Obama Speaks
By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer
Posted Dec. 27, 2007 –Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) spent Christmas Day in Chicago with his wife of 15 years, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Natasha. But BET News caught up with him in Iowa right before the Christmas hustle earlier this month. Here are a few excerpts from that interview, which offer a little insight about his experience with racism and why he understands the struggles some young Black couples have to maneuver.
On the Black Factor:
I’ll tell you one of the memories that always comes back to me. This is after I was in Harvard Law School. I was back in Chicago for the summer, working for a very prestigious law firm. I was invited to attend a banquet. I was at the hotel and was wearing my suit and tie, and as I was passing one of the tables to get to my seat. Somebody turned and said, “Excuse me, can I get some hot tea?” (laughs) And so, even at the point that I was at an Ivy League school, wearing a fancy suit, those assumptions and stereotypes still operated. And that’s something that’s not that distant for me. I mean, yes, now I’m well known enough that somebody’s probably not going to ask me for tea.
On Family Matters:
Up until five year ago, we had the same trials and tribulations as a lot of folks. And we’re not that unique. There are a lot of talented, young African-American couples who are working hard. But we were loaded up with student loans. It took us 10 years to pay off our debts, because we didn’t have parents who were paying for our law school educations.
There were times when the credit card was maxed out; we were trying to figure out how we start a college fund for the kids; and we’re in an apartment that’s too small. That’s fairly recent history for us. So one of the things that we realized – maybe we bring to this presidential race – is we’re not that far removed from what millions of people all across the country are going through every day, both the joys but also the struggles.
Do you think Obama can better understand issues important to you? Read and respond.
[…] Jacob Savage wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt(laughs) And so, even at the point that I was at an Ivy League school, wearing a fancy suit, those assumptions and stereotypes still operated. And that’s something that’s not that distant for me. I mean, yes, now I’m well known enough … […]
[…] Speaks December 27th, 2007 StevetheGreen wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptBarack Obama (D-Ill.) spent Christmas […]
I can certainly identify with what Obama is saying. My husband and I are going through exactly what he and Michelle went through- I am glad there is light at the end of the tunnel. He will get my vote!
Yes ! can say that I understand where he is coming from today, because people still look at us in a certain way as if we are to dress a certain way or have a certain charterics about our selves as if we cant have an education, fact over matter, we are one of the most intelligent on this earth, and he will have my vote 100%
I am very excited to see an individual that I could follow, rather than feeling so lost all these years because I don’t exactly fit the stereotype of an african american. We can’t be succesful or speak proper english. Well Obama has my vote and I just wanted to say he is a great inspiration for everything I work for.
Yes! He is well understood, after 200 years to see that people living in that same set of mind, Master & slave Mantallity really stated that people do not change,fact over matter,we should not take someone’s opinion to become our reality.I’m behind you 100%
In many ways Barack Obama is not the “typical” African-American, (or at least what society would have one believe a “typical” African-American is like) but he is African-American nonetheless. And yes, I do think Barack can understand my issues; better than any of the other candidate. Let me first tell you what a few of my issues are, I want prosperity, good health, and security (physically and financially) for all people. I do have a special concern for my people, however (as I’m sure other nationalities do). While, I love Hillary, and think she too can identify with some of the concerns as a woman I am concerned that her husband will be running the White House. He was not the best for us, keeping in mind that he implemented the Mandatory Minimums that put more Black men in jail than any other law in our nation’s history. Don’t forget what he did with Welfare that removed many of the other Black Fathers from our homes. He also implemented NAFTA that took millions of jobs out of communities pushing us further into poverty. I am for those who are for me. African-Americans need to keep in mind our history in this country, not just the slavery part, we are essentially nearing the bottom of the food chain and typical American politics is doing and has done little to help us. So again, I am for who is for me.
Yes! It is trully a blessing to have someone who understands what we as African-Americans may experience at one point in time of our lives no matter what your education level may be. And this aricle is very inspiring, to see that this did not hinder his success by no means. Mr.Obama have my vote 100%.
wow, obama is the realest politician on the planet. his answers to the questions were real and down to earth. america needs someone whose not affiliated with the secret establishments that has polarized and marginalized (African Americans) for years ;-}
I feel as though Mr Obama is the only person capable of changing america . African american people like myself have experienced extreme psychological conditioning and once you begin to educate yourself like Mr Obama you can begin to restructure your mind to think affectively. With Oprah as the supporting cast the concoction is undeniable. With another caucasion leader expect the same outcome. Mr, Obama definitely will receive my vote. And for all the rest of my Fellow African American don’t let Willie Lynch interfere with your vote
Hi this is funny I mean I like Obama but guess what I just found out today I was supposed to have slept with yall aint gon believe who. Are yall ready Perez Hilton and I’m supposed to be pregnant by him now ain’t that funny hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. boy that was funny.
