[Vic S]

Ironically, Obama didn't get very far in Chicago politics because he was often perceived as inauthentically black by other blacks on account of his mixed-race heritage, his way of speaking, and his Ivy League background. It was only when he started selling himself to liberal whites as the perfect answer to their "guilt" that his political career really started to take off.

I think it was Polly Pritzer that had him change from his all black district to the upper east side rich white district that saved his career in the Illinois State Senate. She is now sec of labor.

[mumblypeg]

Noob, here. Please be gentle with me!
I canvassed New Orleans neighborhoods on behalf of Bobby Jindal, prior to both his gubernatorial runs. During the pre-Katrina run against Kathleen Blanco, the comment I heard repeatedly in black neighborhoods was along the lines of, they didn’t like the white woman, but she was preferable to the “raghead.” Any discussion of issues, democrat vs republican, they didn’t care. “Ain’t voting for no dang raghead.” FWIW, I NEVER heard this spoken aloud from whites. After Katrina, I heard this “raghead” comment again —not as much, but again, only from blacks.