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Thursday, March 13, 2008 | 1:51am
The Democratic Mutiny and the Geraldine Ferraro Effect
Why hate more than sexism and racism will ultimately polarize Democrats out of the White House.
PREFACE: What up nation. I know you’ve probably noticed that my coverage of the presidential nominations has significantly fallen off. I’m going to be real honest with you, I’m tired of it as I’m sure most of you are. If you’re supporting a Republican, you don’t care anymore as its all elementary and if you’re thinking Democrat you’re probably numb to all the political mudslinging and back and forth. ENOUGH ALREADY!
Geraldine Ferraro: But I can not in good conscious let the unexplainable comments of Geraldine Ferraro slide. I’ve been trying to digest her comments and both Senator Clinton and Obama’s reactions to them. However, no matter how they’re spun they’re simply beyond racist…they’re evil.
“If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is.”
I’ve always been the type to play devil’s advocate and give someone the benefit of the doubt but how can you defend her? Especially when, as my good friend and loyal citizen of the Nation since 2008, Malcolm points out, Ferraro has had a pattern of racist slander. Her irresponsible venom dates back to the 1988 when she attacked, then candidate, Jesse Jackson saying if he “were not black, he wouldn’t be in the race.”
She’s right about one thing. Not everything is about race. My new friend Malcolm, (who happens to be white) made that clear when he picked up and started waiving the Obama flag. Geraldine, Americans aren’t showing up in droves at the polls to make history by supporting the first black president, they’re hoping to make history by supporting a candidate that they believe will ACTUALLY CHANGE THE COUNTRY. People are selfish…to think that they’re actions are more than personally motivated is far too optimistic.
I Digress: Speaking of ignorance, perhaps I’m the biggest dummy but is it not now obvious that every politically active Democrat is not only tired with this process but upset with “the other side.” Democrats have virtually allowed Sen. McCain to enjoy a few victory laps before the race even reached the starting gate.
If there was some devious plot to create a mutiny among Democrats the conspirators have wildly succeeded. Perhaps a mutiny is too mild, this is more like a civil war. But unfortunately, Ferraro’s comments transcend politics. They should cause us to stop and remember that no matter who sits in the oval office, not only racism but HATE will still be a harsh reality. Sorry Dr. King…we tried. I think Keith Olbermann sums it up much more eloquently than I. (big ups my man…never thought you were more than a SportsCenter Desk Jock)
FILED IN Editorials, Need to Know
geraldine smith
Keith summed it up as best it could be.
Rather than ask if Ferraro’s comments were “racist”, I prefer to ask whether they were extremely color-aroused. Do Ferraro’s comments constitute color-aroused ideation, emotion and behavior and, if so, are they extreme comments? Is skin color the focus of her comment? Is the perception of another’s skin color the cue or impetus that aroused Ferraro to have the ideation and emotion that she expressed? Of course, the answer is yes.
Did Ferraro’s skin-color based ideation and emotion prevent her from seeing things as they are? Virtually everyone agrees that they did. Did her color-aroused ideation, emotion and behavior impair her in one or more significant areas of her life? Well, it certainly made it impossible for her to continue on Clinton’s campaign and it has made her the laughing-stock of most of the Democratic Party, permanently damaging her reputation. This, in my layman’s opinion, makes her ideation, emotion and behavior “extreme.”
So, it doesn’t matter whether we can determine whether her thoughts are “racist”, which nobody can define with any precision anyway. We have already determined, at least to our own satisfaction, that Ferraro’s remarks were aroused by the color cue and reflect ideation and emotion that are distorted by her perception of and reaction to the skin-color of another person. She seems to me to be suffering from extreme color-aroused disorder, and I think she needs a psychiatric evaluation.
Thanks for your comments. You bring up another good point indirectly. You said:
“Did her color-aroused ideation, emotion and behavior impair her in one or more significant areas of her life? Well, it certainly made it impossible for her to continue on Clinton’s campaign and it has made her the laughing-stock of most of the Democratic Party, permanently damaging her reputation”
I don’t really care about her reputation at this point. It has damaged the PARTY’S reputation and casts a cloud over whichever candidate receives the nomination. So although the comments seem to hurt Barack as a black man and Clinton as her supporter…they hurt all democrats because of ignorance.
