Roland, are you saying that african americans cannot think as individuals; that they need self-appointed african american leaders to tell them what to do like an organized mob?

Roland,
Bill doesn’t need Obama or anyone else. He does great and mighty things with his charity all over the world. That is WAY more important than Obama or this campaign.

If the blacks don’t care for him anymore for using race then what’s up with them backing Obama? He throws the race card in all of the time and no one says anything. And every time someone says any little thing against him that he doesn’t like he cries racism. That was what happened that got Bill called a racist. You can’t call someone else out for using the race card when you yourself use it.

Bill just needs to go ahead and do his thing and not worry about what others think.

Cindy

Pres. Clinton was and always be a great Democratic President. Obama, if he makes it that far can only hope to be half the President, that Bill Clinton was. The Clintons didn’t play the race card, the blacks made a big issue out of a small remark, which was by the way the truth. And CNN and MSNBC, ran with it and made it a bigger issue. How come you are not making as a big deal out of Obama’s playing the race card? It’s time to leave The Clintons alone, find something to harp on. roland Martin, I don’t know where you get your information from, but I think you are playing the race card with the best of them.

As an undecided Independent, I find it troubling for the black community to question Bill Clinton’s commentary on race related issues while giving Obama a free pass when he uses race as a lightening rod.

While Obama is still waiting in vain for the Republicans to make race an issue in the campagn, it’s the Democrats who seem to be most racially conflicted.

In the Bush administration, both Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice have been Secretary of State; how about some independent recognition for that? Clarence Thomas is on the Supreme Court; seems prestigious to me; recognition?

Here in California, I find it hilarious when all the Democrats wax poetic about their party then run to the polls to vote Republican when a celebrity like Arnold is on the ballot.

The black community seems to do the same thing; Bill Clinton is their “the nation’s first black President” but then expendable when certain agendas aren’t advanced.

Maybe this type of thinking hinders advancement?

I usually like Martin’s insight and comments, but, for one, thing this debate is ill timed.
There are years, decades and centuries ahead to novelise Clinton’s legacy. At least wait for after November.
With Buffalo Chip debacle McCain just pulled off, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and the PUMA’s are even less of a requirement for Obama’s success.
If the ‘woman’ vote wants to go after the man who ’stopped beating his wife’ long enough to put her in a lewd bikini contest, let the puma’s go.
It’s almost like Rowland has taken Bill’s recent comments personally!? Let Bill go away!

It is really a shame that a man who spent his whole political career helping all those less fortunate, including, but not limited to the black community, can loose his standing in the black community just because a “black” man is in a position of power.(potentially) In my opinion, Bill Clinton did nothing wrong. A life time of work washed away by perceived racism on his side and real racism on the other side. Who are the racists, now? - Those voting for or supporting Sen. Obama just because of the color of his skin. I get why Bill Clinton is hurt. I don’t get why others can’t see that he was hurt, he didn’t do the hurting….

I believe the black community still respects Bill Clinton the same way as long as they believe Bill Clinton is a caring husband and he did everything in his power to help his wife win. Unfortunately we all make mistakes and when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place sometimes the message is misconstrued. As it was mentioned the Clintons supported having a black president in office just perhaps not in their time. There may be damage but this is damage you can put a band aid on and move on. I believe the “Clinton legacy” remains the same if people understand the positon Bill Clinton was in. Nobody in the black community has spoken against him except for the media so the issue might not be as serious as it is portrayed.

What I Believe Hinders Advancement is prejudice, in any form, and ignorance, in any light, and Looking Back, instead of Looking Forward, Clintons, all 3 of them are Old News, Yesterday’s Scandals, and lest we forget, Trials, Affairs (Many in Number for Bill) and Unethical Dealings even into His Foreign Affairs Decisions in the Handling of Bosnia (how many people Lost their Lives), and in the interview with Snow, all Bill could muster was, “I apologized to Bosnia”,…. Puh-Leaze, Give us a Break….

