This is going to be a very interesting ellection but i think its safe to say that the world might not be ready for a black or female president…
On another note…i get to vote this year, yea for finally being 18, lol!

I just want to see a BLACK FACE in dat WHITE PLACE!! lmaoo

Thanks for this post and putting some much needed information out there!

i appreciate that clarification J.
a lot of people have been getting it confused, and i think that this election is the perfect time for us, as young people of all races to really understand how the election process works so we can make educated decisions at the polls in the primaries, as well as in the Presidential election in November.

So does that mean only one Democrat and Republican can be chose each? Just want to make sure I understand.

RON PAUL

THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS

NO DONATIONS FROM BANKS, BIG BUSINESS PACS

THE ONLY ONE NOT BOUGHT OFF BY WALL STREET CRIMINALS LIKE GOLDMAN SACHS.

THE ONLY ONE NOT PANDERING AND FEEDING YOU BS BY THE PILES. ( LOOKING AT OBAMA AND CLINTON.)

YOU WANT FREEDOM .

PROSPERITY

VOTE FOR RON PAUL.

IF YOU LIKE BEING TAXED TO DEATH, SPIED ON BY BIG BROTHER, OUTSOURCING. ENDLESS WARS.

VOTE FOR CLINTON OR OBAMA.

It’s kind hard to go from big booties and and sex tapes to primaries and
caucuses…… I like thinking, but this is making my head hurt

i’m so happy for J Dakar.. I’m in college an my professor has yet to break it down like this!

@ 7. If adding politics into the mix is going to make your head hurt, you have a long way to go. Just scroll up or down and you’ll be alight. And what big booties are you talking about? SMH

Great post J.

First and foremost, well done to concreteloop for trying to keep the young black adults informed on what really matters today. Congrats to the new political contributer, though judging from the lack of responses and the plethora of responses recieved to meaningless and trivial things such as Kim Kardashian’s buttocks and Vivica Foxx’s Sexual exploits of herself, I don’t think that its a matter of African Americans not being ready for a Black President, (such a f*cking excuse) its probably that many african american’s are still to ignorant and stuck in such stupidity as the aformentioned stories . Maybe that is why you are not ready Black America. Maybe if you started to look at the issues and decided for yourself instead of as a collective unit, than maybe you’d be able to make a decision for yourself. Word of advice to the New Political Contributer, drop some knowledge on these wayward folks and introduce them to the black utility heuristic, and the fact that when blacks are elected, despite runnin’ deracialized campaigns, they tend to implement policy that betters the condition of their people due to the belief in a black counciousness. Go ahead and vote for hillary since you believe that because her husband got head in the oval office and played a saxaphone, he was the first black president….if that’s what crass nonsense you believe, than go ahead, so we can continue with more of the same bs we’ve been dealing with for the past 16 years. Black people, you probably won’t be able to finish reading all of this, let alone follow this last word of advice, know the candidtates before you go getting “courted” to vote for who you think that your vote will not be wasted upon.

Thanks for the info J. Dakar. I will be voting again this year. I was discouraged after the 2000 elections but every votes counts. I have to get to know all the candidates in both parties. J. Dakar do you think celebrity support helps or hurt candidates?

Thanks for explaining this to me. I never really understood all of this.

I think it would also be helpful to have a post explaining all of the main candidates backgrounds, as well as their issues. I think most of “us” have it in our mind that we will vote for Barack because he is Black. I want the brother to win but this ain’t high school, this is a serious election and I would like to vote on the issues and importantly what these candidates plan to do as president.

very pleased with your info and seemingly professionalism…

number 10, u aint gotta come at blk folks sideways like that, theres alot of blk folks interested in politics, maybe not on a gossip blog but they r…

u must be an african american studies major i bet…

@ 10. I get what you’re saying. But this is why I decided to add this new section to the site. CL has spoke on a few social and political events, but only to an extent. I wanted to make sure the CL readers who were interested in politics (and this upcoming election) had a place to share their thoughts and concerns.

I’m sick of people saying the same thing over and over and complaining about how no one is trying to get educated. People ARE TRYING and even if they aren’t, at least if they want to they can come to CL and read up on some topics.

J. was definitely the person for this job and I’m glad to have him on the team. He already has drafts for days about upcoming issues that I’m sure many people are interested in.

Also, CL hasn’t been a ‘gossip blog’ for the past year and a half. We’ve passed that mark a long time ago. We have music, fashion, exclusive interviews, and more. I think of it more as an entertainment blog myself.

Thanks J. Dakar. This really cleared the whole election process up for me. I was kind of confused about it and we have yet to talk about it in school!!!!! I think you’d make a great teacher.

Am happy to getUS political info easily while I get my entertainment news. It’s like killing two birds with one stone especially considering am in Londoner, getting some insight and making sense of terms I hear from US politics is giving me real insight into American great. BIG UPs DAKAR!

We still have people like #10 still thinking most Black people are dumb??? Most of us have some kinda sense, don’t fall for it.

In my opinion, I didn’t think that the world was ready for a black or woman president either but for real, it can’t be any worse than what it already is…..we have a racist redneck hick in office now being puppeted by an even more racist prick (vp cheney)…i think it would be good to have obama/clinton or clinton/obama in office together…….i would really build my bomb shelter then because Jesus is coming back…..

Me too Fendi!….LMAO

#10 I like you screen name. I’m actually doing a research paper (for 11th grade English Honors) on W.E.B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk and how it impacted race relations in America in 1903 and why the book is still important and relevant and why it ought to be taught in English classes today. @ Angel I can’t wait for more of his posts.

Hey J,

I was listening to conservative writer/expert Armstrong Williams and he predicted that Obama will take Iowa and subsequently win the nomination and Gore will get in the race by the end of february for a Gore & Obama ticket. Which in my opinion would be unbeatable. What do you think?

In the future - I’d like to know your opinions on how the race will go and who will run with Obama.

Thanks for educating us!
Jess

I LOVE THIS !!

Still a little confused on the caucus process

So the people in the groups (in support of their candidates) are all delegates? Or does the candidate with the most people in his corner get to send his/her delegates to the national convention? Or are a and b both wrong lol. But yeah please clear this up for me.

I hope people are not voting for Barack just because he is Black. That’s just as racist as voting for someone who is White just because he’s White.

LEARN ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND DON”T JUST LOOK AT SKIN COLOR OR GENDER.

Gore and Obama? Never heard such prediction…What about Obama/Clinton ticket?

It’s good that J is dropping knowledge, but at the end of the day, I do not beleive that one vote makes a difference because we all know that “W” was elected in by the almighty and overriding “ELECTORAL VOTE”; meaning that even if the majority voted for lets say, Gore, he may not be chosen as president because if lets say, “W” has more than 250 of these electoral votes, even though Gore has 60,000,000 + votes, Gore loses.

J, please explain the signifigance of the electoral vote

to build upon my last comment,

there has always been a huge debate on the electoral vote VS. the popular vote, which a candidate only needs 270 not 250 as I previously stated.

for more info, please read : http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/e3177.htm

Gail thank you for mentioning that I remember learning that.

Let’s go team Hillary!

i dnt no bout no cacktus or primary or wat nt….i jus wanna see a black ting runnin tingz 4 once……

get@me

http://www.myspace.com/lazytizzle90

i does dis!!!!!!!

#10

Like I said in Dakar’s first post, I don’t think people are really gonna be intrested in politics on this board, but damn, was it really necessary to beat up on people who aren’t as informed as you? Take a deep breath and chill the hell out. People are trying to LEARN here, and this isn’t the time nor the place to flex or throw your “political muscle”.

# 2 , There were some “Black Face” at Reagan’s Inaugural Ball-White minstrels. Yep. America’s all time favorite president had whites in black face at the inaugural ball.

Dontcha just love Republicans?

# 10 I agree with you that Blacks do not seem to care about political issues. But think about it: This country is so effin racist that it is scary. Maybe some of you all live where its a more liberal statewide policy, but where I am (NC) it is not that way. Here we have confederate flags on just about every porch and car bumper. Its pretty blatant. What do you think these racist white people are going to do when they hear Obama is in the lead? They are going to swift boat the hell out of him. I know he is true blue. But these reprobates will lie to keep that Black man from taking office. I would love to think this country is moving toward objectivity in the race aspect, but I doubt it man.

Ha ha, Obama’s in the lead!

J. Dakar, this post is excellent! Keep up the good work handsome! We African Americans need to be informed. That is why we are in the worse shape we have ever been in centuries. Our focus has been in “the streets”. New information grows brain cells. And by reading some of the past post 90% could use some positive stimulus in their heads.

Yes, the electoral votes would be informative. How did George W win when Gore had more electoral votes? I maybe wrong about who had more electoral votes. Gore stated that he would never run again behind this madness.

Oh, Gail thanks for the link…

If America is not ready for an African American president then when will it be ready? never….. & this is why this upcoming 08 presidential election is making history….

@ ashley, for the sake of being politically correct you will not vote for a candidate because they are black but I bet you every caucasian voter that makes it to the polls will not vote for obama based on the very same reason……because he’s black.

Some interesting points:

Funny how people say “why should I vote for Barack simply because he’s black?” but yet you use his very blackness as a reason why he will never be elected.

ARE WE NOW UNDERSTANDING WHY BLACK AMERICA WILL NEVER UNITE?some of us think that we can afford to be choosy ………..?
We can’t afford NOT to vote obama!!
————————————————-

That is all….

These kind of posts are so refreshing to see!! It is nice to comment on someone’s attire but having some “real” knowledge thrown in the mix is nothing but a good look.

Two thumbs up and a snap and twist

Barack Obama an African American has won the Iowa Caucus A GREAT MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY a 95% white state and a Black man wins prasie the lord

#38 WHy because they did it where I’m from voted for someone just because he was Black and he fucked everything up.

YOu shouldn’t vote for ANYONE based on Skin color I don’t care if they are White Black whatever. KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT FIRST.

Wow! I guess having Oprah backing you doesn’t hurt when it comes to the Iowa Caucus. SMDH

I agree with Ashley. Voting for anyone without knowing what they are about or talking about is pretty darn IGNORANT. IMO.

MS.DYME

TELL IT MS. DYME

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MS.DYME

Breaking News:Networks project Obama wins Iowa’s Democratic caucus

Ashley that was a local election and I am sorry he didn’t provide his promises to his constituents, but (Barack) is a nationwide candidate and his information is available for all to see.

Marion Berry effed up in DC. So did Larry Craig who is white. So did Senator McGreevey who is also white in NJ.

Anyone is subject to personal flaws.

But Barack’s a great guy. Humble, intelligent, and ready to serve the people. Not “SERVE” on a platter and throw them away like our current president.

I’m sorry , but Ms Dyme is very ignorant. If Obama wanted to blow up Africa you would still vote for him because he is Black? That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. listening to the candidates debates and speeches should be more a a decipher.
What exactly does Obama plan to do with the Black community????

#46 You guys don’t get what I’m saying I’m not saying don’t vote for Obama . I’m just saying KNOW WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT FIRST. DON”T VOTE FOR ANYONE BASED ON RACE.

I’m not saying do bot do research & be a blind voter & vote for superficial reasons, but at the same time obama is setting a precedent. America’s last 53 presidents have been white male caucasians & don’t you think it’s time that ‘black america unites for once’ to break this endemic & this cycle & make history & profound change. Even if obama doesn’t win at least he came close; but I know the issues obama stands for & he has my vote.

Point Blank a lot of people weren’t paying attention to what the guy in my city was talking about the majority of Blacks were only voting for him because he IS BLACK. Now THe majority of Blacks are complaining because he fucked things up for the minorities in our city.

Voting for ANY candidate regardless of race gender WITHOUT learning more about that candidate is stupid. Like someons else said Barack could have said that He wants to cut out education and medical funds or blow up Africa ( i’m not saying he did). But listen to WHAT he is SAYING and ASK QUESTIONS before blindly voitng for him.

