Michelle Obama on Race
EmailABC News’ Kate Snow Reports: Michelle Obama says race is a real issue in election 2008.
But in an interview with News 14 Carolina’s senior political reporter, Tim Boyum, the wife of Sen. Barack Obama added that she hoped race would not be the sole factor voters use in judging who should be elected president.
“It’s inevitable that people will bring up race and talk about race in this campaign. What, if any, role do you think it should play in this campaign?” Boyum asked Obama during a brief interview following a campaign stop at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
“You know race is still an important issue in this country,” Obama said. "You know there are still so many things that are impacted by race — whether it’s health. We know that there’s still health disparities that exist. There are women that are African American that are dying of higher rates of breast cancer. So the issue is real."
She paused a beat before continuing.
“Our belief is that the decision of who will be the next president will not be based solely on race or gender. You know, my deep hope is that people will base their decision on who they think they can trust. Who’s got a vision for the country? Who’s bringing a different, you know, tone to politics and who’s going to really take this country in a different direction? And quite frankly, I think the only person that comes close to that is Barack. And he happens to be a black man,” she said.
Obama took no questions from national reporters, but spoke with Boyum because News 14 Carolina is seen in parts of northern South Carolina. Wednesday was her first day of a four-day campaign swing through the state.
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Well said, Michelle. Your husband has shown excellence in all that he has done and he has persevered over enormous obstacles. It’s not enough fighting for equality, honesty, and unity… we of course have to first break through the hardened blockade of old, dishonest politics. Whether President Obama is black, yellow, or red, he is still far more of a respectable individual than any candidate on any level of classification. I am a white female that grew up in New York, and for the first time ever… i truly feel the spirit of a United America. Thank you for supporting our next president. you are just as significant as he is.
Posted by: Diane Rocafeller | January 23, 2008, 9:56 pm 9:56 pm
So it’s okay for Michelle to campaign for her husband, but not okay for President Clinton to campaign for Hillary?
Posted by: matthew | January 23, 2008, 10:04 pm 10:04 pm
OBAMA has directly said that he is “perfectly fine” with Ex-President Clinton campaigning for his wife. What he objected to was the “distortions of truth” Ex-President Clinton was offering the media and the public. Michelle has NOT given false statements of any candidate. She has simply shown support in a very lady-like and honorable way.
Posted by: Khalil | January 23, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
Diane
What has Obama perserved that other people or for that matter Black men have not perservered? Not an iota of what regular Black folks go thro. evryday of their lives. This is a Harvard graduate, and a U.S Senator and a home owner of a $2m home etc. Do not make him look like a victim of race-racism. He is not. He was blessed to have a priviledged upbringing that paved way for him to join politics so that he can have power. Real people are not politicians. He is just like other folks running for that office. Note the way his tactics have changed—we hardly hear about hope. He is attacking, yes, like the politicians do.Spirit of America will be felt by more than just you when racism is denounced loud and clear. This will not happen when the white establishment ‘creates’ candidates like Obama to dance to their tune and pretend to tell the world, America can be united. I am not pessimist-I am just realistic. It takes a long time to unite a people with a sad history as the U.S.
Posted by: victoria | January 23, 2008, 10:13 pm 10:13 pm
Diane,
“What has Obama perserved that other people or for that matter Black men have not perservered”
The same can be said for Hillary. She is far better off than he is! Her wealth far surpasses his. And her up-bringing was FAR GREATER than his ever was. So Hillary doesn’t know anyone’s pain EITHER.
Posted by: matthew,
Is Michelle the former president of the country? Do you see the disadvantage and problem here?
Does any other candidate on either side Dem or Rep. have some nut running around the country purposefully misleading and out right lying about their record? THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE.
Posted by: Pam | January 23, 2008, 10:21 pm 10:21 pm
I hope the people of this great country open their eyes and see Hillary for what she is. If you have watched the debates and really listened to her, every word (and alot of them are lies) and every movement is scripted and prepared in advance for maximum effect. Being someone who has worked for the government for a very long time, I can tell you first hand how corrupt it is. America needs Barack Obama desparately. He is genuine and has a reputation in D.C., for bringing both sides together to get something done. I met Barack and he came across as the real deal – finally. Please encourage everyone you can to vote for him. America needs him.
