The NewYorker, Jesse Jackson, Ralph Nader | Race and Obama

[coffeefish]

Those cartoons always make a person look stupid.

[jas16899]

SATIRE. IRONY. That's why he was in a depiction that was skewed based in the views of the ignorant. So you're RIGHT Obama isn't white and isn't burning a flag congratulations on taking it literally.

[under696]

eres un puto negro de mierda asqueroso afroamericano quiero que te mueras y todos los pinches negros del mundo

[watzamatteru]

Obama isn't 'white' because his INTELLIGENT or well-educated, but he is a traitor to Prgoressive politics by catering to the white-establishment, the AIPAC militarists, the huge Wall Street Bankers, and corrupt Lobbying firms. Way to outdo the Republican! This is what I belive Nader was saying.

[watzamatteru]

This is my favorite part, Nader, the most progressive presidential candidate out there, has underlying racism?! Nader,(an Arab-Amrican by the way), has to work through the biased Media and bigoted two-party controlled system. (continued above)

[watzamatteru]

You are not going to win a "culture war" by degrading legitimate scholarly literature. CNN along with the rest of the media, with you facilitation, are guilty of anti-intellectualism! Way to counter ignorance by slinging mud at the well-read. I also would recommend you reconsider your aupport for Senator Obama. If Jesse Jackson can say such strong remarks about Obama, the most "viable" African-American Presidential candidate in history, there must be something of concern. (continued above)

[watzamatteru]

I've grown up in DC and attended DCPS all my life, in fact it was teacher at school who introduced me to the magazine; I suppose I'm out of touch? I mean if anyone offended or angered or emboldened by the cover of the New Yorker bothered to pick it up and actually read the article of concern would realize how it is doing nothing but taking apart the myths about Obama. Yes the cover is sensational, all political cartoons are; they are meant to capture attention. (cotinued above)

[watzamatteru]

I'm only posting a response because you sounded authentically serious, well at least until the Cubs remark. But wow, there are plentiful circumstances of legitimate accounts of Racism today and you go cite the worst examples! Are you sure you're a regular reader of the New Yorker? I mean I'm 17 and I can appreciate the satiric nature of the illustration. Out of touch? (Continued above)

[jdbauer36]

I agree completely. It's the danger of being out of touch. He is overestimating the intelligence of Americans, and there are indeed a large number who are uneducated and quick to jump on an image and take it for face value. While I appreciate the [New Yorker's] publisher's comments I do believe he is completely out of touch.

[nanotech22]

And he runs because he is NOT dem. Obama has been funded more than McCain by 6/7 industries, only transportaion not included. (continued from last comment) And seeing as his opinions have varied during his campaign, his funding should be a more accurate depiction of his future actions. White or black, he is not any different from what we have seen.

[nanotech22]

Yet another mainstream ignorance that has regretfully plagued your mind. Dem.s filed multiple suits against nader and lost every one about claims that he's a spoiler. He ran in ways that have been examined empirically and shown to be for maximizing his own vote, and he spent negligable amounts of his time in swing states, 2 and 1/2 days in florida compared to 27 days in california.

[nanotech22]

you neglect the role of coverage and information distribution in the vote of america. look up nader's raiders. He also formed over 40 government watch and other nonprofit organizations that are responsible for a lot of your liberties and such. You also should look up the effects of other 3rd party candidates throughout history, ones that pressurized other mainstream parties to bring you womens rights and racial equality.

[nanotech22]

I am a supporter of Nader and saw your criticism of his ideas and i believe that the context was more of a question as to why he doesn't push issues related to race, and if it was because he felt that it would be a barrier between him and potential voters, and why he couldn't merely openly oppose such injustices.

[reptet]

I have not understood why Nader got off so easy with his racist rant. Thanks for sharing your feelings on all of these issues. Go Obama.

