Harry Reid Is Not a Racist
by Joseph C. PhillipsHarry Reid is not racist and Republican calls for his resignation are misguided. There I said it.
The senate majority leader has recently come under fire for remarks attributed to him in the new book “Game Change.” Authors Mark Halperin and John Heilemann say that in 2008 Reid described then candidate Obama as a ” ‘light-skinned’ African American ‘with no Negro dialect unless he wanted to have one.’” The comments have been seen by some as being racially insensitive.
Reid’s defenders argue that he was merely making the point that Americans were ready to elect a black president (or at least a light- skinned black president. Baby steps.) DNC chair Tim Kaine insisted that Reid’s remarks were offered in the context of saying something positive about the Obama candidacy and why his candidacy would be strong.
What remains unclear is why we weren’t treated to an equal amount of gushing about Obama’s vast executive experience and his readiness to lead. Instead, these titans of liberalism were most impressed that Obama was Black but not too black and well spoken enough not to offend the racial sensibilities of voters. It was also a plus that he was able to turn on a “negro dialect” when speaking to Black audiences. (Actually the same could have been said of Hillary Clinton. She is also light skinned with a habit of turning on a “Black dialect” when speaking before black audiences. Recall her chicken necking as she quoted lyrics from an old “negro” spiritual: “I ain’t no ways tired.” Really Hillary? But I digress.)
I would be remiss if I failed to point out that the racial sensibilities Reid and company were concerned with offending were those of liberals. Reid was not mentally tallying the votes of Republicans, but Democrats!
Certainly Senator Reid is behind the times. Who uses the word “negro” anymore? The accepted term is “people of color,” which, for what it’s worth, sounds way to close too colored people for my tastes. But do Reid’s comments really rise to occasion GOP outrage, which, let’s be honest is a bit contrived?
Is there a double standard? Absolutely! There is also a growing sensitivity to public speech that has corrupted our sense of proportion. If one must resign for speaking the truth – Obama is light skinned, well spoken and does have a habit of turning on the “flava” when he speaks before Black audiences – what is the penalty for saying something truly outrageous? Calling for the head of Harry Reid only succeeds in making legitimate liberal outrage over the similarly innocuous uttering’s by others. If we continue down this path I fear we will end up a nation unable to govern itself because we will be unable to speak lest we offend someone.somewhere.
Moreover, these displays of outrage miss the real substance of Reid’s intimations.
What is now clear for all to see is the new lefts political calculation vis a vi race. For the left there can be no post racial America because for the new left race is a chief weapon in their arsenal. Their use of race and racism is premeditated; it is a commodity to be traded in the political market. THAT should be the focus of GOP outrage; that should be what the media is talking about; that should be the cause of our national indignation.
There was another interesting bit of “dish” found in “Game Change.” In an effort to gain the endorsement of Massachusetts senator Edward Kennedy for his wife, former President Bill Clinton reportedly said to the liberal icon about Obama, “A few years ago, this guy would have been getting us coffee.” According to the book, Kennedy was offended by the remarks and ultimately gave his support to Obama. In a subsequent conversation Clinton griped, “The only reason you are endorsing him is because he is black. Let’s just be clear.”
According to Harry Reid and Tim Kaine Clinton was quite correct; were it not for his light skin and his ability to speak like a “negro” when he has to he would still be a junior senator from Illinois and not the President of the United States.
2+2=4
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72 Comments
Agreed. He is a moron.
You're absolutely correct, Joe. I do not want Pinky to resign. I want him to LOSE this November. And in the meantime, Jim DeMint and the rest of the GOP Senate should continue to fight the good fight. Harry Reid is a moron.
Cheers, Frank
Agreed. I'm tired of politicians being hounded out of office for stupidity like this. It's a cheap victory for their opponents. Better to see them actually REJECTED by voters – much more satisfying in the end.