Posted by: Bonnie | January 23, 2008, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
I really think Hillary needs to be complaining about Michelle Obama campaigning for her husband. But then, Hillary is a doer, not a whiner. I really do not want a Big Baby to be our next President. We need someone to handle everything, even the hard things in life. Go back to Chicago, Obama, and Rezko will take care of you.
Posted by: HELENA | January 23, 2008, 10:31 pm 10:31 pm
I can’t wait to see The Clinton’s face when Obama also wins most of the white population too. I wouldn’t be surprised. Obama deserves this candidacy because he will help every one that he can. This couple destroys everyone they can.
Posted by: canadagirl | January 23, 2008, 10:34 pm 10:34 pm
Barakc’s reputation. 130 times voted “Present” don’t you know what that means. That is not truthful. That is being to scared to actually cast a vote.
Posted by: HELENA | January 23, 2008, 10:35 pm 10:35 pm
Chris: I have been in politics for years. Present is not the best way to vote if you want a Bill passed. It is the Easy way out. Obama is not yet ready to be the President of this great country. Women are a lot smarter than you think. I nor other women are “ignorant.”
Posted by: HELENA | January 23, 2008, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
Posted:
“The same can be said for Hillary. She is far better off than he is! Her wealth far surpasses his. And her up-bringing was FAR GREATER than his ever was. So Hillary doesn’t know anyone’s pain EITHER”.
This tells us the problematic of politics and privilege. Today, Edwards said he is the only one who can win. Anyone saying Obama is what America needs ought to tells us how he is going to do it? Perhaps, if this is clearly articulated then I can consider ralling behind him. At the moment, the envisioned unity seems utopian. We need to know the ‘how’ strategies, very specific for that matter.
The claim that Obama is respected in DC holds no water! It is a again a political gimmick to hookwink voters. Bush promised to unite America…what unity are we enjoying? Clinton lied no one died, the country was fine, Americans had no basis for his impechment. It failed-because people did not care less. Their pockets and stomachs were full and so his lies did not matter!
Posted by: victoria | January 23, 2008, 11:18 pm 11:18 pm
I have heard Mitt Romney, Hillary and Bil, and Obama in person. Nobody moved me they way Obama did. The thing is that I cannot see at all.
VOTE OBAMA 2008
Posted by: Darron Bethea | January 24, 2008, 12:29 am 12:29 am
matthew: There’s a difference between
Michelle Obama campaigning for her
husband and Bill Clinton Speaking for
his wife who is Supposed to be the
Candidate! I haven’t read where
Mrs Obama is going out and attacking
the Clintons as Mr Clinton is constantly attacking Barack Obama!
Posted by: reaganfan | January 24, 2008, 12:34 am 12:34 am
Senator Obama’s votes in the IL Senate are being misrepresented. He voted 4,000 times as an IL Senator and voted present just over 100 times. In IL, and I live in IL, voting present is used as a tactic to hold a vote so that language or something can be changed. It is a strategy it has nothing to do with being unwilling to vote. He was an exceptional IL Senator I watched his work and he passed a large amount of legislation–more than 232 bills in his last two years. He was an outstanding IL State Senator and he is an outstanding US Senator. Also, his single mother and grandparent sacrificed to send him to a good high school. He paid his way through college and he and his wife still were paying loans until a couple of years ago. She grew up in very modest surroundings on the South side of Chicago. These are real people like all of us.
Posted by: SFT | January 24, 2008, 12:35 am 12:35 am
What kind of a back ground does Michelle Obama have? we know Hillary was a Wal-Mart Lawyer,Bill was a President,John Edwards was a Lawyer,Elizabeth Edwards was a Lawyer. Michelle’s husband is a Senator running for President, I have not heard anything about Michelle. It would kinda be nice to know a little bit about the woman that could be the first lady.
