Listening to BBC world news this morning, interviews of WV voters, said no vote for a black

[CatsDogsBabies]

And it appears there are people who grasp on to this as a good thing because it gives HRC a "chance" for the nomination. I find this appalling. People can vote however they want, but there is no reason for people to accept "I will never vote for a black" as a good reason. Shouldn't these people be challenged about this? Why has being a racist become sacrosant? I would have thought most democrats (and I am an independent) consider racism a bad thing. And, if people are refusing to vote for Obama just because he is black (and apparently they are there), this is racism.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. This is so ugly

I am appalled by some of the racist remarks coming out of WV and also some of the remarks posted here.

[GihrenZabi]

2. Not surprised

I have black friends who say they would never set foot in West Virginia.

The State is a fucking embarrassment...do you think we could let one go from the Union now and again?

[EFerrari]

16. Iirc, they split off from VA because they didn't want to leave the Union.

[marylanddem]

We could definitely let a few go. Let them form their own

freaking country. They could wall themselves in, keep cable going 24/7, and order in from Walmart.

[Tesha]

50. The good part is it's now out in the open.

For years, the "official" American narrative was that
racism was over, even though many of us (anyone who
looked, actually) could see that it was still rampant
in many places (including most places where Republicans
gathered, by some strange coincidence).

Tesha

[knixphan]

74. YES, yes and YES.

[yardwork]

114. I agree that it's good that this is getting out in the open.

I think it will backfire.

[Tesha]

119. I agree that it will backfire. (NT)

[cliffordu]

122. Yep.

[Hutzpa]

130. For some DUers this is their perfect opportunity

to use racial slur and some of them are posting it with glee.

A'mean :think: about it....

[demnan]

3. Of course its racism

I'm not proud of Hillary for exploiting it either. My brother's home in rural north Georgia is a lot like West Virginia and he said there are many people there who felt that way.

Obama is going to have to overcome racism to win this election, that is a fact. And in some areas of the country, that's an uphill battle.

However many of the people who are racist are not going to vote for Hillary either. And there are also people who wouldn't vote for a woman. Edwards or Biden wouldn't have had that additional challenge but we'll have to work harder now.

[goclark]

112. It is sad that a Democrat and a woman would be the one

that encouraged this ~ Rove could not have played it better.

America is so much better than this, so much better.

[BlooInBloo]

4. Clinton supports are perfectly fine with that as a reason. It's their campaign strategy, after all.

[MissWaverly]

5. much of the old politics is based on racism

What should matter is the competency, which we have gotten away from. Today's campaigns are based on the superficials, who is more of a he-man, who's a cowboy, who has the better hair or teeth. I can't imagine our grandparents voting like this. I am sure that Herbert Hoover was more photogenic than FDR.

[Zachstar]

6. Obama will never win WV in the fall. He may win every other state but not that one.

Ive heard multiple reports like this where people do not even try to hide their racism.... Lets just get through this so they can get the fuck out of the spotlight.

The good news is. Obama being the president will help melt away the blocks of racism in this country. A good step in the right direction.

[SteelPenguin]

46. yeah the map will change a bit

Obama could swing a number of other states into his column, but I'll be surprised if West Virginia isn't red this fall.

[yardwork]

116. West Virginia would probably be red no matter who was running.

Unfortunately, the Republicans have made major inroads with voters in certain parts of the country who now reliably vote against their own interests. That's a challenge for the Democratic Party. I think that President Obama will help win those states back.

[Toucano]

51. They don't even try to hide their racism?

That's the problem with racism. Too many racists hide it and it has more power.

I much prefer to deal with overt racists than the ones who are clever enough to hide it, and still deny a person a job or an apartment or a loan. Or still sit on a jury and sentence someone to death.

[meow mix]

7. wow, a bunch of bigots. i dont see how people can stand living there

let that state rot in its own hate. they get nothing, ever.

[EnviroBat]

25. It's a really beautiful state.

If you can get beyond all of the fucking bigot's, and retarded hillbilly's destroying the landscape with their constant existence. It really is quite breathtaking. There are beautiful mountains and trees and animals, (and hillbilly's to kill them). My own mother was born there, (WV). It's a state desperately in need of an enema.

