From CNN.com
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apologized Saturday following reports he had privately described then-candidate Barack Obama during the presidential campaign as a black candidate who could be successful thanks in part to his "light-skinned" appearance and speaking patterns "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."
*NOTE: Bonehead NOT Racist.
Also, in case anyone is wondering why Giuliani's statement that there were no domestic terrorist attacks during Bush's presidency doesn't earn him the prize, boneheadedness is about mistake NOT intentionally deceiful revisionism.
Reid's Apology issued in a statement to CNN:
"I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words. I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African Americans for my improper comments. I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama’s legislative agenda."
My personal take on Reid's comments:
- The shock and offense of this incident is probably more rooted in Reid’s use of the word "Negro" than the substantive point he was trying to make. For my generation (I'm 35), the only appropriate uses of the word "Negro" are those with the words "spiritual" or "Leagues" immediately following*. Even though I learned from Rachel Maddow this week that this word is newly featured in the 2010 Census!
*Privately, following up with the word "please" is also not unheard of. LOL.
- Although my instinct is to read Harry Reid the Riot Act on this, I also know EXACTLY what he meant, though he failed miserably by his word choice. (As does any other well-educated black person who straddles at least "two worlds", though many will protest otherwise.)
- Speaking as someone who followed Obama's campaign every step of the way with bated breath , Reid was "teh stoopid" to say what he said the way he said it but there is a substantive basis for his assessment based on Obama's own actions/words. Remember Obama’s natural though selective urban cadence and references to "Cousin Pookie" when he spoke to predominantly black audiences during the campaign? Can't find the campaign footage but here is a clip of President Obama making the same reference at a Virginia rally in support of Creigh Deeds in 2009.
- I think it is a bit disingenuous or at least marginally unfair for blacks (like Obama and myself) to consciously switch our "dialects" on and off depending on our audience ( and for comedic effect with that certain audience as Obama did) and then cry foul when someone outside of the black community notices.
- As vulnerable as Harry Reid is right now, he certainly didn't need this scandal.
- The apology from Reid was necessary. But he shouldn't be fitted/measured for a white sheet either. I believe that he simply made a mistake and is sincerely sorry about it.
***UPDATE***
President Obama issued a statement Saturday saying that:
"Harry Reid called me today and apologized for an unfortunate comment reported today. I accepted Harry's apology without question because I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart. As far as I am concerned, the book is closed."
***UPDATE #2***
***SNARK ALERT ***
It's official, the "black community" through our official spokesperson, the Reverend Al Sharpton, has accepted Harry Reid's apology:
I have learned of certain unfortunate comments made by Senator Reid regarding President Barack Obama and have spoken with Senator Reid about those comments. While there is no question that Senator Reid did not select the best word choice in this instance, these comments should not distract America from its continued focus on securing healthcare or creating jobs for its people. Nor should they detract from the unquestionable leadership role Senator Reid has played on these issues or in the area of civil rights. Senator Reid's door has always been open on hearing from the civil rights community on these issues and I look forward to continue to work with Senator Reid wherever possible to improve the lives of Americans everywhere.
Politico - Sharpton Backs Reid