Reid's comments, as inappropriate as they were, merely reflect the beliefs of his like-minded politicians and hollywood types. Is Alicia Keys dark? Beyonce? Mariah Carey? I don't think so. It's all about marketability / electability. Reid knows what demographics his party needs to win elections
The most common reaction I've seen around here (DC), especially from younger African Americans, is that Reid is an old white guy and old white guys just talk like that. His statement wasn't offensive – merely uninformed. If my acquaintances aren't up in arms about Reid's statement, I don't see any reason why I should be – other than payback, but that's more trouble than Reid's worth. Again, as the other commenter said above, I'd rather see him voted out than removed for something non-policy-related.
Good piece, Mr. Phillips. You cut through the chaff and tell it like it is.
Correct that the GOP's most effective tack would be to emphasize the double standard, and to ask, again and again, "If a Republican had said the exact same thing, would he not be excoriated by the press and the opinion leaders of the Democratic Party?"
I wish the RNC (Steele) had said something to effect of: Mr. Reids comments are similar to those that have offended many people across this nation. Whether or not they are worth getting upset over is for each person to decide. And it is up to the DNC and the voters of Nevada to decise what if anything should be done. We will continue to work against Mr. Reid for his stances on the prescient issues.
or something like that. This school ground "he hit me first" baloney did nothing to help, and makes the Republicans look petty.
ther was no way to win this, I'm not a power player and I could see that.
Worthwhile to note, too, that Reid belongs to the Mormon Church, membership in which, to critics, makes a person racist until proven innocent .
What's ironic is Harry Reid is Mormon, and most Mormons are called racist, especially in politics. But Harry seems to be the exception. I guess if you are a card carrying Democrat, you get a pass.
BTW, SHAMELESS PLUG
See the preview to my new film, The Last Eagle Scout. go to lasteaglescout.com
What's ironic is Harry Reid is Mormon, which for many people means racist. I guess being a card-carrying Democrat means more. I think I will join the Dems, then I can have pass too.
BTW SHAMELESS PLUG!!!
See the preview to my new film, The Last Eagle Scout:
lasteaglescout.com
Why are you offended by a factual statement about a person's skin tone?
There is a chill wind in the air. I heard somewhere, that if Elmer Fudd is defrocked of his robes, the tool in line is none other than the senior senator from NY Schumer. He's Reid to the 10th power… nasty, partison and beats Biden with the supercillious smirk. So be careful what you wish for.
Bravo Mr. Phillips!
You hit the nail on the head.
Why are we dissecting language at the expense of governing?
Have we lost our collective minds?
When I watch Cspan I keep waiting to see Rod Serling walk into the picture.
So the accepted term now is "people of color"? Who says?
Black is the absence of color. White is comprised of all colors. Hasn't anyone seen a color wheel before?
I am tired of having to figure out what the new term to call black people is. Black, African-American, Negro, Colored…come on! Maybe we should just call you non-white since you can't come up with a term.
Besides, who is white? Even my ass is more of an off white and it's about as white as you're gonna see.
[...] original post here: Harry Reid Is Not a Racist This entry is filed under America – Blogs, Big Hollywood. You can follow any responses to this [...]
So is what he said (trying to make something negative into a positive) similar to what Jr Samples said on Hee-Haw – "For a fat girl, you sure don't sweat much"
Actually, a smart politician would say:
"The Democrats are primarily intrested in the color of your skin, per Mr Reid's statements and the defense of the party about them. Republicans only care about what is inside the skin."
Or words to that effect.
Hey! A moron is a moron no matter how you excuse the inappropriate behavior. I don't want Reid to resign, though. It's good to have a moron in charge of the democratic senate. Just keep highlighting Reid's stupidity at every turn! Reid's days are numbered and he is the next LOSER in Nevada in 2010. That will be most gratifying. Afer he gets dumped, I hope the Republicans have enough sense to prosecute Reid for one of his many graft schemes.
I agree that Reid's comment was high on the scale of offensiveness, but I'm not gonna lie, I love seeing a high ranking Democrat have to fend off the knee-jerk raaaaacist label. It might not make any difference in the long run, but I'm not bothered if they have to fend off the same kind of garbage they pile on us.
