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Nader: Barack Obama 'Talks White'
By Tommy ChristopherJun 25th 2008 3:52PM
Filed Under:eDemocrats, Barack Obama, Featured Stories, 2008 President, Ralph Nader
m The Rocky Mountain News: "He wants to show that he is not a threatening . . . another politically threatening African-American politician," Nader said. "He wants to appeal to white guilt. You appeal to white guilt not by coming on as black is beautiful, black is powerful. Basically he's coming on as someone who is not going to threaten the white power structure, whether it's corporate or whether it's simply oligarchic. And they love it. Whites just eat it up."Earlier in the interview, he asks why Obama isn't pressing certain issues, saying, "Is it because he wants to talk white? He doesn't want to appear like Jesse Jackson?
The interviewer asked him to clarify that he was saying that Obama does try to "talk white," and Nader's reply was, "Of course."
The interweb is abuzz with headlines of the "gaffe" (is this really going to hurt Nader's chances?), so I thought I would give the Nader campaign a call and see what they had to say for themselves. A lot, it turns out.
First, let me say that there was a lot of context in the rest of that interview that makes it clear Nader is referring to Obama's platform and rhetoric, rather than mannerisms of his speech. That doesn't make it OK, and it doesn't even mean that Nader didn't mean both, but it is a relevant fact.
Nader said he is not impressed with Obama and that he does not see him campaigning often enough in low-income, predominantly minority communities where there is a "shocking" amount of economic exploitation.Nader seems to be leveling a criticism at Obama that some in the black community have, as well. Setting aside his clumsy phrasing, does he have a point?
A lot of bad things have happened in the name of "political reality" during this campaign, so I hate to even invoke the phrase, but a reasonable degree of it is a good thing. Nader seems to think that Barack Obama should voluntarily expend resources to get votes that he already has, at the expense of those he doesn't. The dynamics of this campaign have thrust working class white people into the middle of this year's electoral tug-o-war, and so Obama has campaigned in as broad a way as possible.
He also seems to be inviting Obama to be pigeonholed as "the black candidate," rather than one who will govern and work for all Americans. This is the box that many feel former President Clinton was trying to put him in with his comparison of Obama to Jesse Jackson in South Carolina.
The suggestion, too, that Obama wants to appeal to "white guilt" by not going around shouting "black is beautiful" and "black is powerful" is off the mark, too, and offensive. Obama hasn't shrunk from his black identity, but his campaign is predicated on inclusion, just as his party is.
The idea of "white guilt" also suggests that Obama's support derives, not from merit, but from a group's desire for absolution, while seemingly absolving white politicians, like John McCain, from caring at all about black issues. It also reduces the complexities of race relations, and those who would work to improve them, into a dismissive catchphrase.
I called the Nader campaign, and spoke with their Media Director, Chris Driscoll. Here are abridged portions of that exchange:
Tommy Christopher: Did you want to clarify the "talking white" statement?
Chris Driscoll:Obama has taken hundreds of millions of dollars from agents of corporations, and he has in turn represented corporate politics that we feel are the problem.
TC: But he said Obama "talks white." I'm white, I don't own any corporations, like 98% of white people. Do you think Ralph would say it differently if he had the chance?
CD: I don't think he would say it differently. He said what he meant. Who's pulling Obama's strings? Who's paying the piper, and what tune are they demanding?
TC: This quote has amplified your criticism of Obama. Are you equally critical of John McCain?
CD: We are openly critical of both parties. We don't think Americans should have to choose between the lesser of two evils. McCain has been a maverick in the past, on issues like campaign finance reform, but as he got closer to his party's nomination, he sure changed his tune.
TC: So, which of them is less worst?
CD: It's hard to figure who's the lesser of two evils, you have to go issue by issue.
(We talked about three major issues at length. On health care, he called it a "push," on the war in Iraq, Obama was "slightly better," and on the economy, another tie.)
TC: So, you don't see John McCain as having a responsibility to address issues like inner-city poverty?
CD: There is an expectation among the American people that the Democrats are more sensitive to the issues of poverty and working-class people.
TC: Finally, would Ralph accept some kind of cabinet position in an Obama administration?
