Geraldine Ferraro sparks controversy with remark on Obama

Comments that trailblazing Democrat Geraldine Ferraro -- now a major fundraiser for Hillary Clinton -- made in advance of a weekend appearance in Southern California are rippling across the political scene today, the latest example of a surrogate causing headaches for the candidate they're supposed to be helping.

Ferraro didn't call Barack Obama, Clinton's rival in the battle royale for the Democratic presidential nomination, a "monster." But in an interview with the Daily Breeze of Torrance, Ferraro broached Obama's race in a way that diminished what the Illinois senator has accomplished.

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," she said for an article aptly headlined "Geraldine Ferraro lets her emotions do the talking."

She went on: "And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

Well, of course, all successful national politicians happen to be "very lucky" to be who they are. A certain current president benefited from being the son of a former White House occupant. And a certain current contender wasn't hurt by being the wife ...

of an ex-president.

Ferraro's "analysis" also overlooks Obama's skills as an orator and the talent he's shown in assembling a first-rate political team that has outmaneuvered Clinton and her strategists in a number of key ways.

But what will gall many the most about Ferraro's take on Obama is that were it not for her gender, she would not be in a position where Clinton sought her out to be a high-profile member of her finance team or reporters seek her out for comment.

Ferraro, 72, had been in the House less than six years when Walter Mondale chose her as his running mate in the 1984 presidential campaign. Outside of her New York district and Capitol Hill, few had heard of her. She was picked because Mondale wanted to break a barrier -- selecting the first (and, so far, only) woman for a major-party presidential ticket.

The Clinton camp has distanced itself from Ferraro's remark. "We disagree with her," chief spokesman Howard Wolfson told Politico.

But it will be interesting to watch whether pressure builds for the campaign to sever its ties with Ferraro.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Suzanne]

If Hillary does not herself make a public statement 'denouncing and rejecting' Ferraro's racist comments, we can only assume one or two things:

1) Ferraro is a big fundraiser for Hillary, so Hillary doesn't want to lose her

2) Hillary actually supports these racist comments.

Let's she which Hillary makes an appearance this time.

[Richard P. McDonough]

Geraldine was always an attractive and fairly bright candidate, but her intellect is slipping..
If Hillary were not married to Priapic Bill, the man who did not have sex with "that woman", and who feigned ignorance when she had lived with the man who had been mowing them down for years, she would be doing slip and fall cases and making nearly as much money as she and he are making now in the post presidency sweepstakes.
Instead she is running for the presidency and bottom feeding. Geraldine, shame on you.

[Joey Bee]

This democratic primary is getting so heated and nasty, I'm think about voting independent this year.

What is normal person supposed to do?

The GOP is the same it always is. The DNC is splitting in half. Barack Hussein Obama is hiding from his own middle name. And Hillary is using every dirty trick she can.

[brendah]

Geraldine is absolutely correct. She said what most of us are thinking.

[Gina]

But do the Clinton camp "reject and denounce" her for those views?

[Ryan]

Ask me if I care who said what about who! These type of things are becoming Lame.. This person said this and that person said something about someone. I would like to hear real commentary on what the canddidates have to say about economy, war, student loans, etc., Maybe because there is no difference or very little difference the bashing occurs. who knows.......I am getting tired of it and may go green.

[Tangent]

Expect the Media to give the Clinton Campaign a pass on this. When Obama campaign staff say things that reflect poorly on his campaign, it's all HIS fault. But Clinton can't be held responsible for ANY of her staff's gaffes due to media bias for the Clinton family. This has been ongoing since the 1992 Presidency.

This is why newspapers and television news is dying out. The people who state it as it is are in the internet blogs, not the professional media with its debts and owners.

Rob H.

[Ron]

Well Geraldine Ferraro is right about one thing.... If Obama wasn't who he is, He would not be where he is . Barack Obama is fine upstanding young gentleman who has a vision for the future of our country . I can see now where Hillary's arrogance comes from. She is being advised by Ferraro. She says that no woman ( black or white would be in his position running as president ) She had a failed her run and Hillary is behind. To hear these 2 women talk...... no other woman ever deserves the opportunity to run for president. If I was a woman, I would be pissed. In her bid to slime Barak, she managed to paint all women ( black or white as hopeless.

[Dedoceo Habi]

Alas, the truth of the matter has finally raised its ugly head, and we can now all see the prejudice is, indeed, behind the actions of many who say they want equality. There you have it, folks, someone who's been considered a "great" national leader showing her true colors.

I thank the press for using their channels to illuminate this issue because (I believe) much of the resistance to embracing Senator Obama is ties to this very mentality. The fact that we are on the threshold of the first Black President in the United States is scary to many, unthinkable to others, and a smack in the face of those who have prided themselves on the greatness of the "one great" ethnicity.

It is my hope that we can finally start the process of waking up to the realities of prejudice in America and start our own journey to enlightenment.

[Joan Callender]

What's that expression about people who live in glass houses? Good God, I'll be glad when this election season is over. But then 1 day after this one ends the next one will start.

[Edils Clear]

I agree without a doubt; if Hillary wasn't a woman married and backed by one of the best Presidents these United States have had, she would not be in this position.

[Tuz]

I wonder why some people find it difficult to accept the fact that Obama has accomplished alot and that he does not need affirmative action to be president. His academic qualification speaks volumes considering the struggles he had to go through. He is on equal footing with any presidential candidate in the past, now or in future. Ferraro represents the same old guards with the same old mentality we are trying to get away from. Dont hate, educate!

[bella trudeau]

The only reason why Geraldine Ferraro's interview is stirring up such a controversy is because it's true.

[Barry]

Ms Ferraro was making some rediculous comments on NPR not long ago as well, claiming that the only reason Hillary is losing is because she is a woman. Now she is dragging out the race card. Seemingly, her only views hinge on her rather twisted perspective of racial and sexual discrimination. She seems to believe the former only exists as a positive and the latter only exists as a negative, and that both of these things are the only issues in this campaign. Just plain stupid, biased and offensive, this person.

[Roni]

Clearly this article was written by an Obama-supporter who basically turned around and did the same thing he was condemning. She said the only reason he is where he is is because of his race and the author said she's only there because she's a woman. This does nothing but cause conflict...and the author himself is a "third-generation Washingtonian." Does that mean he is only there because of his parent/grandparent much like Bush? Say what you want but don't condemn people for being judgmental than do it yourself and publish it for everyone to see.

oh wait, this comment won't show anyways, because the author must approve it...

[Willie in Kansas]

Boy with Geraldine in my side I don't need enemies. I'm glad I voted for Reagan and Bush, and not her. I'm Hispanic and my race happen to be black. To say someone is where they are because of the color of their skin makes me just want to throw up. Mr. Obama is an accomplished young candidate. Mr. Obama's talent and the talent of his staff can't be overlooked. He has a message and a plan. He is my choice for President. It seems that Hillary and her team have been hell bent on humiliating Mr. Obama, so if Obama is not the nominee I'll vote for John McCain, he has the integrity that she certainly doesn't have. Character matters.

[Kris]

This election this season has certainly brought the worst of most Americans, or should I say uncovered the ugly truth about people this great nation. What a tragedy!

