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Note to Obama: Black and White America Need You
by Raynard Jackson, BV Views columnist
In a little more than generation since the civil rights movement, America has made major strides in every area of our society. Nothing proves this more than the recent swearing in of the new senator from Illinois, Barack Obama.
He's an American, born in Africa, raised in Indonesia and Hawaii, Harvard-educated lawyer, married father of two children, former state senator, and currently a U.S. senator. In the immortal words of boxing promoter, Don King, "ONLY IN AMERICA!"
While Sen. Obama has a bright future, I must issue him a stark word of caution. Illinois' population of blacks is slightly more than 15 percent, meaning an overwhelming majority of its population is not black. He is not the black senator from Illinois; he is the senator from Illinois who happens to be black.
Obama does not represent black America! He represents the state of Illinois. There are going to be instances where he will have to vote in support of issues that are important for his state, but may not be supported within the black community in his state.
Remember, he is senator of Illinois; not a black senator from Illinois.
Philosophically, I disagree with Sen. Obama on many issues, but I find him to be an extremely engaging, likable, intelligent person. My biggest fear is that he will allow radical groups like the Congressional Black Caucus to hijack him as their "own."
The one piece of advice I'd give the senator? Get to know Sen. Trent Lott. Now that you have picked yourself up from the floor, let me explain.
Sen. Lott is very dear friend of mine. When he got in trouble three years ago at Sen. Strom Thurmond's infamous birthday party, I did all the "talking heads" shows to rally support for him. I know the side of Trent Lott that most of the public doesn't know, especially within the black community.
He is a legislative genius and understands how to get things done. Sen. Obama could learn a lot about being a senator from Sen. Lott. His institutional memory is unmatched in the U.S. Senate. Besides, Sen. Lott is just a nice person. Sen. Obama, I will be glad to arrange such a meeting. Just holla.
Barack Obama is the living definition of the American dream. His future is bright and we all await his continued development into a great leader.
If Sen. Obama focuses on his constituents (the entire state of Illinois -- not just black folks), learns how to legislate and how to build consensus, I think he can be a very effective senator. Once he gets through his first re-election, then he can begin to expand his vision beyond the state of Illinois, and America could become an Obama-nation!
Reach Raynard Jackson at raynardjackson@aol.com
Jan. 19, 2005