I wish ya’ll could SHUT UP about how there isn’t as many posts in the political as the rest…It’s not about how many posts gets what, it’s about who gets it. Now it’s out there for everyone to see and it’s up to you if you want go a step further and comment. Just read it and be happy it’s out there! Geeze! I love my people, but sometimes……

Blind Voting hurts EVERYONE. I agree with Ashley 100% and anyone who doesn’t understand what she’s saying is VERY STUPID.

I plan to vote for Obama, but I also plan to pay attention to what he’s talking about.

Thanks J!

I’m 16 n have to take Honors Gov./Econ. so this is helpful! I’m the only black in the class too.

Point Blank a lot of people weren’t paying attention to what the guy in my city was talking about the majority of Blacks were only voting for him because he IS BLACK. Now THe majority of Blacks are complaining because he fucked things up for the minorities in our city.

____________________________________________________________________

I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT CITY YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT I’M OUT OF A JOB BECAUSE OF THA BULLSHIT.

*not*

@ kelly, I don’t think I’m being ignorant at all. I know what Obama stands for even though we might not have the same stance on the immigration policies of this country I will vote for him. He’s making history & yes he’s making history because of the color of his skin……

Congrats to Obama for winning Iowa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMAAAAAA just won the Democratic IOWA CAUCUS by 37%!!!!!!!! WHAT AN AMAZING START, I’M OVER THE MOON RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ms. Dyme I’m with you! Obama has made history point blank you can’t take that back

#55 Um I said you were being ignorant because you said vote for someone SOLELY because he/she is Black to help unite the Black people ( U R also ignorant for thinking that all Black people are the same=typical White People syndrome all Blacks are the same and think the same way um NOT) in respose to what Ashley was saying research FIRST before you vote for ANYONE. If you want to vote for Obama do you research first and pay attention.

Thank You J!

I know america is ready for a black president or a female president and I think its about time right now.

#58 You sound silly what does that have to do with Black people NOT doing their Research on Candidates?

I have done mine and I will vote for Obama , but I would NOT vote for him if I didn’t agree with what he is talking about. I agree with you Ashley.

You should Always know what someone plans on doing before voting for someone that is PRETYY OBVIOUS…some people will vote Blindly that is PRETTY OBVIOUS AND STUPID. But hey what can you do?

Thats great obama won

but how dumb are yall

nobody can even dicipher how he is any different than hillary or even bush for that matter.

Has consistantly been absent on key senate votes.

Yall expect this empty suit to lead?

RON PAUL 2008

How informative. But we all know that we’re not really voting….in the end some mishap will happen with the votes and another rich white man will win.

Let me tell you all right now. The GOP’s picked Huckabee . He is BUSH’s Prototype!!!!! Don’t let that creep in! He wants to continue the war and oppress minorities and kick the Hispanics out of the country.

Never stand by discrimmination of any race because it was us and still is us.

whoever win this election the issue that we need to focus is on NEW WORLD ORDER, CONENTRATION CAMPS, FREEMASONS giving CHIP MEDICAID FOR CHILDREN and BUSH just PASSED the VIOLENT RADICALIZATION HOMEGROWN ACT Oct 23, 2007 and what that means our 1st amend is taking away from us and we dont agree with the government they will think we are terrorist and send us to conetration camps and torture us coming 2010
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/112907J.shtml

I’m happy that BET is showing the Obama what will he do for the Black Community ( or something like that) for people who don’t follow the presidential debates.

VOTE FOR FREEDOM

VOTE FOR RON PAUL

ALSO DONT FORGET

IOWA IS ONLY 16% finished

the projected results are in from the democratic caucus and the republican straw pole in iowa and its obama and huckabee

msnbc is doing live coverage of the caucus right now and from what i can tell it looks like FUN — they’re getting extra crunk.

i’m 20 years old and i’ve voted since I was 18 in local elections for mayor, judges, aldermen, initiatives, etc — ‘08 will be my first official presidential vote and i’m EXCITED!

i wish we had caucuses instead of primaries in Illinois. ballots are boring and I think caucuses would be a great way to get young people like myself involved in the political process.

i’m a very well-known party promoter in Chicago’s college and young adult market and I know what appeals to people in my demographic - that said, they were EXTRA crunk at the Iowa democratic caucus in Obama’s room :: chanting his name, standing on chairs, clamoring to get in front of the camera (lol).
his crowd was heterogeneous as well — the room was soooo diverse :: young and old, male and female - all different races and ethnicities.

it was amazing.

i would love to go to a caucus. if we had them in illinois, i KNOW i could rally young people to go out and help Obama get on the ballot.

______
just an idea for you J. Dakar (by the way — i am LOVING this and genuinely shocked by the enthusiasm of the positive response the new political section is getting)

you should find some video of the caucus — its been airing all day — and post it on the site. that way the readers can REALLY get a feel for what it is. that also puts a “face” to what’s happening and not just words and explanations. it makes it a lot more tangible to people who come here to read about beyonce’s lace front wigs lol.

to quote #7 “It’s kind hard to go from big booties and and sex tapes to primaries and
caucuses…… I like thinking, but this is making my head hurt :-)”

go J. Dak! this is great!

@49 - Ms. Dyme -
I can really see what your angle is and to an extent I agree, however, it is still very important that people do their research and discover if Sen. Obama’s positioning is similar to theirs. Today it is easier than ever to hop online and see what exactly his record shows. Someone asks “What has Obama done for the African American community?” To you I say, READ! Look it up and research his Web site, old newspapers, other blogs. See if you can find out. And then compare it to Clinton and Edwards, etc… Based on that, then make a decision. I honestly think that people are ready for change, as indicated by what just happened in Iowa, but it’s going to certainly take more than changing the gender or the race ONLY. The person in office is going to have to understand what each demographic has to bring to this country and, what I believe Ms. Dyme is getting at, is that Obama clearly has insight into what African Americans can bring to the table and I agree it is time to highlight it since it’s been on the hush for so long. This is a HISTORICAL evening regardless.

IF BET WAS INTERESTED IN BLACK FOLKS THAN ALL THE CANDIDATES WOULD BE INVITED NOT JUST OBAMA

#63 I COMPLETELY AGREE, HE JUST BECAME SENATOR OF MY STATE NO LESS AND WHAT THE HELL DID HE DO FOR US AS A SENATOR? HE DIDN”T DO SHIT AND STARTED RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT?HE HAS BEEN ABSENT ON MANY KEY SENATE VOTES LIKE YOU SAID.

TELL ME HOW HE IS DIFFERENT FROM HILARY CLINTON AS FAR AS THE ISSUES??? EXACTLY.

SOME PEOPLE DON”T KNOW THE FACTS AND ARE JUST BLIND.

I DONT UNDERSTAND HOW YALL THINK OBAMA WILL CHANGE THINGS WHEN HIS DONORS ARE THE SAME AS ROMNEY, CLINTON,GUILIANI.

Thanks, J. Dakar for breaking this all down in layman’s terms.
Angel, what a great addition to the site!

Hey. I think someone made a comment about people not posting because this topic isn’t about black celebrity gossip. Anyway, just because people may not be commenting doesn’t mean that people aren’t reading……. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CONCRETE LOOP! Keep the political stuff coming even if no one leaves a comment.

and about blind voting — initially, I said I would vote for Obama for several SUPERFICIAL reasons - he’s from my hometown - Chicago. He was the State Senator for the district my school was in. He’s black. He’s handsome.

for me being 20 years old - yes that is expected.

BUT — It is my job and the job of every American citizen to be a responsible and independent voter. My initial draw was strengthened by RESEARCH. I didn’t just research Obama. I researched the platform of EVERY major candidate - Democratic and Republican.

and do you know what. my personal beliefs align most congruently with Obama’s. Everyone might not have the same outcome, but that’s what being a responsible voter is about. If I had found after my research that my personal beliefs aligned most with another candidate, then they would have my vote.

— think before you cast!

