Hecklers greet Barack Obama in Florida

Our colleague Steve Braun, traveling with Barack Obama's campaign, reports that Obama was just heckled during a town hall gathering in St. Petersburg, Fla., by six black protesters who unfurled a banner that read: "What about the black community, Obama?"

Obama, adopting what has become most political figures' response to such interruptions, turned at the podium inside the high school gym and bantered with the protesters for several seconds as the crowd booed. Finally, Obama said, "Just be courteous, that's all." The protesters quieted and turned their banner over to a an Obama staffer, but later in the speech again began to chant, only to be drowned out by the Obama crowd.

Later, Obama gave one of the protesters a chance to ask a question. The protesters, one of three black men and three women who held up the sign, launched into a rambling diatribe complaining about Obama's failure to address police killings of black men in N.Y. and St. Petersburg and his failure to address predatory lending against minorities. "Why is it you have not had the courtesy for one time to speak on interests of the oppressed and exploited black community in this nation?"

Obama replied that he had spoken out on the cop killings and on predatory lending, and when the man tried to argue back, Obama said: "That doesn't mean I'm going to satisfy your positions," and added: "You can always vote for somebody else." The crowd responded with a standing ovation as the protester sat down stone-faced. The protesters repeatedly interrupted the Q-and-A session, only to be drowned out again and again by chants of "Yes we can!" and boos.

So, who were the protesters? The banner identified them as from "UhuruNews." A website with that name says it's the "Online Voice of the International African Revolution," a socialist-leaning group "dedicated to giving voice to the struggles of the African working class from around the world through its programming in an effort to unite and inform the struggles of African people and forward the International African Revolution."

The chair is Omali Yeshitela, who denounces Obama in YouTube videos as "white power in black face." So why do we post these details? Because the moment indicates that this is one campaign in which race will persist as a factor, in ways large and small, though election day.

UPDATE: Braun talked afterward to one of the protesters, Diop Olugbala, 31, who was wearing a gray T-shirt and sported a neck tattoo that reads: "Serve the People." Olugbala said he was a St. Petersburg resident and "international organizer" for the "International Peoples' Democratic Uhuru Movement." The organization runs a website that espouses socialist economic theories and rails against U.S. and foreign governments that prevent "self-determination for African people." "He falls short with the black community," Olugbala insisted in the brief interview with Braun.

-- Scott Martelle

Comments

[coolrepublica]

The black community better take a good, hard look at Obama.

When he said to these guys well you can always vote for somebody else. He dismiss their concerns like a he was swapping flies. It was the equivalent of if you don't like it you can stick it up yours. Noticed how he did not say something similar to the jews in FL. He went to Israel and did everything known to man to prove that he will be a friend of Israel. But the black community is being taken for granted and they better wake up.

He will throw the black community overboard if it wins him an election and it seems that many in the community are more than willing to become martyrs. But these guys ask questions that blacks are afraid to ask. Why have you done for us lately?

[paul from atlanta]

coolrepublica

Obama did right! He address their issue and they didn't want to listen.

I wouldn't be surprised if this group is being PAID by someone that backs the neo-conserv agenda.

I can't see how someone states they are working for African hard workers and minorities could be against OBAMA and "probably" going for McCain?

McCain has voted against MLK 5 x as a senator
McCain has voted against equal pay for women
McCain has voted against HIV/AIDS programs
McCain has voted against SCHIIP Children programs
McCain has voted against funding of SCHOOLS

So how not voting for Obama is going to help?

I'm sorry, As an Allied Health Educator, African-American, Disabled Veteran, and under 35 voter, OBAMA HAS MY VOTE!

[Carole]

Unusually so, Barack Obama transcends many of the questions raised here.

He can't transcend being asked to be perfect and all-knowing. He can't personally correct all the wrongs that have ever been done. He can only try to do what's right.

In Obama, Americans can find someone who will not pour oil on fires, but will work in filling sandbags to put them out.

Americans out of the US are astonished at the interest in electing Obama by many non-Americans. When the history books are written about this election, Obama's steady ability to inspire people, to rise above the ugliness, with courtesy, and remain a gentleman, will be remembered.

Carole
www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com

[Patrick]

Obama discussed the issues with the protestors, he also stated some of the issues he has spoke about that affect the Black community.

Conversley, Uhuru and other extreme Black activists feel that Obama will take their vote for granted and throw them under the bus.

I believe they are wrong, does this African group want Obama to run an International Reparations Campaign??

It is silly, he cannot be an extremist and run for president, he would not have gotten this far.

