By Nitya

Jan 28, 2008 7:23am

Author Toni Morrison Endorses Obama

ABC News’ Rick Klein and Sunlen Miller Report: Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison — who famously declared Bill Clinton to be the nation’s "first black president" in a 1998 essay — today endorsed Barack Obama for president, via letter from Morrison to the Illinois senator.

In it she writes, "this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it."

Morrison writes of her admiration for Hillary Clinton but says she "cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration".

"Nor do I care very much for your race[s]," Morrison continues to Obama, "I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me ‘proud.’ "

"In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don’t see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom.

"Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.

"There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time," she concludes.

In an October 1998 essay in The New Yorker, Morrison wrote: "Years ago, in the middle of the Whitewater investigation, one heard the first murmurs: white skin notwithstanding, this is our first black president. Blacker than any actual person who could ever be elected in our children’s lifetime."

Morrison’s endorsement letter to Obama comes as Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., also announces his support for Obama on Monday, at a rally in Washington.

User Comments

Does this make Mr Obama too white to become President? If so please let Michelle know that I will vote for her. It is high time for some well educated class in the White House!

Posted by: CWM | January 28, 2008, 8:09 am 8:09 am

Why is this not considered racism?

Posted by: Dave C | January 28, 2008, 8:09 am 8:09 am

You know, Bill Clinton was Americas first, so called, “Black President” when the Bush administration has hired more blacks and hispanics into his cabniet. Of course they don’t count because Bush appointed them, they are not really black or hispanic. Funny how liberals think

Posted by: Bil | January 28, 2008, 8:10 am 8:10 am

Poor hillary, will she tear some more.

Posted by: sartell | January 28, 2008, 8:11 am 8:11 am

Yet another clear example of Toni Morrison’s razor sharp insight into politics and American reality. She can endorse anyone she cares to, but I for one put no stock in anything that this racist woman has to say.

Posted by: David H | January 28, 2008, 8:15 am 8:15 am

Its obvious why the Dems want Obama to wait to run. they nned more time to learn how to not use racially divisive politics.
8 years might be long enough.

Posted by: Jack | January 28, 2008, 8:19 am 8:19 am

never understood why African-Americans would sully themselves, and assume Bill Clinton was the best they could muster. He was “black” because he was immoral?? I’m so proud that our country is moving past racist pandering from all colors.

Posted by: mark | January 28, 2008, 8:21 am 8:21 am

Poor clintons–why do they engage in dirty politics–i was a hillary supporter from the beginning–I moved from WI to IA to volunteer for her.My brother in law who is a republican kept on telling me that I’m crazy to support hillary and the clintons. HE WAS RIGHT!!it started with planted questions, then more false attacks on Obama, then use of code words against Obama by hillary surrogates. Then I asked myself..is hillary trying to win at all costs…I felt so sorry for Barack–he ran a clean campaign and was attracking more volunteers. I then realized that hillary campaign’s aim was to “WIN AT ALL COSTS”..slash and burn. After the JJ dinner in IA–I felt so moved by Barack words of HOPE–and I ditched hillary. My family slowly moved–from her camp to Barack–My republicans family members think that they will vote Barack any day. My family abroad–is also getting fired up–In EUROPE too. We are now 100% Barack supporters–hillary and Bill are just too dirty–if she wins “at all costs” she will never get to be president–we will vote independent any day!!!!if not Huckabee looks attractive now!!ANYWAYS FOLKS–Barack and Roll—I’m fired up in WISCONSIN!!

Posted by: Chris | January 28, 2008, 8:21 am 8:21 am

I wonder how Mr. Obama’s mother feels about him being labeled as black. This whole debate is ridiculous. The bottom line is if you want more government and more taxes, vote for Hillary or Barack. If you you want at least the promise of less government and less taxes, vote Republican. It doesn’t get more simple, which is why I don’t understand how anyone could ever vote Democrat.

Posted by: BlameHofmann | January 28, 2008, 8:22 am 8:22 am

Someone should tell Bill Clinton to “put some ice on that.”

Posted by: Amy Fisher | January 28, 2008, 8:22 am 8:22 am

Mark My Words> Bill Clinton will have some “medical” issues in the next day or so; that way he will have to get off the trail and rest; It’s like Hillary and her fake tears.

Posted by: Cash | January 28, 2008, 8:22 am 8:22 am

Anything that Hillary accuses Obama for is really her problem. Obama and the press need to call her out on that. She keeps telling everyone her weaknesses.

Posted by: George Yurman | January 28, 2008, 8:23 am 8:23 am

Bill Clinton: impeached by Black America too.
Shame. Turn the page.

Posted by: Jabari Woods | January 28, 2008, 8:24 am 8:24 am

The democratic party has to see what the Clinton`s are doing and causing among the american people i don`t think they want this black mark on their book.
The Clinton`s have caused enough negative feeling from the past and now we must move on not go back and by recoronating the Clintons we will be doing just that.
Bill Clinton had his time in the whitehouse now he has to give someoneelse a chanse.
he has to get a life

Posted by: LYNN | January 28, 2008, 8:26 am 8:26 am

I agree with Dave C.
The damn liberals and democrats in this country don’t see clearly. Not only was Bill worse for blacks he was worse on the environment. If you look at the years 1992-2000 you see a lot went wrong with Bill in office. Of course the media talks otherwise, but the truth is Bill was bad for the country, blacks, and the environment.

Posted by: MKL3 | January 28, 2008, 8:27 am 8:27 am

Hillary will be the next President.
If Obama is the democratic choice I will change to Republican vote. He is not Presidential material. This ia a critical time in our country. Hillary is the right choice.

Posted by: Carol | January 28, 2008, 8:27 am 8:27 am

OK, Bush only hired more blacks because he HAD TO follow up with what Clinton did. He would have looked bad to come in behind Clinton and not hire blacks in his cabinet. The reason he hired more blacks is just to say “I hired more blacks in my presidency” So, i don’t commend Bush for hiring more blacks than Clinton, it was a political move. I’m glad for blacks who are and have served… and yes I’m black!!!

Posted by: dwash | January 28, 2008, 8:31 am 8:31 am

Any individual who feels hatred toward another group, especially *Liberals* is not Christian, and just maybe, has been listening to the antichrist preaching for too long. I’ll see all worthy soulspirits on theotherside!

Posted by: Evan Christ | January 28, 2008, 8:31 am 8:31 am

Kennedy…Check…Morrison…Check…Kerry…Comming Soon…Gore…Should happen soon…Bin Laden…happy…Barrack Hussein Obama…scary, inexperienced, come back in 2012 and we’ll talk.

Posted by: ChrisClark | January 28, 2008, 8:32 am 8:32 am

“Hillary will be the next President.
If Obama is the democratic choice I will change to Republican vote. He is not Presidential material. This ia a critical time in our country. Hillary is the right choice”
CAROL–WE RESPECT YOUR DECISION BUT THAT IS POLITICS OF FEAR–HILLARY IS NOT PRESIDENTIAL WHILE SHE ENGAGES IN GANGSTER LIKE CAMPAIGNS–TRY EDWARDS, I WISH BILL WAS STILL IN THE RACE” so that should really tell you her caracter–DIVIDE AND RULE–NOT UNITE AND LEAD!!!!see the difference!!!!

