Jackson Did Obama a Favor

South Carolina's largest newspaper, The State, reported Wednesday that Rev. Jesse Jackson accused Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama of "acting like he's White" over what Jackson considered to be a muted response by Obama to the Jena 6 controversy in Louisiana. Jackson later backed away from the comment, telling the newspaper that he didn't recall making the statement but, rather, that "he only wanted to point out that Obama had not seized on an opportunity to highlight the disproportionate criminal punishments black youths too often face." That is not exactly a denial, so I will take it as confirmation that Jackson made the comment. In running his mouth as he did, Jackson did Obama a huge favor.

I can't prove it, but I suspect that the Obama headquarters may not be too upset over all this. That is because Jackson is considered so anathema to many independent voters, even to many Democrats, his criticism of Obama serves the purpose of burnishing the image of the Illinois Senator. It goes something like this: "I can't stand Jackson; Jackson criticized Obama; therefore, Obama must be all right."

What Jackson and others who are criticizing Obama on this issue seem to forget is that overtly and exclusively Black candidates cannot become president. Yes, they can win 11 primaries and nearly seven million votes, as Jackson did in 1988, but they can't win a nomination. Obama can only be as Black as White America will allow, so don't expect to see him front-and-center on controversial racial issues. Be patient with Obama, Black America. He is walking a tightrope unlike any other presidential candidate in American history.

So, Jesse, charge him with "acting White." That only makes him more attractive to the White voters he will need to win the nomination. Keep up the good work!

Michael K. Fauntroy is an assistant professor of public policy at George Mason University and author of the recently published book Republicans and the Black Vote. He blogs at MichaelFauntroy.com

Follow Michael Fauntroy on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MikeFauntroy

Comments

[eaglecapri]

I agree with Michael.

Unfortunately, Jesse did/does not understand that Obama has a presidential campaign to run and like Michael stated, he is walking a tightrope. Obama has no business in Jena. I have spoken out about the Jena 6 and am glad that Jesse is down there. He is in his element and we need him there.

I do, however, think that not only Obama but the other two top Democratic candidates have a tightrope to walk. Edwards, for instance, has to subliminally send home the message that voters should vote for him because he is, afterall, the white male and not the fem or the black. Plus, 'Ain't I good looking? Look at me smile every chance I get....can I seduce you with my southern gentleman's drawl, y'all?' I don't buy it and see through it every time; there are millions who won't.

Hillary, on the other hand, reminds us of the number one weapon in her arsenal - Bubba. To me it plays like pimp and prostitute. But, who am I? Her other tightrope act is trying to convince men that she's man enough (hence the pants suits) and women that 'we're all in this together so vote for me so we can burn our bras like the good ole days' (I wasn't alive during that era, but I can read).

But, I feel especially sorry for Obama. He has this incredible weight on his shoulder that deals with a black mentality that some blacks hold dear to their heart - the acting white syndrome. We blacks who have been labeled as 'acting white' - usually because we are either educated, upwardly mobile or progressive - understand his position. It's very frustrating. I say leave 'em where they are and concentrate on those whose views you can change. I'm glad Obama has the common sense, wherwithal and instinct to keep his eyes on the prize and stay where he is. Those who understand why he couldn't make it down to Jena will vote for him, regardless. Those who don't, don't get it anyway and possibly never will.

[acespeed]

After thinking about it, Fauntroy's right as well as the people who criticize him for not being black enough. Before people start tripping and calling me a racist, here me out. Barack Obama consistently believes that there is no such thing as a Black America. America, to him, is one, unified whole. This just isn't the case. This disavowal of reality is costing Barack dearly in the urban community.

People are liking him because he is Black, but he isn't providing anything to our community. As much as I hate to say it, Hillary and John Edwards, two white people, have more to offer Black America than the Black candidate. This reality ends up making him into a candidate that placates White America.

The Jena issue is more than a black/white issue, it is a human issue. If these kids are going to be tried for convicted in a court of law, so should the white kids. Barack, as a law person, should understand this simple reality.

In the end, I'd frankly like Barack more if he weren't so cautious. He doesn't need to be Sharpton, but he doesn't need to be Bill Clinton with the melanin that Clinton wishes he had.

[Herr Oberinspektor]

Amerika is an anti-intellectual purgatory. Whites like presidents that they can "have a beer" with and who act like "good ol boys" like Bush. Blacks should be proud that a black man with superior intelligence, talents, and abilities. He became the president of the Harvard Law Review, which means you are THE BEST of THE BEST. It's the ultimate talent prize. You don't reach the top by acting and speaking ghetto, which is really what some blacks want to see. It's no different than the "good ol boys" non-sense.

[SeanGardner]

Good analysis Dr. Fauntroy. I never thought about it that way, but after thinking about it for a few minutes, I can see where Obama's campaign would see the criticism as a positive.

The more incendiary and ridiculous the criticism, the greater his chances are for becoming our next president.

[loraine]

Actually, this has Hillary written all over it. Every time Obama has a big rally or fundraiser, we get these slimes in the press. From the phoney madrassa story to the whole "is he black enough" stupidity. Not to mention the sliming of Michelle Obama.I'd bet money that it comes from her campaign. Afterall, she got 2 hits for the price of one. The press reports her talking points daily better than Karl Rove's. All this descruction of black people from a white woman who wants our vote.