I am so sick and tired of candidates especially Hilary Clinton coming to Black Churhes and asking for the Black vote. Once they trick us;they turn around and may policy against us. Most Black American women are loyal to Hilary Clinton.Look at the facts;most Black women are in churches than Black men. These same loyal Black women whom will vote for Hilary will soon see they sons in Americas jails or Prisons. Wake up!Black People and vote for OBAMA.He is the best candidate for us.
Barak Obama is a welcomed change in politics, and I support him. I pray that he doe not experience the “Bradley Effect,” whereby the Whites who voice support for him, change their votes while inside the voting booths. This happened to former LA mayor Tom Bradley. Americans need to support Obama because he addresses a class struggle more so than a race struggle. African American issues extend beyond race, and these issues are shared by hispanics and whites as well.
obama,there
are people who want him in this position for various reasons socially,politically,economically very powerful people public and private the world is watching and waiting.everyone knows the implications of this race nationally and internationally.the whole world is struggling and things will never be the same but people want things back to the way they use to be before 911 and before all the other bad decision makers who are resposible for sending history and the world down this path.past and present
yes! I strongly agree with and finally someone steps up to the plate that know what we go trough and I think he knows what this country needs.
Yes Obama does understand the “Working Class” the people who work hard everyday only to make ends meat. I want a President who has experienced student loans, who has lived pay check to pay check. What’s important to me is Child Care, Student Loans and Help for the Working Class. I believe Obama is the person for the job, to bring some of these issues to Washington. Good Luck Obama and Family.
I think it’s absolutley ludacrious for BET to air a program asking the question “What’s in it for the Black Vote?” in pertaining to Obama. All one would need to do is hear he and his wife speak, know a little bit about his background and you would know that this is a real black man. “What’s in it for the black vote?” Anybody with a brain should know! What we don’t need is for BET to air a program spotlighting! that question! Don’t make this a black and white issue. Obama has so far been able to run his campaign as simply A MAN! for change! BET of all stations should understand for obvious reasons that that’s a question that does not need to be asked! We don’t need to polarize his campaign by asking such a silly question and airing a program about it. It’s sad to think that our Black Sisters are really considering voting for Hillary Clinton because their into some ignorant feminist way of thinking that a woman will make things better!!
P.S. I am a 50 yr. old Black American. I really believe had Mr. Johnson retained full ownership of BET that this question would not be asked! Making this a black thing could easily destroy voters of other races! Please rethink what you’re doing.
Senator Obama is the right person for the job at this point in history. The Senator belongs to Black America and belongs to all America. His contribution to making America the best nation on earth will lead to the admiration of the rest of humanity.
The world is surely changing, nations like China, India and others see the great value in having African friends (a Friendship that has been on since about 3000 B.C. when Hu-Na-Kunte the Black Cushi (from Mesopotamia) settled and established an African kingdom in Southern China.
Obama and those with an international outlook are going to help uplift all people in America and help to make America a great nation in a future where many nations are aspiring for greatness.
Africa today is working to build ‘THE UNITED STATES, KINGDOMS AND DIASPORA’ of Africa, whereby all of us can help to build an Africa that is powerful, great and self-sustaining. This building will help African-America, African-Caribbean, Afro-LatinAmerica and America as a whole.
Whether Obama wins or not, we must REMEMBER THAT WE BELONG TO A GIANT MASS OF HUMANITY, THAT WE HAVE TO UNITE TO BUILD A STRONG AFRICA AND GLOBAL PAN-AFRICAN/PAN-NEGRO MOVEMENT AND THAT WE HAVE TO DEVELOP A POWERFUL BLACK AMERICA.
Our future is not dependent on who wins any election. Our future is dependent on BLACK AMERICA DOING WHAT ALL OTHER FREE PEOPLE DO, WORK TO IMPROVEE OUR LIVES AND BUILD INDEPENDENT AND PROSPERING COMMUNITIES, NATIONS AND REGIONAL UNIONS.
Nubianem@webtv.net
http://blackmalepowermovement.forumsland.com
I thought Obama’s insight was exceptional. As well as helpful,in away some may not see. For me it truthfully inspires. To know that my Presidential canidate is a person and not just a RULER. Helps believe the world still has a chance and good people are still being produced. Thank God!