You're right. Hannity tried to make the point you're making, that Democrat use of race is exactly the sort of thing MLK jr saw at the heart of racism: judging a man according to the color of his skin rather than the content of his character. For that reason Reid's comments were highly offensive. They spoke of Obama like an object instead of a person. I would be very insulted if I were The One.
I think that most conservatives understand that this is just a silly matter of someone using antiquated language. And the ill-worded statement was really about the voting public, not about blacks.
But I believe this is all an example of what Rush refers to as "illustrating absurdity by being absurd". The faux outrage is really aimed at demonstrating the absurdity of the Democrats' standards, and showing the public that they do not really believe in those standards themselves.
I agree with Phillips… mostly. Totally agreed that calling for this guys resignation from leadership was… unhelpful? Silly? Petty? Hackish? If we want to rise above the weird racial politicking and maybe act more like regular people (I know – asking a lot) we need to just call people out when they are really being racists and let the chips fall where their party chooses to let them fall. Eventually voters of all colors will see how racism is handled and get the message. Meanwhile you start talking in real life terms what your policies do to make a better life for everyone and give everyone a whack the success pinata.
Also, and how many times can I say this – STOP giving a platform to black racists like Al Sharpton. Why is he the arbiter of all things racial?
Hillary Clinton and the head wagging speech was jaw dropping. WHERE was the press? You have to call that crap out.
I prefer black.
What does it say about him if he thinks nobody would ever want to elect a person who was dark black? Is he saying his liberal friends are "willing to elect a black guy as long as he is not too black? uhhh… yep.
He has high regard for his voters. The truth is he was projecting.
He's just clueless, and let's face it, he was honest and told the truth for once in his life.
His dialect will hopefully be gone come November, anyway.
I think the GOP should NOT call for his resignation, because if he resigns it means the Dems could get a candidate who has a shot of winning. Reid doesn't, so let him stay and lose.
And I agree that the comment Reid made wasn't racist. It also wouldn't have been racist if a Republican said it, but 90% of those now defending Reid would have jumped all over a Republican. (By the same token, probably 90% of the Republicans ripping Reid would have defended a Republican who said it too.)
Great post as usual, Joseph. Please, PLEASE run for national office.
Likable though he is, Michael Steele's calls for Reid's resignation is evidence why the Republican Party continues to play the Stupid Party to the Democrat's Evil Party.
Focusing on Reid is ankle-biting. Reid's remarks were stupid and embarassing, and that's a good thing; it increases the negatives of the Majority Leader at a critical time. Calling for his resignation and citing the example of Trent Lott is stupid on a number of levels:
1. Why dredge up Lott? His remarks re: Strom Thurmond were even stupider, and said on camera. Reid's remarks were said in private.
2. Removing the inept Reid might create an opening for a more effective Democrat leader.
There's no shortage of bright, articulate spokesmen for the GOP. The small, stupid dinosaurs out front need to get out of their way.
I disagree, I think he is a racist. He basically said that I would not vote for a President based upon positions and issues, but rather based on the color of their skin.
He's calling all us voters racists, which is racist.
I don't think the calls for his resignation are as a senator, but if he (and his fellow liberals) is going to follow the precedent they set with Trent Lott, he should step down as majority leader. Trent Lott stepped down, but remained a senator until he retired at the end of his term. But, the liberals follow a double standard, so he will not step down as majority leader, and he's arrogant enough to think he can win re-election this year. I can only hope the people of Nevada send him into retirement and hence, into oblivion.
Reid is an idiot and we all knew that, but the truly offensive part of the comment was that Obama could, and would turn it on or off as needed. In my view that's indicative of how stupid our politicians believe we are.
Just watched the trailer, I'll give it a shot.
Good old Chuck "U" Schummer.
He's a pretty nasty little troll himself. They say the most dangerous place in DC is between Schummer and a microphone.
He has no class, no morals, nothing. In other words a perfect democrat.
