We are like a mozaic - all parts are important to make the whole picture. No one part is better than the others and each, distinct section, lends it’s one characteristics to the whole.

I don’t think we should class people. I personally look European with my blue eyes but I am part Cherokee….not noted because of my “appearance”.

Don’t judge a book by the cover, you over look great ones and treasure others that are empty.

No meter how many endorsements or positive things happened during the day in Hillary Clinton’s campaign, the media are not going to report, cause they already did their choice… which means Obama is their man, so attack Hillary in every way…
Are we going to let Chris Mathews, Keith Olberman, Gloria Borger, Roland Martin, and the others to do our election choices…

Sadly, a race and gender matter until ignorance is defeated at schools and home. We are much more than color, race and nationality. We are supposed to be FREE, smart people with the privilege of making a mistake by our own decisions. But we are not. Not it America the FREE. That is why someone decided that we need delegates to decide for us. Delegates should be terminated. They are actually unconstitutional. It is disrespectful, unacceptable and a reaffirmation of the corruption in the process. Does not my vote should be respected, obeyed and kept? I do not authorize any delegate to think for me or to tell me that they have a better candidate to continue with the mess. This is actually worse than race and gender. This is corruption! We all should stand up and defeat delegates. If a candidate wants to seat in the presidential chair, they need to EARN it with the population’s vote not with the CORRUPTED AND MANIPULATED DECISION OF THE DELEGATES.

I don’t see why anyone thinks it is necessary to categorize people. I would like to think that people could get past these racial or gender lines. In a perfect world they could. But we all know that we are far from perfect.

I would hope that when people vote it is for someone that they think is best for the job and not because of their race or gender. I do think we have come to the point. Maybe not all of us but most of us. Most vote for what candidate best goes with their lifestyle or beliefs.

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

the blatently sexist press hillary clinton is receiving is so unfair. And NO ONE has truly called it out. You americans are a very strange bunch…you are ready to nominate a person who has NO experience running anything. Obama is a great speaker and i think will eventually be a fantastic president…in time…there is not time for him to learn on the job. Every election the americans continue to surprise me by electing the least qualified person every time! Clinton is the best nominee by far and all you give her is bad press….
canadian…lisa

most people laugh at sexism; it’s acceptable and even encouraged. such a thing would not be tolerated with regard to race. women make up just over half of the population and, just as blacks, are seriously under-represented in government and other facets.

i am disturbed by the media’s classifying into race and sex, but they also do the same thing with religion, education level, and economic status (thought the latter could all be regarded as choices vs. the former). i think that it’s shallow, superficial, and insulting to say that all minorities base their vote on their own race or sex. why not flip the coin and focus on the men out there who won’t vote for a women or the whites out there who won’t vote for a black man?

what kind of progress is this when people can’t “handle” having a woman or black man running because we’re so used to seeing the same old white, male faces? all the talk becomes about race and gender instead of the issues. and aren’t we becoming racist and sexist ourselves when we say that we want to vote for soemone just because they are NOT a white male?

This election is of such historical significance to black people that, I cannot understand how they could justify withholding their support for Senator Barak Obama. For four hundred years, blacks have chased the American dream with little reward. The result of this being that, some of us are freer than others. Some of us still labor work working in the field and some of us still vie for the great house. Whatever role we place in this culture, we are considered underclass citizens. The opportunity to see a man of color in the White House, for black people, is a matter of disconnecting our slave roots and four hundred year fight for justice, to a place where we stand as equals. It is almost of mystical proportions.

These candidates are equal in abilities and skills. Therefore, it seems that some black people are continuing to seek white confirmation of who they are. They are willing to toss this historical moment away in favor of keeping their favor won with the establishment. We have a moment in time that will never come around again to seek our own self-worth. Shame on us, if we chose otherwise.

All claims of sexism in the Democratic primary are rediculous. White women have been the greatest benficiaries of affirmative action in this country (about 50%). This clearly shows that they have been much preferred over Africa American males who have received less than 10% of the benefit of affirmative action.

If there were any truth to this claim, African American men would far exceed their current representation in America’s corporate hierarchy.

This claim is reminiscent of Republican tactics of using smoke and mirrors to mislead us and destroy our focus.
Mr. Obama’s popularity is clearly attributable to his message.

Jane,

Sometimes I’m afraid we might regress and start another racial war. Unfortunately, there are so few “pure” races now, we are almost the same. It would be almost impossible to truly separate us, wouldn’t it? Will we ever be able to accept each person for who they are or will we again kill our fathers amd brothers because they disagree with us?

We cannot see that we are bringing about our own destruction.