I have to piggyback on what Dr. Draper touched on. It is almost embarrassing to see OUR OWN network appear to show more scrutiny to Obama with a stupid a$$ question like “what’s in it for the black vote?” It still shows that as black folks, we still have many lessons that we are still struggling to learn. One of them is knowing how to PLAY THE GAME. We have to realize that it is no coincidence that there has been nothing but white folks, white men in particular, as President of this country for over 220 years. People, IT IS NO COINCIDENCE. White folks will and has always showed us that they will not vote or support things that are not EXCLUSIVELY in THEIR best interest. So we HAVE to support and invest in our own, especially when he actually has a shot at the top spot. No other race is more divided than ours…and we will forever be in this struggling situation as long as we don’t act like we realize it via OUR ACTIONS.
So all this blind support of Hillary Clinton over Obama because of what Bill Clinton did as president, is just another piece of evidence that black folks, my folks, your folks, are seriously screwed up. I understand the skepticism because of course we don’t want a black candidate feel that they have our vote by default due to us sharing the same race. However, this is the game that is being played and has been played to keep us at bay…at a non-competitive position…and with our lack of unity, we are helping what was already planned by design.
But the funny part is…even if we didn’t play the game, Barack is still BYFAR the best PERSON to put this country in a position that favors the American working class and in a position to close all the gaps…economic, racial, gender, and political.
So stop bringing a knife to a gunfight. Vote for something that at the very least, MIGHT be FOR you and not something that’s historically showed that it’s NEVER for YOU.
Play the GAME.
yah’ll got a long biography and lady fix your hair and malia and natasha are so cute aaaaawwww
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The one thing that I have taken immediate notice of is the fact that Senator Obama is a TRUE brotha who has mass appeal. I wont sit here and say racism is dead but Senator Obama’s success in this presidential race is concrete evidence that American has turned a corner and is going in the right direction in regard to race relations. Senator Obama has changed my life because for years I honestly felt like I wasn’t having successful interviews due to my race. Recently I took a look at a couple of photos that I took and came to the conclusion that because of my obesity I wasn’t making it passed the job interviews. Those photos have given me the where with all to follow through on my weight loss program and get my life back.
I am glad that Sen Obama is running for President. I can relate with the racism. my father was ran over in 2006, the young lady left the scene. He sister brought her back in a different car. She was given a traffic ticket. She was not convicted after he died or anything. I feel that something should have been done since a crime had been committed. It is unfair and no justice.
My race is great.See i use live bait i pulled out from an ex KKK`s waist area.Straight Murderer
I SPEAK WITH COLOR.im so deep u cant get beneath this brother.PASS 6 FEET IM LIKE 3 MILES IN THE STRUGGLE.BUT STILL I AINT GOING UNDER. TIL MY TIME
COMES.SO THEN I PRAY FOR RACISM TO END.tHEN IM OUT DUNN,.
today is january 1,2008 me and my boyfriend were talking about our pick for presdient and he seems to think that i should vote for obama just because he is black i say that he has to show and prove that he deserves to be presidant not of blacks but of the united states of america.
I MUST SAY THAT I CONCUR WITH OBAMA BEING THE BEST CANDIDATE. WE,AS BLACK PEOPLE,HAVE TO REALLY BEGIN TO STUDY AND BECOME WELL VERSED IN POLITICS. WE HAVE TO STOP FOLLOWING FOR THE SAME LINE AGAIN AND AGAIN. DO WE REALLY THINK HILLARY IS GOING TO HAVE OUR BEST INTEREST AS A PRIORITY? WHY KEEP TRAVELING DOWN THE SAME ROAD TO NOWHERE? IT`S VERY DISHEARTINING TO SEE OUR CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS SUPPORTING HILLARY AS OPPOSED TO OBAMA,JUST SHOWS WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND A SHORT TIME TO GET THERE. NEED I REMIND THEM THAT HILLARY VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE WAR? THAT ALONE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO DISQUALIFY HER OF THEIR VOTE. AN NIE REPORT THAT WAS DRASTICALLY MANIPULATED TO JUSTIFY GOING TO WAR. A WAR IN WHICH MANY YOUNG LIVES,BLACK LIVES,HAVE BEEN SACRIFICED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE “RICH”. GAS PRICES SOARING BECAUSE OF THIS WAR,NEARLY A TRILLION DOLLARS SPENT TO CONTINUE IT. BIG BUSINESS AND LOBBYISTS SEEMS TO BE THE ORDER OF THE DAY. HILLARY SAYING “IF I ONLY KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”. OH REALLY HILLARY? DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT SHE ALSO VOTED IN FAVOR OF A RESOLUTION THAT WOULD GAVE “COWBOY BUSH” THE AUTHORITY TO ATTACK IRAN,TO ONLY LATER LEARN THAT IRAN HAD LONG SUSPENDED IT`S NUCLEAR PROGRAM. THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION HAD LONG KNOWN THIS. WHAT LIARS AND MURDERERS THEY ARE. HILLARY,”IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”. THIS IS WHO I CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS WILL PLEDGE TO WITH THEIR VOTE. WE,AS BLACK PEOPLE,NEED TO STAND UP AND SAY “HELL NO” ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. IT`S TIME FOR OUR VITAL INTEREST TO BECOME A PRIORITY. OBAMA IN 2008.