I have a noble solution, though. How about we tell Barack Obama and any other presidential contenders to crawl back into their den so that we can hand the presidency to Hillary Clinton because she belongs to the elite club? Then after 8 years of her presidency, we get back together and decide whether to hand the next presidency over to Chelsea Clinton or Jeb Bush because these two families are better Americans and are more deserving than all of us.

[kg]

Clintons are trying anything to take it away from Obama.

Why cant they tell what Bill will do in the WhiteHouse again?

Is Bill "Client #139"?

[Dan Brady]

Let's see how Billary are going to respond to these subliminal remarks by Ferraro. Where is Wolfson at this moment? The Bill and Hillary show want it both ways in this campaign. They will do a Wink and a Nod, and the comments will keep on coming. The Clinton's never have had integrity, and they never will. Sen. Obama may not win the nomination because of Hillary's win at all cost attitude. To think that I served 24 years in the USAF, and see someone like Hillary Clinton possibly being elected President makes me sick. Sen. Obama is our HOPE!!!

[Danny]

Here we are in 2008 and these closet racists really have a problem with a black president. Geraldine Ferraro must be envious of Obama because Mondale only captured Minnesota and Washington D.C. when he ran in the general election. She needs to wakeup and realize that Obama campain is superior to what she and Mondale had.

[IG]

Funny, if Obama wasn't black, the race would have been over in his favor by now. Funny again, if it was always partisan we shouldn't fix it for the benefit of the country?

[Danielle]

Another example of the difference between Obama and Clintons campaign. Obama's aide, resigned after callling Clinton a monster, Clinton does nothing when her surrogate says such diminishing statements

[Patrick Harrison]

Here we go again...dare we bring up the indictments against here and her husband? Dare we mention that her gender was the only reason she was on a ticket that lost 49 to 1 against Reagan/Bush in '84? Something about glass houses comes to mind.

[AC]

HILLARY CLINTON MUST LIVE BY HER OWN STANDARDS:

SHE ASKED BARACK OBAMA TO "REJECT AND DENOUNCE" MINISTER FARAKAHN.

IF SHE DOES NOT SO THE VERY SAME ON THE SMEAR,
RACISIT COMMENTS BY CLINTON SUPPORTER, GERALDINE FERARRO, IT WILL BE MORE EVIDENCE THAT
HILLARY CLINTON FEELS THERE ARE DOUBLE STANDARDS FOR HER...ONES IN HER FAVOR.

IF THE CLINTONS DON'T DO THIS IN STARK TERMS, THEY ARE PART OF THIS UNDERCOVER SMEAR OF
SENATOR OBAMA.

IT SUPPORTS HILLARY CLINTON WILL DO ANYTHING TO WIN..AT ANY COST TO ANYONE, INCLUDING HER OWN PARTY. A DISGRACE

[shirlin]

Ferraro is simply speaking for Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Clinton has said repeatedly that it is tougher being a white multi-millionaire woman and wife to the President of the US than to be a black man. Black men in the US have a free ride from society, don't you know? I am not an African American but I am still appalled and furious at such blatant lies, manipulation, smears and deceptions. AND the support of US media before the Teax and Ohio primaries that gave Mrs. Clinton the swing voters. Rush Limbaugh’s call for Republicans to cross over to vote for Mrs. Clinton to keep the race going and “bloody” Obama brought out over 4% of the so-called Hillary voters in Texas, and this fact has been supported by both Hillary precinct folks and exit polls. Hillary is gaming the system, wink, wink, playing the gender, race and poor-me-class (but I loaned myself five million of my own money as a good investment to win the presidency) cards

[Rhonda]

You're 100% correct, Geraldine. A white man with 12 straight victories would have the nomination already. Get over yourself and quit playing the race card to get Hillary elected. We have had white male presidents for years. Obama graduated at the top of his Harvard law class. Can you say the same for George Bush? How about Hillary Clinton? He is more than qualified no matter what his race is. Obama '08

[Bruce Gorham]

Mr. Obama is not really a great orator. Look closely at his speeches... He says nothing. Granted, he does motivate, but so do many coaches and motivational speakers. So, let's just elect the best motivational speaker and be done with it. For goodness sakes, read the words of Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR, or MLK... These men actually said something. Mr. Obama says nothing. NOTHING! I'm mostly an independent when it comes to my voting record. I've voted for Reagan both times, Perot in 92, and Clinton in 96. My words are not partisan, but i am concerened that we're going to elect a president simply because he's African American, good-looking, and makes us feel better. The hollywoodization of the U.S. continues....

[Ben10]

Ferraro who? She made no impact when she was running as VP. And will not make one now. And I'm not sure who can argue Hillary is not Monster like or a flat out monster. She will do anything to ensure she wins. True Monster like behavior.

[michael]

Black is the new white? Glory days! I've heard of this 'white privilege' thing, and now that the tables are turned, I'm quite excited to put it into action. What to do? Run for office? Seems because I'm black I'm a shoe-in for any office in the land. Oooo, there are a few private country clubs down south I'd love more than anything to join. Maybe I'll buy a home now that the mortgage banks are issuing sub-prime loans mostly to whites whose credit is as good as mine. I apologize ahead of time to all the white people who will be assassinated by black cops for just being. But hey, in Ferraro's bizarro world life is so easy for me i haven't the time to worry about that.

[Ginny]

Geraldine Ferraro has made a boo-boo. I wonder if Hillary will renounce and reject her?

Also, I wonder where Geraldine studied...She does not know proper English. The statements should read, "If he were" not "If he was". It's elementary English 101 -- called subjunctive case.

[Catherine]

I am sorry. Is there anyone left who does not know this?

[Salamander]

Ferraro's comments are not only offensive, but absurd. Hillary Clinton was married to the president of the United States, which is the biggest reason she is famous. So this is a glass house Hillary's surrogate is throwing stones from. The second reason it's absurd is that black men are very under-represented in congress, so to suggest it is somehow helpful is nonsensical. If Clinton fails to fire Ferraro I'll consider the 'monster' comment in a different light...

[the whole truth]

Is it too hard to fathom that Ferraro may actually be speaking from experience? You make the point very well that she's one of the club, but seem to attck her for speaking from that position.

[zammy]

Geraldine needs to stop...What she needs to do is to prepare herself to accomadating Hillary for counseling at the aftermath of a humiliating and botched presidential campaign, which is likely to happen. Ms. Ferraro, of all people, can definitely relate to that. Losers gravitate to losers!

Her remark, "Perhaps if he (Obama) were a white man, he would not be in this position." Likewise, perhaps if Geraldine were a woman, Michael Dukakis might not have experienced such a lopsided defeat in the 1988 presidential campaign.

She's a typical politician, isn't she? Governer Dukakis' decision to prompt Ms. Ferraro to be his running-mate, in 1988, proved to be one his biggest miscues which eventually ended in his failure to be Commander in Chief. The nerve!!

[KAY]

The Democratic Party can’t win in November if we are not all together behind our candidate. The Clintons are igniting race and gender tensions because it is their only chance at winning. The problem with their plan is they will need us to come back together in November and that is going to be very hard if Senator Clinton’s camp keeps up all this divisiveness. The Clintons are going to hand this thing to McCain. She can't win the “Commander in Chief Debate” or the “Experience Debate” against McCain. Democrats, no matter who you support if this type of political tactics don't stop we are going to be stuck with 4 or 8 more years of Bush/McCain politics.

