Pa. Gov. Ed Rendell: Some White Voters ‘Not Ready’ to Elect Black Candidate
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Ed Rendell, one of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s most visible supporters, said some white Pennsylvanians are likely to vote against her rival Barack Obama because he is black.
“You’ve got conservative whites here, and I think there are some whites who are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate,” Rendell told the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in remarks that appeared in Tuesday’s paper.
To buttress his point, Rendell cited his 2006 re-election campaign, in which he defeated Republican challenger Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, by a margin of more than 60 percent to less than 40 percent.
“I believe, looking at the returns in my election, that had Lynn Swann been the identical candidate that he was — well-spoken, charismatic, good-looking — but white instead of black, instead of winning by 22 points, I would have won by 17 or so,” he said. “And that (attitude) exists. But on the other hand, that is counterbalanced by Obama’s ability to bring new voters into the electoral pool.”
Rendell, chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 2000 and previously Philadelphia’s mayor, endorsed Clinton on Jan. 23.
Pennsylvania holds its primary April 22.
Several figures in Clinton’s campaign, including her husband, the former president, have been criticized in recent weeks for raising Obama’s race. In response, Bill Clinton has said he will stick to promoting his wife, rather than defending her.
Wow
I think he hast the right to say whatever he wants given the current situation.
Black voters- 90% voting for a Black candidate
White voters- (55-45%) in favor of white candidate but among White male voters is 50-50
It is fine to have pride about your candidate..but when race plays a role on your selection and it is clear that this is happening when an overwhelming majority of the black population(90%) is voting for the black candidate…..well it raises a question??.. so who is being racist here??
Vote for whomever you want but please vote for the best qualified candidate without racial influences. Too much is at stake here, so be wise my fellow Americans.
P.
This comment is good news for Obama. When people say he got black votes for being black he can say yes but it is proven that I lost white votes for being black. BUT it seems I got everyone inbetween also so checkmate!
just let the people decides who they will vote for,lets stop this racial discrimation if the guy can do job then vote him if not,choose someone else.is it not time for us to be human rather than racist.we should be ashamed
I believe that Gov. Rendell’s comments represent that old “stuck in the mud” mindset that America is looking to turn her back on. After eight years of (quantifiable) lack-luster performance from our president, it’s high-time that America looks in a new direction! Mr. Obama is not winning “hearts and minds” because of his ancestry, he’s kicking political donkey because many people understands that he represents a turning point for this country. Far too many politicians (in times past) have wooed us with rehashed rhetoric, only to let their true faces show after reaching the finish line. For the first time, in a long time, we have a clear, consistent and contentious voice. One that talks about bringing us together- not pulling us apart. At this point, not only does America need and new perspective, I’m convinced that American wants a new perspective; “Change We Can Believe In.” For lamely attempting to dredge-up the race issue, Gov. Rendell should be ashamed of himself. If Hillary is wise, she’d quickly distance herself from Rendell and those with like mindsets.
Razi,
So nice of you to think that there is still racism, and it is mostly directed by whites toward blacks. Sorry to burst your bubble, but blacks are the racists now. They are more racist against other people than any other ethnic group. I am around them in the military all the time, and I see it all the time. They think they are better than the white soldiers. So feed that “whites are the racists” crap to someone else who is retarded. If you have a brain, you’d KNOW what you said is WRONG, and just exposes YOU as the racist.
As far as you voting for Obama? Lets face it. All the reasons you stated are NOT the reason. You are voting for him because he is BLACK, and YOU are a racist!!!!!
I sit here reading this statement by G. Rendell and others who havelived or do live in PA and I suddenly realised this.
I am a Clinton voter this time round but if I turned up to a voting booth and had anyone tell me you shouldn’t vote for Obama because he is Black I would stride on in and give him my vote in a heart beat.
It would be an easy choice if one small gesture contributed towards such people taking a long hard look at themselves and seeing the real world and what all things great stand for in having the blessing of a country founded on freedom and democracy. A peaceful life of acceptance and prosperity for all with the only requirement in return human decency.
This comment will really hurt Clinton — she needs to shut up this guy now. The Clinton campaign is all about policies and experience, while the Obama campaign has conveniently stayed neutral on every issue … the American people are being brainwashed with phantom and generic promises like “change.” And now, the American people will be brainwashed with the notion that a vote for Clinton is a racist act.
We need Hillary Clinton for president, but I fear that our country is so stupid that it will of course rely on an American idol mentality and make a stupid pick for president.
DON’T *CHEER* FOR A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE — *ELECT* A CANDIDATE THAT WILL GIVE AMERICA TANGIBLE BENEFITS.
Sadly, those who vote for OBAMA are just groupies and FOLLOWERS, and they don’t even know what he plans to do in this country … don’t forget, G.W. Bush also said his inexperience would be a fresh source for change and unity.
To those who say blacks are not prejudiced against whites — hah!!! Blacks are certainly prejudiced against whites, and against hispanics. This outpouring of affection for the brand new senator from Illinois is ridiculous and people will be very sorry. This is no rock star. He is THE most liberal (leftist) senator currently in the Senate, though because he never talks of anything other than hope, and change, and something fresh and new (while coming across as some wannabe Martin Luther King), no one really knows just what his positions are.
He can’t debate his way out of a paper bag; he has refused to debate Hillary on several occasions (he knows he would lose, big time), and though he can be articulate, that’s only when his remarks are totally scripted. Off the cuff, he is a total failure. I can’t wait to see him go up against McCain.
One hopes the country wakes up and sees beyond the idiotic Obamamania and votes for the REAL seasoned patriot, John McCain. I’m betting a whole host of white Democrats out there will soon realize just what this Obama “presidency” would do to the country, and will vote McCain. Hillary doesn’t have a chance because there are too many people out there who do not want a woman as president. A black they’ll take, but not a woman, especially not Hillary. Some choices eh?
What a revolting election year this is turning out to be!
Donna:
I find that your comment about the Oprah’s girls school in South Africa is not racist. Many of you who have never traveled outside of the States are clueless & it’s really sad. If you look at the requirments for acceptance into the Oprah school in south africa & how many whites in South Africa would want their white daughters to attend her school?
Thanks for mentioning South Africa… As many of you are aware of South Africa & Nelson Mandela. who was in prision for 27 years & became the president of South Africa.
We are the most powerful country in the world. Living outside the U.S. and traveling to other countries it’s so evident. However, there are racist in every ethnic group it exist in all groups and countries. How does one define a racist? Why does this race have to be about race? It’s actually sad that it’s coming from the Democratic elected officials.
However, it’s clear that the RACE card has not stopped him from gaining & talking with many of my friends who would have voted for her said they had changed based on the race being an issue and if it came she was on the ballot in November they would vote for McCain. It’s clear that playing this race card has done nothing, but had a negative backlash towards Sen. Clinton.
I admired the Clintons until they went the race card became an issue.