Barack Obama announced his bid for president Saturday, a black man evoking Abraham Lincoln’s ability to unite a nation and a Democrat portraying himself as a fresh face capable of leading a new generation.
“Let us transform this nation,” he told thousands shivering in the cold at the campaign’s kickoff.
Obama, 45, is the youngest candidate in the Democrats’ 2008 primary field dominated by front-runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and filled with more experienced lawmakers. In an address from the state capital where he began his elective career 10 years ago, the first-term U.S. senator sought to distinguish himself as a staunch opponent of the Iraq war and a White House hopeful whose lack of political experience is an asset.
What if he actually won. WOuld things be different for Black people? or the same? What yall think?
It’s SWEET to be first on such an important story. FIRRRRSSSSTTTT!!!!
But for real for real a Republican is probly gonna win any ways. There are too many prominant Democrats running for the same position (Hillary, Guliani). Its gonna split the vote.
WHOOOOOOOOOOP!! Barack for Prez!!! Now, I have to register… but where can I do it? I know this is immature, but where can I register… can I do it online or what?
Moni,
Giuliani is republican! You know you wrong for that.
RNB visit http://rockthevote.com/ to register!
Imma start adding links to the blog about this, so be on the look out.
Also, man who to vote for? Hillary, to make history to be the first woman Prez (and another Clinton won’t be bad) or Barack, again to male his as the first Black man Prez? I got to listen to their views on certain issues, though.
Guiliani a democrat…hehe..
It is nice to see Obama throw his name in the ring, but when it all comes down to it, the presidency is all about how much money you got…
And Hillary, and the Clintons are loaded, Obama wont be able to raise the same amount of money for advertisements and campaigning…
but Obama’s voice will definitely lead to more exciting debates on the state of racism in America…and on whether being Black is still a handicap at the national level of politics..
I don’t think it is Obama’s time yet, he does not have the political savvy and experience to match up against some of the other candidates for presidency.
With the lack of minorities showing up at the polls each year, Obama will not stand a chance come next year…
You know what, this is black history right here!
It’ll be cool if he won but keep in mind we still live in white america.
@ Daniel,
Well we are going to have to do something about blacks not voting. I know I am. When I get everything organized, Imma have a link ready on the blog for people to register. It’s time for a fucking change!
WONDERFUL BUT HIS VOTES ARE GONNA COUNT SO I VOTING FOR SOMEONE ELSE SORRY.
I mean (Not going to count)
I think it is horrible that he decided to run. Too much is trying to be done at once. Him and Clinton running together will only cause neither one of them to be elected. Blacks like both, so why are these two not working together? He should pay his dues and run for vice president with Clinton – then after she serves her eight years, he should run. That would be a definate win win situation. But this mess that they have going on will only end in disapointment.
this isn’t the first time a black person has ran for president.
I agree with #7 that’s history she’s gonna be a great president. I would be wasting my vote voting for Obama because his votes will not count this is White America.
Ooh, my comment as #7 came out wrong. I meant to say “or Barck, to make him the first Black Prez?” just wanted to get that cleared up before I get in trouble.
The problem is that some of us will not get the chance to vote for him because he has to win the primary first. He has to win states like Iowa and New Hampshire first. Good luck.
I’d love for him to win the primary but up against Hillary and Edwards it’ll be a struggle. I know that a change is way past due after all…”we where here first” (think Maafa). Lets see if this post, one that is worth speaking on, will get the amount of buzz that the celebrity posts get…sadly I doubt it!
I was sooo saddened to see the lack of support for Obama by the conreteloopers. Folks are saying his vote isn’t going to count and that they are going to vote for someone else. He has no chance because of the lack of funds. He should work together with Hilary. Just as an FYI….during the Democractic convention in the fall they will decide who they will choose to run for President and then that candidate will choose their running mate (vice president). So they are not working against each other. I am also hoping they will run together. I am sure it will happen. I pray for Obama’s safety all the time. I am from Chicago and I campaigned for him through the entire campaign. They also said he had no chance then because he did not have any experience but the Lord was on his side and he made it and he has been going full speed every since he was elected. How much experience do you need? In all honesty a President does not run the US alone…he or she has to surround themselves with a good cabinet…to assist in the deciion making. Kennedy’s experience was very limited and he came in and did the damn thing. I have a feeling and I hope my feeling is wrong… but I have a sneaky suspicion that Obama is going to get more votes from the whites than the blacks and that is sad. How far have we come when someone says his vote is not going to count so I am not going to vote for him?? I recognize that we should not vote for someone simply because of his or her color but darn can a brotha get a little more positive comments? I love him and what he stands for as well as his committment to the people, his wife and children and God…he’s got my vote!!!