Thank u so much J. these are some things i didn’t know. i feel much more informed and capable of making a worth while decision.

~~~LaLa

lol@ 51 - Thank you!!

#69 I agree with you, but Ms Dyme should have been more clear. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS DO YOU RESEARCH FIRST.

@ Ashley thank you for bringing that up , because I know people who are voting for indidivduals and don’t know shit aboutthem or their issues. I also agree that Bet should have a special on ALL the candidates not just Obama.

@75

what construes a “major” candidate

thats your first mistake,

you should take the time thoroughly researching ALL candidates.

you fools have enough time to research what rihanna is wearing and who ciara is boinking.

#32 you are so right. #10 did put a bit much on it. I was following along until he started babbling about a ignorant black person. Most of the people on this site are young and out in the scene. See a mature chick like myself will visit this site and the political ones. I wish people would stop considering all us black folks as a whole. Hell I may vote for Obama or I may vote for Huckabee; either way this is America and we can do what the hell we want.

Yusef I will say this: If there was a GOP I could deal with Ron Paul. He is against the war at least.

you fools have enough time to research what rihanna is wearing and who ciara is boinking.

______________________________________________________________

THat is sooo true I stopped coming here because all the topics are the same Rihanna Beyonce @ a club or who looks best. NOT interested in the least bit. I like the fact that CL is stepping up their game with more stories about regular Black people in the news and the political race. Now if you guys can focus on celebrity PROJECTS like Cds, Movies, Books and stop with all the papparazzi shots etc. it will be much better. Just a little constructive criticism.

yusef :: ur obviously very passionate, but i don’t think u need to call anyone a fool just because they’re not as vigilant as you are.

i consider major candidates to be the ones formally involved in democratic and republican debates- i watched both the democratic and republican youtube/myspace debates on cnn, so those are the candidates i researched.

I researched 16 total candidates - the 8 foremost democratic candidates (biden, clinton, dodd (who i also like), obama, edwards, gravel, richardson and kucinich) and the 8 most prevalent republican candidates (guliani, huckabee, hunter, keyes, paul, romney, thompson, and mccain).

at the end of the day — each voter has to vote to satisfy his or her own beliefs, not someone else’s.

we are all very aware that yusef x. is voting for ron paul… now its time for everyone else to make their own decision

It’s great that Concrete Loop has decided to give politics the spotlight that it desperately needs, but am I the only one that thinks it’s sad that someone had to explain the difference between a caucus and a primary election?

Great job doing so, by the way!

83 youre right

i just get mad at blind voting

nothing is worse

am I the only one that thinks it’s sad that someone had to explain the difference between a caucus and a primary election?

^^^^ Why is it sad? Knowing is better than not knowing & even though this is preconcieved knowledge for you apparently it’s not for others. People need to be informed.

WAY TO GO OBAMA!!! 1ST TO SHOUT OUT BARACK ON WINNING THE IOWA CAUCUS!!!! (I THINK) OH YEAH, AND OPRAH, CAN’T FORGET ABOUT OPRAH!

TO ANGEL, YOU SEE THE RESPONSE ABOUT THIS NEW POLITICAL SECTION…WHAT WOULD THE KIDS DO IF YOU WAS TALKIN ABOUT JESUS???

to 84 N.S: get of your high horse everybody doesn’t know everything.

it’s funny b/c i was on wikipedia today (which i love by the way) reading up on what a primary was and how it came to be and now i come on line to CL and there’s a post about it, lol. i’m happy Barak won this, but we’ll see what actually happens afterwards.

and as far as voting for Barak simply b/c he’s black, why not?! Hillary, Barak, and John Edwards are all talking about doing the same thing and if and when they get elected they probably won’t do half the sh1t they said they would, so if i have a choice of voting for a white person that’s not going to do sh1t when elected and voting for a black person that’s not going to do sh1t when elected then you better believe i’m going to vote for the black person.

black people are harder on themselves than anybody else, you think white people are sitting around asking why should they vote for Hillary or John Edwards simply b/c they’re white?! no, they’re not!! they do them and that’s what we need to do. Now that Barak has won this primary, I’m actually going to start supporting his campaign a little bit more, i went to one of his rallies but i didn’t think he really had a chance but sh1t if white people are really thinking about voting for him then this dude has a chance and we should def. support him.

Hello everyone, it’s interesting to see so much optimism on this board. I’m not so certain, was so doubtful that I actually wrote an open letter to Michelle Obama explaining the source of my doubt:
http://diaryofananxiousbl...er-to-michelle-obama.html

I don’t doubt that a black man can’t be president. I doubt the majority of Americans making it happen. It’s a feeling that just isn’t going away.

I Love this kind of stuff!! I am so excited that J is going to be putting up political issues. I am also elated that a Fellow ALABAMIAN is responsible for the political posts. I am a college student myself here in Birmingham, AL and I have come to realize that people around America seem to have a stereotype of people in Alabama being uneducated or “backwards”. So hopefully this will help our image for the better. Keep up the great work CL. I’m excited!!!!!

I think this is great!!! I think AMERICA is getting ready for the change it needs. I am happy for OBAMA because it shows that color or gender should not be an issue. I am not voting for OBAMA just because he is black or HILARY (SP?) because she is a woman. I dont think we should ask “What has Obama done for black people?” We need to do things for ourselves and stop depending on others to do what you should do for yourself. I am going to take this time to learn about each candidate so that I can make an informed decision. ~~

OKAY J DAKAR, I AM NEW AT THIS, BUT I AM TRYING 2 UNDERSTAND, LOL, I AM ALMOST 25 AND HAVE NEVER VOTED. BUT THANKS FOR KEEPING US ALL UP 2 DATE IN THE 08!

@ # 87 primary, that’s what I’m saying.

Whites are the majority in this country, they have the upper hand & will not hesitate or blink twice when it comes to voting for theirs. I know I’m being cynical & I’m not merely trying to say that whites think the same or have the same mentality nor am I being racist but since when has this country been all about being politically correct. Since when has anything ever been in ‘our’ favor just look at the history.

But to each his own.

This is for #!10, #34. I think more African-American people are interested in politics then you think. To even think that African- American people don’t care about politics, just puts limits on your minds and makes you incapable of moving forward. You can’t advance your people if you can’t even imagine that your people can be greater. For your inability to see the possibility, I feel sorry for you. Also, I think that the political posts are getting a lot of comments and really stirring up conversation.

Way to go Obama! Iowa down, on to New Hampshire.

This is excellent information. Thanks so much for providing!

To whoever made the smart comment about CL having to explain the primary/caucus process:

Well duh, this IS a site who’s very demographic is young people in their late teens and early twenties. I took AP and Honors courses in high school and I am now a sophomore in college and do you know that not one class has explained this process like the way it is above? And I’m sure I’m not the only one, so fall back…I had to do my own research and pay attention to the blitz around me, putting two and two together. So this is a very responsible and positive effort that CL has put together.

By the way, what are you doing to help our people learn and understand more about civics/politics? After all, the very reason why so many young people and Black in general DON’T get involved in the process is because we don’t understand what’s going on. Furthermore, you know that if MTV.com made this same post you would be like, “That’s so cool they are trying to get the young people involved and informed.”

Support Black folks moving forward or fall back…

Thanks 4 this article by the way, helped alot, im in less confusion.So since Huckabee got the majority 4 Republicans & Obama did 4 the Democrats @ the Iowa Caucus, does that mean they r the leading presidential candidates and now have to choose their vice presidents or do they still have to hold more caucuses in more states to determine who the leading presidential candidates are? .

J, THANKS SO MUCH EXPLAINING THIS WHOLE THING, I UNDERSTAND A LITTLE BETTER. #10 YOUR WORDS WERE VERY TRUTHFUL AND SOMETIMES WE AS BLACK PEOPLE DO NOT SEE PAST THE SMOKE-FILLED LIES THAT WE HAVE ENDURED FOR THE MOST PART OF OUR LIVES. BUT WE AS BLACKS HAVE TO BE MORE INFORMED AND IF WE DO NOT KNOW SOMETHING, GO AND FIND OUT. IT IS TRUE THAT SOME OF US THOUGHT CLINTON WAS OUR “FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT”, SIMPLY FOR GETTING FELLATIO UNDER A DAMN DESK AND OTHER DIRTY TACTICS HE DID. COME ON LETS BE REAL PEOPLE, WE NEED SOMEONE WITH GOOD ETHICS AND WE DEFINITELY NEED A CHANGE.

I really appreciate this site’s new political additions. While entertainment (including all mediums) is important, the understanding of the “realities” of life and awareness of what’ s going on beyond what turns us on is necessary. Thanks for stepping things up and leading the way in educating beyond the superficial.

Well done thx for posting.

CL and J. Dakar - This is definitely a good look.

#84 - No it’s not sad, but very necessary. The truth is not many people really understand ths significance, a lot of people think they do. But whatever the case, it’s wonderful when someone who does have the knowledge and understanding takes the time to explain it.

If elected, Mr. Obama said he would establish a Drug Enforcement Agency office in New Orleans that would be dedicated to stopping drug gangs across the region. [NYTimes]

Mr. Senator, the drug war causes crime, it doesn’t prevent it. The problem is not, and has never been, a lack of drug law enforcement. New Orleans already has a DEA office and it has not made life any easier for anyone. It should go without saying that increased drug activity in the region is a result of economic disorder, which inevitably empowers the black market. Bringing in the feds might disrupt local drug networks temporarily, but that would merely increase violence as new dealers take over for their fallen competitors.

As we’ve documented in the Drug War Chronicle, Katrina revealed the frailty of Louisiana’s drug war-ravaged criminal justice system. It is precisely in the aftermath of a great catastrophe like Katrina that the ridiculous quest to stop people from getting high is revealed as utterly wasteful and counter-productive.

Obama’s drug war revitalization plan for New Orleans is the latest step in his successful bid to be the worst on drug policy among the democratic presidential contenders. He’s lamented the “political capital” required to repair the despicable crack/powder sentencing disparity, a no-brainer racial justice issue that even drug war hall-of-famer Joe Biden wants to fix. At Howard University’s Democratic Debate on minority issues, he stood there like an idiot while every other candidate managed to address some type of criminal justice reform. He was also the last democratic candidate to pledge an end to federal medical marijuana raids, and not because they’re heartless and evil, but because they’re “not a good use of resources.”

Well, Barack Obama, you know what else is a poor use of resources? Creating a second DEA office in New Orleans when people still have holes in their roofs and mud in their basements.

http://stopthedrugwar.org...hat_new_orleans_needs_is_

RON PAUL IS AGAINST THE WAR ON DRUGS, WAR ON TERROR

RON PAUL 2008

Oprah is NOTHING but a aunt jemima with southern roots who KNOWS HER PLACE IN THE WHITE MAN’S WORLD. She knows what to do EVEN before they direct her. She is completely indoctrinated into the slave mentality, as MOST southerners. That’s why she makes white folks millionaires with their stupid books and stupid products, but can only give black people education (tools to make them better slaves to the white man).

When Obama first won his senate race, she proposed right on TV, as programmed by her massah, that he run for president. He said a firm “No” and saracastically replied, “why don’t you run.” His wife looked alarmed at the thought. So when he started running I knew that the Aunt Jemima had done her job of producing a black candidate to improve the rascist white america’s image in the world community, and to produce the weakest democractic candidate possible to run against the republican Huckabee.

HUCKABEE WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. CLICK ON THE LINK AND SEE WHERE HE STANDS ON THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOU. IT AIN’T PRETTY. BLACKS AND GAYS WILL BE TAKEN DOWN, DOWN, DOWN, AS CLOSE TO SLAVERY AS THEY CAN GET. MOCK MY WORDS.

http://www.issues2000.org/Mike_Huckabee.htm

DuBois v Booker T should post here as well, Yusef you’re slipping.

Obama 08

#101 why do you have to think that this is all a scheme?

#87 THe point is it doesn’t matter if you are White or Black YOU should do you rresearch FIRST don’t be stupid and vote without doing you research.

#87 So you would rather be stupid and ignorant and not research the candidates first? Dumb motherfuckers. You would rather have a Black man who don’t do shit in office so Whitey can say I told you so. RIGHT DUMB YOUNGINS

Ron Paul has more in common with average people of all races, more in common with black folks than obama or oprah who are mulitmillionaires,

Ron paul is a physician who earns under 100,000 dollars

He is the peoples president

hes accessable, Ive been blessed to sit down and talk have a few laughs, never has a potential presidential candidate been so accessable

Black or not, Obama is an intelligent man, no doubt. He’s all for change and that’s exactly what this country needs. His speech tonight was AH-MAZING(and memorable)! It definately reminded me of another great speaker by the name of MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Hilary often tends to be very blunt and pokey with her speeches, though she’s a smart woman. We already know that she’s a strong and smart woman, so for her over-do it, makes me think twice about supporting her. I mean, does she really believe she could become the first woman president of the United States of America or it all an act that she putting up? I don’t believe it. I’m just really glad how tonight turned out in Barak’s favor. And I agree, if Blacks would start to give him a chance, knowing that white people are out there supporting him too, then believe me, there’s no doubt that he’ll win the elections in November. It’s all about hope, like he said tonight.