[Democrats 08]

Well it's the truth, Obama has 90% of the black vote, black racism at it's best.

[Ryan]

"Ferraro's "analysis" also overlooks Obama's skills as an orator and the talent he's shown in assembling a first-rate political team that has outmaneuvered Clinton and her strategists in a number of key ways."

Well said, Sir.

[Malama Makena]

Shame on you, Geraldine! Shame!

[james Turturro]

We were proud when you served on the democratic ticket. Now we need you to regret your remarks and
give your full support to Obama for president.

As you know Bill abused his power with a young intern in the white house. You need to act so that he never has access to student interns again.

I remember your speech at Wells College. Ethics in govenment. Now you can support Obama the model of
ethics reform in the senate.

[Middle Road]

Going by their own standards, the Clinton campaign has to both denounce AND reject Ferraro's support, and also fire her. Anyone willing to bet on it?

[Mark]

When Hillary comments that she is the candidate of experience, does this mean that under her presidency we can expect the same kind of labor laws and healthcare that her experience brought to Walmart when she sat on their board of directors? Scary thought....

[PapaBear]

Wow. So it's not OK for an Obama staffer to say that Hillary has been acting like a monster, but it IS OK for Ferarro to say that the only reason Obama is where he is is because he's BLACK??? Where's the outcry to fire Ferarro? Such a double standard here. Personally, I'd rather see people like that stick with the Hillary campaign. It just helps to highlight the fact that Hillary is just more of the same old politics that we've seen for years now. I used to really like the Clintons. I still do to some degree. But their behavior in this campaign has really disappointed me.

[Christopher Stewart]

I wish this would all just end. I used to look up Geraldine as a pioneer and groundbreaker. Now, I feel a little dirty... like she's been harboring racial and gender tensions.

If this continues, the democratic party is going to bust.

[Wanakee]

Ferraro is notorious for making disparaging remarks toward African American men who run for president.
Former first lady, Babara Bush pegged her just right when she called her a witch, minus the w plus a b.

[alee21]

I applaud Ms Ferraro for not being afraid and saying what has to be said. She is in the unique position of having been a VP candidate and can attest to the prejudice that women are subjected to day in and day out. What she is saying is absolutely correct so the liberals and the AAs should try to figure out how to make things right for everyone, including women. We hear the press and op-ed columnists writing plain nonsense about the Clinton campaign yet no one is crying gender slander. See the recent inflammatory article in the NYT trying to stir up more racial divide (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/opinion/11patterson.html?hp). We hear how Hillary has been exaggerating her foreign policy experience in Northern Ireland by citing one of the two Nobel Laureates’ comments, obviously the one who wants all the glory to himself. Why has the press not published the comments from John Hume?

“I am quite surprised that anyone would suggest that Hillary Clinton did not perform important foreign policy work as First Lady. I can state from firsthand experience that she played a positive role for over a decade in helping to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

She visited Northern Ireland, met with very many people and gave very decisive support to the peace process. There is no doubt that the people of Northern Ireland think very positively of Hillary Clinton’s support for our peace process, due to her visits to Northern Ireland and her meetings with so many people. In private she made countless calls and contacts, speaking to leaders and opinion makers on all sides, urging them to keep moving forward.

Anyone criticizing her foreign policy involvement should look at her very active and positive approach to Northern Ireland and speak with the people of Northern Ireland who have the highest regard for her and are very grateful for her very active support for our peace process.”

[Furious]

What nerve of her to say this. Obama is trying to unite everyone and she is trying to keep it divided. With friends like hers who need enemies. This is someone who backs Hillary Clinton. Your comments sickens me. I know you are past menopause so no excuses. This is very sad. You would have been better off putting a white hood over your head.

[UCLA Bruin]

The Clinton campaign should be embarrassed by the racism and religious bigotry that has streamed out of their mouths since the start of the nomination cycle. Hopefully the voters will see fit to punish them in Mississippi today.

[Horrified]

You know, it's tough looking at a Party that you always thought "stood up for the little guy", who always claimed to value civil rights.... yet seeing them tear down anyone who they feel gets in their way, using any tactic necessary.

The Party just sits there in silence. Between this, and the debacle with FL/MI, they've bungled this election, and quite possibly destroyed the Party. And I don't even think they have a clue what's going on.

Every email I've sent asking them to PLEASE speak out against these kinds of comments, just a blanket "stop", hasn't been even responded to, never mind resulted in any action.

I will do my best after this election to encourage democrats to switch to independents. Give your money for the candidate, not the Party. Let this monster bleed itself dry.

[trudy carter]

Obama is inspirational and has integrity. His appeal has nothing to do with being black.Hillary Clinton's tactics have given fodder to the Republicans and John McCain. For those of us who are against the war and hope for a less fearful, pugnacious diplomacy and foreign policy, she has been disloyal to the party and our efforts.
Why will she not reveal her tax returns, or the papers that would inform re her years in the White House? Those years were rife with turmoil, and it appears that her campaign staff now suffer from the "Clinton" style of administration.
Obama has not used so much dirt available re her in his campaign. He is decent and has integrity. Please support him. we need CHANGE.
Trudy Carter

[Dr. Jesse Kally-Williams]

Some people really make mockery of American politics and life. People like Ferarro and Co. drag American politics below the level of politics of some sickening corrupt third-world country. America is a great nation and must work to complete what Abraham Lincoln hat started: and end to “black-white” binary thinking. Obama’s mother is white, whiter than Ferarro! Only in America and those countries that ape her that someone whose mother is white or pale is not white. One would think that Tiger Woods' protest against the negation of his mother's blood in him would put an end to this nonsense. Is a person with a Japanese father and a white mother an Asian in America? Why is this "black"-"white" binary mindset so rooted in American national psyche and distorts Americans’ perception of reality? Rick above is totally right: All the American presidents from Washington to Bush are “black”.. This whole campaign raises a disturbing problem in genderism and gender discourse. It is meant to overcome discrimination, but it could easily be exploited in the hands of racist feminists and power addicts. Why did Mondale chose Ferarro as his running mate? Obama is a brilliant scholar – a former president of the Harvard Law Review. Ferarro is even blind to how Obama has changed the political discourse within a short space of time. Is that also due to his white-black skin colour? Jeez! Switzerland may not be perfect, but you don’t find this crude talks in Swiss politics.

[Steve]

I don't know if this is another case of Clinton using a surrogate to attack Obama or just stupidity on the part of Ferraro, but in any case Obama came from nothing. If anything, being non-White likely made his life of success a lot tougher. He is very much a self-made man, unlike the mental midget currently occupying the oval office who got where he is by lying, cheating, and having everything handed to him by crooks. If Obama's story, including his race, is now inspiring people, so what ? He is clearly exceptionally bright, seems qualified, and is a better choice than Clinton who is of average intelligence and is attempting to ride her husband's coattails into an office for which she is not suited or qualified. Since her defeat in Wisconsin, it has become clear that Clinton will happily lie and cheat her way into office and shamelessly crush anyone or anything in her way. She should not be allowed to succeed. She would not be where she is if her husband was not Bill Clinton.