CD: Who knows? We'd have to see what conditions were like. Right now, we're focused n running for President, not a cabinet position. And Obama has not offered.
I've stuck up for Ralph before, but the attitude that there is not much difference between Barack Obama and John McCain is the thing that the word "strident" was made for. And, despite attempts to soften the impact of these quotes, it looks to me like Nader is equating Obama with some kind of political Stepin Fetchit, or an Uncle Tom.
Note: To any readers who will be in striking distance of Philadelphia on Friday, June 27: Some Political Machine writers and readers are getting together (unofficially) to celebrate John from Philadelphia's birthday. Click here for details.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 6)OBAMA-HAS-VISITED-57-STATES5:06PMJun 25th 2008
Obama only mentions his "white" heritage when he's in trouble --- otherwise, he proudly says he's "black" and will help the people in Kenya????
The Obama Campaign has booked CNN --- they're probably booking (buying) ALL media (except FOX). Has Barack Hussein Obama told America where all the millions of dollars came from? Are any of these contributions 'blood money' from his terrorist friends?
In January 2005, the new ’speaker’ Pelosi promised to unite our country.
Since then, she and the other dems in Congress have done nothing but bash the current administration. They have never tried to reach across the lines and do what is good for America. They only care about being in power. WE NEED TO REPLACE ALL DEMS IN CONGRESS.
Obama has told too many lies and has too many ties to terrorists and anti-Americans.
He stabbed Hillary in the back — but now he needs her. The DNC and biased media gave Obama the candidacy. They hid his sordid 'past' from us until AFTER over half of America had voted. Obama was “selected” by the delegates — not “elected” by the people.
I will never vote for this man. He has lost all credibility. He simply cannot be trusted.
John McCain has proven he loves our country — enough to die for us — he has two sons fighting for us now.
I’ll vote “Country” — not “Party”. United we stand — Divided we fall.
John McCain in 2008
Ruby5:07PMJun 25th 2008
Ralph Nader was exactly right in in saying that Obama's health plan was no better that John McCain's health care proposal. Actually John McCain's health program may turn out to be a better plan.
We will not have the Universal Health Care Plan that was the center of Hillary Clinton's campaign if Obama is elected President. With Obama's plan we will have a voluntary health care plan which will cost more, because there will be fewer people actually contributing money to the health care insurance plan.
Barack Obama's health care plan does not include everyone. It will just be a perpetuation of the current plan, with those who pay and those who don't. With John McCain's health plan I can at least look forward to a tax credit to help pay for my current health insurance.
Katherine5:24PMJun 25th 2008
Best Quotes:
CD: "...Who's pulling Obama's strings? Who's paying the piper, and what tune are they demanding?"
(OBAMA-MEDIA DOESN'T INVESTIGATE IT OR REPORT IT.)
CD: "There is an expectation among the American people that the Democrats are more sensitive to the issues of poverty and working-class people."
(THAT'S THE OLD DEM PARTY, SILLY. NEW DEM PARTY DOESN'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT WORKING-CLASS PEOPLE.)
Marc Alexander5:27PMJun 25th 2008
Ralph Nader's name should be spelling nadir -- he's the pits. Once a self-styled champion of consummer rights, this now myopic fool and self-ordained presidential candidate is making racism remarks about Sen. Obama. And just when you thought this idiot couldn't sink any lower he proves you wrong. If you are thinking of voting for Nadir, see your doctor and have a chat about the benefits of Thorazine.
Ruby5:51PMJun 25th 2008
Ralph Nader is a consumer rights HERO who walks the walk of a dedicated reformer. Ralph Nader does not suffer fools gladly, but tells it exactly as he sees it. He can spot a phony like Obama long before most people can. Ralph Nader is not a typical politician which is one of the reason I have long admired him. That is not to say that I agree with everything he says. However you can be certain that when he says something it is from a position of integrity.
tfitz10175:55PMJun 25th 2008
Wow, Obama isn't Jesse Jackson. What an observation. Nader is out of touch with everything it appears. Sad.