Annz

This year we have a woman who has more vison and ability than all of the current nominees so the issue is NOT that she is woman she is really the best man for the job–If we let her lose this opportunity to get us back on the right track I cannot think how many more generations it will be beore anothee woman will emerge with the absolut eexperience and ability of Hillary Clinton– I was never a great fan of hers but I cannot deny that she is resolute,strong brilliant and is the only one that can fix our problems– Men have had hundreds of years to get us into this mess- and Bring in the prespective and solutions to get our wonderful country back on track–

I actaully like Obama but he is more or a visonary preacher type ( with hype)- and we need a tough commander who can begin the first day to get us fixed–Hhe is simply not up to the task AND why are all the news casters allowing him such free ride - No one is asking him the really tough questions Shame on you all and God help us if he gets the nomination– Give him VP and let him grow on the job - We have not used our heads in thelast 8 years– We should not be in such bad shape but we are

I have seen the word “joke” twice in connection with this story - once in it, and once in the comments (in the story, a remark by an Ohio woman - HOW OLD IS THIS WOMAN? She must think the ERA got ratified and woman are ‘equal’ to men under the law (they are NOT), and second, by the commenter above). I don’t accept that the following are JOKE(s), and CERTAINLY they are not acceptable:

1) women and children make up the largest proportion of America’s poorest, most vulnerable folks;
2) domestic violence and child abuse are not funny in any way, and they are rife in the USA;
3) PORN, which demeans all, but particularly women, the younger and hotter the more so, is NOT a joke, and is a sick reality;
4) ‘chicks’ and ‘babes’ and ‘Hooters’ and ‘beaaatch’s are NOT jokes, they are slurs that NEVER empower women, but slight them;
5) the sexist attacks on Hillary Clinton are contemptible, and especially the remarks about her CHILD are NOT ‘jokes’, and entirely unacceptable in politics;
6) the Salem witches who died including a g-g-g-g-x grandmother of mine (and John Kerry’s) were NO ‘jokes’;
and I could go on and on and on and on, and it’s TRUE.

To say nothing of people without uteruses ‘joking’ about deciding what people with uteruses do w/ them.

USE your heads, Ohio, I say - I lived there, and you need to look up ‘feminist’ and realize, if you’re a woman, you better be one, ‘coz no one else is going to look after you, and that’s NO JOKE!!!

Black vs Brown

I was watching on CNN on how democratic Latinos are voting for Clinton.

I was shocked to hear in the news that Latino’s do not vote for black politicians.

There is a huge population of mulatos (black and spanish) in the Latino community.

How could we be racist of our own people?

I am not writing this to support one particular candidate for President, but more to express an opinion. I have just turned 60 years old and now realize that some of the things I wished for the world, when I was younger, will not come about in my lifetime. We will all vote for our candidates for different reasons, and that is our right. Some will vote based on knowledge of the candidate. Some will vote based on emotions. Some based on the candidates gender or color. Some will vote based on religious beliefs and some will vote based on a fear of change. If change is needed and not just sought after, we will need to take a good look at ourselves and the reasons for our choices. Common sense should tell us which of those reasons are good and which are not.
Until we use common sense and a true desire for which is right, a change for the better will always remain just out of reach. I have not lost my wish for the world. I am just tired of waiting for it.
I wish we would use more common sense.

I’m appalled at the media’s attention to the race and gender of the two democratic candidates. We should be celebrating that this young nation is finally acting as per our constitution, “that all men are created equal.” These two individuals did not make it to where they are now because of the color of their skin nor gender, but because of their skills, beliefs, values and education. And neither of these characteristics are directly correlated to gender or race, instead they are based on the candidates’ perseverance and love for this country. It is time that we just focus on the issues that really divide us and celebrate that we have mature enough to have candidates of their caliber willing to lead this nation. I’m a Republican, Hispanic, white female supporting Sen. Obama

I think one reason that race and gendor are becoming such an issue besides the obvious…is the two cannidates policies are sooooooo similar what is there left to choose from ….race or gender? (by the way that isnt what is swinging my vote..but I could see how that would happen)

Why is it that every time I sit down to watch CNN there is always a discussion on race? Why is this so important to CNN?

I would like to see us as a Nation move into the 21st Century each knowing who he is without having to discuss it every other day.

CNN is caught in some type of Time Machine and it is stuck on the 1960’s. Can we PLEASE move forward and start thinking of ourselves as Americans??

By the way, I am a black female in case CNN needs to know!!!

Race&Gender-

If Obama was not Africian American, would he still be where he is in this Presidential Race?

how can you have this panel with no black males? I guess our views don’t count.

White men as a block seem to be voting for Obama. Will that vote switch to a white man in November? Is the greatest bias in this group? I have spoken to many white men who won’t even look at Hillary Clinton’s ideas because she is a woman. Is this the group that we need to talk about…not the blacks and Latinos?

When will the people start noticing Barack Obama’s middle name in this campaign? Especially the relations to the Islamic world etc and will this hurt him. It is part of your topic on race and reliogion in politics.

When will we have anopportunity to be interviewed and give our views?

Black women don’t and can’t speak to our experience.

It is about time that we start addressing the rea issues behind the democratic primaries. Race and Gender matters and prof. Junn should started to point out very important questions regarding these issues. Too bad she wasn’t allowed the time to elaborate.

Dear ACL: I completely agree with your thoughts. I am Hispanic and a woman and I don’t like it when I am “bunched” into a group. It’s as though we are not individuals and free thinking. I was born and raised here and just see myself as an American.

The problem is that people listen to the Limbaughs of this world. This man is never held accountable for his mouth.

Just finished watching the segment on race and sexism and listening to the “panel”. Faye Wattleton had an interesting perspective as an African American female. However, while stating her views she referred to Hillary Clinton as Senator Clinton and Barak Obama as Mr. Obama. Ms. Wattleton referred to Mr. Obama not once but twice. Has he resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate. Could Ms. Wattleton”s bias be more obvious? Barak Obama is a United States Senator and should be referred to as such and Ms. Wattleton’s refusal to recognize his elected position is as sexist and demeaning as those who think Mrs. Clitnon should stay home and iron shirts. When are we as a nation going to stop looking at race, gender, weight and hair style and look at the ideas and solutions candidates bring to the table. I wouldn’t care what sex or race or waist size a candidate had if she or he could unite this country and bring creative solutions to the issues we are all facing. Until we demand that the media step up and report on issues of substance we will continue to be subjected to such nonsense.