[jedimaster98]

The Obama Campaign are up in arms because what Geraldine Ferraro said is true. Let's see at the beginning of this process there were 8 men and 1 woman running for the nomination. At this point, there is only 1 man and 1 woman left. What's the difference between the 7 withdrawn men and this one last man? RACE!!!

Obama is the least experienced among all the men in this process, but because he's half African-American, he got this far.

Be honest with yourselves people, maybe think for once.

[Harry Grace]

This is just another in a long line of comments made by Clinton surrogates tinged with racist overtones, in an attempt to "ghettoize" him. Let's count them up (sorry, but I can't remember everyone's names): Bob Kerrey, Ed Rendell, Bill Clinton, the BET founder, and now Ferraro. Even HIllary herself on 60 Minutes tried to make an implication with her "...as far as I know" comment. But, of course, the media is caught up in the "monster" comment.

[anee]

She's right, why can't people speak the truth without being called racist? The AA are only voting for Obama because he is AA, so why don't we call them racist? No we won't because they have the right to vote for whoever they want, for whatever reason they want. Obamaians need to grow up.
Obama should gracefully concede the race to stop all the in-fighting, she has won all the big states, he has proven he cannot win the big states. He should settle for the VP spot and this will make him look good to the electorate and set him up for the presidency in eight years.
Now, with his arrogance and inexperience I would never vote for him as a president, I would choose McCain.

[Rob]

Come on, Hillary plays the women angle to the hilt. Do you want someone in office who starts crying at 3 A.M. when the phone rings? You can't have it both ways. It was either fake crying to get sympathy or she really can't handle the stress. She would never be in this race if she was not married to a former President. How dare these elitist like Ferraro take anything away from, Obama, who flat out ran a smarter campaign.

[kat]

The very reason so many of us are going with Cliinton is because we haven't bought into the Naked Emporer phenomena that is Barrack Obama.

Ferrara spoke the truth and she will be excoriated for it. But for those of us who see through Obama, Ferrara's words are a breath of fresh air in a room stuffy with political correctness and racial molly coddlingl

If Obama were getting a corporate job he wasn't qualified for so that some company could have a black face to keep the lawsuits away that would be one thing. But to give an AA position to the president of the United States is another.

Hundreds of thousands of people are dead who would otherwise be alive if George Bush had not been elected. Electing a president is in fact, a matter of life and death.

People who are using Obama to feel better about themselves are stupid, selfish and dangerous. The rest of Obama supporters are just people who would not vote for a woman under any circumstances or who would not vote for Clinton under any circumstances.

[NickNas]

NOW let's see Hillary back up her tough talk....SHE WON'T but let's watch ANYWAY! Reject and Denounce!!!!!

[Jean Weld]

If Barack Obama were a white male, the nomination process would have ended with New Hampshire. Let's see . . . the Bradley effect, the sneers about his younger life (where were you Geraldine when Barack was trying to find out who he really was??), President of the Harvard Law Review (Hillary? Geraldine? not). I can't stand any more of Hillary Clinton's feminist whining & shadow-race boxing. She is a coward, having all the surrogates play the race card for her (Bill Clinton, Billy Shaheen, Bob Kerrey, Gov. Ed Rendell, Geraldine Ferraro) Isn't so totally obvious to everyone that she is implanting fear, fear, fear & ignorance into as many voters as she can? This is the singularly most vile & reprehensible campaign I can remember (at least Bush's Swift Boaters were out in the open). As a 55-year old white woman, I will never vote for Clinton. And I never attended the feminist "bitch" sessions of the 1970's - because those women hated everyone & had a sense of entitlement that made me sick. Obama had so many more obstacles to overcome to get to where he is . . . and he still tries to take the high road (maybe that's why we didn't hear from him for awhile after Texas/Ohio - maybe b/c he actually tries to manage his campaign in an ethical fashion & takes responsibility for those who speak for him.

[Betty Lowden]

Ferraro, and the Clintons are Trailer Trash!

[NickNas]

Even in these comments you see on the Blogs more and more as Obama gains on the Nomination. The Racism and Bigotry of this country is getting close and closer to the surface. What do you expect though? There are STILL to this day people so Ignorant that they think Black people can't swim and can jump high because they have a different " BONE" in their ankles. ( just saw a woman a week ago on TV give that as an explaination) The Ignorant and Un-educated are trying to rule our country.

[Patrick]

There is a sadness in Ms. Ferraro comments. On so many levels. Her own judgment and integrity seems lacking, but was always questionable. Her attempt to inject racism into a campaign that was not based on race. And pitting gender versus race in a campaign that should be about neither.

And most sadly, her lack of understanding of the Obama message. Because a white male or female with the same message would be "in this position", or a black or asian female.

Maybe America is ready to move on from the politcs of the Ferraro generation and she simply has not woken up to the fact. It is about the message and not gender or skin color

[Marks]

Isn't everyday now, something politically odd happening?

Ferraro is being silly and flippant. The problem is I didn't vote for Mondale back in the 80's because of her.

If nationally few knew of her, I was 18 in 1984, definitely had no clue either. I was political minded enough. I wasn't going to vote for Reagan.

Mondale and her didn't inspire young voters. There was enough outrage against Reagan. Donald Rumsfeld was sent to shake Saddam's hand in 1983. We were buddies with the tyrant. According to history: The U.S. restored formal relations with Iraq in November 1984.

That's a Reagan campaign winning accomplishment turned out horrible.

Since, Ferraro has been out of the mainstream. What has the former running for Vice President accomplished?

When the internet happened, I've never searched to see what she was up to.

If she wasn't a woman who almost became Vice President, she wouldn't have gotten that oppurtunity of national exposure, then did nothing with it.

Ferraro, Gary Hart, Dukakis , those were odd Democrats in the 80's.

Her statement about Obama is beneath what she has accomplished and pitiful. It's a window into the world of Clinton's campaign how they have no respect for Obama. They ridicule him in every conversation and can't believe he's leading.

With those statements by Ferraro, Obama will lead a little more.

Obama isn't lucky, he's made his path and taking advantage of opportunity. People have elected him, I don't see where it was luck.

He didn't win elections being married to a politician either.

[mbs]

Geraldine Ferraro's comments represent the views of many Americans, who are too afraid to say it, as they may be viewed as racists.

Many whites still feel guilty about slavery and feel it's about time to give a black candidate a chance to be president.

Obama is charismatic, good looking, a great speaker and makes people feel good. That's why he's gotten so far in the campaign. Can he keep the momentum up? Or do voters have buyers remorse.

Questions are starting to be asked about his experience and qualification from voters and the media.

[Steve Sanders]

Barack was a 2 year junior senator from the state of Illinois when his presidential run started. These are not qualifications befitting of a frontrunning presidential candidate. Why did he get all of the attention? He's a well spoken, good looking, well educated guy. He wouldn't stand out like he does were he white. This isn't news to most who don't worship at the altar of Obama and his regurgitated brand of socialism, realizing that his message isn't one of hope; it's one of giving up and reliance on the government to take care of us.

