Via Allahpundit at Hot Air, we learned that Whoopi Goldberg delighted the Manhattan liberal theatre crowd with a little Clarence Thomas-bashing while hosting the Tony Awards last night on CBS. Typically, she suggested that Justice Thomas wasn't really a black man. She introduced actor Laurence Fishburne this way:
And here’s a man who found out just how fantastic it is also when he picked up a Tony in Two Trains Running, currently on Broadway as the first African-American Supreme Court Justice – actually the only African-American Supreme -- no, that’s not true. [Laughter and applause] I forgot! I forgot!
Allahpundit also links to an AP story on how black conservatives like Armstrong Williams and J.C. Watts are thinking really hard about voting for Obama. Saying some kind words about the Democrat might be well-mannered, but Watts goes way beyond that to trash Republican efforts at black outreach:
J.C. Watts, a former Oklahoma congressman who once was part of the GOP House leadership, said he's thinking of voting for Obama. Watts said he's still a Republican, but he criticizes his party for neglecting the black community. Black Republicans, he said, have to concede that while they might not agree with Democrats on issues, at least that party reaches out to them.
"And Obama highlights that even more," Watts said, adding that he expects Obama to take on issues such as poverty and urban policy. "Republicans often seem indifferent to those things."
What kind of ungrateful jerk is J.C. Watts? He was singled out for leadership positions in the House (obviously beyond his seniority) and given a great spotlight when he was in Congress. The Republicans ran African-Americans for statewide office in Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and Maryland in 2006, and then-RNC chairman Ken Mehlman put effort into black outreach. To aid liberal media outlets in suggesting the Republicans are indifferent to blacks -- that's just bitterness on steroids.
It should go without saying that any black "conservative" who votes for Obama is abandoning conservatism in favor of skin color.
[Ht: Conservathink]
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center
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I don't think I'd call JC Watts
June 16, 2008 - 07:22 ET by sarcasmoAn ungrateful jerk. From what I've seen and heard this time, he might just have a solid point. It's not like the Republican party has followed JC's fiscal leadership very well, before or after he left office. And it's not JC's fault he was singled out for leadership roles, either.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
And it's not JC's fault he
June 16, 2008 - 08:34 ET by motherbeltAnd it's not JC's fault he was singled out for leadership roles, either.
It's not?
Oh, please. His mouth couldn't form the words No, thanks when offered a leadership position?
He just let himself be used as a "showcase black"?
I don't think so
June 16, 2008 - 08:38 ET by expatriotmb,
Before we start crusifying JC I would like to see how the AP story came about and if possible find out what he really said. As the head of JC Watts Companies I do not see him going over to Obamanations side. Especially after looking at the big O's ideas on private business ownership.
Yeah, if they wanted to use him...
June 16, 2008 - 08:40 ET by sarcasmoWhy should he not take advantage of it, if that's what was happening? I think a lot of people, myself included, liked how he spoke and how he voted & advocated for less spending. It was a refreshing change aside from the novelty of his race, to be brutally-frank. I never saw him as a token because I thought JC was intellectually superior to the white Republicans he beat. That opinion hasn't changed because of an AP story.
And yes, Republicans spent so much time screeching about Ron Paul's old newsletters that they didn't bother to ask how come he was attracting so many non-traditional fans for a Republican, including lots of fiscally-conservative black voters who know the score firsthand WRT the blatant racism of the failed drugwar. They still know it now, and even though they're probably not thrilled with Obama on that issue (and it's obviously not the only issue for them or me) if anything McCain sounds even worse than Obama as "more of the same."
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Sarc - JC didn't complain about the spending
June 16, 2008 - 08:53 ET by Dee Bunkhe complained about reaching out to Blacks.
I read a similar article where different Black conservatives said they were conflicted and may vote for Obama. None of them said it had anything to do with fiscal issues or not liking the Republican party or not liking McCain. They all said it was about the historic thing of having a Black President.
I can't really say I blame them. I love JC Watts and it would take more than this for me to dislike him. I wish he would have run for President. Unfortunately he wouldn't get the same black pride from his fellow African Americans. He would be treated like Clarence Thomas. It's too bad that he doesn't see that.
Well, so far
June 16, 2008 - 09:04 ET by sarcasmoAll the evidence we have of what he said is an AP article. I'm waiting for words from the horse's mouth, but there's still a lot wrong with the race situation, and I don't blame JC for noticing it. I doubt a black President would entirely cure it, but I can understand how the prospect would be tempting, especially with lackluster competition like Sen. McCain. Anyway, something's obviously weird if JC was the only black elected Republican, and we shouldn't ignore that fact or start calling him an ungrateful token if he's honest enough to say so.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
so it sounds like we are in agreement Sarc
June 16, 2008 - 13:51 ET by Dee BunkYou said pretty much the same thing I did. I'll just disagree on a small point. JC is not the only Black Republican to be elected. Before the New Deal almost all the elected Black people were Republicans. After the New Deal there have been a few and the Senate post New Deal was tied (one each) until Obama was elected.