[enemyartistkristofeR]

Go ahead and listen to Mumia Abu Jamal, and real try to comprehend what both Nader and Jamal are saying and then you will understand. I know, you are a democrat and an Obama fan so to you he is all great, but in reality what true CHANGE and HOPE does he offer?! And if you really think OBAMA becoming president, which is VERY likely is going to END RACISM like you said in your video, wow, do you have another thing coming.

[enemyartistkristofeR]

And I am sure you know who Mumia Abu Jamal is, right, check here on YouTube, Mumia Abu Jamal on Ralph Nader and listen to what he says about the exact subject in which your video is about, Ralph Naders comment and Baracks response to it. If anything Ralph Nader is making the comment that Obama has talked more about White middle class than he talks about lower working class people of any color and black included.

[enemyartistkristofeR]

You are Wrong on what you said about Ralph Nader! And let me tell you why. Nader in NO way implied that Obama is not black by the way he is acting, where did you get that? He in NO way implied that.

[histerics3]

closet racist? Obama supports policies that oppress black Americans. You need to wake up to the intense damage that corporations are doing to people of every color in the entire world, and so does Obama. Obama's candicacy is emblematic of racism in America. Look how he had to deny rev. Wright, a black man who speaks the truth and is rightfully angry. White americans want a "safe" black man, they aren't ready to look the institutionalized racism in the face. Obama is an uncle tom.

[reptet]

you are mean

[liberalmediamyas5]

You missed Nader's point entirely. (First, he never said anything about Obama 'acting' white; if you're going to quote someone, get it right!). He says Obama is talking white. Examined in context of the entire speech, Nader's comment implied Obama's speech and policies are not focussing on the oppression of blacks and minorities (predatory lending, asbestos, etc.). 'Talking white' means Obama is trying to assuage white fears by avoiding these issues in his dialogue.

[liberalmediamyas5]

If you think calling attention to the plight of blacks and minorities is racist, then maybe I need a new dictionary.

[reptet]

you need a hella lot more than a new dictionary, a new brain

[washingtondoc]

An excellent video. However, there is a difference in simply electing a black President and a black with a long American heritage. Senator Obama has not faced the long-term racism that the vast majority of blacks in this country have. He has no family who related the struggles of American blacks to him as he was growing up. A black man from south Alabama whose family goes back to slavery could well be a man I could vote for. No wonder I hear no echos of RFK.

[Nintendogeek29]

luv the pic of the girls

[GentilesPrincess]

your an egg shaped ugly ni#$er thats what you have in common bit#$

[nanotech22]

I disagree with this video, but childish condescention and ad homonym arguements are not only stupid, they are rude and ignorant. I pity that you were not better educated to understand the history of the fight for equality that idiots like you undermine.

[lovelysemblance]

such is the dualistic nature of maya.

[relgstorm]

gonna have to disagree with you on ralph nader. i bet ralph nader has done more for you than you can even imagine! you are completely misconstruing ralph's message. ralph knows there is only one race, the human race. now if you want to talk about bigotry how about when the black caucus called ralph nader to a meeting and berated him for not dropping out! i believe rep. mel watt said "you're just another f'n white man" to mr. nader and walked out. not to mention yelling obscenities at him! hmm...

[Rosetteismyname]

Zennie62 Since you've say you've followed Ralph since the General Motors? Did you not see or read Ralph's comments. I am a black female and I must say that Ralph is NOT by any means a bigot. White people like "articulate" black people as their POSTER child OR their Token to CLAIM they are NOT racist...

[Rosetteismyname]

I AM A BLACK FEMALE Ralph is going after the fact that OBAMA is bought. Obama "change" will still be demanded in 2012...He changes his politics as more and more money comes into the election....

[trotskysbeard]

I'm sorry, you're completely misinterpreting Nader's comments. He didn't say anything about Obama's education, nor his diction. He was referring to Obama's 1) policies and 2) campaigning, vis-a-vis his image as a biracial candidate who won't scare away less progressive white voters. He criticized Obama for 1) not addressing the exploitation of the urban black underclass (predatory lending, discrimination, asbestos) and 2) not campaigning in poor black areas. Read the interview.