[Saturday]

8. And how do you feel about Blacks voting 90% percent

for Obama? And don't tell me they all decided he's the better candidate in that high percentage. There is racism in this race on both sides. I know Obama supporters will be here to diss me personally and call me a racist for pointing that out but I know I'm not. This race is about racism to some extent and Obama is perpetuating it.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

13. Have any black voters said they wouldn't vote for a white candidate?

[SeaLyons]

43. Obama said that his supporters would not vote for Hillary..

he said her supporters would vote for him, but his supporters would not vote for her...does he mean blacks would not vote for Hillary?? I don't know.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

45. No, he meant his voters in general.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

76. Oh, thanks for clearing that up for me cricket08.

You think that possibly Obama said something about black voters, who have many, many, many, times in the past supported white candidates - but never mind that.... Because he said something about 'his' voters, who as we all know are all black. Nope, no voters of any other race voted for Obama. :eyes:

[democrattotheend]

104. He was talking about the independents and Republican crossovers

And it's true that most polls have shown him doing better among independents and Republicans against McCain than she does. And he said that before polls started showing that he suffers from more Democratic defections. He was not talking about African Americans specifically or even at all.

[CatsDogsBabies]

24. I knew someone would write this

it is the old standby. Not the same thing. I am sure many of those black voters have voted for a white candidate before, and so they are not taking the position that they will not vote for a person based on race alone. These people being interviewed in WV made it very clear, no votes for any black person. Are you telling me you can't see the difference between these two positions. Quit trying to defend these people's racism. The racism should be condemned for the evil it is. This doesn't mean saying that there is no good in these people, it is just saying that racism is wrong.

[Toucano]

42. It is different.

Of course those black voters have and would vote for a white candidate.

Obama being black is only one of the reasons black voters are supporting him overwhelmingly. They didn't flock to support Alan Keyes or Al Sharpton.

But Obama is VIABLE. He's got substance and is not a "token". That's why he has won their support.

[Saturday]

65. If it's not wrong for a Black to vote for a Black because he's Black

then why is it wrong for a White to vote for a White because he's White?

[Bettie]

88. The wrong thing is to discount any candidate

simply on the basis of race.

"I won't ever vote for a black candidate" is racist.

"I won't ever vote for a white candidate" is also racist.

Its pretty simple really.

The point is that these voters are making the color of someone's skin more important than any other consideration.

It isn't wrong to vote for a white person because they are white, though it is kind of silly to have the color of a person's skin be more important than any other consideration!

[CatsDogsBabies]

92. Strictly speaking perhaps

but it is pretty difficult to look at the issue of racism outside of its historical context in the United States. There may be women who want to vote for HRC because she is a woman and because they believe she is a good candidate. The fact hat she is a woman represents something for them, an achievement, social progress and so on. I think this is fine and that believe that women (and I am a white woman) should be able to celebrate this progress by voting for a woman candidate. This doesn't mean that they are voting for her just because she is a woman, but the fact that she is a woman is part of it. I think the same thing should be allowed for blacks. I think Obama is a great candidate. Why can't blacks celebrate what Obama's candidacy may mean in the broader scheme of things. Why are so many people eager to disparage black voters who may feel pride in the achivements of Obama (and his achievements are real) in a coutry with a history of some pretty horrible racism (slavery/segregation/lynchings)? This doesn't mean blacks are voting for him just because he is black though.

[Hard_Work]

110. No one said it was wrong

for a Black to vote for a Black because he is Black. Nor is it wrong to vote for a White because he is White. It is WRONG to NOT vote for either simply because of their skin color. Why is is so hard for you to get this?

[yardwork]

121. Nice straw man. We're talking about voters who say they will never vote for a black person.

If I hear a black person say that they will never, ever vote for a white person, I'll acknowledge that they are biased. I've never heard a black person say that, though.

I have heard, and continue to hear, white people say that they will never, ever vote for a black person. That's racism.

[DangerousRhythm]

32. What do you think of Al Gore getting about 90% of the black vote?

Or any other Dem nominee getting quite near that number in recent times in presidential elections? Is that racism too?

