How Obama Quietly Targets Blacks

I read a story over on Politico.com that touches on Sen. Barack Obama’s plan to win the election by quietly excluding blacks from his campaign.

When Obama announced his candidacy, I was happy that a bi-racial man was running for president. When he won the Democratic nomination, I was elated. But then I noticed Obama seemed to be avoiding large crowds of black people.

My suspicions were realized when his spokesman confirmed he was not targeting blacks with national ads.

The article points out that regional radio and television ads directed at black voters aren’t released to the media. Likewise, Obama’s targeted outreach has produced very little images of Obama addressing black crowds or mingling with black officials.

“If you didn’t notice it, then you probably weren’t the target,” said Obama spokesman Corey Ealons of the targeted advertising.

“What he has done is he’s shunned black voters – but he knows that they know that he’s black. And he knows that they know in our communities we have a certain feeling that he’s got to do that to get those white votes,” said Kevin Wardally, a New York City political consultant who worked for Hillary Clinton.

So in other words, if Barack doesn’t align himself with black people, whites will somehow forget he’s black? If a bi-racial man can’t run for president without ignoring his core base, what does that say about race relations in this country?

That kind of thinking — that Obama has to ignore black people to win the presidency — is inherently racist.

You won’t see pictures like this in the mainstream media. SR.com member HunE916 asked me to post photos of Obama interacting with non-blacks. I declined because I would rather post pics of Obama interacting with his own people, but those photos are hard to find. I scrolled through hundreds of photos on various news sites just to find these few. You won’t see these photos in the mainstream media. So I hope you enjoy.

starr

So, health care, the housing crisis, the wars, social security……isn’t targeted at blacks…does it not affect us. I’m not following….

And why do black people feel they deserve extra special attention. Please tell me how Mcsame has targeted blacks. I remember watchin him in new orleans, and did not see not one black person……

If people have a problem, its their vote, u don’t HAVE TO vote for him. However, if u vote for Mcsame, and he wins, and things are status quo……..shut up. C
topsecret02

Come on Sandra, is that how you really feel. You can’t possibly believe that. Then again…. you say some of the darnest things. BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Divine Ms. K

Sandra, all I can do is sigh at you. I never got one iota of a happy vibe from you when Obama decided to run or when he won – all you’ve done is attack him.

I’m still trying to figure why the hell he should just be targeting blacks in his ads? I haven’t seen John McCain run an ad that is black friendly – so why do you expect Obama to do it. And if he is BI-racial (meaning his genetic and racial make-up spans TWO races) how are WE his core base?? We are a part of it, because we are AMERICANS.

I saw the man speak when he came to Dallas and I was ELATED to see the crowd spanned all races/ages/nationalities – the way it should be.
dcwife1622

Barack kicked @$$ last night!

Obama/Biden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anna

The first pic of him with the little boy is “priceless”. The little boy is hugging him like he is his daddy who just got back from Iraq. If Barak is doing this for a reason, so what. We understand. He has been to so many places I say if you want to see him step out of your own neighborhood and go see him.
http://myspace.com/docjam1 Doc Jam

Race relations are terrible here in america, which makes Obama’s strides all the more phenomenal…

This is CHESS baby…

If you want somebody who will target only the black audience, go donate some money to Mr. Jesse Jackson or Rev Al Sharpton…you see how far their presidential bids went…

The Obama campaign has been nothing short of spectacular…
kwallace577

auntie said: But then I noticed Obama seemed to be avoiding large crowds of black people.
_______________________________________________________________________
i have never run for any thing. class president, president of the PTA, the united way chairperson here at work. nada. nuca. not a dayum thing

but my momma always told ME: if you see a crowd of black folk gathered around… at like the mall, the state fair, the skating rink, etc. …run the other way. some shyt is going down you don’t want NO parts of.

so i too in essence avoid large crowds of black people. LOL

b.obama can avoid who he wants, when he wants, if he wants. his message is universal and has no color.
http://smokiesays.blogspot.com/ Smokie