[Rick]

Why is Geraldine Ferraro a racist for expressing her opinion? Is it because Sen. Obama is above criticism? Is it because so many black people are voting for him just because he’s black? Which is what I think she means. At the recent caucus I attended, every African American at my table said they were voting for Obama because “it’s our turn.” Funny, there was no mention of his leadership skills, his oratory or other talents. But since so many African Americans believe all white people are racists, I guess I’m a racist for pointing that out. Geraldine Ferarro’s comments were ill-conceived and inappropriate, but not racist.

[Democrats 08]

I don't remember the definition of racism meaning "anyone white who simply points out the truth about someone who is black" Now on the other hand, preference or favoritism towards one race over another, what racism actually is, like 99% of black voters voting for the black candidate, that seems pretty racist to me..

[HCH]

I was disappointed to read the comments that Mrs. Ferraro made about race in her assessment of the current presidential campaign. As a white female, over 50, I had always valued her political insight. Now I see that she is just another player in this contentious process. It leads me to wonder where it is the Democratic party is headed, and if party leaders are unable to stop the devisivemess that is insitigated by campaign pointmen. What is it about politics that brings out the worst in people? This was obviously a planned comment as we are in the middle of primaries. It diverts attention from the issues. If it continues, I see a Republican win in November, as Independent voters, including myself, are so very tired of this.

[Ginny]

I cannot resist this pun: Ms. Ferraro's accusation is the proverbial pot calling the kettle "black". You see, the question is so hypothetical. No one knows for sure if Obama would be there if he were white, red, yellow, brown, black -- or any other combination thereof.

However, the same cannot be said of Hillary's being a female. She would not be in this position if she were not Ex-Pres Bill's wife. (Thereby having to be a female unless Bill were gay. And there is sadly way too much evidence that he is not gay. It is, sadly enough, found in all sorts of Congressional records!) It has become obvious to me that sadly, so many women support Hillary because they think she is entitled. Yes, as undemocratic as it sounds, entitled. They think she is entitled, perhaps because of the marriage. But I am more inclined to believe they think she is entitled because she stood by him during the impeachment process. Or worse, because she put up with so much from him. That seems so un-feministic to me! (And I too am a feminist who kept my maiden name and use the title "Ms.")
But would she be there if she had been a man? Certainly not. She would have been just a junior senator -- and maybe not even that.

[Timmomk]

Same old positions taken by the same old people who say this is a Democracy The ones who don't like the Clintons are so outrage that they start calling names and question people Patriotism just like the Conservatives and Liberals who don't have and open mind so now whose the closed minded want to have it their way Americans Don't they know that is why the Clintons are in power and Hillary has the best chance to win because she already have all her flaws out on the table after all Bill won two terms with these same handicaps Geraldine said what she said to stir blind rage so that the people that support Obama would react in a fit of terror and pounce on Hillary put her in the spot lite and make her strong and a victim at the same time and it works as in California New York Ohio and Texas which Obama couldn't win with all of his money skills and support reason being everybody has to protect him and give him advice because he’s bien sit upon so now how do that make him a strong leader I am a 63 Year Old Blackman and I would not vote for Obama simply because he allow his supporters to protect him from any thing to do with his race and tell Blacks that they should support him because he is Black so if he should get elected then he will be powerless too help people of color If we can’t critize him and he can’t be perceive to be close to Blacks without the risk of loosing White support then how is he going to make history as the first Black President as it stand his appeal is in the States with open Caucuses and Primaries where Young Urban Whites Independents and Blacks can cross party lines and vote and on this strength he should not be awarded the nomination but instead should seek the number two spots because these are the same voters that cost Al Gore and John Carey the Election in 2000 and 2004 they are only going to support a candidate if he stand for their beliefs and that not what a Democracy is all about that why the Republicans win time and again because no matter who win the nods they will support them because it is better for the Party and not the Country for those who say if Hillary gets the nods she can’t win then they should get ready to say Hail to Pres McCain because Obama supporters are ignoring the fact that he have won the majority of his support in the so call Red States and in the General Election he will be battling McCain for votes and in the swing States which by the way Hillary have won in total he will loose because the Republican will support the Whiteman over the Blackman and the Hillary supporters will stay home and the Republican will win again So all you people who want to see history made should support a winning stragatiety and let’s Nominate the Candidate with the best shot at winning and see the Democrat Party win in 2008 Go Hillary3

[John Cross]

As a democrat who voted the Mondale-Ferraro ticket in 1984, despite a catastrophic campaign in which she barely seemed to lift a finger to help the ticket succeed, I have to agree with your analysis of Ferraro's comments as entirely hypocritical.

But I would like to add how stupid they were. She says that if Obama were a white man or woman he wouldn't be in the position he is in. HuH???? Haven't white men been the ONLY candidates for the last 200 years? And isn't the candidate SHE supports not a woman??? What parallel universe is she living in, anyway?

Now I can understand why so many people who used to be on the fence, such as myself, are gravitating towards Obama's camp. Even if Clinton wins the nomination she will have so badly fractured the Democratic base that she will be a sitting duck. McCain might even be the first republican presidential candidate since WWII to get more Black votes than their democratic rivals.

Clinton should RUN, not walk, to the nearest podium and disavow Ferraro's statements and state that she will henceforth have absolutely nothing to do with her campaign or subsequent administration.

[Yolanda]

I think this is indicitive of the American population. People are always saying that racisim isn't an issue in America. Well I think it has reared it's ugly head and will only get uglier as time goes on. We are only seeing the true colors of our politicians. Also if you think for one moment that she is an isolated anomoly....take a look at Ohio. How the present Gov. who won his election because his opponent didn't produce his tax statements, but openly campaigns with Hillary and has no problem with her not producing hers. Or the Gov of PA who says Obama can't win PA because the people of Pennsylvania aren't ready for an African American president. We aren't welcome in America, and this is suupposed to be our home. God Bless America

[Julia, Pasadena, CA]

Hillary Clinton is showing what a lousy president she will be by the way she is running her campaign. She claims she will be ready on day 1, but she still can't even figure out what is happening today in her campaign.

If you look at the infighting and name calling and how they waste money, you will get an idea what a Clinton II presidency will look like

[Ed]

This is just another example of the Clintons' despicable campaign tactics. For another example see how they changed the hue of footage from a recent debate in order to make Obama look darker and thus more frightening to white voters in Ohio and Texas. ABC news reported on this at http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/03/liberal-blogger.html.

[Jackson]

I think all this controversy is ridiculous. Ferraro was just voicing her opinion ... one that is shared silently by many others. Watch the election in Mississippi today and then figure out if she is right or wrong!

[sv]

Geraldine Ferraro is just another Hillocrat. These Hillocrats would rather see Roe vs. Wade overturned than Obama win the nomination. These Hillocrats would rather have more American servce-people die in Iraq than Obama win the nomination. These Hillocrats would rather have more billions of dollars go towards defense contractors than education or social services than Obama win the nomination. These Hillocrats would rather we invade Iran and destabilize the entire Middle East to keep oil from being pumped and gas prices at ever-increasing high costs than Obama win the nomination. These Hillocrats would rather have illegal wiretapping continue than Obama win the nomination. The Hillocrats would rather have Osama Bin Laden at-large and never be brought to justice than Obama win the nomination. These Hillocrats would rather allow the legalization of waterboarding than Obama win the nomination. The Hillocrats are losing but will not get lost. The DNC is allowing this travesty of democracy to continue. The powers that be do not want change. Nancy Pelosi and Howard Dean are too entrenched in the system to allow an Obama victory, and other superdelegates as well, including Feinstein, Waters and Harmon. What will you do, disenfranchised Democrats, when your political will is ignored?