[Jazz42]

(BRAVO BRAVO)

[RealBlackGirl]

I hope the Dr. is right. I've been on some other sites and I hear the sentiment he has described, but not enough. I know Rev. Jackson got in front of the crowd and got carried away-it happens. Unfortunately, the traditional media is going to give the masses a 24 hour news cycle bashing Obama. The subtext, his own community isn't behind him something must be wrong. I just wish we could recognize that this is a moment when we can make the most of our advantage. No one can get to the White House without us.

[CriminallySane]

According to the US Census Bureau, sightly more than 12% of the US population (12.3%, according to the last stats) is black. So Obama, being half black, is more than "black enough".

A silly point, I know, using a statistic that has no real relevance. Then again, the question of Obama's blackness - or whiteness - is a silly question.

I do like the guy, and would vote for him over just about anyone. I guess that qualifies as disclosure.

[Kansas Evans]

A silly point, I know, using a statistic that has no real relevance. Then again, the question of Obama's blackness - or whiteness - is a silly question.
***********************************************

It's not as silly as you may think. It's silly when it's discussed in national news, though. That IS silly. The nation at large doesn't have a dog in the fight.

As someone who's been accused of "acting white," I hope I can say with some credibility that the issue is less one of how a person behaves or talks or dresses. It's more a question of one's fidelity to the community. It's a question of whether or not you're rejecting the black community because you've bought into the false notion of black inferiority.

Take my experience for an example. I was the only black member of the High-Q team all four years of high school, it's like a Jeopardy team. I actually ceased to enjoy it junior year, but felt like the black underclassmen needed to know they shouldn't let their race determine their possibilities. Junior year, I was the only black person in three of my classes. If I was in an interracial class, I never sat next to the black students unless I knew what they were about or until the teacher knew what I was about. I mitigated that by not sitting next to white students, either. By the end of senior year, I was ranked 7 in my class, and headed to college on an academic scholarship. My black classmates were very proud. The same ones who had teased me or ignored earlier on were cheering for me as I received my awards. Our class football star, who was black, had a GPA around 1.0 and he wasn't going anywhere....It helped, though, that I took chorus and was the only one of two students who could play gospel.

cont

[Kansas Evans]

But anyway, when the question is asked, there's much more to it than what the traditional media is about to express. That's why it seems so silly. Tucker Carlson and two white guys didn't have a CLUE what they were talking about. Barack has a tough line to toe, indeed. But hopefully, one day, America at large will understand when you make things better for one community, EVERYbody benefits.

[Ben Dixon]

If your logic is correct, and it probablly is, then I look forward to David Duke to say that John McCain is acting Hispanic for agreeing to attend the debate hosted by Univision.

[SamanthaJaneSalem]

I still don't like the "divide and conquer" attitude the white majority (or white ruling class) uses when it comes to blacks. They did this with Bill Cosby's comments about blacks taking personal responsibility, as they pitted those who say he is right against those who place blame on a system which puts blacks at a disadvantage. They did this after the Michael Richards and Don Imus scandals-- somehow blaming black rappers for using the "n" word in controversies which involved two guys.

So I hesitate to criticize Jesse Jackson. A lot of racist whites would like to see him crash and burn. I think if you're black and famous-- whether Barack Obama or Donovan McNabb-- somehow America is going to make you controversial. Not much time goes by before another black celebrity is hit: Michael Vick, even O.J. Simpson (who was found not guilty by a jury, which is the American system), and of course Barry Bonds.

As a white person I won't tell blacks what to do, but any time they start attacking each other, it's a good day for racist whites who like to see blacks pick each other off so they don't have to.

[SamanthaJaneSalem]

I proof-read it but still missed what should have said "controversies which involved two WHITE guys" at the end of the first paragraph.

[nihilon x]

There is plenty of room in not only the "black" community but also the "American" community as a whole to allow for different viewpoints and perspectives.

We'll know we've achieved equality when people no longer have to qualify these things as being strictly "black" (or gay, or women's, or muslim, or etc) issues, but rather simply AMERICAN issues.

[Kansas Evans]

Couldn't say it better.

[MK]

"Obama can only be as Black as White America will allow, so don't expect to see him front-and-center on controversial racial issues. Be patient with Obama, Black America. He is walking a tightrope unlike any other presidential candidate in American history."

Fauntroy proves my point. It is foolish to want a black president.

http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=211&Itemid=34

Making white people feel comfortable inherently means giving black people the shaft.
It is unfortunate that there is no video or audio of Jackson’s statement. I would like to be able to comment on his remarks with greater authority. Also, it would be a mistake to discuss this issue by focusing on a poor choice of words.

He is correct that Jena is a defining moment, and all of the Democratic candidates should have spoken out about what is nothing more than old time lynch law, segregationist justice.

Obama should be taken to task. He showed his hand in his lame convention speech. “There is no black America.” There certainly is in Jena. He has not been acting like he's white, but he has been doing everything to please white people. He wants to keep troops in Iraq, he supports military action against Iran, which would be a war crime. He seriously wants to be president, and that is bad news for black people and anyone else who believes in peace and justice. You can’t raise $30 million from the check bundlers if you don’t dance to their tune of empire and corporate control.

Should black people support Obama? Obama can’t win the nomination unless he tells white people that he will not talk about race. The end result of that gambit means more Jenas, literally and figurately, for black people. Sorry, this black person is not an Obama fan.

As for Jackson, he knew what he was getting when he endorsed Obama. Maybe he should rethink his choice. Kucinich’s platform is more in line with Jackson's anyway. Time for a switch Jesse.

[th20]

I hate that you're right, he has toe that line ever so carefully. My only problem is that I don't know if he would be front and center if he could be, or that he won't point out the problem of having that line in the first place.