Hillary scares me. Followers of this woman scare me more. I want a strong leader with common sense. I love Obama because he is not in with democrats who tell us what to think and how to vote. He is fresh and beholdiing to none of the old croneys who run and ruin our party. Why vote for a woman with two mansions(one in N.Y and one in D.C), whom lives the white dream? She got where she is by our vote. What did you get from her win? Obama is humble and dignified. I pray he wins.
In this elections cycle, Obama has made it transparently clear that he is not running for blue America or red America,(not black Americans or white Americans) but wants to be the president of the United States of America (All Americans). He is running to unite us as Americans and inspire us as a nation to do great things for ourselves and to lead the world. Let’s look at the issue the candidates discuss and consider who’s honest enough to deliver.
Race must not lead our votes for Obama. He needs not promise anything to blacks to gain their support, and blacks should not find what in it for them to vote for him. If he said the truth and we find him fit, let’s support him. Let’s not vote like they do in Africa, where a whole tribe will vote for a candidate who come from their tribe. Those kind of politics can cause division amongst the people and hold back progress.
Obama is the candidate for the people, for unity, and for progress. He wants to change America, change politics as usual, and change the world. Black people issue being upfront of his campaign is not a change, but an element of division.
I like Barack, but I think he is truly an idealist. A lot of the plans that he holds for the nation are good in theory, but how can they be implemented? Hillary knows the system and know how to work within it to get what she wants. Obama is going to ostracize himself with many of his policies, and I bet we will see all kinds of philibusters occuring. But if he does win the primary he definitely has my vote. I think he is a courage young man with great foresight. I just don’t think that he has enough experience.
I don’t understand what kind of experience people think Hillary really has over Obama. Just because her husband was president that doesn’t make her experienced. My vote is definately for Obama and I am a white. My vote is with Obama because I feel he can give this country what we need, hope, a new outlook, foreign policy, etc. I think we need someone who is real and not going to tolerate business as usual and I agree with those who say that Obama is for ALL americans.
Most politicians running for office were once lawyers and reside in the senate.Good in theory is what the constitution was conceived from,ideals good in theory.The old established grinding wheel does not work it barters.We need people running things who have not been corrupted by corporate interest or campaign contribution promises.Vote for someone who answers questions instead of making speeches.
I agree completely with the comments of Dr. Draper.
It is time for BET to stop asking all of these stupid questions.
I am a 72 year old African-American male and I feel that this is a “defining moment” for us as a people.
Senator Obama should be supported by us to the hilt.
STAY STRONG Aaron - as Pamela said, OBAMA has already won… if he wins or not -
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I believe that MLK through the miracle of film, will educate the world before this coming holiday celebration on how to make peace in our world, and our future like never before - the world and all human beings will be influenced to start a movement to achieve global peace in the international community in our lifetime for generations to come. MLK will be proud in his spirit and his spirit will bring us together. He understood that peace is possible. When you look at the old black and white footage from that time in history, before there was the rainbow of color we see now… you will be so moved, the world will understand. Look it up on the Internet. You will see one of the greatest events in world history that will give us an example of how to move forward, starting today. Though MLK was not running for president at the time… THE PRESIDENT at the time in our history signed the paper… and gave MLK the pen - TOGETHER making the dream a reality.
God is amazing!
Amen.
I think that you would be a great President for our country im not justs saying that b-cuz you are black. I just want a President that is going to do their job and make our life and country a better place so we can feel safe anywhere we go. Well that is all I have to say but I HOPE YOU WIN and HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY ON YOUR CAMPAIGN
LOVE ALWAYZ
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