When Will Hillary Bow Out?
Notice I didn't say quit. Showing no signs of surrender, Hillary Clinton says she will remain in the presidential race "until there's a nominee." Hillary Clinton is a fighter. However, she and her campaign have to face the reality that it is time to implement their exit strategy and work to unify the Democratic Party.
It is time for the Clinton campaign to stop moving the goal post when it comes to deciding victory. For example, the Clinton campaign continues to bring up the votes associated with the Michigan and Florida primaries. That's just silly. Obama's name wasn't even on the ballot. The Democratic National Committee made it very clear what the rules were regarding those primaries.
Clearly, Sen. Clinton can stay in the race for as long as she wants, but for the good of the party I say it is time to bow out. I'm using a rather simple formula that I call "The 3 M's" to come to this conclusion.
- Math
- Money
- Momentum
Do the math. Obama has more votes, has won more primaries and has more money. As of today Sen. Clinton has loaned her campaign $11.4 million dollars ($6.4 million last month). The Clinton campaign acknowledged that Sen. Clinton may lend the campaign more money. According to the latest campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, Obama began the month of April with $42 million in the bank for the primaries to Clinton's $9.3 million.
The Clinton campaign bus is leaking oil and dropping bolts. The Obama campaign has consistently raised more money than the Clinton campaign and after last night's primaries in North Carolina and Indiana; the total delegate count is as follows:
- Obama - 1844
- Clinton - 1695.5
Once again, do the math. It is highly unlikely that Sen. Hillary Clinton can win. Obama has picked up 100 superdelegates since Super Tuesday and Clinton has picked up fewer than 15. The last two months Sen. Clinton has proven to be a tough campaigner. She's used the "kitchen sink" strategy and taken advantage of everything that has come her way (Rev. Wright). However, it appears that this strategy was implemented too late in the game for her opponent.
Sen. Barack Obama has run an extraordinary campaign. Six months ago, I don't think any of the political strategists and experts would have predicted Barack Obama as the front runner. It's only a matter of time before folks start jumping off of the Clinton bandwagon.
As for momentum, Hillary Clinton has none. Barack Obama has string of decisive primary victories over Clinton and the Obama campaign has more momentum. The next few weeks should be devoted to providing Sen. Clinton with a "soft landing." Sen. Clinton is still a key player in this race, even in defeat. She must be afforded a way to exit gracefully with her dignity intact. Obama and the Democratic Party will need Hillary Clinton's supporters to win the White House.
What do you think?
Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog. Gary is also the author of the new book "25 Things That Really Matter In Life."
The Fallout of the Obama/Wright Controversy Is Nothing New
For the record, I did not want to write this column. I am sick of the mainstream media deciding that Rev. Wright is going to be the dominant political story for weeks and weeks on end. I felt this column may contribute to that, however, after some deliberation I decided to put my views out in the blogosphere to add some perspective as to why this situation with Rev. Wright and Barack Obama continues to dominate the headlines and serve as a wedge between black folks, Hillary supporters, Obama supporters, pastors and their church hierarchy.
Are you ready? What I’m about to say is not sour grapes or whining. It is what I believe to be THE fundamental truth if you are a black man living in America. Barack Obama is a charter member of the “Double Standard Club.” According to the current by-laws, if you are an active member of the “Double Standard Club” you will be held accountable for every other black person’s views and behaviors. That means that Barack Obama, by society’s view must answer questions and explain Rev. Wright to the rest of the general public.
Some white political figures are held accountable and others are not. It seems that those who are held accountable for the controversial opinions and behaviors of their pastors or colleagues are not held accountable to the same degree as their black counterparts. For example, MSNBC's "The Verdict with Dan Abrhams," CNN's "AC 360" featuring Anderson Cooper and FOX's "Hannity's America" starring Sean Hannity have all devoted special programming to the Obama-Wright Controversy. Hillary Clinton was grilled over Geraldine Ferraro's remarks; however, I don't recall network specials on their relationship weeks after the incident. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, I am saying it usually doesn't happen the way it is happening to Barack Obama.
It ain’t fair, but until the current system is changed, that’s the way it is.
Many in the mainstream media have made it their business to make sure that Rev. Wright and his antics cause “Jerry Springer” like debates on buses, in barber shops, beauty salons, classrooms and in the church among pastors and church members.
If you don’t like what’s going on the next question is: "What can you do?" The first thing you need to do is to make a commitment. If Barack Obama is your guy you stick with him. You can’t quit, you can’t lose focus, and you just have to suck it up, be strategic and work smarter.
All is not lost. Obama can still win the democratic nomination. Yes, there is some truth to some of what Rev. Wright said, particularly when it comes to his social commentaries. In some ways, I think Rev. Wright is a brilliant guy who is “caught up” and determined to get his 15-minutes of fame. Further, I believe that people who don’t want Barack Obama to win the democratic nomination and the presidency have deliberately taken some of Rev. Wright’s words and positions out of context to slow or derail Obama’s momentum in the campaign.