Really, Sandra. Do you really really feel like this? Do you REALLY not not understand everything that a black/bi-racial/whatever man has to do to win this election…? Do you really think he can “keep it real” and still take up residence in the White House? Nah, you don’t think that. I refuse to believe that you don’t KNOW what’s up. Personally, I think that you, and other blacks who complain about Obama’s strategy really want Obama to fail. You KNOW that n!gga will fail big time if he starts holding town meetings at HBCUs, Church’s, and The Magnolia. You want him to fail. Why? Why do you seemingly clueclass black folks want Obama to fail so much? Why do you want him to not PLAY THE GAME AND WIN? If he followed your strategy, we’d be looking at another black man wishing and hoping he could become president with not a chance in the world.
Lala11_7

I have heard Obama on Black nationally syndicated radio shows, etc. so, he is responding to us…and doing it smartly by not spending money…

Obama’s campaign isn’t getting Federal money for funding…so the dollars that he do have for television needs to be targeted at markets where he needs to get his message out…

So…that would be Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, etc….so now do you see why he’s using the strategy he’s using…

There is NO NEED for a Black man to “target” Blacks in his ad…
Mississippi16

Three weeks ago McSame said that our economy is “fundamentally sound”. It seems like he too have been avoiding large crowds of black people if he beleive that SHYT.

Maybe the large crowd of Blacks that he’s around are the real Housewives of ATL where everything is perfect through their rose colored glasses.
licia

i love the picture of him and the little boy.
Detroit48205

Hot, Damn, H*@ here we go again with Sandra her Obama drana……
Krysi J

SAndra!!!!!!!!

Dammitt!! why does this man have to put us on a pedestal to have our support!?? I don’t even want his focus to be the subject of being BLACK…I want EVERYBODY to see him for what he is a highly intelligent, well spoken, qualified, and accomplished young family man who will make an extraordinary president!! You on that Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson shyt right now Sandra….Im tired of us being crabs in a bucket..just let the man WIN!! If there is an issue that he doesn’t handle in the black community afterwards then we can complain!
Detroit48205

@ licia

I have that picture on my blackberry… I think auntie’s been creeping over to that other website (that shall remain nameless)..

the picture was taken in farmington hills, michigan…
CaramelDrop

@ The Divine Ms. K Says:

I was there also while I was there I felt really proud to be a American – the racial diversity and harmony was Paramount.

Aint’T You ARE WRONG for depicting OUR FUTURE president as a racist – Don’t you think he would be racist if he only campaigned to/for us? We are not the only people in the country you know…
http://www.myspace.com/kymystrys Kymystry

I must be a glutton for punishment .. reading anything Auntie says about Sen. Obama …

I’m an AMERICAN first … let the Presidnet deal with issues that affect AMERICAN’S …

Tell me why the CEO of AIG is gettin paid 1 million a MONTH with the Bail Out money … Why these execs are STILL gettin a golden parachute with OUR tax money ? ?
iyonah

@ Kym … i saw that news report last night, a damn shame $1million a month to be a consultant … WTF?

On topic … Sandra I will be glad when the election is over so you can cease w/ your accusations and constant tear down of Obama and how his campaign moves.
CaramelDrop

@Kymystry:

Did you see that BullSh!T about the retreat the AIG execs took at a resort in Cali recently costing CLOSE TO $1MILLION!?

bUSH/SANDRA/cHARLES MUST HAVE STOCK IN AIG
Sharonda

This is America-where you get robbed.
theatrkakal

seriously…its about strategy. black people do not need to be hand fed. we’re not specimen, and he’s trying to appeal to everyone. besides, he’s major demo is the young people.
PAHairston

Unfortunately, Obama has to do what he has to do to win white votes. The population of America is about 350,000,000 people of which about 50,000,000 of them are black people. Take into account the millions of black men in jail–they can’t vote. Take into account the millions of black crackheads–they don’t vote. Then take into account the rest of us black folks that are to ignorant or to lazy or just don’t care and they don’t vote. Obama is a smart man else he wouldn’t have gotten this far in this presidential. And as far as him being bi-racial, hell, if he hadn’t told us we surely wouldn’t have known. I’m just saying….. Peace.
Mississippi16

Breaking News! Obama camp has extended their target audience to pursue the untapped “hood” market. Obama promises:

Fairer prices in the black beauty shops – Why are they really charging $300-500 for a weave?