[Middle Road]

"I think all this controversy is ridiculous. Ferraro was just voicing her opinion ... one that is shared silently by many others."
You could say the same of Power. And yet Clinton continues to hammer away at her, and forced her resignation.

[kat]

Blacks think that Obama as president will be an advancement for the black race. But it won't.

Obama is utterly unqualified by any standard. When he takes office he will flounder. All his flowery words and speeches will fail him. He will surround himself with equally flowery and idealistice but incompetent people. Obama maybe could have faked it through a slow time but he won't be able to fake it through the post Bush years.

When Obama's lack of skill manifests itself and he fails, he will reinforce every stereotype blacks are tying to overcome and he will give the racists one big "I told you so" to hand thier hat on.

[UreKismet]

This is typical 'dogwhistle' politics. ClintonCorp need to get a message out to that section of the community who are scared of unwhite people. Typically the candidate would send a coded message out to them demonstrating her support, one that could only be heard by amerika's large chunk of white supremacists. That is the typical dog whistle - a call that can only be heard by the dogs. Cigarman whistled up a couple early in the campaign but others did hear so now they have to use someone who is at arms length and therefore deniable. The whistler must have sufficient seniority for the message to be broadcast. Ferraro is an ideal ClintonCorp dog whistler as she is 'semi-retired' and has little to lose. A big chunk of her primary support base of aged Italian Americans won't take issue with the message anyhow.
It's weird I wouldn't give 5 cents for any of the three most likely to be elected prez (throw in the mob who have fallen by the wayside wouldn't help they're as worthless) but the ClintonCorp stunts which demonstrate there is no depth to which ClintonCorp wouldn't sink has made me favor anybody but Clinton. Remember 'anybody but Bush' and how that ended? This is bad for the world. Very bad.
A real democracy would have a box marked "none of the above" on the ballot and the job would stay unfilled until someone with a modicum of decency was dredged from the bottom of either pork barrel and nominated. I've lived in a couple of countries where for one reason or another government has been held in stasis for a while -eg the budget freeze during ClintonCorp Epoch One. Typically the world appears to be a better place when there are no pols meddling in anything and everything that may advance them. Yeah someone is needed to do the job eventually, but no one short term, beats a crook or a buffoon long term, every time.

[Landyman]

I cringe with loathing and fear that this type of political behavior will rear itself in Europe. Following the democratic campaign only confirms what most of the world knows of the US, that the leadership is built on shifting sand with poor morals and evil intent. I am much heartened by the Obama campaign, with high morals. If perchance he is denied his place in US history,I can just say that you deserve what you get instead, and we in the rest of the world will continue to suffer your destabilizing influence delivered by a mean spirited, win at all costs fop.

John Schweiz

[Rick Friedman]

Ms. Ferraro spoke the truth, and as usual in this country, the truth is the last thing that anyone wants to hear. As a Democrat, I've tried very hard to come to terms with the fact that Obama may end up being the party's nominee. The more he speaks, the more I'm convinced that he's an empty suit. His followers are like members of a cult, following this Jim Jones-like pied piper to a national dose of kool-aid.

[Lynn]

Hillary is doing a fair bit of exdagerating as well. This is from an ex-Clinton administration official. Very enlightening.

To: Interested Parties

From: Greg Craig, former director, Policy Planning Office, U.S. State Department

RE: Senator Clinton's claim to be experienced in foreign policy: Just words?

DA: March 11, 2008

When your entire campaign is based upon a claim of experience, it is important that you have evidence to support that claim. Hillary Clinton's argument that she has passed "the Commander- in-Chief test" is simply not supported by her record.

There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton played an important domestic policy role when she was First Lady. It is well known, for example, that she led the failed effort to pass universal health insurance. There is no reason to believe, however, that she was a key player in foreign policy at any time during the Clinton Administration. She did not sit in on National Security Council meetings. She did not have a security clearance. She did not attend meetings in the Situation Room. She did not manage any part of the national security bureaucracy, nor did she have her own national security staff. She did not do any heavy-lifting with foreign governments, whether they were friendly or not. She never managed a foreign policy crisis, and there is no evidence to suggest that she participated in the decision-making that occurred in connection with any such crisis. As far as the record shows, Senator Clinton never answered the phone either to make a decision on any pressing national security issue - not at 3 AM or at any other time of day.

When asked to describe her experience, Senator Clinton has cited a handful of international incidents where she says she played a central role. But any fair-minded and objective judge of these claims - i.e., by someone not affiliated with the Clinton campaign - would conclude that Senator Clinton's claims of foreign policy experience are exaggerated.

Northern Ireland:

Senator Clinton has said, "I helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland." It is a gross overstatement of the facts for her to claim even partial credit for bringing peace to Northern Ireland. She did travel to Northern Ireland, it is true. First Ladies often travel to places that are a focus of U.S. foreign policy. But at no time did she play any role in the critical negotiations that ultimately produced the peace. As the Associated Press recently reported, "[S]he was not directly involved in negotiating the Good Friday peace accord." With regard to her main claim that she helped bring women together, she did participate in a meeting with women, but, according to those who know best, she did not play a pivotal role. The person in charge of the negotiations, former Senator George Mitchell, said that "[The First Lady] was one of many people who participated in encouraging women to get involved, not the only one."

News of Senator Clinton's claims has raised eyebrows across the ocean. Her reference to an important meeting at the Belfast town hall was debunked. Her only appearance at the Belfast City Hall was to see Christmas lights turned on. She also attended a 50-minute meeting which, according to the Belfast Daily Telegraph's report at the time, "[was] a little bit stilted, a little prepared at times." Brian Feeney, an Irish author and former politician, sums it up: "The road to peace was carefully documented, and she wasn’t on it."

Bosnia:

Senator Clinton has pointed to a March 1996 trip to Bosnia as proof that her foreign travel involved a life-risking mission into a war zone. She has described dodging sniper fire. While she did travel to Bosnia in March 1996, the visit was not a high-stakes mission to a war zone. On March 26, 1996, the New York Times reported that "Hillary Rodham Clinton charmed American troops at a U.S.O. show here, but it didn't hurt that the singer Sheryl Crow and the comedian Sinbad were also on the stage."

Kosovo:

Senator Clinton has said, "I negotiated open borders to let fleeing refugees into safety from Kosovo." It is true that, as First Lady, she traveled to Macedonia and visited a Kosovar refugee camp. It is also true that she met with government officials while she was there. First Ladies frequently meet with government officials. Her claim to have "negotiated open borders to let fleeing refugees into safety from Kosovo," however, is not true. Her trip to Macedonia took place on May 14, 1999. The borders were opened the day before, on May 13, 1999.