Posted by: Chris | January 28, 2008, 8:32 am 8:32 am

Interesting thought Cash. Maybe then Hillary could use that to make a graceful and gracious exit and we could put this whole mess behind us.
I don’t think either will happen though.

Posted by: kimbers | January 28, 2008, 8:33 am 8:33 am

Did BILL GATES have experience when he had a vision for Microsoft? Did the “boys” from Google?
They brought in people around them who had the experience they didn’t have.
You hire to your weaknesses…That’s what Obama will do!

Posted by: Experience NOW | January 28, 2008, 8:34 am 8:34 am

Nice comparison about the Google guys–you need vision to lead–not proximity or longevity to the white house–I think the cooks there should run–they have been there for decades and decades

Posted by: Dave | January 28, 2008, 8:37 am 8:37 am

Dont you guys get it? Obama can be as racist or unracist as he wants. The MEDIA is controlling the whole show. The MEDIA decides how to SPIN every article to flatter a candidate and put down another. Its totally obvious the HIGH POWERED people who own the media outlets are trying VERY hard to make a Manchurian Candidate out of Obama.

Posted by: tom | January 28, 2008, 8:38 am 8:38 am

Experience NOW!! This is not a Burger King…this is the most powerful nation on earth…What has Barrack Hussein ever done to prove he can lead? Name one thing. I won’t sleep until I get your answer..He is a great orator though!

Posted by: ChrisClark | January 28, 2008, 8:39 am 8:39 am

This person Morrison sounds like a fool “skin color withstanding”. More evidence of what a joke the nobel peace prize means.

Posted by: DK | January 28, 2008, 8:41 am 8:41 am

BArrak Hussain Obama.OOOOPS did I say his middle name im sorry.I can think of 2 other leaders who came to power promissing hope and change with his same views.Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.

Posted by: Ty | January 28, 2008, 8:42 am 8:42 am

Obama is the best thing what ever happened to American politics.. he reflects and represents the new generation and the diversity of America.
Obama for president.

Posted by: herman | January 28, 2008, 8:43 am 8:43 am

President Clinton, despite the punches from the right, achieved more in his presidency than any other president in my life time. This is easy research. When it comes to Obama there is no substance and that’s why none is being written. You can spin it anyway you want, he won SC because of his color. There are important positions in the government suitable for someone who can speak and uplifting speach, President, isn’t one of them.

Posted by: bmacs52 | January 28, 2008, 8:44 am 8:44 am

Americans are wakign up and seeing they are tired of the Clintons Hate-Politics! Hillary cant lead this Country without Bill backing her, and we dont need that!

Posted by: Listen Up | January 28, 2008, 8:45 am 8:45 am

It is sad to think that the Clintons, with as much education as they have, deem it necessary to smear another candidate, Republican or Democrat. The two of them have finished themselves politically and will be moving south of the border to check on their stashed money. Say good-bye to the grifters.

Posted by: Richard | January 28, 2008, 8:46 am 8:46 am

When was the last new endorsement for Hillary?
I think we may have reached the tipping point. Those who sneer at Toni Morrison in the posts above, sorry, but she’s a Nobel Prize winner and a heck of a lot smarter and more imaginative than you guys. Try reading some of her writings or interviews. She has a real brain, and doesn’t just robotically repeat ideological mantras: (“Less government, lower taxes. Less government, lower taxxes. Less government, lower taxes.”)
No Restoration of the Clinton Dynasty. Obama in the White House. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Let’s take it.

Posted by: GH | January 28, 2008, 8:46 am 8:46 am

Of course she had to endorse him. What would happen to her standing in the black community if she didn’t? As for Kennedy and Kerry…those endorsements are good things???

Posted by: Gomer | January 28, 2008, 8:47 am 8:47 am

“If you you want at least the promise of less government and less taxes, vote Republican.”
If there was an ounce of truth in the statement above, I would vote Republican. You also should add “and large deficits” and “endless, illegal and immoral wars” to the list of Republican goals. Bloomberg, Nader, anyone, please declare soon. Oh yeah, Clintons are scum.

Posted by: Honcho | January 28, 2008, 8:47 am 8:47 am

herman. The kool aid must be flowing in the land of Oz. Come on dude…this isn’t American Idol, this is our country…you can’t be serious…Barrack Hussein Obama, Commander-in-Chief? Are you kidding me? Barack Hussein 2012!!!

Posted by: ChrisClark | January 28, 2008, 8:48 am 8:48 am

I think Bill Clinton, and I am a fan, stooped to low race politics. He should be ashamed and Hillary should be defeated.

Posted by: RichardS | January 28, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am

p.s. It’s not the Nobel PEACE Prize, it’s the Nobel Prize for LITERATURE. Get your prizes straight before you sneer at someone who has a real brain like Toni Morrison.

Posted by: GH | January 28, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am

dwash (8:31:19 AM), you can’t be serious. Bush simply hired blacks because Clinton did? That’s grossly unfair.
Has it ever occurred to my African-American friends that senior cabinet position in the Bush White House (Secretary of State) has never been held by a white person?
That’s leaps and bounds past what President Clinton did – putting Ron Brown in as Secretary of Commerce the position that traditionally goes to presidential friends and political hacks. He did make Betty Currie was his scheduler, but partially because she wouldn’t talk. It’s not even close which President gave African-Americans more senior responsibility in his White House; it’s Bush by a country mile.
Someday, more folks will understand that the black allegiance to the Clintons went largely unrequited; the Clintons were happy to receive that loyalty, but did very little in return.

Posted by: Carthage | January 28, 2008, 8:51 am 8:51 am

Re Dwash – He wrote: “OK, Bush only hired more blacks because he HAD TO follow up with what Clinton did. He would have looked bad to come in behind Clinton and not hire blacks in his cabinet. The reason he hired more blacks is just to say “I hired more blacks in my presidency” So, i don’t commend Bush for hiring more blacks than Clinton, it was a political move.”
Why do you think that the Clinton motives were pure but the Bush motives were to win a contest? What is it with you? Can’t you see that at least progress is being made? How many black people were in the Kennedy administration?
Stop with the racism.

Posted by: Terry | January 28, 2008, 8:52 am 8:52 am

Whomever the dems choose they will be beaten by the rep mitt romney because over time the american people will realize that he is the best choice.

Posted by: Kevin | January 28, 2008, 8:52 am 8:52 am

Hillary’s most ardent supporters grouped:
Women scorned
Women who thought they were scorned
Women who should be scorned
Women who would like to be scorned
Schwarzeneggers Girlie Men

Posted by: MikeinOhio | January 28, 2008, 8:52 am 8:52 am

Obama got it right: “Its time to turn the page” on the Clinton’s and all the nonsense that comes with them

Posted by: Joe | January 28, 2008, 8:53 am 8:53 am

I just read an article in Drudge about a town, Battlesboro, Vermont that is going to try and send their local police to arrest Bush and the VP. Liberals I thought where supposed to be “progressive” and “loving” to all people. Liberals are really pathetic people who are blinded by their own hate and miserable lives that they want to make others like them.