Folks, this is “big boy” politics. Barack Obama has to find the right balance to play with the big boys and girls, gain white support and stay above the political fray. Whether you agree with him or not, Rev. Wright has made it clear that he is going to make himself a part of this campaign. Depending upon what “street corner” you’re standing on, the issue with Rev. Wright is a combination of a race issue, a generational issue and of course a political issue.
Some have argued that Obama started this mess when he “dissed” Rev. Wright by not inviting him to be present publicly when he kicked off his presidential campaign and when Obama publicly told the nation that Rev. Wright held a distorted view of the nation. Obama further referred to his spiritual mentor as "divisive." Did Obama break some type of unwritten code? You be the judge. I say, “No.”
Barack Obama is a savvy politician running for president of the United States. I’m not saying that he will do and say anything to get elected; I’m simply reminding you that he is a politician who made a politically expedient decision put some distance between himself and Rev. Wright. That’s what smart politicians do. Is that throwing Rev. Wright under the bus? Again, you be the judge.
Obama better be prepared to be grilled on the issue of his judgment. The Wright controversy puts the spotlight on a man Obama has known for two decades. A man who introduced him to Christianity, married him and baptized his daughters. It's not that he didn't know about Rev. Wright's views; it’s how he chose to manage the situation over the years that people are evaluating.
In closing, if Obama is your guy I suggest that you forget about Rev. Wright. Take him off of your radar screen. Take a deep breath and regroup.
Don’t get mad, get strategic!
Like Him or Not, Rev. Wright Is Here To Stay
April 28, 2008
Rev. Jeremiah Wright has decided to speak for himself and in effect defend himself. People will debate whether Rev. Wright's "coming out" is helpful or hurtful to presidential candidate Barack Obama, however, I don't think Rev. Wright cares.
It is clear to me that the Rev. has decided to define himself and defend what he believes is his good name. I can't say that I blame him. Who wouldn't want to defend their hard earned name and reputation?
While speaking today at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, the Rev. was asked about his patriotism. Wright replied as follows: "I served six years in the military. How many years did Cheney serve?"
Rev. Wright has made it clear during his string of recent public appearances that he is a pastor and not a politician. He reminded the audience that Sen. Barack Obama is a politician and that he and Obama will do what they have to do in their perspective roles. This is a very important point of distinction and clarification. The role of a pastor and politician are different and Rev. Wright seems to be clear about his role.
"I'm not here for political reasons," Wright said to a packed house last night of about 10,000 people at a NAACP gathering in Detroit. "I'm not a politician," he told the crowd. He went on to say, "I'm not here for political reasons." "I am not running for the Oval Office. I've been running for Jesus a long, long time, and I'm not tired yet."
Perhaps the lines have become blurred for others. Wright seems to be clear, confident and at peace with his role as a pastor.
What Rev. Wright is doing is allowing the world to see him as he "really" is. Rev. Wright is not the character and YouTube phenomenon that he has been portrayed over the past several weeks. This is a very smart and worldly black leader. Wright also told the audience at the NAACP dinner that despite what his critics say, he is descriptive, not divisive, when he speaks about racial injustices.
In the view of Rev. Wright he is speaking out because of the media attacks on the black church. He stated his belief that the media attacks are about him.
Many in the mainstream media as well as Hillary Clinton and others will continue to link Rev. Wright to Barack Obama in the most negative ways. If I'm a strategist in the Obama camp, I probably would not be happy right now. Why? Watch the media coverage of Rev. Wright over the next several weeks. Rather than focus on the positive truths in his message, many in the media will actively look for negatives or attempt to twist his words to make him a negative force and deflect from the good that he's done.
Commentators will focus on his body language, his gestures and his "attitude" instead of what he's actually saying. That's called distortion. The office phone lines here at Black Men In America are blowing up with calls from black folks who are mad at Rev. Wright for coming out now. One caller said, "Wright is giving Hillary and the Republicans more ammunition to deflect from the issues." Whether you like him or not, Rev. Wright is here to stay.
Susan Rice, a spokesperson for the Obama campaign commented on MSNBC this morning after Rev. Wright's speech at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. She described Rev. Wright as a "sideshow." She went on to say the Rev. Wright was more concerned about redeeming his legacy. I see this as a problem. Outside forces both black and white will be calling for Obama to distance himself further from Rev. Wright and essentially pit these two black men against each other. The Clinton campaign will be in full attack mode about Obama's judgment. This is politics folks. Obama campaigned that he has better judgment than his opponents.
Barack Obama said that he believes that Rev. Wright is a legitimate political issue. That's the equivalent of a "green light" for Senators Clinton, McCain and others to deflect from other legitimate issues that should be discussed in this campaign.
What do you think?
Gary Johnson is the Founder & Publisher of Black Men In America.com a popular online magazine on the Internet and the Black Men In America.com Blog
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Former Congressman J.C. Watts Behind BLACK TELEVISION NEWS CHANNEL (BTNC)
Commentary
by Gary A. Johnson
Last week it was announced that a black news network was coming our way next year. Black Television News Channel (BTNC), the nation's only African-American news network, scheduled to launch in 2009. The firm also announced a multi-year carriage agreement with Comcast, the country's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. Comcast is also a major partner with TV One. Under the agreement, BTNC expects that it will be added to Comcast systems in Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Baltimore.