[onlyonedeb2000]

I watched Obamas speeches and Joe Biden as vice president I was sorry to hear this. He and Obama tried to get a global health care passed. Global this is the word that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Global is another word for New World Order. I didn't know Obama was jewish until I seen him at the Western Wall. Im voting for Ralph Nader. Obama will not stop this unjust war. He is bought and paid for by big Corp. just like McCain. These companies run our country. These parties carry a name.

[djgiga]

Problems that arise in poor areas. Minimum wage increase etc. He was saying Obama is catering to the "white" establishment. Because the super wealthy are "surprise surprise" rich old white men.

[djgiga]

First of all I agree the new yorker cover looked really racist. Im a pretty intelligent fine artist. And I didn't make that "satirical connection".

Second you are taking naders quote out of context. Im not going to defend this particular comment, although I will vote for him. I thought it was a little dangerous what he said. But the fact is many African Americans are disenfranchised and poor. He THEN said Obama doesn't talk about stopping lender rip offs and landlord accountability.

[jacksonreportdotcom]

Nader, while his costomary blunt self, said something that is true. Obama has been talking down his race. i may be white, but i go to a large city public school, and a few african-american kids i know agree

[pjacobs1969]

As I've stated before,Nader was wrong in his choice of words. Nader gets little mainstream press coverage-CNN does not even acknowledge his candidacy (or any other 3rd party candidates') at their website. Nader is still polling around 5%.Why would CNN televise Nader's soundbyte? What would influence CNN to televise it? Makes Nader look bad,garnishes sympathy for Obama. Then there's the FISA vote which is in CNN's interest to pass. How did Obama vote? Follow the money & you'll find the truth.

[pjacobs1969]

Nader has been responsible for the passage of more positive legislation than Obama,McCain,& Clinton combined.Obama should win by a landslide-he is brilliant and articulate.Obama is making the same error that his democratic predecessors did-he's abandoning progressives by supportng nuclear energy,war as a tool of diplomacy,not supporting single payer health care,etc. I am a Nader supporter and am embarrassed by the 'talking white' statement-Nader was wrong in his choice of words.

[pboscophoto]

Nader was trying to say that Obama is pandering to what white's need to hear before they trust a "black man" for president. Obama is playing to white's for votes...he's a politician. Nader just calls it like it is.

No racism there.

[djgiga]

I don't think we are as racist as the media portrays America. Nader said that because Obama caters to corparations and conservatives. Obama is backed by republicans. He voted yes on the FISA bill. He is not being true to African Americans who make up a large portion of the lower class.

[Traffick02]

okay zennie. the definition of racism is hating or discriminating against another person because of their race. and let me explain the context of the cartoon since you clearly don't understand it. the cartoon was in fact making fun of republicans who claimed that obama was a terrorist. so its actually favoring your cherished leader. just because obama is black doesnt mean that everyone against him is racist

[mikerotethis]

what they have in common is that all three of them aren't going to be on every state ballot this november and only one of them should be.

but i gues id vote for the new yorker and jesse jackson(huh?) no time to make sense...anyway i like the show lol

"Without candidate rights, how valuable are voter rights in a gerrymandered nation?"-Ralph Nader

[Traffick02]

hey zennie62 let me explain something to you. political cartoons are meant to make fun of politicians. the new yorker makes fun of obama's religious upbringing. so? how is this racist?

[subtvtnt]

whippoorwillss=brainless

[italianmafia23]

Ralph Nader stated a fact. It wasn't slander unless taken out of context, which the media did, of course. However, if you mean the fact that he said that the only thing different about Barack is that he's half African American, I think you should scold every journalist in the country on pointing that out as well.

I'm sick and tired of all this nitpicking nonsense talk. Typical political strategy. Stall tactics. I wish the media would drop the nonsense and address the ISSUES. Its disgusting.

[whippoorwillss]

Nader is a junkyard dog for justice! Obama is a fraud..are you falling rank in file with color or party? Obama voted for F.I.S.A. how much more do you need?