Roland Martin, you are SPOT-ON, this is a new world order and the old fogies in Washington can’t Handle It, even McCain,
it is Time for a Fresh New Face, and that Face is the Face of a Winner, Barack Obama and all he Brings With Him !!
We Don’t Know What That Will Be, None of us Know, But it Will Be Better than What We Are In NOW, that’s for SURE !!

lampe~~~I agree with you that Clinton is far from racist. I disagree about how great a President he was. He cheated on his wife in the Oval Office then lied about it under oath in a federal court. Nafta has been killing this country and is contributing to this recession. He didn’t finish in Somalia and only gave Al Quaeda strength when we could’ve stomped them then. So, he wasn’t great. One of our most charismatic yes…but, not great. Oh, and nice use of the word “Desperate” by CNN. You guys used to like Bill……

Roland….I don’t blame the attitude of Bill Clinton. What you did to Hillary was terrible. There was no excuse for it. Obama never said how great we had it under Bill Clinton. I know….I was much better off, no wars, and I was doing quite well. So different under the Bush administration. Obama never seemed to want to give President Clinton what he deserved as being one of our best presidents.

….Joan…

Why don’t we know what ‘new world order’ that obama will bring?
What are the specifics, not the generalities?

Lis Alexandra from Capital of Texas~~~It’s amazing how many people on here still think it’s all about race. I take that back. It’s not amazing. I live in CA and there are plenty of idiots here. What about the supposed 90% of blacks that are for Obama? You telling me that they all hole heartedly believe he’s the best? A group that doesn’t come out to vote often is going to come out in record numbers for blacks? That it just so happens the coincedentaly there is a black man running for President. How about you talk about that racism. Half my family is black…and you know what….many of them are racist.
And if you’re not sure what kind of change Obama is going to bring….then how can you be so sure it will be good change?

Joan~~~Actually, we were fighting wars under Bill. We just didn’t stick with them. Remember Somalia, Bosnia, you wouldn’t know about the covert ops in Iraq or Cuba. How is NAFTA treating you? It didn’t hurt when Clinton signed it but it hurts now, huh? And, up until recently Clinton had deployed more troops then Bush had. Whether in direct operations or show of force. But Clinton could never commit. Kind of like his marriage.

Gary Chandler in Canada~~~Who are you? Do you work for the Obama campaign? You’re just going to keep saying things that aren’t true until people here believe it. You no what a debacle is…? It’s the poll numbers you think are real. It’s the fact that they haven’t polled military people overseas. It’s the fact that they only poll 1100 people out 300+ million. It’s Obama thinking that the bulk of the nation actually cares what Europe thinks about how we should do things. I hope Obama’s campaign pays well. I do understand that this economy is hurting most everyone.

Sorry, Bill. But the “fairy tale” is OVER!

@: Joan “Obama never seemed to want to give President Clinton what he deserved as being one of our best presidents.”
————————–
Joan, The Clintons never really gave Sen Obama the chance. They lashed out at him almost from the start. After all their dirty deeds, you still think Obama owes them something? He doesn’t. They owe him an apology and — oh some money, too.

Bill Clinton never lost his “Black Card” (what an awful term). You have to remember Clinton was the enemy for a little while because she was running against Obama. I assure you, after November he will have just as much credibility with the black community as he before he election.

Jacqueline: Exactly what do you think The Clinton’s should have said about Obama? They were running a race to try and win the highest office in the land. The Clintons said nothing more or less than any other politician has ever said. Ask John Kerry, how nasty it can get. The only difference is that Obama is running, therefore White people no matter who they are have to watch everything they say or their called a racist. Is this really how you Obama supporters want him to win? And the News people really need to stop this race-baiting, No ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TELL ANYONE HOW TO VOTE,NOR TO THREATEN ANYONE WITH COMMENTS LIKE IF YOU DON”T VOTE FOR OBAMA< BLACKS WON”T VOTE FOR SEN. CLINTON IN 2008 or2012. IS this the kind of togetherness Obama has planned for us?