Posted by: Jeanette | January 24, 2008, 12:39 am 12:39 am
I feel the Obamas want to make a positive change in Washington for all Americans. They reflect integrity and compassion to be positive representatives for the roles that would acquire in representing the best interests of the American people. The fundamental reason each elected official should remember: YOU ARE TO REPRESENT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, NOT YOURS!
Obama ’08
Posted by: Lani, GA | January 24, 2008, 2:01 am 2:01 am
Lol.
I love the funny double standard.
Spouces can campaign for their candidates. Bill Clinton aint allowed. Why? He is a highly popular and most sucessful democratic president in 40 years. More maybe.
Technicality?
To get around that, suggest:
YA BUT SPOUSES AINT ALLOWED TO CRITIQUE THE OTHER CANDIDATE
Where is that rule??????
lol
Translation of Obama’s complaint:
Bill Clinton is SUPREMELY popular, more popular than either Hillary or I, and thus having him breathing down my neck isnt fair for my OBAMA campaign. How dare the Clintons have this supreme advantage !!!!
Posted by: tom | January 24, 2008, 8:08 am 8:08 am
Obama fans
Here is another fun fact. Obama is 4th on the list as a SENATOR who has missed the most votes. McCain has missed 44% of the votes, and Obama 34%. Hillary isnt even near the top. So save the ‘Illinois is differnt’ routine.
Posted by: tom | January 24, 2008, 8:10 am 8:10 am
We so desperately need a capable President! When I see the Clintons conducting a dishonest and bitter campaign against Obama, it lowers my respect for them. I so hope that people can see through this! There is a difference between Bill Clinton supporting his wife, on the one hand, and maliciously tearing down Obama on the other. Michelle Obama, on the other hand, is supporting her husband without being malicious toward his opponents. Michelle Obama is a Lady. If Hillary Clinton wins the Presidency, I will feel disgusted, disheartened and disappointed. If Mr. Obama wins, it will be the first time in many years that I feel PROUD of my Country. (P.S. Not that it matters, but I’m a white, senior lady.)
Posted by: Janet | January 24, 2008, 8:24 am 8:24 am
tom typed…
“Translation of Obama’s complaint:
Bill Clinton is SUPREMELY popular, more popular than either Hillary or I, and thus having him breathing down my neck isnt fair for my OBAMA campaign. How dare the Clintons have this supreme advantage !!!!”
If Bill wants to talk smack about the Obama Campaign, it shouldn’t be too much of a suprise if Barack calls him on it. Getting his nose out of joint about it isn’t going to help. Pandering to the press and calling them a bunch of Obama lap dogs isn’t going to help. Claiming that the candidate you’re supporting doesn’t have a history of political cronyism isn’t going to help.
But the truth will…and that will get your candidate more public support than anything else.
Posted by: dingodude | January 24, 2008, 9:12 am 9:12 am
Bush Senior did not campaign for his son. He is in the same category like Bill. He knew that it was not his job, it was the sons. He has never interfered in the sons ruling.
Very wise of the old man. We expected Bill to do the same.
Now, the first woman in American history looking for the highly job and being assisted by the former President!! People should give this a second thought!
Posted by: Peace | January 24, 2008, 9:47 am 9:47 am
ABC… WHY ARE YOU NOT REPORTING ON OBAMA’S political, business ties and dealing,s and fundraising practices out of Chicago? Why are you not reporting on MICHELLE OBAMA’S professional (PAID) relationships with Corporations doing huge volumes of business with “Walmart”?
OBAMA says “he didn’t know what was going on with the Rezko group”… but he certainly got to where he is LARGELY DUE TO THESE PEOPLE AND THEIR BUSINESS DEALINGS! OBAMA WAS A LAWYER FOR GOD’S SAKE! OBAMA DIDN’T “MISS” WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH REZKO… HE EXPLOITED IT!…….GIVE ME A BREAK!