True, he is a jacka$$, but I do not believe he could have pulled off what Harry Reid did with the health kill bill. No way could he have corralled 60 democrat senators the way Harry Reid did. He would have tried to bully them and beat them into it and would have met with stiff resistance. Chuck Schumer is what he is and he's pretty much in your face, so no surprises. But Harry Reid is a slippery, deceitful, corrupt and conniving sneak. Make no mistake, this health kill bill was bought and paid for with American tax dollars. It was not built on and accepted because it's good for America. Only after certain holdouts were paid off did Dirty Harry get his votes.
HA! HA! HA! Good one, Larr.
http://economics.gmu.edu/wew/gift.html
Reid's a racist alright, but to Obama, but rather to every American voter who he thinks is too racist to vote for African Americans unless they look more like whites.
I'm very offended.
Absolutely right z80, but I don't think it's "faux outrage." The outrage of the double standard is real, and Conservatives, especially those in media, have a responsibility to make sure the American people don't forget what the liberals did to Trent Lott and others and expose them for the lying sacks of crap they are.
Reid wasn't dissing Obama, he was dissing democratic and independent voters. He basically said we're too racist to vote for a candidate based upon statements and positions, but rather based on the color of their skin.
Right on, Wanda. Does ANYONE even remember the Tawana Brawley incident? He was at the forefront of a scandalous lie, and it made him a millionaire! I'd like to be a millionaire, but am unwilling to sell my soul or integrity to get there.
ok- an idiot, a tool, a nitwit, fraud, liar, and jerk…
But NOT a racist. Whew! That's a relief…
Reid basically said you, me, and any other American voter who's not in the bag for either party are too racist to judge a candidate based upon his positions.
That's a very racist statement. I have never met Mr. Reid, and yet he's passing judgment on me?
No, actually most Republicans wouldn't defend the comment. Trent Lott made a much less caustic statement that the liberal press and politicians jumped on. Republican leaders in the senate actually told Trent Lott that he should resign as majority leader, for the good of the party and for the senate. You don't see the same reaction from the dems.
I don't think he's racist, Ed, but his comment certainly was, but I don't think he meant it the way he said it. By saying Obama could win because of his light skin and his ability to speak the Queen's English as well as "negro dialect," he was also saying that the converse was true: that a dark-skinned, "negro speaking" American could not win the presidency. THAT's offensive and disrespectful to the American people, the majority of whom I like to believe have risen above racial prejudices and can and will elect whoever is best for the office. Obama wasn't elected because of his light skin, but because of all the (now proven to be empty) promises he made. He had a plan for the economy, he had a plan for Iraq, he had a plan for Afghanistan, he had a plan for jobs, he had a plan for this and for that. He had no plans! He, like almost all liberal politicians, would say and do whatever he had to say or do to get elected (in short, lie and deceive). It's right out of the Ailinsky playbook, and it's failing miserably.
I would disagree that that's a racist statement. Inflammatory, yes. Absurd, yes. But accusing someone of being a racist is not, itself, racism. If he accused you of racism BECAUSE you're white, then yes that would be racism; but that's not what he said. Perhaps you could argue it was implied, but I don't think you can make a strong claim about someone's position based on a mere implication.
Of course I should make it clear that I in no way support Reid in the least, and think this is definitely a gaffe of astronomic proportions. On the other hand, we need to be reasoned in our response. It's too easy to whip out "-ism" cards instead of focusing on substance.
No, no, no… It's BECAUSE he's Maj. leader that he's hurdling towards oblivion. I want nothing less than the same humiliation that Puff Daschle earned from voters in SD.
Cheers, Frank
You mean the truth as he saw it. His mistake was saying it. His mistake is his misapprehension he shares with Mrs. Obama that we are a mean country. That we are all like him.
Well, we can politely and reasonably disagree. My definition of a racist is some one who thinks about race first. And that's just what Reid did.
He's not stupid enough to actually state it, but it seems pretty clear to me Reid essentially meant Obama is light skinned enough to get a pass from racist white voters. By assuming we would vote based upon race, race is the center of thought.
I used to be on the left, and trust, democrats, liberals and progressives are some of the worst racists in America. They live, eat and breath race. I even had one moon bat debate using the premise that only republicans are racists. He actually said he couldn't be a racist (while spouting racist language) because he was a democrat.