Well if more black people voted like Angel said,then we wouldn’t have to doubt our victories all the time. The ratio of black to white votes is substantially low. I mean if we would be more active (individually) then we can make change. So I guess the split is this. Are we glorifying that we may have a woman president or a black one.?That is were our votes may split between. Both outcomes would make a huge impact but which would better help the African American community? Would a black female president who runs ever win? Or do we have a shot with our fellow black man Barak. Anyway, yes it depends on what policies each support and yadda yadda, but we need a Revolution!
Speak it 19. I can’t believe that person wrote that either.
Anyway, I can’t wait to do my part. I just came back from a NAACP rally in North Carolina and I’m motivated.
I think that Obama could indeed be our next president and change a lot of things for black people and everyone of minority. I think that if Hillary wins, it will be the same thing. BUT – I just have this bad feeling though … that someone will attempt something on his life. They’ve done it to Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. These are people who changed the course of our future forever. Just know that there are people out within the government who get what they want no matter what the cost.
I also would like to add: I am tired of the Presidents that represent the United States not represent me! Bush does not represent me. When will we have a minority President. This just reinforces to me that white America is dominate. Equal representation should occur in the Presidency, however, that will not occur to we make our voices heard. As race does not define someone’s character, I still believe that it is uplifting when minorities come into a positions of power. I’m tired of being run by the same faces all the time and we still have ghettos and unemployment on the rise. We need a President who will focus on those issues so we can have an equal distribution of wealth..how ever equal we can get it.
Are you all serious?you cant be serious.Barack Obama is running for president and if he wins he will be the first black president ever and you got the nerve to say his vote wont count?This is what we are trying to change,your way of thinking.Go Obama!!!The only reason I would say for him not to run is because the president doesnt have a whole lot of power and I will be concerned for his safety.
Oh & @ Daniel…I agree I think It would be better for him to wait until 2016 as well~
But above all else I really hope everyone on here regardless of race is or will register to vote. Contrary to what you may believe YOUR VOTES DO COUNT. I’m w/ u ANGEL we’ve gotta make a change.
I for one am TIRED…WOMEN HAVE BEEN VIEWED AS INFERIOR TO MEN FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND BASED ON THAT EUROPEANS HAVE REJECTED PEOPLE OF COLR AND OUR AFFECTIVE INTUITIVE LEADERSHIP AS INFERIOR AS WELL. IT’S SIMPLY AN INTOLERANCE OF DIFFERENCE~PPLE LETS MAKE MOVES……..
I am all for a black president but this is happening all too fast. Barack should wait a few more years till some of our black people get our voting act together. I will be registered later this year so I will be voting since I’ll be turning 18. But if Obama runs next year we’ll be having another republican in the white house, so as I hate to say but are there any non racist whiteys that we can put in his place so we can get a democrat in the white house? Barack seems like a way betta choice than Hilary but America is not ready for either of them just yet. But if he does make the ballot I will definitly be there voting for Barack. It will really show a growth in our country if he wins, that we have evolved past a lot of prejudice and we’ll be a model for other countries to follow.
co-sign everything #19 said
And best believe the government will be after his ass! Like VEN said Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy were advocates for civil rights and Herbert Hoover and his C.I.A. peoples had them assassinated for thinking of rights for the black man. I hope they give Barack some extra protection.
At least the people on that show “24″ got it right. They’ve had 2 black presidents already!
It’s too bad that his middle name is “Hussein”
Hussein means “good” or “handsome” in arabic. Yes Saddam fucked up the definition, but we shouldn’t hold that against Obama. His actions should speak for him.
I like what I’ve seen so far of Obama. I admit that I like what I hear from John Edwards as well. I was all for Hilary a few years ago but I was really thrown by her stance on the war. If the election were tommorrow I wouldn’t know who I’d vote for, I really like Obama and Edwards, all I know is that I think this country has fallen into dispair and I think that we have an absolute dumb idiot in office. There really are no words to describe how much I despise the current president.
