Barack Obama paraded a trio of Kennedy clan endorsements, evidence that large
sections of the Democratic Establishment are now severing ties with the
dominant force in the party for 16 years — Hillary and Bill Clinton.
The backing from Ted Kennedy, the veteran Massachusetts senator, is a huge
prize for Mr Obama, providing him with momentum before next week’s “Super
Tuesday” elections, as well as a magnet for votes in sections of the
electorate where Mrs Clinton is strongest — Hispanics, blue-collar workers
and Democratic loyalists.
At a rally at the American University in Washington, Mr Kennedy made a series
of thinly veiled references to the clashes with the Clintons over recent
weeks. He said that Mr Obama would represent a break with “cynical” tactics
of “demonising” opponents.
“With Barack Obama we can turn the page on the old politics of
misrepresentation and distortion,” he said. “We can close the book on the
old politics of race against race.”
Mr Kennedy is understood to have been repulsed by Mr Clinton’s alleged use of
racial politics in the past fortnight. In one recent phone call, when the
former President pleaded with him to stay neutral in the contest, Mr Kennedy
“ripped into him”, according to a source close to the senator.
He is also said to regard a remark by Mrs Clinton that appeared to give
President Johnson — disliked by the Kennedys — the greatest credit for civil
rights legislation, as a “direct repudiation of the work of his family”.
Mr Obama was joined on stage not only by the late President’s daughter,
Caroline, and his surviving brother, Ted, but also, unexpectedly, by his
nephew, Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
Mr Kennedy usually refers only sparingly to his assassinated brothers, John
and Robert. But yesterday he said: “There was another time, when another
young candidate was running for president and challenging America to cross a
new frontier. He faced criticism from the preceding Democratic President,
who was widely respected in the party,” Mr Kennedy said, referring to Harry
Truman.
“And John Kennedy replied, ‘The world is changing. The old ways will not do.
It is time for a new generation of leadership.’ So it is with Barack Obama.”
Mrs Clinton, who was speaking yesterday in the Kennedys’ back yard of
Massachusetts, has pointed out that she has picked up support from the
children of Robert Kennedy, Robert Jr, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and her
sister, Kerry.
Others say that Senator Kennedy has not proved infallible in selecting
winners. In 1992 he initially backed Paul Tsongas against Mr Clinton, before
gratefully receiving his help in a tough Senate re-election battle two years
later against Mitt Romney — now a Republican candidate. In 2000 he supported
Al Gore and in 2004 was a key figure in John Kerry’s campaign.
Mrs Clinton has the edge in backing from colleagues in the Senate and
governors. Support from Antonio Villaraigosa, the Mayor of Los Angeles, has
been critical in winning votes of Hispanics in Nevada this month and will be
so in California next week.
There has been alarm within her campaign at the endorsements that Mr Obama
has, which include senior senators such as Mr Kerry and Patrick Leahy, and
those representing key Super Tuesday states, such as Claire McCaskill. Mr
Obama even received the backing yesterday of the author Toni Morrison, who
once labelled Mr Clinton the “first black President”.
The Democratic leadership is said to have become increasingly concerned about
Mr Clinton’s behaviour, while many senior figures on Capitol Hill have
privately made it plain that they have little affection for his wife. In
committee meetings, Mrs Clinton has often put noses out of joint by
overriding seniority rules and asking if she can speak first because she has
another engagement. “Senators are busy people; they all have something else
to do,” one long-time adviser said.
A dark cloud on Mr Obama’s horizon, however, continues to be Antoin “Tony”
Rezko, his former friend and fundraiser, who faces trial on fraud charges
next month. Yesterday, Mr Rezko was arrested by federal agents for violating
bail conditions.
All of the High powered backing and endorsements will be gone immediately after the election, and it will be too late to apologize so please ignore the 3 ring circus and vote your consience. They are all well qualified with impressive resumes, but only one is going to turn your world for the next 4 years.