Posted by: LIBS-R-ID10TS | January 28, 2008, 8:54 am 8:54 am

Why Obama for President? Well – he just does inspire people around the world! Isn’t that enough? What does the current do?

Posted by: Nils v.d. Heyde | January 28, 2008, 8:55 am 8:55 am

Honcho -
“If there was an ounce of truth in the statement above, I would vote Republican. You also should add “and large deficits” and “endless, illegal and immoral wars” to the list of Republican goals. Bloomberg, Nader, anyone, please declare soon. Oh yeah, Clintons are scum.”
There is truth to that statement, it is just that there is only one Republican running for the Republican ticket – Ron Paul. By some accounts, he won in Louisiana but they aren’t reporting it! At most they are saying he got second after they more-or-less stuffed the ballot box. But the media doesn’t want to let Ron Paul have any credit – they want to “create buzz” for the Bob Dole of ’08 – McCain the Hopeless.

Posted by: Scott | January 28, 2008, 8:55 am 8:55 am

Nils v.d. Heyde -
Hitler inspired. Hitler wanted change. No, it is not enough. What does Obama stand for? No one knows. All he says is “change” and the media seems to be working for him. Let’s have more substance.

Posted by: Scott | January 28, 2008, 8:57 am 8:57 am

Why Obama for President? Well – he just does inspire people around the world!
So does Osama Bin Laden…

Posted by: Tex Taylor | January 28, 2008, 8:57 am 8:57 am

Hey Strutz. Sorry dude I’m a Reagan Republican and a 23 active duty vet of the Air Force, I lived through an inexperienced Commander-in-Chief (Clinton), we don’t need another. Read the script dude, people hate us and want to kill us, move to Iceland, Barrack Hussein is not the answer.

Posted by: ChrisClark | January 28, 2008, 8:57 am 8:57 am

BlameHoffman: “I wonder how Mr. Obama’s mother feels about him being labeled as black.”
We’ll never know because she’s dead. Both his parents have shuffled off this mortal coil.
“What has Barrack Hussein ever done to prove he can lead? Name one thing. I won’t sleep until I get your answer.”
In the Illinois senate: worked tirelessly across party lines to persuade democrats, republicans, police, and the governor to sign into law a bill requiring all interrogations in death penalty cases to be taped (a step towards death penalty reform), and expanded health care coverage to more children and working families. In the U. S. Senate he stood up in the summer of 2007 and argued passionately that the utterly dire new immigration “points” system was anti-family and anti-American. He did this when all other Democratic presidential hopefuls shied away. And I don’t have to remind you that in 2002 he both opposed the idea of going into Iraq AND accurately predicted the outcome of such an action. It’s all caught on film.
This is all off the top of my head. Sleep tight.

Posted by: QF | January 28, 2008, 8:59 am 8:59 am

That fraud Morrison has been railing about racism for 50 years.
Two minutes after a candidate shows up with her skin color she throws the white candidate overboard.
She is a stone cold white hating racist.
Let me ask a question as well. Is it odd that the first black president and his rodent wife have NEVER lived within missle range of a black person?
No. They are card carrying scumbags.

Posted by: Joel Moskowitz | January 28, 2008, 9:00 am 9:00 am

Chris & Carol: Please do go to the Republican camp. They need people like you, also it will save you the effort of all this typing.

Posted by: GC | January 28, 2008, 9:01 am 9:01 am

Here’s to hoping the next administration can successfully create the impression its appointing cabinet members and undersecretaries because the people chosen are the best to fill those positions.
Appointments often make or break an administration. Maybe we should choose completely innexperienced people as president, only because they wouldn’t have a lifetime of political contacts to appease. And then they’d be forced to make appointments based on resume alone. What a novel approach.

Posted by: Paul | January 28, 2008, 9:01 am 9:01 am

It’s politics folks. If you think your getting something different with Obama your crazy. He’s just another politician with a good rap.

Posted by: bmacs52 | January 28, 2008, 9:03 am 9:03 am

Put the Clinton and Obama resumes on a table without their names on them,and take a hard look at who is qualified for the presidency.
All of the rest is “media transcendency” with inflated imagery,followed by race card voting.

Posted by: Gunder | January 28, 2008, 9:04 am 9:04 am

Hmm, some hick town police force trying to arrest the President of the United States. Yeah, I’m sure the Secret Service would let that happen. Sorry, their job is to protect the President at all times. If those Battlesboro fools tried to harm or arrest the President, they’d be DRT (Dead right there). It is what it is. Agendas aside, some liberals really need to grow a brain.

Posted by: K Evans | January 28, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am

Gunder, Clinton and Obama are two people with no record…how does managing a Senatorial staff of 20 people or a law office qualify you to be the POTUS? Explain…looking forward to your comments.

Posted by: ChrisClark | January 28, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am

I am from North Carolina and a Repulican
andI am voting for Obama or Romney because we need change and, those are the only ones who can do that

Posted by: Jamie Midgett | January 28, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am

Look at this race as if you would be hiring someone to run your company. I own a service business and will not hire some one just out of trade school. I hire the one that knows the score and don’t need on the job training and has some years back ground as I expect alot from the first day on the job. No I don’t really haft to like them as I’m not taking them home to dinner I just need a good job and need to know I can trust them to do a good job even when I’m not there.

Posted by: monta broughton | January 28, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am

GOP appoints well-qualified minorities to high-level posts … they’re racist. Clinton (Bill) courts monority votes but delivers nothing … he’s the first black president. Go figure! Wake up, people, we’re all being herded by the MSM! Baaaaaa …

Posted by: Miguel | January 28, 2008, 9:07 am 9:07 am

Katrina response Rob?
But, but, but…I thought that was a “Chocolate City?”

Posted by: Tex Taylor | January 28, 2008, 9:10 am 9:10 am

The ignorant following the uninspired and incompetent. None of what happens between now and the conventions even matters – both conventions will be brokered and the country will again get what it deserves and desires. Other nations don’t really hate us – they fear for our own sanity and what it means as the whole world is again let down. If not the USA to lead, then who?

Posted by: d. kelly | January 28, 2008, 9:10 am 9:10 am

I NEVER SEEN SO RACISM AS I HAVE IN THIS MANY POSTING IT IS SHOCKING THAT THIS IS STILL SO VIVID IN THIS COUNTRY
LYNN

Posted by: LYNN | January 28, 2008, 9:10 am 9:10 am

In response to someone who asked, “Why is this not racism?” the answer is, “Democrats are unable to be racist. Only Republicans can be racist.”

Posted by: Doug | January 28, 2008, 9:10 am 9:10 am

Its good to see that Obama’s vision of bringing people together and avoiding the “old” political fights is present among many of supporters. :)

Posted by: JP | January 28, 2008, 9:11 am 9:11 am

Famous Dimocratic Quotes of the 20th Century
Frankly, I’m fed up with politicians in Washington lecturing the rest of us about family values. Our families have values. But our government doesn’t. ~ BILL CLINTON, speech at Democratic National Convention, July 16, 1992

Posted by: Tex Taylor | January 28, 2008, 9:14 am 9:14 am

The way it works, Tootsie, is that *anybody* who criticizes Obama for anything is “racist.” Easy, isn’t it?

