Why America Needs a Black President

Several years ago, I wrote and directed a film called The Contender in which Jeff Bridges played a president who nominates a female senator, played by Joan Allen, to be his vice president. In 2005, I created the TV series Commander-in-Chief in which Geena Davis played Mackenzie Allen, America's first female president. In both cases, the conservative press descended upon me like I was some sort of typhoid-riddled Beelzebub and, of the latter, I was accused of making nothing more than a commercial for Hillary Clinton.

I have to admit that all of us creatively involved with Commander absolutely intended to put the term "Madam President" into the zeitgeist. I can't deny it. Indeed, if Hillary somehow gets the nomination, I'll be out there waving a flag for her like I was in the cast of Les Miserables. I respect her, think her wildly qualified, and wise.

But until that time, I'm rooting for Barack Obama.

The policy differences between the two are so slight that you have to look elsewhere to determine where to cast your support. There is the issue of leadership skills. I give that to Obama. There is the issue of electability. Again, Obama. But for me there is something even larger to consider...

Right now, at this point in history, it is more important to have our first black president than our first woman president (although I find that vital, as well).

There have been many nations that have had female leaders. But there are very few, if any, that have elected a member of their ethnic minority to lead them (Botha doesn't count). Were we to put Hillary in office, the world would shrug their shoulders and say "finally." Put in Obama, and we lead by example.

We are viewed by the world as a quasi-racist state in which we allow natural disasters to obliterate our minority community, in which our penal system is designed to treat blacks unfairly, and in which we let the medical and educational systems in our ghettos fester to the level of some third world countries.

The election of Obama will say as much about the American people as it does about Obama himself -- that our Declaration of Independence means what it says in its opening lines, that being the world's greatest nation means that we offer the world's greatest opportunities. It is no shock that, with the exception of Great Britain, polls in every European nation favor Obama over Clinton.

And don't tell me that what the world thinks doesn't matter. Because how the dollar performs overseas matters. Our ability to form military alliances matters. How we team up economically and scientifically with China matters.

While they share similar governing philosophies, the fact that Obama is black and Clinton is a woman does affect how they prioritize their policies. Simply put, the issues that afflict blacks (some of which I mentioned three 'graphs up) are in more urgent need of our attention than those (very real) issues that matter to women. If you doubt that, then you need only look at how the vast majority of black women, their hearts split in two, have voted: They feel that Obama is the person to solve their immediate needs.

All this having been said, I should end with three disclaimers. One, Obama was one year ahead of me at Punahou High School in Hawaii. Two, my brother's name is Barak (sic). And three, when I met Obama at a fundraiser not long ago, he shook my hand and whispered to me, "Jeff Bridges was the best movie president ever." He had my vote then.

Comments

[BadChristian]

"We are viewed by the world as a quasi-racist state in which we allow natural disasters to obliterate our minority community, in which our penal system is designed to treat blacks unfairly, and in which we let the medical and educational systems in our ghettos fester to the level of some third world countries."

I think we ARE "quasi-racist." Whether we are viewed as such or not, I don't know.
I think out "Ghettos" are referenced more than our "Urban Communities," which is why so many of them BECOME "ghettos." I think we have a political system that talks about "Mob rule" conveniently leaving out the location of the "mob." We have an electoral college to keep urban areas from equal representation, and, just for good measure, the "people's Party" has "Super Delegates" to make sure that we don't have an urban candidate in that.

The Corporate Media loves it, 'cause, if you haven't noticed, it's so damn easy to scare the people who don't live in "Ghettos" into going to war. Culture Wars or otherwise. Just point to some people who aren't white, and they will agree, we must divide them against each other, or we must lock them in a safe place... Like a gigantic prison. If that fails, we can just bomb the shit out of them.

Every state has a liberal place, it's called a "CITY" where "Citizens" live. But in America we call them a "JUNGLES," "Urban Jungles," which might be home to urban "savages."

The culture war is the war that keeps God safe, protects Santa and all things holy safe from those "Metro-sexuals," "Nappy-headed hoes," Gangsters, Ghetto language speakers, and, most terrible of all, the urban liberal. But we aren't against helping urban people, with "Faith Based" programs... Like Missionaries to help any place filled with savages.

The idea that we aren't "Quasi-Racist" and "Quasi-classist" is "Quasi-humorous."

[UnfilteredOpinion]

What a ridiculous article. This is not the time to elect a black president. It's time to elect the best person. This is not the PTA; Obama is trying to become president.
I could care less what other countries think about the U.S. Our country cannot operate like that. Do you really think terrorists won't attack the U.S. because Obama is president?
I hope that who ever is elected president can get this country on the right path again. I also hope that they reestablish our standing in the international community. But I am not going to elect a president because other countries will like us better.