David, Modesto, Usa/California
How wonderful we have so many international opinions. Thanks for thinking of us-Ok food for thought- this is by far the most exciting election the us has had in almost 39 or so years-and we have critical concerns- 49 million americans without health insurance and how in a post war economy(because we are going to move into this) are we going to be prepared. I like Obama- i am in favor of his rhetoric but a president is only as good as the people he or she puts around them- We almost know who Hilary is going to have-who is obama going to appoint, and is he strong enough- can he push the right legislation through?
trisha, denver,
As an old guy, who first voted when Eisenhower was around, and has voted Democrat in every primary and general election since then, I was excited with Obama's entry. An attitude of reaching out across partisan lines for the good of the country is an encouraging prospect for someone who has experienced politics as an "ego trophy", take-no prisoners enterprise. Now, to see such petty behavior as to not reach out to shake a hand is disturbing; the enmity between Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Clinton is as intense as any can imagine,but he in a civil and statesman manner, publically reached out; Obama could have show that he can walk the walk of reaching out, but he didn't.
He - or his handlers - instead tried the old cyynical politics of the Clintons by trying to spin it into an inadvertent and unpreventible incident. He has promised more and better and I hope he can show that this promise isn't just another one of those politically expedient moves to an "ego trophy" , the White House.
Tom, El Cerrito, Calif
People who say Barack is inexperienced don't have any understanding of the actual records. Obama has served more years in office than Hillary. He's also been out of the country handling international issues several times.
Also, people who say he is vague haven't looked at his website under the 'Issues' tab. He has several specific plans and changes that he could begin to make the first day of his presidency.
Also, Obama did not snub Hillary or act unfriendly toward her at the State of the Union. He was asked a question by Claire McCaskill, a senator from Missouri the moment Hillary shook hands with Kennedy. So in that picture that is being proliferated on the net, he was just answering a question.
I'm not saying he's perfect but don't attack him for weaknesses he doesn't even have. Find something new to complain about.
I think that he is great for this nation and I've yet to see a complaint that isn't just hot air. He's made me believe in democracy again.
Chris Redford, Lawrence, KS
Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air in the polluted American political culture, which favours rich over poor, injustice over fairplay and exploitation over humanly treatment.
Nur Monie
Nur Monie, London , England
Barack Obama is definetly what our country needs . there are three generations or people who dont even believe in our countries leadership technique and only show up to the polls to play some part in this vote but dont believe that the old white men really give a damb about the future and those who they will eventually have to pass the torch onto.They arent prepared for the responsibility and with barack there will be more invested in our youth, and young people will believe in democracy again.
Teresa , SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
The Kennedy endorsements are important for Obama. They add to his overall credibility as a candidate.
However, it is more symbolic than anything else. Ted Kennedy has become silent and irrelevant, and carries little weight in the Democratic party or in America.
I do think Obama better get used to smiling at, and shaking hands with, people he doesn't like!! It's a key requirement for getting elected, not to mention the job itself.
Bob Shore, Buffalo, NY,
Barack is too inexperienced to lead this country in a world that is unpredictable and volatile. After 9/11 and the onslaught of worldwide terrorism, we need a president who is truly skilled and experienced to direct our international policy. Hilary has traveled for many years all over the globe and is known to and trusted by many foreign leaders. She could get us out of the war in Iraq, while keeping the country safe. I don't find any comfort in Barack's vague generalities about being "for change". Who isn't in this election year? No one likes Bush's policies, everyone is in favor of change.
I never thought I would say this but I would consider voting Republican if Barack is the nominee, I just have no confidence in his ability to truly lead in this challenging world.
Kate Missett, NY, NY
I have recently taken a hard look at Barach Obama as a candidate for president. His childish display last night at the State of the Union speech convinces me that he does not have the emotional maturity to hold the highest office in the land. Indeed,his lack of social skills , civility, and cry-baby attitude would compell me to turn him down even if he appled to work at McDonald's. How can a man like that talk to other foreign leaders? At this crucial moment in the decline of American prestige, Please, please, I know we must do better.
sage essman, glen cove, n.y.
Forget all this hype, there will be a woman heading the white house following the election. It is all in the stars. The US is just not ready yet for a black president. Be happy, as the world will be a better place for having her at the white house running the most powerful country on earth.