Posted by: bobbie wickham | January 28, 2008, 9:14 am 9:14 am

The Clinton hypocracy has finally revealed itself to the Dems. It only took 16 years, but they finally came around. The only thing “black” about them is their sinister dark side, which is becoming more and more apparent every day. And that has nothing to do with race.

Posted by: Evan | January 28, 2008, 9:15 am 9:15 am

I’m conservative R pulling for Obama….of course–NOT for President….but for the nomination.
What sweet peace there would in knowing the clintons are (both) his-story.
Obama’s policies are as bad as hers. Hopefully, the fact that he’s actually a decent person will get him the nomination.
Of course, John McCain’s policies are no better, so I hope something out there wakes up the Republicans who are apparently supporting that liberal!
What a mess.

Posted by: Ann | January 28, 2008, 9:15 am 9:15 am

Bill Clinton was directly challenged when he first ran for office, because he was so inexperienced. The Arkansas budget was 1/10 the budget of, say, New York City. He had no foreign relations experience. We trusted Bill at the time because he gave us hope and he was a clear difference from the Reagen years. To now have Hillary and Bill challenge Obama for his lack of “experience” is sadly ironic. They did not see it as a problem when they ran the first time. Also, as I recall Clinton barely endorsed and did not campaign for either Gore of Kerry, even though he was the senior Democrat. I think the Clintons are finally receiving the blow-back of their own makeing. They are narrow, self-interested people who couch their ambitions in the tone of caring about the country. Hardly.

Posted by: Isabella Clark | January 28, 2008, 9:15 am 9:15 am

Fortunately, Toni, Al, and Jesse do not represent/speak for me or most of the black people I know.
I wish the media could and would understand this critical point!

Posted by: Jackie | January 28, 2008, 9:16 am 9:16 am

This is a breath of fresh air for Obama. Hopefully we will hear something more from Toni and less from the dinosaurs Kerry and Kennedy. Obama has attracted the youth of this country but carring the image of a “failed” Presidential Candidates (did I mention he served in Vietnam?) and a senior Senator with more baggage than a 757, it may discourage voter. If I worked on his staff I would make sure these guys are given a very low profile!!!!

Posted by: I Luv Hillary | January 28, 2008, 9:16 am 9:16 am

“The way it works, Tootsie, is that *anybody* who criticizes Obama for anything is “racist.” Easy, isn’t it?”
Wow, this argument never stops being lame.

Posted by: Jay | January 28, 2008, 9:17 am 9:17 am

Isn’t there anyone who gets sees through this? All of the Slickster’s and the PIAPS’ African-American friends are endorsing Obama to make him be seen as the “Black” candidate by the White and Hispanic voters, who outnumber the blacks by a large number. And, as we all know, the “Black” candidate will NEVER win the Democrat nomination!
Even though I think Hillary will ruin the country if she wins the Presidency, this strategy is smart politics, pure and simple. Also, the fact that Obama got sucked into the race game shows that is he a rank amateur when it comes to the political game. The Clintons know they don’t need the African-American voters to win the nomination and they also are sure the blacks will come crawling back to the plantation to vote for Hillary in the general election (they are sure not going to vote Republican!). It just shows the true feelings that the Clintons have for African-Americans, useful idiots!

Posted by: Andrew | January 28, 2008, 9:18 am 9:18 am

QF: Nice cut and past from Obama’s website.
Tommy: Despite all that you list, he was still the best president in my life time. Check his record. I am one of many registered republican at that time that changed parties because of their antics.
The questions posed to him about that “fairy tale” statement are plants from either the Obama or republican camp. President Clinton’s statement was right on and everyone knows it.

Posted by: bmac52 | January 28, 2008, 9:19 am 9:19 am

Rob,
We spend more money on education than most industrialized countries. It’s not the money, stupid. It’s the liberal, incompetent teacher’s unions. They resist change that would make them accountable for the results. And maybe, just maybe they would start teaching reading, writing and arithmetic instead of engaging in social experiments and political correctness.
How did the USA make it for over 200 years without government putting their nose in everything?
Katrina-can you say “morons?” Are they going to build again in the flood zone? Then the same crap will happen. Our founding fathers wanted the government out of our business. Nowhere in the Constitution do I see that federal government is responsible for natural disasters. You really showed ignorance in your comments. Of course “cradle to grave” liberals do not understand that we are responsible for ourselves. The people in NO lost this ability.

Posted by: Darek | January 28, 2008, 9:22 am 9:22 am

To all of you who get paid by MoveOn.org to write on message boards like this one and are paid to pretend to be demoralized Obama supporters to help the Clinton vote because you are being paid to be here… Don’t you think you would have more fun writing negative stuff about Clinton instead? I mean, there is so much to write about.

Posted by: J Willson | January 28, 2008, 9:23 am 9:23 am

@ Derek:
“He promotes homosexual marriage.”
He doesn’t promote anything, just that people should be able to love whoever they want.
“Hussein Obama believes that there should no limits on abortion”
“He attends church led by a very openly racist preacher and he won’t renounce the teachings that come out of this church.”
Not only is that a lie, but its white congregation might correct your flailing point.

Posted by: Jay | January 28, 2008, 9:23 am 9:23 am

I don’t know why America is so hard on the Clinton’s. This country was a much better place when he was in the chair. People had jobs……and things were just much better. The only thing that Bill Clinton did wrong was cheat on Hillary when he was the President…..and that was wrong!. But when it came down to it…..95% of Washington was cheating on their wives. Women started coming out of the wood works telling their stories. Thats when they gave up trying to get him out. The bottom line is…..Hillary is the best person for the job. And America Knows that!. Obama could learn a lot from the Clinton’s. It is such a shame they had to get negative with each other. I PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY IF HILLARY DOESN’T WIN.And for the media….please lay off of the Clinton’s!. They do not deserve for every word that comes out of their mouth to be turned into something awful. They are wonderful people that care so much about this country and have dedicated their lives in doing so.The media act like they don’t have the right to fight back when the negative comments comes their way. Nobody every says anything when Obama and his camp says negative things pointed at the Clinton’s. Wake up people….it is just not fair!. Hillary is more better for the job than any of the candidates thats running and that is for sure.The republicans are only for the rich and you can’t run a country like that. You have to be able to figure out how things can work for all the people.

Posted by: Gloria | January 28, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am

I am astonished at the amount of hatred expressed in many of these comments. Is this indicative of the USA as a whole?

Posted by: Concerned Briton | January 28, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am

The people who post fear-mongering comments here are nothing more than racist. If Obama was white, you’d never hear lies about him being a Muslim (not!), or slandering his name. Come on, admit it people, you hate him because he’s black!

Posted by: robin stone | January 28, 2008, 9:26 am 9:26 am

J Wilson. Are you going to the Roswell Convention next week? I can’t make it, I’m going to be at the Capricorn One Convention. See you on the Grassy Knoll!

Posted by: ChrisClark | January 28, 2008, 9:27 am 9:27 am

Oh, I yearn for a time without a Clinton in public office–truly, the world will be a better place!

