Will Obama Punish African-American Clinton Supporters?

The Rev. Jesse Jackson may have cried on election night when it was announced that Barack Obama won the election, but last summer, the legendary civil rights activist once suggested that he'd like to cut the senator's nuts out -- for "talking down to black people." Rev. Jackson is among a generation of civil rights leaders that has had a rocky relationship with America's first African-American president, prompting journalist Matt Bai to explore, in an August issue of the New York Times Magazine, whether Obama is the end of black politics. But Jackson, a former presidential candidate himself, never waffled in his official support of the young Ivy League politician, about whom Time magazine once asked, is he black enough? It was Obama who kept his distance from Jackson. Now, Jackson's son, Jesse Jr., who condemned his father's "nuts" remark, will likely seek Obama's vacant Chicago senate seat -- all the makings of a cozy family friendship.

Other civil rights leaders and black politicians were not as supportive of Obama in the Democratic primary. In February, I wrote a City Room blog for the New York Times after following Rep. Charles Rangel on a tour of black and Latino churches in his home district of Harlem. He was stumping for Hillary Clinton. An African-American whose father was Puerto Rican, Rangel was working to prevent an African-American of mixed race from winning the American presidency on Nov. 4. The audiences clapped, but a little sheepishly. In a recent interview with Big Think, Calvin Butts, the pastor of Harlem's famous Abyssinian Baptist Church, reminded me of all the African American leaders -- too many to list here -- who refused to support Barack Obama in the Democratic primary. He was one of them. And when you watch this clip, you'll see he had compelling reasons for supporting "The Clintons."

Now that an old Clinton bruiser, Rahm Emanuel -- Rahmbo -- will serve as the take-no-prisoners Hyde to Obama's across-the-isle Jekyll, what will be the fate of those black leaders who did not support now President Obama? Will they be extended the same White House invitations enjoyed during the Clinton administration? By election day, African-American support for Obama was near universal. But Rahmbo isn't famous for forgiving his enemies. And Obama's selection of the brash Chicago congressman as his consigliere may imply that tough Chicago politics is bracing for a national heyday.

Comments

[JRsNana]

Obama just isn't that kind of person. He's not going to freeze anyone out - nor is he going to go overboard trying to win them over at this late date. Face it - the train in moving down the track at this very moment - either jump on or wave goodbye - your choice.

[M1]

Haven't we all lived through enough punishment?

[stpintodalite]

You are kidding right? What is the purpose of this article? I didn't vote for Obama so he could go to Washington and settle scores - neither did the majority of Americans. Obama was elected because he presented himself as a uniter focused on solving problems that affect all Americans, not just the ones who supported him. He has gone out of his way to court Clinton supporters, Black, white and Latino; not punish them. The man hasn't even taken office yet and you are sowing the seeds of discord. You should be ashamed!

[hudsuckerproxy]

"Punishment" is not Obama's style. He's all about reconciliation and bringing people together.

[Yermammy]

That's fine with me... as long as it isn't the current Administration. They deserve no forgiveness. They should and will be prosecuted.

[hudsuckerproxy]

I certainly wasn't referring to the Bush admin. On that score I'm with Vincent Bugliosi.

[BlueAsh]

Gosh, this author clearly wants to open up old wounds and pitch people against each other--and what a brave move it is, to stir up some suspicion in the African American political circles.

You must have nothing better to do.

Since you brought up the prospect of Rahmbo waging a war of retaliation against African Americans Hilary supporters, it seems that you should have known that Rahmbo himself was also a supporter of Hilary.

First of all, Obama himself clearly have moved passed the primaries; or else he would not have hired Emmanuel.

Secondly, how do you suppose Emmanuel could retaliate against people with whom he agreed to begin with?

[demfriend]

Obama isn't one to "punish" anyone. He has talked unification over and over the past 22 months and yet people want to make him the hard edge bad guy who will punish people. It's along the saem lines as good guy-bad guy, good cop bad cop and although Obama is not close to being God it puts him in the place of a God who punishes as opposed to one who loves. I believe Barack Obama doesn't have the time nor care tochase down who backed what as he has involved those who were in Hillary's camp in his own.

[Revrob56]

Man! Get over it. The race is over. Why foment distrust and envy. He simply hired Rahm to get things done on both sides of the aisle. Think positive. Every action is not nor should it be viewed as a conspiracy. Again, it's over.

[Plowboy]

But Joe Lieberman is forgiven!? How much does AIPAC rule this benighted country?