Regardless of her previous statements about Jesse Jackson, she stirs up some interesting questions currently that everyone seems quick to dismiss. I have not decided who I am voting for in the primary election yet and I have felt pressure from my Black friends and colleagues to vote for Barack, as if my being Black means he automatically gets my vote. Now it is great to see Black people unite but under no circumstances should I feel pressured to vote for someone. As a faculty member at a university I have taught courses on culture to a predominately young white student body. I have seen their desire to prove that they are not the same as their parents and that this country has changed. Just because they have the desire to project a certain image or cause, does not make it true but it is admirable and progressive. Lastly, if we can’t talk about how people REALLY think and feel then what’s the point. Then we are just pretending and nothing changes. Again her statements raised valid questions. And so far I am becoming annoyed with the country’s attempt to act like racism doesn’t exist anymore or that sexism for that matter isn’t alive and well.
WHOAAA NANI…I’m as forgiving as anyone I know but there simply is no way to defend G.F. She’s gone overboard as a PUBLIC FIGURE. You’re absolutely right. I’ve written article after article about how we can no longer act like racism doesn’t exist however, the issue here as I’ve stated is her motivation. Her motives were powered by hate. She’s trying to fuel voters with emotions of hate and that’s inappropriate.
I like you didn’t decide who I would vote for until shortly before my primary. I take it you live in PA and will be voting in April. I as an African American/ Latino WANTED TO support Clinton. After all she’s the home team and PERSONALLY was responsible for the advancement of my father in the state government. I also wanted to show others that I am a free thinker and don’t make decisions solely based on influence but by logic.
However, I am loyal to ideals not people. Obama and Clinton wash for me as far as ideals and policy. My decision was based on the candidate that I thought could get the job done. In my opinion that’s the only reasonable criteria one can effectively use in race such as this.
I don’t know her motives and part of me doesn’t care. I want Barack to be able to say his full name and be proud. I want for her comments not jeopardize the entire party or either parties campaign but rather fuel questions. I have heard educated White people say that “well technically Barack’s not Black because he is biracial and raised by his White mother”. I have also heard White people say “well you don’t act Black”. The repeated theme is that Black is a learned behavior and not a race. Barack is Black and that may play a role in this campaign, whether he is winning or losing. It is ok to discuss his race and it is ok to discuss the possible racist nature of her comments. I am suggesting not that we or I defend her but that the discussion is valid. I understand that many feel that this is not the appropriate time or it is not presented in the best manner. That may be true but can we not be so quick to sugar coat or sweep under the rug.
I meant not defend her.
I think that’s why we started Highbrid Nation to give light to the dirt under the rug whether its political, Hip Hop Business, doo doo fashion or the beauty in full figured women. I give my opinions here…I think GF’s comments although possibly VALID are ill-timed and inappropriately given the political soapbox she stands on.
Obama’s race (or color cause apparently they’re different) as well as Hillary’s sex ARE ALL IRRELEVANT. What matters is what issues they’ll support if given the chance, what they’ll veto and most importantly how effective will they be in doing so.
No sweeping going on here. Hell we don’t even have rugs on HN.
Note… As always, I apologize in advance for running on. I like to speak in clear thoughts, and these often require many words….
. . . . . . . . .
It might have even been acceptable if she had said, at the same time “Hillary wouldn’t be in her position if she wasn’t the wife of Bill Clinton.†At least then she could have blamed it all on a “senior moment.â€
Look, we all know that there is a racial component to Obama’s campaign. Just as the Irish Catholics were proud of John Kennedy; just as the people of Missouri were proud of Harry Truman, black people are rightfully proud of Obama, and are expressing their pride in their overwhelming support of his candidacy.
I have three problems with her statement:
First is the use of the word ONLY. It implies that race is the only reason anyone would support Obama. This is obviously untrue, and has been proven untrue over and over again by the failed candidacies of Jackson, Sharpton, Keyes, and others. If it were simply a question of race, these candidates would have done much better nationally.
My second problem comes from the underlying sense of entitlement that the democratic establishment seems to have when it comes to black people.
I stated my opinion in a highly offensive and politically incorrect way on my blog:
http://malcolmrant.blogspot.com/2008/01/democratic-establishment-wants-you-back.html
Basically stated it is this: It has appeared to me for a long time that the Democratic party seems to think that they are entitled, absolutely and unquestionably to the support of minorities.
They appear to believe that minorities are their own guaranteed voting block; as if black people owed them so much that they dare not go against what the party tells them.
True, as a white Republican, I can only comment so far on this before it clearly becomes none of my business, but I find this attitude offensive: both to my feelings toward my intelligent and free-thinking black friends, but also because it is the most subversive form of usury.
All voters, minority or not, do not “owe†their vote to a particular party in perpetuity. Prior to Obama’s run, I voted Republican in the last six presidential elections. When he wins the nomination (which he most probably will), I will gladly vote for a democrat for the first time in my voting career.