[Saturday]

63. That was not a situation where a White was running against a Black,

apples and oranges. If Blacks have to choose between 2 White candidates of course they will vote for a White candidate. duh

[DangerousRhythm]

72. Ah, so 90% is only racist and unacceptable when the black guy is favored. Gotcha!

It all makes perfect sense now. :rofl:

[Celeborn Skywalker]

35. Not even close to the same thing.

Not even close and you fucking know it. How dare you compare blacks voting for Obama to a white racist saying they would NEVER vote for a black. Most blacks loved the Clintons until they started their race-baiting bullshit.

[Saturday]

66. Most Blacks loved the Clinton's till there was a viable Black candidate. nt

[Tesha]

57. I'm pretty sure most of that 90% would have happily supported a white candidate in the GE

so it's really sad (and telling) that you're trying to
tar them with the "Racist" brush right now.

Tesha

[Saturday]

69. Of course they would. They would vote for a White in a White vs White race.

I agree.

[dana_b]

120. right.

but they don't come out and say that they would NEVER vote for a white. Those interviewed in WV are out and out racists.

[JVS]

73. Maybe if Clinton hadn't insulted them all by bringing up the urgent issue of how LBJ made MLK...

relevant, she'd be doing better among AA voters.

[redqueen]

78. Find some that will tell you they won't vote for a White... then you'll have an analogy.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

81. Logic = kryptonite.

:hi:

[redqueen]

95. Hah... if only!

:hi:

[TBF]

91. Maybe they're excited about actually having someone black to vote for - it's not like they usually

get a choice. In 1868 the 14th amendment was passed giving blacks the right to vote. Just think about that a minute. Less than 150 years ago whites in this country didn't even allow blacks to vote.

Before you get all up in arms over "reverse racism" (which is a crock), think a little bit about how you would feel in their shoes.

/rant over, but justified/

[Emit]

98. Obama didn't start out with 90% of the black vote...The Clinton's ... keep race on the table

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5947358

[Bad Thoughts]

107. Don't ask them to use their memory

Accordingly, the history of humanity since the beginning of time has been a conflict between Clinton and Obama. Never were there other candidates (or other candidates' supporters). Never was there a time when Obama got less than 110% of the black vote, or -5% of the hard-working vote. And every word from Obama's mouth is misogyny dripping with honey.:sarcasm:

[fifthoffive]

108. Blacks have been voting for white candidates for years.

Obviously they are willing to vote for white candidates.

[mystieus]

127. Thanks for being honest.

[jeffrey_X]

113. This is complete horse shit.

The black people that voted for Obama didn't vote for him because of Hillary. They are voting for him because he is a symbol of progress for this country. They aren't voting for him because they hate Hillary.

The white people that are voting for Hillary are doing so because of Obama. Huge fucking difference.

If you can't see the difference, then maybe you should go back and re-take U.S. History again.

[yardwork]

118. You're wrong. Those same black voters have voted for white candidates all their lives.

There are white people in this country who have never, ever voted for a black person.

[Hepburn]

9. How embarrassing....

...thanks to these LIV assholes, the US comes off as a hot bed or racist idiots. Just what we need to boost our already sagging image.

:puke:

[yodermon]

10. And then OBAMA is held accountable for "not getting their votes".

"why can't he win over 'working class whites'?"
"why can't he close the gap"?
"what's wrong with him?"

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

That's right. It's up to the BLACK MAN to eliminate racist attitudes toward him in this country.

:banghead:.

[Rockholm]

11. Clinton=Woman=No Vote=Misogynist.

Same equation.

[quantass]

19. At least we know which scares people more: Woman=Vote / Black = No Vote

So Clinton has got it easy because to people of WV a white woman is more acceptable to a sexist than a black man is to a sexist-bigot...bravo America, we're making progress!

[Rockholm]

140. That is pathetic progress.

[CatsDogsBabies]

dupe

[CatsDogsBabies]

27. dupe

[CatsDogsBabies]

28. I agree if people refuse to vote for Clinton just because she is a woman

I think this is wrong.

[Shae]

I don't think many here . . .

would have a problem voting for a woman Presidential candidate.
Some have a problem with voting for that particular woman, however.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

80. Nice try, but no.

I'm not hearing people say they won't vote for a woman. They're saying they won't vote for Hillary Clinton.

You may think that all women are the same, and interchangeable, but I don't.

[redqueen]

82. Has anyone said proudly on TV that they won't vote for a woman? (nt)

[marylanddem]

12. Even with my West Virginia ancestry, it's hard to resist the urge

to descend to stereotypes about West Virginians...

[JaneQPublic]

14. These same people only vote for a woman (HRC) because they figure she's Bill's handpuppet.

And if Hillary were to be elected president, these people would credit every success to Bill and every failure to "that uppity b*tch who actually thought she could run the country."

[marcus3xw]

15. Over 90% black voters support obama because he is black

why are people relunctant to question why 90% of black voters support obama

[marylanddem]

17. I'm not black but I don't buy that.

Are you basing this on some specific survey?

[marcus3xw]

21. listening to black talk radio and talking to black people daily

trust me i know this for a fact. if a black person supports anyone else they are labeled a traitor or uncle tom.

any black person that tells you that race doesn't play a key role in obama's 90% black voter support is a dam liar

for the record i do not support obama or clinton

[NanBo]

100. no kidding.

Quote: "for the record i do not support obama or clinton"

That's obvious.

[EFerrari]

20. Why do people post this stuff?

Do you know what % of black voters supported Kerry? Or are you only worried about black voters supporting Obama?

[marcus3xw]

23. kerry did not get 90% black voter support in the PRIMARIES

.

[quantass]

26. Bill got 90%+

[marcus3xw]

30. during the 1992 primary or general election?

.

[quantass]

39. primary

[marcus3xw]

49. post a link supporting your position because i think you are wrong

.

[Saturday]

71. You can't compare that, It was a White vs White race. Of course he got 90%

under those circumstances.

[marcus3xw]

102. THANK YOU

i've seen a lot of people suggest 90% of black support between a white republican vs a white democrat is the same as 90% black support between a white democrat and a black democrat

black voters need to stop blindly supporting candidates and make candidates work for their support

[EFerrari]

29. Kerry also didn't court the Klan vote, which is why Hillary lost

the black vote which she had overwhelmingly IN THE FIRST PLACE.

[quantass]

33. But, seriously, Hillary does SUCK -- Very devisive..and nice touch with her "Only whites count"-gate

comment ... now tell me why blacks would want to vote for her with her silly season tactics...
And lets not forget that Obama is just one damn inspirational speaker..

Last i checked republicans had Allan Keys running for president and he didnt get veyr many black support

[quantass]

36. Hillary had the majority of the black vote early in the primaries -- it was hers to lose!

[marcus3xw]

54. Hillary never had 90% of the black vote in primary season

.

[CatsDogsBabies]

Do you complain when 90% of black voters support a white democratic candidate

I have no problem with positive biases because I assume they are just one factor among many that help a person to choose. So what if 90% of black voters support Obama - he's the better candidate.

[marcus3xw]

52. yes i do

i think it is stupid for black voters to give away their votes to ANY political candidate without making demands for their support

it is no coincidence that black voters continue to give away their votes for free and continue to get disrespected

[NorthernSpy]

117. Given your obvious hostility, why should blacks care what you think?.

Actually, why should ANY of us?


You're clearly just ticked off because black voters are in a position to help determine the outcome of the Democratic nomination. Not too shabby for a voting strategy you derided as "stupid".


Sorry, but you're pretty transparent.

[Saturday]

75. If you think the reason 90% of Blacks are supporting

Obama because he's the better candidate I have some lake front property to sell you. That is totally naive.

[redqueen]

86. What's naive is making stuff up and thinking it's reality...

and then expecting other people to acknowledge that your made-up BS is reality.

THAT's naive.

[marcus3xw]

106. i'm black and i am telling you race is a MAJOR factor

90% of black voter support for a black candidate isn't MAINLY because of the black candidate's position on issues. most not all black voters mainly support a candidate because of their race and party affiliation

i will tell you that john edwards and dennis kucinich are better options for black people than clinton & obama

[redqueen]

109. You know 90% of his black supporters?

These claims are absurd. The people making them should be embarrassed.

[marcus3xw]

126. are you black?

.

[NorthernSpy]

124. well, I'm a Time Lord with 2 billion years of experience, and I say otherwise...

See how that works?


:eyes:

[BeyondGeography]

40. That would make sense if these same voters were not open to voting for a white person

but they do so all the time.

In other words, bullshit on you.

[marcus3xw]

59. SIMPLE QUESTION

what did the black voting block NEGOTIATE with barack obama that resulted in 90% of black voters supporting him?

[graycem]

134. Perhaps,

being insulted by the Clintons remarks, after years of supporting them, stung a little.

[Teaser]

41. Don't be anile

If you don't see a difference between an historically oppressed ethnic group/culture voting for an accomplished member of its own community as, in part, a statement and celebration of their liberation and an historically privileged group voting against a member of the community they loathe out of a combination of jealousy and revenge, then you are, quite simply a fucktard.

[SteelPenguin]

56. It's different and you should know that

Both are driven by the aspect of race, but not by racism. Black voters voting for someone because the candidate is black, is different from a White voter voting for someone, because the OTHER guy is black.

One is empowering, the other is disenfranchising.

If the black voters were voting for the black candidate because they would never vote for a white candidate it would be comparable.

[marcus3xw]

62. i never said both cases were the same

i'm only stating a fact that MOST black voters are supporting obama because he is black. i'm black and talk/listen to A LOT of black voters and race NOT issues is the major factor

for 90% of black voters to support obama without making any demands for their support is stupid. black voters wonder why the jewish voting block have more political power with fewer numbers. black voters need to negotiate for their support not give it away for some silly reason

[graycem]

135. But as a black person

you should know better than any of us, it is not racism that is fueling the black support for Obama. Racism has been used as a tool of oppression and it has different motivational factors, mainly HATE. Someone voting for Obama because he is black and they find that hopeful or inspirational, is a damned bit different than someone voting for Hillary BECAUSE Obama is a black man. You KNOW the difference, probably better than any of us, please stop comparing the two.

[Kittycat]

60. What bullshit! Then white voters for Hillary are only because they're white?

Your post is not only racist but truly vile. Take this filth elsewhere.

[marcus3xw]

64. are you black?

i'm only telling you the major reason why obama is getting 90% of black voter support. if you can't that truth then remain to keep your head in the sand. i listen and talk to a lot of black voters and their support is mainly based on race. obama's positions on issues isn't the main factor for his high support from blacks.

[Kittycat]

68. You're so full of shit.

You post this crap, and discount the many AA DUers that have posted WHY they/their family is supporting Obama - and it isn't race driven at all. And since you have selective memory, keep in mind that the AA community didn't really fall behind Obama until after he won IA. He had to prove himself, to earn their support, just as any candidate would.

[marcus3xw]

96. i never said ALL black voters are supporting because of race

a SMALL number of black voters are suppporting Obama because of his voting record and position on issues. the average voter regardless of race don't do their home work when voting. hillary, mccain and obama are not the best options from the original pool of candidates.

considering that i listen to a lot of black talk radio and listen/talk to black voters i've come to the conclusion that RACE is a major reason why obama is getting over 90% of the black vote.

honestly i think john edwards and dennis kucinich would do more the black community than obama

[Saturday]

70. Because if a Black votes for a Black because he's Black

it is acceptable but if a White votes for a White because he is White it is not in their eyes. They only see racism in one direction.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

83. Because we're not a racist dumbass like you? nt

[marcus3xw]

101. i'm a racist for telling the truth?

besides race you can't make a GOOD CASE why obama is getting over 90% support from black voters.

my position is based on what i've heard and been told from black voters.

[redqueen]

84. Find one that will declare proudly on TV that they won't vote for a White.

Failing that, your analogy falls apart.

[marcus3xw]

99. i hear it on black talk radio daily

tune into www.waok.com wednesday morning and listen to the black callers respond to results from west virginia

[redqueen]

103. Sure you do. (nt)

[marcus3xw]

125. obviously you aren't black and don't listen to black talk radio

as a black man i have no reason to lie

tuen into www.waok.com tomorrow at 2 pm est

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

128. Then why'd they support Clinton earlier in the race?

Not too smart, are you?

[jonestonesusa]

141. If you've paid attention to mass media at all in the last few months

you will see that many, many people are not reluctant to question Obama's black support.

What's your motivation for wanting to do so? Do you trust black voters like yourself enough to decide on their interests and vote based on them? Most Democrats have had that trust in the past. But now that there's a viable black candidate, lots of white observers are demanding that black voters prove they're not voting based on racial identification.

The bottom line: black people have earned their right to vote in this country, and most of the time lately they have supported the Democratic party. It's counterproductive and insulting to persist in all this suspicion about their choice of candidates, and the mass media does it all the time as well as posters on DU. Personally, I enjoy discussions about the merits of candidates, but not so much white people questioning who I vote for based on my being African American. So I differ with you on the idea that this is a neutral question, to focus suspicion on the reasons for Obama's black support.

Do you personally check out the opinions of black voters and look at background from political science on black political behavior? It's a perspective on what has motivated black voters in this campaign and before that we all ought to have.

[Freedom Train]

18. And, if people are refusing to vote for Hillary just because she is white,

that is racism too.

Yes, they are out there.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

38. Not near as many.

I guarantee you there are many times over the amount of whites not voting for Obama due to race than vice-versa.

[CatsDogsBabies]

44. How many people do you know who are not voting for Hillary because she is white?

[Saturday]

77. 90% of the Black voters. They prefer a Black person. Michelle said they would. nt

[dana_b]

123. and?

but they don't come out and say that they would NEVER vote for a white. They have done it! Those interviewed in WV are out and out racists

[EFerrari]

48. LOL!

[redqueen]

89. They are out there? And you know this how? (nt)

[Justitia]

22. I feel badly for our WV Democratic brethren, they are obviously surrounded by idiots.

Hang in there my WV brothers & sisters!
Consider this a supportive shout out from a fellow "red state" Dem.

Keep up hope, lots of red states (including Bush HQ, my own state of TEXAS) went for Obama - things can and do change over time.
Don't give up fighting!

Hang in there my friends in WV, you have my empathy and support. :hi: :pals:

[mmonk]

31. Yep.

I don't what I'll be politically when this primary is over. Funny because I'm a delegate that has been giving quite a bit of money to party interests lately. Anyway, Obama supporters can't let it get them down. No victory truely worth fighting for is easy.

[Toucano]

34. If a person won't vote for a candidate because the candidate is black

they are a racist.

If a person votes for a candidate because he "looks like me" the voter is not racist?

I think it goes both ways.

The color of Obama's skin is an issue in the election. It has been since before he announced.

I don't understand why people are surprised or indignant or appalled to find that there are people in America (Democrats, Republicans and Independents) who won't vote for a candidate because he is black.

This is America. A person's race is still very much a factor in where people live, where they work, where they shop, who they marry, where they go to school, where they worship. So we shouldn't be surprised that it is also a factor in who they vote for.

I think it's better to acknowledge that this exists in our society and keep working to change it. There would be less tension and strife if it were out in the open and not treated like the 300 lb gorilla in the room.

Obama can change many of those people's minds. Some he won't be able to.

By the way, a racist in West Virigina is no worse than a racist in Brooklyn or San Francisco.

[CatsDogsBabies]

55. I guess I am appalled because I feel

like people are okay about this. Agreed there is racism everywhere. I would disagree however on the impact of any person's racism. I lived in the deep south and believe that racism had more of an impact on the culture in general. I now live in a northeastern state and believe that the general disapproval of racism has an impact on what is acceptable in the culture/society. People can hate anywhere, but that hate is given more free reign in some places than in others. And I do believe this makes a difference.

[Toucano]

133. I see your point, but my experience leads me to a different conclusion.

Making it socially unacceptable to be a racist doesn't make racism go away.

We just create a new taboo. An infection under humanity's skin that festers and slowly sickens the whole body.


I have also lived in the deep south, and it is more socially acceptable (in many circles) to be openly racist. However, if you think that racism doesn't impact the culture of Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York, you're failing to see the true grip it has on our society. Those police officers shot Sean Bell 19 times in New York, not Birmingham.

[graycem]

136. I'm afraid it doesn't go both ways..

rac·ism /ˈreɪsɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.