50 years ago, nobody would’ve believed if you told them that a black man would get the chance to even RUN for president. It just was too extreme to imagine…..

OBAMA IS ALSO FOR THE WAR ON DRUGS

HES A FRAUD

thanks for breaking all of this down like that, now i understand what all of this means

JUST IN CASE MY COMMENTARY AWAITING MODERATION, DOESN’T MAKE IT OFF THE EDITTING ROOM FLOOR….

SHOUTS OUT TO BARRACK FOR WINNING IOWA CAUCUS!!!!

way 2 go obama!!!! congrats

man! iowa jus put obama on the white-american map!

it is definitely time for a CHANGE!

Obama is for change

change like a north american union

Amero

and national Id card

Yusef, I admire your passion and knowledge of some of the issues. But, this is what I see… The credit problem will cause the housing market to drop to its lowest depth near the end of 2008. Why..? Because there are many condo units that have not been completed yet. As it stands now, very few of these units are being sold. When the new units become available and have no buyers, this will signal the lowest point in the housing market. Very few people understand that there are many tiers of profit streams that come from the housing market. You have profits generated by fork lifts and earth moving machines…you have profits generated by manufacturing of steel, blocks and carpentry and home improvements retailers….you have profits generated by banks and lending institutions not only to finance construction cost, but to finance home buyers… you have profits generated by energy distributors, particularly oil. When the housing market hits its lowest point, all of the profit streams will stop…and the country will suffer financially.

But, before then, I see the economy slipping into a slight recession. I see the price of oil increasing to unprecedented levels. Economics predict the cut off point for oil is at 3.50/ gallon across the nation. If the average oil prices surge above this cut-off point, then spending on consumables will inevitably slow to a crawl…manufacturing of durable and nondurable goods will become more expensive and the manufacturing market will take a hit. The financial market has already suffered because of the irresponsible and lascivious acts of major banks and sub-prime lenders. A few months ago, Citigroup, the largest banking institution in the US nearly avoided financial turmoil….it was a Middle Eastern investors that pulled it out of financial turmoil. If Citigroup took a hit because of the credit problem, then many other banking institutions are facing the same problem…but, just not reporting them.

I believe in the days or months leading or preceding the presidential election, all of these vices will come to light. I believe it is these vices that will be the pivotal force for electing the next President.

Obama shows great character. And out of the many politicians, I admire his sincerity the most. But, when faced with possible recession, fledging health care system, immigration “war,” “the fictitious war on terror,” the war on drugs that has finance major black-opt shadow operations across the world, and a rising deficit…do you think white America will entrust the welfare of this country to a black man? Or to a woman? It remains to be seen.

A small victory!!

101
You scare me.

#1 This is going to be a very interesting ellection but i think its safe to say that the world might not be ready for a black or female president…

thats a really ignorant comment with absolutely no backing evidence to support a claim like that, any one who thinks sex or race determines ones “readiness” to run a country is clearly naive

in other news fuck clinton, fuck that psychotic creep huckabee

VOTE FOR RON PAUL !!! HE IS THE BEST CANDIDATE PERIOD. NO QUESTION ABOUT IT, TRUST ME DO YOUR RESEARCH, HE IS THE ONE !!

arrghh! This truly annoys me that black people would say ” I’m not going to vote for him cause he’s black.” That is the most ignorant statement that I’ve ever heard. We as a people have fought too hard and strive too far to spew this stupid statement. Forget that Obama is black! We didn’t think “oh! I’m not going to vote for Bush because he’s white.” Because there were no one else that was different to go against Bush; except for another white man.

All I’m asking is to embrace the difference that this election is transpiring!
This is great for Black, Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, Native, and all other in between
to believe that there is going to be hope that maybe one day that their sons or daughters are going to become president due to one person’s ability to break the cycle of rinse and repeat.

Please research all candidates and figure out who is best for your personal causes.
Instead of being afraid of changes.

Also, who said a black man is not ready to lead a country?
We built this country on our backs, nursed white men/women when they were born, died for this country, fought for equality, broken down boundaries, riot to be heard,inspire people to live with our music, created trends to be followed, stood against violence and didnt take no shit,prayed, determined to be educate on the same level, and more!

We have done more for this country then the men who raped it.
Stop thinking in the slave mentality and think like our black forefathers who risked their lives to have us in a better place.
We need a change for this country for the better.
Dream like King.

Also to Ashely: Just because someone in your local government who is black did nothing that he has promise to uplift the city; why are you complaining on this board about it? You can go and send a letter to your local office or you can get you and your friends to rally against him and educate others about this person. Trust me.
Me and a few of my friends in my poli sci class wrote to our local city hall to ban smoking in public outside gatherings and the law passed. It is now illegal for anyone to smoke in the outside mall and if one does smoke then it’s a 500 dollar ticket.

I pray that we as black people wake up for a righteous cause and move!

Finally something meaning.(thanks Angel for J.) As I always say, everyones entitled to their own beliefs! Stop downing each other over words. Get info and educate yourselves! I know this selection itself has prompted me to wanna vote. Not because a black mans running nor a woman, but because I’m tired if being sick and tired!

@ Yusef X quit all that cock blocking! We get your point, you’re not a fan of Obama. But you talked about New Orleans…@
#100 I’m from New Orleans and I have no mud in my basement!Speak on what you know! I’m sure he’s reasons for putting it there is for job reasons! New Orleans has failed to come back recovered and it might help our city! If you gone continue with you Ron Paul parading I suggest you do it elsewheres cause you aren’t helping! that’s your Choice, don’t try SO Hard to convince others, we heard you!

J. Dakar -

Your piece on Barack Obama better be the best piece ever read ’cause you are embarrasingly late in reporting his win. EMBARRASING, EMBARRASING, EMBARRASING FOR AN URBAN BLOG TO BE SO LATE IN REPORTING THIS!

This is going to be a very interesting election.
All you people complaining and fussing, better have your asses at the polls come November. And yes I have voted before in 2 presidential elections, and a 2 state elections.
I will be voting for Obama. Not just b/c he is BLACK, but b/c he is intelligent, I respect his values and hopes for this country and b/c i’d love to see a BLACK man in the WHITE house.

#101 wow your words about Oprah is pretty harsh. She has influence in White America just look at who is in the audience at her shows. She offers education to young people to open the doors for themselves.

As far as knowing her place in a white man’s world she is a billionaire more ppl black or white wish they can be on her level. She came up through the struggle in the south and made a name for herself, what did you do?
Huckabee will NOT win and your slavery comment show just how ignorant you are.

Eating my words right now … Obama took Iowa?? WTF?? I guess America really is ready for a change … at any cost.

#121

I agree. I woke up early to get my comments in before I had to go to work and alas…no post!

I’m glad Obama won, but it wasn’t an overwehlming victory and Clinton and Edwards are very much still alive and well in this race. But I must admit it’s a good start and a helluva victory for a black man. While impressed with Obama’s win, I cannot help but be a bit scared at Huckabee’s overwhelming show of support from his fellow Republicans. This man blew Mitt “safe harbor” Romney right out the damn water with very little financial backing and if this caucus gives any indication on the primary next week, he’ll have an easy victory. Mitt had better hope his fellow New Englanders are feeling what he has to say, lol.

Many people care this very much. They are discussing this on the forum of interracialloves.com. Many people joined the discussion and debate there.

Barack Obama is definitely the new “black magic?” Highlight the link below for my take on the Iowa caucus and Barack Obama.

http://hamptonblu.blogspo...ory-with-win-at-2008.html

Thanks Concrete Loop!!!! I’m happy you guys are starting the new year off right! So many people need this info. I’m 22 and never new the difference!

J. Dakar—You are a great writer and thanks for simplifying a complicated process!

OBAMA IN ‘08!!!!

Love the info that you are shelling out! I am a political junkie but I love my gossip and fashion also. I like having the info all in one place. i toggle between CL and Huffingtonpost, CNN and FoxNews daily! See how much work I am getting done right…lol

Glad to have a new writer on board! Good looking out CL!

I just wanted to send my congrats to Obama for taking over Iowa last night. Time for a change America!!!!!!!!

Barack the Vote! =]

Excellent post. Thank you for taking the opportunity to use this medium to help more people become politically astute. This may be the most important election of our lifetime in that so many of our values and beliefs are on the public stage this time around.
I vote my conscience, regardless of party affiliation. What matters to me most right now is:
The economy(job market particularly and poverty levels)
Education (the future)
Healthcare Reform (I like the idea of social healthcare like Canada has)
Civil Rights
Stopping the war and bringing stability to the middle east without imposing our values on others

National Security is not big on my list of priorities at this point because I believe that relations with rival nations and religious sects could be made better with different leadership.(IMHO)

Thanks for the post.

To the person who wrote first:

OBAMA won last night! 9 points ahead of Hillary. Sleep on him like you been doing and he’ll be the next president!

OBAMA 08!

I’m a supporter of John Edwards b/c during the debates when they asked Hilary and Obama when they would bring the troops home they both said between 2011 to 2012. John Edwards was the only one that said he would bring them home immediately. I know that there are many variables, money laundering, and politics that determine when troops will be brought home but Edwards is the only one that I’ve heard so far that stand by immediate evacuation. This election will be very interesting neverthelesss. All I ask from the American people is to not vote necessarily for who is popular but instead vote for someone who u think will be effective at meeting your needs. May GOD be with us all

Thats right trailblazer

Thats why I support RON PAUL

Obama isnt going to end any wars

you must be crazy if you buy that.

Thanks for this info!

Yep! Yep! Obama won Iowa…

Just wanted to add my kudos to CL for adding a young brotha to drop some political commentary. I look forward to kickin it around and having some good, productive debates!

Thanks! For someone who grew tired of folks lookin at me like im stupid for asking what’s a primary/caucass and whats the purpose of each, this entry was right on time.

Truth is, I have never been remotely interested in politics until I saw that Barak had a real shot to win.

Thanks again!

I was just hearing about the Iowa Caucus on the radio and thinking I needed to learn more about politics. Thanks for sheading some light on the subject.

Thanx CL so much for explaining that stuff . . . I wanted to know more about the process.

Trailblazer,

you ever thought that the reason John Edwards stood by returning troops immediately is because he wanted to ’stand out’. He’s blowing smoke Trailblazer and bringing our troops home immediately may not be as realistic as he would have you believe.

Thanks so much for this post. I’m so glad we’ve got politics added to CL now as well. I have been such a fan of this website and have watched it grow from a gossip blog into one of the best (in my opinion) black entertainment websites. Great work CL Fam! Keep holding it down. If politics is not youf forte’, then scroll down and read from one of the many other sections offered…However, having the opportunity available on CL of educating and discussing with each other the current political climate in the country we are living in is probably the best post Christmas gift I’ve gotten! Kudos to CL and I cant wait to see what you bring next. I look forward to this new section! Well written, and keep them coming.

I am happy Obama won Iowia…. However I do not think America will have a black president right now. Maybe not even in the future… Who knows? I don’t know. All I remember in history is that AMERICA is a ” White mans land”. They own all the LAND and all the OIL…. Thats what counts in America, to all Americans ( Do u get my drift). However, I am not an racist individual, but i do believe in looking at reality, and taking it for what REALITY really is.
.

don’t get me wrong, i [just like everyone else] have waited for this day for a candidate of color, or a FEMALE to run for office…

…but i hope everyone who plans on voting is doing their research. make sure that the person that you want in office in 2008 is the person who mirrors your concerns, beliefs and your “solutions”. don’t have your vote stop at COLOR or GENDER… look beyond the faces and make sure that the person that is elected is indeed the RIGHT CHOICE!!!

Happy New Year!!!

I dunno, Politics always gave me a serious headache. Just by reading the first paragraph “In the summer of…” I’m thoroughly confused! This is nothing to be proud of. It just made me realize that I need to take some “quiet time” to myself and really figure out/understand this process. Geeze, you’d think I don’t even have a degree, I’m ashamed. But thanks CL!!

I think it is great to see that the upper echelon of government is finally recognizing that through all of the labeling and counting out the “YOUNG” vote in this country in years past, it is ultimately the youth that are now the majority. Last night was monumental in that America has spoken, and the need for CHANGE is being echoed from coast to coast. The state of IOWA has NEVER elected a “black” nothing and for Obama to win be the margin that he had…….I mean no other democratic candidate was even close to tying with him. The Rainbow coalition that Jesse-J ran with in 1980 and 1984 was behind Obama last night! His platform for change is now the platform for all of the other candidates; but now he [Obama] has moved past that and is now calling for unification and togetherness for this “CHANGE”