Voting for a candidate does not mean that you give your unquestioned loyalty to them or their party. People vote for the candidate who is going to best represent their own dreams, goals, and philosophy. They are going to vote for the candidate who is best for them.
And, if the occasion comes that the candidate no longer supports their constituents, it is the right of the voter to withdraw their support.
My third problem (and probably the worse of the three), has to do with the way I think the Democratic party wants to treat all minorities, and black people in general:
They seem to promote the idea that it is impossible for a minority to succeed without their help. They have tried to perpetuate the myth that the American dream doesn’t exist for minorities, and that the ONLY way a black can succeed is if a democratic politician helps them.
Not only does this destroy the souls of the young people who buy into this garbage (and put them forever in a position of inferiority and self-doubt), but it is politically untrue.
The democratic party needs to understand (as they are finally starting to understand now), that they need minorities far more than the minorities need them. Their pain at the losing campaign of Hillary is their own fight to avoid the knowledge that they are the tail trying to wag the dog, and that their perceived power over minorities is a myth.
I’ve already talked too long, so I won’t go into the many reasons why Obama is the right man in the right place at the right time. I’ll just simply say that a President Obama will be the best thing to happen to the United States in the last 100 years.
Well said Malcolm.
I think that sums up my feelings about politics. I’m a registered Democrat but sometimes, especially in an instance of a landslide I am tempted to vote Republican just prove that my vote isn’t guaranteed to a particular party because of my race or class. The Democratic Party in the past has been something I’ve been slightly embarrassed to be associated with as a minority. It was a popularity contest. The questionable nominees they trotted out there for us to vote on (both nationally and locally) have often been very suspect. (See Gov. Spitzer) We’re lead to believe that its our obligation, and we NEED to donate and be active. I don’t participate in shenanigans. I’m glad they’re starting to get it together.
Juan,
You were so kind to post a calm, peaceful picture of Geraldine.
I voted for Barack and have volunteered for him in 3 states. And this is outside my comfort zone. My brother, 61, voted for Barack ~ the first democratic Presidential candidate he has ever voted for.
I would vote for Barack even if he had no skin. It is the CONTENT OF HIS CHARACTER, his authenticity, his values, his work, his gifts, his vision and courage that are reasons I have chosen to support him. And also it is the fact that he calls us to be part of our government, to get active. I am so tired of being dismissed by our elected politicians, especially the one in the White House.
I find it divisive to have the media and the poll takers to daily tell us by ethnicities and gender and age and the Muslim question ~ who is for whom. Then they interpret what the polls mean, like they know.
Interesting video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vG1HgbLNF2c
ILoveMyLife,
“You were so kind to post a calm, peaceful picture of Geraldine.”
I’m not sure how to take your comment…I’m guessing its a dig. Point taken…I might have given her a little bit of a pass.
You are totally right with everything you’ve said. I think I voted FOR him despite my prejudice, not against color but against the masses b/c I believe he simply, gets it done.
I think you brought up an excellent point. His eagerness to get the people involved is important…its our civic duty. I couldn’t agree with you more about the ethnic polling. After every Primary do I have to see Wolf Blitzer explain to me how each candidate did with Black Students born to single mothers who smoke weed on average two times a day? That “scientific” stuff is stale and irrelevant. Great Comments…thank you.
“You were so kind to post a calm, peaceful picture of Geraldine.â€
I’m not sure how to take your comment…I’m guessing its a dig.
I sincerely meant that you were kind because other bloggers have been posting unappealing pictures of Geraldine. And also in her interview with Diane Sawyer, she came across anything but calm and peaceful. So the fact that you selected a very attractive picture when you could have chosen a less positive image of her is kind, fair and avoids choosing to portray her in a negative image. Does that make sense?
Got you. I try to be as objective as possible. I’m not an extremist but I do consider myself to be rather opinionated. As Keith Olbermann so eloquently demonstrated, there is a tactful way to address even the most asinine of issues.
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Guess it’s time for me to add my two pennies.
First let me say I’m not a member of the democratic party. I have very moderate views but lean more towards the left. I never joined the Democratic party because I feel the party takes the minorities for granted and they dont deserve my loyalty. With that said I’m rooting for Barack. On the issues that matter he actually doesn’t differ too much from Hillary Clinton to me. And since they are about equal in that respect I decided to go with the black guy. Yes, I’m rooting for him because he’s black. Not just because he’s black though. I figure if I liked both him and Hillary about the same. I’m gonna go with the guy who’s most like me. Someone I can take a lot of pride in seeing in the White House. I want to be part of something historic. The type of thing Martin Luther King used to preach about. I’m unapologetic about that. I don’t see anything wrong with cheering for the “home team”.
