For many black women in Hampton Roads and across the country, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidates have offered a bittersweet choice: Should they support Hillary Rodham Clinton, who would be the first woman, or Barack Obama, who would be the first black, to be president?
Although Virginians cast their votes last month, today may reveal which historic opportunity is likely to be gained and which is likely to be lost, at least for the time being.
“At first, I automatically thought I would vote for Hillary,” said Lisa Lauderback, a real estate agent in Virginia Beach.
“It was like, 'Go sister!’ But once they opened their mouths, it was like, 'Not really.’ As I listened to the debates, his platforms, I started leaning toward Obama. I like what he is doing for the country in terms of enthusiasm, hope and voter turnout.”
Today’s Democratic Party primaries in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island could give one of the candidates a decisive advantage. Clinton’s national slide from sure thing to neck-and-neck race with Obama is mirrored in the thinking of some black women locally.
Tisha Harris of Norfolk said the debates changed her mind. “I did feel torn, until I listened,” she said. “Then I made my decision. I liked what I was hearing about change. One thing that turned me off about her is how she would put him down, but he would never do that to her.”
Some women said they would have never voted for Clinton.
“I just think God would require a man being a better leader than a woman,” said Julia Whitaker, who runs R&L Shoes in Chesapeake. As a Christian, she said she feels drawn to Obama as someone who “seems like a person of integrity and faith .”
Lauderback, now an enthusiastic Obama supporter, said that Obama vs. Clinton discussions seem to be reserved for private talk.
“A lot of people don’t think it’s real – that he’s just giving everyone the warm fuzzies. I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime – I’m still shocked.”
She said that she thinks many people are reserving excitement for summer, if and when Obama is actually running for the White House.
At the Creative Styles salon in Chesapeake, CNN is on all day, owner Shannon Saunders said. “No one is saying anything – it’s quiet because we want to hear everything.” When there are lulls in the coverage to talk, she said, it becomes a big topic. Early on, there was debate about who would make the best president.
“Women love to see another woman in a position of power,” she said. “But when it came down to the issues, there really was no contest.”
There’s no disagreement in the shop now, she said, and everyone watches the coverage with a sense of bewildered pride. “People are sick of Bush and sick of Clinton, and they want fresh blood. ”
Obama beat Clinton in Virginia in February, but none of the women said they supported him because he was black.
Both candidates are courting black women, and prominent ones have lined up behind them: Clinton has endorsements from Maya Angelou and Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, and Maxine Waters, D-Calif. Obama has Oprah Winfrey and Toni Morrison in his corner.
“When the choice isn’t based on identity, it’s easy to be all together,” said Maya Rockeymoore, author of “The Political Action Handbook” and a lecturer of politics at American University. “When you have white men running for centuries, then it’s not about, 'Do I choose based on my racial identity or do I choose based on my gender identity?’”
For some, it’s about social perception. With whom do they identify with the most? Black women generally agree that race trumps gender, Rockeymoore said. History has forced them to deal with race more than gender, she said.
But black women are not automatic supporters of Obama. In a September AP-Ipsos poll, 47 percent of black women supported Clinton and 37 percent backed Obama. Those sentiments changed as primaries got under way: According to AP exit polls combining results from 20 competitive Democratic presidential primaries so far this year, black women supported Obama over Clinton by 81 percent to 17 percent.
Misti Goodson, communications manager at Norfolk State University, said she’s supporting Clinton, but not because the candidate is a woman.
“I’m very proud that Obama is in the race, but my concern is that he hasn’t brought a clear-cut view for bringing change about. That’s what made me lean toward Hillary.”
She knew from talking with friends that Obama would carry Virginia. She voted for Clinton. “I think it’s awesome that there is a woman and a black man in the running, but for me, I’m not seeing black or white or male or female. I’m seeing whose platform is most aligned with the issues I’m interested in.”
Catrice Hall echoed those thoughts.
“It’s about issues in the world,” Hall said. “ ... I’m looking at the person’s character, not their color or whether they’re a man or a woman. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Malcolm Venable, (757) 446-2662, malcolm.venable@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
Unreal
Should they vote for the first black to run or first woman? I would be insulted myself to think someone would ask that versus who do they think, and why do they think this or that person would make the best leader for the country, regardless of whether they are a woman, a black, or an old white guy that use to be a POW.
