Conversation | 05/20/2008 10:29 am
At a Table in So-Called Liberal NYC, Woman Announces: I’ll Never Vote for a Black Man for President

Editor’s Note: Featuring Kathleen Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, a professor of communications and the former dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania.
LESLEY: So I’m so glad that you all could join us today. Liz Smith, obviously we know who Liz Smith is; Kathleen Hall Jamieson, Director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania and an expert on campaigns; and we are blessed with Candice Bergen. Let’s get started right off the bat, discussing the topic du jour, the campaign. Actually it’s the topic of every day. But let’s talk about the three “isms”: racism, sexism and ageism, starting with racism. Here’s my question: It has for long, I think, been that racism is a hidden issue. If voters made decisions because of race, they often lied to pollsters. It was kind of shameful. Do any of you get the feeling that that is changing, ever since the Rev. Wright issue exploded? Do you have a feeling that people are more willing to openly admit that they won’t vote for Obama because of race? Kathleen, are you picking up any of this?
Click here to read Part Three: Who Says Older Ages Equal Serious Health Problems?
KATHLEEN: Well, we’re seeing it in surveys. We’re seeing a percent of the population that doesn’t say it wouldn’t, but does say it would be less likely, or that race is a factor in vote. And then when you parse the question by saying, “Is race increasing or decreasing the likelihood of your vote?” what you actually see is, it’s increasing likelihood for some and decreasing likelihood for others. And then you have to ask, “And then what do those two things mean and how do we parse all that back into our history?”
LESLEY: But are people more willing to admit this than ever before? Or is it just a feeling one gets?
KATHLEEN: I don’t think we know whether they’re more willing because, in the past, we haven’t framed the question that way. And so I think it’s a great question and I don’t think we have an answer.
LIZ: If you look at The New York Times from Monday, it looks like America has racism pretty much under control when Obama can draw 75,000 people to a rally in Oregon. That’s just an incredible picture. The enthusiasm for that is incredible. Of course … that means nothing.
LESLEY: Liz, you and I went to a very fancy-schmancy dinner party in New York the other night. And a woman at our table, in so-called liberal New York City, announced to our table that she would never vote for a black to be in the White House. That’s what she said. And everybody else at the table was shocked and started to yell at her. But she felt perfectly comfortable saying that.
LIZ: Well, I was just glad nobody overturned the table …
LESLEY: Well, they wanted to. But the point is … I hear it more. That’s why I’m asking this question.
KATHLEEN: Lesley, when you hear it, do people then give you some reason? It seems to me that saying that should be unacceptable unless one has a reason. And I can’t think of a reason that could legitimize that conclusion.
LESLEY: What I was wondering is, does that mean that the Rev. Wright issue changed peoples’ attitudes in a way that it’s no longer as shameful for some people?
LIZ: Yeah, that’s a very good point, Lesley. I think that’s true. But, honestly, this woman the other night that you refer to at our dinner, that is the first overt thing I’ve ever had anybody say in my presence in – honestly — in years. So maybe today people are more politically correct; but privately they may be something else.
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180 Reader Comments (so far…)
DOES IT MEAN NOTHIN THAT 72,000 PEOPLE [ WHITEY TIGHTY] IN PORTLAND CRAMMMED THE WATERFRONT TO SCREAM FOR THIS GUY???
Hmmm…I thought that maybe that outpouring of people was because he is well-spoken, offers a sense of hope in very troubled times, carries himself in a style that is gentleman like (not back-biting or underhanded), gives speeches that center around concepts like unity, fielded the tricky Rev. Wright fiasco with dignity and in my opinion careful thought, speaks an ideology that appeals to many people and has shown a degree of finesse and wisdom in his campaign approach. Pardon my naivete, but is your post suggesting it was about his race? I guess I missed that?
By the way, is there a reason why you are typing in all capital letters? My kids say that’s the equivalent of yelling in “computer speak.” There’s a song that says “You’re screaming so loudly no one can hear you.” I do wish to “hear” you so please unlock the Cap Lock…
Sorry TS, No quite the opposite actually. The outpourring of interest and action on his behalf is, for me , because of the characteristics you cite ! I’m very proud of my town , it’s people, it’s politics, and hopfully PRESIDENT OBAMA!
immoddesta godessa
:-) And didn’t we REJOICE at our “Oregonian” 1/2 front page photo reflecting the indisputable sea of support for our candidate? Proud and then some! Appreciate your post, neighbor.
Oh hi neighbor! I actually didn’t get to make the rallly as I had to be out of town but I am darned proud of Portland! When they say ” put up or shut up ” this city puts up B I G !!
GODESSA,
It doesn’t mean anything ! I would vote for Colin Powell, but never for Obama!!!!!!But of course,Powell is too smart to run for president! it’s human nature to go extreme left (Obama) after 8 years of extreme right(Bush) LOL LOL
you have it correct Colin Powell any day .here is gospel from the latino civil engineers in my company .. they wont vote for Obama either there is no longer a minority Democratic franchise in the middle class. They say that the huge influx of the ‘spanish people’ is due to the fact that ‘they will work’ when others wont. Thats the overt racism I see in my company and why if Mc Cain gets a latino Veep he will waltz to the Presidency american voters say synthesis ,anthysis= thesis dems in congress + mc cain in the white house best of both worlds
Happy to hear from you!
If Colin Powell is so smart, then it must mean he was too smart to be tricked into saying all those things he said supporting the bogus reasons to invade Iraq. That being the case he must have been lying about WMDs, right?
Correct!
This race is not about a candidate it’s about the current adverse economic conditions of the American people and their families. Anyone who get side tracked for any other reason and refuse to acknowledge those suffering, in American at this time are just misguided. These races are never about the candidates as we have endured so many distractions over the years about being partisan rather than aout substance. For millions of us this is about our families and our pocket books not an individual, because the love of our families is just to important to listen to partisan politics.
There is nothing wrong with “that mysterious woman” saying she wouldn’t vote for a black president! It’s her right! It’s the same as black poeple having finally the opportunity to vote for a black president.It’s all fair.This country is so hypocritical and feeling guilty, that poeple get “shocked”! Obviously, not that woman ! Maybe she liked to shock! lol
godesa
One of the reasons there were 75,000 people present is because The Decemberists, a very popular band up there, had been advertising for days that they were going to give a FREE concert before Obama spoke. Which they did - they played for 45 min - and hour. FOR FREE. No one has reported this, but that is one of the reasons there were 75,000 people there. Will they all vote in the general election? Your guess is as good as mine.
should read 45 min to an hour
Frannie
Thanks for that information! I didnt know and i am sure a lot of people didn’t either.At the same time, it was a good pr for Obama and like you said, who knows in a general election?