White homes cleaning and tending children. My dark skinned Black brothers have been stopped by police just to "check." And they're ALL professional, educated Black men who have always been law abiding tax paying citizens. But they have dark skin and kinky hair and we had two poor, proud strong Black parents. And we're supporting Senator Clinton. Spike Lee can say what he wants because he has his own motives and they probably haven't changed from the moment he made his first film. We are voiting for Senator Clinton, not her skin.

[adl]

What you recount about the history of blacks in this country is very true. However, to say that Obama hasn't been a victim of racism without being inside Obama's head is just conjecture. Black people of every hue and hair texture have been victims of racism in this country. Just because light-skinned blacks had it "easier" because they were house slaves doesn't mean they didn't suffer from slavery and later racism. You see....that's exactly what the slave master wanted to do. By giving the lighter-skinned blacks a few more perks they figured out that it would drive a wedge between light-skinned and dark-skinned blacks. I cringe when I hear black people say someone has "good-hair" or refer to someone as more attractive because they are light-skinned. We fell for it hook, line and sinker. Unfortunately, your post shows how well it worked.

[NDUBB]

Julia1023,
light skinned/dark skinned. Did you see school daze???
As Lawrence Fishburne said at the end of the movie, please wake up!
If your vote is for HRC that's fine. Black folk are not a monolith & we all don’t vote the same.
I’m pretty sure if the kkk saw Obama in the street, they wouldn’t give him a pass or beat ½ of him.
And if you don’t think bi-racial people don’t experience racism, ask tiger woods.(fuzzy zoeller)
It may not be at the extent your folks experienced or as violent but it’s still there. And I think we all appreciate the sacrifices that your parents and others have made for our generation. (at least I do).

[brooklyncitizen]

Well cry me a river.

THis post betrays the lie that there is a Black America. Blacks have been fighting each other since slavery; from the house "n's" vs. field "n's". What you can't see in your bitterness is how you are contributing to the problem and the hatred. You want understanding but refuse to give any.You can't see past your own resentment.

Since you shared personally I'll say this that no matter how "light" one is all white people just see is that you are NOT white.

I thought the brown bag test was a thing of the past...seems like you have internalized it.

[Raiderfan0524]

Julia,
Huh?
I'm a 43-year-old black woman and as I read your post I'm thinking three things:
1-If you were born in this country, you're automatically biracial at least. A little thing called slavery kicked all of the purity stuff to the curb.
2-My dad was in the Army before it was desegregated, so he experienced racism. I lived in Pennsylvania's Klan Country for two years so I've experienced racism. If you don't think that Sen. Obama experienced racism as a phenotypically black man going to Harvard Law School or even living in Hawaii, your missing the obvious.
3-I've gotta go with Spike on this one. I had already written Hillary off because of her support for the Patriot Act. But I thought that I'd be able to vote for her in the general until she and Bill decided that they were going to borrow a page or three from Geraldine Ferraro's 1984 Jesse Jackson playbook. I no longer can.
and...
4-I'm tired of being pandered to. I worked on the Clinton/Gore campaign in 1996 and saw up close how these people pandered to us. They then hit us in the stomach with the Welfare Reform act and don't even get me started on the devastation that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 wreaked on black journalists, a tribe to which I belong. As far as I'm concerned the Clintons have got some 'splaining to do.

[matthewhusseinsmith]

Spike, please keep race out of this race. There are 2 candidates in the dem primary. One happens to be a woman, the other is a man, period.

Let's evaluate them on their merits and platforms.

[brooklyncitizen]

HuffPost's Pick

Yes you can continue to live in your white bubble.

Whites can afford to ignore race ....minorities cannot regardlesss of economics. Even on days you are not remembering your place in America you are reminded by some trifling incident.

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to meet one of the most important living sculptors in America who happens to be African American. Martin Puryear,who just had a huge retrospective of his work at MOMA ( he is as siignficant as Serra) .