D Case, Newquay,
It was 1950 when I finally woke up and realised the extend of injustice going on in the world. I was 17 years of age. I read a book, just published called Scottboro Boy, a story started just before I was born, of nine black boys accused of raping two white women; all evidence needed. Thus began one of the most couragous legal fights in American history. When the book was published, few people in the UK had ever heard of the case. Enraged, I wrote the editor of the Times. He used my letter in his editorial the following day. Since that time, I have watched the bigotry continue, perhaps slightly less obvious nowadays. I have watched politicians, on both sides of the pond, grow increasingly dishonest, self-serving and cynical. Equally, I have watched (and prayed) for someone who can lead us all out of our self-serving inhibitions and prejudices. Finally, I believe that someone has finally emerged. His name is Barack Obama. Please listen to this man. He really has something to say.
David Jones, Andover, Hampshire
This is the first exciting Election in American History why? it is the OBAMA factor. He has brought out young and old rich and poor, Black and White. If we in Britain could acheive that at a general election we may get some one to represent the people of the UK New Labour was elected by 26% of the people in the UK, 74% did not want a Labour Government. If people could see a possible change in Britain I think we would all be greatful. Tax and waste is what we have and the Health Service Education has become the political foot ball in Politics. If the Health Service and Education is so bad what has the former Governments been doing?. Now we are told about A'Levels based on The Big Mc Hamburgers, is this a Joke or what?. We need change in the UK. We Need to see the back of Gordon Brown, and an elected government in its place, elected by the people. Mr Brown has lost the plot, he speaks about jobs he has created, where are they?.
Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, United Kingdom
If Clinton wins America is finished forever
Matt Carey, London,
I remember when Ted "Chappaquiddick" Kennedy was stumping for Dukakis he came up with the slogan "Where was George". P J O'Rourke came up with the fabulous response "Dry, sober and home with his wife". Why Obama would want this character to give his support is beyond me.
I am impressed with the zeal of the Obama campaign team, they've even taken the time out to write pieces that claim he's the new messiah in a nation' s newspaper that doesn't vote for him. However despite the acceptance pieces I would point out that the Clinton attack machine will get nastier, Obama will say something else stupid - a la invading Pakistan and his inexperience will show. Oh and the kicker, Obama has the most Liberal voting record in the senate, once the Clintons stop attacking him the GOP will tear him a new one over his weakness on a whole range of issues.
Chris, London, England
Hard to imagine why the Kennedys are still lauded and held up as a beacon of morality and achievement. From the Nazi appeasement of old Joe to Teddy's drive in Chappaquidick, is this really the best that America has to offer? I rather doubt it.
Their legacy is mainly so much hot air...I can see why they'd favour Obama.
David, Manchester, UK
A picture tells a thousand words...... Obama, his wife and children are a genuine harmonious cohesive family unit.
Petra, swansea, Wales
It's a fantastic thing Ted Kennedy has done. Obama is a diamond amongst gravel chips, he is the first truely inspirational and uniting politician since Tony Blair in 1997!
Martin, London, England
The charismatic appearance of mr.Barack Obama on a stage where for centuries invaded by white,rich and proud ellites is now shining and became the hope for the bottom root peole of America. America is a land considered anything may come true with the help of great effert and hard work. It is the dream of many people around the world at last to step their foot on this land of plenty and became part of the shining success in the american histrory. However, this thinking happens to be cliche recently and many societies start to hate america,wishing to destroy america rather than being part of american dream. Thus,Barack Obama is the only candidate who has the ability to disprove all these and reinstate the hope again. If he can be elected,America will be survived back again by keeping her position of being the land of opportunities,freedom,democracy and success.
there is no other way than voting for Obama.
heno, ADDIS ABABA, ethiopia
Either Clinton or Obama as the Democratic nominee should ensure the election of President McCain.
windward, Dubai, UAE
Bill and Hilary are just a pair of rednecks.
sam Transando, London, Britain
Ah, so 'The Picture of Dorian Grey,' oops Ted Kennedy, has endorsed Obama?
A thousand cheers???!!!
prudence eely bond mcguire, LONDON, ENGA\ND UK.
Ted is just keeping the Kennnedy name in the news
Willy, Ottawa, Canada/ON
This is the first political campaign I've been excited about;as a 69 year old Kansas bred woman. Since volunteering at Obama's headquarters in Colorado, I've been impressed with the clean campaign being run; impressed with Obama's integrity and unique ability to unite persons of all ages., race and gender. At this time in America, I feel he is the best presidential candidate possible and the refreshing change we need in our country. With him as president, we would have the chance to once again be respected not only nationally but globally.
