Several months ago I needed some reassurance . . . .
In a 3-18-08 post entitled "Obama, today we must be convinced so that we know for sure, not just words, but know for sure, that Rev. Wright does not speak for you," I wrote:
On September 12, 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy addressed the Greater Houston Ministerial Association in Houston, Texas, and made one of his most important speeches on his way to becoming president. He noted:
But because I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured -- perhaps deliberately, in some quarters less responsible than this. So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again -- not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me -- but what kind of America I believe in.
I do not speak for my church on public matters; and the church does not speak for me.
President Kennedy's remarks were a success and carried the day.
Today the burden is on Obama.
If he is to be our president, it is incumbent on him to show us what kind of America he believes in, and yes, what kind of America Michelle Obama believes in if somehow in her adult life she truly has never been proud of her country until her husband's recent successes.
And we must know for sure, not just words, but for sure, that his view of America differs from that of Rev. Wright and that Rev. Wright does not speak for Obama and Michelle Obama.
For if this is not the case, then despite all of his considerable political talents and accomplishments, Obama does not deserve my continued support, the support of the American people, and to be president of the United States.
A 3-19-08 post entitled "Veni, Vidi, Vici. -- Obama's political performance in Philadelphia " and reporting on Obama's speech, provided in part:
The AJC's Political Insider in a post entitled "A south Georgia ear, bent to hear what Barack Obama says today," accurately noted:
Sid Cottingham, a white Coffee County attorney who is an Obama supporter, . . . sounds as if he needs some reassurance.
The speech -- let's call it what it was, a political performance -- provided the needed reassurance.
It was vintage Obama – powerful, provocative and full of insight and understanding. The guy is amazing.
As far as adequately addressing Rev. Wright’s comments is concerned, Omaba said what he needed to say in again disavowing them as wrong, offensive and divisive, and further adding that the remarks denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation, and rightly offend both white and black alike.
Obama also demonstrated a keen understanding of the anger among many whites over welfare and affirmative action that helped forge the Reagan coalition and led to many white males in particular becoming Reagan Democrats.
His speech demonstrated an impressive ability to timely and under pressure respond to an unfolding political crisis by tackling the issues of race and America’s racial divide head-on.
I remain in the Obama camp, and remain convinced that his candidacy can – as represented – transcend race. I also am convinced that his message will transcend party lines and bring Reagan Democrats back into the fold.
_______________
YouTube link to Obama's A More Perfect Union speech; and text link to speech (both at Obama's official campaign Web site).
On September 12, 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy addressed the Greater Houston Ministerial Association in Houston, Texas, and made one of his most important speeches on his way to becoming president. He noted:
But because I am a Catholic, and no Catholic has ever been elected President, the real issues in this campaign have been obscured -- perhaps deliberately, in some quarters less responsible than this. So it is apparently necessary for me to state once again -- not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me -- but what kind of America I believe in.
I do not speak for my church on public matters; and the church does not speak for me.
President Kennedy's remarks were a success and carried the day.
Today the burden is on Obama.
If he is to be our president, it is incumbent on him to show us what kind of America he believes in, and yes, what kind of America Michelle Obama believes in if somehow in her adult life she truly has never been proud of her country until her husband's recent successes.
And we must know for sure, not just words, but for sure, that his view of America differs from that of Rev. Wright and that Rev. Wright does not speak for Obama and Michelle Obama.
For if this is not the case, then despite all of his considerable political talents and accomplishments, Obama does not deserve my continued support, the support of the American people, and to be president of the United States.
A 3-19-08 post entitled "Veni, Vidi, Vici. -- Obama's political performance in Philadelphia " and reporting on Obama's speech, provided in part:
The AJC's Political Insider in a post entitled "A south Georgia ear, bent to hear what Barack Obama says today," accurately noted:
Sid Cottingham, a white Coffee County attorney who is an Obama supporter, . . . sounds as if he needs some reassurance.
The speech -- let's call it what it was, a political performance -- provided the needed reassurance.
It was vintage Obama – powerful, provocative and full of insight and understanding. The guy is amazing.
As far as adequately addressing Rev. Wright’s comments is concerned, Omaba said what he needed to say in again disavowing them as wrong, offensive and divisive, and further adding that the remarks denigrate both the greatness and the goodness of our nation, and rightly offend both white and black alike.
Obama also demonstrated a keen understanding of the anger among many whites over welfare and affirmative action that helped forge the Reagan coalition and led to many white males in particular becoming Reagan Democrats.
His speech demonstrated an impressive ability to timely and under pressure respond to an unfolding political crisis by tackling the issues of race and America’s racial divide head-on.
I remain in the Obama camp, and remain convinced that his candidacy can – as represented – transcend race. I also am convinced that his message will transcend party lines and bring Reagan Democrats back into the fold.
_______________
YouTube link to Obama's A More Perfect Union speech; and text link to speech (both at Obama's official campaign Web site).
posted by Sid Cottingham | 9:42 PM
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