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

I would love to have a black president. Who wouldn’t? Just being able to have a black president would be as to my benefit as to any other black person. But speaking not on emotions, and feelings, but reality. The closest we may get to a black president is HILLARY. So what I am saying to my beautiful black culture is that look at every canadate ,and have a back up plan… Thats all cause BLACKS opinions count to a certain extent because over all the white man will win. We have seen it during the Bush elections.
We even see it in everyday living. A good example is RAP music. The white producers do not get blamed for funding money to allow the music, but the Black man falls product to a crime of calling women out their names. So what we need to do is think smart, be prepared, and always have “A LOGICAL BACKUP PLAN” The game is not to play with what you knw, or how u feel, U have to play off of what u have OBSERVED, and what U have LEARNED… The Trend Continuous

Even if America did get a Black President It Will Still Be Ran By White Society… because who have the LAND, and OIL?

Much Love To My Brothers & Sisters Always,

Kimberly

I also do not want anyone to infringe on my reproductive rights as a woman. I am pro-choice (and a Christian~and no they are not mutually exclusive …. before you go there). The candidate that i vote for will make sure that private matters remain private and that the government will not try to supress the rights of people based on gender biases and religious rhetoric.

I really appreciate this post, I don’t think a lot of people are aware of the electoral process. I commend this site for thinking outside the box and equipping those with knowledge as well as entertainment. Kudos!

Great posting J. and very informative. I’m really excited that you are apart of the concreteloop family! This political commentary is very necessary to our way of life. It gives us a chance to balance what is truly important outside of celebrity scoop. While that is entertaining, there are more important things in the world going on and this nice we are able to infuse both to keep us well rounded.

Thank you concreteloop for updating us on politics!

I get the strange suspicion that the “passionate” Ron Paul supporter Yusef X, is your typical nutty WHITE Ron Paul Supporter, Faking like he’s black. Nice try Yusef X, but if you’re gonna use a name like “Yusef X” don’t use words like “boinking” as in…
#79 where you say

“you fools have enough time to research what rihanna is wearing and who ciara is boinking.”

What black man…or woman says “boinking”?!?

Great post.

@ Trailblazer, don’t believe any candidate who says they will bring the troops back immediately! As much as I am against this senseless war, I believe that we have to finish what we started…..it will take a carefully laid out plan to to steadily bring the troops back over a period of time. To just bring everyone back right now would plunge that country into chaos which can possibly even lead to a major civil war.

@ 101, are you on something?

Please everyone go out and vote, whomever you choose to vote for!

I have been reading Concrete Loop for a while but I have never felt a profound need to comment on any of the posts until now. I am a 21 year old college student and have done much research into many issues in not only the U.S. but the world. I had voted for the first time in 2004. While choosing which candidate I would back, I new that I wouldn’t make that horrible mistake that too many of my people have made for too long and that was blindly back on political party. Black people have backed democrats for many years without anything in return. Democrats have managed to use us as pawns and take our vote and support for granted. Visting black churches and kissing a few babies doesnt cut it for me, neither does having a office in Harlem or playing the saxophone. How eager were we to back Clinton for 8 years on these premises. Clinton did ver little for Black people, I must admit that. Where was Clinton when 800,000 Rwandans were killed in three months!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Read about it, its disgusting. Read his track record, the 1993 Crime Bill, the welfare reform, the growing number of African Americans in jail, his mentor was a racist Southern segregationist. I don’t dislike Clinton but with him we have been blind.

The Democratic party was the party of the KKK!!! The democratic party was the reason why we never received our 40 acres and our mule and so forth. Woodrow Wilson is one of our most racist presidents in the 20th century of course he is a democrat. JFK refused to speak out about civil rights and the Civil Rights Movement. he thought that if he ignored that issue, it would somehow go away. Al Gore’s father voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as did many other democrats, while the majority of Republicans voted for it and the list goes on and on…and on. I am in no way aginst democrats, I am against partisianship. I refused to be like those who preceded me and walk over glass to pull the democratic ticker, simply because that individual is democratic.

This leads me into this issue, why are so many of you writing off Obama telling others not to vote for him because he is black. When so many African Americans have voted for democrats blindly for over half a century.

Have those who attack Obama followers for following him simply because he is black given this man a fair chance or have you written him off as too many African Americans have done due to the fact that they feel he is unelectable, inexperienced, too young, had no track record etc… How ridiculous that we could pick apart our own while dub another “the first black president”!!! White people in Iowa and I bet you all over this country are willing to back him while blacks want to back Hillary?? under terms that arent accurate. They want to back Hillary for the same reasons that refuse to Obama for. They want a women in the White House??/ They like her husband because “he was our first black president?? OK.

Obama is more than simply a black man who is running for president. He is intelligent, open minded, humane and I beleive that he could bring about much needed change. I remember hearing Obama as the keynote speaker during the democratic convention in 2004 and I must say he gave me goosebumps. He speaks on the issues and he understands and beleives in the black community especially black youth. Go ahead read about him.

Did anyone watch the energy and excitement at his headquarters last night when he was making his amazing speech!!! His followers cross racial, gender and class lines. He won the most white, conservative section of Iowa, Sioux Falls (on the Northweat of the states), no one expected that newscasters and poltical analysts were shocked!!! That says something. I want to be apart of it, I beleive in Obama and I shares many of his beliefs and values. I was once a doubter but I truly am on the hope bandwagon!!! When hope transcend fear, great things happen.

I really appreciate this information, I was reading everywhere how Obama won in Nebraska or where ever he was and was lost as to what a Caucus was. This post has really given me much needed insight I’m not big on voting but it’s time for a much needed change so I decided I will be a voice and vote this election! Keep up the good work!

@154

There’s definitely something shady about homeboy. What “militant” negro named “Yusef X” is a proponent for voting at all, much less for Ron Paul. Lol, I asked him about that the last time they had a political thread and he avoided the question.

In addition, make sure you guys register in time for the primaries!!! I find the primaries to be just as important as the November election. Go on google and look up your states registration laws, they vary from state to state which is confusing!!!!!! If you are from New York like me then rush over to you local election office and register today!!! The last day to register for primary election that will be held on Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008 is Sunday January 5, 2008. They need in their hands by that date. The last day to register to vote in the November 2008 elections is Friday january 11, 2008!!!!!! You can only vote in the primary of the party that you affiliated with. In some states the date to change part affiliations has passed (NY is one of them). In some states you can still change it if you wish. There are closed, open and semi-closed/open states look it up. If you registed as an independent or with no party affiliation, in some states, you cannot participate in any primary!!! Go look if you state allows you to do so. Primaries and caucuses are just as important as November elections. Don’t pull a Paris Hilton and show up on election day unregistered!!!

**my .02
If Obama wins…

I expect to feel like the president is actually LISTENING to all sides. I expect him to be authentically realistic about the problems we are facing. I expect him to restore the grace and dignity that this country once had around the world. I DONT expect him to solve every problem in a day. I DONT expect him to hand out free cheese. I DONT expect him to be caught up in sex scandals. I DONT expect him to run from hard questions.

I am NOT for OBAMA because he’s black or because he’s a democrat. I AM for OBAMA because he represents a 360 degree change that this country needs to forever shake off the hypocrisy of racial priviledge and the self-hate that permeates our people.

I told my kids last night when they came in asking what was wrong as I was screaming at the tv…’that might be your new president’ and they looked at the man on tv and saw THEMSELVES.

I want to live in a country where its possible for a black man to be president. I want to be proud of this country again. OBAMA gives me that HOPE.

OBAMA 08

ANGEL
I definitely give you your props for adding this section and for the varied coverage that that has been on the site including deaths, etc. However, I still think that when Kim Kardashian’s dating habits and Beyonce’s vacations are main topics, its a gossip blog. But you have expanded it beyond what most folks imagine that to be and I do look to you for information and news. Most importantly, unlike several other blogs I could name, I look to you for credibility, something many of them are lacking.

JDakar is a lovely, tall, sexy, articulate addition…..If you can find brothers like this to work with you, maybe you need to consider a dating section LOL

very enlighteneing. and nicely explainined.

Over on Bossip they have a couple stories about the real reason Magic Johnson is supporting Clinton and how the Clinton campain or their supporters are paying some of the black churches in South Carolina for their support! It says that Magic is supporting the Clinton’s because he has a business deal in the works with one of their big time supporter’s. I think, that if this is the case, they need to be ashamed of themselves. If they honestly believed in Hillary Clinton that would be one thing, but their only reason in supporting her is the almighty dollar. I wonder if Bush had offered them money would they have supported him? I have always supported Barack(not because he’s black) but because he seems as if he has integrity, he’s smart and he believes in what he is saying and doing. But I honestly didn’t think he could come this close; after yesterday I have hope that maybe he could take this. For all these so called christian churches, they need to be put on blast! Magic needs to be put on blast!

1. Thank you for clearing this up for me because I was a bit confused as to how this whole political process works.

2. Thank you Concreteloop for showing the we have an interest in topics other than the latest and greatest in entertainment gossip.

Jack,

I couldn’t agree with you more, he represents what America and Americans need and that change, hope and a postive outlook when it comes to our nation’s leaders and politcs. He is willing to listen to what really makes this country run from day to day and thats its people!!!

It’s funny because the popularity of the new guy’s posts mirrors the presidential race…well, I could have better articulated that but you get it…his topics are popular because many of you like the way he looks…Just a funny observation.
Oh yeah, another one: You people are arguing with several people and yet the same person… It’s as obvious as oil in water to more indifferent bloggers (that would be me). And, that’s funny because you’re seriously arguing/agreeing with the same person.
Still, I think this whole discussion/debate is interesting and the didactic approach isn’t at all condescending.. I expected it would be…but it’s all very rawboned..it’s honest.

The first comment already has doubt in it??! what a shame, *smh* I think the world is ready for a black president, it’s just the U.S. that needs to catch up and after yesterday I am 100% convinced that Obama may very well be the next president! In Iowa there citizens are 93% white and 4% black and Obama won, what does that say to you? Obama isn’t depending on the “black” vote, he’s depending on “all” votes…

Good work CL team! Keep it up!

Good job J. Well done. I appreciate the explaination.
And, good job Obama! Topping the Iowa caucuses!
Let’s go people!

“Change”…it has to happen!

I heard somewhere (The Secret) that elections are often tilted toward the opponent who most people are giving their energy to - especially the opponent who most people are against (which is probably how Bush got elected).

Anyway, I said all that to say that people who are against Obama should definitely continue to give him all of your negative energy because he is definitely going to win. OBAMA ‘08.

Oh yeah, please don’t wait for “white people” to support someone before you would even consider supporting that person. It doesn’t say much for you as a person and shows signs of a weak mind. As others have said, do your own research and don’t be afraid to support the candidate of your choice, no matter who else you think is or isn’t on your side. OBAMA ‘08!

#166
“In Iowa there citizens are 93% white and 4% black and Obama won, what does that say to you? Obama isn’t depending on the “black” vote, he’s depending on “all” votes…”
Which, sadly, does nothing for the great percentage of black people across other states who feel that voting for Obama is a vapid, wasted act… Right? Just wondering if they’ll be emboldened, more zealous, determined to show that black folk are informed and proactive and no way will they vote for Obama…the “inexperienced candidate” is it? Isn’t that what they say? yeah and something about his having no real platform outside of the ever-abstract “Change in ‘08″

I could be wrong, though…Maybe I’m theoretically off, not at all consistent with voting trends/patterns (although so thing the Iowa caucus to predict nothing).