Ahem Mr. Gooche
"So lets get off he needs experience it just another way to say we are not ready for a "black president."
Could some of us continue to say it is because he does not have enough experience? How about those of who contend he either just telling people what they want to hear? Or those of us who feel he has presented an impossible slate that is to be paid for with "hope?" How about the fact that he needs a majority of voters to win and realistically, if Florida is allowed to revote he will no longer have a vital state needed to win a close national election? How about the fact that he has never accomplished anything? Missed over 130 votes in Senate?
It may be a bit narcistic to state that those of us who do not support Obama are blinded by his color and that we could look past these issues if he were white. If Obama gains the nomination you will see the democratic party fall. You will have no one to blame but yourself when your views are not accepted by the next president.
oh god no!!!
georges61555 wrote:
Don't underestimate Hillary Clinton and last night proved it. This reace isn't over until the fat lady sings.
And if she does, Hillary will be responsile for a lot of windows being shattered! I mean anyone with a laugh like that....
Hip, Hip Hurray!
Don't underestimate Hillary Clinton and last night proved it. This reace isn't over until the fat lady sings.
So what if a black interviewed a black about a black!
As a white guy (who voted for Bush in the last 2 elections!) who will be quick to complain about others using the race card or identify a slanted article - I feel that there was nothing wrong with this piece. I am quite surprised that any black would NOT vote for Obama! I personally really don't care which one gets the nomination - I really just want to see history be made - either a first black or woman is equally fine with me. Some of you honestly believe that the country will just fall apart and we will be invaded if a white man isn't in office. Let a qualified black or qualified female have a shot at it - if they screw up, then we impeach, vote out, etc as soon as possible. Our country needs a shake up and either will do the trick. I wish they both weren't so hard-headed and would join up together. Why isn't this concept discussed more in the media? And as odd as it sounds, RUDY had my support until he dropped out - now it will go to Obama and/or Hillary.
Wow, These Comments Are Almost as Good
As the ones in the gun discussion. "Micky", you can vote for anyone for any reason. "Ira" hi, Condi would be a good president, because she is a Republican, & I find her intelligent, worldly, & attractive. I like her better than McCain, but, she is not running. lol. "Autoextra", I heard Chelsey had a pet gerbil. Maybe that will help, but, you're right, someone should interview you guys. "JohnH", Interesting theory & prophecy. "Kirk", the 9:50 am comment is the most lucid, intelligent post I have ever read of yours. Did you write it? I did not read this story. I really don't care who gets the nod in the Democratic party. But the comments were great! Keep them coming!~
JMO - whats to "interpret" ?
Pretty straight forward stuff.
JMO: "The media perpetuates this race/gender issue. Want proof?
The Virginian Pilot sends a black reporter to interview black women to ask them if they'll vote for a black man."
The Pilot sent an employee to ask black women which Democratic candidate they support.
TR
It's clear that you will interpret my posts in the way which best fits your views. I can't change that, so all I can do is wish you a good night and a happy life.
Keep standing up for what you believe in...I will as well. But might I suggest that you don't put words into others' mouths? And try to keep an open mind - someday someone might have something to say, even if you can't hear it.
jmo
JMO - thats a lot of walking backwards
Your "example" stipulates that the Pilot's sending of a black reporter to ask which DEM PARTY candidate black women would vote for IS A PROBLEM for you. To you, this black reporter (i.e. "employee") or the Pilot (maybe both) is "perpetuating the race issue". You say the color of Obama's skin doesnt matter to you, but you do (or did) have a problem with the reporter's skin color regarding this story.
"Race... I find it highly offensive that people continue to address it"
See any irony here with your earlier posts where you focus on race?
by the way
I mean no disrespect to Mr Venable, and apologize if it came across that way. I hope that my previous post sufficiently explains my position.
Good job on the article, Malcolm. It's not the reporting, it's the subject matter.
jmo
TR
Not at all. Someone posted a comment that it's the media that perpetuates this race issue. I agreed, and provided an example.
To me, as a middle-aged white guy, Barack Obama is a democrat running for president. The color of his skin is not important to me. I don't believe that it should be important to anyone else. Hillary, Barack, John, Condi, whoever. When I consider casting my support to anyone for office, I consider their position on issues that are important to me.