Posted by: dverot | January 24, 2008, 11:06 am 11:06 am
Michelle Obama would make a most excellent First Lady. I have a dream and that dream begins with OBAMA capturing the Democratic nomination, unifying the Democratic Party with the most realistic chance to take over the Whitehouse in years. The party rallies around OBAMA. Younger voters, black voters, white voters and members of all groups celebrate the candidacy of the most exciting politician since RFK. My dream ends with a LANDSLIDE VICTORY over the Republican Candidate. OBAMA brings together a coalition of folks from all parties to lead the country forward. Then on a glorious sunny brisk winter day, OBAMA is sworn in as our next President. The site of OBAMA in the Whitehouse changes the world. America is back. God bless America. God bless the OBAMA’S.
Posted by: Christopher London | January 24, 2008, 12:05 pm 12:05 pm
I can honestly say that I, for the first time in 8 years, have hope for this country. I am a white senior citizen, who believes that the answer to our problems is Senator Obama. I have a problem with Senator Clinton. When I watch her I don’t feel I am watching a real human being. I feel I am watching a robot who has been programmed to say the right things, smile at the right time, etc. Even her voice changes, depending on where she is and who she is speaking to.
Posted by: tgood113 | January 24, 2008, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
Hey Michelle, where you and your husband are going to come clean and explain your relationship with the Rezkos and how you double your paid when your husband for elected to the US Senate, your board companies deals, your close friendship with Rezko wife?
When are you going to stop playing the race card??
Posted by: Julie_Chgo | January 24, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
Right, Matthew, its not okay. He’s a former president. There’s a degree of decorum which all former presidents used to follow – and chief among them is don’t act unpresidential.
Should he have endorsed his wife? Sure. It is such an unusual situation having a spouse of a former president run, that I think that much should be tolerated.
Should he be on the campaign trail? I’m not comfortable with it.
Should he be one of his wife’s attack dogs? Absolutely not. I think it demeans the office he once held, whether Hillary’s supporters agree or not.
And then you get into the integrity factor, and its really bad. He’s reminding us that he isn’t always an honest person. I was much more comfortable thinking of him as a former president rallying relief for tsunami victims than I am being reminded of his finger-waving lies.
Posted by: Paul | January 24, 2008, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
besides the 130 “present” votes, how about the 6 “i pressed the wrong button” votes reported on latimes? looks like he consistently tries to make sure he can say he was on whatever is the popular side of an issue at the moment.
and, yes, why doesn’t anyone look into michelle’s corporate ties? and her playing of the race card at campaign events?
Posted by: so saddened | January 24, 2008, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
Obama has lied about everything. You want change? Vote to get Mike Huckabee the nomination. Obama won’t even place his hand over his heart for or recite the Pledge of Allegiance or stand when the National Anthem is sung. Do you really want someone in office who can’t be bothered to stand for America’s anthem and flag? And do we really want a Muslim in office to bring down our country from the inside? He says he’s not a Muslim — but he is. He went to school in a Wahabi school — the school that teaches the radical Muslim faith that is waging the Jihad on the world. Mike Huckabee would be an excellent President — and I’m not just saying that b/c I’m from Arkansas. I work for the Arkansas state government and have never once had any sort of problem with Huckabee.
Posted by: Laura | January 24, 2008, 3:56 pm 3:56 pm
Monday,March 18,2208 I watched Obama deliver a speech in Philadelphia that will stand as the defining speech regarding race and the underlying tensions that are exploited by media and politicians alike, to keep the working people of America distracted, at oods, and victims of the “powers that be”. The eloquence; the incisive insight into the root causes of racial animosity; the reality of a common struggle; his identifying, and exposing the real culprets behind economic animosities between blacks and whites, smoldering discord termed “racial”, only to obfuscate the profits for the corporations in playing this tired old card. Politicians are not in any way excused, nor are churches – the most segregated places in America on any Sunday of the year.
If, “in God we trust”, then God is Spirit, not black or white, or any color, or nationality. God is universal and big enough to love all of us.
I pray for Mr. Obama because there are yet some in America that may not understand the significance of this election. I pray for America if they act out their ignorance. Peace.
Posted by: Charles P Kennedy, Sr. | March 19, 2008, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm