The columnist Michael Kinsley once defined a "gaffe" as an occasion when a politician accidentally tells the truth. In our age of political correctness, some would place Geraldine Ferraro's remarks into this category. Long known for speaking candidly, Ferraro recently remarked that "if Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position."
There's a molecule of truth in this. Obama's appeal is that he is an African American who doesn't sound one bit like Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. Blacks are inspired to see one of their own have a serious shot at the presidency. Whites are relieved that Obama doesn't seem to be motivated by the kind of chronic resentment that seems all too prevalent in black America.
Taken this way, Ferraro is stating the obvious. It's equally obvious, by the way, that if Hillary was male--and not married to Bill Clinton--she wouldn't be in her position. Hillary came to national prominence not through her own efforts but through the success of her husband. Virtually all her "experience" prior to being elected Senator is in fact Bill Clinton's experience. She wouldn't even have been elected to the Senate without Bill. So she too owes a great deal to her gender and her "first wife" position.
In a deeper sense, though, Ferraro's insinuation is completely wrong. In reality Obama's political success is due to far more than race. He brings some unique and very attractive qualities at a time when the country wants and needs them. Obama is a man of unquestionable intelligence and grace, and this is why the affirmative action label seems especially unjust when applied to him.
To me Ferraro's comments illustrate two things. First, they show the depths to which Hillary flacks are willing to go. It's typical of the Hillary camp that a sidekick like Ferraro attempts to plunge the knife into Obama while Hillary feigns ignorance and plays nice. Second, Ferraro's attack illustrates how some prominent liberals deep down think that all blacks are only capable of advancing because they are black.
In a way liberal support for racial preferences can be understood as an attempt to cope with this situation. We often hear liberal activists say, "If it wasn't for affirmative action there would be virtually no blacks in top universities." The implication of course is that blacks on their own merits are incapable of getting into Harvard and Berkeley.
The cruel irony of affirmative action is that it reinforces and strengthens liberal perceptions of black inferiority. Athough Obama seems smart enough to have gotten into Harvard, it's quite possible that affirmative action policies were partly responsible for his admission. Consequently policies of racial preference have the effect of placing an invisible question mark alongside the achievements of all persons of color.
When Clarence Thomas was nominated to the Supreme Court, it wasn't the Ku Klux Klan or the skinheads who said, "He's just there because he's black." It was the liberal Senators and activist groups that said this. Now Ferraro is saying the same thing about Obama.
Perhaps the day is not far when African Americans will wake up and start asking, "Do these politices of racial preferences actually hurt more than they help?" and "Isn't it time we stopped assuming that liberal Democrats like Ferraro and Hillary are our natural allies?"
Reader Comments ( Page 6 of 12)
76. No Bridget he didn't throw is pastor to the wind.
He said his pastor doesn't speak for him and his beliefs.
Unfortunately, most religious folks can't tell the difference between what the pastor says and what the Bible says.
Obama understands the difference.
Botts at 12:07PM on Mar 15th 2008
77. Geraldine Ferraro was correct.Whatever the origin of her words,it was based on facts.In the land of the free,we have to be careful with anything we say.The though police may go after you. Do you remenber what happened to Jimmy The Greek?
ADRIAN at 10:31AM on Mar 20th 2008
78. Botts, and Rev Wright is right on! Rev. Wright has a lot of tenure in Osama's life, surely behind the scenes he believes him, but c'mon! he isn't going to publicly admit that the govt. had anything to do with 9/11! Especially when he's trying to run for the position of the head in chief of command!!
Bridget at 12:17PM on Mar 15th 2008
79. Dave
First of all I have never been convicted of a crime, not even a speeding ticket. I am a big fan of law, order and our constitution which is why I am so upset with the Bush's administration twisting the law as they see fit.
Secondly, I see you are trying to make Bush seem smarter by comparing him to a person who was never president. Sure Bush seems smarter if you compare him to idiots, try comparing him to either republicans or democrats who have had high achievements in their colleges and careers, including his father who is twice as smart.
Thirdly, I don't bash bush, I stated facts about him and his administration in response to your Bush supported post.
You said "supposed", I posed the facts.
And the best for last;
one should never like a president because he is "funny " and "thinks well on his feet"
I like a man for his character, his written policies and his voting record. I will never see a president at my house so I could care less if is funny and has charisma.
These characteristics is not what creates working policies that will take this economy out of the brinks, place the middle class back on the map and protect the environment. Bush has failed policies on all three, and that is a fact.
goddess1prevail at 12:17PM on Mar 15th 2008
80. Rev. Wright is retiring now!
Bridget at 12:18PM on Mar 15th 2008
81. Botts, I don't believe EVERYTHING my pastor says, I run it through God first!
Bridget at 12:27PM on Mar 15th 2008
82. My father has his credentials in theology, and I don't even believe everything he says...and trust me...the church does have politics as well!
Bridget at 12:28PM on Mar 15th 2008
83. What ever happened to pastors and preachers teaching about love, forgiveness and helping the needy?
Now they talk politics, tell unsuspecting church attendees who god wants them to vote for
And give money to the religious right organizations to write infringing bills against all they are against.
I say we petition the government to place taxes on those churches that have influences in politics. That would make a great income for the government!
goddess1prevail at 12:28PM on Mar 15th 2008
84. The church can be just as corrupt as the govt. I know first hand! I have witnessed it all of my life! You need to go into church with your eyes OPEN! or it CAN and WILL ruin you!
Bridget at 12:31PM on Mar 15th 2008
85. goddess, oh it is coming, then the state can tell the preacher to not bother to preach against sin! or about Jesus Christ!...Just this week the state of California put out a warrant to the state to not allow children to be homeschooled...and of course Gov. Swar. is supporting the parents...its just a matter of time! I am sure you will get your wish!
Bridget at 12:39PM on Mar 15th 2008
86. Ferraro is absolutely right. Black vote black. Obama gets 80-90% of the black vote. If he was white he would not have won any of the states in the South.
Actually, I think it is pitiful that this country has come to the place of Democrats choosing between Clinton and Obama. Obama is a fad. He will never be president of the USA.
bamadad at 12:43PM on Mar 15th 2008
87. bamadad, It doesn't surprise me that God would withold the presidency to Obama to keep him an honest man...
Bridget at 12:48PM on Mar 15th 2008
88. If God feels this would ruin Osama, He would say no, and not allow him the presidency, IF he is indeed a man of God, and I say IF!
Bridget at 12:49PM on Mar 15th 2008
89. Ms. Ferraro's comments were not incorrect, but they were unnecessay, sort of obvious if one looks at the breakdown of the numbers. What is primary is that Obama is very capable as an educated man and has created a highly positive approach to his candidacy that has attracted young people and others and has been the basis for African Americans to enthusuastically go out and vote in much greater numbers than in the past. This applies to all young voters. One must not forget that in past national elections voter turnout was around the 50% level, pretty sad for a free society. Let's return to the quality of the candidates and not be distracted by observations made by people which add nothing to our understanding of the capabilities of the candidate and their potential to motivate and to lead.
Sheldon Gilbert at 8:43PM on Mar 17th 2008
90. Bridget, I am not convinced he IS and honest man
bamadad at 12:54PM on Mar 15th 2008