that would be: “though some think the Iowa caucus to predict nothing”

#101 you think everything’s a conspiracy huh? Pessimist! #118! Yes! Thank you!!! That’s what this whole thing is about! Everyone should take the time to read 160! Because That’s exactly why I’m voting for him for CHANGE for HOPE!

Iit’s AMERICA that’s making this thing a race issue, not OBAMA…

also Clinton is done, she came in 3rd place people! EDWARDS came in 2nd! So I don’t know why people are discussing how Clinton is still in the same league with Obama when quite frankly she’s not…she has a lot of catching up to do if she still wants to be the presidential candidate…

@101

I’m surprised I missed your post the first time through. I agree 99%.

First, I’d like to thank Concrete for getting J. Dakar to put concrete information into the minds of young people. There’s so much more going on in the world aside from who’s hot and who’s not.

I wanted to say everyone’s getting on Lupe Fiasco for his comments, but they kind of make sense if you really think about it. He’s going for Hilary and not Obama. In my opinion, I want Obama to win, but I don’t think he knows ENOUGH and/or has gotten DIRTY enough to be this “saviour” that Black folks have been waiting for. Bush is PURPOSELY living a MESS for him or her to clean up and it’s going to be a bad look for him before it gets to be a good look. He’ll have to cut a lot of sources and medical income for the communities that needs his help before he’s able to actually help them. I also think that he’ll be assasinated or an attempt is going to be made on his life if he wins. This is a very PREJUDICED world we live in and they’ll put Hilary in office, before they’ll see a Black man running our country. They couldn’t even keep a Black President on “24″ without being assasinated. Hilary is going to cater to the women, but she too will have to deal with a lot of b.s., her husband’s scandal will arise again and she’s going to have to implement certain laws BACK IN PLACE that Bush cut out before she can move forward positively.

I vote in every election faithfully, be it the presidency or for my local borough president. I wish I could cast two votes or at least see one being president and the other vice president. That would be a wish come true for me (and a nightmare for the Republicans - lol.)

Please everyone go out and vote - DEMOCRATS RULE!!!!

frankly, i’m for both hilary and obama BUT i’m voting for obama because he’s against the death penalty. also i don’t understand why ppl are complaining about how others are saying “don’t vote for obama because he’s black” . i mean voting on someone solely because of skin color is uneducated and ignorant. i’m voting for him because he has the same stance that i do on certain issues, but if he didn’t, then i wouldn’t vote for him. it’s that simple

Thank you Concrete Loop for adding this Political Section to better inform US (as black people), because listening to or from reading to people comments, people are saying “Vote for Obama”, so we can have the first black man in office. Or “Vote for Hillary”, so we can have the first woman in office. And it makes me wonder, if people are really paying attention to the facts. It’s more that just having a black person in office. Yes, it is a triumph for our race, but don’t be blind-sighted and go to the polls and just vote for the black man or a woman

What about his/her views. What do you know about his/her views for healthcare, “war against terrorism”, foreign policies. Make sure you go to the polls with knowledge and not just based on the media. In these times, it’s more that just being Republican or Democrat. It’s more that just hearing what you want to her. It’s so much more in politics that just the President. Another STRONG ruling power in our government is CONGRESS. It’s much more than listening to Oprah on whom to vote for.

I remember growing up, you were always told you can be what you want to be. You can be the President of The United States. In our time, in our system & in our government, I find it hard to tell those younger than me to strive to become that. Our government is so twisted and corrupted that I feel sorry for the next person in line. Can our country get back??? Can we reverse what has happened within the last 8 years.
Honestly, I don’t know who I’ll vote for, I’m so lost. I need to hear more from these candidates. But the point of this message is for people to think more. Don’t just vote to have the first black man or first woman. It’s WAY more than that. Way more.. Please please watch the delegations and speeches and choose THE PROPER CANDIDATE!!!

whew.. that was alot

Big ups for breaking it down. Hopefully, this will help more youngin’s (yeah, im in my 30’s) come out and vote this year. like diddy said, “VOTE OR DIE!!!!!!!!!!”

LOL…THIS IS FUNNY BECAUSE A FEW MONTHS AGO, I CONSIDERED CONTACTING THE LOOP IN HOPES OF ENLIGHTING THE READERS ON THE POLITICAL PROCESS………ANYWHO…..IM TIRED OF PEOPLE SAYING “DONT VOTE FOR OBAMA BECAUSE HE IS BLACK, YOU WOULD BE MAD IF WHITES VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE BECAUSE HE IS WHITE.” CAN YOU PEOPLE PLEASE WAKE UP! THATS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENS. OBAMA IS BLCK SO THAT MAKES IT MORE OBVIOUS, BUT THE MAJORITY OF WHITES MAY NOT VOTE FOR HIM BECAUSE HE “DOESNT LOOK LIKE A PRESIDENT” MEANING “HES NOT WHITE”. I HAVE THIS THEORY, “WHITE PEOPLE THINK IT,BLACK PEOPLE SAY IT”. WE ARE NOT ASHAMED TO SAY WE SUPPORT SOMEONE BECAUSE THEY LOOK LIKE US, BUT OTHERS ARE SAYING THE SAME THING IN A MORE POLITICALLY CORRECT WAY.
dont be naive and think that obama is going to make everything great for black people, thats further from the truth. you have to make things right for yourself…but it helps to have someone thats experienced the same struggles as you are experiencing now. Ron Paul (republican) is a good man, I like the fact that he wants to axe the IRS, but people, he also want to axe medicaid. what are you going to do if you cant afford health care? Clinton is a good woman, i like the fact that she proposes a form of universal health care, but she is too “business as usual” to care about the middle class. WE dont need hand outs Clinton!!!!!!! i like obama because i think he represents change.change of oneself,change of ones future. hes not trying to give hand outs…..my quote for the day “Give Me Nothing Open The Door I’ll Get it Myself”-James Brown.

Who do you *think* will win the elections?

http://www.makefive.com/c...ill-be-the-next-president

PS….Obama needs a STRONG vice president if he wants this election!

@180, personally I would prefer him to run as Vice President.

CLASSY KAY…..
dont be confused…truth is 90% of candidates are the same…..you only need to find the 10% thats left…..which usually leaves morals, personality,and voting record……let their record do the talking…usually what a candidate says is never what he/she does……so i encourage you to find the consistencies in what they say verses what they do. hop this helps.

Hello Black America.
We, black folks from Paris, France are very excited about your presidential election and more than proud of Mr Obama’s first victory in Iowa.
I hope a lot of you will go ahead and vote for the brother. And not only because he’s a brother but somebody that can restore America’s image for the rest of the world.
Elect a black president in the USA and maybe, just maybe the world will start to see black diaspora a little differently.

Thanks !!

Hermosdef the Soul Catcher

Ms. AKA! I hope I remember this correctly but Gore had the popular vote which why they had to recount the votes in FL. However, because the electoral votes ultimately choose the President, Florida’s votes favored Bush. For anyone who is reading this, please understand that it is your right to vote. Please pay attention to what all of the candidates have to say regardless of race and gender. All votes do matter. Please go out and VOTE!

Thanks J for the information! It was very informative and I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

Thanks for breaking it down. Maryland has primary elections but I think it sucks for republicans because MD is a democratic state. We choose the leader in our party but I think they all should be open. I’m still confused about why we have an electoral college when the popular vote should choose our next president. I just hope there are no mishaps this time. Anyway, thanks for the info this is sooo much clearer then 60 mins or CNN, thanks:-)

Call me crazy, but I smell a rat. I think Obama was sent here to get knowledge of the ins and outs of the government. I think he is affiliated with the terrorist. Look at his name. We are so blinded by the fact he is black. He’s gonna get in the White house, and get all the secrets, and let the terrorist know how and when to attack. Thats what I think.

This is so exciting!

181….
wouldnt it be neat if who ever gets the most votes in the primaries get the president ticket and whoever gets 2nd automatically gets vp ticket…….

I love this post, the questions and the comments!!
Go CL!!!

Yusef X—

Maybe you need to start doing some research before you start spouting off at the mouth in support of Ron Paul. Do you know ALL of his positions? Did you happen to watch his maniacal performance on Meet the Press with Tim Russert 2 weeks ago? While I believe his position on this ridiculous and illegal war in Iraq is correct, in principle, he is DEAD WRONG on EVERY other position that matters to Black people and all Americans in general.

He, like all Libertarians, believes in dismantling the Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security system. He believes in negating the tax system. While, yes, that might seemingly help the few who can afford to pay out-of-pocket for their needs, the vast majority of people in this country will suffer tremendously. Incidents like what happened to us post the aftermath of Katrina will occur more frequently without recourse or redress NOT because of purposeful mismanagement and neglect by greedy corporatists like George Bush and crew but because the treasury would truly be empty. Is this what you are willing to risk, espcially in light of a world more at risk now because of global warming?

Is it worth it to you to have the public school system eradicated (yet another of his absurd positions) even knowing that most people of color are educated in them? The answer is not to dismantle them but to actually make them teach ALL of the students by allocating resources properly and with a desire to ensure that ALL students are prepared to face the challenges of a future in a global community.

Ron Paul is not the answer. He is a part of the problem. In order for us to survive and thrive, we need to accept that we need each other. Society does not work if at the end of the day I only care about what happens to me and my immediate family. We have to sacrifice for the greater good. Survival of the fittest is not a viable option for anyone and especially not our community where more of us are in need.

Please think before you go into that voting booth, wherever you live. Do more research and keep in mind that we are responsible for ourselves and one another. You would be voting against your own interests and that of your people if you wasted your vote on this man. he contradiced himself on that show in so many ways. He supported wotes cast by more mainstream Republicans that were antithetical to the positions he is now running on. Go to msnbc.com and look at the clips of that interview. It isn’t spin but the words out of the horse’s mouth that should spell his downfall.

havinafit
THATS IS UDERLY ABSURB

UTTERLY ABSURB

Bobbo, its spelled “utterly”

THANKS BUT I NOTICED ALREADY….LOL

I know I’m not the only one who thinks that. We already have the devil in office.

GEORGE= 6 letters
WALKER= 6 letters
BUSH JR.= 6 letters

666, its the anit- christ!!!

anti

wow…lol

Havinafit:

I hope you are being facetious. If not, you need serious help. That comment is utterly insane and truly unworthy of serious comment. Nonetheless, in the hopes that you might be able to learn something…here goes. First of all, Obama was obviously born in this country, hence, the fact that he can run for President in the first place. For your information, he was born in Hawaii. If you are suggesting that ,somehow, because Hawaii is not a part of the continental US, he is somehow less of an American, then you are ridiculous. If you are suggesting that nevertheless, Hawaii is sending terrorists here to infiltrate the government of the nation of which it is a part, then again, you are ridiculous. If you are suggesting that because his father was Kenyan and his mother was from Kansas and he spent some time growing up in Indonesia that he is an agent for those that would harm us, you are in need of some medical intervention. Perhaps, if you had some travel experience outside of this country, then you would not be so culturally ignorant and intellectually irrelevant.

In case you were unaware, this is a nation founded on immigration. The origin of all people here is foreign. Should we not trust each other either because of the difference in the sound of our names. That is utterly absurd.

Terrorism is a tactic employed by people everywhere. In fact, most classifiable acts of terrorism that have occured in this country, according to agencies such as the CIA and the FBI are at the hands of HOMEGROWN people. The people we need to fear most are the lonewolves who blow up clinics, the people who blew up the federal building in Oklahoma City, and the Atlanta Olympics. Also, the policies of this country have been historically terroristic to people of color here and abroad. Where is your fear of the Bush administration, for example?

Black people come from everywhere. We are a part of a diaspora. We are all connected to one another. Consequently our names may not sound or look the same, we may not speak the same language or look the same exactly but we share a common ancestry. How dare you or anyone else negate Obama’s commitment and connection to other black people because of something so trivial as a name. You are hear condemning a man who organized civil rights groups in Chicago and was a lawyer working on behalf of poor people. This man was the first African-American to be Editor-in-Chief at Harvard law School. But you think you are in a position to question his credentials or commitment. Get a clue.

It is when I hear ignorant nonsense such as this that I think that maybe everyone should not have the right to vote. Take the time to educate yourself on real issues and FACTS before you embarass yourself in the public arena in such a fashion. Reasonable people may disagree but your words and position are unreasonable and idiotic at best.

For the record, since I believe you are alluding to the events that transpired on September 11, 2001, those people who attacked our nation were here legally and had connections to the Bin Laden family, close personal friends of George Bush. If we need to fear each other as Black people because our names are different, then it is no wonder that we are where we are as a people. You are definitely acting like a crab in a barrel and beneath the greatness of our race.