Anyhoo I heard him speak at the Studio Museum in Harlem where he was exhibiting drawings he candidly said that as a black man in America there is not ONE DAY that goes by that he doesn't think about race. I was stunned. Today's black icons in America are athletes, entertainers or rappers....and here was Mr. Puryear an icon in the modern Art world nationally and globally certainly not a household name but had broken through the white art establishment still grappling with race.

His work is abstract, non-referential but the titles can be political but his art is amazing.

http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/exhibitions.php?id=3961

[batgirlevi]

Very nice. Thanks for the link!

[Julia1023]

What's your point? Our thinking about our race everyday is part of who we are -- and they didn't become issues just because Barak Obama, who hasn't really had much to do within our culture aside from aligning himself with a church and Oprah Winfrey. As usual, Obama is a few centuries behind. He's not schooling anyone, nor is his message important. When America chooses a Black candidate with Black parents who has lived and experienced and risen above the day to day subtle reminders we get from the way we're spoken to to the way we're looked at then I'll be impressed. Obama's attending Harvard is wonderful to many. A BLACK guy GRADUATING from HARVARD. He's impressed many with what is important and impressive among you, when many thinking Black Americans know that the young Black men and women who's parents can afford for them to go to state universities wouldn't be given a second look. This is orchestrated partronizing of a man who doesn't know or understand what is happening because he's a win at any cost person, and the backing of many African Americans because many of us think it's "about time." I'll back a candidate who will get into office and unravel the mess Bush has caused and get us together as a country, and stop us from constantly trying to figure out if we're Black enough or if Whites are liberal enough to support this candidate.

[2008andbeyond]

recently, those trifling incidents happen on this and other message boards. Whether it be coded language or direct bigotry, you are quite correct.

It creates thicker skin and a very real and full picture of the body politic.

[livesimply]

Are you sure you should mention that one is a woman? How about there are two candidates, both homo sapians ;)

[Julia1023]

Exactly, Matt. Once again, Obama manages to allow his supporters to draw the blood he wants and make this race ABOUT race, when it's not. And that let's you know how skewed and immature Obama's experience is about what it is to be Black.

[adl]

Un-be-f*ckin'-lievable! You people that criticize Obama must really be the ones who think he's some kind of God because you think that he can somehow control what comes out of the mouths of every one of his millions of supporters. How the hell is what Spike Lee says Obama's fault? The only way it can be is in the mind of someone who can't see these two men as separate individuals but rather as one big amalgamated mass called "Black man".

[2008andbeyond]

Then lets ignore that one is man and one is woman. Why make it about gender?

And how is it Barack's fault what Spike says in an interview? Do you think Barack is responsible for everything a black person says? Wow, you are primitive.

[PhDiva]

1. First of all, this was hilarious.
2. Secondly, love it or hate it, this is how a lot of Black people feel about the Clintons. They do think of themselves as "owning" the loyalty of people of color, which is why they were so hostile to Bill Richardson. Had he been white, they would not have been as angry. Black people feel betrayed and exploited by the Clintons and we're not happy about it. They have a lot of explaining to do to Black people regardless of Hillary's position on the ticket.
3. Calling attention to problematic racial dynamics is not racist or race-baiting. It's legitimate political critique, and I appreciate it

[Titonwan]

The Clinton's would have you believe their trip, but they treat all minorities like hired help. And they are as long as they believe their BS :| :o

[Julia1023]

As a Black woman, I had no problem with Bill Richard's endorsement. This is politics. He's backing HIS choice of candidate, and despite Bill Clinton' s reaction -- which we all have to appreciate-- after all, he helped the guy a lot and he was a part of the man's life for many years -- that's like having one of your co-workers you feel pretty good about jump ship and support someone who talks sh*t about you. I got it, but I probably wouldn't have said anything because it's politics. The Clintons don't own Black people. They rest o nthe fact that they have always been very comfortable and have done a lot of work for people of color and want our support. They have the support of my whole family -- and not because we're Black.