You do understand what racism is right? Being inspired by a person because they share your race is NOT the same thing as saying they would/have never vote/voted for white candidates based on race. Here's the difference. If Hillary were black, those people who are racist, supporting Hillary now, wouldn't be voting for her either. They'd be sitting this one out! Because it is HATE based on color of skin, not policy or issues, or anything else. HATE. Black people have been a large portion of the Clinton's support over the years, their own remarks cost them that support in the numbers that it did. Nothing else. And when you say that black people voting for Obama is racist, fueled by their hate of whites, that's an out and out falsehood.

[Toucano]

139. Great. Let's battle with our dictionaries.

Main Entry:
rac·ism Listen to the pronunciation of racism
Pronunciation:
\ˈrā-ˌsi-zəm also -ˌshi-\
Function:
noun
Date:
1933

1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination
— rac·ist Listen to the pronunciation of racist \-sist also -shist\ noun or adjective


Main Entry:
dis·crim·i·nate Listen to the pronunciation of discriminate
Pronunciation:
\dis-ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
dis·crim·i·nat·ed; dis·crim·i·nat·ing
Etymology:
Latin discriminatus, past participle of discriminare, from discrimin-, discrimen distinction, from discernere to distinguish between — more at discern
Date:
1628

transitive verb
1 a: to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of b: distinguish, differentiate <discriminate hundreds of colors>
2: to distinguish by discerning or exposing differences; especially : to distinguish from another like object

intransitive verb
1 a: to make a distinction <discriminate among historical sources> b: to use good judgment
2: to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit <discriminate in favor of your friends> <discriminate against a certain nationality>

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

So, now that you have learned that racism also means racial prejudice or discrimination, I can teach you how it goes both ways:

A voter faced with the challenge of discriminating between two qualified, likable candidates might introduce other factors to "distinguish" or "differentiate" them. Such factors might include physical appearance, cultural attributes, or the enigmatic "it factor". It might also include the race of the candidate, if that's a distinguishing characteristic. In the current case, it just happens to be a distinguishing characteristic.

If Obama were not running, black voters would (based on their historic behavior at the polls) would likely be voting for Clinton AND not voting in the primary. Remember, we've registered A LOT of first time voters.

But Obama is running. He won Iowa. He has money from both small donors and the establishment. Obama is VIABLE (unlike Sharpton, Mosley Braun, Chisolm or Keyes) and some black voters are making his race a deciding or discriminating factor. Hence, it's racism: racial prejudice or discrimination. It isn't execute-an-innocent-man racism or lynch mob racism, but it's racism still.

So, it goes both ways. Obama's race is a plus for some voters and a negative for others. I can assure you, he is aware of this.

As for the "hate fueled" racism of a white voter who wouldn't vote for Obama or Rice or Powell, we've already written them off.

[symbolman]

37. And no one will convince me that Blue Collar Workers are going to

vote for a woman, period.. I don't Believe it..

Years ago I was a Factory Punk in Illinois before going to college, and Blue Collar guys DO Not want some "uppity" woman controlling their lives, they drink cheap beer and practice mysoginy as an art form..

Their WIVES I might believe, but not male, uneducated workers, they'd be Clintons Nightmare..

I think someone is fudging numbers along with major spin..

[Avalux]

47. I don't get it either. Hillary is exploiting their racist views.

She is doing it because she wants to WIN. Win what? When Obama is officially the nominee, will she go back to these same people and tell them they should vote for Obama and not be racists?

This whole thing leaves a very bad mark on the Democratic party, especially when Hillary supporters blindly support her strategy and accept racism if they think it will benefit her.

[Toucano]

53. I don't agree with you.

I don't believe she is exploiting those views.

I think she's simply trying to acknowledge that they exist in America and it might be a part of the political reality that prevents Democrats taking the White House in 2008.

Those are very different things.

[Saturday]

85. You're accepting racism when you think it's

acceptable for 90% of Blacks to support Obama. Look in the mirror.

[Avalux]

105. Have you looked at the stats of blacks who supported previous Dem candidates for prez?

Go back to Carter - upper 80 percent for all since. Blacks have willingly voted for white candidates through the years.

[stillcool]

58. The State of West Virginia...

is being branded 'racist', and I don't think that is fair. Giving the microphone to racists in order to project the perception that Senator Obama is unelectable because he is black is just another tactic being used in the "Divide and Conquer" quest for the White House.