@TAM you are correct I remember it like it was yesterday election night 2000 I fell asleep and Gore had won Florida. When I woke up Bush had won Florida I was so pissed and I didn’t understand what the electorial vote meant. Popular vote is just who the public decides but the electorial vote determines the winner.

J.Dakar can you explain the electorial vote I know each state has them but some states have more?

after reading a lot of these posts i see that overall people are interested and are voicing their opinions on this matter which is great….but it’s sad that people are not ready for a female or black president…what is so bad about women and afirican americans that they are not good enough to be president??? people should look at what this country needs and what u yourself need and see which candidate will meet those needs the best…how can we as a people push for equality for women and minorities if we are still in this state of mind??? the world is changing and each generation is becoming more and more different and outspoken than the previous one so maybe a female or black pres will do the country good and if they don’t well we are not in such a great state now….even though i dont condone it, i can see how people want to vote for obama just b/c he’s black… being an african american is so hard in this country….theres a lot you have to overcome and a lot of times blacks dont unite when they should so people probaly think if they vote for a black pres they are doing something to unite black folks however this country is not composed of just black but all races and if we really want to unite we need to accept everyone and unite as a people and not just as a race….do this by voting for the candidate that has EVERYONE’S best interest at heart

@HAVINAFIT

Your comment would make sense if George Walker Bush was a “Jr.” but his father is George Herbert Walker Bush.

I thought it was stupid when I heard Paul Mooney say it to a crowd that Oooo’ed in amazement, I was amazed that they were so gullible and stupid as to know that President Bush isn’t a Jr. I’m even more amazed that someone repeated that as if it was fact. They were caught up in the moment what’s your excuse.

Although I’m not refuting that President Bush is a devilish warmonger and an idiot.

@ #199 Dame…

here is an excellent website that explains what the electoral college is: http://www.vote-smart.org..._is_electoral_college.php

and here is a link from that page that shows the number of electoral votes each state has: http://www.vote-smart.org...ent_electoral_college.php

@Havinafit

From what I understand, Obama is british Intelligence working with the MI5, but I have to look into that. For some strange reason black people don’t believe that a “black” person can be used as an agent, lol. In my opinion, they’re so caught up in color instead of lineage and common history, which is true self-knowledge, that they assume kin because of skin. Other than caucasians, all other races have melanin, but that doesn’t make them brothers and sisters. Black people; due to their love of those in power over them, have always been eager to be used as agents against their own people, from Judas Iscariot all the way to the cointelpro programs.

Also, George Bush is not THE anti-Christ. He’s just AN Anti-Christ. This nonsense about there being 3 Anti-Christs is not biblical, that’s something that people contrived to bring folklore to the scriptures (I John 2:18).

so Obama is working as an agent of the enemy? Really? Sounds like the brainwashing garbage put in black people’s minds back in slavery to keep them from ‘getting together’.

Nice try at spin though.

OBAMA 08

DAME……199
in a way that you understand…….when u go to the polls and vote for clinton or obama or whomever, you are really voting for an electorate that u assume to vote your respective choice. this doesnt mean that it always happens though (florida). put it like this….you vote for the electorate, and the electorate votes for president…..ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT THE ELECTORATE MAY NOT ALWAYS VOTE FOR THE PERSON YOU WANT THEM TO. the amount of electoral votes differ from state to state,the higher the population, the more electoral votes it has (cali 55, texas 34).while gore has the most popular votes, if bush wins the big states,electoral votes weigh out popular votes.

im not sure if the united states is actually ready and open minded enough for a female president or an african american one. i do think it would be a good idea to have either as vice president though.

206 if ur saying that Obama is only good enough to be the president of the senate………think again

202 and 205 thank you for the link and responding to my post. I understand the electorial vote better. I am really looking forward to the elections this.Remember in 2000 when Bush stole Florida his brother Jed was govenor.

The first comment says, “the world might not be ready for a black or female president…”

Can you elaborate on why you think this?? Especially when the majority of the world is comprised of brown people?? What do you suppose will happen in the world if Clinton or Obama succeeds as president??

The answer is DEAL WITH IT.

I find it ridiculous that people are only voting for Obama because he is black, and that is the main reason people are voting for him many people don’t know or care about where he stands on political aspects, it’s like people voting for George Bush because he is Christian. Yes I agree it would be great to make history and have a black man become President, but I don’t think Obama is that man, he is too inexperienced to lead a country. I would personally vote for Clinton she has 35 years of experience in politics’s, Obama has 2. Clinton also has a strong team behind her including a former President. But that is just my two cents.

I am happy that CL took the time out to post this thread but I can’t help but wonder what is wrong with some of the people here and why they are so misinformed. Ignorance seems to be rampant and its sad. For those writing all that nonsense about Obama being a terrorist or spy and Bush being the/an Anti-Christ is crazy!!! If you cannot be serious then stop posting. I hear people throwing darts at Obama because of his name….how prejudice his name is African and much more genuine for a person of his persuasion than a name like Johnson or Smith, Thank You.

well, its up for debate if bush stole florida,but lets just say senority wins every time its too close to call.but know that the electoral college doesnt cast their vote until december………..so elections are usually determined by popular vote. gore was just dumb for demanding a recount in democratic counties in florida.

Good refreshing info!! I love it!

210 you are missing the point……their are far more people who wouldnt vote for obama because he’s black then would. and what you think is happening with huckabee and romney….people prefer huckabee because he’s evangelical verses romney the mormon

@204

No disrespect to you brother, but nigga please, lol. Alot of black people act prideful when it suits them and alot of them cite slavery and couldn’t tell anyone one accurate thing about it if asked to expound. The only person on this thread that has evoked anything of substantive thought is “Gem”, and even she doesn’t seem to know why she wants to vote. My comment was directed at “Havinafit” based on the tenor of his/her comment. I’m not trying to shit on your false-Christ, “black hope”, savior. I prefer to wait for these things to play out so that I can use it for the edification of myself and people who are spiritual and truly paying attention. I heard the same”good white folk” messiah-like bullshit about Gore in 2000, Kerry in 2004, and experienced the same simplistic, futile attempt by black people to “gain power” through the electoral process. I have plenty to say on this issue but I like to wait. I like to see how our people are thinking on topics like this. Black people like yourself, that think that voting is a sign of unity or rebellion typify the stupidity of a race of people that “control” 0.5% of this economy. I’ve never, even in passing, heard other races talk about who they’re going to vote for in regards to gaining “power” for their race because they already have real unity (knowledge of self, history, and community) and they’re in America to take what they can get. The politicians of the other races that do run and get voted into office are strategically placed at low levels so that they’re not pressured to feel that they have to represent all races. Yet you think that in a country that is 75% caucasian; anyone who is voted into office, no matter the color, would be concerned about the “black communities issues” because you want him to be a “brother”. I say again, nigga please, lol.

than would

214 I understand but most Black americans want to vote for Obama because he is black, I was watching a documentary about it and every single black person interviewed (over 40people) wants Obama simply and only because he is black. On BET’s crank that year back also showed this when they said flat out they want him to win because of his race. I find it scary that people vote based on things like this I understand that the republicans vote based mainly on religion and faith that is also a scary thought and disturbing. It worries me that people vote based on these choices but don’t educate themselves on where these people stand on issues that America is facing.

I am so happy that Obama won the caucus yesterday. No matter what the future brings, it says alot that an African American can make a lasting affect on this country. Even if he does not win the Democratic nomination, he’s making history.

African Americans, especially black women, need to realize that this is a momentus occasion for us. A black man is climbing the historic political ladder, married to a black woman. That in itself is a beautiful thing. We complain when black men are famous and married to nonblack women, we should be happy that this man married a black woman, and is raising black daughters.

Black women we may have lost Kobe, Reggie Bush, but we have Obama, a Harvard-Yale(I believe) graduate, potentially the next Pres of the U.S.

#38, BRAVO. U hit the nail on the head. We can’t afford to be choosey. Besides OBAMA is the best man for the job. He is the PEOPLE’S candidate. He’s earned my vote. GO OBAMA!!

Ok wow.. I started not to even respond to this post but deep down I had to . I am not going to call anyone ignorant or stupid or say they are white if they use the word “boinking”.. I must say I learned a lot and laughed even more at some of the post.

The one thing I am proud of is the number of response. When I read his post after it was first submitted I wondered how many people would APPRECIATE the MUCH NEEDED Educational lesson. I myself went to school for Public Relations and Fashion marketing and never heard it broken down in those terms before EVER.

Regardless of who wins the most important thing is involvement. African american involvement! Because Obama ( god bless his soul) if he does win , he will need the continued support of our people and others who are for the same cause. He will need other leaders of color to step up and plan on carrying the torch if he wins. Whats the point in changing the world in 4-8 years only to allow those who do not care about us win afterwards.

THINK ABOUT IT. IF HE WINS AND OUR PEOPLE MAKE A BREAKTHROUGH– IT’S ONLY GOING TO BE HARDER IF WE ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THE EQUALITY BATTLE…………. YES I WOULD MAKE HISTORY BUT IF OBAMA BRINGS US WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY TO THE TOP…….. IT’S A MUCH HARDER FALL FROM WHERE WE ARE IF WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO STAY THEREEEEEEEEE!

WHEN THEY SAY WE ARE NOT READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT IT’S NOT WE ( THE WORLD) ARE NOT READY FOR HIS PRACTICES.. WE ARE NOT READY TO 100% BACK HIM UP WHEN HE IS ELECTED AND STARTS TO HELP US.

I HAVE BEEN READING CL FOR THE LONGEST AND I AM VERY VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE ARTICLES AND RESPONSES. I JUST HAD TO ONCE PUT MY 2 CENT IN…

SHOUTS OUT TO ANGEL & J DAKAR FOR PROVOKING THE MINDS…

@ BOBBI, “…I HAVE THIS THEORY, ‘WHITE PEOPLE THINK IT,BLACK PEOPLE SAY IT.” LOL! I’M ADOPTING THAT.

NEXT, I THINK WHAT IS COMPLETELY DAMNING IN AND OF ITSELF IS THE AMOUNT OF HOPELESSNESS FROM SOME OF THE BLOGGERS W/ THEIR COMMENTARY…

LET’S NOT GET IT TWISTED! POLITICS IS STILL POLITRICKS, YA KNOW. HOWEVER, WHY ARE SO MANY AFRAID OF BEING WRONG, OF ALLOWING THEMSELVES TO DREAM LIKE A FOOL…? IF WE DON’T ALLOW OUR INDIVIDUAL SELVES TO GO THERE, WHO’S REALLY KEEPING THE SHACKLES ON US??? WHO IS REALLY SETTING THE LIMITS???

IF YOU, (BLACK FOLKS OR PERSONS OF COLOR,) COULD MAKE UP THE PERFECT CANDIDATE THAT SERVED THEIR PURPOSE, AS YOU SEE FIT, YOU MEAN TO SAY THAT YOU WOULDN’T IMAGE THEM TO BE BLACK??? OR ASIAN, OR LATINO…PLEASE. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT, BUT EVEN I UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE WORLD WE LIVE IN THAT (IF OBAMA WON,) AS PRESIDENT HE WOULD BE A POLITICIAN BEFORE HE WOULD BE A BLACK MAN. THAT’S JUST HOW THE MACHINE WORKS…

BUT I SAY TO MYSELF I AM NOT GOING TO ALLOW THE F*CKERY OF THIS MACHINE ROB ME OF HOPE & BEING PROUD OF HAVING A LEADER THAT LOOKS LIKE ME, THAT THINKS LIKE ME, THAT REPRESENTS BLACK ME…

^^^*REVISED*
BUT I SAY TO MYSELF I AM NOT GOING TO ALLOW THE F*CKERY OF THIS MACHINE ROB ME OF HOPE & OF BEING PROUD OF HAVING A LEADER THAT LOOKS LIKE ME, THAT THINKS LIKE ME, OR REPRESENT BLACK ME…

Once again, I am tired of people assuming that blacks who is supporting Obama is simply doing it based on race. BET isnt an accurate indicator, they are full of pop culture rhetoric and nonsense. The real polls show that more blacks support Clinton, if some of you did your research, you would know that. I feel that black people are being the real skeptics when it comes to this election. I know where he stands and I know what he stands for, I admire the fact that he is willing to restore faith in the government and listen to the American people. He is opened minded and intelligent. I find that many of these so called experienced leaders are too dogmatic and unwilling to listen to the public. I think Obama can bring in a fresh perspective on politics. After Obama I am in support of John Edwards who I feel is genuine and a proven people’s man. They would make a great ticket!!!! I just wish that blacks could stop tearing down this whole thing on the basis of race, he stands as a representation of so much more.

As I had written in a comment before, Democrats have done very little for us especially in recent years. They have simply just taken our vote for granted. The very history of the party is questionable yet black voters have been blindly supporting them for over half a century. Yet when presented with a candidate who understands the black community more than any other candidate or president in history, he dont support him. For the first time I am hearing blacks talk about blind voting when they have been doing it in the favor of white men for years. Obama like myself is against partisianship.If your beliefs align with Obama then you arent blind voters. If you like and beleive in Obama because you feel he best represents you because he looks like you then more power to you. I think that Obama as president would benefit the African American population in this country simply because he is a reflection of one like ourselves in a high place. In addition, Obama isn’t running to be the president of BLACK AMERICA he is going to be the president of AMERICA. Open your minds and dont wait for white people to back him before you do.