However difficult these issues may be, I am glad that we are actually having a national discussion on racism and sexism. Holding to a civil discussion is the challenge. For all of those wishing a sincere conversation about these issues there are, however, a significant number who simply use race and gender baiting as a callous political tactic.

As an Asian-American Second Wave feminist, I have found this election to be the most personally compelling because of the larger issues involved.

I think if there is tension between latinos and black people, it may stem from missed opportunities on the part of my black brothers and sisters. I have watched my home town of Kansas City, KS change a great deal in the last ten years. Parts of the inner city that were mostly black are now mostly latino. There are more business owned by latinos now.
Regarding the presidential candidates, I applaud Senator Clinton, but Senator Obama is who I will choose in the March 4 primary here in OH. This is where I live now. The most important thing to me is that a Democrat take the White House and we have a true working majority in the House and Senate.

The categories are fluid and they are manipulated to grab power. The description of African American that Faye Wattleton gave as ” her history” actually excluded Barack Obama. The fact that he does not share the history of African Americans, his ancestors did not make the crossing in a slave ship, his grandparents never experienced the Jim Crow era, He never was a ghetto until he was an adult. He was raised not in Black America but White American and Abroad. Yet, for purposes of this election, the fact that he is more White than Black Culturally, He is no more African American than an Aborigine born in Australia. He is Kenyan, just as I am Irish. He is no more African American than I am Appalachian

It is the blacks that are making this a race issue. And to have your guest say that historically she wasn’t brought here. Do you think the Native Americans asked for any of us?

Can we all move into this century and respect that we all are here to make life better for each other… regardless of where we came from and how we got here. We are all women and men of many races living together. That is what makes our country have the potential to embrace the world.

Are you listening Billary? No one can improve upon ACL’s last 2 sentences. They say it all!!!! Issues…Issues…issues, dont bash one another over those issues!!!!! And to more appropriatly address these issues Billary try to remember this: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY.” “We the people” demand that you stick to the issues that tell us “what you can do for your country.” And abhor without absolution any attempt by you or your zombies to denigrate degrade, downgrade and trash your opposition. If you want the presidency, then tell us why you deserve it! NOT why someone else doesn’t.

I’m with you ACL….”It is time that we just focus on the issues that really divide us and celebrate that we have mature enough to have candidates of their caliber willing to lead this natio……” MOVE ON Anderson. This race and gender issue is dead and going nowhere!!!

I think that educated voters will vote on the issues. Those who live in difficult situations they attribute to being a result of their sex or race will vote accordingly. Hopefully the time will come when we can see the candidates as people who are offering to lead the country and access their attributes as we would any other employee….leadership,
ideas, background, education, stability; if we couldn’t see them as black or white or brown, female or male, we would make a choice based on more important attributes.

I hear often that race is an issue during this election. I disagree, the only issue here is, or should be, who is the best qualified candidate to lead our country into the future. Understanding that a number of liberals would like to see the policies of this administration go unhindered into the future. I also see that many citizens of this country want to go in a different way than that we currently are taking. Our economy is maybe the worst it has been since the great depression, our country has 20 something million illegal aliens in it that begs the question that if the country is on heightened alert status, many of our privacies signed away by the administration and this congress, we are currently involved in a war which this administration has done it very best to widen and continue and totally ignored the pressing issue of controlling and reversing environmental damage done by years of neglect. I believe that perhaps the MOST important question should be just who is the best candidate to lead this country and its people out of the apathy, the war, the stagnate economy and failed foreign policy into a future of prosperity, sensitivity to environmental issues and a foreign policy which brings us into a better standing AND understanding with our allies and other countries? Lets not lose site of the main issues and stop trying to create another division in the electorate.

I noticed with amusement your take on race, gender and politcs.
You had REPORTS on the Latina community and the impact on the Democratic choices. This is not the first time.
However you seem to stay away from the African American vote and the impact on the Democratic choices so far. Why is that? Why the double standard?

If “All men are created equal” how is it that a woman makes less money than a man for the same job, and a black man makes more than a woman, but still less than a white woman? To think that there is not racial tension between white, blacks and latinos is simply a denial of reality. Why does Sen. Hillary Clinton seems more of a target than Sen Barack Obama to be criticized and ridiculized by the media? Is it perhaps because she does not comform with the stereotype we expect from women (e.g. nice, young, pretty, emotional..)?

Anderson, Why did you only show R. Limbaugh with the magic negro comment? He got that comment from the New York Times! Why do the majority of your panels have 1 Republican and 3 or 4 Democrats? CNN always does this. Why?

