The answer to the question posed in the title of this post is no, but that hasn't stopped some conservatives from crying foul against a few members of the so-called "state controlled media". On the 11/18/09 edition of Hardball, host Chris Matthews did a segment on Sarah Palin's appearance in Grand Rapids, MI for a signing of her bestselling book "Going Rogue: An American Life". The segment also included MSNBC correspondent Norah O'Donnell and Salon.com's Joan Walsh. During the segment, Norah (who was at the location of the book signing) made note that the crowd who showed up to see Ms. Palin was mostly white. Chris agreed with Norah's assessment and added the Seinfeldian disclaimer that there's nothing wrong with that. Later in the segment, Chris suggested that Sarah Palin's rabid fan base has a tribal aspect to it. He went on to use the term "white people vs. other people" in regards to his belief that some of Palin's supporters harbor racist feelings and that she panders to this portion of her base.
Below is the segment from Hardball:
Predictably, this segment didn't sit well with some members of the right. They've taken it over the top by accusing Chris and Co. of calling all Palin supporters racist! I don't see anything wrong with either talking about the lack of minorities present at the Palin signing or commenting on how a segment of her base may feel about non-whites. The Hardball segment addressed those two points, but didn't lump all Palin supporters in the racist trash heap like some are claiming. As for the lack of support Palin has from non-whites, this has to be a concern for her if she plans to make a run at the Presidency of the United States. She might want to consider giving Tom Joyner and the folks at Univision a call.
Although I see nothing wrong with the Hardball segment, if people want to question why Norah and Chris made references to the racial makeup of the crowd, that's a valid debate. One could even be critical of the fact that neither of them mentioned the racial demographics of Grand Rapids as a possible reason for the lack of minorities at the signing (as of the 2000 census, over 67% of the population was white). But to say Chris and his guests called all Palin supporters racist is ridiculous! Some people are just sitting around waiting to be offended and I think that's the case with some conservatives in regards to the Hardball piece.
The footage below is from The Young Turks in which host Cenk Uygur airs and later discusses footage of Palin supporters being interviewed at another book signing of hers in Columbus, OH. All I can say is, "Yikes!!"
10 comments:
Ignorance does not necessarily mean that these people are racist. Lately, that seems to be the card that is played in the media, when anything bad is said about Obama. These people are obviously not educated on the Law Society, and have lost their grasp on the responsibilities of an American. Unfortunately the media is as blind as the people, and I think that with some time, Americans will become conscious enough to see through the "Fog".
Unfortunately, I don't see black people showing up to support any book signing or political figure... unless of course it is another black person they like... which probably makes them more racists than Sarah Palin.
"Unfortunately, I don't see black people showing up to support any book signing or political figure.."
Really?
So I guess all those non-black Democratic politicians that get elected are doing so with out the help of Black voters?
And exactly why would someone show up to a someone's book signing who is politically opposed to your concerns?
That was a real weak point.
Clnmike: Please identify any other election other than the recent presidential election, that black people have shown up to support in Amy significant number. Or any book signing period. I'm just curious. I crave your enlightenment.
Are you trying to be funny?
Both of Bill Clinton's terms Hillary Clinton's senate term, Rep. JOSEPH CAO (R-La), The Kennedy family's entire political careers, Micahel Bloomberg in New York, Mary Norwood in Atlanta has strong support and every white politician who runs under the Democratic banner since the 60's.
This not some big secret, this is public information. As for the book signing show me a writer who adderess the issues of black people and there wasnt any black support.
Now Im going to give you the benifit of some very thin doubt and say you are intentionally playing the devil's advocate and not naive.
Clnmike: in comparison to the number of eligible voters I think we know the actual turnout in each of the races is miniscule. in comparison to the number of actual elections the few you listed can hardly be considered something to brag about. Do you recall the large voter registration efffort that accompanied the last election? If the black voter was such a serious aspect of the voting population that registration effort would not have had to be so huge. Yeah yeah yeah, I know there are plenty of white people who don't vote regularly too. Buy we ain't talkin' 'bout them tight now.
Now abt book signings, are you suggesting the only books that black folk must support are books that relate directly to them? That's pretty sad if that's the only way someone is going to read a book or support an author. But to name a book off the top of my head, Bill Cosbys Come On People would fit the bill. But we both know he was dogged and critisized for speaking the truth.
One more thing, about my naivate. It wouldn't be the first time someone felt that calling me naive and being condescending was an appropriate manner to show their disaccord with my beliefs.
Xerox: Thanks for stopping by. As for the race card being played by the media in regards to any criticism against Obama, I feel that some on the right have blown that out of proportion too. The media has simply asked if some of the criticism is due to his race... they haven't come out and said all who oppose Obama are racists.
ThatTeowonna: Although I don't know what the racial makeup was for those who showed up for Bill Clinton's book signings, I can definitely see blacks lining up to support him. I won't go off into other instances of which authors I feel blacks/whites would support via book signings because that's getting away from the point of this post.
Let me ask you these questions:
1. Do you feel that Chris and Norah mentioning the racial demos of the crowd at the Palin book signing was fair game?
2. Are members of the right off base by saying that Chris and his guests were calling all Palin supporters racist?
Clnmike: I don't think Teowonna's point about blacks only showing up to support black authors they like was strong either. As you alluded to, people generally aren't going to show up for book signings if the author has a differing viewpoint from their own (this knows no racial bounds). That's not to say people don't read books with differing viewpoints.
Malcolm: Just a quick note to say thanks for disagreeing with me without being condescending or dismissive. Will respond to your questions a little later.
ThatTeowonna!:
Yes the naive part was uncessary on my part and i appologise, I just think you are way out in the ocean with your view.
Your question was about black support for white cannidates as i read it, and the democratic party has had the of unwaivering support from black voters regardless of turn out, doesnt matter the numbers black tend to vote along party lines.
Now if you want to make a case about not voting regularly than you would have to take that up with the party who does a lousy job of motivating their base to go to the polls which gives them an advantage over the right. The bottom line is that the Republicans prefer low turn outs because that weakens the other side and allows their voters who small in numbers still vote regularlly such as senior citizens. Race doesnt have anything to do with it age and class does. And if your under the impression that the Deomocratic party can do with out black voters than you would be the only one thinking that, since Left politicians in areas with black voters go out of their way to cater to them.
As for the books I do not know about you but I do not buy books that do not interest me, and more importantly I would think the authors are pleased that some one is buying their books as opposed to showing up and buying it only when there is a book signing.
Support is shown with money not a request for an autograph.
ok its clear that we all share different opinions... I can respect that, even though it is MY opinion that is out in the ocean. lol
For the sake of ending a never ending argument, i'm suggesting a temporary truce... i'm sure there will be many other arguments to be had in the future. Check out my blog sometime... thatteowonna.com
Peace!
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