: (AP) - The first race card of the Obama era is now in play. In an apparent bid to save his political life — or perhaps just irritate and confound his enemies — Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is trying to wedge a black man into the all-white Senate. On Tuesday, Blagojevich's choice, Roland Burris, was turned away on Capitol Hill when he tried to take his seat.
So far, the episode has not produced a full-throated cry of racism, and many black political leaders are lying low instead of lining up behind Burris. The fact that America's first black president has come out against seating Burris may be preventing the dispute from turning into a major racial flare-up.
Still, the drama has forced racial politics, once again, to center stage. And how it ultimately plays out could affect hopes for the "post-racial" society supposedly heralded by Barack Obama's election.
The symbolism is very powerful," said Laura S. Washington, a politics professor at DePaul University and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. "The fact that this is an overwhelmingly white Senate that's stopping Roland Burris, a qualified, distinguished, by all appearances senatorial appointment, and white men are standing in the door, I think that's very powerful, and it sends a very powerful message to African-Americans who have always distrusted the system."
Blagojevich clearly understands those sentiments, as does Rep. Bobby Rush, the former Black Panther who represents a congressional district on the South Side of Chicago.
Less than a month after calling the corruption charges against Blagojevich "so heinous that he has forfeited his right to appoint someone" to Obama's Senate seat, Rush stood next to Blagojevich and Burris last week and pleaded: "I will ask you to not hang and lynch the appointee as you try to castigate the appointer." Later, Rush called the Senate the "last bastion of plantation politics."
"If there ever was a playing of the race card, this was it," said Chris Rabb, an activist with afronetizen.com and former legislative assistant for Carol Moseley Braun, a black woman who preceded Obama in the Senate seat. "Blagojevich may be crazy, but he's not stupid."
But Rush's accusations have not caught fire among large numbers of blacks. Warren Ballentine, a syndicated black talk radio host, said that in the view of many of his listeners, "This is Blagojevich sticking it to people. It's not a black or white issue."
It's certainly a complicated one.
Obama himself has said Burris should not be seated because of the taint of corruption surrounding Blagojevich, who is charged with trying to sell the Senate seat. And Obama's opposition to seating Burris could sorely undermine any attempt to make a racial issue out of the matter.
Moreover, Burris was officially denied entry to the Senate because his credentials were not signed by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White — who is black.
Some political observers have speculated that Blagojevich appointed Burris, the 71-year-old former Illinois attorney general, to win over black support in his bid to stave off impeachment, or to influence the jury pool if he stands trial on the corruption charges.
Groups like the NAACP and Congressional Black Caucus have not publicly supported Burris, though they may be working behind the scenes to get him seated. The Rev. Al Sharpton, whom some might have expected to be leading a march or three, has been muted in his support.
Sharpton acknowledged that the Senate would have objected to anyone Blagojevich appointed.
But "Blagojevich has really checkmated everyone and used race as a cover. I think it's interesting that Roland was never on his list before," Sharpton said. "So when did he get this conversion to Roland and why, no one knows. But at the end of the day it doesn't matter to many in the African-American community ... he's put us in the position to get an African-American senator."
Although many blacks expressed disgust with Rush's naked racial rhetoric, others were moved by Burris' quest to gain entry to the Senate.
"It's a travesty," said Rod White, the owner of Bertha's Soul Food in Los Angeles, where he said his customers had been talking about it all day. "The man walked over there this morning and he was rejected. It reminded me of my father. He's 72. An old black man walking in the rain and they closed the door in his face."
In Chicago's black neighborhoods, there is talk of a conspiracy to keep blacks out of the Senate. The government arrested Blagojevich to keep Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. out, the theory goes, and now it is trying to stop Burris.
Bryce Colquitt of Orland Park, Ill., a 20-year-old college student, formed a "Roland Burris for Senate" group on Facebook.
"As far as Mr. Burris being black and he'd be the only black (in the Senate), I think it's a factor. I don't think it's the most important and defining factor," he said. "I'm black, as much as I'd like to see black people in the Senate, I'd also like to know Illinois is being duly represented as every state is."