I get so weary of all of the conversations encircling around the theme of race. Margaret Thatcher successfully ran an entire nation and accomplished great things for her people, if she was able to, would it seem so illogical to think Senator Clinton would not also be capable to achieve things for her country ? Mr. Obama is bi-racial, if I’m not mistaken, so would he be under the microscope to an even greater extent because of his heritage ? I’m not racist, and I believe women are just as capable of leading a nation as men. As a nation we need to move forward and grow together as a collective entity, not a nation of seperatists who charge that the current generations should pay for the sins of the past generations. Slavery was a tragic blemish on the United States, it should have never taken place. It did happen, but it’s history and it was done by people generations ago, should this generation pay for the sins of our distant relatives over 200 years ago ?
Nancy Pelosi is the Senate Majority leader is she not ? Is she not as capable as any other male who has held that same position ? Gender is not really a factor, if it were, Pelosi would probably not be holding the title she currently has. Race ? We are all part of one nation, shouldn’t that mean we are all Americans and race is irrelevant ?

I am sick and tired of the news media, including CNN, virtually demanding that we take race and gender into account in making our decisions as to which candidate to support. We’re individuals, and we can make individual decisions without dwelling on such irrelevancies as physical appearance.

The characterization of appearance as “irrelevant”, by the way, comes from Desmond Tutu. I’ll take his position over yours any day.

I’m 25yrs old and tried of the race and gender problem that plays a part in America. growing up I’ve lived most of my childhood life poor very poor. And I believe that we need some one who is welling to stand up a fight for the people. A person who gives the people their hopes and dreams back. For once in my life I want to feel good about America. People here are set in their ways they can’t see that the more they stay the same the more Amercia stay the same. there is a movement going on and for once I’m jumping on board hoping for the change we need. This change is going to help all and leave noone behind. This change want sale us out are leave us alone it will being us together. If this change is stoped by the old ways I’m done with voting for a while until I see a real movement happen again. Because it’s time and if we allow the same to stop change our lives are going to be more messed up. And I pray that I will be alive for that change. the change we needed yesterday .

How can you say that Senator Obama doesn’t put his race up front? His first comment in his speech after winning the Iowa caucus was, “You know, they said this day would never come.” What do you think he meant by that?!

He is playing up his race as far and as fast as he possibly can. Don’t kid yourself.

And what will the African-Americans who vote for him do, if after he becomes president, he doesn’t deliver whatever they are “hoping” he will. How disillusioned will they be then?

It is clear that the categories that are defining this election were created by the white power brokers. African Americans know the differences that exist within the Black communities. In reality, the Clintons have done much more for the cause of affirmative action for African Americans than Obama. By all accounts other than the color of his skin African Americans have much more in common with the Clintons than they have with Obama. It is because the White power brokers defined Obama as African American that the African Americans are caught between being seen and feeling that they are betraying their community. The White power brokers created a double bind and only by being absolutely clear about this can they have the courage to vote against him. This is particularly true for the superdelegates.

In blogging tonight on the issue of race and gender in politics, would CNN be gracious enough to pose the question of Affirmative Action in the upcoming debate set for February 21st with CNN as the host station? On the February 21, 2008 debate this is an isue that affects the American people and the American economy. Democrats and Republicans have different views on this subject of equality, specifically in terms of Affirmative Action versus the merit system.

Jane is very very sharp and knows her subject matter, just wish she would smile more!

I agree with Chris!..I noticed how Faye Wattleton repeatedly refer to Obama as :Mr Obama” while referring to Clinton as “Senator Clinton”….

I think it is interesting one of the many minority groups not mentioned are the first Americans. I am Choctaw and White. I am also an educator in McKinley county New Mexico. I am concerned about the major issues just like other Americans. BUT ! I am also concerned about and affected by the domestic policies regarding issues such as the BIA Trust Fund lawsuit, Casino compacts with states, Indian Health Service care, encroachment and desecration of Sacrd lands, and enforcement of Treaty Rights, among many others. We have been pushed aside by the Bush administration and now look to someone who will address our concerns. Myself, I voted for Obama in the NM caucus. He was the only candidate, I heard through the grapevine, talking about some native issues. While we are only 1% or so of the total US population, we have voices and votes too!

You once again have reports on the Latino and Asian American communties and how they affect the Democratic race, but no reports on the African American community and how they vote?
Why the double standard? You think by doing this these communities will all of a sudden going to jump on Your Obama bandwagon?

I am amazed at the lack of media coverage on the racial/gender issues. However, I believe this entire liberal fascination with Obama is due to one reason only: the liberal swing towards Obama is because he is the 1st viable African-American presidential candidate. Most of the white liberals backing him during this primary process is their attempt of apologizing for so many years of slavery and black disenfranchisement. Hillary and McCain are afraid to go negative on him because they may appear to be racist. If Hillary was running against a white man, the tone of this political season would be extremely different and I have no doubt that Hillary would be the front runner. Of this I am certain, if Obama receives the Democratic nomination, the American Jewish community will line behind John McCain en masse. The majority of American Jews, who usually vote democrat - will never support Obama. Although the Jewish community probably supports Obama on most social issues, we will fear for the safety of Israel’s future and security. Presently, the Jewish community, as small as it might be in this country, still supports Hillary. But if Hillary loses the party nomination, McCain will receive the small but very powerful American Jewish lobby. McCain will also have the very powerful evangelical Christian Zionist lobby supporting him, especially those Christians who are followers of the very popular Pastor, John Hagee.