Posted by: Bryan | January 28, 2008, 9:32 am 9:32 am

Bush has CONDELEEZA RICE!

Posted by: Carrie | January 28, 2008, 9:32 am 9:32 am

Black, white, male, female, Obama or Hillary? It doesn’t matter because I’m voting for Mitt Romney. Out of all the candidates in both parties, he has the most executive experience. It’s a moot point voting for either Obama or Hillary because both of them do not have any executive experience. Mitt is the man!

Posted by: Molly | January 28, 2008, 9:32 am 9:32 am

bmac52: “Nice cut and past from Obama’s website.”
Those are all my own words. I’m not even sure Obama’s site lists some of those accomplishments — it’s just my duty as a patriotic American to know the candidates, their histories, and their positions. The only thing wrong with Obama’s impressive record is how few people actually know about it.

Posted by: QF | January 28, 2008, 9:33 am 9:33 am

p.s. It’s not the Nobel PEACE Prize, it’s the Nobel Prize for LITERATURE. Get your prizes straight before you sneer at someone who has a real brain like Toni Morrison.
Posted by: GH | Jan 28, 2008 8:49:16 AM
No matter what Nobel prize she attained, it won’t deter from the fact the woman is a racist. She has a real brain alright, too bad it’s so bigoted.

Posted by: Don B. | January 28, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am

Dear Rob Howard, sad to see the libs professors were able to indoctinate you. Sad you were so easily swayed. Yet there is hope. Asumming someday you will grow up, you naturally will be drawn to conservatism. This happens when you get tired of the liberal crap (see Mayor of Detroit fiasco) that permiates our society.

Posted by: killerbee | January 28, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am

This makes for good ratings.

Posted by: Marlowe | January 28, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am

If the voting in South Carolina represented unity, I don’t think I want any part of it.

Posted by: marjorie | January 28, 2008, 9:40 am 9:40 am

“However…Barack is still nothing but an empty suit, issuing platitude after platitude, not addressing the issues in any substantive way.”
Its just a shame that simple research, and a little something called “facts” – strongly disagrees with your regurgitated rhetoric.

Posted by: Jay | January 28, 2008, 9:41 am 9:41 am

I disagree that Obama can’t win in November. I am a repub with almost all repub friends. With the field on our side looking so bleak many are leaning towards Obama. This is the guy who can get crossover votes. And Hillary has officially jumped the shark….Bill did all this out of “Love?!” No one believes that he loves her. He loves one thing…his reflection in the mirror.

Posted by: Lisa | January 28, 2008, 9:43 am 9:43 am

Neo-con has replaced ‘lib’ or ‘liberal’ as the new BAD word of political ideology.
So this repeated ‘lib’/'liberal’ name calling some of you keep throwing up tells me that you are still stuck on the AM radio dial of the last century.
Time to improve you listen habits.

Posted by: Xavier | January 28, 2008, 9:50 am 9:50 am

Scott – looks like we’ll be seeing a kindler, gentler Bill Clinton, if comments from the Clinton camp are accurate.

Posted by: Paul | January 28, 2008, 9:54 am 9:54 am

It’s interesting that when Blacks support a Black candidate they are considered racist. But when Whites support a White candidate, it’s never questioned. And, when Blacks support a White candidate it’s never questioned–Now, that’s racist!
Barack is an intelligent, viable candidate whose made significant contributions to the American political discourse. Those who support him do so because they believe in his vision for America and in his capacity to mobilize the country to make that vision manifest.

Posted by: Madeline | January 28, 2008, 9:54 am 9:54 am

Why is it Obama claims to not inject race into this campaign, yet keeps calling himself an African American?
Why is it Obama never mentions his mothers race, the person who raised him since a child?
How come Obama continually gives illusions and doesn’t speak truths on his record or his associations?
When will people confront Obama on his hidden agendas and ask him point blank what his plans are for Kenya considering his deep roots he keeps speaking of there, will Obama send troops to Kenya, deepen America’s debt by borrowing money from China to inject into Kenya?
Remember, those who hide behind smoke and mirrors always come to be false Prophets and only for self PROFIT!

Posted by: me | January 28, 2008, 9:56 am 9:56 am

@ Lisa: I see the same thing. In fact, my own dear mother, a steadfast Republican all her life, is disgusted with the Republican field this year. She will be voting in the Texas Democratic primary for Obama. I never thought I’d see the day when she would jump ship, but I guess he’s the right person at the right time for her, and I suspect he would be so for many other disillusioned voters.

Posted by: QF | January 28, 2008, 9:56 am 9:56 am

i personaly think that it is not the time for a black president b.c he will have all the bagage Bush left behind and our nation will end up blaming “the black man”…

Posted by: elise | January 28, 2008, 9:57 am 9:57 am

I don’t know why America is so hard on the Clinton’s. This country was a much better place when he was in the chair. People had jobs……and things were just much better.

Uh- Gloria? FYI- I’m not sure why exactly you think things are so bad. People had jobs? Average unemployment has been lower during the Bush years than it was during the Clinton years and is still currently hovering around 5%. Back during the prior administration when unemployment hit 5% we were talking about how great it was. Now we whine about people not having jobs. Incredible.

Posted by: Marty | January 28, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am

Those who think that Barack Obama isn’t “electable” are in for a huge surprise. I’ve voted Republican all of my life and have switched over for the first time in support of the Obama candidacy. So have many of my friends. I’m fed up with politics as usual and am willing to take a chance on the only candidate who is displaying the intellect, decency and common sense required to be the leader of the free world. It’s time to “turn the page” on the politics of the past. Our country demands our courage at this time.

Posted by: Josh | January 28, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am

When Hillary wins she’ll nominate Slick Willy as a Supreme Court Justice.
Can you even imagine that?
When will this country have enough of the Clintons? Monica had enough already,why not the rest of you?

Posted by: Mike | January 28, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am

Obama has no hidden agenda it is bush who had a hidden agenda thjat leaves america in a “war” and tax rates increacing! when will the ppl learn that?

Posted by: elise | January 28, 2008, 10:02 am 10:02 am

“If you you want at least the promise of less government and less taxes, vote Republican. It doesn’t get more simple, which is why I don’t understand how anyone could ever vote Democrat.”
The “Promise” of less government. The REALITY of MORE WAR, BIGGER DEFICITS, and a BRUTAL RECESSION.
I don’t understand how anyone (who valued human life) could vote Republican.

Posted by: Nick | January 28, 2008, 10:06 am 10:06 am

hilary and bill have to realize that there not really the right presidents for us right know. And they need to work on themselves B.F they try to work on america politics need a new person in the office and its not hilary Clinton…

Posted by: elise | January 28, 2008, 10:06 am 10:06 am

Obama is going down in infamy. Feds arrsted Tony Rezko today and we are waiting for a trial that starts on February 25. Hopefully Obama, Rezko, Blago and other corrupted Chicago politicians will meet in the same federal prison.