Carolyn McIntosh, Littleton, Colorado, USA
Although it is quie clear that the former President must back off in order for Hillary Clinton to take flight, this is perhaps one of the few obstacles she must hurdle. On the other hand, the endorsements by cultural icons of elitist backgrounds may be smoke and mirrrors for Obama. The question is can he hit the ground running on his first day in the Oval Office. The rhetoric of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy goes just so far. It does not spell out and define an agenda and the vagueness of his montra for change is perplexing. We are to have hope in what? Who really is Barack Obama?
Lynn Mascarelli, Phoenix, Arizona
unfortunately, this is the type of cynisism our country has been stuck in for years.For some reason we think keep things running with the same old thinking is the beat of the day. Well, this is a brand new day. And for those of you who want to keep holding on to the pass, We feel so sorry for you. This country for a long time has needed someone to step up and get us back on corse. We have the greatest opportunity to do a great thing for the survival of America and I'm wodering why are we afraid. This suppose to be the Land of the free, And the home of the Brave. Where is that bravery when it comes to thinking outside the box. We've become so afraid to see anything but what we're familiar with. Well that just don't cut it anymore. I'm a 55 yr. old American, And I've watched a lot of presidents say a lot of things just to get the job. They had no intention of working for the people. They work for all the people they owed.
We need Obama, who can see the future, And lead us to it.
Lucas, Riverside, California
Let's see what next Tuesday brings. Senatorial and newspaper endorsements won't have a great effect since, unbelievable as it may seem to some, the electorate can make up its own mind without the input from part (not all) of the Kennedy family. Unfortunately, what we have not heard from Mr Obama is what he actually stands for - "change" is the watchword, but change to what? At least Mrs Clinton has put forward some policy suggestions and my bet is that she'll do rather better than most here think.
David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States
Obama is nothing more than a motivational speaker.
He is a rooky and an endorsement by the ostracised purple faced Ted Kennedy is a mere blip in the grand scheme of things.
Obama is all smiles and little substance.
The USA is ready for a change and Hilary Clinton will win the day.The USA needs a strong woman at its helm.
James , Marbella, Spain
Obama's been tarred with the race brush as the "black candidate" -- and it didn't take the Clintons to do it. The black voting bloc in South Carolina did it for him -- almost 80% of them went for Obama.
White voters, however, show very little racial loyalty -- as the 97% white state of Iowa proved, in voting for Obama.
Black voters (and Hispanics too for that matter) tend to identify racially, and therefore vote racially as well.
Unfortunately, any politician caught capitalizing on such a racially biased voting bloc will pay for it, come the general election in November. White voters will not necessarily prefer a white candidate, but they will punish a minority who tries to use his race to gain an advantage -- and Obama is dangerously close to doing so.
J. Cline, Baltimore, US
Luke from Perth - your comments are as off the mark as the sledging from Australia's cricket players.
Obama was at school in Indonesia from the ages of 6 to 10. What do you mean by he has never left the USA?
Hillary Clinton was made the first female partner at the Rose Law Firm in 1979. This is one of the oldest law firms in the USA. What do you mean she is a 'house wife' come senator?
A lack of knowledge of these basic facts make all your other comments worthless.
Hamish, London, UK
Quick question for Luke from Perth, Australia: Huh?
McCain is lauded as the Republican frontrunner. And although, granted, he doesn't stand a chance, Ron Paul has had tremendous success considering that no one ever heard of him before he ran. At the very least, his message has become widely known with the American public.
And please remind me which politician has never left North America? Obama lived in Jakarta for four years as a kid, for heaven's sake, and is on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which has required him to travel to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Romney spent over two years on a mission in France.
I appreciate your interest in American politics, but a little more research might do you some good.
Sarah, Seattle, Washington
I am a Freshman at American University, and the rally today was...incredible. It was historic, striking, and one of the most exciting things I have witnessed in my life so far. Obama has an undeniable electricity. This endorsement is huge, and I feel honored to have seen it in person!
Melissa, Washington, DC, USA
Kennedy is very famous here for having killed a girl years ago, so i dont know that i would want his 'endorsement'. He is also one of the only political figures in the US that is disliked even MORE than Hillary Clinton.