I agree that Hillary’s press coverage is so biased that it’s appalling. But, men are doing major reporting, and I guess they just aren’t ready for a smart intellingent female leader. I am so disappointed in CNN, supposedly an “all news network,” yet they demonstrate such bias toward Obama and against Hillary. On Super Tuesday, Hillary was the winner, and yet CNN played Obama’s speech in its entirety over and over and over….yet, Hillary got a few short clips. What’s that about? I’m so tired of CNN’s biased reporting of this race in an effort to influence the outcome. That’s just not supposed to be your role.

And, how did the reporters at CNN become the “experts” that you consult? At least, tonight, on Anderson Cooper 360, there were a couple of more credible experts than the usual CNN staff reporters who now label themselves “experts.” Are you reporters? Or, are you experts? There has to be a difference. Reporters are expected to report the news in an unbiased manner; experts offer an expert opiniion. CNN seems to have confused the issue of reporting the news.

I must say that I find the media in America truly tends to distort issues of race and gender. No one has ever discussed the “white” vote until this election. White people have been voting down racial lines for generations, however, it has not been analyzed and dissected in the same way. I enjoyed the point that the Rutgers Univ. panelist said when she mentioned that we do not analyze the “Irish, Greek, or Italian vote” during elections.

Both Latino and Asians are a diverse group of ethnicities. However, what no one interjects in the conversation is that there is DEFINITELY some animosity and tension within their own groups. How come this is never discussed?

Sure, there are certain tensions within the Latino and Black communities, but a lot of it has to do with systematic racism, inequality in the distribution of wealth and educational opportunities that BOTH groups experience at the hands of the power and political structures in America.

I also believe it BENEFITS certain parties who have special interests in keeping the different ethnicities and races divided, out of fear that they would unite and there would be less control over them. A fear that they would join together and create a block of political, economic and educational wealth. These special interests groups and leaders can be white, black, latino or asian.

There are plenty black, latino and asian coalitions across the U.S. How come they are never part of the group discussion? Also, I believe a lot of this “racial division” is MEDIA HYPE!! So much of it is GENERATIONAL!!!

This is why I support Sen. Obama. He represents the future of this country and world.

Jane,

Let me first say that I am writing this as an African American woman. I am also someone who has a degree in Anthropology, Women’s Studies, and Public Health; I have also done a significant amount of work in diversity development. As I watch the 360 special, I thank you for trying to point out issues that are being grossly neglected. First, when people speak of either Latinos or African Americans as monolithic groups of people, things are much more complicated than that. There is little distinction made between race and ethnicity, which are not the same, in the current dialogue. The US, particularly Causian America, has a tendancy to lump us all (people of color) in respective categories based on how we appear. Nevermind that “African Americans” include blacks born in the US, from the Islands, from Africa or those immigrants who identify more with the African American experience in the US. Similarly with Latinos — they are from many parts of the world and comprise different races. Sadly, African Americans and Latinos have adopted these ideas of ourselves. Additionally, depending on what part of the country you live in, interactions between African Americans and Latinos may be very different, from solidarity as colored people and minorities to overt hostility. All due to dynamic factors.

With the current Democratic elections, most of us view issues through who we are as individuals, which are the sum of experience; our experiences as African Americans, Latinos, female, male, Asian, Native American, etc. Not is pieces, but in all the ways we are socialized and viewed by this society and how we view ourselves. So to try and split being African American from being female is ridiculous — in my case, I am both and experience the world as both. I do believe that for many, there is “safety” in voting for a white person, regardless of gender. I also think that people who jump to carrying the party line of the lack of experience of Obama, are people who have not truly researched both candidates’ plans on various issues and compared them. Or the ease with which it seems people will credit experience of one candidate and discredit similar experience among the other — i.e. law experience - counted in years of experience for Clinton, but not for Obama. I urge everyone to look at each candidate fairly and resist the tendancy to jump to conclusions that are, if we are honest, greatly predicated on racial and sexist issues. I am an Obama supporter. Initially I was a die-hard Clinton fan. But when a candidate and team attempt to manipulate the stereoptypes and social tensions that divide us as Americans, much as has been done during the entirety of the current administration, I do not believe that type of behavior, even under stress, will serve our country well in any way. I reject that behavior and accept the message and desire of inclusion of all and collective prosperity. We should not minimize nor reject the power of hope to be one America.

Well obviously it matters to alot of people. Alot of people are voting for Obama cause he’s black not because they believe he’s the best for the job which is very wrong I think. This doesnt seem to bother alot of people. The media is giving to much to Obama. All the media is always attacking Hillary but not him. Doesnt anybody see how much he is about talk? In the debates she always does better I believe. There not nearly as much people voting for her cause she’s a woman its that people are making it about it.

There are divisions over race, gender, class, and even the Iraq War.
I was more impressed by the Asian Woman’s take on the subjects
at hand than anyother woman. She was politically astute.

Let’s face it, it was/is the white male that has dominated politics,
and here you are Anderson, focusing on the movements of people
in this election. And there was John King, summing up what
the women were saying. You could have left him out of this segment.
Don’t get me wrong, I admire you both. It just flies in my face that
you are both white males.

The truth is we need grapple all these differences, and correct negative attitudes that have surfaced on the web, and in the media.

Jane Junn really upset me by the way she behave and made comments. While all others happily involved in lively conversation, Jane only talked with negative comments!! I hope viewers don’t think all asians are like her–very defensive and very unhappy!! I am so happy to live in America! My daily theme song is “What Can I Do America, For You?” If she is so unhappy here, she should go back to the country she came from!