The fact that he is aware of Black issues and is willing to discuss them- and I believe he WIll do something about them when elected- tells you he is trying to take a step in the right direction.

That is what he believes- and has said it repeadetly- if you don't like it then vote for McCain

But please don't try to destroy his Unifying message- he is running for President of the US not the New Black Panther Party

[George Taylor]

Race will be an issue because the media will continue to over-ride the issues with "hot-button" topics to include race.

"Obama's Jew Problem"
"Obama's Hispanic Challenge"
"Obama's struggles with woman suburb voters"
"Obama's white-working class problem"

This is the stuff that sells papers and keeps television sets on all night. These are the issues that keep Hilliary Clinton in the headlines despite the fact that Barack is the nominee and the party should be united.

This masks the fact that Exxon again recorded record profits during an oil crisis that rivals the 70s. This comes at a time when Wal-Mart all buy tells you how to vote. It comes at a time when banks are being seized by the Feds. It comes at a time when home foreclosures are sky-rocketing. It comes during scandal after scandal from both political parties. It comes at a time when there are two wars being fought with no end in sight. It comes at a time when America is being mocked by Europe and losing ground to China. It comes at a time when global warming is killing our atmosphere. It comes at a time when the Dow can't hold steady for more than a week.

It all comes because Barack is a unique candidate who happened to inspire 18M people during the Primary. When it he putting states like MO, CO, OH, FL into play - off-limits to Democrats for a long time. It comes because instead of solving problems and acknowledging that we are a diverse society with common problems - we would rather be entertained.

[E.]

So you think McCain has the "black" communities interests at heart...paleez. Get the facts straight coolrepublica, he said you can vote for someone else, or run for office yourself, because Obama has done what he needs to do to qualify for president so that he can effectivley get policy in place to stop the atrocities of unregulated banks abusing their lending priviledges....don't you dare accuse a man that has dedicated his life to serving American people of "dismissing" those that don't know the truth or like the way he is trying to "equalize" America's Corporate power vs. People power.

They were rude and quite frankly immature just as anybody who interrupts someone during a speech...

He handled those hecklers as he should by telling them, I'm doing my part...you do yours!

[Bruce]

Frankly I think most of what Barack Obama says is all smoke amd mirrors.

Frankly speaking he is that empty suit that the media talks about.

Time to wake up people. He (Barack Obama) is not ready to lead the United States anywhere but back to the 60's during the civil right's era.

[charlie in florida]

one point that might need to be made here - two of the women involved in this "protest" - were old, white ladies. Not 6 black people. Minor point, but at least get your reporting right. I was there, 5 rows in front of the "hecklers". And Obama's reaction is exactly why he should be president. He turned to address them, asked them to be courteous, gave them a chance to ask a question, answered their question, then asked them to be courteous again. Very well handled.

[jonnierae]

Overall, I think Obama handled it very well indeed. However, I think he could have maybe asked the questioner his name, a little bit about his life, etc. And tried to show him that he was sensitve to his concerns, and that his policies would help all people, including the black community. I believe that Obama will appoint an attorney general who will enforce the law, and this will go a long way towards creating social justice in this country. I do understand where these young men were coming from. And perhaps there was a time when the Senator himself felt a great deal of anger about the injustice of a biased criminal justice system and a segregated/double standard society. Obama said at one point, "This is democracy happening here." I liked that.

[NiaHussein330]

Had these young men done thier reserch they would have had nothing to complain about.
To coolrepublica I think you missed the numorous times Obama has been to community centers, churches, NAACP conventions, Black Business Conventins, urban League conventions, putting a strong grass roots staff in the inner city and rural areas to register voters. Are these men going to show up at a McCain town hall meeting to ask the same questions and where were these guys to ask the Hill_bill's were they still in the running? I think it is counter productive to parrot the words of leaders in the community who have done nothing for the community but exploit it, instead of doing some research to think for yourself. Obama didn't dismiss them he had to keep the meeting going to focus on other questions. besides they were rude, disresctful and came at him with baseless accusations. He handled it the same way he does all baseless accusations...answer with fact and keep it moving.

