Obama Rises in New Era of Black Politicians.

[illinoisprogressive]

In the next few months, TV spots in New Hampshire will start promoting an African American candidate described as a rising star of a new generation, with Chicago roots, Ivy League credentials and a message of hope and idealism.

But Sen. Barack Obama's ads won't be the first such appeal heard in New Hampshire. Just one year ago, many voters who watch Boston television received a similar message from another youthful-looking black Democrat on the rise, Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Deval L. Patrick.

"To some extent, has laid the groundwork for Obama and the way he campaigns," said Dan Payne, a Boston-based Democratic strategist who briefly advised Patrick.

Although Obama (Ill.) has forged a path as the first African American with a serious chance of becoming president, his rise coincides with the emergence of a whole cohort of black politicians who share similar résumés and ideology. Raised in the post-civil rights era, they attended elite schools, built coalitions of white and black supporters, and cast themselves as agents of change, even if they were running to succeed other African Americans.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072702455.html

[Grandrose]

1. Excellent! K&R

Wonderful and insightful article that presents how very different and historical this election will be. As a African-American of the older generation, I am so happy to see the fruits of the civil rights struggle!
Whatever happens with the Obama campaign, the goal to Dr. King's Dream is continuing! :) :kick:

[journalist3072]

2. Something to keep in mind

I think that we, as African-Americans, also need to keep in mind that just because someone looks like us, doesn't necessarily mean they share our values or interests.

I really disagree with people like Tom Joyner who are encouraging people to vote for Obama simply because he's Black. I think it does a huge disservice to our community. I was really disappointed when Tom had Rep. Kendrid Meek of Florida on, and Meek has endorsed Sen. Clinton. Tom said to him "There's a black man running for President...why aren't you endorsing Barack Obama?"

I do not hesitate to say that if someone said they were endorsing Clinton, or Edwards, or Kucinich just because they are White, we would be outraged (and rightly so).

Instead, we need to be encouraging people to vote for their own best interests, whether they determine that means voting for Obama, or Clinton, Edwards, etc.

Many in our community seem to be focused on the fact that we could make history next year by electing one of our own as President. And I certainly think that we should try to break down barriers at every chance we get.

However, all history is not worth making. I think Colin Powell and Condi Rice are prime examples of that.

[Nedsdag]

4. How did Meek respond to Joyner?

n/t

[Grandrose]

5. Your points are well taken....

Only African-Americans are questioned about voting for someone in our race, even when we do share the same values and interests and that is wrong.
We do not have to apologize for supporting our own people!

I thought the civil rights movement was about equality and as the article showed how they worked hard to have the education and credentials!

For most of my life there were only White people for us to vote for and they did not always share my values or interests, but I supported the Democratic Party and voted and most of time our votes are taken for granted.

Why is no one insulted when reports that AA people will support Hillary not so much because of her...but because we love and appreciate what her husband has done for us? I find it upsetting we are thought to have so little self respect as not to consider our own best interests and priorities!

Tom Joyner is a pompous, ignorant loud mouth and likes to hear himself talk and I am willing to bet that Obama would not appreciate any divisiveness on his behalf.

This African-American is not ashamed to be proud of Obama and others who are doing their very best to honor those who suffered and died for all our rights. :)

[BluegrassDem]

3. I didn't known about Lt. Gov. Brown of Maryland

Can some Marylanders fill us in about him? He seems to have a compelling background, and even has military experience.