Posted on 02/29/2008 3:27:00 PM PST by Extremely Extreme Extremist
DALLAS (CBS) ― In an interview with Tracy Rowlett, noted Latino community activist Adelfa Callejo told CBS station KTVT-TV in Dallas 11 that Hispanics would not support a Black candidate in the Texas primary.
"Obama has the problem that he happens to be Black," said Callejo when asked if it was smart for Senator Barack Obama to reach out to Latino voters.
"When Blacks had the numbers, they didn't do anything to support us," said Callejo. "They always used our numbers to fulfill their goals and objectives, but they never really supported us, and there's a lot of hard feelings about that. I don't think we're going to get over it anytime soon."
KTVT-TV's Jay Gormley was the only North Texas television reporter traveling on the Texas campaign trail with Obama. In an exclusive interview, he asked Obama about the comments.
"Supporters of different campaigns, sometimes in their enthusiasm for the candidates, say things that are unwise," said Obama. "I wouldn't ascribe those words to Senator Clinton. I won't ascribe those words to the entire Hispanic community."
Because Callejo is a Clinton supporter, Sen. Clinton was also asked about the comment. Her campaign has now gone on record "rejecting and denouncing" the statement.
Now, some of Callejo's strongest allies are also criticizing her sentiment.
"First of all, it's pure nonsense," said Rene Martinez.
"Race is not an issue. It's who'll do the best for our children everyday," added Diana Flores.
Martinez and Flores are two well-known Hispanic community advocates in Dallas. They both have worked with Callejo and both now support Obama for president. Both say Callejo's comments are off-base.
"While I understand some of what she was saying, I'm saddened by it, because he's not to blame for the politics of divisiveness that's occurred at some level here in the City of Dallas," said Flores.
"Her assumption is we've all had the same experience with African Americans as she, and it's not true," said Martinez. "It's unfortunate, because it's not true."
Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Elba Garcia, a Clinton supporter, said she too distanced herself from Callejo's comments.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price also supports Clinton. He said, "The words are unfortunate, and those of us involved know it's not factual."
However, in an email to media outlets, Jesse Diaz, president of the Dallas-area League of United Latin American Citizens, wrote the following statement, separating himself from his fellow activists:
"Recent racial tensions and race relations between Black and Latino students at Seagoville High School and Skyline High School indeed gives a brief snapshot of this picture… There may be a few die-hard Latino politicians out there who would want the general public and general media to believe there is a love-fest out there between our respective communities. But go out to the many barrios within Dallas proper and surrounding Latino communities within Dallas County and ask La Raza on the streets for their take on this subject, and you'll see Adelfa has ample support from an abundance of Dallas' Latinos."
"We need to focus on those issues that we all have in common and work together," said Sen. Obama. "That's the goal that I have as president of the United States."
Sweet Jesus! I just watched an argument on Fox about whether an African-American should have played Barack in the SNL skit. It’s getting completely absurd.
obubba will fix it. he is black. and he is not. he is white. and he is not. he is probably hispanic; and he probably is not.
more roast beef commentary
***”We need to focus on those issues that we all have in common and work together,” said Sen. Obama. “That’s the goal that I have as president of the United States.”***
Aw, c’mon now, folks. That’s a beautiful statement!
I KNOW it’s beautiful because it’s what every politician says to get votes.
(Course, they never tell HOW they’re going to do it.)
He's killing her with kindness.
Unlike normal politicians, if a hanging curveball comes his way, he passes on it.
AND, for the record, many of the Native American felt discriminated and didn’t feel they were included in the RIGHTS marches, probably like some of the Hispanics felt. That feeling DOES exist, as when Native Americans were needing someone to help CRY OUT to the WINDS for some basic considerations of their plight, the NAACP turned it’s back.
Callejo and Price are the two biggest racists in the Dallas Hispanic and black “communities”
Both are childishly embarrassing and Price is just plain lunatic. This whole episode is laughable.
Race is the ONLY issue with Obama. There is nothing else to his candidacy. Hillary can only win if Hispanics hate Blacks more than Blacks hate Whites on March 4th.
What did happen with the Tuesday primaries?
Democratic Debacle (1964 convention, repercussions today)
America Heritage | July 2004 (cover date) | Joshua Zeitz
Posted on 07/28/2004 12:59:49 AM EDT by SunkenCiv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1179981/posts
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.