I've not paid much attention to Obama (too tired of politicians, for the moment), but the more I hear from people who do, the less I like him. Well, some of the more religious apparently believe he's the anti christ... them, I'm less inclined to pay attention to. 

 Not too long ago I was thinking that Hillary and Obama might as well run on a ticket together, just to get it over with (non white male president, whichever one of them was at the top of the ticket), but I think I've changed my mind. While I don't think Hillary will be nearly as bad as she is now when actually in office (I could be very wrong), the entire Obama and "see? racism is all done with and in the past" thing, which he actually facilitates, would be extremely damaging. 

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Speaks on Race

I hear you...I'm more concerned about his support of us because he's got a LOT of support.

I propose a trade: he support our issues (and I don't care if he names us or not in the process), we support him. 

I tried to remember enough details to fake an answer (bones creaking...).

I just keep looking forward to what 'post-racial' means to humans...Black folks will have to replace "Lift Every Voice and Sing" with "We Wear The Mask" set to music.

Starring Barack Obama as Colin Powell

I think I am going to have to reread some material concerning these turn of the 20th century figures to get a better sense of the verisimilitude concerning contemporary discussions of race.  Johnson would certainly identify with some one like Obama--a light skinned black man who moved with ease among white elites.  But he might also fear that Obama is in danger of selling his birthright for a "mess of pottage" like the protagonist in his famous book.  

P6 ...  the dichotomy you present between "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "We Wear the Mask" is an apt representation of the two options that Americans are faced with in how they approach race.  I think you hit it right on the nail.  How would you say Obama compares to leaders like Walter White or Roy Wilkins who symbolically carried the mantle but routinely ignored the concerns and will of the people?                

How would you say Obama compares to leaders like Walter White or Roy Wilkins who symbolically carried the mantle but routinely ignored the concerns and will of the people?

I'm going to be comparing him with Chuck Schumer more than White or Wilkins. In fairness you have to remember he specifically said he wasn't going to be the Senator from Black America.

I've waxed less than enthusiastic about the likelihood of the Senator being an activist on Black folk's behalf, and he hasn't made a step in that direction. But I haven't bitched about it because I remember the very first article I read about him.

They say voters should not expect a fiery leader who pounds his fists, but rather, a measured collaborator similar to the late Paul Simon, who represented Illinois in the Senate from 1985 to 1997.

"He knows why he's in public life," said David Axelrod, a political consultant who works for Obama.

"A fiery leader who pounds his fists" seemed such specific symbolism it caught my attention. And Illinois also sent Carol Moseley Braun to the Senate too. It's like somehow the state wants or needs to make this gesture and they'd really rather have a guy that don't scare the shit out of people.

I just checked the population of Illinois by race...in my opinion. only blatant incompetence Sen. Obama dying in his seat if he chooses to stick with being a Senator. If he is a prominent Senator my judgment would probably be that he did no harm and had secondary effects that could be useful.