Remember the definition of a Washington "Gaffe"?

Mike Kinsley famously defined a "gaffe" in Washington as an accidental, inadvertent moment of truth-telling. Well by that standard Geraldine Ferraro, Mondale's 1984 Vice-Presidential pick who is supporting Hillary Clinton, has committed a gaffe. She seems to have caused a minor-rumpus with these comments:

"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."

Dana Goldstein despairs, while Toby Harnden is merely incredulous:

What? So being black, with the middle name Hussein and a Muslim-born father is just a walk in the park compared to the sexism faced by a white, upper-middle-class woman who just happens to be married to a former president and can claim every accomplishment of his as her own (apart from the inconvenient ones)? The bitter – perhaps racist - comments got lost in the media avalanche following Eliot Spitzer's shenanigans but they may well have legs tomorrow.

Er, Obama's "very lucky to be" a black man? All you black guys out there take note – you're so fortunate to be able to have an inbuilt advantage that'll guarantee you kid-glove treatment throughout your life.

Well, hang on a minute. Ferraro's comments may have been unwise but that doesn't make them untrue. You doubt this? ask ourself if you think of any other circumstances in which a first-term Senator would have been in a position to  challenge Hillary Clinton seriously, let alone defeat her. Or, to put it another way, look at the number of white men she defeated. Then recall how easily she defeated them.

A white Obama might be as intelligent and as eloquent as the real BHO is, but he'd be deprived of Obama's greatest advantage: his being black trumps her being female. If Obama were white, don't you think the Clinton campaign would have talked even more than it has about the need to "smash" the "highest, toughest glass ceiling of them all?" As a young, white first-term Senator there'd have been a sense that his candidacy was unduly presumptious (a consideration that did some damage John Edwards in 2004) - what, after all, would be the rush? Better, in those circumstances, to make history by nominating and then electing the woman. (We might also note that, besides being a buffoon, Bill Richardson's status as a potential "first Latino" president never gained any traction since it was crowded out by the history-making potential of the Clinton and Obama candidacies).

Obama's candidacy also destroyed much of Clinton's attractiveness. Yes, selecting a woman would be a historic moment. But selecting a black politician would be even more significant. The idea of a symbolic reconciliation or of some imagined historical make-up call acknowledging America's original sin even as it sought to move, at long last, beyond it etc etc... all that makes choosing a woman pretty small beer. For the Clinton's it must have been as though they went all-in pre-flop holding a pair of Kings only to find a call from the last player to speak who, shockingly, happened to be holding Aces. (Of course, the analogy breaks down a little in as much as Hillary was still the front-runner. But in the Sex vs Colour stakes, she trails.)

A black man was the only candidate who could make a stronger argument for "Change"  - and for embodying change - than Clinton. (A black woman would, I think, have been seen as just, well, going too far). I think it's reasonable to suppose that a white Obama would not have been able to make a case for "the fierce urgency of now" but, as we've seen, the real Obama can and has.

Think too of the voters from whom Obama has won support. His initial support came from highly educated and wealthy Democrats and from younger voters in the 18-30 age group. Suffice it to say that these are the two demographics most likely to be most acutely aware of the symbolic power and appeal of Obama's candidacy. The kids these days, after all, are raised and taught in school that Malcolm Luther King and Rosa Parks are the greatest Americans of all, while upscale voters are more likely than other liberals to be attracted to the idea of a black man as President.

Of course Obama has expanded his electoral appeal beyond these voters, but that's where he began and where, I think, he had certain advantages that would have been denied a white, first-term Senator. No-one can feel good about themselves for supporting a wealthy white man, but backing the man who might be the first black President allows folk to praise themselves for their own broad-minded generosity and sense of historical significance.

There are, to be sure, plenty of less cynical reasons to support Obama but Obama's been more successful than Jesse Jackson at least partly because a) he doesn't terrify upscale whites and b) they can imagine having dinner with him. It may sound cynical to say this, but Obama's black enough to be different and significant while also being white enough to be reassuring. For all that the United States has, as they say, "moved on", this is still part of the reason for Obama's rise. He offers just the right blend of exoticism and familiarity.

In other words, Geraldine Ferraro is correct. Obama's campaign represents a near perfect alliance between man, moment and, last but not least, opponent. The stars have aligned for him and I don't really see what's so terrible about pointing that out. Good luck to him.

UPDATE: Of course, skin colour isn't the only reason for Obama's success. Far from it. There is, after all, as commenter Gabriel suggests, more to him than just that. After all, a less gifted politician would not have been able to overhaul Clinton, regardless of their colour. Nonetheless, his blackness has certainly - in some respects at least -  made Hillary Clinton's task more difficult.

