Harry Reid's comments?

[Jackeens]

[MercutioATC]

1. Not remotely racist...

...but if saying they are will get him to step down, I'll shout it from the rooftops.

[KittyWampus]

2. so you happily would engage in a witch hunt. Says volumes about you.

[MercutioATC]

6. Seriously, I wouldn't...but Harry does need to go.

It irks me that a non-issue like this, rather than his complete incompetence, might bee his demise...but I'll take what I can get.

[KittyWampus]

3. I think it's a topic that's already been done to death and this poll is one more a large pile of

stupid overkill.

[LoZoccolo]

7. I can't speak for the OP, but sometimes I post polls...

...when there are a lot of threads about a single topic when peopl try to make their side look "bigger" by posting more. A poll can put an end to that game.

[donheld]

4. Much ado about nothing!

[TexasObserver]

5. Stupid, but not racist

There are many white people, particularly those over 60, who simply don't know how to speak properly when discussing black culture in America. No one remotely understanding of black culture in America would use a term like the one Reid used. He might as well hang a big sign around his neck that says "I don't have any black friends!"

"This guy is really a good speaker" is sufficient to cover a black man who is a really good speaker. That he doesn't speak some of the vernacular found in poorer segments of the black community is obvious and requires no comment.

[jonestonesusa]

8. I volunteered for Harry Reid during his first Senate campaign

when I was living in Nevada about 25 years ago. When I met him personally, he struck me as being a bit offhanded - not super comfortable in a one-on-one conversation, and since I am African American, such behavior tics usually cause me to raise an eyebrow, not much more. I think the recent comments were very unsophisticated for the occupant of a powerful office that supposedly represents the liberal half of the country, but that's about it. My expectations are low given the embedded quality of racism everywhere - the problem is the system, not simply individuals. On the other hand, it would be nice to have a more savvy person about race and identity in that office.

And, he needs to go as leader of the Senate Democrats for many reasons - this would be just one more. He deserves no excuses but a retirement, and one may be forthcoming in any case.