The negotiations that led to the opening of the borders were accomplished by the people who ordinarily conduct negotiations with foreign governments - U.S. diplomats. President Clinton's top envoy to the Balkans, former Ambassador Robert Gelbard, said, "I cannot recall any involvement by Senator Clinton in this issue." Ivo Daalder worked on the Clinton Administration's National Security Council and wrote a definitive history of the Kosovo conflict. He recalls that "she had absolutely no role in the dirty work of negotiations."

Rwanda:

Last year, former President Clinton asserted that his wife pressed him to intervene with U.S. troops to stop the Rwandan genocide. When asked about this assertion, Hillary Clinton said it was true. There is no evidence, however, to suggest that this ever happened. Even those individuals who were advocating a much more robust U.S. effort to stop the genocide did not argue for the use of U.S. troops. No one recalls hearing that Hillary Clinton had any interest in this course of action. Based on a fair and thorough review of National Security Council deliberations during those tragic months, there is no evidence to suggest that U.S. military intervention was ever discussed. Prudence Bushnell, the Assistant Secretary of State with responsibility for Africa, has recalled that there was no consideration of U.S. military intervention.

At no time prior to her campaign for the presidency did Senator Clinton ever make the claim that she supported intervening militarily to stop the Rwandan genocide. It is noteworthy that she failed to mention this anecdote - urging President Clinton to intervene militarily in Rwanda - in her memoirs. President Clinton makes no mention of such a conversation with his wife in his memoirs. And Madeline Albright, who was Ambassador to the United Nations at the time, makes no mention of any such event in her memoirs.

Hillary Clinton did visit Rwanda in March 1998 and, during that visit, her husband apologized for America's failure to do more to prevent the genocide.

China:

Senator Clinton also points to a speech that she delivered in Beijing in 1995 as proof of her ability to answer a 3 AM crisis phone call. It is strange that Senator Clinton would base her own foreign policy experience on a speech that she gave over a decade ago, since she so frequently belittles Barack Obama’s speeches opposing the Iraq War six years ago. Let there be no doubt: she gave a good speech in Beijing, and she stood up for women's rights. But Senator Obama's opposition to the War in Iraq in 2002 is relevant to the question of whether he, as Commander-in-Chief, will make wise judgments about the use of military force. Senator Clinton's speech in Beijing is not.

Senator Obama's speech opposing the war in Iraq shows independence and courage as well as good judgment. In the speech that Senator Clinton says does not qualify him to be Commander in Chief, Obama criticized what he called "a rash war . . . a war based not on reason, but on passion, not on principle, but on politics." In that speech, he said prophetically: "[E]ven a successful war against Iraq will require a US occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences." He predicted that a U.S. invasion of Iraq would "fan the flames of the Middle East," and "strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda." He urged the United States first to "finish the fight with Bin Laden and al Qaeda."

If the U.S. government had followed Barack Obama's advice in 2002, we would have avoided one of the greatest foreign policy catastrophes in our nation's history. Some of the most "experienced" men in national security affairs - Vice President Cheney and Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and others - led this nation into that catastrophe. That lesson should teach us something about the value of judgment over experience. Longevity in Washington, D.C. does not guarantee either wisdom of judgment.

Conclusion:

The Clinton campaign's argument is nothing more than mere assertion, dramatized in a scary television commercial with a telephone ringing in the middle of the night. There is no support for or substance in the claim that Senator Clinton has passed "the Commander-in-Chief test." That claim - as the TV ad - consists of nothing more than making the assertion, repeating it frequently to the voters and hoping that they will believe it.

On the most critical foreign policy judgment of our generation - the War in Iraq - Senator Clinton voted in support of a resolution entitled "The Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of U.S. Military Force Against Iraq." As she cast that vote, she said: "This is probably the hardest decision I have ever had to make - any vote that may lead to war should be hard - but I cast it with conviction." In this campaign, Senator Clinton has argued - remarkably - that she wasn't actually voting for war, she was voting for diplomacy. That claim is no more credible than her other claims of foreign policy experience. The real tragedy is that we are still living with the terrible consequences of her misjudgment. The Bush Administration continues to cite that resolution as its authorization - like a blank check - to fight on with no end in sight.

Barack Obama has a very simple case. On the most important commander in chief test of our generation, he got it right, and Senator Clinton got it wrong. In truth, Senator Obama has much more foreign policy experience than either Bill Clinton or Ronald Reagan had when they were elected. Senator Obama has worked to confront 21st century challenges like proliferation and genocide on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He possesses the personal attributes of a great leader - an even temperament, an open-minded approach to even the most challenging problems, a willingness to listen to all views, clarity of vision, the ability to inspire, conviction and courage.

And Barack Obama does not use false charges and exaggerated claims to play politics with national security.

[jennifer potenciano]

Finally, a person of note has zeroed in on the most important weapon that Obama plays with in trying to win over the American voters. That is his race. Geraldine Ferrraro is absolutely right about Obama harping on--deep in his consciousness--his being black as his only passport to the US presidency. And if the American people are astutely analytical about it, they'll realize they're being had by Obama. The US presidency shouldn't be decided based on a quirk, an oddity factor.

This is the fallacy that Obama has all along been encouraging--subliminally--for his opponents to fall into, like a prey being baited into a quicksand. But come on, Barack, come on, you great American people: be real. Be really intelligent.

The fact is that the GREATEST HERO OF THE AMERICAN NEGROES, THE US BLACKS, WAS NOT A BLACK MAN LIKE THEMSELVES, BUT AN AMERICAN WHITE, THE GREAT EMANCIPATOR HIMSELF, THE GREAT ABRAHAM "ABE" LINCOLN! You should know your history better than non-Americans should. But since Lincoln isn't merely of and for America, but of and for the world, and of and for all the freedom-loving peoples, then Lincoln is also our hero.

And HILLARY CLINTON is cut of the same cloth, cast of the same mold as Lincoln. She'll be an American president for all Americans, including the American Blacks. If words should match deeds, then Hillary is thoroughly consistent. I dare challenge the American Black people from the West to the East Coasts, please examine the track record of Hillary, especially her college years--and see for yourselves how she treated--with kindness, respect (not condescension, with grace--the Black people she happened to share a part of her life with while she was in college.

It's a fallacy to think that only a black man can help the black people, as the great American history has proven, time and again. Hillary will be a great American president for all and for the blacks as well--even if she's white.

Ms. Ferraro is right, absolutely right about her analysis on Obama playing the racial issue as his only trump card in the Democratic contest. I dare challenge the American people--not only the voters--to prove to Obama that you're more brilliant to see through his trick than he cares to admit. Tell Obama to stop pulling your legs hence. Stop being hysterical, being emotional about Obama. An Obama putdown of every Hillary's point isn't debate at all, it's merely name-calling. And this is the man who wants to be US president?

[sc]

"blunder"? Nice anodyne euphemism LA Times; maybe we should question *your* rhetoric. Did Hillary "blunder" when she told her infamous racist Ghandi joke in 2004? Long, systematic stream of "blunders" coming from the Klinton Kamp. Truly sad that major papers are enabling this gutter politics.

[Sternberg]

Well, everyone of us know he is right, no matter what color our skin might be, or who we are planning on voting for.