I think “Uncovering America” is a shameless agitation of the race issue by CNN in a campaign where Barack Obama is running a winning race beyond the limiting boundaries of race and gender. Was this show really necessary just before the “must win” Texas Primary and others (for Hillary) where Latino, Asian, and African American votes can be decisive against Obama? It is so obvious that Barack is a man of color that we don’t need to talk about it or otherwise analyze it in the mix of issues. It is so obvious that Hillary Clinton is a female that it need not be pointed out to us by ” the most respected name in news”.

It is so obvious to this viewer that this program was produced to stem the tide of Obama support by fanning the flames of racism that have been circumvented by a brilliant and exciting political campaign where “we the people” are speaking again in America. The problem for corporate media conglomerates of America seems to be that “the people” aren’t saying what they’ve been “programmed” to say by media influence barons.

Shame on CNN….”the most respected name in news”!

Issues people face concerning the intersection of race, gender and class can only be “transcended” and changed if they are acknowledged, and dealt with.

Denying that these issues exist will only make them more hidden, and consequently more difficult to confront.
They are a part of peoples everyday reality and therefore need to be addressed.

It is a great misjudgement to assume that African Americans are angry with immigrants, both Hispanic and Asian, because we assume they are taking our jobs. Please let me clear the air, all AA’s are not angry about people taking our rights, our jobs, our freedoms, etc. I would love for CNN to find panelist that are not spreading this unfair undertone regarding our inability to get alone with other Americans. Affirmative action has no place in the discussion about the power of the AA vote and the success of Obama. Can we just be seen as Americans with the goal of accomplishing the American Dream? And although we are different, we ultimately have the desire to see the best president for our country.

Israel, Pakistan, India, Germany, England, Phillipines and now even Liberia. What do those countries all have in common? They have all elected a woman to be their prime minister or president. Don’t you think it’s time the U.S. got with the program? The U.S. talks a good game about being a leader in the world when it comes to equality of the sexes but in reality, American mindset is still stuck somewhere back in the “Father Knows Best”, “Leave it to Beaver” 1950’s where everyone knew their place and a woman’s was in the kitchen cooking and waiting for hubby to come home from the office to prop his feet up and watch t.v. while dutiful wife handed him his daily paper. It’s really embarrassing that American men still hold women in such low regard. Too bad, Mrs. Clinton. If you were in England or Germany, you’d have better luck. American men (and some of their brainwashed women) are still functioning in the world of the cave man.

The greatest challenge for African Americans in the future is non-black minority racism. These minority groups are jockeying for position in the US. Traditional white racism has been taught to all Americans and the existence of a color blind America is not a life in which we all live. White Americans are making progress with race. It’s evident with this election. African Americans have always had the daily burden of fighting racism, but when a black Americans have to fight racism from Latinos and/ or Asian American immigrants, then reality of this hatred for blacks in America is practically unbearable. African Americans have tried for 390 years to fit into American life. They have fought in every war and have contributed too many positive advancements in this country, despite of how they been treated. How much more must black America stand. Will when the hatred end. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for the civil rights of all men, not just African Americans. Instead of standing up for the rights of all men, other minority groups spend time fighting each other. Sad, isn’t it. It seems to me that the older the Latino or Asian the more racist. The younger Latinos and Asians are more tolerant of African Americans. Many African Americans feel mistreated by the other minority groups. It’s seems these groups want to copy the ways of traditional white racist. Many feel that if they act and do as White America, then they will be considered more close to and more socially accepted by White America.
Black Americans are a strong people just trying to make it in country that has historically mistreated them for over 400 years. They have been through hell and high water and they have survived and will survive. It’s just sad to think that no matter how good, Barack Obama could be for the country. Senator Obama is a man without many scars and scandals. The numbers in the polls have shown the ugly racist truth that the other non-black minorities would rather vote for his opponent, who has a past that is not scandal-free, because he is black. It’s all about his race. It is as simple as that. We as Americans must stop this madness and answer to the true goodness of a higher authority. Let’s judge a man by his character and not prejudge him by his outer appearance
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I can’t wait for an America that is truly free of racism.

I also believe by pushing the race issue we will find that it tarnishes all the progress we as Americans have attained. Senator Obama’s progress is a remarkable feat and he is to be congratulated on his ability to transcend and unite us as Americans.

He is truly a great American. We are all tired of the same old political stories of race and gender in politics. He must continue to take the high road on these issues that will divide the country instead of uniting us.

Let me set the record strait, Barack Obama is an african-American with out an american name which makes him an African/ Afro-american with direct african/Kenyan and White-American parentage,

Basically African-Americans ( Afro-americans) African Americans often have a distant white person in thier heritage due to being victims of american or british colinization/slave trade - slavery or american enslavement, and sometimes through regular relationships.

African Americans are poeple who have overcome the hisory of enslavement in america including african american/carribean- Black-west indian americans who share the trajedy of coming from a history of enslavement by the (mostly) english speaking British-American & Confederate american Complex.

The Atrocity of slavery in america and the west indies has come to define the shipment of the enslanement of poeple from african-heritage origin.

African (afro) Americans have had thier original African names taken away from them centuries ago during slavery, while barack still has his african name, african americans have been given Engish/American names which diconnect then from thier african heritage.