On Aug 2nd, I went and canvassed in Iowa for the Obama Campaign……….my partner in the job was black. I asked him about how black people viewed the Clintons vs Obama. He said the black vote was behind Hillary until the Clintons, Bill, used Obama’s race against him in Bill’s statements. Then………the Black vote shifted to Obama……..Bill Clinton did that to himself and to Hillary……………

Without repeating them, I agree with all the positives regarding the Clinton’s. At the same time, I recognize the negatives. But regarding this article and in regard to Bill Clinton as a racist, NO WAY! What he has said is FACTUAL, and this lack of loyalty and understanding of his hurt by the racist charges being hurled at him from a group who should have more understanding and compassion is a sure sign of who the fair-weather friends are.

There are plenty of race cards in the deck and they aren’t all being played by one color. It’s just that the deck is loaded and only one side, it seems, is allowed to play them and be indignant and hurt.. I will be voting for Obama. Not because he is my first choice, but because he is my only choice (and color has nothig to do with it). I surely pray he doesn’t disappoint me.

What happens if obama turns out to be a disappointment? McCain has already laid out his plan for us, so we know what we’re getting from him.

How many years into his presidency will obama continue to blame Bush & McCain for everything?

Kent; I don’t know exactly when you think that The Clintons, had the Black vote. But it seems to me Obama, has been pulling 90-95% of the Black Vote all along. 5% or less does not sound to me like the Blacks were behind her, even from the beginning. All PRES. Clinton said, was ” That Jesse Jackson had won that state also, how is that racist, if he had said John Kerry, had won the same state is that also considered racist? This has been a racial election from the very begining, with Blacks, thinking that Obama, is entitled to be POTUS, just because he’s black.

Golly Gee ‘Wet Willie’ it is kind of sad when the truth comes out!!
Reminds me of the story of - “The Emperor with no clothes’!!
But hey, you did fool a lot of people for a lot of years!!
After opening up to China in an unfair trade agreement, i am sure that you and HC have honorary citizen status waiting in China!!

Man did you miss the boat on this one. The only reason blacks supported Obama with 90% of their vote was because he’s black. Duh!

lampe~~~You’re exactly right about how Obama’s campaign has made it where whites have to walk on egg shells or be labeled a racist. I never thought I would be in a position where I was sympathetic to whites but I am. I can get away with actually racism because I’m half black as well, but white’s can’t even critique someone safely. I guess it’s possible. A Democrat and a Republican can agree on some things.

I think Bill Clinton underestimated the black community…
He forgets its a “new day” and that your every comment is in real time.
The days of making a statement and sweeping it under the rug or denying it are long gone.
He said what he thought he needed to say to influence a certain group of voters and paid the price.
But Bill Clinton looks like a saint compared to the McCain camp right now.

kim-chicago~~~What about Obama’s “typical white person” comment? What about “clinging to their guns and religion” comment?
What about any of the other comments he’s made. “New day”. Maybe for some. I could label what you said as racist.

The charges that the Clintons played the “race card” were not simply false; they were deliberately manufactured by the Obama camp and trumpeted by a credulous and/or compliant press corps in order to strip away her once formidable majority among black voters.
Why would the Clintons need to inject race into her campaign? There was no need to do so. Think about this for a moment: Playing the race card by either Clinton would cost her black votes. Playing the race card would shatter the coalition of Hispanics, white working class and liberals which usually turned out in primaries and caucuses.
Obama, his campaign and a willing press helped more in destroying the Clinton name among blacks and it is a shame. Yes, a shame when a black candidate resorts to race baiting and then turns and blames it on both Clintons.
I will not support Obama until he gives a public apology to both Clintons for the way he and his campaign race baited and played the race card. Obama
I am happy MCCain called obama on this race card issue last week. Good for MCCain for doing this before obama, his campaign and a willing media had time to turn it so it looked like McCain was playing the race card.