That will take some time, as the legal and political fight plays out in Washington.
"Blagojevich made what the hip-hoppers call a gangster move," Sharpton said. "You got to give it to him. Whatever his motive, he put on a move that put everybody in this situation."
@ str8 up trufe
How is he "coonin?" Throughout history no one has ever accomplished anything by sitting down and waiting for their number to be called. He's not "coonin, " in fact, it's quite the opposite. I do agree, however, that we need not take our eyes off of what's going on overseas as well as here at home.
I think the entire situation is disgusting. Despite what ever issues people have with Blagojevich, he is still the governor and his appointment should be accepted and respected. There are no legal grounds to keep Roland Burris from taking his seat. It is a violation of the constitution of the United States Republic.
The senate seat was offered to many blacks by Gov Blago and was turned down..The only one who wanted it so bad and accepted the seat was Burris.. I lost so much respect for him. Gov Blago played the race card.. Burris was never considered for the senate seat and now since there is so much under fire on Gov Blago he offers the seat very quickly to someone. No of this would be happening if Blago was suspended w/o pay pending this investigation and decision.
I agree, the Senate would have objected to ANYONE that Blago appointed...The taint of corruption is just too strong...
"Blagojevich has really checkmated everyone and used race as a cover. I think it's interesting that Roland was never on his list before,"
I am not a fan of Al Sharpton, but he called it for what it was...Blago is shady is hell on this one.
LEGALLY THE SENATE HAS NO RIGHT TO TURN THIS MAN AWAY FROM HIS SENATE SEAT BECAUSE HE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BLAGO SCANDAL. THIS IS NOT A GOOD LOOK FOR SENATE WHO HAPPENS TO BE ALL-WHITE. LET THIS MAN SERVE OUT THE REMAINING 2 YEARS AND MOVE ON TO GETTIN THE ECONOMY BACK IN ORDER. WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE...EVEN PELOSI SAYS QUIT THE BULLSHYT AND LET THE MAN SERVE THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM.
If Burris wants the seat and has the track record to prove he can do the job, then let him.
As for Blago? They have him on tape talking about what he's going to do. Yet there's no proof that actually supports that he acted on it. Basically it looks like he was "just talking." So the feds don't really have a case. They moved in too quickly maybe they can get him on a conspiracy charge but they have a slim chance at doing that too and Blago knows it. That's why he's conducting business as usual by appointing Burris to the senate and running the state. As for whether or not he's playing the race card, it's debatable. What isn't, is that it's politics. And Blago, well... is in politics. So he's playing the game as expected. None of this should be a surprise.
Princedarrell
Gov Blago has a spotted politicial past and this scandal is one of many that has surfaced regarding Blago.. For him to continue in this seat would not be good for Chicago. Also, I believe that Gov Blago is smarter than he looks..He knew that the senate was all white, that why he chose a blace man. The question is what is his fasination with black people. Being a resident of Chicago this isn't the first time Blago career has been under fire and investigation and he has turned to the black community he has been speaking in black churches and radio stations around Chicago only when his career is under fire and a watchful media eye.
I agree with What What & Msak1... It’s not about race this time around. The appointment to the seat has been tainted and disgraced. Any respect and achievements that Buress expects to reach in the senate will fall on death ears, based on the flaws. Why not wait until the governer has gone to trial and/or impeached? He’s comes off as desperate ! The respect and dignity behind the appointment of this man to the US senate, in the midst of a pending impeachment was manipulated by this shady governer anyway. Here we have a governer that clearly has fallen from grace, but refuses to give up his governer seat because of protest, anger and pride. This man is very smug and arrogant. Although he has been caught on tape, his intent is to go down with a fight . This gangster like disgrace of a governing a State is wreckless and he is using Buress to further his cause. Buress should not have allowed him to do so. Buress was not even an applicant, which clearly indicate ill intent on the part of Baglovich. But he needed someone ‘s whose strings he could easily pull. Someone that wanted the Senate seat , no matter how flawed. There is a signature required by the secretary of state, on the certification form, and Blagojevich never got that signature. Well he knew very well that he would not get the secretary of state’s signature and stamped seal on the document, because she is in the process of trying to have him impeached!! Lmao @ that shady governer. But , none the less, the last article I read stated that the Senate may go ahead and let him in., provided that the court rules that he can serve without the required signatures on the form.