I’m looking for answers to key issues; the war, poverty, healthcare, immigration, social security, etc so hopefully one can bring forth a realistic ideal for those things. Obama’s lack of experience doesn’t bother me at all. We need someone who can get the job done. It’s just that there are some crazy people out there in the world and I pray that Obama, Edwards, and Clinton families will be kept safe. The first two have small children so I just hope they are really watched over as they campaign this upcoming year.
25, 2016?! He’s doing it now! Why should he wait 9 years to declare his run? The time is now!
I’m happy for him but I attended the State of the Black Union, which I hope yall watched today, and we were all dissappointed that he chose not announce it there but that’s policticing for ya.
He supposedly knew about the State of the Black Union for a year and some how decided to make his announcement in Illinois on the exact same day. Oh well. Go Barack.
The political critics are saying that the black vote is going to Hillary Clinton and not Barack Obama, and even though it is extremely premature (a lot can happen in a year, look at what happened to Howard Dean) it speaks a lot to the extreme weakness of the black political machine. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson don’t have the same relevance anymore, and the NAACP is not the political power it once was. The only African-American voice that seems to make any difference in politics is Oprah Winfrey, and well not only is she not involved in American politics, she is more involved in the social welfare of South Africa…
Where is that Black voice, or any minority voice, that is leading the continued fight for equality and civil rights in this nation that was built on the blood and work of enslaved and disenfranchised minorities?
Will Barack be that voice? I hope so, I truly hope that he won’t get sucked into the trap of the white establishment that has been fully entrenched atop the capitol.
When will minorities finally rule over this land that our ancestors built?
A change has to come…
I think it’s a bit premature. I would like to hear his position on the issues (esp our issues). I would’ve liked to see him get a bit more seasoned in the game and garner more support and build a network on the Hill.
Afterall, just because he’s black does not mean he’ll push the Black agenda or even pieces of it. Look at Rice and Thomas.
That being said, I’ll likely vote for him or the ticket he is on (unless he pulls something really outrageous – which I doubt he will.) Go Obama!
sorry thats the way i feel at least i’m voting unlike most people. everyone has their own opinion and this is a site to express it. I will not further explain or justify my thoughts i’m voting for someone who represents my political stand point and has a chance that’s that. please respect people’s opinions.
Yeah, I’ll defonitely be listening to the issues this election.
And if you are 18 or over please register to VOTE! Too many of our people have cried and died for that right. Don’t let all that be in vain.
I know a lot of us Black folk think we all in good with the white folk now but don’t forget what your people did to allow you to do what you do today.
EVERY vote counts and don’t you forget it!!!
“Vote Obama or I’ll slap your momma.” LOL
The black community CAN be just as strong as the white community but we MUST get involved.
I really don’t thnk this country is ready for Obama, but he’s def. got my vote over the phony Hilary.
He’s got my vote!
i cant vote
but ill support him
#36 KayKay
“WONDERFUL BUT HIS VOTES ARE GONNA COUNT SO I VOTING FOR SOMEONE ELSE SORRY.”
“sorry thats the way i feel at least i’m voting unlike most people. everyone has their own opinion and this is a site to express it. I will not further explain or justify my thoughts i’m voting for someone who represents my political stand point and has a chance that’s that. please respect people’s opinions.”
No need to apologize for your opinions. I was by no way trying to diss your thoughts but we need to change the mentality that our votes don’t count. If you are for Hilary be for Hilary. If you are for Barack be for Barack etc. etc. but I would steer away from not voting for someone that you want in office simply because you think they don’t have a chance. If that is the case then why vote at all? Just my two cents…and believe me they not even worth the 2 penny’s it took to put them together.
my vote goes toward obama.
However, i dont think it was wise of him to start his run on abraham lincoln’s property though. cause if you know youre history, you’d know that abraham didnt give a damn about slaves.
I also think its crazy how black people are saying they dont identify with him as much as they do the clinton’s. thats bullshit. we’ve come this far only to have your own people turn against you, because youre not screaming at the top of your lungs that youre not “down for the cause.” But we know that if he were to be screaming that, then white america wouldn’t accept him. thus ruining all chances of him winning the presidency. It’s sad to say- but this is white america, if you dont cater to them, then youve at least gotta remain neutral. They dont want a modern day malcolm x or jesse jackson part 2 in office. but i digress.