I think Bill Clinton under-estimated the Democratic Party and the Black Community. As Kim states, “Its a new day” and though he did much for his party and the Black community, he didn’t expect he’d become irrelavent and obsolete in the fashion he did. I personally believe that because he and Hillary didn’t “play ball” with the Democrats, they jetisoned him as well as Hillary. That was displayed by Bill Richardson who became the messenger for the Democrats. Is Bijll Clinton angry? You bet he is, but thats good ole politics at its best. The handwriting on the wall spelled, O B A M A and not Clinton and that didn’t settle well with him. Now people bad mouth a former President who did much for our country. Lets see in the future if they’ll be any paybacks the other way, cause they certainly are happening this time around.

Roland you should be ashamed of your self. Bill Clinton is a great man who did more than any other president for the African American community.

I can tell you this for a fact, Hillary had the black vote, including mine until Bill lost it for her after the South Carolina primary. Alot of us (blacks) weren’t very fond of Obama when the primary started b/c we didn’t know who he was but we knew the Clintons. But when Bill tried to compared Obama to Jesse Jackson it left a sour taste and than the Clintons started acting like they were entitled to the nomination as if they were insulted that she could actually lose to his black man. That is how alot of us took it.

And let me say this that I will always love Bill because I think he was best president in my lifetime and I hope Obama learns alot from his 8 yrs in office, except the Monica scandal.

I am a part of the Scottish-American community and I’m getting tired of all the attention being sought by other whatever-american communities. What will obama do to see that my heritage is not diminished? Why can’t he add Gaelic to the curriculum along with Spanish?

well out of the last 28 years, there has only been one Democratic President, and that is two-term Pres. W.J.Clinton. And I think that it’s ashame they way that man was treated. Called a racist, but I don’t see Blacks, turning away the money that his foundation, has raised for AIDS, in these foriegn countries.

Nicole; How can you fault someone for stating the truth, which is exactly what Pres. Clinton did? Who else was he going to compare Obama with? His choices were either Jesse Jackson, Or Al Sharpton, because unless my memory fails me where the only 2 other Blacks who ran for POTUS. Who was he supposed to compare him too?

Roland,

Your sooo in the tank for Obama ,why don’t you save your sladerous perceptions of race for when they are really warrented, save your race accusations where there is true injustice, Once again your bias is showing, you will receive an in the tank award, think before you type .
bet you won’t print this…

Maritza

It wasn’t too long ago that Obama rallied primary voters in SC with these words: “They’re trying to bamboozle you. It’s the same old okie doke. Y’all know about okie doke, right? They try to bamboozle ya. Try to hoodwink ya. Alright, I’m having too much fun here.”

But wait, Obama would never play the “race” card. Since Bill Clinton has been the best democratic president in recent history, until Obama can establish a record of major accomplishments, he will remain in Bill Clinton’s shadow. That really ticks you off, doesn’t it?

Bill Clinton is never desperate. He is one of the greatest Presidents and Statesman this country will ever see. When a minority race sees one of thier own(especially African-Americans) they will always do everything in thier power to further that pewrsons goals . That includes forgetting those “other” people they used to get what they wanted previously. Desperate no. A victim of reverse racism yes.

Bart from Chicago, shame on you for not knowing better.

Lampe,

The Clintons should have said they things they were saying about Obama before the race began, and before Hillary entered, which was after Obama did. They very well could have won on all their “Greatness” that everyone keeps speaking of. And yes, Bill was a great President. Not the best and definitely not “The Best” for black, even though I, myself voted for both Clintons twice. But I must say, My vote for Clinton was only a vote against someone else. I never cared for her nor trusted her. This race has proven EVERY doubt and fear I had about her, and has brought to light more of the false truths about President Clinton and Black people, what he has “done” for and how he really feels about us. I never needed this race to see their true colors. I saw them all along.

And on the notion that white people have to walk on eggshells around black people…HA!! Phooey! Since when? If that is indeed the case…then I’m loving it. NOW YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO WALK IN OUR SHOES— BUT JUST A LITTLE. Maybe just for two steps. Goodnight!