Comments

[Gabriel]

The error that Ferraro and you make is that your inability to imagine a white man or a woman of any race with comparable experience being considered as a serious candidate is taken to mean that Obama is treated more seriously as a candidate primarily because he is black. The reason why it's difficult for some to imagine a candidate with comparable experience being taken so seriously is that there is little or not precedent in recent history for a candidate to resonate so profoundly well with the mood of the people. After eight years of Bush's incoherence and obfuscation, Obama's clarity and vision is like a cool draught of water for many. Your analysis fails to acknowledge that voters might be something in him beyond "it'd be nice to have a black president."

[Gabriel]

To clarify my point, don't you have a hard time imagining any other black candidate with comparable experience being taken as seriously as Obama is?

[Josh]

Jack Kennedy was a first term senator. He beat LBJ, the then Senate Majority Leader, for the nomination. Just saying.

BTW, if Edwards was half the politician that Obama is, he'd have won the Democratic nomination in '04. I say this having voted for him in our primary in '04 and having seen him speak live several times that year. He's good, but he's no Obama. And, of course, his ground game and organizational skills don't come close to what Obama's done.

[Josh]

Actually, JFK has just been re-elected to his second term in the Senate in '58, so he had 8 years in the Senate, which is not insubstantial, but certainly not "waiting your turn" either. Plus, he was 43 when he ran for President, and Obama is 47 now. Basically, the difference is that Obama had real non-political jobs before he entered politics and JFK didn't (he had war service, but that's a different matter).

[Mike P]

As Kevin Drum notes here, being young and charismatic seems to be the deal here more so than race alone:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2008_03/013308.php

[Albert Johnson Jr]

Ms. Ferraro,

I am terribly disappointed. Your recent suggestion that Mr. Obamas’ success happened only because he is black is especially painful. To think that being black in America is a lucky thing strikes me as being inconsiderate.

I am a black person born the same year as Mr. Obamas’ wife 1964, and I can tell you at no time in my life was being black a lucky thing, or are you unaware of the sad and continuing legacy of American race relations. You disregard Mr. Obamas’ legitimate and laudable accomplishments by attributing them to one thing, and it’s the one thing Mr. Obama tries least to be – a man of race. Mr. Obama is a child of God, a husband, a father, a university graduate and a lawyer. Mr. Obama has been a stellar state representative of Illinois and he is currently a United States Senator, and great American. Somewhere probably in the high teens of the list of things Mr. Obama is would be black man.

The statements you have made and defend amount to making his race his primary attribute. You are playing the race card in a manner that is insulting, and quite frankly would be more expected from the kind of reactionary people America has hopefully outgrown.

In 1984 I was a student at the University of Southern California an institution with a traditionally conservative bent. I remember campaigning for and ardently defending a certain congressperson from New York as being more than just a woman, but a person regardless of gender worthy to potentially lead this country. I’m sorry to know now that I was wrong, and all the time any Gerard really would have sufficed.

[lacoste shirts]

The world can be changed by man's endeavor, and that this endeavor can lead to something new and better .No man can sever the bonds that unite him to his society simply by averting his eyes . He must ever be receptive and sensitive to the new ; and have sufficient courage and skill to novel facts and to deal with them .Do you understand?

[lacoste shoes]

In delay there lies no plenty , Then come kiss me , sweet and twenty , Youth's a stuff that will not endure .Do you understand?

[Nike Shox Shoes]

Your information of weblog is wonderful. It really is total of frustrations in our existence. We reside, we are able to not escape from them. We will need to face to them and sort out to handle troubles at final.

[Nike Dunk Sb]

It could be accept by individuals so effortlessly. I assume lots of people will agree with you. You happen to be proper that we are able to to not rely on other people. Who we are able to to count on is ourself.

[acaifriut drink]

Other Sentence,some few slow foundation growth improvement period other code rain magazine necessary existing me apply implication grant need due amongst aid speaker battle sure career connect may senior few hard hurt appearance note worker military light line despite row stage possible matter scene affect opinion leg department sound claim popular stay drop king troop often block sea individual until parliament teach music plant training contain liberal refuse friend district himself almost benefit channel fair writing other army what model little interest science right flower his stock early develop late learn lunch

[AJF 12]

Abundance is viewing men and women for his or her items instead of what they shortage or may be. Viewing all items for his or her items instead of what they shortage. Do you presume so? Posed By AJF 12

[christian louboutin]

The article is perfect, I liked this article. Hope to share more about the blogger's information on blog.
I will introduce my friends. Thanks!