The Dems have successfully demonized Republicans and the only way they could get them back would be to advocate "New Deal" type programs. Republicans appointed the first African American to the Supreme Court, Secretary of State and the first Black woman to Secretary of State and the first Black National Security Adviser.
All of these and other African Americans who make it to high postions in the Republican party are demonized and treated with horrible racism of the worst kind.
I disagree and believe they have reached out. They just have not been able to overcome the demonization by Democrats on this and other issues.
Why should he not take
June 16, 2008 - 09:20 ET by motherbeltWhy should he not take advantage of it, if that's what was happening?
sarc, I agree with you; but if he was taking advantage and cooperating in it, you can't say it "wasn't his fault."
Maybe I was unclear
June 16, 2008 - 09:32 ET by sarcasmoI thought at the time, and I still think, it was a meritocracy thing. JC had also been a great quarterback, and people like those as leaders, so it felt natural to me that he rose quickly. I was certainly sad to see him go.
Anyway, let's see if he says something today. I find it interesting that JC's not considered a VP contender, but apparently he isn't, and maybe either he or the party leadership resents that? I'm obviously speculating, as there's no proof of that, but it's possible.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Sarc,
June 16, 2008 - 13:06 ET by RESTLESS 1I agree that it would be nice to see J.C. at least mentioned as a potential running mate for McCain. I fear how the MSM would run with that selection though. I can hear them now:
"Oh, they just selected him because he's Black."
"Oh, they just wanted to counter Barack's race."
And so forth.
That being said, how about a Jindal/Watts, or vice versa, ticket next time?
"This liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
I do find Jindal attractive (so far...)
June 16, 2008 - 13:23 ET by sarcasmoBut my fave black conservative remains Walter Williams, by far. I'm still saddened that I & others failed to convince him to run, even though he'd have been a longshot, like any politician I favor. Walter has all the fiscally conservative positions I like without any known baggage, and without the political experience almost everyone else likes & I hate. In my hypothetical alternate reality, conservatives & libertarians, instead of fighting eachother, would have all gotten behind Walter & foiled the media's favored candidate, but obviously it was not to be.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
I agree on the Williams
June 16, 2008 - 13:39 ET by RESTLESS 1I agree on the Williams front. I just don't think he will ever run.
It would be great fun to watch the msm try to use Watts' alleged past against him, while trying not to alienate those to whick they constantly accuse conservatives of being intolerant. Could they successfully bring Watts' rumored illegitimate children into play, while they so wholeheartedly embrace the practice of unmarried sex? I like to get entertainment bang for my buck irt politics.
"This liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
expatriot....
June 16, 2008 - 08:45 ET by motherbeltThat's why I said "if" he is now saying the Government has to do more for the black community.
I was disagreeing with sarcasmo's implication that Watts would let himself be used.
I find the whole "transformation" thing odd, and I don't think Watts would vote for Obama just because he's black. And going on the MSM's penchant for touting "another Republican who's going to vote for Obama" I think you may be right that there's more to this than meets the eye.
I'm with you
June 16, 2008 - 09:13 ET by expatriotmb,
I got it now. Judging by the success of JC after he left office I don't think that he is going to be used or that he will jump on the Obamanation band wagon.
I get the impression that the AP is cherry picking statements and taking them out of context to further their position.
Just more proof that black
June 16, 2008 - 08:35 ET by motherbeltJust more proof that black isn't a skin color, but a set of ideological beliefs.
I can understand Goldberg, but Watts has really drunk the Kool-Aid if he now believes that government is supposed to "do something" to help "the black community."
Yeah, JC...the Democrat party "reaches out" to blacks, to get them dependent on them, so that they can count on their votes.
Why is it we constantly
June 16, 2008 - 14:04 ET by CortillaenWhy is it we constantly hear how the government (in general, Republicans/Conservatives in specific) needs to "reach out" to blacks? Would anyone across the ideological aisle like to explain what that really means? No? Fine, I'll do it myself. "Reaching out to" is simply a trite little phrase used to put a good spin on actions that destroy freedom.
Oh, the "black community" (nope, no racism there) wants financial stability? Then the "black community" needs to get off its rear and work for it. People need to get it through their thick skulls that there really is no such thing as a free lunch. Even disregarding the fact that stability in finances is a direct result of financial independence, if you want the government to take care of you, you'd best be prepared to give something in exchange. In the short term, you give certain candidates your votes, but in the long term you give them your freedom. Once the government controls your supply of money/food, they control you. It really is that simple.
The sad thing is how similar the welfare situation is to slavery. Think about it: Once upon a time, blacks gave up time, labor, and freedom to the plantation owners in exchange for food, a place to sleep (albeit typically very poor), and continued life in general. Today, they give up their votes and freedom in exchange for food, a place to sleep, and continued life in general. The worst part is that today's people willingly choose to surrender their freedoms.