[BillForObama]

Women have always had power. I did enjoy Mr. Lurie's Commander-In-Chief. I am disappointed that it no longer airs.


I am not going to say anything bad about Senator Clinton's supporters. We have the very SAME reasons for supporting our choice in candidates but for different reasons.


I know that a majority of women support Senator Clinton because a qualified woman is seeking the nomination to become the president of the United States of America. As a Black male, I am supporting Senator because he is a qualified African American who is also seeking the nomination to become the president of the United States of America.


I would want any woman who have voted for or who wants to vote for Senator Clinton because we have an opportunity to nominate a woman as president. They should be part of something that could nominate the first woman as president. And, I respect them for that!


I voted for Senator Obama because we have an opportunity to nominate an African American as president. I am not going to miss out on an opportunity to nominate an African American as the first president. And, I hope that I am respected for that!


This does not mean that I am against every position that Senator Clinton takes, nor am I in favor of every position that Senator Obama takes.


All of us believe that a Democratic nominee and a Democratic president is best for our country now.

I am not worried about the others of us who are opposed to either a woman or an African American in becoming president of the United States of America.


What I am worried most about is any one who would not vote for Senator Clinton because she is a woman, as well as, any one who would not vote for Senator Obama because he is an African American.

We can tell who we are by some of the comments that are in this forum.


This is an opportunity for America and for all Americans to benefit from this situation. This could be a win-win situation for us all.

Electing either candidate will change America in ways that are good for us ad home or abroad. We will no longer be looked upon the same.


I know that I have written some negative posts in the past, and, I may go negative again. In my heart of hearts I endorse the notions in this post.

[ltfcrazy]

I've been saying this the whole time. We need to prove to the entire world and ourselves that we are not a racist bully of a country. He's the perfect candidate at this point in time.

[Owlygirl]

What a stupid and self-serving post. Oh brother - pardon me as I roll my eyes round and round till I'm dizzy. I support Obama, but I also hate articles like this. We don't need a black president or woman president: We need the best leader! Duh. I'm not voting for Obama for any other reason than my complete belief that he can accomplish the change we need and desire for America.

[ltfcrazy]

He'll win because he's the best leader. The fact that he proves America is not a big racist bullying group of rich white pigs is the icing on the cake.

[billsowlesforjohnmccain]

I don't think the millions of African-Americans who have made great strides into the middle class in the last decade would agree with you that, (The USA) "...is a quasi-racial state." Have you been to Africa lately? Sub-Saharan Africans love the good old USA! Making fictional features is one thing...but reality is another. BTW, Gena Davis was great as a 'fictional' US Presidnet.

[Kansas Evans]

Millions of African Americans would testify under oath that the USA isn't quasi-racist; it's just plain ol' racist!

Jim Crow has died, yes. But his some James Crowe, Jr, Esquire, is alive and kicking!

[Illinoisdan]

I think Barack is the most qualified Candidate in the race, he has renewed my sense of involvement with the political system. What I hope his Presidency will give to Black voters is a sense of ownership of this country, and a reason to be proud, and involved. Many of my Black Friends have at times told me that they do not feel that this is their country, I hope they will feel differently in November when Barack is elected! Maybe then we can move away from the devisive issues that drag our Country down.

[Sneaky]

He's only half-black, isn't he? Just checking.

[hoodrat]

So am I. But the establishment, of EVERY COLOR - will try to pigeonhole you, even when you try to deal with people on content of character, or even respect. Sneaky you're not. I AM BLACK/HAWAIIAN, FORMER MARINE, SON OF THREE GENERATIONS OF MEN WHO FOUGHT FOR A COUNTRY WHO DID NOT ALLOW THEM TO VOTE, WHO WAS SEVEN YRS. OLD - BEFORE THEY COULD. That's a profile of an American - not a half breed of any color, who quite frankly, am amazed to even have this discussion. Let me say this though. When you're raised in an environment where neither side of your bloodline totally accepts your existence - you find your worldview is more accepting of differences, than those who are pushed into a stereotype - and accept the restriction. So indeed he's only half Black/White - he's also the first person in my 50yrs. who speaks of an all-inclusive America.....So feel free to throw taunts at Obama - people like us were forged in the fires of blatant racism from ALL sides - and are, in many ways better for it.

[katenelligan]

For ANY man, black, white, brown, yellow, or purple to think they have it worse than a woman of ANY color is OUTRAGEOUS! Women have ALWAYS been the disadvantaged, the abused, the exploited, no matter the time or place. A man still makes more money than a woman for the same job, no matter the race. And how many men are beaten, raped, and murdered compared to women, often by people that supposedly 'love' them?
Give me a break! Women have always been the weaker (physically) but wiser, kinder sex. We NEED a woman in charge, and right now! THAT is how we will heal this country and our place in the world. Get a grip!