[Goodnevil]

111. Nothing to do with WV for me

I live in Arkansas and I'm a racist. I think that we are all, and I know that's a contraversial statement. In some ways, I think that racism and other isms lie dormant in all of us until we feel threatened or backed into a corner. When our jobs are threatened, our candidate loses, our way of life changes - blame someone!

It's what we do that defines us. I choose to not let racism cloud my judgment of people and I choose to look at the person and not the color of their skin. (Sounds like a public service announcement)

When we bring racism into a debate or American election like this, we demean ourselves and our country and show by our actions that we are ready to let those demons take us over.

Enough preaching to the choir.

It's the fact that we're even having this whole discussion about race in this primary or GE that disturbs the heck out of me.

[shomino]

61. This is honestly what is shocking me

and genuinely concerning me. I am not just "trolling" when I say that I am genuinely surprised at how many Democrats are actually racist. Maybe it's because I'm new to the party. I've never been much into politics, but that is changing recently. I just signed up this year because I want very much to see the Republicans defeated this election.

[graycem]

137. I'm not really all that shocked

what I AM shocked at is the level of defense it's getting. Racists are ignorant hateful individuals. There's NO excuse for it. There's a huge difference in explaining it than excusing it, and the way that Obamas AA support is being compared to racism is absolutely disgusting. I think many of the people defending it, wouldn't be doing so if the other candidate, the white candidate, were a Republican. If that person was a Republican, they would find it equally abhorrent.

[Independent-Voter]

67. No surprises here. That's Hillary's base to a "T". Dumbasses flock to her like shitflies.

[kevinbgoode]

79. Well, I'm sure they believe that everyone is equal in this country

. . .as long as only whites (and preferably the male minority) holds the office of presidency.

This is the kind of thing that will just feed West Virginia's image as being a bigot state. Hopefully some other people in that state will come forward and refute such crap...

[knixphan]

87. clarification.

'If a person votes for a candidate because he "looks like me" the voter is not racist.?'

1. No.

2. Racism, is an institutional 'top-down' thing. It's about superiority.

3. The Idea that AA voters are only behind Barack for his skin color is absurd. Unless Carter and Bill Clinton are secretly black and nobody told me. We've been through this. AA voters have solidly backed white dem candidates since time immemorial.

4. And wherever 'Identity politics' exists in any culture, it is NOT 'Racism'.

[redqueen]

93. Good luck.

Thanks for posting that... I wish I thought it would sink in with those that need to understand it.

[graycem]

138. Thank you!

I can't believe the people defending racism by claiming reverse racism. It's insane.

[Goodnevil]

90. Never in my wildest dreams

did I think that this would become and issue and nevertheless it has become one.

How many other West Virginia's do we have out there? How much of a backwater republic have we become? Still dealing with racism after 200 years? Wow.

I know that I'm reiterating what others have said, but I'm simply flabbergasted. Man, maybe we are destined for 3rd world status with this kind of attitude in a global society. Wow. Let me say it again: wow.

We should start wondering what kind of a message this will send the world when/if we do not elect a man to our highest public office because of the color of his skin. We will have to consider what the Islamic world will think when/if we do not elect a very qualified man because of his name and heritage.

I'm telling you...everyone is going to shut us off. They'll just turn the valve off and mosey on over to India or China and say "So, America's insane, how are you today?"

We can't just cancel out the racist vote. It's there - it reflects the will of the people. So what kind of people are we?

[redqueen]

94. Racism is alive and well in every country. There are idiots everywhere. (nt)

[knixphan]

97. "So, America's insane, how are you today?"

THAT is the quote of the day...

http://sorryeverybody.com/

[indimuse]

115. What about SC OR NC??

Did they interview there I suppose? just wondering..

[meow mix]

129. what about them?

what is your charge exactly

[AtomicKitten]

131. Hillary is reaping the harvest of her race-baiting.

[ampad]

132. Hillary can brag about her racist voters all she wants

and she can have the backwards idiots. I love how she touts that state knowing she is probably winning it because of the color of her skin. If racism is all she has left then what does she have to offer those of use who are living in 2008 and have moved on from the racism? What does she have to offer us true progressives who find that shit to be sickening and a plague on our party? Then some people want to wonder why people like Michael Moore would not support her.