No more knock off designer purses at the local swap meets, flea markets, african street festivals, etc.

A new maximum of 8 check cashing companies per 1 block radius.

These campaign efforts were extended because some were unhappy with the original campaign of making sure these same individuals 1. have decent health care 2. kids have the opportunity to a good education, 3. Will not have their taxes raised while making minimum wage.
DMNB

Come on Sandra, you don’t believe this bullsh!t
http://MYSPACE.COM/ERIKAMAGALY hermosa

I find it unbelievable that someone who is an immigrant to this beautiful country can support McCain. I have a question for Sandra. I am a daughter of immigrant parents and family. I know how hard and long it takes to become a citizen.

Why aren’t you one? Since you seem so adamant about shoving McCain down our throats and wanting us to believe that Obama is the anti-crist. It seems so irresponsible to me that you can’t even vote but you have such strong opinions and agendas. If it really was so important to you, you would’ve been a citizen years ago.

I know it’s your site but for someone who dedicate a large part of their life on reporting (and I use that word vaguely) Hollywood’s rumors and scandals, a complete right wing, predigest, conservative to the max republican is something I would’ve never thought you’d be. Why are trying to make decent respectable black man look like a damn fool. Aren’t you proud that he made it this far? We are living in a time that is going down in history books. I’m proud of him and I’m not even black. My family, who at times are judgmental towards black people due to ignorance that comes from lack of awareness, are proud of him and proud to be Obama supporters. For once, this country seems to be unified in supporting a good black man and I feel like you’re trying to tarnish that.

He doesn’t have children out of wedlock or cheats on his wife- Jesse Jackson
He doesn’t have a shady past with links to corrupt politicians- Al Sharpton

Stop hating on your own and be proud that THIS black man is going to be the next president of the Unites States and every nationality, race, and religion is behind him!

Sorry everyone, I’ve been waiting along time to say this. . .
essence

Personally I think Obama is doing a fine job of targeting the black votor, white votor, hispanic votor and so on. He can’t take time in his election to show favortism to African American’s when he’s running President of the United States not Black President of your local city. Obama’s campaigning for everyone and he didn’t get this far in the polls to stop now just because a few people wanna say he’s not keeping it real. OBAMA 08′
nmh02

We have to face reality. Being Black is also being a minority. If we all came together, and we are making steps in the right direction to do, but it is not enough. We still need the white, latino, asian, etc. vote. Barack Obama can not escape being black. We can look at him and see that. But being the President means representing all people, not just us. Obama represents the issues that affect me. I am in the middle class that is most times overlooked, but I am the backbone of this country. I am thrilled that he fits the qualities that I think a President should have, and I am ecstatic that he is black, but being black is not why he has my vote.

And if he does not win, he and his wife represent the things that I want to instill in my children- intelligience, strenth, and character. You don’t have to have a hit song or dribble a ball for a living to be looked up to.
keely107

Do that hat dance or whatever, just get your tail into office! Just like the “media” expressed their conceren with moderator Gwen Ifill, she too had to illustrate exteme caution at the debate, not to be deemed racist! Whatever, we always have to go that extra mile to show we are not racist, then John McCain can get up there and call somebody “that one” or Palin can not address people in the audience who yell out threats on Obama’s life and had it been vice versa he would have clearly been racist, whatever.
msmika31

I’d just like to say that I think Obama’s campaign strategy is solid. I thought the purpose of campaigning was to garner as many votes as you can. And by that you need to get to the people who still need convincing. That is who Obama needs to be targeting. I feel that Obama’s black vote is strong and he shouldn’t worry about that.
teecee

it is so sad that if you want negative information or talk about obama you have to come to black blogs and web pages.

its like they all are jealous or something because the last time i checked mccsame wasnt asking for your vote or say what hes going to do to improve the quality of any black person life ?

he hasnt mention how the poor economy has effected black folks, unemployment is almost 12% for black folks. high gas, foreclosures or crime in the inner city has not been mentioned by palin or mcsame.
http://myspace.com/thegameoncw Bird

