When Will Hillary Bow Out?

Commentary by Gary A. Johnson

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

Commentary by Gary A. Johnson

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, 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 pastor and church members.

If you don’t like what’s going on, then 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, 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 to 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!

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.”

Barack Should Ignore Media

When Obama is doing well he is treated like a certifiable political genius. It is at these times that he is attacked most savagely. His ties to people like Reverend Wright and William Ayers are exaggerated or used as clubs against him. It is at times like this that media and political pundits begin screaming for Obama to change his tactics. People begin commenting on his staff’s competency and fault them for any perceived trouble in his campaign. Obama should ignore media pundits and political commentators; they are as changeable as the wind, and half as substantial.

Obama has been pushing forth a message of hope, reconciliation, and progress. I would like for him to win but he will not do so by changing who he is and what he believes in. As badly as some want him to come down into the muck, he should fight against this impulse. We who are observers and commentators of politics are often fools because we are often so caught up in our own idealistic bents that we fail to see the world as it really is. Obama’s winning qualities are the result of a person who truly fights for what he believes in and the political infighting that the politicos are hoping for would tarnish the quality of the candidate.

Obama should ignore the media, political commentators, and barbershop pundits who will clamor for him to do things how they see fit and then abandon him the moment their plans prove ineffectual. He is his own person and should act as such. Too many who claim to know what he should do are fair weather friends who are of no use in battle for the presidency.

Brandon Whitney is the creator of Homelandcolors.blogspot.com a blog that focuses on issues that affect the African American community. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. Brandon has political experience as an Outreach Director for the Democratic party and is passionate about being a positive force in his community regarding African American issues. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. You read more of Brandon’s work at Homeland Colors.

Obama Breaks With Pastor-What Else Could He Do?

I got a chance to watch Rev. Wright at the National Press Club and listen to what he had to say. He was smart, articulate, and funny, I even laughed out loud a few times. I have to admit that the reporters were trying to go for the jugular and he was having nothing of it. I also noticed that he was “showing out”. There were people in the audience who obviously supported him and they “hyped” him up a bit. Wright proved he was not a push over and that he would not allow the media to paint him into a corner. That’s all fine and dandy, but it won’t get a Democratic president elected.

The preacher is an important part of the African American community. I’m a fourth generation preacher’s kid so I understand that ministers tend to be good people who want the best and who are also as human as you and I. Anyone in Wright’s position would want to defend their name so I believe I can see where he is coming from. The only thing is, as good as the African American preacher is in our community, they can’t push legislation through congress and they cannot veto bad bills.

We have lived under one of the most incompetent presidents in our nation’s history. We have the opportunity to elect a president that cares for the nation as a whole and also has an intimate connection to the African American community. It would not be reasonable to ask the Wright fall on his sword to protect the chance for electing Obama, but I do not think it is too much to ask that he remain silent until the primary has been decided. Winning the election should be our number one priority, and since he is a minister I understand why it may not be Rev. Wright’s, but I do wish he would, for the sake of our people and our nation, step out of the limelight.

Brandon Whitney is the creator of Homelandcolors.blogspot.com a blog that focuses on issues that affect the African American community. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. Brandon has political experience as an Outreach Director for the Democratic party and is passionate about being a positive force in his community regarding African American issues. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. You read more of Brandon’s work at Homeland Colors.

Is Barbara Reynolds Using Rev. Wright to Hamper Barack?

Reverend Wright spoke at the National Press Club recently in order to defend his record and apparently the African American church. Barack Obama has had a hard time since his pastor has come into the limelight due to the explosive nature of some of the preachers comments. Regardless as to the appropriateness of what Rev. Wright said and how he said it, Barack’s bid for the presidency has been hampered by his statements. Strangely, the platform from which the pastor spoke on yesterday was made available to him by a Clinton supporter.

I’ve read Machiavelli’s “The Prince” several times, so it is entirely possible that I am overreacting to what has taken place. However, I don’t think I am. I see a “a feint within a feint within a feint”, subtle moves that could possibly hurt the chances of Barack using less than honest tactics rather than straight forward and honest campaigning. This is especially unfortunate given the racial dimension that this forces the campaign to take and the harm, especially in post Katrina America, to race relations.

Again, I cannot speak to the motives of Barbara Reynolds when she invited Rev. Wright to speak. Perhaps she wanted to allow Rev. Wright the opportunity to clear his name. But I will say it looks bad, and while looks can be deceiving sometimes things are exactly as they appear.

This article was written by Brandon Whitney.