I was watching the state of black america address on c-span today, and it just seemed as if everyone was against obama. except for a few. When Tavis Smiley said that he’d received a call from obama the night before expressing his condolences for not being able to attend the event, the whole entire audience did this kind of “yeah right” snicker. it was just ridiculous.
Barack has my vote…..I mean if we dont stand for something then we will fall for anything. As long as we have been praying for a black president we should atlest show out at the polls. If he doesnt win then atleast we tried. There will be plenty of woman supporting Hilary Clinton who are white, hispanic, chineese etc. etc. But if the Black ppl dont stand together for Barack Obama than it will look like a waste of time and money for black ppl to run in the future.
I hate to say it but its some REAL ignorant ass people on this board! I really hate to say it.
My vote will more than likely be for Obama or Edwards, even Hillary….
We have a year to listen to their plans people!
But support the man and what he does, and yall ignorant bastards need to WAKE THE HELL UP!
thats why folks laugh at “US”… Get real!
why should he run as vice president to hilary nobody wants a fucking woman president she should take the backseat
people are saying that the dems are going to split the vote but thats why there are primaries and whoever wins the primary will get the democratic nomination and then there’s two candidates a republican and democrat then u vote for whoever u want to win
im voting democrat
just had to that up, so dont vote republican if u think the vote is going to split
yall know yall need 2 vote 4 Obama so we can have a black president. I can’t wait for election day.
Black people wake up! This is an intelligent, well-spoken, intuitive brother speaking on issues that will effect our nation. He seems to be coming from a real place and with heartfelt conviction to make a change. I don’t understand the lack of support amongst our people…being that he rebuts all the negative images and stereotypes portrayed about black people, generally. I like his vision and it seems like he’s determined to make a change…he has my full support and I wish others would get on board.
Two questions: Why are black folks so determined to have a Clinton back in office…policy wise, what did Bill Clinton actually do for Black people? Secondly, why is it so difficult to believe that we can’t band together and help get this man elected?
to be honest…. i think he should have waited
I’d rather Senator Clinton to win….Baracks middle name is Heussin and his last name is too close to Osama….LOL, but seriously i think Clinton is a very serious politician with some serious experience under her belt and is passionate about the job…and is also a great representative for minorites
Barack you got my vote..maybe the ignorant kids today will learn by example.
I also have to add…how is he to be president if fellow blacks won’t even back him up???
i’m gonna say it…i seen more whites cheer him on then blacks…is this the twilight zone??? whats happening here???
Uh.. he actually announced that he was going to run WEEKS ago… watch the news. please.
Sorry he wont win, america is not ready for no black president, they barely can handle when we come into resturants just to order food, you get stared at like your an alien. So no, he needs to wait a LONG time!!
Hilary will get nominated just because her last name is Clinton!!
Good luck to him. He definitely has my support.
p.s. good thinking Angel…about the putting the link up for people to register to vote.. and please make a big deal about it because something needs to change..this shit is rediculous…see im starting to get hyped now lol..lemme calm my ass down and eat some pizza
#50 Anonymous asked:
Why are black folks so determined to have a Clinton back in office…policy wise, what did Bill Clinton actually do for Black people?
Well, I, for one always thought Clinton was over rated. Black people are so gullible when it comes to whites. We are often times, just happy to have a white person who likes our music. what did he do?
i still dont know.
Secondly, why is it so difficult to believe that we can’t band together and help get this man elected?
Well, again, I dont really know much about Obama besides the fact that he was the first black man on the Harvard Review and his mum is white and his pop is African.
he was a lawyer and then he was elected to Congress.
sounds like he had the hook up
Truth is we dont really know much about him or his policies. I read his article in People or Newsweek were he sounded to be brown nosing some college professor for future votes.
I’m interested in learning more about him and i will.
The ticket will most likely be Obama for President and Hillary for VP. America is NOT ready for a female president. A black man will DEFINATELY be President before ANY WOMAN, white, black, asian, so forth.
Obama sounds and appears to be a genuine man.
GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY.
look yall, only about 20 to 30 million people vote on election day anyway, so if we got most of the 18-70 aged black people to vote(for Obama), which is about the same amount or less then Obama would definately win, i mean its not impossible yall, don’t give up.