In terms of media, our needs are great. The black community desperately needs a serious news channel. Lord knows we don't need another sitcom. Last week's debut sitcom starring William Jonathan Drayton, Jr., was a disaster. I'm sorry. Forgive me, you probably know Mr. Drayton by his stage name Flav Flavor.
Flav stars in a MyNetworkTV sitcom, "Under One Roof" also starring Kelly Perine. This show is an embarrassing stereotypical show that marginalizes us before the world. I got sidetracked, let me get back on point. Where was I? Black Television News Channel.
BTNC is the endeavor of J.C. Watts, Jr., former U.S. congressman from Oklahoma and celebrated athlete, and broadcast and cable news veterans. "Our unique and vast content partnerships with African American newsmakers will provide our viewers LIVE access to the stories and people in whom our viewers have a special interest," said Watts. "With this agreement, Comcast continues to demonstrate its commitment to working with independent programmers with diverse points of view."
So far, Watts and the folks from BTNC are saying all the right things. There is certainly room for another perspective of news and views that impact our community. Both BET and TV One rely on short snippets of news usually through other wire and media sources. This "news" if that's what you want to call it, is often important, it lacks analysis and "linkages" to those things that matter to us.
Now some of my colleagues have opined that they are worried that J.C. Watts will become another Bob Johnson (whatever that means). Actually, I know exactly what that means. I don't think Watts will allow his politics to get in the way of making a buck.
Be prepared to hear from some naysayers who will be threatened by this announcement. I can hear them now. "Why do they need a black news channel?" The obvious answer is that the mainstream media gives us little black interest news. Some naysayers may also cry: "We don't have a White Television News Channel." Yes you do! There are several white television news channels. Let’s see you have CNN, MSNBC, FOX, ABC, CBS and NBC.
BTNC will be a 24/7 cable news network that will provide a new voice that represents blacks in mainstream media. BTNC's programming aims to shed light on the unique social, economic, and political challenges facing urban communities. This will help bloggers by providing news of interests to our readers and insights and analysis from a black perspective. BTNC can't get here fast enough for me. I'm ready.
So hurry up BTNC, the clock is running.
Yeah boooooyyyy!
We really do have to do better. We can and we will.
So what do you think?
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LeBron James Mag Cover Sparks Debate About The Image of The Black Male
When I saw LeBron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen on the cover of Vogue magazine, I was uncomfortable with the visual. Perhaps I’m too sensitive. It is true that I’ve been accused of seeing almost everything through a “racial prism.” I don’t disagree with that.
When I saw the cover, I asked, “Why is LeBron being portrayed in what appears to be an over animated pose, especially compared to the pose being struck by Gisele? Why couldn’t he be dressed nicely?” After all, LeBron is the first black man to grace the cover of the magazine. I also wondered what the cover was suppose to convey.
The list of black men who have made poor decisions with regard to their image is long. This list of black men who have repeatedly made poor decisions with regard to their image may be longer. Cuba Gooding, Jr., is the first name that comes to my mind. When you look at his entire body of work (feature films, TV and commercials) this guy appears to have selected more "bufoon-like" roles than any other black male actor in recent years. He actually won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Rod Tidwell, the "jackass" wide receiver in the movie "Jerry Maguire" who clowns and yells, "Show me the money!" Are you kidding me? One could argue that winning an Oscar for that role set black men back two decades. Have you seen Cuba Gooding, Jr., in the Haines underwear commercials with Michael Jordan? Could he be portrayed any dumber? (He sniffs a pair of underwear, annouces to a crowd that he's wearing Jordan's underwear and hugs Jordan tightly as he gets turned on by the feel of the soft cotton). Give me a break!
Why do some black men continue to take these stereotypical roles that portray black men as "less than?" I don't want to hear anything about money. I know money is a part of it, but money is not everything. Perhaps some of these brothers don't know any better. They do not understand how important it is to have positive images of black men in the mass media.
ESPN.com columnist Jemele Hill has a unique view of this situation. Read a little bit of what she had to say:
“LeBron making the cover is a good thing. But the pose, not so much. LeBron’s image clearly means a lot to him, maybe even as much as pursuing a championship. And that’s why I can’t understand why he would allow Vogue to feature him with supermodel Gisele Bundchen in such a distasteful manner.”
LeBron James has a perspective. ”I was just having fun with it, I was just showing a little emotion,” James said Saturday, according to Ohio’s Beacon Journal. “We had a few looks and that was the best one we had. Everything my name is on is going to be criticized, in a good way or a bad way. Who cares, honestly, at the end of the day.” ”I am happy with it, absolutely,” James said.
Hill’s column rightly points out other notable black athletes being presented in photos as angry, overly aggressive, overly sexual, or just plain emasculated. She cites the 2002 Sports Illustrated cover that featured Charles Barkley chained like a slave. Ricky Williams wearing a wedding dress on an ESPN The Magazine cover in 1999. And while it didn’t appear in a magazine, the Terrell Owens-Nicolette Sheridan intimate-encounter tease for