Posted by: Darek | January 28, 2008, 10:13 am 10:13 am

Drake – congrats on the successful surgery. If we were choosing the next heart surgeon, I’d agree completely.
But we’re not. We’re choosing a president. That’s the person who appoints secretaries and undersecretaries, and who sets an agenda for them all to work toward. Its a demanding job in that the sense of responsibility creates a lot of stress – the reason most often attributed to presidents aging so fast in office.
But its not a technically difficult job like heart surgery. The West Wing is fully staffed with folks who know how to do everything they have to, and beyond that the departments and other executive agencies have their civil servants who keep the “trains running on time.”
What they need is vision and judgment.

Posted by: Paul | January 28, 2008, 10:23 am 10:23 am

The train has left the station.
Hillary Clinton loses Super Tuesday by 25%.

Posted by: Boyddollar | January 28, 2008, 10:24 am 10:24 am

Carol: What do you mean Obama is not “Presidential material?” He’s the best thing this country has seen in years!

Posted by: Barack All The Way | January 28, 2008, 10:26 am 10:26 am

The SC primary showed that so called white liberals are not so liberal after all. Only 25% of whites voted for Obama & that said it all. I come from the whitest state there is & I love Obama but I’m a moderate independent. I vote for the person, not the party.

Posted by: Reine | January 28, 2008, 10:34 am 10:34 am

WAKE UP AMERICA: The singular worst thing that we could do to our country would be to elect Hillary Rodham Clinton President. The Black Community recognizes that they have been thrown under the bus for latino’s, the Clintons new favorite group. Once latino’s begin to recognize that the Clinton campaign is pandering for racist reasons, the latino vote will abandon her as well. The Clinton Campaign is a Left Side of the Bell Curve Campaign. Those who do not read blogs, books or view various news sources including alternative news media, those are Clinton voters. Men, women, white, black, Asian, Latino on the right side of the bell curve are OBAMA voters. Hillary simply is the wrong person at the wrong time. Even she knows it.

Posted by: Christopher London | January 28, 2008, 11:05 am 11:05 am

Dubya Bush hired more blacks and latinos so he can put the blame on them for his mistakes :D
eg. Colin Powell, Gonzalez. I laughed when he made Condeleeza Rice secretary of state.
Like Rice, Obama if he even gets the nomination and wins the whitehouse, has to preside over a poison chalice of a bad economy and when the world eyes the US with distrust and disrepect.
Hillary will be too old for 2012, but it might be better for her legacy to wait

Posted by: expat | January 28, 2008, 11:38 am 11:38 am

The Americans are truly funny. They picked the worst president 7 years ago because they loved him for being folksy, genuine and passionate. When things go terribly wrong, they rush to embrace whoever appeals to offer them “hope” and “change” regardless of exactly what this person may turn out to be. what kind of leadership skills does he have beside being a brilliant orator after his short stint in the political arena? the sad thing about the Americans is that they use their emotions rather than intellectual judgement in times of crisis. do you truly believe he can pull this country together, narrow the rich-poverty gap, engage the belligerent/antagonistic Republicans, bridge the racial tensions between the blacks and white/black and brown in his presidency? when reality sets in, a dream will stay as a dream. it’s always easy said than done. Eventually the Americans will suffer more if this turns out to be the worst nightmare they can ever imagine.

Posted by: lochukung | January 28, 2008, 11:41 am 11:41 am

The Clintons cant deny the fact they knew Rezko now, a picture is worth a thousand words! It looked to me like the Clintons and Rezko was old friends!

Posted by: Listen Up | January 28, 2008, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm

Kardasia_Prime, I think you need to read Toni Morrison’s letter again. She is clearly stating she is choosing to back Obama because he is unique, “When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country’s citizens as “we,” not “they”?”
Toni Morrison states quite clearly that while she admires Clinton’s knowledge and negogiation of politics, she doesn’t see that as the only qualities a leader needs. “However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate.I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America.” Right there she is stating the little she did care about Clinton being a woman was because she was a liberal woman in politics. Later she also states she will not choose because of race OR gender who to back, but by who is more qualified to lead.
My favorite has always been Edwards but the more I think about Obama seeing the Iraq resolution as a mistake from the beginning as well as NAFTA benefitting corporations at the expense of our workers losing jobs, the more I am leaning his way.

Posted by: Lydia | January 28, 2008, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm

I’m a 34 year old male who voted for Clinton in the 90s. I am voting for a Clinton again. I am part of the past and intend on being part of the present.

Posted by: davidfromCA | January 28, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm

Not sure if Obama really wants Chappiquidic Ted’s endorsement????

Posted by: Mike | January 28, 2008, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm

To Sartell and Dave C: All of a sudden, Toni Morrison is racist because you lack the intellect to appreciate the power and the grace of her words. I’m sure,it would have been ok if she had endorsed Hillary. Sour grapes!!!

Posted by: alagbon | January 28, 2008, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm

alagbon – everyone who endorses Obama gets trashed. Just the way it is.

Posted by: Paul | January 28, 2008, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm

I am a 34 year old white man and after years of supporting the Clintons, I have decided to support Obama for a number of reasons.
1. The Clintons come with too much baggage. Hillary Clinton cannot win against any Republican. They hate her too much. As long as she were the Democratic nominee, every living Republican would get out and vote against her. To win, the Democratic candidate must be able to attract Republican voters.
2. The Clintons’ unbridled hunger for power. Over the past week or so, the Clintons have reminded us why so many people have a visceral reaction to them. This means they would never be able to swing any Independent or Republican voters in November. Too much baggage there.
3. We really do need a sense of hope. We have lost many lives and BILLIONS of $ in an unnecessary war. People around the world hate us. The economy continues to sink. Americans are losing their homes, our dollar is worth nothing around the world. It is time for a different direction.
4. I am totally unconcerned with someone’s gender or race. I am more interested in their character. A leader must be able to inspire his/her people. I don’t think Hillary Clinton can. It seems Barack Obama has already inspired many.

Posted by: Mich | January 28, 2008, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm

I will be so proud of my country if we choose hope, inspiration, vision for a new America built on trust, cooperation, and unity among ourselves and the World.
The World will see us differently when we elect Barack Obama. I talked to a good friend of mine in Switzerland yesterday for an hour, and even he agreed.

Posted by: Doug in Mount Vernon | January 28, 2008, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm

Dr. Morrison is far too much of a lady to state the obvious, but she must have been astonished to see “America’s first black President” Bill Clinton, out on the campaign trial, using the lowest kind of race baiting, the sort of words that would make Trent Lott or Strom Thurmond proud.
Morrison is right in any event, Senator Obama’s emergence has absolutely nothing to do with race. it really about about the past vs the future

Posted by: John | January 28, 2008, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm

I am a 12th generation 39 yo white gay American proudly supporting Barack Obama. He will deliver us from the darkness folks. It will be glorious. There will certainly be bumps along the way, but my faith in his capabilities to take us back to being strongly united as Americans and as responsible as we must be in the World. He will restore our faith in ourselves, and bring respect back to this great nation.

Posted by: Doug in Mount Vernon | January 28, 2008, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm

BTW, any chance he’s going to distance himself from his race-baiting preacher? No? Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

Posted by: K Evans | January 28, 2008, 2:42 pm 2:42 pm

I noticed that Barak mimics Martin Luther King talk. Barak is no martyr but a phony who only believes in himself. His is full of rhetoric and just a rookie who entertains his followers with great speach. We don’t need great speakers like Hitler or Mussolini.