[robert oversier]

Ferraro happens to be absolutely right. There is no way an inexperienced junior Senator like Obama would be in the lead for the nomination were he not black. What a shame that you cannot state a simple fact without the political correctness police calling you a rascist. What has this country come to?.

[verycold]

IMO, Geraldine was stupid to say such a thing. She might think it and many may agree with her, but these sort of outbursts from party members is certainly proving without a doubt that this campaign cycle is just like all the rest. There is NO change. I get what she is saying and frankly I see her point to some degree. This is a racial race IMO only because there are voters voting strictly on race or gender. People have openly admitted to doing this. The dems are divided that half want to elect a black president because they themselves are black and as Michelle Obama says "it is their time". The other half wants to elect a woman president because that voter is a white, woman and wants it to be "their time'. This is a really ugly campaign IMO. How anybody thinks this twosome will join up as one ticket is beyond me. If this campaign lasts much longer I am not certain anybody will be left standing without amazing damage to the party and each other.

[Robert Valiquet]

Trust the democrats to reneg on their socialistic policys of
social engineering. So ,Geraldine pleades against affirmative action because her political interests at this
time dictate as much.The most casual observer will
recognize the logic of double standards that lead Spitzer
to indulge in shocking vice.
Trust that some obscure minion,masquarading under the
Pseudo Fair and Balanced, will attempt to defend the indefensible by invoquing Nazi horrors and the Spanish
inquisition.

[Vanessa]

Ferrero spoke the truth??? That's a laugh if I've ever heard it. How quickly we forget the Clinton fellowship of nominating her because she's a woman.

Hypocrasy seems to rear it's ugly head when it boils down between being black and being a female.

And lets also not forget that black make up a whole handeful of the population, something so many were happy to remind people throughout the years. So even if 100% of AA's voting for Obama, he still shouldn't be at the position he is now.

So what are we to say about the whites, latinos, and asians voting for Obama? Are they just as blinded by race as the so-called "blacks" voting for him?

The argument that Obama is only ahead because he is black is a judgement that carries little merit and provides just as much truth as Hillary being ahead because she's a woman.

[gavin]

Ferraro is correct. If BHO was white, he would have thrown in the towel before Edwards did.

[Roger]

news flash ! Barack Obama is a black candidate. Anyone who claims that is an insult is either race baiting, or is a veiled racist themselves.

Deal with it.

[Truth]

Geraldine Ferraro was only stating the obvious truth.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Obama is just doing his own "politics as usual" by playing the race card, again.

[Mira]

Obama is black and Hillary is a woman. I don't hear Ferraro acknowledging Hillary getting women voters simply because she's a woman, and we all know their are.

Yes, there ARE double standards. How is it Obama's presidency can be attacked for being black, but Hillary's can't be attacked for being a woman and for being married to Bill? Yeah, real funny how that one works.

And last time I checked, there aren't enough blacks in the world to make Obama president.

[FJ Stratford]

Enough already! Obama seems to cry racist everytime he wants to get out of a tight situation. Like now - he has to prove that he will follow through on Iraq after Power said that he wouldnt; he has to prove that he means well with the NAFTA issue; plus the Rezko trial and Nadhmi Auchi issue is unfolding.

He is using racism to divert people's attention from his lies on NAFTA, Iraq, Rezko.

Sadly, Democrats accomodate him every time... no exceptions. And then those he maligns get stuck with a charge that is false but takes time to defend.

Enough!

If Obama keeps this up, half the Democratic Party will be accused as "racists" before the primary ends. See here:

Obama used "racism" when people raised his cocaine use. Obama raised "racism" if we say his middle name. Now he says its racism if we mention that "90% of the black votes - the same race as him? Is Obama going to control our words, our thoughts and our actions by threatening "racism" on the whole country?

Ridiculous.

[sam]

Can you believe Geraldine Ferraro's comments that if Barack Obama were white he would not be in the position he is? That would mean he would be someone like John Edwards. And John Edwards is...oops

[Sharon Lim]

Geradine Ferraro's comments do contain racial prejudice. Hilary Clinton Campaign Manager, Maggie Williams defended Ms. Ferraro and attempted to turn blame on Barack Obamo for being racially sensitive was a political undesirable stance. Geraldine Ferraro stood firmly behind her statements and made no apology for any misunderstanding in news release quotes. Ms. Ferraro is upset at media reporting her comments are racial. Ms. Ferarro continues to make news releases and is strongly outspoken. All reports to date from Hilary Clinton Campaign indicate they will stand behind Geraldine Ferraro, even though they made comments they do not support her comments. Fact is Geraldine Ferraro has made racial comments in 1988 about Jesse Jackson also. Story will unfold if Hilary Clinton Campaign continues supporting Geradine Ferraro. Geraldine Ferarro will most likely resign.

I have followed these primaries closely. I am Republican, caucasian, conservative, but not gender or racially biased. I am from a midwestern state having been raised in rural farming community. I have been a taxpaying resident of California since graduating from college in 1968 Racial or gender biases have no place in this presidential race. This is 2008. Fact is comments were racial and gender biased. Fact is comments were made by person with political status. I do not care if she is male or female.

I have contemplated voting for a Democrat in the Presidential Race. I am still leaning towards voting for a Democrat. Hilary Clinton's political moral ethics and now her own campaign manager attempting to turn blame on Barack Obama is alarming. An apology would have been quite appropriate and very popular among voters. Geraldine Ferraro and Hilary Clinton reactions and release comments have been ambiguous.

I was married to a great man who was Chinese/Mexican descent. His successful profession life never relied upon his race. His actions and personal work ethics gained him respect and success. I lost him seven years ago to cancer. My husband and I never thought of his race. I was so fortunate to share my life with him.

Hilary Clinton Campaign stances and many changes of directions have been gaining more negatives than positives with me. Hilary Clinton Campaign appears to be more attack oriented. I am waiting to evaluate if they go too far. They are getting close. I am keeping a tally on the candidates and doing my own research of facts. Barack OBama has actually been gaining more positives. I personally feel McCain has obstacles and I can not support him.

Many seem to be evaluating affirmative action more now. Some aspects of the above were good and some were bad. Live your life right, work hard with goals and everyone can get ahead gaining high regards by people. "Positive and can do attitudes" create many great opportunities.

Breaking CNN News is Geradine Ferarro has just resigned. She continues with news release being outspoken and standing firmly behind her comments. Her resignation blames Barack OBama. I find many problems with her final stance. I see this as a result of bad media pressure which affected Hilary Clinton. Hilary Clinton Campaign has not responded as of this time. I will be waiting to hear their press release.

Hilary Clinton Campaign must take care as re- voting dilemma in Florida and Michigan develops. A mail in vote conducted by Hilary Clinton supporters or by states favorable to Hilary Clinton can create many fraudulent candidate prejudiced incidents. Many voters did not vote because they were told their votes would not count. Those elections as they were held can have no bearing. This would not be fair. Voters who didn't go will not be heard. Hilary Clinton was more known than Barack Obama. No campaigning was done by Democratic candidates. Voters must have chance to hear from both candidates and then decide. I will be watching how this develops.

Drop this political race and gender bias. All comments are my personal opinions. I try to be fair and open minded.

Sharon