So Barack Obama is different than most african americans…..

Most African americans and thier families heritage have created the more civilized side americas bad history with black america, African- Americans have lead america to a new heights of science, technology and politics.

So let us follow one of the most outsanding leaders in American History who challenged America to change and created World History during her 1972 presidential Campaign.

Shirley Chisholm created a new era in american history and is not only and american political pioneer but an icon of world history.

She represents african/Afro-America in world history and is an example and outspoken model of a person who has broken out of the chains of slavery, oppression and atrocities of america and has created a New World for all americans to enjoy.

She is and always will be the political Leader of all America.

You talk about race and gender, why not throw in religion. There is a wide concensus that Romney may have lost due in part to his religion. Why is it so wrong to vote against someone for race or gender but the press, individuals, candidates and comics can trounce the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and no one raises an eyebrow?

I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MANY PEOPLE AND CLIENTS THAT OBAMA’S MIDDLE NAME IS “HUSIAN” AMD THAT UPSETS ME GREATLY, CAN YOU CLARIFY THIS FOR ME. I DON’T TRUST ANYTHING FOX NEWS REPORTS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO HOSTILE ABOUT CLINTON. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE TO ME AND I WANT TO KNOW THE WHOLE TRUTH INCLUDING MIDDLE NAMES.

CNN: Linda - It is true that Sen. Obama’s full name is Barack Hussein Obama. There are several other statements circulating about him that are false. You can read about one false statement here:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/22/obama.madrassa/

I am an Asian immigrant/American citizen, female and over 50 years old. I live in California and I am for Obama!

When I saw the interview of an Asian woman in Seattle about who she’d vote for, her answer was: that white woman. She could not even name the name!

I tried to think back my experience in the Asian communities when I just arrived this country so many years ago. I saw and still see a lot of Asian people like to bunch together to reinforce their sense of security in this *white people* world. A lot of them also stereotype black people out of their own ignorance.

The myth about Asian for Hillary? Some people cast the vote out of educated decision. A whole lot of others I talked to just think this is a *white people*’s country and just go along with it.

This election is neither about race nor gender. It is about who is best for the job of the next President. To keep making it a race or gender issue is a trick to distract and divert people’s attention where it should be.

When people get a chance to listen to Obama, they choose him because he can lead people beyond race and gender and move forward to a better place for ALL people.

Go Obama!

As a neutral foreign observer I am stunned that women are not more conscious of their historic instinct to suspect other women and to be more treathened by a woman than a man of any ethnicity. Since the creation of the American Nation we have had man after man in power. Woman are 54% of the electrate, own 70% of all wealth and do 80% of all consumption why have we never had a woman in power. Women have plamede men for this but the numbers say otherwise. If you go back to JFK and evaluate fairly every vialable candidate for election Hilary is guite simply the best candidate w3e have ever had. She gets no credit from women for this and repeatidly women explain why they vote for Obama ( an engenue) for the most absord reasons. That she would lose to Mc Cane; my cat should beat a republican after the destruction they have wroth on the US. Maureen Dowd says its ok for women to not vote for Hillary because having married a President she is not a real woman. Obama is half Irish half Keynia. Not an ounce of African American. Women will never support women. so sad. My mother a very strong Irish woman must be spinning in her grave.

I am Creole American on my dad side and black hispanic on my mother side. I am a female. I am also undergraduate in Sociology. My personal view is people should not choose a candidate because they are female or because they are black. This is DUMB!!! People should vote intelligently and for their rights. It should not be about this race, gender matter. Will this help to determine the economy? Probably not but the views will definantly shape America.
To the Republican Hispanic women, who said on 360 that Republicans do not use race is gladly mistaken. In the past elections, Hispanics have been used in George W. BUSH election with nephew Jeb Bush. Also Alan Keyes running to be senator for a state that he was not from.
It is time for Americans to learn about the candidates, be intelligent, ask questions, this is SMART! I think Americans have the capability to be smart about the investment of this country—My endorsement is the people only educate themselves. I am not politically endorsing any of the candidates on this forum.

I am a English-trained barrister who was at university in England in the 1960s and practise law in Malaysia. I have been watching and listening to the Clinton-Obama debate about who is the best candidate to fight the Presidential Race in November.

My heart sinks everyday with despair as I listen to the obvious biased reporting on Hillary Clinton. Herb DuPlessis asked a valid question: If Obama was not African American would he still be where he is in this Presidential race? I would also ask, If Clinton were male would she be defending snide comments about her tearing again and trying to gain sympathy votes?

For goodness sake, America, you have had 7 years of appalling governance by someone you chose because you allowed the electoral college to matter more than the popular vote (which had chosen Al Gore). The Iraq War is a symptom of what is wrong in your country i.e. not allowing intelligent, proven experience to hold the reins of power. By all accounts, Clinton has shown herself to be tested and her record in the Senate is there for you to scrutinise. Instead, you hear inane queries about whether you want another Clinton in the White House. For goodness sake, what has that got to do with whether Hillary Clinton based on her political track record is best equipped to lead the nation? And so what if Bill Clinton is back in the White House? Frankly, for many of us overseas, that may not be a bad thing as by popular belief, we think the Clinton years were good years for America in terms of your economy and your international image as compared with the depths of scorn and disgust your country is now held because of the Iraq fiasco and your country’s stand on Guantanamo Bay.

