The other day on a morning TV news show two African-American politicians were interviewed because they are not backing Mr. Obama for the Presidency. They will be throwing their political weight with Mrs. Clinton. Aside from the fact that Mrs. Clinton has been around longer than Mr. Obama hence, much more experienced than he, she has also been good to the African-American community. The two African-American politicians also mentioned the fact that Mr. Obama is just another candidate, and simply because he is African-American does not entitle him to be the recipient of the African-American vote, or the fellowship of African-American politicians.
I am in profound disagreement with the two gentlemen politicians of African-American descent. For the first time in my adult life I am being exposed to a viable African-American candidate with real world possibilities of being President of the United States. For the same reasons I would vote for Mrs. Clinton if Mr. Obama were not a candidate, I am voting for Mr. Obama. Yes, Mrs. Clinton has more experience, but it does not necessarily mean she is a better choice. She has been playing the political "game" longer but, that could well mean a continuation of the political status quo. The two African-American politicians indicated that Mr. Obama is just another politicain throwing his hat into the Presidency, and that he ought to be looked upon as any other politician, historically, who has sought to be president. They cannot be more wrong!
Previous parties of African-American descent who have sought to be president were, realistically, not viable candidates, and the two gentlemen politicians referenced above, or any so-called religious leader of the African-American community not backing Mr. Obama, demonstrate their lack of insight when they speak out thusly. They also demonstrate their satisfaction with the status quo, as that position safeguards their own, with which Mr. Obama is not completely satisfied. Should Mr. Obama win the Presidency, African-Americans of all political stripes will surely celebrate the day, simply because it will be historic. Why not, then, throw your political weight with him and make the day come true sooner, not later? Once it does, you can speak out about the fact that all politicians are created equally. Until that happens, or until a female is president, the two politicians of African-American descent ought to say as little as possible.