Race isn't important to me, so I find it highly offensive that people continue to address it. It's a disservice to Mr Obama as well.
jmo
not really...
I don't think jmo's post looks funny (in retrospect...). He's right. But that's just me, not "us people here on the internets"
JMO - in retrospect.....
.... does your "black reporter" post look silly to you? Be honest. Cuz it looks silly to us people here on the internets.
TR
OK, go with that interpretation. I'm sure it makes you feel better.
jmo
Great catch Just_My_opinion!!
How dare the "Lib media" send a black reporter to ask black women which Dem party candidate they favor. Outrageous!! Everyone knows that only white reporters can ask black voters which Dem candidate they favor. Or something like that. You sir are on to these scoundrels. Keep it up. Oh, the humanity.
georges61555 gets it right
The media perpetuates this race/gender issue. Want proof?
The Virginian Pilot sends a black reporter to interview black women to ask them if they'll vote for a black man.
jmo
"Look at the great job bush has done"
Thank you so much for that comment. At Bush's 31% approval rating, you have given me the best laught I have had since this article was first published.
reality is...
Barack is an illusion with no substance and a barrel full of ridiculously expensive promises of which no President could ever get pushed thru Congress anyway. He's playing on the minds of those who would scramble toward any promise of a "perceived" freebie i.e. MTV types. Of course when it comes to government nothing is free (taxes, fees etc. collected from the populace). Hillary has too much baggage and socialistic like Barack and Ted Kennedy with zero experience except being Bill's moody wife. Does not anyone remember those first two disastrous years of the Clinton adminsitration during the early nineties when he first got elected? Same promises as Barack and such a cry came throughout the land that slick Willy had to re-invent himself, change his staff to barely get re-elected the second time thanks only to running against decrepid looking Bob Dole and once again miniscule voter turnout. Yes it's true, the general American does have a short memory when it comes to politics. Even if Barack or Hillary was elected the same thing would happen. Just like the Democratic congress has been a total failure after al lthat promising. There's only been Nacy Pelosi making a complete idiot oi
Ira
"Was it becasue she was an NSU student who does not agree with you?"
I agree with the NSU student completely... that its not about sex (nor race). Comprende? I'm not advocating for Obama here. I advocating for less nonsense from your posts.
The article contains multiple examples of black women saying that its NOT about the candidate's "color or sex", that some are sick of the Bush/Clinton dynasty, that they listened to the debates, that they've changed their minds, that "its about the issues", & so on. None of the women state that they are voting for a candidate simply because of race/gender.
Yet your take is that these women are voting because they "identify with candidate's color or sex".
Food for thought
Before everyone says that the race card is being pulled as usual by blacks voting for Obama, I really do wonder sometimes if his skin color where white would we even be talking about experience (excuse the spelling) after all he is half white. Would we be even having this conversation. I'm quite sure we would'nt. Oh yeah the usual people in will be looking for dirt or "trying to swift boat" him. Bush was a governor and had "experience" and look at the great job he has done. Strange that know one talks about him (Bush). So lets get off he needs experience it just another way to say we are not ready for a "black president. And most of you in your own little humble way are not racist. So don't worry about it I said it for you. You are not racist!!
Personally
I'm sick and tired of these race baiting articles that CNN, and now the pilot, print to stir up racial animosity. These news reports only serve to portray a particular group in a certain light, all for the sake of ratings and driving up sales. I am a black man who was originally for Hillary up until about a month ago. I switched to Obama not because of his race but because of the tactics Hillary has used and the fact that she is so divisive that I do not think she can win the general. If Condoleeza Rice were running, as someone earlier suggested, I would not vote for her. She has been a horrible and ineffective Secretary of State and is just as bad as Bush IMO. Her beliefs and opinions are nothing like mine.
Who made this election about Race and gender?
The News Media, that's who! And I'll say it again, if you want to hear how the black people are voting and why, just get on an HRT bus for a couple hours and you will know exactly what I am saying. Am I being racist? No, sorry but there is such a thing as reality, and the reality of my comment is I've heard why so many will be voting for Barack because he is black. I'm voting for Hillary, I've said it for any number of years if she runs, she gets my vote and it has nothing to do with her gender or race. Obama is simply not ready to be president. His day will come, but he is not the one I want at this time in history. This country is a mess, and I want more experience than him to get us out of it. All I hear is words, and words, with no substance. People look at his lack of voting record! That alone should tell you something. If Obama is the candidate I will vote for Ralph Nader, but one thing for sure Obama hasn't see anything until he gets a taste of McCain and the swift boat mentality. He won't know which end is up when they get through.