Your country badly needs a tested and experienced statesman to steer you out of the awful quagmire you are in. What you don’t need is just brilliant oratory and charisma. Tony Blair had that, but that did not enable him to acquit himself well. The popular view is that he had to resign because he had disgraced himself and let down his nation. To me personally, he had to resign because of what happened to the late Dr. David Kelly, the brilliant scientist who died in suspicious circumstances, another sad victim of the illegal Iraq War.

Steady legislating, handling of bipartisan lobbying, proven record of working for the underprivileged together with a brain that does not stop to function despite intense emotional stress: these are the qualities which the debates on candidacy should be concentrating on. By these tests, I think Hillary Clinton deserves to be pronounced the better candidate to take on the Republicans and eventually the unenviable problems now waiting in the White House.

I pray that America makes the correct choice for the sake of the rest of the world. For the past 7 years, we have looked in disbelief and horror at what goes on in America. Unfortunately, we cannot just shrug and say, it’s not our business to worry about!

Ms Chew Swee Yoke
Worried observer from Malaysia

Great blog comments, even those I don’t agree with. Had another thought after reading. Why is it that people seem to assume that African Americans vote for Obama just because he is African American? Those of you who think that — do you have any idea how insulting that is? You must believe that African Americans can’t think beyond a simplistic level. That is racist ideology.

Maybe so many African Americans have voted for Obama, because as an African American, the idea of him perhaps being president does not frighten us, in addition to liking ideas. Sure, some people vote because of racial familiarity, but is not that what Caucasians have done for years? There has just been nothing different to challenge you.

And if you believe racism, sexism, and classism don’t exist, open your eyes and mind. Acknowledge EVERYONE’S role in supporting bias, so that we can work with our differences as a good thing and grow as an American people.. PLEASE!!

CNN is not being fair about black and white coverage.

There is a bubble around Obama. If anyone comments they’ll be called racist .

The media can attack Clinton.

It’s that simple.

Can’t Americans please see that black or white really doesn’t matter.
It’s all about experience.

Try to break the bubble around Obama. He’s black, so what.

He needs to be called upon on all issues. He’s going to go against the republicans and will have to tolerate all types of criticism.

Hillary has been gentle compared to the attacks he is going to have to face with McCain.

We can never have a fair analysis of candidates with race in the mix of conversation.

This isn’t a presidential election, it’s more like a civil war.

Hillary has the experience with Republican abuse and will survive.
Obama is another story. His message is weak.

Go Hillary…Beat the Republicans!!!!!

Marvin In L.A.: I agree with you completely ….what’s sad is that these overwhelming number of comments about the anti-clinton bias of CNN has been ignored by CNN.

I started to watch the show and after 5 mintues turned the channel (seems to be a recurring theme lately). I turned it off when they made it look like Bill Clinton was racist.

Even to compare the way Hillary is treated in the media with Obama is a joke.

Sad, sad, sad

When Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 he noted that his signing would mean the eventual end of the Democratic Party’s dominance over national politics. He was correct. There are lots of people who will vote for neither Clinton nor Obama simply because they are not white males. So…we get stuck with Republicans who decrease our national security by screwing up foreign policy and destroy our economy by redistributing income and wealth to the top 1% of wealth holders. Why? Because significant numbers of voters who support Republicans are racists and sexists. Junn is right. How in the world can a nation founded as a Slavocracy ignore race? How can a nation that took over 130 years to grant the franchise to women ignore sexism?

Those who wish to pretend that we don’t have this history and it was not a dominant driver of the so-called Reagan Revolution have their heads firmly planted in the sand. You are condeming our country to failure.

Anderson, for me it’s not about race or gender, it’s about fresh and new ideas. With both Mccann and Hillary Clinton are Washington insiders. They will not bring about the change that is needed in Washington, If you think that Bush was bad, Mccann will be worster as for Hillary along with Bill Clinton they bring alot of bad baggage to the table. Sen. Obama is new and has fresh ideas, and why is that so anderson. Because he has not been stuck in Washington where for years like Hillary and Mccann. Whom are making claims that they will bring change to Washington, when all it will be is more of the same.

A few have gotten this RACE subject right. My point is simple. If Sen. Obama was White, would he still be in the race at all? I believe that it would be between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Edwards with Sen. Obama backing out at this point. Don’t get me wrong.. I do like Obama but I am sure he is where he is because HE IS Black. For example… I truly believe that Obama would not have gotten the support of Oprah were he White, Latino or Asian. Race does matter to the electorate. Anyone care to elaborate or debate this opinion?

So little of this coverage—even the focused approach of Cooper’s 360 segments—-contains substantive, helpful or positive aspects of these issues. Having lots of individuals and mainly political strategists and media commentators express their (often quite uninformed) opinions just fuels the fire.
I’d like to see these segments be grounded in well-stated and research-based definitions of the terms that are carelessly used: Gender Issues, Race Issues as well as a basic primer on the realities of how these issues affect everyone and how LOW our self-awareness is regarding how characterisitcs of gender(being MALE, especially a white male), race affect how we think, how we feel about ourselves and others.
Is it possible to start using a framework of real CURIOSITY about these issues rather than impatience and denial? Is it possible that we could, once we begin to listen and learn, actually begin to VALUE the experiences, the perspectives that women and people of color bring?
We might then, really, begin to live the values that we say we have!