I meant to say my vote for Hillary Clinton was a vote against someone else, Guiliani

Lets quit the conversation about the Clintons - they are not in the race anymore and to continue slamming them on whatever reason is tiresome to say the least.

Before President Clinton started campaigning for his wife he appeared on Larry King who asked him what he would do if they lost - President Clinton replied that he would go back to his foundation work and that is exactly what he has done. I’m sure he would have rather his wife had won especially after all the time and effort they put into the race, but she didn’t and President Clinton went back to what is important to him now - his foundation work, work which benefits people the world over regardless of race.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

“New World Order.” You’ve got to be kidding me. There is a scene in the movie “The Good Shepard” when a mob boss is talking with a CIA agent. I don’t remember the exact lines but this is the jest of the conversation. The mob boss tells the agent “us Italians brought our food, the Jews the banks, the blacks their music. What did you people bring?” The agent answers “The United States of America and all you people are just guests.”
I didn’t say that with pride, but matter of fact. If you really believe in your so called “new world order” you’re living in the land of fairy tales. A great deal more than a black President would have to happen to this country for that foolishness to come. But, all this talk is for waste, McCain won the election the moment Obama won the candidacy.

Nicole…………Yes, my friend was speaking the truth about the Black vote as you have supported. Bill Clinton is the finest President of my lifetime as well………..the whole country was prosperous during his Administration…….everyone. I would of voted him in a third term if I could of………Lewinsky? Who cared. That was his private business. I still think Bill is terrific and no he is not a racist…….I hope he does what is right for his Party and this country though……….and backs Obama………………..

Victor: Do you really even have a say in this matter?

I still think that both the Clintons are true to their party, and great democrats. Their records are both more impressive than Obamas. I think African American voters are quick to forget how Mr. Clinton worked on their behalf.

Where do get off being the spokesman or community leader for all black people, shame on you Roland shame on you. Speak for your yourself. I do hope you aware that not evey black person in America shares your views and /or is an African in Diaspora or comes from a history and lineage of slavery. Those from Africa know their ancestral homes, history, culture and are independent thinkers who are in America for education, and a better life and do not go about blaming everything on the white man.

Obama tried to play the same race card he used during primaries on McCain and everyone saw through it.

Oh by the way before you fly off the handle, I am black.

Cindy there you go again
Bill Clinton is a has been and wishy washy, when he compared Obama to Jesse Jackson we all can see now that he was completey wrong and maybe that wasnt racist but it was an insult, jesse jackson wasnt smart enough to know that he couldnt run as an activist for just black people he woukd have to be for all people and thats what Obama is all about, for Bill not being able to suck it up and except a loss makes him a sore loser.
The biggest wrong about what our gov. does to us is that, they dont allow we the people to grow mentally or physically Mcclame wants to keep trying to drill for oil and yeah he says he with alternative forms of energy but they couldve incorporated that a long time ago exactly 26yrs ago if they were smart.
Get with the program of the future
OBAMA
ARIZONA RON FROM TUCSON

Roland,
Get out of the tank and report honestly instead of by race. You know Clinton is not a racist and Obama has played the race card all along. He is going to lose we are sick of the double standard.

Roland Martin needs to get a grip….. I guess Roland wants to be Obama`s press secretary.

Good Evening Roland -
I am grateful that you are part of the ongoing dialogue regarding this historic presidential election. You often say exactly what I’m thinking but with a much finer point! I do not believe that former President Bill Clinton is a racist. His affinity for those of us in the African-American community seems genuine. However, I think what we witnessed in the last few months with absolute clarity is the ruthless lengths that he and Senator Clinton will go to to win. It’s all about the win right?

Oh, by the way Roland, I`m a black male , also. If it makes any differnce. I voted for Hillary in the primaries, Obama will get my vote in nov., … I want a democratic pres. and it goes further than that it`s all about his cabinet. As far as Bill Clinton is concerned, He is and always be cool with me …

Love AC360 and all of the journalist and commentators that make the show and this site so unique.