[tanio12]

OH COME ON! We would not be commenting on Nader HAD HE NOT MADE THAT STATEMENT ABOUT Obama "talking White."

But what is talking white?White people speak in all kinds of ways there is no definite way they speak. LOL. I thought Ralph Nader was focusing on Consumer's rights if I was him I wouldn't even address Obama, I am not here to talk him I am here to talk about me LOL.

[mikerotethis]

i think nader meant that obama is appealing more to the corperations that are composed of almost entirely filthy rich white people instead of addressing the issues that appeal to a majority of the people who dont vote . i dont think nader was being rascist. ralph nader is trying to get people to focus on a lot of things that the corperate democrats ignore in hopes to keep the status quo with their corperate republican counterparts.

[ArcticSlicer]

You obviously misunderstood what Ralph Nader said about Barrack Obama. It has nothing to do with his upbringing. Obama is not speaking up about the injustices affecting African-Americas. A disproportionate number of them live in poverty, a disproportionate number of them are in prison, etc. and Obama is not speaking up about it and and abandoned them in an effort to increase donations from the white corporate elite responsible for many of these injustices. That is what Ralph Nader was saying.

[Nexuszen]

Good Video. I had a long and involved comment but I realize that I just want to commend you on the video and that's all I need to say.

[leitermann]

How can you call it slander, when it's on the cover of a magazine who's cover story is decidedly very PRO-OBAMA? It was clearly intended as a satire of the way in which Obama is portrayed by the right-wing media, whether you think it was funny or not. & again, read the definitions, nothing about intent to amuse, only "the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc." The folly in this case is of course the portrayal of Obama by RWMedia.

[leitermann]

"You missed a key intellectual point: it must be funny."

What do you mean "it must be funny"?

Do you mean that in order for something to be classified as satire, it must "be funny"? As determined by who? By you? The pope of comedic classification? I was under the impression that satire was a bit more objective of a term...

[leitermann]

Satire - noun:

1. the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.

2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.

3. a literary genre comprising such compositions.

Didn't see anything in there about something having to actually "be funny" in order to be classified as satire. In fact, I'd say the cartoon fits the definition quite exactly, be it funny or not.

[whippoorwillss]

If you watch my top 3 vids and still think the same way about Nader and Obama you are "case in point" blinded by the color of skin and the divisive nature of a 2 party oligarchy. just think about it for a minute. the main stream media is a tool of propaganda used to divied us. stop and think. put your self in the others shoes, just for a minute. why was Naders sound bite comment ramed down your neck why was Jesses comment plastered on the walls. I challenge you. watch my top 3 vids.

[Pilgrim812]

You're quite right. This whole incident points

out the failure of public education. Fortunately, the "low information" voter

does not subscribe to the New Yorker. Obama

is attacked from right with these images

because they dare not express their real

concern and fears.

[aewester]

Am I supposed to not vote for him because he's never won?!? Am I supposed to dismiss him because big corporations, Washington, and the etablishment have never embraced him? You know, theres a reason for that. It's that he stands for real issues, represents the interests of the people, and wants to do away with all of the power system propaganda that has infected our minds with stupidity.

[aewester]

Seriously, you need to watch all of what Nader said. You say "people like him" cause pain, but he's not one of the guys you should be after.

You act like the color of our skin ACTUALLY and inherently causes us pain. Can't we speak objectively about Asians, redheads, Russians and people with freckles?

[aewester]

You're right, I AM young and inexperienced, but I'm old enough to know that Nader's comments were, clearly, neither personal nor racist. All Nader did was criticize our white power structure, which is a complete reality. I can fully appreciate your and other peoples' sensitivity to racism (I went to elementary school in South Carolina. The racism was disgusting), but how can standing up for people offend those people? Nader is open and honest about the situaton, regardless of race.