What did members of the Underground Railroad fight for? What about Martin Luther King Jr.? I can tell you this, it wasn't to lead blacks into a slavery of their own making. So, who are the "race traitors"? Those who would willingly push their "brothas 'n sistas" back into slavery or those who force other blacks to grow up and live their own lives?
www.rhjunior.com Great comics with a hefty dose of Christian and anti-nutjob goodness.
"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." -Miyamoto Musashi
Oh, So Where is Alan Keyes' 90% Black Vote?
June 16, 2008 - 08:25 ET by UpwayWhat exactly is "reaching out"? I WILL NOT vote for a candidate who does not share my values. Based on the "content" of Obama's character, I cannot even consider voting for him. By the way, why does JC consider "poverty" to be a black issue? Why won't Obama or any other "black leader" tell the black community how simple it is to escape poverty.....
1. Complete your education.
2. Wait until you're married to have kids.
3. Acknowledge that NO ONE ever got rich waiting for the government to "do something".
Also, since Whoopi likes to take shots at black conservatives, someone should remind her that Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican.
..So much for "celebrating diversity" (more empty rhetoric from the left).
Maybe, maybe not
June 16, 2008 - 08:27 ET by expatriotJC Watts might be an ungrateful jerk and really made the statements in the context that the AP placed them or the AP took what JC said and spun it to fit in their article.
I don't trust the AP as far as I can spit and after listening to JC over the years I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
I am waiting to see which one pans out.
Hillary and Bill "reached out"
June 16, 2008 - 09:29 ET by krendlerHillary and Bill "reached out". In fact, prior to the 2008 primaries, they were both credited as being champions of civil rights and sensitive to the "needs" of the black community, with Bill Clinton even being dubbed "The First Black President".
That didn't matter one iota to the black community once Hillary (and Bill) were competing against a black candidate. Bill was thrown under the bus as a "racist" for calling Obama a "kid" and his voting record "a fairy tale" and Hillary got well under 10% of the black vote in state after state.
Let that be an example to Republicans like Watts who think that Republicans need to "reach out" to blacks. It's going to get you exactly zero votes, especially in this election.
connecting the dots
June 16, 2008 - 11:14 ET by mom_roxThe Democrats just have to say "Bush tax cuts for the wealthy" which leaves the impression that the Republicans have no concern regarding 'poverty and urban policy'.
The Republicans do a poor job communicating that instead of the money going to the ever expanding federal piggy bank, the tax cuts allow more investments which creates jobs for everyone (regardless of race/ethnicity).
Maybe the Republicans need an "Invest in America" platform and/or talking points.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
- George Bernard Shaw, 1944
JC, You Got Some 'Splaining To Do
June 16, 2008 - 12:00 ET by stratmanJC Watts may not be the paragon of principles the Right believed at one time:
Has Watts turned into a better dressed Mathew Lesko? (http://infomercial.tvheaven.com/matthew-lesko.htm)
And what do the Left think of Watts' career move? You'd think that Watts appearing to help the downtrodden obtain free money would be regarded as honorable. Well, you'd have thought wrong - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2014493.
I guess you can't be a good person if you are a republican and you can't be black (enough) if you are a republican. It's starting to sound like you can't be a black republican and not vote for a black democrat according to the AP.
Maybe Watts found life more bearable outside the government by playing racial politics. Maybe this story was improperly quoted. I'd like to hear Watts' reasoning more fleshed out before branding him as a race player more interested in the color of someone's skin than the content of his character.
RRAM Tough!
JC Watts
June 16, 2008 - 12:24 ET by DaieIt's funny that JC Watts says that now. I can't remember where I read it...maybe Bladilocks...where JC Watts was saying the exact opposite of what he is saying now about how Republicans don't reach out to black people.
BTW, there are lots of black conservative...they just don't get mentioned that much.
Waste of time...
June 16, 2008 - 13:01 ET by Uncle DonThis is why anything the Republicans do to try and get the black vote is a waste of time and money. They are not going to vote Republican under any circumstances but especially now that a black man is running. Even the most dedicated and reliable and historically black Republican, under the privacy of the voting booth, they will vote for Barack...they can't help it and I don't care who the black man is, they will vote for him. Forget the Black vote; IT IS GONE....focus on other voters.
And keep this in mind if Barack gets in. Most appointments, most of his focus, most of his legislation, most of his budgetitary focus will be towards the black voters and what they want....it will be chaos.....
To He** with JC Watts...
June 16, 2008 - 13:11 ET by Uncle Don...let's remember this when b.h.o. gets sent back to illinois as an unimportant, 3rd class senator and JC is going to want to get back in the Republican loop...sorry jc, you can try to go back to being just another black democrap...
the what awards...???
June 16, 2008 - 17:05 ET by wizardjrI must be culturally deprived, I have no idea what this awards ceremony is about. From the sounds of it, it is a bunch of Follywood leftovers trying to regain some fame with lame-assed jokes at the mic. But then, I could be wrong. When was this on? I must have been doing something considerably more important like mowing the lawn.