[rzan]

I saw When The Levees Broke about a year ago and realized how ignorant I had been about events before during and after Hurricane Katrina. It is a brilliant work. Spike Lee can do no wrong in my book.

[oafishcad]

Spike Lee's movie about Katrina had me yelling at the TV, just as I had when the mess happened.

[PKSSK]

Spike Lee has always been a man of wisdom who truly get's it!!! He can see through the BS and tells it like he sees it.

OBAMA '08

[Politiking]

Why do these idiots always have to attach Sen. Clinton if they support Obama? He admittedly voted for the Clintons twice. Now that there is a brother running he would diss the white folks. No one ever said that all whites treated blacks like subservients. If for anything, the Clintons work and serve with many African American people and leaders beginning in Arkansas. They helped elevate the political reputations of many a black leaders. Spike Lee is an idiot. In addition, his movies are dumb, low class depicting the black community in an unfavorable light. At least Tyler Perry makes movies that celebrate the positive lifestyles of the many black people.

Spike is a dumb loser. I don't know why people both black and white still watch his stupid movies.

[IRIE]

What EXACTLY have the Clintons done for black people?

He visited black Churches durning his impeachment to pander to black voters.
It was black people who saved Bill Clinton's presidency during impeachment. The Clintons owe the African American community, not the reverse. He and suggested that perhaps to return the favour, the Clintons should support Obama

Yet, during his eight-year presidency, more African-Americans were incarcerated than any other period in history. Due to the mandatory-minimums policy he spearheaded and his war on drugs, the rates of Blacks behind bars tripled. His permanent interests, cracking down on drugs in the U.S., directly conflicted with his permanent friends, Blacks who were disproportionately affected by extended prison terms. And again, permanent interests won the battle.

[ChrisS13]

So people did crimes and they went to jail? ANd you want to blame this on the Clintons? Criminals in jail is a bad thing to you?

[NDUBB]

Politiking,
I agree that Bill Clinton has given AA and other minority group’s opportunities and avenues for advancement and for that, AAs have shown support by voting & campaigning for him. If some AA leaders feel compelled or obligated to support Hilary, they have that right, and if they don’t they shouldn’t be slammed for it and called Judas.
I’m not sure why you think spikes pictures are dumb and put the black community in a bad light. He was a pioneer for AA film makers & open up doors for other black film makers. I’m sure anyone on this blog would NOT think Malcolm X puts AA in a bad light, and I’m sure actors such as the late Ossie Davis or Rubi Dee , people who were involved in the civil rights movement would be in his films if they portrayed African Americans in a bad light.

BET on the otherhand, has a number of programs which puts the black community in a bad light, but I digress.

[westbrooks01]

Your comment gets five out of five Hillary-cackles! Nothing like good ole second-grade ad hominem attacks.

[IRIE]

You do not understand Spike Lee movies. I know you like your blacks to make you laugh and entertain you but they have choices now.

[GoreyFantod]

Tyler Perry? Are you serious? That's like comparing George Clooney to Rob Schneider or Martin Scorsese to Mel Brooks. There's nothing wrong with content-free comedy sometimes, but some of us enjoy films with substance & social commentary.

P.S. It was African-American spiritual, political & community leaders who elevated Clinton's reputation post-Lewinsky, not the other way around. Or, have you forgotten that Jesse Jackson was Bill's "spiritual advisor" in the wake of the impeachment nonsense? Why do you think he posed with the widely-respected theologian, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, for that photo-op? Maybe you haven't seen all the photos of Bill with African-American Ministers & Imams in a prayer meeting after he admitted that he lied on national television.

[sly1171]

I agree with you on just about everything you said, but Tyler Perry's work, while funny, is anything *but* "content free" comedy. It's not controversial and challenging as much as spikes is, but there is lots about his work that leaves you thinking about your spiritual and moral place in your community.

[WillieLynch]

Can someone please explain to me how Spike Lee is playing the race card?

[signifyingnothing]

Spike Lee is the epitome of the worst kind of identity politics. It would be great if he just left Obama alone...