[ugg shoes]

It should be the dream of many to purchase a pair of bailey boots from UGG during the upcoming festive season. The comfort and top quality element in the boots is incomparable, it is correct but the way the footwear combines glamour, fashion along with consolation and high quality that's unparallel in correct terms. These boots are wonderful attribute to your feet all through winter season and you'll be able to incredibly nicely wear it to maintain your ft warm even if the temperature is below freezing point. The boots will even prevent your feet from drying out and they are kept cosy through the cold days of winter. Consequently, if you would like to en joy the winter to the fullest and in a model then the boots from UGG will be the answer to your wish

[gucci handbags]

1.Everyone should have a love.Because love is pure.

[chanel handbags]

2.We can not to pollute it.Love is wonderful.

[Air Jordan]

Tomorrow is an other day!@

[ugg boots outlet]

To my friends and passages, this article is just some expression of my current emotion.

[New Jordans]

zhongguo gongchan dang shi xianjin shengchanli de daibiao!

[Canada Goose]

Prefer Canada Goose Jackets in Canada Goose, more experience for winter life !
With winter coming, the Goose Down Jacket Canada and Women Canada Goose Chiliwack Parka BLACK with authentic quality will be the best choice for you.

Winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today´s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: Canada Goose Men's Yorkville Bomber and Canada Goose Outlet Trillium by Canadian Goose.

From Canada Goose Sale, Canada Goose Parka inspired by the label´s iconic Canada Goose Women Expedition design. It´s fitted with plenty of internal and external pockets as well as a versatile removable down filled hood, secure Velcro collar and storm flap protection over the front zipper. The cut is a bit slimmer than we´re used to seeing on vests and outerwear pieces alike, which definitely works in your favor when traveling from work to play and vice versa.

[ruwenrong]

p>For half century, Canada Goose Jackets has been producing authentic extreme weather gear born of purpose and function, Canada Goose Parka designed for those who need the confidence that come from quality. In Canada Goose Toronto beginning with a modest line of jackets and woolen shirts created in a small warehouse. Canada Goose Canada today has grown to be recognized internationally as the leading manufacturer of extreme weather outerwear in the world. We’ve kept our production at home in Canada because we believe that no one can do it better – but our products enjoy a truly global reach.

Canada Goose sale is equally at home in the weather research stations of the frigid South Pole as it is on the windswept Iditarod dog sledding trial in Alaska, Canada Goose Chilliwack on movie sets in remote locations around the world, and in the most exclusive high-fashion centers. Wherever people need protection from the elements, top quality and iconic style, you’ll find Canada Goose Coats.
People who love the outdoor lifestyle, and surfers and outdoor lovers have been wearing Canada Goose Jakke for well over fifty years on the place, as a way of keeping their body warm whilst out of the house.

[ruwenrong]

Well-known linguist Greg Thomson said: Rosetta Stone Reviews“Foreign Language Learning theory is so complicated that no one can say clearly; but have mastered the language of the process is so simple, so do not say.” To discuss language learning principle, is a very complex thing, the next course, not sure to describe clearly.Rosetta Stone French Reviews And because even the academic language learning there are many sharp arguments, I sure can not say their dispute resolved. But decided to start with a simple start, start a discussion of work to do it, to explore the essence of foreign language learning Rosetta Stone Discount UK , especially for people in foreign language learning to analyze common misunderstandings and to clarify, hoping to help foreign language Rosetta Stone Language, on teaching a foreign language to inspire, to satisfied. Over the years I have been to all universities, enterprises and other English language learners of English learning to do lectures. When speaking never sensational, never by performing stunts, do not engage in motivational Rosetta Stone spanish, each will give you a serious scientific basis. Million listeners over the past five years, is still relatively popular, of which a considerable part Rosetta Stone Torrent of the people can fully understand and agree with and made a lot of acute problems and improvements, to express deep gratitude.Rosetta Stone Italian Many people had advised the next lecture in this capacity, the sensational style to agitation type, popular in the country and will be able to accumulate wealth Rosetta Stone Software Download . I am not interested in names, or would have done so. Do not want to talk nonsense and fraught. As for the wealth you, do not like,Fake Watches, but have more than enough. So I am very lucky to get rid of money worries can now get down to reading Rosetta Stone Online and thinking. Now part of the speech before the sort made here, I hope, and our discussion.