I don’t know what Politico said and I don’t feel like looking right this second, but Barack does not avoid large crowds of black people. I went to the Obama rally in Charlotte and it seemed to me that the majority of the 50,000 people in attendance were black. He sees that all over the place and knows he has our love. I got worried when I went to a volunteer event and most of the volunteers were black. I hosted an Obama event at my house and all the attendees were black. He really doesn’t need to campaign for black votes. He needs every penny he can get to win over enough white votes that the racists can’t determine the outcome of this election.
Anna

teecee Says:

it is so sad that if you want negative information or talk about obama you have to come to black blogs and web pages.

its like they all are jealous or something because the last time i checked mccsame wasnt asking for your vote or say what hes going to do to improve the quality of any black person life ?

he hasnt mention how the poor economy has effected black folks, unemployment is almost 12% for black folks. high gas, foreclosures or crime in the inner city has not been mentioned by palin or mcsame.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
McCain pulled all his ads and campaiging in Michigan. No stops or tv ads for him. Michigan & Ohio have always been crucial states to campaign for both Dems and Repubs. Both states have lots of union workers, and right now lots of workers laid off or jobless due to companies closing. McCain just gave Obama Michigan. I think some may have even changed their vote after finding out McCains passing them by. Has Sarah Palin ever seen a black person in person besides the one who won the pagent she was in.
http://myspace.com/eastpointvet eastpointvet

i think he doesnt have to target blacks cause most blacks are voting for him just because he is black and he probably has 90% of the black vote without him specifically targeting them. why target an audience u have already u got to get people who not particularly on your side
Saheed

Aunty Sandra,

Your assessment of Barack (that one) gets worse and more pityful as the campaign of McCain / Palin as we get closer to Nov 4. Scared Aunty?

A racist will not have turned down a far more lucrative career on Wall Street (robbing shoulders with mostly white folks) but work with poor black folks in South Side of Chicago to create training centers so that poor blacks can get back to work earning about $12,000 per year.

As a matter of fact, we do not need Barack to say a word about what he can do for us. It is already spoken in the in how the rest of the world has taken him with over 200,000 people in Germany Alone waving American flags.

Tell me Aunty, would you rather have blacks represented by only Flavor Flav, T.I and Tiny?

According to Dr Martin Luther King Jr “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

Again Aunty, I expected better from you..:)
Saheed

My sincere apologies for some of the typos and grammatical errors…but I’m sure you get the gist!
andriceb

wow, sandra…this is your most pathetic effort yet. Besides you are wrong! The first pic listed ran in the Detroit Free Press and was on Concrete loop quite some time ago. Hows about you let us vote eligible, Black American Citizens form our own opinion about Mr. Obama.

A young Biracial man raised by his ever supportive caucasian family in Hawaii, without the support of his absent Black father, has been able to clearly define himself as a black man in America. Add to that his choice of bride;a stunning,educated, grounded, OBVIOUSLY Black woman from the South Side of Chicago. Gurl stawp….He doesn’t have to ever have a photo taken with another Black person….I am confident that he knows who he is and where he is. Quit Hating!
andriceb

Maybe where you are from things are different, but ’round here in MICHIGAN; We are so happy to have the opportunity to see this day come. So as your boy TI would say…You can hate if you want to, but you are just wasting your time!
istandbehindtheIam

Barack is destined. What point in time of US’s history has a black man been this close to becoming the leader of the United States of America? Sandra, you should applaud his intellect and effort he was brilliant last night. This is history. He will be the next President of the United States, look at the signs, McCANE and the moose slayer are throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Barack and he still keeps his composure and the poll numbers reflect. So you still have time to get on board, Sandra.

Jeremiah 29:11
http://myspace.com/thegameoncw Bird

istandbehindtheIam Says:

Barack is destined.

Jeremiah 29:11
************************

What a perfect scripture.
http://myspace.com/hune916 HunE916

I just saw this.

Sandra, you’re so full of sh!t, it ain’t even funny. Thanks for still not posting the pics you kept saying you were. No integrity. Pathetic.

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