Why Gov. Paterson is Right: Race Will Cost Him His Job

As I watched the film Mississippi Burning the other night on television, I couldn't help being struck by how much has changed -- not just since the dark days of segregation in which the film is set, but since I first saw the film as a child. Watching some of its more disturbing scenes of gross brutality and endless racial epithets, I found some solace and amusement in trying to imagine the reaction of those same Klansmen in today's America. An America in which Blacks not only have the right to vote but in which one is the most powerful man in the nation. But I was also struck by how much the definition of "racism" appears to have changed. Unbeknownst to me, it has apparently evolved from lynching and denial of the right to vote, to simply being incapable of convincing people to vote for you, at least according to New York's current Governor David Paterson.

Paterson sparked a fury when during an appearance on my buddy Errol Louis's radio program he inferred that his plunging support for re-election was due in part to his race. In his not entirely coherent remarks -- which are better heard than read -- he notes that fellow African-American Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts is also facing harsh criticism and daunting re-election prospects -- something Paterson sees as more than mere coincidence but proof that "We're not in the post-racial period." While I would agree with the Governor that talk of "post-racialism" is hooey, that is about the only thing in his statement that I can agree with. It pains me to write this post, in part because I do consider the Governor to be a smart, funny man who, on a personal note, has shown kindness to the friends I have who have worked for him (some of whom I presume may remove me from their Christmas card lists after reading this). But what pains me even more is seeing minorities who undermine the struggles of those who are facing real discrimination each and every day, by falsely claiming discrimination to save their own skin when it suits them.

It seemed impossible that any New York politician could move the popularity bar any lower than Eliot Spitzer (who thanks to Hooker-gate will be a lifetime punchline), but barely a year into the job voters had spoken, with a majority saying they would take Spitzer, socks in bed and all, over Paterson.

Paterson began writing his political obituary with his bungling of the appointment process to replace former Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. The ensuing circus gave the Governor what he appeared to be seeking, a national platform, but he learned the hard way that the adage "all press is good press," is not always true. If the end result left Caroline Kennedy's image bruised it left the Governor's battered -- to a pulp. The fallout left him looking indecisive, bordering on incompetent, two characteristics voters do not want in a leader particularly during uncertain economic times. But it left the Governor with something more problematic than falling poll numbers: new-found political enemies.

The perception that he stood by helplessly and haplessly as New York's state legislature descended into chaos only bolstered voters' negative view of him and his poll numbers reached George W. Bush (final months in office) depths. But somehow -- in Paterson's view -- unlike the former President, his poll numbers were not well deserved but somehow the fault of a biased media. He warned in his recent remarks that "the next victim on the list -- and you can see it coming -- is President Barack Obama," in part because of the increasingly heated health care debate. But I have a newsflash for the Governor. The president and some other Black elected officials have already been targets of real racism in recent weeks, including Congressman David Scott who was greeted with a swastika spray-painted outside of his office and hate mail calling him the "n-word."

Then, of course, there are the incidents at various town hall meetings that at this point are too numerous to count. There was the meeting in Missouri where a Black woman holding a sign featuring civil rights icon Rosa Parks had it torn from her hands and ripped up, as members of the crowd applauded. And one of the most troubling incidents of all, a man holding a sign reading "Death to Michelle and her Two Stupid Kids."

If anything, President Obama's unwillingness to blame race whenever the going gets tough (and it's been pretty tough lately) has probably been one of the single most important factors in his political rise, and ultimately will be in his survival. (According to reports, the White House has expressed displeasure with Paterson's remarks which the Governor has since sought to "clarify"--albeit not very convincingly.)

What Governor Paterson is experiencing is not racism but the reality check of a poor job performance review. The Governor is right about one thing though. Ultimately race may prove to be the final nail in the coffin of his career, but not because New Yorkers or the media have a problem with having a Black Governor. What New Yorkers and Americans of all races do have a problem with is someone using racism as a shield for their own shortcomings. Every time a minority -- any minority, Black, Hispanic, gay, female or anyone else -- cries wolf, it makes it that much tougher for the next one who actually does get bitten.

And committing such a travesty is just as reprehensible as committing an act of bigotry itself.

www.keligoff.com

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Comments

[carolrhill814]

This is what I hate using the color of their skin almost like a weapon against everything and somehow they win and that is discusting.

The same thing that happened with that Professor he used the color of skin against the cop and guess what the cop won because he didn't say he was sorry because he was trying to do his job. If he had to say he was sorry all police around the United States would have to say they were sorry as well and that would mean they couldn't do their jobs as they were supposed to.

But he did do a bad job trying to put that Kennedy in an office she knew nothing about it put egg all over his face.

New York should have a right to kick him out ot of his office if he is not doing a good job without being called a racist if they can use that as weapon then we have just give up the right to vote for the person we want in any office if they are White we can't vote for them if there is Black person going for the same office and that we can't even tolerate in anyway shape or form.