This chain of events is unfortunately only likely to ensure the victory of another neocon republican, who will have the joy of competing against the most fabulously unpopular individuals the Democratic party could have produced from their ranks.
peter caputo, rochester, USA New York
The US is splitting at the seams. The last thing it wants is a split along the lines or race and sex. Whoever comes to the WH next, will be a witness to the fall of a once-great nation. If you think the sub-prime is bad, wait for the credit-card payments crisis. It is 10 times worse. All the jobs are going overseas and the US is living on borrowed money. It has reached a point of no return. The US image in the world is trash. Our military "might" has been shown up for what it is. All we can do is bomb indiscriminately. We cannot win a war. A puny Iraq is stretching our military. Imagine if we get into a tangle with China over Taiwan ! We are paper tigers - economically and militarily.
Nostalgic_American, Little Rock, Arkansas,
Though the republicans have totally made a disaster of American domestic and foreign policies, surely voting for a house wife come senator or a man who has never even left North America is a greater mistake? It shows how ridiculous the american politican system is when a morman, former 1st lady and an inexperienced senator are the front runners for the presidency while the 2 best candidates in Mccain and Ron Paul are almost ignored and bankrupt for their attempts. The world will be worse off no matter who wins as who ever it is they dont have the experience or knowledge of diplomacy to know what to do.
luke, perth, australia
Why would Obama want the endorsement from the brother of a president who was notorious for using call girls and couldnt keep his man hood in his pants , caused the Vietnam war which still causes thousands of deaths in Vietnam every year from the usage agent Orange and brought the world to the brink of a nuclear war by putting missiles in Turkey only to cause Russia to reply and put them in Cuba?
IS american memories so short that they cannot remember this, or are they that uneducated that they cant read a history book any more?
luke, perth, australia
IN the UK the top civil service is in theory immune from political change; the secretary of the cabinet closes the books and overnight changes colour to support the policies of a new Prime MInister , the former leader of the Opposition, whose policies and views have been exhaustingly revealed in action in parliament and argued over, perhaps for years in the media..
The structure of US politics means that the President selects his cabinet from men and women who have not been elected. If I were a commentator or a voter in the primaries, my questions would be: Who would be your Secretary of State, YOur Secretary for Defence and perhaps an executive vice-president in the Cheney mould?
THe speeches of all the candidates tht have reached my ears are variations on the theme " I can cook a better apple pie than my rivals, who don't know butter from margarine" The rest of the world desperately needs a rather larger cookbook.
Frank Scudder, London, UK
I personally believe that what Obama is asking the American people to believe in is themselves. He advocates a bottom up approach and uses inclusive language, he motivates and stirs the younger generation. If there is no greater message that we need to 'get' at this time, it is of unity, because our divisions have been tearing us apart. The world is undergoing changes and those are only made faster by the fighting amongst ourselves. To meet the challenges of the future America, and for that matter, the rest of the world, needs an injection of inspiration and motivation and coming together.
JK, Wellington, New Zealand
Ted Kennedy is an icon of the Democratic party and it is a huge honor for Senator Obama to earn his endorsement and even more so the comparison to JFK. It is also remarkable that Caroline Kennedy would go to the extent of writing an op-ed piece in support of Obama's candidacy. Also, the support from congressman Patrick Kennedy. Obama is brilliant and accomplished and has a unifying approach. The importance of his ablity to inspire young and old alike cannot be overstated particularly at this time in America's history. Through his style of campaigning and his practice of reaching across the political and racial divide, it's certainly fitting to refer to him as the distinguished gentleman from Illinois.
Jamie, Toronto, Canada
Quite honestly, in response to Janet Couzens, do you not think that Ms Clinton will not be ripped apart by the republicans even more so than Barack Obama? Are you the same person you were when you were a young person?
The fact remains that Barack Obama is one of the best orators of the generation, and although there may have been better black politicians, as i am not acquainted with black american politics myself i cannot dispute your point, it still stands that america has never been more ready for a black president and it's still true that Obama has more "substance" than hillary clinton; who has now resorted to insults whereas Obama's campaign is clean, and has not dipped itself to the level the Clinton's are playing at.
If i'm not mistaken; this "cocky, overconfident-windbag" as he was so wittily named, is winning the candidate race.
E. H., London, UK
Edward Kennedy is endorsing Obama?! Hurrah - that'll be the end of his campaign!!!!
