Are there times when a candidate buries their head in shame at some of the off the wall tributes and endorsements they are given? This is the question I found myself asking while I watched the famous 90s rap duo, Salt and Peppa, on BET’s Hip Hop Awards Thursday night. The group somehow thought it was appropriate to show their support for Barack and Michelle by singing “Whatta Man.” While in its original context I am a fan of the song, I must admit I was a bit off put by the performance. I can’t help but wonder what Senator Obama was thinking. Don’t get me wrong, I love rap and R&B music. I am just not so sure it has a place in a presidential election. The truth is, the election has been filled with many endorsements that have caused me to bury my head in shame or want to hide under a rock.
I can’t blame Obama from distancing himself from rapper Ludacris’s song “Obama is Here.” While it is admirable that the artist has a passion for the political process, it is not admirable to dissent other candidates in such a disrespectful manner. In one minute and 40 seconds alone, Ludacris dissed the age of McCain (“McCain doesn’t belong in any chair unless he is paralyzed”), the mental capacity of George Bush (“Bush is mentally handicap, so ball up all of his speeches and throw ‘em like candy wrap.”), and downgraded Hilary Clinton by using the B-word.
So how should one deal with these types of unwanted endorsements? And how do they affect the voting process? I believe Obama has done an excellent job ignoring the blatant disrespect that has been portrayed against a viable candidate. I hope that informed voters will realize that under the First Amendment, the U.S. Constitution does uphold freedom of speech. It should be remembered that the views of various entertainment moguls do not represent Senator Obama’s views or the views of the Democratic National Party. Hopefully, voters will not be ignorant and keep an open mind towards what really matters in a Presidential election, the issues. Let’s remember to focus on the economic crisis, education, energy, health care and let those inside the field of entertainment stick to entertaining.
Showing posts with label endorsements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label endorsements. Show all posts
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colin Powell Endorses Obama
I am excited! We are 12 days, 290 hours, or approximately 17, 300 minutes from November 4. And while this is going to be a very historic election, today was another day that will continue to be written about. Colin Powell broke from the Republican Party and endorsed Senator Barack Obama. While this may be a significant move for so many people for various reasons, what does this endorsement really mean for the Obama campaign and the Republican Party? Furthermore, how does this move really affect the issues?
I am no political analyst; however Powell’s endorsement should move mountains for Obama and the Democratic Party. The words he spoke on behalf of Barack Obama were powerful and most important, in my opinion, measurable. Colin Powell spoke on behalf of the Chicago senator, while dealing with the issues behind the campaign. He made it clear that his decision was not based on race, but he analyzed the candidates and their ability to run our nation. Who else is more qualified than a first hand experienced Former Secretary of State to give an indication of who is able to lead the country?
While I am very proud of the endorsement the first thing I thought of was what this meant for the Republican Party. Over the next few weeks I believe the endorsement will begin to show the breakdown in the Republican Party. To have such a high figure break from the party and show his beliefs has been almost unheard of until this point. Powell gave clear reasons as to why he was not supporting McCain and was very clear in his discontent with VP candidate Sarah Palin. It was significant and impressive to me for Powell to speak on behalf of what is American and Constitutional.
Colin Powell is a very influential figure and obviously his endorsement will have an important role in the 2008 Presidential Election. He once again proved himself as an honorable and unassuming figure. What impressed me the most was the fact that he took a stand for what he believes while so many Americans are basing their decision on factors that aren’t indicative of what makes a good leader. Well done Colin Powell! Well done!
I am no political analyst; however Powell’s endorsement should move mountains for Obama and the Democratic Party. The words he spoke on behalf of Barack Obama were powerful and most important, in my opinion, measurable. Colin Powell spoke on behalf of the Chicago senator, while dealing with the issues behind the campaign. He made it clear that his decision was not based on race, but he analyzed the candidates and their ability to run our nation. Who else is more qualified than a first hand experienced Former Secretary of State to give an indication of who is able to lead the country?
While I am very proud of the endorsement the first thing I thought of was what this meant for the Republican Party. Over the next few weeks I believe the endorsement will begin to show the breakdown in the Republican Party. To have such a high figure break from the party and show his beliefs has been almost unheard of until this point. Powell gave clear reasons as to why he was not supporting McCain and was very clear in his discontent with VP candidate Sarah Palin. It was significant and impressive to me for Powell to speak on behalf of what is American and Constitutional.
Colin Powell is a very influential figure and obviously his endorsement will have an important role in the 2008 Presidential Election. He once again proved himself as an honorable and unassuming figure. What impressed me the most was the fact that he took a stand for what he believes while so many Americans are basing their decision on factors that aren’t indicative of what makes a good leader. Well done Colin Powell! Well done!
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