[johned]

Right on, Right on ,Right on, and from this point on all it can be is bigotry. So happy to see that we in America are getting it right. Simple, poor job performance there's is the door. You have to ask yourself what has he done creative? Nothing he was given the job by the whore pimp before him. Don't care for Arnold's handling of Ca, but at least he is having a statewide E-bay sale.

[Fractal122635]

I could not agree more. Paterson is personally a wonderful man, and his story of overcoming his handicap is inspirational.

However, it is also true that he has, essentially flopped in every decision he has made of import. The latest setback of the Lieutenant Governor with the courts rebuffing him is but the most recent in a long and sorry list. The state is clearly the worst for it.

How he failed to use the bully pulpit of the governors mansion to get the legislature in line when they went on strike is beyond me, almost as bad as allowing the School bill to go unpassed causing the embarrassment of a new school board being appointed only to declare in it's first meeting that it should meet it's own demise!!

What he has shown is that being a diligent public servant does not a good chief executive make.

[Schoolboardguy]

What a great post! This Huffpo NY section is getting better and smarter everyday.

I concur that Governor Paterson is a smart, intelligent, thoughtful public servant. I've posted elsewhere that he's suffering from a "sticky pan" syndrome (vs teflon). In part this is his doing and his fault -- in part -- it's not his doing. But no positive attributes of his gubernatorial stint thus far are sticking (such as his brilliant appoint of Richard Ravitch as Lt. Govor his efforts to impart some fiscal discipline on NYS government). And any and all negative perceptions are sticking like superglue.

And now -- whining about his plight -- could be the nail in his political coffin -- more so now that Giuliani is considering making a run for Gov. If that transpires -- for better or for worse, David Paterson will have to step aside for Andrew Cuomo (and I'm so not sold on AC -- but far, far better than Governor Rudy).

[martinfrosa]

Paterson is using race to shield the fact that he is incompetent - shame on him!

[98rsd]

He should announce he's not going to run for election--he's never been at all effective, anyway, so he doesn't have to worry about losing clout.

Giuliani--horrible thought--would slaughter him in a general election.

[Joeinloth]

Gov. Paterson's race should not be a detriment. Neither should it blind us to the fact that he's done very little right since assuming office.

I think Gov. Patrick's problem is that he's a governor. Right now, with the economy dragging down tax receipts, the only tougher job in America may be big-city mayor. That said, Gov. Patrick's done a FAR better job than Gov. Paterson!

[Darthwave]

Paterson has done a horrible job but let’s keep it real Black politicians elected to state office are watched and criticized way more. Governor Terminator has basically run the state into the ground but has managed to even still get elected. Gov. Paterson please do yourself a favor and turn this wreckage of a state over to Giuliani or the Attorney General.

[S1m0n]

The public didn't elect him governor in the first place, and he's not doing a great job now that he has fluked into the position. If I was him, I'd work on becoming a good candidate before complaining about race.

[wonketteRAWKS]

2nd paragraph, last line.

I have been saying this for a year and a half. It is truly disheartening and outrageous that this has become a fall back when there are some serious problems out there that warrant the term. To use it when it does not apply takes away from the seriousness of when it does.

Great article! We need to stop and think!

[kingcityguru]

You do realize that he is incompetent, don't you?

[nyc-girl]

Governor Patterson was never ELECTED!! He became a Governor by default. If all things were equal and David Patterson ran for Governor of NY in 2006 he would not win - he wouldn’t have made it to the Primary. Spitzer’s scandal was his golden opportunity and he made his errors. Why should NYers not have the opportunity to CHOOSE who they want as their Governor and have to accept the B-Team. We CHOSE Spitzer; not Patterson.

BTW, I remember vividly being in a cab when I STUNNED about Spitzer’s downfall and the week or so later also being in a cab listening to the radio hearing about our new Governor - legally blind, cocaine, drugs, he & his wife’s VERY wild “open (non-traditional) marriage” - I thought that it was almost surreal. For a moment I couldn’t tell which was worse!! And he was still sworn in as Governor and there was no complaint about race issue at that time.

Now that we’ve seen him in action and we don’t want to keep him, now he tries to play the “race card!” It’s not going to work!!

BTW, I’m African-American!! There are so MANY legitimate race issues in American that I despise when someone plays it just to bully others to get their own way - or to wallow and have a pity party.

[MacManLB]

"There are so MANY legitimate race issues in American that I despise when someone plays it just to bully others to get their own way"

Study your history they don't need no goddamned defenders nor sympathy.

[MacQ]

Well said nyc girl. The race-card throwdown undermines and trivializes legitimate issues.

[AleshiaMassey]

A wise man told me once, as a black person you have to twice as good as the white person doing the same job

[mysaaed]

I believe when someone says Black President, I believe that person is racist because who care what his color is, he is the President. If someone bring Rosa's pecture or a scane head's picture in a rally, they are racist. Americans are not racist anymore, they are rich-ist.( they run after money and don't care about the race.)