Dominic Stockford, Teddington, UK
it seems to me that the kennedy's support for obama is really to preserve their position as the powerful political family of america by not endorsing the emergence of a potential rival family like the clintons
HS, devizes,
There is only one race that I am concerned with: namely choosing the best candidate to beat the Republicans and the best candidate to perform as President from Day 1.
The Republicans will make mincemeat of Obama if he is selected not just because of his inexperience but his general cockiness as seen in the You Tube video of him as a young guy. I'd say they'd knock the stuffing out of him but I have yet to see that he has any stuffing inside him. He sure can talk the loudest but what he says has no substance such as required to tackle the enormous problems that America faces domestically and on the World stage. His is an empty coat standing on the podium. There are other Black politicians who
would have been far more experienced and have had presidential qualities. Obama is nothing but an over-confident windbag.
Janet Couzens, London, UK
Well thats not good *starts searching for snipers*
ll, cam,
We need a experienced president, who should bring the true hopes to Americans.The peace is not in the words,but in the acts and the faith.The gap between the whites and the blacks should be changed into the love of a bridge.We need Mr.Obama.
John, BeiJing,
I believe if Hillary was not running for office the Bill Clinton of old (who i was a fan of) would be passionately supporting Obama today. The question is: Who is this Bill Clinton of today?
Jack Maz, London, UK
Accept Ted Kennedy's endorsement - just don't let him drive you home
colin, ipswich,
cheer up~~ u guys~
allen, seoul, south korea
It seems strange to me that all the press is focusing on race. We need a good president. I think race and gender have nothing to do with it. For me, it is the person who is running, his/her experience, character, ability to lead, voting history, etc. I think the whole race/gender thing shouldn't even be mentioned. I am trying to decide between Obama and Edwards. I need more information about both. As for Hilary -- I have no interest., and it isn't because she is a woman! As for Obama, his wife seems very sensible and solid. I would trust her. She will be a strength behind him. He has high ideals, but I am not sure about his experience. Edwards seems to have the same ideals plus the experience. And how would they react to a real threat to the US? How will they impact America's image on the globe? Not only image - but how will they positively affect other countries? How will they help people in their own country who are struggling and live in poverty?
LS, Fairfax, CA
If I were Obama I'm not sure I'd want Ted Kennedy's endorsement, simple as that.
Stan(expat), Texas, USA
I wish that both Clinton and Obama would be careful not to give the Republicans the ammunition that they need to steal this election away. I hope that they soon gain a consensus to realize that we need both of them in order to fix the mess that's been made in the last 8 years.
Let the blood letting cease! Fight on the issues alone-and let's defeat the real enemy!
phillip, louisville, KY
Bill, I voted for you twice, but this time, please go home with Hill. If you really love us, let us have Obama, so we can take the WH back. And can you imaging how wonderful it could be if Obama is the president of the Unite America ? It will tell the world americans not only have muscles but also have a beautiful mind. It will be blow to the bad guys arounf the world because it would be very difficult for them to say bad things about americans. Bill, you know that, do you ? And you know, if so many young people from all over the map go to the plls because Obama, it is good. Because , Bill, you and Hill are older now, the future belong to the Youngs. You know that, do you ? You once said, you don't even use computers to write because you don't know how. That Okay. But it's a new world, it's a computer world, let the new generations go handle the new world. Please, it's our chance to win back WH, and Hill can't win in November but Obama certainly will. So be kind and go home.
lan chen, costa mesa, california/us
This election is a divisive one internationally. Black v white, women v male. America is ready for a woman president, but Hillary is the wrong one. I hope America is ready for Obama. Black American need to realise that the issue for blacks is not civil rights anymore. Its jobs, education and healthcare. Obama is the right man and I hoep Americans realise that.
Egya, Accra, Ghana
Don't vote. It just encourages them.
David van der Hugo, Newark, Delaware
Martin Gray Miami has grasped the wrong end of the stick.
Obama IS indeed an electable candidate and I am NOT repeat NOT anti-American in any shape or form.
I hope in my heart that he walks into the White House and stays there until the USA (complete with the 'Old South' onlookers of insignificance) realises that you can't clean a
'tar brush' and that it is finally thrown away.
Read my comment again Martin and come back soon.
