Obama: “I’m a big believer in reconciliation and redemption.”

[sabra]

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/25/obama-takes-a-pass-on-race-remarks/

Obama Takes a Pass on Race Remarks

INDIANAPOLIS – Senator Barack Obama passed on an opportunity today to add his voice to other Democrats who have criticized former President Bill Clinton over a series of racially tinged comments about the presidential campaign.

At a news conference here, Mr. Obama was asked if he agreed with Representative James Clyburn’s assertion that an irreparable breach had developed between Mr. Clinton and black voters after a heated Democratic nominating contest.

“I never believe in irreparable breaches,” Mr. Obama said. “I’m a big believer in reconciliation and redemption.”

Mr. Clyburn, the third-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, told The Times on Thursday that “black people are incensed over all of this.” He added that there seemed to a nearly “unanimous” view among African Americans that the Clintons were “committed to doing everything they possibly can to damage Obama to a point that he could never win.”

As he campaigned in Indiana today, Mr. Obama sought to change the subject about a divided Democratic Party, particularly along racial lines.

“Look, this has been a fierce contest,” Mr. Obama said. “I am confident – I’ve said repeatedly – that come August, there are going to be a whole bunch of people standing on the stage with a lot of balloons and stuff, confetti raining down on the head of the Democratic nominee and people are going to be excited about taking on John McCain in November.”

[GarbagemanLB]

1. If Hillary was in the same position: "I think it is a valid concern."

[tokenlib]

9. You said it!!!! He is a good and decent man! n/t

[otohara]

11. As Far As I Know

I think you're spot on.

[ErinBerin84]

2. oh no...he said it again

"balloons and stuff"

STUFF-GATE RETURNS!!!!

haha.

[Pirate Smile]

4. My personal favorite is where he says "jack-up" instead of "raise".

I don't know why but I like it. :)

[EFerrari]

8. Because if he really were a stuffed shirt, he'd say "elevate", lol.

And he's really nothing like that. :)

[Cant trust em]

12. George Bush won two elections by talking like regular people

The difference is that Obama is smart and George Bush is dumb. So I'm fine with Obama speaking like I do and not using a thesaurus all of the time.

[EFerrari]

14. George Bush may never have won an election, ever.

But that Connecticut elite sure put himself over as a "plain talker", didn't he?

[Cant trust em]

15. Bought himself a ranch too, I reckon.

Someone's got to trim them brush back, yessir. Hyuk hyuk.

[lisa58]

3. I want him!...

...remember "My Cousin Vinny" when the nephew's friend fired his lawyer and hired "Vinny".

That's what he said, "I want him!"

Everytime Obama talks unity that's how I feel, "I want him!"

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. This is exactly the tone both candidates should take

Because as we near the convention, we know that one will win, the other will lose. And it is imperative that the other candidate rally their troops around the Democratic Party and the goal of defeating the GOP in November. And NOW is the time to start setting the tone.

[yellerpup]

6. This is how you reconcile and redeem people

He ignores the stupid sh** and keeps looking and probing for the good. He looks for ways to make connections and empathize with the opposition, which doesn't always serve him well in debates but I think this is a strength and not a weakness. GObama! K&R! :kick:

[ErinBerin84]

13. The only redemption that I've ever heard Hillary talk about is

the redemption of richard mellon scaife.

[yellerpup]

17. I am impressed and inspired by Obama.

Hillary is my senator and votes too often with the republicans. RMS is uber-evil. I don't know how anyone can sit next to him! Ewwwww!

[smiley_glad_hands]

7. And this is why I am supporting Obama and not The Clintons. eom

[Cant trust em]

10. Isn't this the guy who is supposed to be playing the race card?

I don't get it.

[Tatiana]

16. This is a perfect example of Obama's class and grace. n/t

[DCofVA]

18. Picturing the newly nominated Obama standing and smiling...

among all the falling balloons and stuff, is my happy thought for the day.

[powergirl]

19. It's also a message to Clinton supporters

and he his trying to smooth things over in the party. But sadly, it is true, graciousness has never been a quality of Sen. Clinton or her campaign.