Obama's 'Sister Souljah Moment'

Harken back to June, 1992. Bill Clinton was having trouble with Reagan democrats. Then Sister Souljah, an outspoken rapper and political activist, made some very incendiary comments in a Washington Post interview regarding the horrific LA riots. "If black people kill black people every day, why not have a week and kill white people?" Clinton used a speech before Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to take on both Souljah and Jackson, who had put her on the program the night before Clinton's address.

Clinton, speaking to a predominately black audience, said, "If you took the words 'white' and 'black' and you reversed them, you might think David Duke was giving that speech." Souljah reacted with great vehemence, saying that Clinton "chose to comment without any investigation whatsoever based on an interview in an ultraconservative newspaper, the Washington Post, which is about as familiar with the experiences of Africans in America, inner city youth, and hip-hop, as Bill Clinton is." Then she engaged in a withering assault on Clinton's candidacy, concluding that "Clinton lacks integrity at painting himself as a staunch patriot, a people's servant, a compassionate liberal, a family man, a pro-woman candidate and a coherent scholar. Sister Souljah was used as a vehicle, like Willie Horton and various other Black victims. A poor excuse for an agenda-less candidate". Rev. Jackson added that Clinton's comments were "designed to set off a dynamic to compete with Dan Quayle on the cultural elite issue and the family value issue." The press had a field day.

Inside the Clinton campaign, there was fear about alienating an important constituency. But certain advisors suggested that it could be a good political move to show toughness against this traditional base. This was clearly an opportunity to gain support from blue collar and suburban white democrats while also appealing to independents and moderate Republicans.

Clinton could legitimately argue, as he did, that his position was not manufactured, but instead, entirely consistent with his campaign message. As he told reporters at the time, he didn't "say anything that I hadn't been saying since I first started running. I called for an end to division, which I've been calling for since I first began this race."

Now fast-forward to the Obama-Wright flap. Obama has made unity and reconciliation a theme of his campaign from its inception. No commentators have expressed any sincere belief that he actually shares the more extreme views of Rev. Wright. They simply call for him to make a clean break from a man more interested in bolstering his own ego and selling an upcoming book than supporting a parishioner and the first black candidate to have a real shot at the presidency of the United States.

Obama made a clear distinction in his speech on race between the views of certain older African-Americans who lived through the Jim Crow and civil rights battles and his generation. While recognizing the shoulders he now stands on, he made it clear he is of the future, not the past. He showed personal integrity by not 'throwing Wright under a bus', but is now a victim of that very maneuver. His bona fides established, he should recognize the opportunity Wright has given him. This is Obama's Sister Souljah moment. He would be foolish not to take it.

Comments

[nellie]

I wish everyone would stop acting as if Obama and Wright are the same person, or some kind of pseudo people. Whether you disagree with his statements or not, what does anyone expect an intelligent and accomplished man like Wright to do when he's attacked from all sides for a sermon? When he's held responsible for endangering a campaign that he certainly feels is important? He's going to stand up for himself. Not bow and scrape, as some people seem to expect.

Same for Obama. He's not Wright, and he can express his own point of view and disagreement without, as has been characterized here and elsewhere, "throwing Wright under the bus."

The double standard is mind boggling. These are two strong minded men with strong egos and strong intellect. They're people, not caricatures. And, personally, I think the more Wright shows himself to be an individual apart from Obama, the better for Obama's campaign.

[WAstateliberal]

But all Black Americans are the same, right? That's what were taught and that's what the media tells us. So it must be true.

Great comment, by the way.

[bluevillage]

The whole discussion since Philadelphia has been about identity politics, beginning with the "white working class voter" business. That one was framed by the Clinton campaign as an argument to superdelegates about Obama's electability. That led to Clyburn's protests. Then Wright inserted himself into the campaign. No one is talking about anything now except IDENTITY POLITICS. Obama must be sick of this focus on "slice and dice" politics. I would think that he could use this as an opportunity to regain control of the message by delivering a speech blowing that nonsense out of the water.

[NightRider]

Since we are on the "Bash Rev Wright Tour", can we talk about a dangerous white man that is patrolling MSNBC and spewing hate. His name is Pat Buchanan along with his toad Joe Scarborough.

Read his words and tell me why the white corporate media is not paying attention here.

http://buchanan.org/blog/?p=969

Rev Wright is 100% correct in everything he has said. Deal with it!