[aewester]

Please don't think I'm ignoring racism or racial tension. I'm also not defending the New Yorker when I say Nader was correct in his analysis of Obama, blacks, and the institutions in the U.S. I'm just pointing out that there are places where the "Ahhhh racism" thing doesn't apply, like in the case of what Nader was talking about.

[aewester]

Don't give me that crap. I'm 19 but I'm not stupid. This has nothing to do with race, zennie. Nader MAY have been trying to get attention, but nothing negative, hateful, racist, or untrue came out of his mouth, and you KNOW it. You sound just like some corporate news anchor who, painfully obviously, overdoes the "race" issue to stir controversy, make the issue seem touchier than it is in places and topics it doesn't exist or belong, and distort our view of the world.

Watch nader's video.

[aewester]

Yeah, McCAin sucks. He's an absolute propaganda MACHINE. He'll do ANYTHING to get in office.

[aewester]

Did you actually hear all of what Nader said?

Obama may be a great guy and everything in person, but that doesn't change the fact that the legislation he passes will be friendly to the establishment and to power. It doesn't mean he's evil, it just means that he's funded by big money, he's a politician, and he panders to power. AIPAC is an example of that.

[aewester]

You perpetuate a lot or racial tension when you see the world that way. Ralph Nader is not the man you're after. If you can't speak honestly and openly about race, as people like Nader do, then what's happening?

Why did you have a problem with him expressing opposition to the suppressing and putting down of blacks and latinos by the "white powers structure", and how are you opposed to him thinking that Obama betrays his supporters?

[aewester]

Ralph Nader is a closet RACIST?!?

YOU give ME a fucking break.

EVERYTHING he said was true and dead on, zennie. Saying the words black and white don't constitute being racist. Have you heard all of what he said?? Obama has already and will continue to betray his black and latino supporters, who do form an underclass, which is expected by our institutions (oops, am I racist now?) The sad thing is that they (like the rest of us) won't even KNOW they're voting against their best interests.

[scw3460]

I like this guy, Zennie. He speaks truth to BS. He makes a lot of sense. Thank you!

New Yorker editor David Remnick is a horse's ass. His decision to run this cover is shameful.

And, yes, Barack Obama will be our next president, and that is fantastic.

Obama 08!

[lostchasm]

Mnay of us 'We the People' would like to see our issues addressed like 1. End the war in Iraq, 14million an hour 24/7 2. Single payer health insurance-not double or triple 3.Repel Taft-Hartley and FISA4.Living Wage Now you may say that once someone is elected that then they can pass legislation. But many of those issues listed above need to have a true debate to create momentum; Or who ever we send to fight for us will not have the backing to accomplish our goals.SHOUT OUT to Nader and McKinney

[tanio12]

"Or who ever we send to fight for us will not have the backing to accomplish our goals.SHOUT OUT to Nader and McKinney"

Absolutely agree I hope Mckinney makes some inroads as she was the first one to call everything out in the open too bad people weren't listening until now.

[aewester]

Oh my god, grow up...

The picture is RIDICULOUS. Michelle Obama has an ak-47!!

And Ralph Nader, by NO means, used race to "get attention". He simply brought up a perfectly reasonable and truthful point, in saying that Obama is doing NOTHING to protect blacks and latinos against the white power structure in the U.S. He might be a good candidate, but not a good candidate from the point of view of a person of color. He might SEEM great, but his positions are NOT.

[itlaiaboy514]

Obama is Awesome!!

[kenrg]

The Cubs? Really? ;^)

But seriously, the cover 'art' is shocking and outrageous. When cover art mocks a politician (as New Yorker has done with Bush, and as is the long tradition of editorial cartoons), the point is to reinforce their editorial point-of-view.

I can't think of any examples where an editorial cartoon, particularly one chosen as cover art, was simply a "satire" of an attack without any commentary to show that this is not what the artist and editor believe.

[leitermann]

Because they respect their readers' intelligence enough to trust them to get the point. The New Yorker doesn't exactly have a history of catering to ignorant people, why should they start now? Should we just take all irony & satire out of our media so that nobody's in danger of misinterpretting anything? Imagine Dave Chappelle or any other controversial comedian without toungue in cheek & irony...