cyberma7775:57PMJun 25th 2008
Nader needs to crawl back under the rock he has been hiding under for the last 8 years when he did more than anyone else to get Bush elected. I blame him personally for the Iraq War. Please go away Mr. Nader. You are not wanted here.
lagerente6:05PMJun 25th 2008
Ralph Nader saying that Senator Obama "talks white": An almost unbelievable statement, supposedly Mr. Nader is not a racist, but now I have serious doubts. I am white, and I don't look at Senator Obama's skin color...I live life as if I were blind, not dumb and deaf. Mr. Nader is serving someone's interest by showing up all of the sudden. "Divide and Conquer" is an old, trusted tactic. So, using Mr. Nader's logic, how does Mr. Nader speak? Borrowing from one beloved comedian who recently passed away, I have come to the conclusion that Ralph Nader is not only an idiot, he is also completely off his rocker. And I'm no longer interested in anything Mr. Nader says or thinks because I don't listen to nutters.
Marc Alexander6:12PMJun 25th 2008
Ruby writes:
Ralph Nader is a consumer rights HERO who walks the walk of a dedicated reformer. Ralph Nader does not suffer fools gladly, but tells it exactly as he sees it. He can spot a phony like Obama long before most people can. Ralph Nader is not a typical politician which is one of the reason I have long admired him. That is not to say that I agree with everything he says. However you can be certain that when he says something it is from a position of integrity.
======================================================
Oh really? If Nader is such a sage, he would know that he has about as much chance of winning the election as the lamb has of slaughtering the butcher.
Dee6:13PMJun 25th 2008
Re: The CORONATION of "Barry" Obama...
When this young, mixed race "Changeling" first began this race, I was amused at how swiftly he steam-rolled the Clinton machine. My amusement came to a screeching halt however...when I woke up one day and realized that "hey...this guy could end up as our president...!!!"
Time out. The more this guy (and his mean-spirited wife) opened their mouths, the more I read from their writings, followed by the Rev. Wright debacle, followed by the Father Fleger spectacle, followed by one political gaff after another...well...my original amusement has now turned to outright panic and so has it ...for just about everybody I know.
I don't quite know who is behind the sudden rise of this otherwise, obscure, inexperienced Senator from Chicago and the press has also bought into it with them, but this bothers me more than anything.
Who? What? And...the biggest one of all...................why???
cfluffy576:30PMJun 25th 2008
RACIST, RACIST, RACIST LOL LOL LOL WHY IS IT THAT ANYONE WHO DOES NOT BACK OBAMA IS A RACIST. COULD IT BE THAT PERHAPS SOME PEOPLE DO NOT WANT A SELF ADMITTED CRACK HEAD IN THE WHITE HOUSE? COULD IT BE THAT SOME PEOPLE DO NOT WANT AN ARROGANT LOUD MOUTH IN THE WHITE HOUSE? COULD IT BE THAT SOME PEOPLE DO NOT WANT SOMEONE IN THE WHITE HOUSE THAT HAS A WIFE WHO HATES WHITEYS AND AMERICA AND EVERYTHING IT STANDS FOR? THE ONLY WAY I WOULD STAND BEHIND OBAMA IS IF HE WERE STANDING ON THE EDGE OF A ClIFF. THE BEST THING OBAMA COULD DO RIGHT NOW IS CHECK HIMSELF INTO A GOOD DRUG TREATMENT FACILITY. I HAVE VOTED FOR DEMOCRATS ALL MY LIFE, UNTIL NOW. I WILL NOT VOTE FOR A SELECTED CANDIDATE, MCCAIN IS ABLE TO HOLD DOWN THE FORT UNTIL CLINTON CAN RUN AGAIN. MCCAIN "08".
Rose6:33PMJun 25th 2008
First off let's clarify something, Barack Obama is half white and half black! Why is he being billed as a BLACK candidate. If he were all white would he even have the candidacy! I think not! Has anyone read up on the Rev Wright's teachings. He doesn't believe in America and he's for the promotion of black people, NOT all people! This man spews hate and has been Obama's mentor for years. Lastly how is Barack the INEXPERIENCED, Junior Senator amassing all these campaign funds. Has anyone wondered where all this money is coming from? As far as his wife being compared to Jackie O. PUH-LEEZE, the only similarity is the clothing. This woman loves the limelight not the country! Wake up America before it's to late!
