Reply #37: I dunno...Did Obama lie? You tell us [View All]

[alcibiades_mystery]

The article very skillfully avoids saying that he NEVER talked to black chambers of commerce in Chicago. The relevant passage:

First of all this sounds very derogatory ala Amos ‘n Andy or Stepin’ Fetchit. Our chambers have sound and progressive economic development plans and they are far more intricate than stopping litter. Second and most importantly, Senator Barack Obama refuses to meet with any and all Black chambers of commerce. There are 21 Black chambers of commerce in the state of Illinois which is the most for any state in the nation. They are well run, hardworking and dedicated to the economic development of Black communities throughout the entire state. They are respected by their Governor, the entire Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the powerful Chicago political machine. But they get no props from Senator Barack Obama. He appears to despise Black chambers of commerce.

This is weasel language at its finest. It would be easy enough to say "Obama has never talked to any black chambers, period." He doesn't say that, however. He says that Obama "refuses to meet with" black chambers, which is a different thing altogether. If it's a lie, why not just call him on the specific lie? Why the weasel words? Next we hear about the Illinois chambers. That would be a perfect time to say "Obama has never talked to anyone at any Illinois chambers, so we really don't know what he's talking about." Does the article say that? No. It says that the Illinois chambers "get no props from Senator Barack Obama." Well, that's pretty clear. Like mud.

Here's the closest we get in the article - and really where the truly bizarre phraseology that screams "I'm gonna come within an inch of saying it, so the insinuation holds, but I'm not going to come right out and say it, cuz it ain't true." It's a beauty, so pay attention as you get took: "If Senator Obama ever decides to really speak to any of the Illinois Black chambers, he had better come correct." Ahhhh. If he ever really "speaks to" the black chambers. Not "talks to," but "speaks to." Because, you see, "talking to" could involve informal discussions or phone conversations, etc., none of which the article you posted rule out, by the way, while "speaking to" generally means a formal speech given at a meeting. If your guy there is so honest, why not dispute the exact phrase from Obama's quotation: "If he ever really talks to..." Why change the one word.

Nuance, my friend. Ya been had.