Comments on: Video of Barack Obama’s speech on race, 3/18/08

By: Hillary C.

Hillary C. — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:12:33 +0000

An “exquisite balance”…perfectly stated, Joey.

Here is a man with the integrity to address these difficult issues when they are potentially damaging to his campaign, the humility to acknowledge the roles that all sides of the race issue have played in forming (and in continuing) this struggle, and the class not to disown a man who has been a part of his life for so many years, despite the fact that he may not agree with everything that the man says.

I fee hope for the first time in such a long time.

By: Joey Feinstein

Joey Feinstein — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:40:29 +0000

Above all else, what I appreciate about Obama is his stern empathy. He sees all sides, and through this invites us each to examine our personal role in contributing to the problems we as a nation face. At the same time, he celebrates the triumphs of America. I find it an exquisite balance.

By: Linda M

Linda M — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:09:44 +0000

I was so glad to be able to see Senator Obama’s speech in it’s entirety, and not just rely on the sound bites we get from the news. They are often biased and don’t give us the true picture. Thank you!
His message speaks to my heart and gives me hope that our country may be able to lift itself up again after 8 years of embarrassment and economic deterioration under our current administration. The discussion about race and the way he brought it forward in the campaign gives me hope that we may be able to continue the work of building bridges and working together to become better Americans and more responsible humanitarians. God bless and protect him as he continues his campaign and his work. We need more men like him to lead us in the future.

By: Mary Walters

Mary Walters — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:35:26 +0000

I think that Obama is the one who can bring this country together. After listening to him, he’ll get my vote if he wins the nominaton.

By: Da X Man

Da X Man — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:57:45 +0000

I love this man in the same way he loved his late pastor. It’s not about his shortcomings, failings, or his imperfections. It’s about all this is RIGHT with him as opposed to what is wrong with him. There are no perfect people. Hence, there can be no perfect candidates or politicians. It’s about Obama’s ideals and his values. I believe he is as good and as decent a man as you will find in this great nation. Why shouldn’t he be our leader? If not him, then who? I believe that as long as he submits to godly principles and walks by his faith all of America is better off under his leadership. Change is more than a political buzzword. Change is a very real necessity; and after this speech I believe it is also a realistic possibility. God bless this fine man.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:18:32 +0000

Obama has turned this cynic into an optimistic. I only wish I could thank him personally for being the ONLY politician to stir my emotions and inspire hope just when it is needed so badly. By addressing this issue, Obama has made a momentous leap up the ladder many Americans are just now beginning to notice. A ladder that has been hiding in a dark corner for far too long.
Thank you, Obama.

And by the way, his delivery was excellent.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:08:02 +0000

I agree much with the first comment, this was excellent on paper but not as impressive verbally as many of his other speeches…
I loved his honestly and ability to confront these issues. But I challenge the idea. .. if a white candidate should have stood and delivered a similar speech about the ever present divide in this country between the races.. would it have recieved the same response.. would he/she have been applauded in the same manner…
Unfortunately I do not believe all Americans are ready for Obama…..
I do understand race is an issue in the back of many minds as Obama continues on the Campaign trail… but when there are so many other (in my opinon) more pressing issues which face each American today than the color of a candidates skin … why is this the one issue many keep coming back to ..

By: StevenB

StevenB — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:06:51 +0000

Blown away again!

I have a job that allows me to talk with many people (that are friends) each day, and once in a while I will hear the phrase “America will not elect a black man for president” and it confuses me every time I hear it. I thought we had moved passed this in the USA. I have had friends, mentors, bosses, co-workers and neighbors of every color and gender. In my world we judge people on thier principles.

So… I have been watching Mr. Obama since his speech at the last DNC convention. I told my wife that night that “One day he would be President”. He is honest to the point that could hurt him politically, his message of unity is what we are all starving for and I have to agree with Linda “If we don’t go for change now we are all cowards.”

IT’S GUT-CHECK TIME PEOPLE! If you really want change, here is your chance!

BTW, I am a 44 year old , white male, 8 year RNC activist from Yuma,AZ. If I can see it you can too,

StevenB

By: Carole Cohen

Carole Cohen — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:05:50 +0000

I was crazy busy today but still had to listen to this speech…three times, once again just now through your link. Lisa and Linda have it right; he got to the heart of the issues and examined every possible angle. I have waited decades to hear someone verbalize this stuff like he does. There is a depth to him I haven’t seen in a candidate in my lifetime.

By: LisaRenee

LisaRenee — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:21:45 +0000

Ben, I think we are experiencing what is going to become my most used quote, “There is no truth. There is only perception.”

It’s been interesting seeing the various responses to this speech with it clear that not everyone agrees with the belief that DB expressed.