[PhDiva]

Oh yeah, it's much worse to critique racism than it is to actually say overtly racist things!!!

[signifyingnothing]

Usually, "identity politics" refers to members of minority groups. That's how I'm using the term. I call racists "racists."

[PennP]

Barack and Michelle: A Spike Lee Joint.

The guy's entitled to his say, and then some.

[swanky]

More latte liberal b.s. "Spike" is a rich kid from Park Slope. Don't be fooled. He's about as rooted in the movement as Chuck D.

[WillieLynch]

How would you know if Chuck D. is rooted? I am certain that you are not demographic that either of them are speaking to.

[PennP]

From what I've read, Spike Lee grew up in Fort Greene, not the Slope.

[flyguy14222]

Way to play the race card Spike!

[syrupcore]

Bringing race up isn't always "playing the race card". I think people like you just wish we'd not ever bring it up 'because it doesn't matter anymore'.

Race and the politics that surround it matter. It's a part of our lives. Deal with it and let's stop with accusing people of something absurd like "playing a card" anytime it's brought up. Same could be said of calling some one "a racist" just because they bring up questions that aren't PC. It's infantile and disrespectful of that fact that race matters, is worth talking about and we all need to air it out.

[ceesaw]

I'M not sure why people think they owe political favors. The only reason would be if you weren't qualified to begin with. FOLKS do not owe a Damm political favor.That type of mentality is insane.you were chosen based on your qualifications.You in turn served your country well.That is the PAYBACK.So what is this business of supporting someone regardless of their ideaology,lack of scruples,judgement etc: RICHARDSON stands for something that is why he is not falling for everything.

[SEQUOIABISON]

Spike you're a great film maker and I respect your opinions, especially since I agree with your analysis of the Clinton's.

[RadioResearch]

Go get em Spike.

It is nice to see you talking about the Clintons. By the way, if she is such a feminist and so many feminists support her than why does she go by the Clinton name rather than Rodham. I would have a great deal more respect for her if I thought she was not trying to ride into office as Clinton II rather than her own person - Hillary Rodham. Feminist hypocricy is no different than repub hypocrazy.

[GoreyFantod]

That's a problem I've had with Senator Clinton since Bill first ran for President. For me, it illustrated the flexible nature of her principles. She was Hillary Rodham Clinton as a full-time attorney and First Lady of Arkansas, but as soon as the Limbaugh-led GOP started throwing around the old "Women's Libber" canard & calling her a Feminazi, she dropped her maiden name & pretended that she loved to bake cookies.

Why didn't she defend herself, and feminism, against those attacks, rather than giving in to them? She was an accomplished working mother who had every right to choose the name she used & in so doing, signal her opposition to outmoded, patriarchal conventions like giving up your own name. There are millions of feminists who would have had her back - we agreed with her when she made the cookie-baking & Tammy Wynette comments. Instead, she disavowed them (and us), at the first sign of disagreement. So much for "the personal is political" - one of feminism's core principles.

[ObamaEdwards]

RadioResearch, I have read quite a lot about Hillary Clinton. She goes by the name Clinton because when she went by Rodham in Arkansas after her marriage she got a lot of criticism from hick locals. So she changed it. That's what she does when she sees that what she is doing isn't popular or likely to keep her career and Bill's career going: She lets opinionated people who couldn't care less about anything other than having an influence determine what her "new" convictions will be. She is not cut out to be a leader.

[signifyingnothing]

Though there's a logic to what you say, it's an unfair kind of logic. Why should a woman allow her career to suffer, in a sexist society, in order to prove to you and others that she has integrity?Maybe she preferred being a success to becoming martyr for the feminist cause. In other words, maybe she knew how to choose her battles. Perhaps I'm giving her too much credit: I'm definitely not a huge Hillary Clinton fan at the moment. On the other hand, right is right. The problem is not that Hillary changed her name, but rather that those hicks who judged her for not doing so held so much power over her decisions in the first place.