These people on the left are obsessed with race. It taints nearly every thing they do or say.
Republicans are politicians, and they're just going to jump on anything they can. There's no way to avoid that. All politicians have one tool in their box, and its a hammer. So everything looks like a nail to them.
Because the implication is that the black race is inferior to the white race, so the more "white" a person is the better. Obama doesn't talk like a black person. His superior whiteness really shines through. It is so condescending and loaded with racist overtones it's ridiculous.
If you take his statement and Biden's statement (Obama is "clean" and "articulate") together you can see a pretty good picture of how old white democrats really view black people as a race.
These two were pointing out how Obama is the exception to the rule. Obama is unique. Obama is different. The general rule of black people as a dark, dirty, incoherent and intellectually inferior was not the case with their man, Obama, who was "light skinned" and "clean", "articulate" and he only had a "detectable negro accent" when he was speaking to the idiots.
No! No! No! He's NOT a moron.
He's a turd.
Wouldn't a little Hitler mustache be the perfect addition the the above photo?
I wish they would concentrate on the warped boards and the nails that are snagging my socks. Instead they hammer away at nails flush with the wood and concentrate on the nails sticking out at their neighbor's house.
I just realized when I read your reply that I curl my left upper lip up when I read \”politicians\”. How appropriate, but a little unsettling. My mom said it will get stuck in that position if I continue to snarl that way.
Thanks a ton
Well, here's to hoping Scott Brown can help you out with that today.
I agree with everything you've said here. Steele (and whoever else) calling for Reid to resign was ridiculous and not smart. It was a lost opportunity (and a big one) for Steele and Republicans to show how not to respond, but instead they went with the typical liberal response (you're a racist) just so they could shoot partisan arrows.
I was very disappointed by this.
NCEENO- you have it backwards- white is the absence of color, black is all colors combined.
So you must be the one who has never seen a color wheel…and no, you are incorrect.
Brown is what you get when you mix all colors. Try it.
No he's not, I am a turd.
He is old an out of touch, confused and drunk with power.
My ass is lilly-white (according to one of my black friends)..
Its not Racism when we do it
-Dems.
We love our man bird, the former high ranking member of the KKK
-Dems
Its not Fascism when we do it
-Dems
Its not our fault, it is bush
-Dems
I was for it before I was against it
-Dems
Its going to happen wether you like it or not
-Dems
The only problem with the freedom of speech, is everyone gets to speak
-Bill Clinton
Teddies Seat
-Dems, wrong, it is Mass's seat
"Their use of race and racism is premeditated; it is a commodity to be traded in the political market. THAT should be the focus of GOP outrage; that should be what the media is talking about; that should be the cause of our national indignation."
Hi Joseph,
Great as usual, but I need to think a bit more on what the GOP outrage SHOULD be about. A big part of me says we should simply ignore race as most of us do in our daily lives and I think at some point whether someone says negro or black person or cracker or martin luther coon or whatever that we should realize and be proud of the fact that most main stream Americans are not terribly impressed by racism to begin with. I dislike Reid more for his juvenile absolutism, which simply doesn't wash in the real world, political or otherwise. He reminds me of a 15 yr old in his arguments and the last time I heard him on sean hannity's radio show he sounded like a complete buffoon in terms of how we should deal with afghanistan and al qaeda etc..
Mr. Phillips – I applaud you. I also see no justification for the brouhaha over Reid's remarks. He was simply telling the sordid truth about the Democratic party's mindset.
What got ME was how Reid talked only about how Obama looked – but not about how the man believed. I wonder how he feels about what it 'looks' like now — as Massachusetts appears ready to tank for the DNC, Democrats are abandoning the party or office, our economy is in the tank and everyone hates the cap 'n trade and healthcare bills this 'light-skinned Negro' is trying to ram down our throats. Yo, Reid, how's that color of the skin instead of content of character working out for ya?
