I happened to be looking at presidential news this morning when I happened on a certain posting at CNN titled why have so many democrats changed their minds. Before we get any f
urther, let me say that I am a registered independent voter, mostly because I refuse for any political party or other entity to assume I’m on their side. If you want my vote, you have to earn it. But when I looked at the big three candidates that hat their fedoras in the ring at the beginning of th
e primaries, I could have lived with any one of them. That said, I also had the black woman’s dilemma: with the first real opportunity to vote for a black or a woman, which, if either, do you favor.
Now, you know me. I’m all about the girls. I’ve been waiting for a woman to vote for. But it is also true that as Obama’s star has risen, Hillary’s has fallen. Unfortunately, I do think it has to do with gender, but maybe not in the way you think.
Behind every great man, there is a great woman. I think that’s a truism none of us would dispute, even though some great men get saddled with stinkers. Conversely, behind every great woman there seems to be either a dead, impaired or non-existent husband.
Okay, I’m being facetious here, but as women have found their place in public and private life, their ambitions are more often derailed by their husband’s missteps than their own. Case in point: Geraldine Ferraro, who recently was much maligned for a comment that is absolutely true–with the mood the country is in, Obama is the perfect candidate to stand for both change and conciliation. Granted, she could have done a better job of articulating that, but I admire her gumption for standing by what she said. Anyhoo, back when she was a vice-presidential candidate, she caught flack for her husband’s (supposedly) shady deals.
The same happened a couple of years ago to Jeanine Pirro when she was running for Attorney General of New York, Eliot Spitzer’s old job. Concerns about her husband’s dirty dealings nearly cost her her job. Then when it came to light that she might have crossed the line in trying to spy on dear Albert, it cost her the race. True, she should have picked a better snooping buddy than disgraced former police commissioner Bernard Kerik, but sometimes a girl’s got to go with what she’s got.
Now, there’s Hillary, who was doing a lot better before Bill opened his big fat one (and before the pair made Obama’s race an issue, in my opinion). The more he talks, the worse she does. In my opinion, that’s a shame, but apparently more than a little bit typical.
So my question is, when are most men going to catch a clue when it comes to standing by their women the way women have stood by men since the beginning of time? I’m not trying to bash guys here. They don’t know unless we teach them. So maybe I should have titled this post, mama’s don’t let your babies grow up to be pains in the asses. (see yesterday’s post to find out why that’s mildly amusing.)
Dee, this has been flying around cyberspace. Have you read it? Interesting …
http://www.theroot.com/id/44696
Hi Chicki,
I’ve read it. There is some truth there and some nonsense there as well. But if you follow the article to its logical conclusion, then black women can’t totally owe their allegiance to either the “black” camp or the “female” camp. No kidding. I feel that way as a human being before you put either race or gender on it.
Everyone must vote their own conscience–without others assuming (or pressuring them into) voting for the black guy if they’re black, the white chick if they’re a chick or the curmudgeonly old white guy, well you get the picture. For many reasons, I am fascinated by this presidential race. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
LOL! I like the title in the last paragraph.
Love the new layout, too. Cool!
Paz
anewmail4meThanks so much, Paz. I aims to please. LOL
All the best,
Dee
Hello Deidre,
“Beside” every great man stands a great woman is how I’ve chosen to recognize the “unsung sheroes” who have made such a huge difference in the lives of real men.
If you’ve frequented my blog, you already know that I honestly believe that “a woman is a man’s most valuable resource.”
It’s true that Senator Barack Obama is a brilliant person who just happens to be Black. But Obama wouldn’t be the man he is today without Michelle standing by his side.
Watching and listening to both Barack and Michelle Obama gives me hope that Change is coming to America. For the sake of our children and this country, we, as voters, cannot afford to get it wrong again.
Thank you for sharing. As a sign of respect, I tip my hat to you.
Manchild
Yes, I’m standing by Senator Barack Obama despite all the weapons that have formed against him and what he represents because we desperately need Change we can all believe in during such a divisive season as this.
As you know, Adversity has a way of revealing a person’s true character. The Clintons lost my respect when they tried to do what the status quo has done far too often to Black men who dared to stand in their way.
Manchild
Manchild,
I agree with both your sentiments. thanks for posting!
All the best,
Dee