[ltfcrazy]

I've never been black OR female, but you sound like you have a personal issue. Black people have had far more to fear than white women have. You may not be physically stronger, but you DO have power and you know where it emanates from. I wish I could have all the money back that I've spent on women who were using me to get "stuff" they wanted. I accept it as part of the game...why can't you? If it's because something happened to you in the past then I'm truly sorry it happened, but you can't compare being abused by some men to being enslaved for hundreds of years by white PEOPLE.

[Ajita]

"Women have ALWAYS been the disadvantaged, the abused, the exploited, no matter the time or place."

Right. Like during slavery when black people abducted hundreds of thousands of women from Amazonia, herded them like cattle and watched them die while building this country on their blood and sweat for a couple of hundred years.

[FauxNewsAlert]

I agree that electing Obama will do a great deal to restore our image around the world. However, I disagree with your premise about his race. Obama will not be America's Black President, he will be America's President (who happens to be black). Obama wisely never made race part of his campaign, the Clinton's chose to do just that, and it backfired on them. Our country would need Obama at this time in history regardless of the color of his skin, or gender.

[hoodrat]

Well said. If more thought logically - this wouldn't be an issue, and we could concentrate on the REAL issues.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil]

A Black President might be good for America and the world for that matter, but Obama's skin color is not the reason I support him. Quite simply he is the best candidate by a large margin. All the Republican candidates including McBomb are simply stupid, so I am left with choosing between the remaining two candidates, and clearly Obama is leagues above Clinton in every way. I can't think of a single reason to vote for HRC, but I can think of many to vote for Obama, not the least of which is I believe him, and think he's honest and not corrupted unlike Clinton. He is more level headed and thoughtful than HRC and he is obviously brilliant unlike HRC, who has been touted as smart by the media and supporters but has proven her lack of intellect by voting for war twice, by flunking the bar exam in DC, by moving to the right of the party, and by mismanaging every single step of her campaign. How can you reward someone who started with such a huge advantage, in popularity, name recognition, an ex-President campaigning for her, and huge political machinery behind her, who has failed dismally in this race, by ridiculing Obama and his supporters. She isn't that bright, and she deserves to lose this nomination.

[duck47]

I disagree with you. Bill Clinton did not ask to be dubbed America's First Black President. A black author referred to him as such and she apparently found support for it in the African American community. After Obama won Iowa and the Obama's reinforced the idea that Barak could win the nomination, they kicked Bill Clinton to the curb. You can say Clinton brought that on himself but there was a lesson in it whether he did or not. The lesson being how fast you can go from being the first black president to being kicked to the curb.
On Saturday I watched the Black State of the Union on c-span and during the first segment they were lamenting Obama's refusal of his invitation and mentioned that Hillary had accepted. I thought wow, that can't be easy for her appear at the event after Bill was kicked to the curb. Then I thought I wonder why Obama refused their invitation. Then as I watched and listened to the first panel I started to understand that a number of the people had very high expectations from the first black president and they weren't planning on being put off. Then it dawned on me, Obama did not attend this event because if he had, infinitely more viewers would have been watching what I was watching. I can't think of a worse time in recent history to make our new president's job more complex. Obama has sort of told his voters that with their help he can right all the wrongs and my progressive talk radio station makes me very aware that the way left of center democrats think he will make all their dreams come true. I'm aware that people in Kenya and elsewhere have high hopes as well.

I can understand why Obama didn't want to wait to run because when he was elected to the US Senate his wife bought a mansion in Chicago and is not willing to move to Washington. The only way he can stop living in a ratty apartment and commuting to Chicago every week is by living in the White House. Nevertheless, if he is elected we may discover this was not a good time for the first black president. I have reason to think the first woman president would have treated the black community fairly and just would not have been under the same unrealistic pressure. Some of the people I saw on c-span think they are going right to the top of President Obama's priority list and weren't at all shy about saying so. I understand where there coming from, I really do, but I know it won't happen and we don't need more anger, frustration and division.

[MikeMidCity]

A lot of words to say crap.

[Kansas Evans]

No one kicked Bill Clinton to the curb. Toni Morrison was making a larger point than Clinton's affinity to the Black community. And the fact is, Bill Clinton is white.

[ltfcrazy]

Exactly...what a non-point. He's white. None of us who are white can EVER know what it's like to be black. Go rent "Soul Man".

[argent1]

Disraeli is an example of a minority put into power, by the mightier-than-thou British Empire. There are other examples going all the way back to ancient Egypt for that matter. Disraeli's undeniable power came from his smarts and his ability to out debate his opponents. Obama does not have that over Clinton.