Said in the context of who people will vote for in a country where everyone is supposedly equal under the law, it becomes very offensive.
Mr. Phillips, I applaud you. I also do not see Reid's comment as racist. Unfortunately it was an honest assessment of the sordid mindset of the Democratic party.
What struck me about Reid was his obsession with how Obama looked but not with what Obama believed. I wonder what Reid is thinking now? Massachusetts looks ready to tank for the DNC, Democrats are frantically ditching the party or the office, our economy is in the tank and the country is enraged at the bills which Reid's 'light-skinned N*gro' is trying to ram down our throats. So, Reid? How's that 'color of skin' instead of 'content of character' working out for you?
"The accepted term is “people of color,” which, for what it’s worth, sounds way to close too colored people for my tastes. "
Just for the record the acceptable term for conservatives is "Black", Black people, Black guys, Black girls, the Blacks has many uses. It has been the acceptable and by acceptable I mean nuetral and descriptive term for us for well over 50 years and will remain so for another 50. Terms like "people of color" or what ever the fad is this week are uniformly rejected by conservatives because we reject the nothion that one can alter racial prejudice by playing a game of three card monte with a term. Plus quite frankly it sounds like it was made by an ex hippie berkley professor working at star bucks one night when he was stoned i.e. the term is so pretentious it just sounds stupid. There is nohing wrong with Black people and even if there was it would not be corrected by naming them something else. Sorry but this terminoligy tends to piss me off.
So will you also state that there is nothing racist by the use of the term Macaca.
How about the angst over stating that the country would have been better off if Strom Thurmond became President. After all Strom when he became a Republican VOTED FOR THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 a complete reversal from his position in 1957.
Sharptoon stood by Robert Byrd and congratulated him on his birthday and he spent 19 HOURS TALKING IN AN ATTMEPT TO DERAIL THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964. It's not a double standard anymore, it is not hypocrisy we are dealing with here. It is beyond that. It is the Doublethink of the novel 1984 at work here and that is what we conservatives are really angered about. Any conservative making the comments Reid did would be destroyed.
this is exactly right. Reid SOUNDED racist. But mostly his statement is just grotesquely cynical. "Hmmm, this guy's not TOO black and he sounds almost white. The perfect bait for those idiot voters." He insulted Obama and the whole country. What a savvy pol!
It's all well and good to take the high road but I frankly don't care if this makes Republicans look petty, they'll get over it. The Democrats had no such qualms with George Allen or Trent Lott or any number of Republicans they've hounded over small and/or insignificant things. Remember Dan Quayle or Sarah Palin anyone? Maybe Reid isn't a racist but what he is forcing on the country is criminal. Reid needs to go. If it's over something small, so be it. A bullet didn't Remove Al Capone from society, being found guilty of income tax evasion did.
But should Republicans have been out there calling for his resignation? Maybe the better thing is to call him out (and explain it for those who might not understand) and then let their own party figure out what to do with him and if not them, the voters when his term is up.
A BLANKET FOR THE COLD WINTER STORM, they will shelter their Leader at all costs!!!
In Canada, the most common term is "visible minorities". And don't even try to figure out which term to use to refer to a native/Indian/Metis/First Nation/aboriginal.
I agree that Harry Reid should not be expected to step down. It's much better that he lose in the next election. He was simply speaking the truth about what some DEMOCRATIC voters would like about Obama and he was right.
I sort of agree with Joseph, but not totally. Based on liberals and medias use and definition of racism then Reid is a pure racist. However, based on a sane world (non-liberal) Reid was just saying that the USA voters are too racist themselves to pick a blacker person with a more common black sounding voice. I believe that Reid was wrong on this issue as well, since Republicans would easily vote for any black person, as long as they were conservative and not liberal. Case in point Alan Keys, who is fairly dark skinned and black according to the sound of his voice. But then, it was never the Republicans that were racists en masse but rather the democrats, who founded and manned the KKK during it's long history. In conclusion, using liberal definitions, Reid was being racist. However, using sane definitions, Reid was just assuming incorrectly once again, that Americans are mostly racist.
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