[TootsieII]

NightRider - I just finished reading buchanan's post. I am a 67 year old Black Women and I have never read such a racially negative piece of trash before. I don't belive that the white corporate media can give him a pass for writing such hateful comments. MSNBC should be asking him to explain the meaning of his post. They must be truly afraid of going against Obama. Sounds like we are going back to the RECONSTRUCTION era. Sorry buchanan you can't frighten Black folks today the way they did at that time

[Midnite]

Barack Obama had 20 years to walk away from Rev Wright. To do so now would stink of political opportunism. Obama is supposed to cut him off now because his feelings were hurt? I don't think so! Do liberals have any problem with people who have put their lives on the line to enable people that look like Barack Obama to run for president, being dismissed as "crazy uncles"?

Obama dropped the ball on this a long time ago. Either he supports Wright or he doesn't. He can't have it both ways. In ridiculing Wright as a "crazy uncle", he was kissing up to the segment of the population
that fears a black person that deigns to speak his or her mind. He doesn't have to agree with Wright on everything, but he certainly doesn't have to follow the right wing's narrative. This has always been my problem with liberals. We are so afraid of not being loved by "real" Americans, we waiver, we grovel, and we punk out instead of standing up for ourselves and our beliefs. One of the reasons I am attracted to Obama is that he seemed to not be that way. The Wright "controversy" is making me have my doubts...

[dm92]

crazy uncle was referiing to the complexity of people and relationships. I know that today we shun nuanced views of anything (won't fit into a 30-second sound bite), but the world is in shades of gray - he has already said a number of times that he does not hold those views - we have no reason not to give him the benefit of doubt - he needs us to do that now - our country needs us to do that now - I shiver at the thought of mcsame or clinton in the white house.

[MrsWakely]

Call me crazy, but does it seem to anyone else that this moment was bound to come no matter what? In other words, we're down to the nitty gritty: a black man as president. OOOHHH, says white America, the mainstream media, and, if not THIS, then SOMETHING would have been dug up and picked over to somehow turn Obama into the bogeyman that America needs to get the hell out of the race. The Republicans are ACTIVELY engaged in race baiting, and the Clintons are ever so carefully doing it as well.

[MizLiz]

Right out of Rove's playbook. Behold the new Willie Horton campaign.

[MrsWakely]

My take on Wright is... so what? Does ANYONE think, that in a black church on Sunday, ANY black pastor would spend all his time saying "oh, man, I love America, what a kind and gentle nation towards us black folk." Please. I listened to Wright defend himself on Moyers and I listened to his speeches yesterday - which he was INVITED to make as part of a larger discussion of black theology - and I thought, why is it so threatening that this guy, who has been VILIFIED for months, should decide to speak up for himself and his church and his community? When you LISTEN (I guarantee the vast majority of the Hannitys and the Chris Matthews haven't FULLY listened to ONE of his speeches) to his speech in its full, intended context - that the U.S. has greatness AND it has terrible, terrible sins as well that God does NOT condone -hence God DAMN America - THAT was his point! Why is it so threatening that he might suggest that God would DAMN America for the genocide of the Native Americans, or the institution of slavery, or the internment of the Japanese, or the dropping of two atomic bombs, or the killing of 2 million Vietnamese in THAT fucked up, pointless war, or... the list goes on and on and on.

[Sneakerface]

I agree completely. The problem is, our society has gotten to the point where many people mindlessly say "God Bless America" - whereas Rev. Wright speaks a bit more literally: he actually means what he says. As a pastor, he necessarily examines what it really means for his diety to "bless" - and therefore, he also examines what it really means NOT to bless. If America - or any individual - is worthy of a "blessing" (which to mean is a pretty vague, abstract concept in any case) in some context, then in what context is America (or in the shorthand that Wright and others speak about it, its government's policies) NOT to be blessed, i.e., to be damned. Wright also intellectualizes the concept of "damning," in pointing out the construction of the word basically makes it synonymous with condemning. Thus, without context, the meaning of his statements has evolved from "I passionately disagree with the policies of the government, which has contributed to the opression of its people" to "I hate this country and everything it stands for" (and to some, "I hate white people, because they have been a part of this oppression and have benefitted from it.") THAT is why we need context, not sound bytes.

[ProgressiveBum]

Thank you MrsWakely, you nailed it! The challenge we have is to get enough Americans to understand Rev Wright's statements in its context. Enough Americans who see through the swift-boat ads, which are sure to follow, and put an end to this guilt-by-a­ssociation bs.

[MrsWakely]

Why is it so threatening, when a black person expresses skepticism about, say AIDS, when the U.S. government has been PROVEN to have engaged in medical experiments (The Tuskegee experiments) on black people, that resulted in their deaths? Do I think the U.S. government created the AIDS virus to kill black people? Of course not. But do I UNDERSTAND the inclination of black people to not automatically take the U.S. government at their word, given their track record towards black people, which is shameful? Of course I do.