Obama may have more sway with the powers of the Muslim nations only because he is a man, and a man with Hussein for a middle name. It won't work well for the Sudanese government as Obama is more African than Arabian and they don't care for that. With the Chinese supporting the Sudanese government, as well as Iran, I don't see a clear path towards peaceful solutions based on personality. The Chinese aren't too hip for the black man, but have traditionally supported women, as queens or as effective spouses in their modern communist era. So based on the choices you give me Clinton would do better negotiating with China. Plus she has already been to China and ridiculed them for their treatment of women and minorities.

That is where you go with your support for Obama, personality, skin color and proximity to a neighbor. Poor arguments to sway others unless you are a Hollywood type.

[JaseAllen]

We don't "need" a President belonging to any particular race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation. We need a President who is honest with the best interest of the nation at heart instead of beholden to lobbyists and big business.

What we will be stuck with is the age old contest between the turd sandwich and the giant douche.

[ltfcrazy]

Barack is the most honest candidate we've had to date. If you think he's either a "turd sandwich" or "a douchebag" then you are an ostrich. get your head out of the sand.

[canadianlawyer]

Barack has all that shady stuff from Chicago, right up there with Hillary and Whitewater. No way that man doesn't have a big fat head!

[Yasmine]

Your post shows superb logic and diagnosis.
thank you.
I care a lot about the new generation .......the future belongs to them.
and if they choose OBAMA...........I say more power to them.
I said many weeks ago that Obama would usher the POST-RACIAL and POST-PARTISAN ERA FOR MY BELOVED AMERICA.
OBAMA by birth personnifies UNION of black and white. Also because of his father who was a Moslem, the Islamic world will look at America very favorably .

[vsign]

The Europeans, after the german experience, don't like religiosity and don't like self indulgence. That is what they don't like about Americans, in general. Well, now it is also because of the Iraq War but I bet they would say the war grew out of these two things - too much religion and self indulgence in politics.

They make fun of their politicians - and give them power without allegience and certainly without religious fervor.

I think they will soon see Obama as much too religious and self indulgent and therefore will be able to change nothing.

They will see him as more dangerous than Bush.

Obama will be more dangerous because he is not only a false prophet, but unpatriotic and a woosee!

[ranchomerced]

What EFFFEN difference does it make what color or gender YOUR SOCIALIST DEAR LEADER IS!!!

[Freddy334]

Obama is also good friends with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Farrakhan hates jews and whites. Farrakhan was gushing today about Obama just like the Obama robots.

[hoodrat]

Come on man, what you are sayin' is a flat out lie, and if you lived near the Chicago area, you'd know my truth. Don't need to see your profile to know what you're about. Propaganda of Fear - does it ever stop?!

[Jazzylady26]

The fact that Barack Obama is "bi-racial" and grew up in multicultural Hawaii, makes him more of a multicultural candidate, than a "black candidate". Even his middle name being Hussein (some have used it negatively) would psychologically ease some tensions with many Muslims around the world.

This is why whites are voting for Obama. Because he doesn't look like me, and he doesn't remind them of what's been done and continues to be done to blacks in this country. He doesn't look like an angry black man who knows our history, and who, like Jesse, lived our history at the hands of racist whites. I, too, know that history, lived it, was it, as a young black girl growing up in this country. It's not that easy white folks. Having a "black" president, one who was not in this country during the times of the civil rights movement, one who has lived a privileged life style, had all the best of educated still denied to blacks in the country, that's not going to a damned thing for me. I don't believe in this man all his spiel; I have no faith in him and cannot support him. Truly, I wish I had drunk whatever Kool Ade you have all sipped from, but alas I have not. Either one of two things is going to happen in this race if he wins; the right will smear him so bad his own mother won't want him, or he'll be just as bad as the bush administration, take your pick.

[Jazz42]

You are entitle to your opinion. As a black man who grew up in this country. I will be voting for Senator Obama, not because he is black, but because he is the best candidate.
I voted For Senator Clinton husband twice. People want to relive the 1990's with Senator Clinton.
It ain't going to happen. The Citizen of the United State need to move forward.
There is nothing to be gained by trying to relive the past.
(JazzieLady26)

[canadianlawyer]

You are voting for him because he is black. It's really that simple. Just like all your side-switching Congressmen who were going to support Clinton. Holy smokes, he's gonna beat her, time to switch side, get me a job in his government!

Wait a second, more power to you, vote how you want. But those other policiticians, typical weasels.

[scottarino]

We don't need another conservative President in the White House, such as Obama, Clinton, McCain or Huckleberry. But people actually believe that Clinton and Obama are liberals. Imagine that. Must be the huge influx of 18-19 year old voters who don't know the difference between right and left, and can't bothered with history. CNN interviews these college nerds who only regurgitate boilerplate that they've heard on, you guessed it, CNN. News corporations, there's only a few left to give us ALL the news thanks to the corporate ideology of owning everything. Now we have two democrats left running for President who buy into this corporate mentality hook line and sinker and democrat voters don't seem to mind. Oh yeah, Change. Pocket change.