Posted by: Ernie | January 28, 2008, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm

The White House must be renamed when Barak moves in.

Posted by: fred | January 28, 2008, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm

You know what happened to the people who were cursed to wander round and round and round in the wilderness for FORTY YEARS. They died in the wilderness! ONLY THE TRUE AND THE BRAVE CROSSED OVER INTO THE NEW COUNTRY.
Today a new country is coming to America forty years after the CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE, JFK, RFK, MLK, and AMERICAN DESTINY has made of Barack Obama the candidate of character, super intellect, super judgment, super strategy, AND with the audacity of HOPE for CHANGE that is inclusive of All in governance. Just look at who Barack Obama has brought to the polls from Iowa to South Carolina in Primary 2008!
And Carolyn Kennedy is an American just like the Americans who have taken the measure of the campaign of Barack Obama and made a reasoned choice to walk with Obama into the New Political Country of America in the 21st Century.
Hillary has former president Bill to stomp for her! And a lot of stomping Bill stomped in the primary South Carolina race.
Barack, today, winning his endorsement, has senior Senator Ted Kennedy to stomp for him going into Super Tuesday. (Oh, during the Black President to-do, where was she? Toni Morrison the Nobel Prize Winner-Literature endorses Barack today in a letter to him in her elevated, circuitous speak-ese. BUT she needed Carolyn Kennedy AND Senator Kennedy to first hail Barack Obama’s race for the White House, anointing Obama and Obamadom as the new generation of JFK and Camelot!)
What was that JFK campaign song? WE’VE GOT HIGH HOPES!
Fire up! Ready to Go for Barack Obama 2008!

Posted by: Victoria | January 28, 2008, 4:25 pm 4:25 pm

I’m not a liberal but I do like Obama, he’s refreshing. I would like to see Obama & McCain win the nomination of their party.
Conservatives forget the fact that McCain votes with his party 80% of the time. I totally disagree with him on some issues but I just like him more than Romney. I don’t mind Romney but he flip flops alot on different issue. One of them is that he was pro-choice, than changed to pro-life because he was running for president.

Posted by: Reine | January 28, 2008, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm

Toni Morrison is an incredible woman and I believe that most of the comments on this page are shocking to read. If you would have read her entire letter she did not make her decision based on Gender (because she is a woman) or race, she made her decision because she felt that Barack has the “it” factor that is unexplainable that this country needs and many other people agree. Please stop all of the racist remarks and hate this country will stay divided with some of the comments that I have read. I don’t think Hilary is right because I think the country will be even more divided I think John Edwards or Barack Obama are better candidates because I believe that both are genuine. The racist remarks on many of these comments makes me sick to my stomach…

Posted by: Dani | January 28, 2008, 5:35 pm 5:35 pm

I’m so happy to see B.O. in this race. I will be voting for him. I’m a shamed of the Clintons. If Hilary wins the nomination, I won’t be voting for her or a republican. I just won’t vote for a president. I’ll vote in the other categories.

Posted by: Sherry | January 28, 2008, 5:59 pm 5:59 pm

Dani – compare Morrison’s comments with those of NOW NY. They issued a release calling Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama a “betrayal,” because the women of NOW “deserve” a female president.
I don’t know if we’re seeing the ugly end of the Clintons or just an ugly segue to the next stage of her campaign, but either way its getting even uglier than its been.

Posted by: Paul | January 28, 2008, 6:11 pm 6:11 pm

Not sure that I would leave the Democratic Party if Hillary wins the nomination, however, in exercising my right to vote, I just can’t bring myself to vote for her in a general election. She sure knows how to divide. (And I voted for Bill both times)

Posted by: Toby | January 28, 2008, 11:02 pm 11:02 pm

We are so stupid in this country, we see the government wanting to give away monet that it does not have, they should all be arrested for fraud, and wee see these persons running for office telling us what they will no with money they do not have, what a big fraud, a crime, and we see someone like Ron Paul telling the truth , like Ross did and we did not believe, I say we draft Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, experience, and wealthy, beholden to no special group
What a country we would be

Posted by: Info | January 28, 2008, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm

This country is on the verge of segregating itself.Why not three presidents, one black, one hispinic and one for everyone else. i don’t know anyone that could fare up to what the people are really in need of. by themselves, they really won’t be able to appeal to everyone. they are going to need help! they have to work together later and they’re going to be deciding our future. are you ready?

Posted by: onceherd | January 29, 2008, 2:18 am 2:18 am

I voted for George Bush both times. I am happy with his perfomance,and I take offense to you people who hate this man. Just Like Reagan who was hated during his term,Bush will go down in history as one of the best.
You offend me & 1/2 the country when you launch the hate coments about Bush.

Posted by: Mike | January 29, 2008, 9:42 am 9:42 am

Toni Morrison is phony. I work for a radio station and had an event with Toni Morrison. She was rude and disrespectful. I was shocked to learn this especially since I grew up learning about her and she was my high school english teachers’ favorite author to talk about. Learning about Toni Morrison and her work, I felt an admiration toward her. When I approached her, I said “Hello Ms. Morrison. I’m from (radio station) and is it ok if I take some pictures? She said, “Yall ain’t visual.” I said, yes but we do have a website. She said, “I don’t wanna be on anyone’s website. Get out of my face.” She then turned her head and started talking to some people. My co-worker and I couldn’t believe it. When the news cameras were around, she acted nice. Just phony.

Posted by: Ta | January 29, 2008, 10:47 am 10:47 am

What is incredibly funny here, that as the country sinks deeper and deeper into a recession, as the us dollar becomes weaker than all other 1st world currencies, as our reputation as a great power has slipped tremendously and let’s not chat about the “war” – that people post here glorifying the virtures of a Republican Administration!!! I am sickened by this! What bubble are you living in? This country is in serious trouble and I wish this thing was not about “race” or “gender” or political party loyalites. What about what’s best for this dear country and its’ people – who quite frankly is in trouble right now?

Posted by: bored | January 29, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm

Hillary and Obama in their quest for the highest office in our country demonstrates how far our coutry has come in the last 40 years as it relates to “Equal Rights”. and I hope that “Bill Clinton” recongnize’s this by not appealing to the the worst in us. I want him to appeal to the best in all of us. He should support his wife because she is a viable canidate for the office. However I do not want him to make turn this election into a race baited contest.

Posted by: murl41 | January 29, 2008, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm

I have read ALL of Morrison’s books. That notwithstanding, I think in this case she should have kept her opinion to herself. We ALL know who got to her — it was OPRAH. Her endorsement of Obama is not going to send me running to Barnes and Noble, quite the opposite. I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again, the presidency of the United States is not about “affirmative action.” I was young and idealistic once, the whole Bobby Kennedy, McGovern thing. Still am. But at some point you wake up and realize you also have to be practical. As for all the blacks out there so excited about having a black president (I’m black by the way) what do they think Obama’s going to do FOR THEM? He hasn’t said one word about the inner city, crime, drugs, poverty, jobs, NADA, ZIP, ZILCH. He’s like Tiger Woods — sure he’s the best in golf, but do you ever see him with a bunch of black kids teaching THEM how to putt? Hell no! If he’s smart, he’ll take a lesson from O.J. Simpson — that’s right — whites used to LOVE him too.

