Howard Schultz, the billionaire ex-Starbucks chief executive considering an independent presidential campaign, went viral on Twitter on Tuesday night after a CNN town hall.
But it wasn’t exactly good news for his potential candidacy .
Schultz was asked a question about racial profiling in light of a highly publicized incident in which two black men were arrested after attempting to use the restroom at a Starbucks without making a purchase.
He recapped the incident, spoke about the company’s bias training program initiated afterward, and then unleashed a cliche:
“As somebody who grew up in a very diverse background as a young boy in the projects, I didn’t see color as a young boy and I honestly don’t see color now.”
The comments on not seeing color left Schultz’s Twitter critics seeing red, with many comparing him to Michael Scott, the clueless boss in “The Office,” and Stephen Colbert’s “Colbert Report” parody of a right-wing broadcaster:
Howard Schultz just gave the worst answer on racism. Doesn’t he realize that "I don't see color" was a Stephen Colbert running gag? Check out the comments below .. and #BoycottStarbucks #SchultzTownHall https://t.co/OW8TqT6mdD
— anache (@anachech) February 13, 2019
— Kathleen Heuer (@KathleenHeuer) February 13, 2019
That is the worst answer to any race question. What he is essentially saying is that black people are invisible to him and he dismisses all the concerns, experiences, and real-world issues of racism that plagues us. And that is the problem
— dukesman (@dukesman2000) February 13, 2019
— Sam (@Phichigan) February 13, 2019
Ironic that someone who consumes that much caffeine is so unwoke.
— Jeremy Dietz 🦉 (@ratingsjedi) February 13, 2019
— Knape Hall (@KnapeHall) February 13, 2019
Wait, isn't this a word for word Michael Scott line?
— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) February 13, 2019
— Hamza Shaban (@hshaban) February 13, 2019
Michael Scott: “Now you may look around and see two groups here: white-collar and blue-collar. But I don't see it that way, and you know why not? Because I am collar blind.”
— Dan Merica (@merica) February 13, 2019
— Pama Mapa (@PamaMapa423) February 13, 2019
every time he considers answering a question, he should pause and then say the exact opposite of what's in his head.
— Amir Talai (@AmirTalai) February 13, 2019
Howard Schultz needs to get himself a better health plan. One that can correct his inability to “see color.”
— Alinkam (@Alinkam12) February 13, 2019
Listen, you over-glorified coffee jockey. You can SEE black people. You can SEE that they’re black. It’s the TREATMENT after seeing black skin that matters. #YouDumb
#SchultzTownHall I don’t see color” is quite possibly the worst answer that ANYONE can give on race. #DelusionalHowardSchultz If you don’t see color, that explains why you don’t see discrimination against African Americans at #BoycottStarbucks #BoycottSchultz
— Lillie Harris (@LillieH14376286) February 13, 2019
“I don’t see color” is quite possibly the worst answer that ANYONE can give on race. #SchultzTownHall
— Matthew Mollinedo (@matt_mollinedo) February 13, 2019
Yikes. This stage is way too big for him if he thinks that's a thoughtful or appropriate answer.
— Patrick Thornton (@pwthornton) February 13, 2019
— Arlen Parsa (@arlenparsa) February 13, 2019
❌❌❌ wrong answer ! We all see color
— Vince B. Aries (@Vince_Aries) February 13, 2019
“I don’t see color” is quite possibly the worst answer that ANYONE can give on race. #SchultzTownHall
— Matthew Mollinedo (@matt_mollinedo) February 13, 2019
See Schultz’s full comments on race here:
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