So, what I am saying is - this moment was coming. White America is scared of the black man. Now America is on the verge of a black man becoming president. If it wasn't Wright, Obama would be trying to overcome something else, helped along by the Republicans and the Clintons, who profess allegiance to the black community, but NOW? Now that Obama is getting in HER way? Well, let's tear him down. Let some black dude become president some other time. Just not NOW.

We have a choice America. We can move forward, into a post-racial society, by electing a super-smart, qualified, passionate, visionary leader, OR we can elect one of two "been around forever, Washington insiders" (one of whom happens to be a woman). Which way are we gonna go?

[aquarius2001]

Mrs. Wakely I've read both of your posts and all I have to say is..."Whoa­h!!" Spot On!!!! Thanks.

[Pammy1151]

You are so right. We all need to stick together and get through this and get this man elected. Our country needs him to help heal. Yes, there are many that won't except him at first and hopefully will come around. With all of the hate I hear on here I am sort of afraid for this man myself.

[Willemaq]

MrsWakely,
I agree however, there is documentation to suggest that the US government, beginning in 1969 may have pursued and eventually succeeded in developing a "biological microorganism" for which 'NO IMMUNITY COULD BE ACQUIRED' (sound familliar?) but don't take my word for it do a little research on the subject, you may be unpleasantly surprised.

Start here:
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/aids.htm

[shag11]

Rep. Clybourne said it best this morning. "I am of the old-guard of the civil rights movement, and some of us have a hard time passing the torch, be it jealousy, or ego." I am black and have problem condemning Wright's sermons, snippets, out of text, or what-the-fuck-ever.
A great amount of progress has been made by my people, and there is still a ways to go. However, the mission is not served well by black segregationist like Wright, Sharpton, Jackson and the like. While there are some valid rights issues, way to many are manufactured, thereby diluting the importance of the legitimate issues.
There are too many issues we face, than to have "leaders" having us angry at the drop of a hat: AIDS amongst black women is happening faster to them than any other group; 50% plus dropout rate; 37 percent prison population; gang murders in innercities nation (Chicago has a serious epidemic now);
crack, alcohol, blood pressure, diabetes, conspicuous consumption, and on and on.
We need to coalesce with others, not seperate ourselves. I've watch as many of my people, and many white liberals have defended this clown, Rev. Wright. Well, after yesterday's outlandish us vs. them performance, to paraphrase Kool Moe Dee: "How ya like him now?"

[anticon]

You have just lived through Katrina.Ha­ve a huge gap between black and white standard of living.Hav­e a 2 tier justice system.And you believe that there is not a us vs them reality to America.
It may not exist in your lala land but it is still as American as apple pie.

[NursePatric]

Obama totally threw Wright under the bus ... then he backed over him a couple of times. Now Wright very aptly explains: "he (Obama) says what a politician says".
You are too old Catherine to be displaying this sophomoric crush on a younger, married man.

[AjicNYC]

Haha

[lotuslike]

What a low and petty comment. Why not speak with facts to back you up instead of goofy little swipes? None of what you just put out there dignifies whatever your beef is.

[dm92]

Actually, Obama was careful NOT to throw Wright under the bus - he was totally kind to him - many people wanted him to be more harsh then.

[Sneakerface]

Wow. You're like the guy who steps outside to check the weather to see if he needs a coat - it's not raining, so you say 'everything is fine' - except that every house in the neighborhood has just had its roof torn off.
The right wing media know that Obama has not thrown Wright "under the bus," because they won't let up until he does.

[dagnew]

I've been defending the Rev Wright since the Billy Moyers interview, but since the last speech in front of the Press Club, I've become very concerned that the Rev Wright has his own aggenda, and doesn't care if he has to throw Barack under the bus to accomplish it. The first indication I had was when Moyers asked RW about Barack's speech on race. RW said Barack said what he had to say as a politician. ???? It was a compelling speech, and that is all he had to say about it? The second indication was when he said this controversy was all about the black church...N­OT! It was created to harm Barack Obama using the Rev Wright to do it PLAIN AND SIMPLE, and for the Rev Wright to say otherwise is just plain wrong and self-serving. He in no way has tried to defend the young man he has mentored for 20 years like Barack defended him in that speech. He has made this controversy all about him. His speeches have been controversial, but good. The man is brilliant, but right now he is lacking in common sense. His huge ego is getting the better of him. I listened to his Audacity of Hope serman, and it 's too bad that Rev Wright has somehow faded.

[AjicNYC]

"like Barack defended him in that speech."