[Carol]

I'm black, and this group certainly DOES NOT speak for me. Radicallism is counterproductive. As a black American, I have not sat around waiting for "what the white man can do for me." (No sense of entitlement here ) What I have achieved, and I'm blessed, I've worked hard for it; acquiring a good education, having good work ethics and using common sense will be productive for anyone who has a mind to do so. As a black American, I will not expect Barack to cater to me just because I'm black. I want him to be the type of President who speaks and represents all Americans, not just a certain segment of Americans.
Barack handled the hecklers well. I applaud him. No doubt, he has MY vote! I would urge the rest of you to do the same - Vote for Obama - '08

[tkflash]

It is remarkable to think that this guy is risking his life and his families lives to become the first black president. Just by becoming the first black president he will inspire young african-american children all over the country that anything is possible.
Obama is not a civil rights leader. He is trying to become president of the UNITED STATES. His goal is to cater to everybody in this nation not to just his race.

[fromnj]

Superbly handled - strongly recommend anyone reading this blog to actually watch the video.

Obama was respectful, addressed the hecklers' questions completely, admitted that he may not frame the issues in exactly the same way as they did, even suggesting that this being a democracy, if they felt strongly about it, they had the option to run for office themselves.

I find myself contrasting this with something I recently watched - a McCain townhall meeting in which a questioner disagreed with him (not even heckling him). McCain was disrespectful and dismissive, and even throughout the rest of the meeting, kept finding opportunities to take potshots at the guy.

Definitely Obama '08

[Jackson]

"McCain has voted against MLK 5 x as a senator
McCain has voted against equal pay for women
McCain has voted against HIV/AIDS programs
McCain has voted against SCHIIP Children programs
McCain has voted against funding of SCHOOLS"

How is any of that a bad thing?

[mary]

I keep saying this over and over and over. BARACK OBAMA HAS NEVER DONE ANYTHING FOR US (AA) IN CHICAGO. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK HE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR US IF ELECTED POTUS. Take a look at his district and talk with them.

[SlowBurn]

He better get used to the hecklers . . .people are finally waking up to his hollow candidacy.

[asdf]

What's with Times Staff writer injecting their obvious infatuation over Barack? See today's article about the Holloywood and McCain. Young and handsome??? Can't Latimes excercise some objectivity?

[IDGem]

Interesting that a socialist leaning group would heckle him when there is a faction in this country constantly accusing him of being a socialist? So which is it?

He handled himself as he should have.

[Patricia]

I live in St. Petersburg and everyone knows the Uhuru group for what they are - hate mongerers. There is no way any reasonable candidate for any office would please them, no matter what his or her race or culture might be. I'm glad Obama didn't ignore them, because they do have the right to express their vary biased opinions, but it's a big mistake to assume that their race gives them credibility. They do not represent the majority of African Americans in this city or any other.

[Carol]

Patricia. Thanks for your informational post.

Barack suggested they run for office - Good one Barack! I bet most of them aren't even registered voters, criminal backgrounds and all.

Barack did show respect, unklike they did. Just like all radicals, they seem to think they're supposed to scream and holler to get some attention. At least Barack didn't have them removed like the other candidate has done.

If they're reading these posts, I hope they respond.

[Carol]

What you so called Africans, Black Party unity, whatever you call yourselves, is doing is playing right into the hands of the Repubs and the racists. You're doing their job for them - dividing the black community for your own stupid, selfish agenda. Stop complaining and do something other than being radical. Stop living in the past; look to the future for your children and your grandchildren. If you want attention and want to be heard, Run for office and speak up about what concerns you. Waving stupid banners and screaming at a black candidate isn't helping us.
Go question (not scream and yell at ) McCain. Ask him what's on his agena for minorities!

[Oregon4Obama]

Obama answered his questions and gave him specific answered tailored to the mans concerns......

Obama was being respectful.....the man was shouting back, gesturing and almost attacking Obama for not acting or responding like the man hoped he would.....

Obama even told him (in paraphrase).....I may not have answered these issues the way you would've, but you could always vote for someone else or run for office yourself, this is a democracy.......

But this man is also part of a group who's chair says Obama is "white power in black face......so it seems that this man behaved on those priciples, and Obama, being a tackler of hard issues answered and respected the man even though that respect was not returned.....

[vivian]

israel has many lobbyist along with jewish patriots who have lots of power and influence.
now the black communitty has neither so puting your self on the line for the black community is siucidal in terms of politics

[Know]

Obama is a radical fool who can lead nobody but his bunch of racist criminal friends. People can praise him forever but, you can't brain wash the masses of people who see his slick un-american intentions.

[Lucy]

Barack did a good job of handeling the hecklers. In my opinion, they were planted there in attempt tp embarass Senator Obama. Sure as hell they were paid. As far as what Obama has done for anyone, just read his record. It is accessible to the public. Most of his opponents do not care about the truth.