Derek6:33PMJun 25th 2008
TC: Nader is exactly right. I am just surprised--well not really-- you are certainly entitlted to your bias rants as anybody else is. But the fact of the matter is, the staging of the set to reflect non-minority, non-ethnic groups, the lack of appearances in a community which has supported you with a rating as high as 92%, is strange as best. As an african american, I see a typical upwardly mobile black family interested in moving up....(i.e. the jeffersons) more than actually working for the good of the common man--white or black. He is by no means a Jessee Jackson, or a Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton. He has done less than these men for working class Americans, so I am hard pressed to beleive he has any interest in the subject matter whatsoever. People do as they believe and believe as they do, I can see nothing that Obama has done but climb the economic ladder--which is his perogative. But to treat him as he has done otherwise,is simply again--strange. When I see black men and white men work hard for their communites everyday with little fame or fortune, I am simply not impressed by Obama. But I can certainly see why you, TC, would be impressed. And thats ok.
Eakarach6:39PMJun 25th 2008
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Ruby6:50PMJun 25th 2008
From the article in the Rocky Mountain News:
Asked to clarify whether he thought Obama does try to "talk white," Nader said: "Of course.
"I mean, first of all, the number one thing that a black American politician aspiring to the presidency should be is to candidly describe the plight of the poor, especially in the inner cities and the rural areas.....Nader said. "Haven't heard a thing."
..............................................
Does Obama really want to help black Americans have a better life? Or is he afraid that if they are lifted out of the poverty of the ghetto they will lose interest in the Democratic Party and perhaps even vote Republican?
I think Ralph Nader is saying that Barack Obama is taking the votes of his base for granted and pandering to the white American establishment. If you listen closely you will see that Ralph Nader is right.
tom6:53PMJun 25th 2008
Katherine, suddenly it all fits together, you are a replublican. What that means is that you never can tell the truth
Diana6:54PMJun 25th 2008
TC: "The interweb is abuzz with headlines of the "gaffe" (is this really going to hurt Nader's chances?),....
**LOL. Great questions, T. You were also being too kind with your use of the word 'strident'. I prefer 'spoiler'.
Can you say "irrelevant"? I realize that the media has to cover this story, but it serves to feed into Nadir's (yes, Marc, when CBC cell counts reach their lowest after chemo tx) desire to be in the spotlight once again, IMHO. Any respect I may have had for his past consumer advocacy all but vanished in 2000, so I have to agree with Marc Alexander, lagerente and tfitz on this one. Go away.
Katherine.....LOL. Please return to "Racists" blog.
Tommy Christopher6:55PMJun 25th 2008
Derek,
I hear ya, but as a white American, I don't see what McCain has done for poor white or black people, other than send them off to war.
I hope you read the article I linked to in the 8th paragraph or so, it's one of mine from earlier in the campaign. I think you might disagree still, but you'll have a better idea of where I am on the subject.
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/01/11/will-black-voters-desert-obama/
tom7:00PMJun 25th 2008
A replublican writes=====
"Does Obama really want to help black Americans have a better life? Or is he afraid that if they are lifted out of the poverty of the ghetto they will lose interest in the Democratic Party and perhaps even vote Republican? "
Actually one of the first jobs Obama took on was to create low income housing for the poor so that they could get rich quick and vote replublican. And the thanks he got was to be chatised because one of the funders of low income housing ended up being a criminal.
Nice research job you did Ruby.
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GARY4:54PMJun 25th 2008
Open Markets and Free Trade are OK providing everyone plays by the same rules, and the following is an example that the rules don't apply equally, especially for the USA...
**************************************************************************************************************************
example:
OPEC:
OPEC sells the U.S. oil for $136.00 a barrel.
OPEC nations buy U.S. grain at $7.00 a bushel.
Solution: Sell grain for $136.00 a bushel.
Can't buy it Opec ? … Tough s__t !
Try eating your oil !
Ought to go well with a nice thick grilled filet of camel ass!