UMMMM how did obama defend him?????? he called him his crazy uncle!!! he donounced his words!!! So thats like me saying I think your a good person except all the things you have posted here on HuffPo. Whats the point in saying that you like the guy but not what he says??????? What else is there his looks?????

[Peteyman]

You miss the point of his post. Barack defended Reverend Wright in his March speech by saying that he couldn't denounce him without denouncing his grandmother.

[mamoyo]

I actually listened to Rev Wright's speech and Q&A at the National Press Club yesterday. He did talk about truth and reconciliation. I ind it funny that people are commenting on Rev Wright's media tour without commenting on what Rev Wright said in that media tour. I think people don't genuinely what to know the truth.

I liked this phrase: "different does not mean deficient". Rev Wright sure is different. He can be combative which can be abrasive to some folks. That's just his personality; possibly an amalgam of his innate temperament, military background, growing up during segregation and most importantly the recent relentless attacks on him. I would be hopping mad as well. I may not share his personal style but I appreciate what he said.

[AjicNYC]

really see i like the part where he mocked JFK and when he explained to us how BLACK PEOPLE (however tat is defined) Think like differently , they use the right side of their brain you knw like artist and creative people do, who knew thats Wright.

[newslamp]

Barack didn't throw the Ranting Rev under the bus? Then why does Wright feel the need to defend himself in this way? Just as he did with Wright, Obama threw his own grandmother and others he has called his friends under the bus. The man's an ambitious politician, nothing more. I'm enjoying the hell out of watching Wright expose Candidate Obama's hypocrisy.

[Sneakerface]

Doesn't ANYONE have another way of saying 'criiticize someone who was close to them' than "throw them under the bus ?" I'm not offended by it, but it is becoming ridiculously redundant. The other problem with this metaphor is that it distances people from the realities of what the criticism actually was, and to what extent Obama is distancing himself. So, let's revisit (and not revise) what happened: Obama disavowed and disagreed with Wright's remarks, and noted he is "no longer my pastor." He also said that he didn't "disown" him or repudiate him as a person. In terms of his grandmother, Obama used her as an example of someone who is close to him that he loves and cares about, who showed the human weakness of stereotyping. He wasn't trying to humiliate her, but to empathize with most Americans in that most of us probably know or are close to someone who has made stereotypes or unfair generalizations. If you think about it, it took some moral and intellectual honesty to do this. It was a way of saying that people who are a part of HIS life make mistakes and are imperfect, just like probably most anyone else. It was more of a self- deprecating, humble thing than insulting grandma.

[newslamp]

I agree about "thrown under the bus" being a cliche, but is it necessary for one, when being "self-deprecating" and "humble," to call grandma a racist? It may have taken "moral and intellectual honesty" to humiliate grandma, but it sure didn't take courage--nor consideration for her feelings and reputation. Maybe Candidate Obama will make a good president, but he appears to be a rotten grandson.

[urfree2speak]

I am in a very nice comfort zone right now about the Clintons, I am a Obama supporter, it is CLEAR that there is a SERIOUS RACE problem in this country. As a African American and a voter, I take comfort in now knowing who the REAL RACEBAITERS ARE..not just some conservative politicians . But also DEMOCRACTS, this whole thing has been a disaster, African Americans now know that every candidate white or black they support is taken for granted. So having said that I personally look to the day when we have a independent political party to support. As for Clinton..w­ell Obama needs this , but she piled on...I know it will not be hard for 8% of African American to stay home in Nov. Hillary and Bill will never get my vote...NEV­ER.

[wwsword]

So Sister Souljah was Bill Clinton's pastor for 20 years? Sister Souljah prayed with Bill Clinton's family moments before he announced his run for the presidency?

This article is absurd. There is no real parallel here. Stop rationalizing and realize this: Obama betrayed his pastor, his church, and millions of black Americans who worship in the tradition of black liberation theology.

[MandyW]

This seems like excellent advice. After seeing Wright's "Dr Jekyll" personality (in the thoughtful interview with Bill Moyers), I could understand why Obama has cut him a lot of slack. But after seeing Wright's "Mr. Hyde" personality (at the National Press Club), I'm dumbfounded that Obama isn't totally and publicly furious.

Wright seems to be determined to hijack the spolight from the Presidential campaign for his own private agenda. It doesn't really matter whether Wright is doing for his own selfish reasons (perhaps to sell more copies of his upcoming book) or whether he actually really believes some of the nonsense he is spouting.

In either case, Wright's association with Obama's Presidential campaign is pure poison. If Obama can't find the antidote to that poison, I seriously wonder whether he can win the nomination and/or the election. And that would be a bloody shame, because imho he promises to be a better President than either Clinton or McCain. But his ability to govern is irrelevant if he doesn't get elected.