It's not racist if you dissagree!
Just because some posts challenge the intelligence of the people in the article does not make one a racist. Admit it, the people quoted in the article have zero knowledge of out political process, let alone we are a Republic, not a Democracy! The racist card is always pulled when the writer
is trying to debate and has no knowledge of a subject. If you study the prior posts, you will notice very few if any facts about why someone will vote "The O" or Hill. It's all "feelings", not facts."I feel Obama will make a great President". The fact is the people who where interviewed for this story have no clue about politics or world event. It's not racist to combat people in a debate over who should be President, get over it and don't be so thin skinned people! Oh, and study your U.S. Government for a change and turn off CNN.
One More Time...I Couldn't Resist..This One is Easy.
It is tragically funny how largely the Democrats have been trumpeting the anti-Bush "WAR FOR OIL" mantra seemingly forever. This is proof in point that if obtaining control of the oil fields was to become a bi-product of the war, then everyone was ridiculous in implying that obtaining the oil fields was a bad thing. If we wont' have control, the cost will be higher! Furthermore, the truth is that NONE, AND I MEAN, NONE of the political candidates are going to obtain lower oil prices unless they allow heavy duty drilling on our own shores and in our own lands. If anyone of you think that letting a politician legislate the oil business is going to save you money; then, that's a sad commentary on you and not the politician. The administrative costs of most any government system or program eats two-thirds in administrative costs alone, even before anything is actually put in motion. What you will pay in taxes will be worse than anything imagineable. Many people seem to have hostility towards corporations. I find it funny because you can look at any country that is intrusive to the point that the democrats or the new-era republicans want to be, and I'll show you the majority of
VIctory????
I hope these lame comments about Obama and Hillary are not coming from die hard Bush supports...you guys talking about getting excited over the word hope and change, but you fell for the "victory" speech on the flight deck and his campaign slogan turn the page or corner or whatever we were turning. I'm sure you knew nothing about President Bush when you voted for him, if you did i'm sure you would take it back, now your pockets are hurting at the gas pump, and he is not even aware the prices will reach $4 a gallon. So don't get on those individuals, whom you call ignorant 19yr olds, that show enthusiasm because they are tired of the same politics and policies you want to run this country. And the comment about Obama's middle name being evil is as pityful as it gets, and his mother is the same color you. I have a lot of respect for Sen. McCain, too bad the current president tried to throw him under a bus, but i'm sure he will endorse him when the time comes, kiss and make up.
What we need
A leader and someone who is determined to get us out of Iraq!
www.catholicdemocrats.info
Oh??
From Kendras earlier:
"We need someone in office thats going to drop these extremely high gas prices down to something we all can afford"
How is ShillaryHillary going to lower gas prices?
Probably would have been helpful
a month ago before the voting don't you think?
It is easy to DARE to say something when it's true!
If you can follow the chain of events here, the article is written from a racial standpoint and gender. So, it is not I who has made it that...furthermore, everyone is so emotional about this because it is a racial and gender issue. And if everyone is too proud to take money from the government, I commend you for it, and I'm sure that you won't mind it if Obama could then reduce imcome tax to 15 percent and cut financial aid programs to all races and genders...no, let's do it right now!....or would there be a problem with that. Sure there would, I just suspect you'd have issue with that also. And the fact that your spouse is in the military has nothing to do with the issue. That's similar to when people hold kids up during debates like bullet shields to sabatage any logic. Congradulations that I'm done with this bickering and am leaving. Somehow, I think that Obama will do fine for himself and become an even more successful person, and you will still be here bickering with idiots like me. You just don't see it, do you?
I know, I know...
Having followed these posts today, and every day, someone please tell me the reason some of you feel Condi Rice would make a good president. Really, tell me why? Is it because she is on TV? Why? At least my man from Ghent who posted earlier would have someone to represent him(tongue in cheek, no offense, really).