[09Bruinlover]

No, people are still racists. It is no longer traditionally version of racism that America is experience. According the UCLA Political Science Department, this new version of racism is Symbolic racism. is coherent set of beliefs that Blacks and other minorities no longer faced discrimination or racism and that failure of Blacks and other minorities to progress is their own fault. Advocates of Symbolic racism refuse to acknowledge the role of white privilege still plays in American society. These people who push the idea that America has achieved post-racial reality. Stanford University Political Science Department denies the existence of symbolic racism, and refers aforementioned definition a principled conservatism.

I honestly do not believe America will ever achieve a post-racial reality until We as a nation detail-review of our history, without euphemism, myths, and justifications. You cannot move forward if you do not acknowledge your past and release it.
This is article on symbolic racism
http://www.issr.ucla.edu/sears/pubs/A165.pdf

[nopilikia]

And maybe thats a good thing. It keeps the debate going. I also think the term racists and predjudice get blurred more and more now days. When Stanford rolls into town, I could care what color they are or sport, just that they go down in flaming defeat.

[carolrhill814]

I couldn't agree with you more if you don't have the money no matter what office you are going for or how good a person you are you will not make it and that is so sad.
That is why good people always stay behind in life in general because they just don't have the money to straighten out what is wrong.

[Ember]

Keli, I'm giving you kudos in this congratulatory post and I want to take you out to lunch, AND I'M BLACK! Seriously you cannot believe how upset it makes me when a black person loses the confidence of those around him due to poor performance and then blames it on race. Paterson has been an awful governor. I was hoping to see a gay marriage bill pass this year but thanks to his ineptitude (and that of Dem leaders in the state assembly) Pedro Espada rolled them all. He deserves to be tossed out.

[sbrown80]

He supported gay marriage. So you still have not described what he did of SUBSTANCE that was bad.

[MacManLB]

Perhaps you didn't read pensivenubian3's post down below. She as well as many others on this thread have shown with clarity and insight why the vitriolic opinions about the good governor are unbalanced, unfounded and unwarranted. See, because you say you are black, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say that you didn't read all of the thoughtful, sagacious, penetrating, astute, keen, incisive, and intelligent explanations because otherwise I'd think that you are dismissive, unengaged, and unwilling to think deeply on this subject.

[gettingitright]

To MoeB: No way did I suggest blacks should get a free pass. But if whites get a free pass, and they do, then why don't blacks?
It doesn't mean whites are racist when they are quick to criticize blacks, it just shows how they live in a society where they have been conditioned to be surprised when they hear "articulate" blacks; where they question the intellect of blacks on college campuses; where the qualifications of blacks who have been promoted must be scrutinized; where blacks are more observed when they enter stores; all of this converges to make black people perpetually function under a cloud of suspension regarding their capabilities and integrity. There is a racial impact even if the white interpreter doesn't mean to be racist. We can't just dismiss the fact that there has always been a difficult racial climate and it doesn't just go away because Obama is POTUS. So stop being defensive, assuming every time race is brought up, it means someone is calling you racist. Try to be more reflective. Try to actually understand the issue instead of reacting to it.

[MoeB]

C'mon. Not all whites get a free pass, and not all blacks have to bear the brundt of misconceptions about their race.

And you're making broad generalizations. Not all whites are shocked or surprised to hear an articulate black person.

And I've experienced being stopped in stores because I looked a certain way. I've had white college kids make the 'you only got in because of affirmative action' accusation against me. I've listened to some whites make completely unfounded accusations of "reverse racism" in the work place because they didn't get hired. So yes, I understand that there sometimes is a racial aspect that may be subliminal. But that goes both ways. Let's not pretend that we blacks don't make assumptions about whites also...they're nerdy, affluent, have no rhythm, and are one racial incident away from being racist.

My point is this: race relations overall will never improve further than where they stand now if blacks aren't also willing to accept the notion that we can't just expect white people to be the only ones who adjust their attitudes/­perception­s. I know blacks who have never been oppressed, never even met white people on a personal level, yet feel they are responsible for their own plot in life.

And I wasn't being defensive, as I didn't have a reason to be.

[gettingitright]

Again, you misunderstand by assuming I met ALL the people ALL the time. Obviously this is not the case. You base your attitude on anecdotal evidence and miss the forest for the trees.

There is no systematic structure in place that lets blacks discriminate against whites and you can't just flip situations and think they are equivalent scenarios. They aren't. Of course, blacks pre-judge whites. It is human nature to pre-judge people. The difference is whether the pre-judgment results in pernicious results. Blacks get pre-judged and miss getting employed, promoted, elected, matriculated, etc. When whites get pre-judged by blacks, there is usually no harm or foul unless the Black person is in a superior position and can make something happen or keep something from happening.
Just because it is an ugly truth doesn't make it not-so.