@ 228 The polls used to show more blacks supported Clinton but those were months ago things change so quickly, I just want people to educate themselves a learn about these people and where they stand on issues before they vote. Don’t vote based on gender, race, or religion, vote based on who will be the better leader. This is especially important for us youth because we are the future and we need someone who will be able to lead us into that future, don’t go to the polls ignorant and vote based on superficial reasons. I’m not saying Obama is a bad candidate or you shouldn’t vote for him but research him and learn about him and his stances before you vote, don’t vote for him because you want a black president in office.

Look at the last elections, most people voted for Bush because he was a Christian and look where we are now. I’m just saying educate yourselves before you vote. On that note I personally believe (and it is just a personal opinion) that Obama is not ready to lead, he is not clear on what he wants and he needs more experience before he should be president. He would probably make a great president in the future just not now. He has about two years experience in the senate, and many times never showed up to senate votes.

And it is not assuming people are voting based on race (or gender for that matter) just ask people, look at the internet, watch youtube videos, read message boeards, and blogs (this one for example) and the main and sometimes only reason people want to vote for Obama is because of his race and never give any other credible reason to vote for him.

JUST EDUCATE YOURSELVES BEFORE YOU VOTE, LEARN WHERE THESE PEOPLE STAND! REMEMBER THIS PERSON WILL LEAD US FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AND WILL HAVE SOME VERY IMPORTANT DECISIONS TO MAKE THAT WILL AFFECT US ALL.

The only positive thing that GWB has done: get everyone interested enough in politics to learn as much as they possibly can. Thanks, CL, for putting this information out there for all of us. Now, I hope everyone heads out there to vote in the primaries or caucus. The Iowa caucuses proved exciting - let’s see what New Hampshire’s primary elections hold. GO OBAMA GO!!

Thanx for the clarification!!!!

@Allyson

Obama was born in Hawaii to a african father and a american mother. He did not move to America until his college years. Hawaii is not a state and I don’t believe thay can vote there.The only reason he can vote is because his Mother is from Kansas. If seems unfair seeimg how if you are American Samoan and you move to America when your 10 you cant run but Hey can you do.

I’m I the anyone who didnt know Obama was on drugs, Sounds like That major from DC I know there is an educated person some where who went to school to learn instead of getting high. Can we find that person that’s who I want to vote for.

#233: Hawaii is a state and Hawaiians can vote. In the last two presidential elections, though, Hawaii has shown the lowest voter participation in the country. According to an elections reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser, candidates don’t bother to campaign much in Hawaii because it’s heavily Democratic.

Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar

No allyson

YOU need to do more research

ron paul has written several books and has many COMPREHENSIVE interviews that go into detail about how he plans to implement the transition away from socialism to freedom and liberty.

People ONLY need medicaire, medicaid because of managed care system. Before Richard Nixon and the Manage care system in cooberation with big pharm and the FDA. Most people had a family doctor and a 1 to 1 relationship. people paid direclty for doctors visits, and when they didnt need a doctor they didnt pay taxes to insurance companies when they didnt need any care. You pay taxes to insurance companies but dont even know it.

Welfare is not needed if there is solid currency backed by a resource like a metal…gold, silver,paladiam for instance. Money under solid currency is worth its face value. Because of inflation the Us dollar is worth 2 cents. That means if you had solid currency all goods and services would be reduced by 500 percent. Do you remember hearing about 10 cent loafs of bread?. That was pre federal reserve pre IRS days.

So what Obama in contrast to Paul is proposing is status quo and mere bandaids for problems that need surgery.

j. Dakar
Thank you for that information

@Yusef X

Welfare is and was always need, even when bread as 10 cents there was welfare

@ JA (#233),

Since when was Hawaii not a state in America? Listed in Alphabetical order, Hawaii comes right after Georgia and right before Idaho. (I don’t know if anyone remembers that song “50 Nifty United States” from back in the ’80s, but it’s burned into my brain).

My bad on the Hawaii thing

LOL. It’s okay

lol@ Hawaii not being a state….I guess Alaska isn’t one either

TO Lydia and Dashon:

please learn to read and stop assuming things. i’ll reiterate again, if all the democratic candidates are talking about doing the same things, which they all are by the way, then of course i’m going to vote for the black guy. you see how i said, “if all the democratic candidates are talking about doing the same things” that means i did do my research and have been paying attention to what’s been going on and have concluded that they all want to do the same things maybe a little differently but all in all they’re the same things. so if they all want to do the same thing then i’m going to vote for the the guy that looks like me, white people do it all the time. it’s second nature to gravitate toward the person that looks like you and that you can identify with stop trying to fight it, lol.

i also know that all candidates and politicians do is make promises and tell lies. now don’t get me wrong, i think for the most part they all mean well but there’s only so much you can do as a president, George Bush not included because that mfker has been able to do whatever the f8k he’s wanted to and nobody seems to be able to stop him, lol, even though he meets some opposition every now and then and has to compromise he still seems to get his way in the end. so i think whoever wins the presidency will spend their first term cleaning up all the mess that Bush has gotten us into, so who better to be the janitor then the black guy— Obama, lol.

now if he was unqualified and was talking a bunch of crazy mess then no i wouldn’t consider Barack (shoot i just realized i been spelling his name wrong, he’s going to have to do something about his name, lol), but he’s not he’s as qualified as the rest of them and he’s black, so that’s a plus in my book. i bet some of you people preferred playing with white dolls as opposed to black dolls when y’all were younger, yeah i know that was a low blow but y’all made me go there when you called me stupid!! lol

and to clarify, i’m not saying that i support all black people and their endeavors but if a black person is doing something positive and is genuine then i will make sure to go out of my way to support them. but to each his own. i’m sure all black people didn’t support MLK or Malcolm X when they were leading their movements and they were fighting for OUR rights so i def. don’t expect all black people to support Barack.

I agree with Ashley….

We have had mostly white presidents…some that were concerned with the issues of minorities and many not…..just when they needed to collect votes.

I’m ready for this intelligent BLACK man to step into office and pay attention to our needs. We stay steady talking about how our culture, especially in the entertainment world, is mainly about flashy cars, big booty hoes, rappers that make songs with no meaningful messages….and we finally have a chance to put a positive BLACK leader in office and ppl debating about Barack b/c we shouldn’t vote for him only on the basis of his blackness.

Ok I’ll agree with that ..but you know what? I’m tired of putting off helping shape our black communities because we are constantly tearing down eachother and never wanna be happy about our own ppl trying to do something positive.

And let me be frank…..and I state: THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE *BETTER* OR MORE *QUALIFIED* TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITIY BESIDES A BLACK PRESIDENT.

VOTE OBAMA! 2008

And one more time……

THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE *BETTER* OR MORE *QUALIFIED* TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITIY BESIDES A BLACK PRESIDENT.

VOTE OBAMA! 2008

OH WOW!!! I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO GET ON JA FOR THAT HAWAII COMMENT BUT I SEE J DAKAR WAS THERE TO THE RESCUE, LMAO!!! BUT EVEN STILL IT’S COOL, I BLAME THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, LOL!

AS LONG AS YOU KNOW NOW…

& @ JAJA, YOU WOULDN’T HAPPEN TO BE FROM THE CHI WOULD YOU???

First and foremost the Iowa Cacuse was the most entertaining thing to watch…I was happy that Obama pulled out a victory in this state because it is very conservative. I think it was all the republicans that crossed over that allowed Obama and Edwards to surge past Clinton. However, I am still happy on Hillary’s side because 4 years of Hillary means for years of Bill. Don’t get me wrong if Edwards, Obama or Clinton clinch the Democratic Nomination then they will make a great presiden….t but I LOVE BILL CLINTON!!!

“For this reason special emphasis is given to the writers and the educators of the kingdom of god concerning the power to define : the power to direct minds and conditions that will cause specific results in a struggle. The Power to Define is as important as the power to control. In fact, the power to define is one of the greatest weapons that can be used to control men and nations”

Black people

WAKE UP

YOU ARE BEING MISLED

ARENT YOU WORRIED ABOUT POLICE STATISM?

WAR ON DRUGS?

ECONOMY?

OBAMA IS NOT YOUR MAN

RON PAUL 2008

This is an exciting time in our nation’s history. The outcome of the Iowa caucus is a clear demonstration that the country is ready and is in desperate need of change–the race of the change agent isn’t important. It is about the man and what he stands for–if one of the whitest states in America can see that, why can’t we? The time is now. OBAMA 08.

WHAT DOES OBAMA STAND FOR?

Go 38!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I agree whole-heartedly.

Great post J….such a breath of fresh air!!!!!

After watching the debates and doing some research I am an Obama supporter. I am happy with the Iowa win and wish him the best.

so according to some people’s comments on this post, you have to be considered ugly to be taken seriously.

sorry j, you are deemed far too attractive to be CL’s political contributor…so therefore your assessments are invalid.

We kill eachother, rob eachother, hate on one another, etc. WHERE IS THE LOVE? Anyone who simply bashes black people for their ignorance is A PART OF THE PROBLEM!
I think the forum that has been created here is absolutely wonderful - this is where conversations about politics are needed the most. If people ARE uninterested in politics it has GOT to be for lack of knowledge because we ought to be able to realize the impact this has on each and every one of our everyday lives & the lives of our children.
For everyone who has reached a little farther, dug a little deeper and strived to educate themselves on the issues that effect them - congratulations. Now pay it forward. Give back. It’s your turn to educate others. To whom much is given much is expected. Re-direct your passion.
Don’t we get bashed enough? Doesn’t the media do a good enough job? Lets use this place to inspire one another - not provoke anger. We are ALL frustrated with the current condition of our people. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
I commend you, CL, for doing something about it.

With Love,
LETSLOVE!

#34. I live in NC and I see people white and black who have Obama stickers on their cars. While I was at work, I saw a man, who happened to be white, that had an Obama button on. When I asked him why he was supporting Obama, he admitted he wanted a change and he felt Obama was the man to do it. Don’t pigeonhole NC as a racist state due to ignorant people that still display confederate flags.

I believe that things are changing and will continue to change, not only in NC, but America as a whole .When I read that black people are saying that America is not ready for a Black president, it offends me. If we as a people don’t believe, why should anyone else?

i really agree with 34, all this stuff going on, i cant wait to see the results

5^hit w@5^ p0ppin with y@ll d@wg5^ 0ut th3r di5^ y@ b^0y diddy fr0m cklinton n,ck w3 ju5^t 9-m@ckin r0und h3@r 93tin d@t b^r3@d. 3@5^t 5^id3 2 @ll d@ B^l00d ni99@5^ & h@ppy n3w y3@r5^

Hilary doesn’t give a flipp about you, she just wants your vote and will say anything to get it!

Did you know that the reason millions of people are incarcerated for crack cocaine three- strikes -you’re -out is because clinton signed the bill making it mandatory?

What about powder cocaine? That was o.k. with the clintons because it was used in very large quantities by rich whites so the clintons obviously were on a mission to do damage to the african american community—and they did because many of these same brother are probably infected with hiv, and thus deemed damaged goods.

All hillary wants is power–she cares only about power…. I really dislike dumb azz people who can only see white when considering a presidential candidate.

Dumb azz ni**as who are used to being mistreated and still wanting some more!!

Mental illness runs deep in the black community and for sure comes in many forms.

Honestly, all I can do is shake my head at those of you who will continue to support the same ‘ole B*ll Sh*t folks who never gave a damn about you and never will.

Hillary will however say whatever she must to get in where she fits in….

Be aware of hillary because she is a bush clone in disguise!!!

O B A M A FOR P R E S I D E N T

Thanks for posting this information. As a young 18 year old that will be voting for the first time this year, I am happy and grateful to be able to come to the Loop and find out some vital info. Thanks again.

So what is the point to everyone voting if only the delegates can cast the only actual vote that counts? I think every vote should be counted and actually mean something. There’s so much pressure to get out and vote but in all actuality our vote really means nothing. And what is the electoral college’s role in general elections? I think its just about the same as the delegates in the primary elections. It just doesn’t make sense. Can someone explain that to me?