Brandon Whitney is the creator of Homelandcolors.blogspot.com a blog that focuses on issues that affect the African American community. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. Brandon has political experience as an Outreach Director for the Democratic party and is passionate about being a positive force in his community regarding African American issues. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. You read more of Brandon’s work at Homeland Colors.

Like Him or Not, Rev. Wright Is Here To Stay

Commentary by Gary A. Johnson

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.

You can watch Rev. Wright’s speech at the NAACP and his interview with Bill Moyer in our video section in the right-hand column on this blog.

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.”

Sean Bell’s Life Worth 3/5 by Brandon Whitney

Many in the African American community were not surprised at the verdict in the Sean Bell case. That is probably the biggest tragedy, the lack of surprise. In a nation that is rabidly defensive of its title as enlightened and egalitarian a founding population has nearly resigned itself to the fact that their lives are viewed as having a fraction, perhaps 3/5, of the value of those in the wider society.

Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, and Martin Anderson are the same story repackaged in the flesh of the newly dead. Young African American males live their lives the same as anyone else in the nation save in those frightening and apprehensive moments when an encounter with an enforcement officer could quite literally lead to death. There was no conviction in the Sean Bell case or the Anderson case, or in many other despicable shows of force by law enforcement. What causes this failure to convict those who use overwhelming force in civilian policing is the same thing that causes the media to ignore missing young Blacks. It is why poverty in the inner city is ignored but in the suburbs is seen as an epidemic. African American lives are not valued at the same level as White lives.

Rather than lament our fate, or curse the founders for their short sightedness in writing a constitution that did not free our forefathers. Rather than scream and yell at White people for not fully understanding the African American experience. What we must do as African Americans is realize that we have no one but ourselves to rely upon if we are to be successful and if we are protect our brothers and sisters from such horrible endings as Sean Bell. This is not a call for separatism but one for self reliance. Someday we will be fully human in everyone’s eyes and social justice will really be a part of the nation we helped to build. Until then we must focus on empowering ourselves to the point that we can stand on our own because no one is going to reach out a hand to help us up.

To read more about political life according to Brandon click here to visit his column on the main Black Men In America.com web site.

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.”

Click here to read the rest of the story.

NEWSWEEK Poll: Obama Pulling Away From Clinton

Photos: Carolyn Kaster / AP (left); Mandel Ngan / AFP-Getty Images

In recent weeks Hillary Clinton has done her best to “rough up” Barack Obama and take advantage of his associations, missteps and inexperience. Despite her campaign’s relentless attacks according to the latest NEWSWEEK poll, Democratic voters aren’t moved to support her.

The survey of 1,209 registered voters found that Obama now leads Clinton by nearly 20 points, or 54 percent to 35 percent, among registered Democrats and those who lean Democratic nationwide.

One of the more devastating results for Clinton was that a majority of all registered voters now see her as dishonest and untrustworthy. Apparently her repeated story about being under sniper fire in Bosnia hurt her more than Obama’s comments that blue-collar voters “cling” to religion, guns and other issues because of their bitterness hurt him.

To see the results of the poll and read the analysis by NEWSWEEK click on the links below.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/132721

http://www.newsweek.com/id/132730

Accepting Personal Responsibility

By Joel Austin

In a fatherhood session I was conducting the other night, the fathers started off with that _________ and that _________. I stopped midsession and said we are going to try something new. Anytime we are to refer to our spouses, girlfriends, mothers of children, and ex’s we must start with “the woman I chose.”

So I started, because a teacher leads by example. “The woman I chose,” told me that my daughter would be out of town last weekend, and then my daughter called me and said she was bored. I asked, “Where are you? She said, “Home alone.” Eventually, I ended up picking her up. It was the reason why, “the woman I chose” would say something untrue that upset me.

What happened next was a miracle. The entire room became quiet, a revelation. We now had to shift all questions, all pain, all hurt, all feelings, and all responsibility to our first encounter with “the woman I chose.”

Understand that women allow us in, but we pursue to be let in, it’s called courting or dating. Why did we choose her? Why did we choose to pursue her? What do I have to do to make sure I do not choose this type of woman again? Was it her laugh? Was it her conversation? Or was it the 6 inch heels? Either way it quickly changed from venting, and complaining, into looking at self and explaining.

It is important to look at the path that brought you to pleasure or pain, because they equally show you to where your actions are leading you.

For some men in the group stating “the woman I chose”, reminded them of the inner beauty and the friendship they fell in love with. The meeting went on for hours. We could not stop examining our part in these situations we are now in. All day I hear, “Men are like this.” “Women are like this.” And they are all true.

The simple truth is; they are the women and men YOU choose.

All responses are welcome.

Joel Austin,President/CEO

Daddy UniverseCity Inc.

info@daddyuniv.com