[tanio12]

New Yorker doesn't exactly have a history of catering to ignorant people, why should they start now? Should we just take all irony & satire out of our media so that nobody's in danger of misinterpretting anything?

First of all showing a picture of OBama on the wall and Michelle with a machine gun behind her back is hardly satire. There is an underlying message thanks to the American people's blatant fear of Muslims and women such as Michelle.Dumb people quiver in their boots, pathetic.

[leitermann]

It's clearly satirical, I can't believe so many people are offended by something that's, in actuality, more of a caricature of right wing America than of the Obamas themselves. Are people surprised that The New Yorker would print a cartoon that not everyone can properly understand?

[tanio12]

Are people surprised that The New Yorker would print a cartoon that not everyone can properly understand?

So people are stupid and ignorant.What is there to understand. Also the person who is speaking is correct people are ignorant uneducated dummies.

[leitermann]

"...the person who is speaking is correct people are ignorant uneducated dummies."

Really? That's a pretty broad generalization. All people, including yourself? Or just some people, like, say, the kinds of people that don't usually read pro-Obama liberal magazines such as the New Yorker?

"...showing a picture of OBama on the wall and Michelle with a machine gun behind her back is hardly satire."

It's a picture of oSama, & it is satire regardless if you get it, or like it, or not.

[tanio12]

"Or just some people, like, say, the kinds of people that don't usually read pro-Obama liberal magazines such as the New Yorker?"

No that doesn't include me and yeah it's satire very funny HAHHAHA

[leitermann]

So if you don't find it funny than it's not satire? Is that the Webster's definition of the word?

[soulsearcher99]

The New Yorker was depicting the Obamas as terrorists and calling it satire - well, I call it propaganda because there are some people who will pick up the magazine and say, "see, I told you!" You know those Americans, the ones who actually think Obama is Muslim and those that want to dismiss the segment of society that went to (and sympathized with) Obama's former church. There appears to be a fear of the black community that is being exploited and manipulated for gain.

[hellmuth26]

What I mean is, it's about the PERSPECTIVE. That animation is told from the perspective of the right-wingers. Everything that's in that animation, that's how the right-wingers see Obama, as a closet terrorist. So the New Yorker isn't saying "This is how WE perceive Obama," they're saying "This is how the RIGHT WING perceives Obama."

And the funny part, for me at least, is just the absurdity of that imaginary scenario, because we all know that isn't really how Obama is.

Is that more clear?

[hellmuth26]

Regarding the New Yorker cover;

I understood the joke immediately, they ARE poking fun at the right-wingers who think Obama is really a terrorist. It's funny because it's THEIR perspective on what he is going to do once he gets in the White House; take off his suit and tie and put on the middle-eastern dress with a turban, hang a portrait of Osama, and toss the American flag in the fireplace.

[hellmuth26]

It's completely OBSURD to think that that's what he's going to do, and the whole joke is that, based on how the right-wingers talk about Obama, this is how it would all play out if everything they said was true.

[soulsearcher99]

hellmuth26 - the fact that you got the joke does not make it okay - it's still offensive. During Jim Crow laws there were "satirical" comics that were sad and heart-wrenching to see. I'm sure there were some at that time that got a giggle out of it, too. Still does not make it right - and on the front page??? Come on now...I guess I'd laugh if they had Cindy McCain popping pills or something derogatory like that, but at least I'd know I was wrong for laughing at a tasteless "joke."

[hollyhoodjoe123]

Are you joking? The climate of racism, as we know it, will end?? Please explain. Because if you mean this quote at face value, then you are nuts!

I expect more tension and animosity against blacks (especially black men) if Obama is elected as President. Any racism we endure will be dismiss because "the president is black."

My advice to Blacks is if Obama is elected, you will have to optimally represent yourself, because white America will not accept the excuses anymore.

[sbsvideos]

Excellent and expressive. Getting better.