Chris Parsons OBE, Kouklia, Cyprus
Obama has walked right into the trap that the Clintons' set for him. By demanding the black vote simply because he is the black candidate he has alienated the core democratic white and female vote. This shows that Mr Obama does not have what it takes to fight the Republican candidate. First it was Ophra, giving a black candidate her vote now it's South Carolina! Gender and colour should not be part of the election process like this. Because of the way the Democratic party has managed the election of their candidate they have left the door wide open for a white male Republican to walk to the presidency.
Sahara, Belfast,
The South Carolina flag is a blue field with a crescent moon and a palm tree. No stars and bars. I'm not saying South Carolina is without racism but at least they don't fly the Rebel battle flag over their capitol anymore and their state flag contains no elements of any Civil War flag I've ever seen. I'm not surprised Barak Obama did well there and the Clintons failed miserably. I'm surprised people are still surprised that the south can change its mind.
Thera, Ellijay, Georgia
I am a white, female, middle-age native South Carolinian who proudly voted for Obama yesterday. I could not be happier that he won because he is the best candidate for the state and the country.
Regina, Columbia, South Carolina
To Chris Parsons OBE, I say, you know very little about the US. The one thing the US is very capable of is change. People have been doing it for years, albeit the struggles and the issues. I still think Hillary Clinton will win the nomination for President. I don´t think anyone was surprised by Obama's win in S.C. Nationally I think he will struggle to compete against someone like McCain, mainly for his lack of experience. He is very eloquent, but after 8 years of the Bush administration, the country needs a lot more than eloquence to bring about the change that will resurrect this country back to a less polarized nation that actually cares about its people and the rest of the world. Either Hillary or McCain can, I have my doubts about Obama, he is not ready, yet.
Ruben Ruiloba, London, UK
Well, Chris Parsons, OBE, you can tar the USA with any racist epitaph you want, but that's just cheap anti-Americanism. The facts are otherwise. Obama is an electable black candidate that has done well in two all white states - Iowa and New Hampshire - and drew 25% of the white vote in South Carolina - a racially polarized state and the bastion of the "Old South" that still incorporates elements of the Confederate flag on its own state flag. And, numbers don't lie. More than 70% of white voters in the United States believe a black man can and should be elected. Add to that the incredible endorsement of Obama by Caroline Kennedy in this morning's NY Times placing her father's mantle on Obama's shoulders. All really quite amazing.
Stay tuned - this may just turn out to be a major inflection point in American history and American politics submerging the racist drivel from the Clintons in the tide of history.
Martin Gray, Miami, USA, Florida
When Bill Clinton suggested "that black votes would probably go to Mr Obama because of his race "and that's why people tell me Hillary doesn't have a chance of winning here'" does he mean that black people can't be unbiased?
Kathy Noltze, Arizona, AZ USA
So much for the USA 'leading the world in bringing about the end of racism' - on the contrary this is a country that is during this disgracefully unethical presidential race for the White House demonstrating that it has not moved forward a centimetre in its attempt to stamp out the global reputation it has for race imbalance.
If by a total fluke the 'joined at the hip' Clintons won the election (which everyone knows damn well 'they' won't) they would have to put two chairs behind the desk in the Oval Office because she wouldn't be able to cope without him alongside her and the world knows that.
Chris Parsons OBE, Kouklia, Cyprus
Yes, I am of Mr. Richard's opinion, too. People on this planet do forget that we are guests only on Earth and we should not envy him, but support him and believe in our intuition of truth to benefit all living beings. This is the sense of life, to be good.....
God Bless you, Barack Obama, and keep you healthy and your family throughout your lives.
Sikder, Sylvia, Hohenbrunn, Germany
In America when you win by 10% it is a rout, 15% we call it a landslide, that Obama pulled in 100%+ more votes than Hillary? This was an absolute humiliating defeat for the Clinton's, and I will argue the backlash of the Clinton's swift boat tactics against Obama.
If the Clinton's are doing this poorly, just imagine how bad Hillary would be loosing if she had to run alone, and not ride Bill's coat tails.
Christopher Dunn, Eugene, USA/Oregon
Wow. It is a shame that in 2008 we still have people who vote AGAINST someone simply because of race/gender. It is just as disturbing as voting FOR someone simply because of race/gender.
Richard, Richmond, VA, United States
God Bless you Obama. You will go all the way.
Orhan Catan, Istanbul, Turkey