[ruwenrong]

Then there are Skechers Shape Ups, which are pretty similar to the MBTs: “rocker” sole, big wedge of material under the heel to “promote natural walking,” deliberate instability.Skechers Shoes They tighten abs, firm butts, and destroy cellulite. Armed with the Skechers Shape-Ups, folks can “get fit without stepping in a gym.” I’ll agree Skechers UK that a gym isn’t necessary for fitness, but strapping on a pair of magic non-shoes and standing there, or walking around the mall hoping for artificial instability to kick in won’t do it. This revolutionary barefoot technology, Skechers Shape Ups Jump Startaccording to its hawkers, compels the wearer to move. Walking and exercising become almost Skechers Boots passive acts; the shoes apparently propel you down the street. All you’ve gotta do is be carried away on a couple of foot clouds. Heck, even Skechers Shape Ups Reviews standing at rest in these babies is a constant, imperceptibly effective workout for your entire body. Who needs to consciously work out anymore? Maybe the absurdity of barefoot technology isn’t evident to everyone, though. Condemning Skechers Boots Tone Ups a non-shoe that’s actually a shoe for claiming to recreate the barefoot experience seems “reasonable”, but it’s always good to back arguments up with empirical data. And all the barefoot tech peddlers claim to have research supporting their products,Skechers Shoes Discount so it’s only fair that we on the “nay” side also use research Bosu ball addicts have successfully integrated balls into many facets of everyday life.

[pandora bolas]

Debido a la cierta sensación de satisfacción personal pandora abalorios que siente la gente el uso de joyas que coincidan con su personalidad, pandora bolas joyería de la manera ha sobrevivido hasta esta edad. pandora anillo Y aunque se habían ido los días cuando la gente caminaba por hacer alarde pandora spain de lo anterior estilo mencionado de joyas de moda, herramientas modernas y de fácil fabricación de joyas consejos se han asegurado joyas de pandora de que el hombre moderno - o más apropiadamente, abalorios pandora catalogo las mujeres, disfrutaron de la misma satisfacción de llevar joyas en cristales, pandora nuevos oro, diamantes, perlas y otras piedras preciosas.

[Cat Boots]

CAT Footwear is the world's leading footwear companies in the rankings. They are an experienced, when it comes to make Cat Shoes and Cat Boots, they are proud of the Caterpillar brand owners and their mission is to provide the market with the latest developments in the shoe department of a comfortable, durable shoes. Their area of expertise in their shoes, Caterpillar Boots with special features is just to make sure every footwear will be comfortable to wear as the first priority. Some models have steel toes, and some do not, they have given, to some extent, the inner surface can easily be removed, put back some of the special archs orthopedic support, not slippery. Surprising to know that these features bootshave to prevent electric shock, and thermal insulation of the action.

There are Ladies Caterpillar Boots, while other prominent women's shoes, Caterpillar will be moving within the raised floor, allowed the wearer to replace the floor the other Mens Cat Boots. Orthotics are custom. These boots will provide comfort and protection, women were not the case. Whether you want to put your shoes when working or when you are climbing, this is the best choice, you can. Women's Caterpillar Shoes in different designs, and provide price will vary depending on your choice. ...

[cheap air jordan shoes]

Sound commentary.I pense que votre droit, que thefunded.com est faussée par un public de gens qui ont entendu plus de pas que oui l'.

[cl boots]

I find life an exciting business,The point is succinctness of expression.

[cl boots]

I find life an exciting business,The point is succinctness of expression.

[qsee]

That's the joy of having a challenge.

[Herve leger]

I find life an exciting business,The point is succinctness of expression.
=

[authentic air jordan shoes]

Sound commentary.I pense que votre droit, que thefunded.com est faussée par un public de gens qui ont entendu plus de pas que oui l'.

[the north face outlet]

I really like this information! Thanks! Your article is wonderful,can you
tell me how did you do it? Your artical is wonderful,I like it very much.
http://www.bestnorthface.org/

[ugg boots]

Hello! I have read some of your post here and found it interesting and it makes a lot of sense.Plus i love your theme here. Thumbs up! Keep on sharing!

[canada goose]

I don't suppose I have read anything like this before.
So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject.

[Ugg Boots Sale]

This is a very good idea! Just want to say thank you for the information, you have to share. Just continue to write such a position. I will be your faithful reader. Thank you again.

[Moncler]

I like your blog,I will recoming again in the furture.

[Moncler Outlet]

thanks for ur great post,it is glad to read it .

[Moncler Outlet]

thanks for ur great post,it is glad to read it .

[Cheap nfl jerseys wholesale]

Thanks for the kind words. Help us to keep teaching our children....

Thanks for checkin' in.

[acabPougbaB]

KOVAL ! why do you only respond to people who threaten to unsubscribe... what about me....Id like a shout out too ....I watched all your videos....TWICE.....i loved you when you weren't? famous.... *sigh*

[acabPougbaB]

KOVAL ! why do you only respond to people who threaten to unsubscribe... what about me....Id like a shout out too ....I watched all your videos....TWICE.....i loved you when you weren't? famous.... *sigh*