Obama can’t hold a candle to Clinton and never will. Everyone benefited when Clinton was in office. Obama was installed by the DNC and the super delegates. We will speak in Nov. and there will be no caucauses to bully people and call them a racist. The primary was a travasty and is continuing into the general.

I am appalled by so many negative comments about this article by Roland Martin! These comments show that either these people have very short memories or haven’t been following the campaign very closely. This is the year 2008 and there are still some people who are warped in time– in the Clinton era of the 90s. What does Bill Clinton having been ” a great president” have to do with his wife Hillary’s quest for the Democratic nomination? Face it! She is not “entitled” to be the next president, and, most importantly, she lost! And it is already so obvious that she and her husband are very angry. And how could Obama even think of her as his VP choice when both Clintons have said over and over again that Obama is not fit to be president? And I am sure that the Republicans already have tapes of all the disparaging remarks the Clintons made against Obama in the primary race and are just waiting to use them if she is chosen to be Obama’s VP choice. To the Clintons: Get over it and work hard to get Obama elected. The Clinton loyalists: Get over it and concentrate on the issues. A reminder: Hillary’s and Obama’s stances on most of the main issues are either the same or very similar. Your other choice is to vote for another Republican to occupy the White House for the next 4 and possibly 8 years.

The deficit of the United States of America stands at $ 482 billion dollars. Eight years ago, when Bill Clinton was leaving the White House – the story was different. Under President William Jefferson Clinton the economy growth averaged 4.0; the economy grew for a consecutive 116 months, a record number of jobs for Americans and affordable gas prices. Today the story is different: gas is not affordable, unemployment rate is high and the economy is in bad shape. Although many will not want to credit Clinton with anything good these days, when he talks about the economy, you don’t get any preaching. He breaks it down for you in a way that your economics teacher doesn’t do it – better than any politician. So all of a sudden, in a bad economy, America’s best economic president’s legacy has to be salvaged by Barack Obama. Roland, Barack Obama doesn’t have to do anything for Bill Clinton’s legacy. When we go to the gas station or look for decent paying jobs for months and not find any, we are reminded that Bill Clinton’s legacy is in tact.

Roland Martin, like many others, keeps mentioning comments made by Bill Clinton were of a racists tone. And all of a sudden his work for the Black community, seem not to matter any more. Why should Bill Clinton who devoted himself to civil rights and the plight of African Americans not feel offended by the racists tag? Why should he not talk about it? Most of Rep. James Clyburn’s appearances on television were so anti-Clinton. On many occasions he spoke about Bill Clinton’s behavior when it was uncalled for. His attitude towards the Clintons should leave them indifferent. Clyburn’s treatment of the Clintons always left me wondering what his real intentions were. But I guess Clyburn has a right to be annoyed in a way that Bill Clinton should not. While the comments of South Carolina may not have come out as he wanted, everyone in the media forgets that Bill also said that Obama ran a good campaign in the same statement.
The Obama campaign has won the democratic primaries against the Clintons. During the primaries Obama, was able, with some good speeches, to energize some Americans. He has promised to change Washington for the good of every American, and like Gore, he would make the mistake that that new America would not include Bill Clinton or Hillary Clinton, for the Clintons represent that part of Washington which we have to do away with. Let’s wait and November will tell us. As of now, Bill still remains who he is- the last president who left a booming economy and the global citizen with a lot more for Africa/ Third World countries. Just ask Rwandans what they think of Bill Clinton. They will not forget the genocide but they sure will have a lot to say about his works on AIDS and Agriculture.
Godfrey Elali Effoe Junior (Baltimore)

It is like anything else with anyone else, you cannot talk about someone being fat but someone fat can talk about being fat. It’s the same for being black. Sorry folks, that’s just the way it is!!

The way the Clintons were painted as being racists was outrageous. In the long run this will hurt the African-American community. A white candidate with political aspirations would be better off in the long run focusing on Mexican-American issues. That is the reality and that will be the result. Simply put: The African-American community lacks “pay-back” potential for non African-American candidates.