Posted by: druggstohr | January 29, 2008, 2:38 pm 2:38 pm

I would like to say kudos to Toni Morrison, for the wonderfully written endorsement. This endorsement transcends RACE and even GENDER. Bill was bad for all America and he didn’t do to well around the World either (Rwanda). The population of AA(African-American) inmates increased tremendously under his 3 strikes law. Investors(Amex)were investing in building Jails across the country as opposed to schools. In certain states it cost more to house an inmate then it does to educate 1 child. So to say that Bill Clinton was the first Black President is ludacris, I think he was the slickest. We as Americans need to look the facts and decide what is best for America the….. United…. States…A caveat for thought, do you realize the only people who are dying from the war in IRAQ and are from America all happen to be POOR and less educated…..

Posted by: Barrington Forbes III | January 29, 2008, 4:01 pm 4:01 pm

Just Once, I would love to see an African American personality stand up and say: “SURE, YOU BET, I AM ENDORSING BARACK OBAMA BECAUSE HE IS BLACK!” Wouldn’t that be refreshing. It is of course the truth. But, hey. Every once inawhile the truth could use a little airing out.

Posted by: Jean Bennett | January 29, 2008, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm

Women have been waiting for over 230 years to be considered viable candidates for the office of president.
A man in the white house: business as usual
A woman in the White House: NOW THAT IS CHANGE!
Go Hillary!
for everyone who thinks Obama is just so terrific: Ask yourself this: Had he ran as what he really is: a republican, could he have won an election in Chicago?

Posted by: The Real Smiley | January 29, 2008, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm

Not for nothing, but it seems as though the Republicans want Hillary to win the nomination. They have so much stuff on her, that if she does win the nomination, she won’t stand a chance. Also, I don’t see how being married to the President counts as experience. The only reason she stuck around after the whole Monica thing was because she had her eye on the White House from the very beginning. She’s ####### because Barack Obama is screwing up her plans and she hates him for it. She’s running a shady campaign and it’s pretty pathetic.
As for her supporting Blacks, as soon as she got Bob Johnson on her side, that put an end to any question in my mind on whether I should vote for her or not. NOT!
The stupid racism on this board is ridiculous, but pretty typical. I hope Obama does win, this country is in serious need of a POSITIVE change. Bush has made a mess of things. And to all of you who so proudly voted for the “good ‘ol Christian boy from Texas” remember this, he sent your children into an unnecessary war (regardless of their color) and had them give their lives all based on information he knew wasn’t true. He wanted his legacy. The blood on his hands is incredible. I wonder how he sleeps at night.

Posted by: nic | January 29, 2008, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm

I fixed it for you.
If you you want at least the *EMPTY* promise of less government and less taxes, vote Republican.

Posted by: Ron | January 30, 2008, 9:38 am 9:38 am

wow is this my america?!? i’m no bush fan, but as far as the black advancement goes he hasn’t been bad internationally only domestically (i.e. katrina, AIDS) which seems to have been as much about class and incompetence as anything else–for example, how could he have made such amazing strides for AIDS in africa while DC became the AIDS capitol of the US on his watch? Really that’s what america can’t afford anymore, and mccain is his puppy. . . i’m a hillary supporter but think that obama would make a fine president–there i said it. hillary’s campaign needs to admit that too, or november will be sacrificed to super tuesday. has it occurred to anyone that the really vicious tradition that gets perpetuated in this constant going for the jugular is that tradition that pits the interests of black men against white women–from lynching to willie horton to dissecting bill clinton’s every word for a hint of race to assuming that every woman has to be totally for hillary. . .this is all nonsense. i’m a lifelong independent who is now a registered democrat–but i didn’t sign on for this kind of backbiting politics. i’m predicting a mccain-guiliani ticket, and that kind of a steamroller needs to be what concerns both clinton *and* obama. . .i’m worried that hillary is prepping to pick wesley clarke, which might be an error given the recent companies he’s driven into the ground. joe biden for dem-VP anyone? inform yourselves people–platitudes won’t stop the recession that bush will leave to his successor.

Posted by: mw | January 30, 2008, 10:27 am 10:27 am

American politics is being forced to reinvent itself, not through design but through the sheer force of events. America is faced with a genuine opportunity to make an in informed choice between two different entities, namely establishment Hillary and visionary Obama. Maybe its time to pursue and embrace viable visions and shed the shackles of our troubling reality. Obama anyone?
drb

Posted by: barry brown | January 31, 2008, 5:52 am 5:52 am

I don’t see any problem with Toni Morrison’s endorsement. However, in her leter to the The New Yorker in October of 1998 she did not declared Bill Clinton as our 1st Black President, she meerly repeated what some black were saying about Bill Clinton and then she went on to critize the Impeachment Process and the News Media criminalizaton of Bill Clinton. she also pointed out how this process was akin to how black men have often been criminalized.

Posted by: Iris Jenkins | February 1, 2008, 2:43 pm 2:43 pm

My resolution from very early last year:If I don’t get to vote for
Obama, then I will vote for McCain
(if he wins the GOP)nomination.
Hillary? What kind of experience
does she have? Being slick Billy’s
wife also count as “work” experience
? I don’t think so. I don’t just
vote for a black candidate. I think Obama is fit to be president and he happens to be black.
I’M NOT BLACK THE WAY.

Posted by: Ted Newman | February 1, 2008, 8:25 pm 8:25 pm

I am so excited to be part of this incredible historical event — the 2008 Presidential election process! I was so proud to vote for a person of character, commitment, experience, knowledge and love for his country and its people. I was a Hilliary supporter; however, after listening to Hilliary, Bill and Obama, then reading his Blueprint for Change: Barack Obama’s Plan for America, I knew what I had to do. I voted for Obama in the Primary election and will proudly do so again in the November election. He has a dream, clear vision and plans that are doable for America. I have never been so excited about an election in my 67 years! In the meantime, I wish Hilliary would stop acting like it is her turn and entitled to occupy the White House at any cost. Plus, she should stop talking about her experience as though Obama lacks experience. And, leave Bill at home with his mouth closed, he is only hurting her campaign; he brings back too many negative memories associated with “slick Billy” that do not help her. I believe his presence and her desperate moves are causing her serious problems and earlier supporters to jump ship. Her campaign strategies are distasteful in the eyes so many Americans — not just Republicans.
I look forward and am hopeful for a stronger, wiser, America that will take care of home first while rebuilding its reputation and respect around the world. We, as a nation, have lost a lot under the current administration. It will take all of us to work together and believe in America to move it forward to a new era in our history.

Posted by: Jean | February 19, 2008, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm

people like to fool their selfs, they’ll come here write usless stories and still go and vote for obama, why
they dont like the clinton’s but they won’t admit it. if ya’ll are hallary’s surporters, why is obama still winning.

Posted by: k | February 25, 2008, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm

superb post. Ne’er knew this, appreciate it for letting me know.

Posted by: Nichol Sallah | October 21, 2011, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm

Leave a Reply

Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.