Geraldine Ferraro and Barack Obama

Photo from source, Daily Breeze

Geraldine Ferraro, the first serious female contender for Vice President back in 1984, has tromped through a big pile of poo. A Clinton supporter, she made a comment to the effect that Barack Obama would not be the Democratic front runner if he were not black. This has inspired outrage all across the blogs, the press, and the Democratic Party.

Now, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think she's right. There's no doubt that Obama is a dynamic, intelligent, and charismatic man. He's a great orator, and his fans are legion. And while there is no delicate way to phrase the opinion--and Gerri probably should have kept it to herself--it is unlikely that Obama would have made this big a splash if he looked like Mitch McConnell. The black part is his hook, as much as John Edward's handsomeness or John McCain's Viet Nam experience.

Being black is not all Barack Obama is, but I doubt he'd have this huge of an impact absent some sort of hook--something that set him apart from other political overachievers. And John McCain is going to have an even tougher time than Ferraro (and Clinton), once the general election starts. Every slip of the tongue, any word that doubles as a potential "racial" word--I hardly think I need examples--is going to blow up just like this, only worse. Count on it.

[Excerpt]

Ferraro defends controversial comments on Barack Obama

Former vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro today defended a remark she made to the Daily Breeze last week, in which she suggested that Sen. Barack Obama would not be where he is if he were white.

In an interview with the Breeze, Ferraro said, "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color), he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept. . ."

Read more at: Daily Breeze