Now recently, my feeling for Hillary have started to slide. I’m disgusted by some of the things her campaign is doing now. She has gotten so negative with her campaign, taking every chance she can to break Obama down. Has she forgoted that they are actually on the same team? She is fracturing and polarizing the Democratic Party so much, the chances that she or Barack can take the White House in November are getting smaller and smaller. When this race for the Democratic Nomination is over all candidates involved will be expected to get fully behind the nominee. It seems like that may be difficult at this point.
With Geraldine, her comments were so ill-timed I’d swear to you McCain is paying her under the table. Why would she say something like that about a fellow democrate whether she felt it was true or not. And Hillary, who only weeks ago got on Barack for only “denouncing” Louis Farrakhan, did not do the same with Ferraro. She should have stepped in totally seperated herself from such comments. Yet she did not. She continues to play dirty pool and make her teammate in the Democratic party her enemy.
I’ve lost a lot of respect for her and I once held her in high regard.
Rooting for the black guy…hmmm. As long as you have a defined ideology I can’t fault you for that Mike.
I understand that even our purpose in life doesn’t have to always be layer with complexity so why should our reasoning for voting for a particular candidate. I respect your views.
A very good observation. Poltitics as we’ve seen isn’t always a very logical process (but should be.) According to HER OWN assessment, Hillary should part ways with GF.
Sounds like you can be honest Mike. They don’t really differ on anything accept Health care and Hillary as well as John Edwards have the more democratic health care plan, which is what made her and John Edwards more appealing to me. And I agree from democratic perspective which I am and you are not, Ferraro’s comments are ill timed and appeared angry. At least you recognize that race and gender play a huge role in this election despite many attempts by others to ignore it. Barack is in this election at this point because of his strong appeal, ability to play politics very well. A skill that not many have. (education & policies at this level are a wash) Hillary and Barack are quite similar so that argument to me is a weak one. This is coming down to personality, character, which is normally the case as we get closer to November. And in this situation race and gender play a role. If Mitt Romney joins in as VP then religion will play a role, just as being an Irish Catholic played a role for JFK, as someone mentioned earlier. Be honest with yourself and about this country. Thank you Mike. I truly appreciate your honesty. It is refreshing to hear.
Nani…your argument is half based on intelligent thought and half elementary logic. No one is saying race, religion, hell physical looks don’t play into the decision making of voters. We all have prejudice. The Bible refers to it more basically as “Original Sin” or a pre-existing condition that disallows us to live our lives without the bias or distraction of outside influence. Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth (On Oprah and My Book Club) speaks about “dysfunction” or the concept that human thought in its natural state is flawed and prone to “intelligent madness.”
Those that recognize this, accept it and become ONE with this are better off. I think this is what you’re referring to.
HOWEVER…the goal here isn’t to focus on that mania…that prejudice, its instead to try to focus on the issues that will most immediately effect you and your family within the next 4 years. We’ve established that Barack and Hillary only vary slightly. What I’m saying is that the INFORMED voter (who has not voted in the primary yet such as yourself) will now choose from the candidate that will be able to MOST EFFECTIVE in enacting that policy which is most important to you, whatever it may be.
Black, White, Asian, Jewish…those aren’t policies or political agendas.
acknowledging race and its implications good, neutral, or bad is how you move the discussion forward. pretending it doesn’t matter or no one sees, holds us back. and i don’t watch oprah and i am not referring to anything viewed or reviewed in her book club. as for who is most effective, that i am assuming is determined by how each of us process and make decisions. ultimately since you don’t know these people personally, you have developed some strategy to determine that. i may feel more comfortable with the young black man because i feel like he represents change and hope. both his race and age are playing into that thought. just because you don’t see color or it hasn’t affected your decision, please don’t assume the rest of the country is not informed or not using that as a determinant.
Now that Barack Obama has won the nomination, Geraldine Ferarro and others who think like her need to decide if they prefer the alternative to Obama.
The alternative is an over-aged cowboy who flip-flops more than any other politician I have been aware of–past or present. He is definitely no friend of women’s rights, and
he wants to continue the open-ended committment in Iraq,
a nation in which the leaders hoard the money from the oil
reserves there while American and other soldiers die in
battles and bombings.
The women’s movement is not well served by someone who is emotional and reactive. Short of condemning her as racist
concerning blacks like me, I DO agree that she is, at the very least, clueless. Otherwise, she couldn’t possibly have
implied that it’s easy for a black man to become president.