I'm all for the Poor People March but a guaranteed wage is an awful idea.

Hindsight also allows a better understanding of what was actually happening.

But yeah, for scared white people he is a safer choice and message than some of the other messages even though those did have some validity too.

I don't dislike Coates and he made a compelling case in his reparations article, which is really what put him on the map, but one thing that he was wrong about- and it's already a meme- is that "all Trump had to do to be president was to be white and rich". That sounds nice as a soundbite designed to highlight the struggles of Obama, but upon just a tiny bit of thought, it's clearly untrue. There are many, many rich white guys who have desperately tried to be president again and again and failed. There's even a rich white woman who probably would have sold her soul to the devil to be president.

I read a quote from Obama yesterday that is a lot closer to reality. He said that he was sure that there are people who voted against him for no other reason than that he was black. But he also said that there are others who voted for him for exactly the same reason and that he undoubtedly derived political benefit as well as roadblocks due to his skin color. "It cuts both ways."

For instance they were never taught that Columbus was a slave owner.

I don't dislike Coates and he made a compelling case in his reparations article, which is really what put him on the map, but one thing that he was wrong about- and it's already a meme- is that "all Trump had to do to be president was to be white and rich". That sounds nice as a soundbite designed to highlight the struggles of Obama, but upon just a tiny bit of thought, it's clearly untrue. There are many, many rich white guys who have desperately tried to be president again and again and failed. There's even a rich white woman who probably would have sold her soul to the devil to be president.

I read a quote from Obama yesterday that is a lot closer to reality. He said that he was sure that there are people who voted against him for no other reason than that he was black. But he also said that there are others who voted for him for exactly the same reason and that he undoubtedly derived political benefit as well as roadblocks due to his skin color. "It cuts both ways."

I think anyone under the age of 45 grew up learning about the civil rights movement in school and he is treated very kindly in the text books. which I have no problem with.

Why is this a problem?

I think his point was that Obama had MANY more obstacles to overcome and had to just about be a perfect man in order to be president. I completely agree with that point. Also blacks supporting Obama because of his skin color really isn't the same as whites or Hispanics voting against him because of his skin color. There is a huge difference in the numbers.

For instance they were never taught that Columbus was a slave owner.

I think his point was that Obama had MANY more obstacles to overcome and had to just about be a perfect man in order to be president. I completely agree with that point. Also blacks supporting Obama because of his skin color really isn't the same as whites or Hispanics voting against him because of his skin color. There is a huge difference in the numbers.

the winners write history. His approach won to the extent any approach can claim vicotry

I think his point was that Obama had MANY more obstacles to overcome and had to just about be a perfect man in order to be president. I completely agree with that point. Also blacks supporting Obama because of his skin color really isn't the same as whites or Hispanics voting against him because of his skin color. There is a huge difference in the numbers.

I have my own personal issues with him but I'm confident a lot of it is disingenuous.

But huge numbers of whites obviously didn't vote against him because of his skin color. If they had, he would never have been president.

He had to work very hard to make the majority comfortable. He wasn't on an equal playing field as everyone else.

For instance they were never taught that Columbus was a slave owner.

what is disingenuous?

He had to work very hard to make the majority comfortable. He wasn't on an equal playing field as everyone else.

Doesn't every candidate? And don't you think that he enjoyed some advantages such as record African American support and some media cheerleading? I don't think being black proved to be an obstacle.

No disrespect but of course you don't think it was an obstacle. Many whites feel that way and you're wrong.

I think that's an insult to the vast majority of white people who clearly have no problem voting for a black man.

And I think it's contrary to what Obama himself believes. A lot of people- of all colors- were thrilled to vote for a black president. And I think Obama is right in that he would have won again if he had been eligible and run. That's the thing about the hateful racist America narrative that just doesn't add up. MANY people voted for Obama and Trump.

If you know any racist whites or read comment sections you'll see what I'm talking about.

You may see it as an insult but it's the truth.

Of course Obama wouldn't say anything like that. They were excited to vote for HIM because of the way he made them feel and his unique story.

He was very far from perfect and he still won.

He was likeable and he made the majority feel comfortable. It's not breaking news that a black man or a woman running for the highest office in our country have a higher bar to climb. As Coates put it Obama had to Jump 6 feet and Trump had to jump 2 feet. A woman probably has to jump 20.

What difference does it make why someone voted for him? The fact is they did. Twice. And likely would have again.

And you want to talk about his "unique story". You're right it's unique. If it had been a white guy with the same experience he would have been laughed at as a serious presidential candidate.

It makes a huge difference. You and MANY other people want to pretend everyone has an equal playing field because Obama got elected twice and that's completely wrong.

I think Donald Trump getting elected just debunked that theory. He defeated the most qualified person on paper in 25 years without any experience. First president in history with ZERO political experience.

First president in history with ZERO political experience.

If you hate Laurence, then don't listen - don't comment. When he co-hosts the B&B show, take that day off ... listen to an old podcast of a Bernstein solo show and jerk off all day.

I completely disagree with that. Every candidate is an individual. The right woman could easily win a presidential election. You seem to be suggesting it's more difficult for a woman to be elected in the U.S. than it is in Germany, England, or Pakistan. I find that idea absurd.

Morgan Freeman would have beaten Hillary in an election.

No disrespect but of course you don't think it was an obstacle. Many whites feel that way and you're wrong.

For instance they were never taught that Columbus was a slave owner.