First of all the MTO headline is silly but that's par for the course. Some have called this highly capable man,Roland Burris, albeit he wasn't Blagojevich's first choice a coon. WHY??? They say Governor Blagojevich is tainted ??? Oh really... by what?? ACCUSATIONS!! Where's the proof? The federal prosecutor asked for an extension for filing formal charges. What's up with that? Why don't you have your case together Mr. federal prosecutor before you publicly malign a man? If you have evidence then bring it! People want Blago to step down and he rightfully said no. The balls in their court to prove he's done something wrong.Prove it! If any group of people should have learned the harsh lessons of being railroaded by the system in this country and not being so quick to rush to judgment simply based on accusations "by the man", it should be Black folks.However, here we have Black folks jumping on the lynch mob bandwagon seeking Blago's head and dissing a highly respected Illinois public servant in Roland Burris. SMH The real story is senate majority leader Harry Reid(D) telling the gov. of Illinois, that three Black legislators from Illinois were unacceptable for Obama's vacant seat,meanwhile he went on to list two non-Black females as acceptable. WHY??? Electability statewide he claims. LOL.Keep in mind one of his acceptable non-black female candidates just lost a race for the U.S. House of Rep..LOL! So that argument goes right out the window. We have a lot of racist clowns in the Dem party too people....don't sleep and some of them are real salty on the DL that Obama won. Can you say pay back time?
Well thats not in the plan, but this white man is smart. I tell u what lets see after President Obama of the Untied States of the World is sworn in on the 20 then lets see what happen. I tell u what, it will be a Black Leader filling that Seat. All this is a Distraction from the hell that about to come. Peace.
The senate seat should be filed by someone who is capable of doing the job and will not let the voters down.. The person can be of any race..Race should not be an issue.. esp blake there is no revolution going on.. The only reason Chicago is known for corrupt politicians is because people are trying to paint a picture back to Obama. Trying to say he must be corrupt because he came from a corrupt state. Corrupt politicians are everywhere.. The word Poli in latin means many and Tics is a bug. Put it together and figure it out. Gov Blago was under investigation from a few years back on the Truck for hire scandal which was an ugly scandal also with the Illinois tollroads. He is no stranger to (carrot dangling) Blago will sell anything to the highest bidder. I do believe this time the Feds have proof and will present it when needed. It's just a shame that Burris was picked not for his skills but for how naive he was.
I do believe this time the Feds have proof and will present it when needed.
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Ummmmm yeah I think the proof is needed NOW! LOL At least make a formal indictment in the normal time frame allotted if this guy is so corrupt instead of dragging his name through the mud. Why did the Feds need an extension if their case is so strong? Supposedly they've been investigating Blagojevich for a while now on other issues.Shouldn't they have some type of case prepared. SO WHERE'S THE PROOF OF WRONG DOING?? Bottom line while in office,the governor of Illinois has a job to do and he's doing it by appointing Roland Burris to the vacant senate seat. The state must still continue to function.
LIVING IN CHICAGO, WITH A CROOKED GOVERNOR IS ONE THING!!! MAD BECAUSE HE GOT CAUGHT IN A SCANDAL,HE USES A BLACK MAN FOR THE SENATE SEAT IS OUTRAGEOUS. WE WANT THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN OFFICE NO MATTER WHAT COLOR HE/OR SHE IS. I THINK THE GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS SHOULD STEP DOWN!!!!THE LAST FOUR GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN CROOKED WHITE MEN. SOME WENT TO PRISON AND SOME RESIGN. I FEEL RONALD BURRIS IS A CROOK TOO. THIS IS A CHANGE WE DON'T NEED THAT'S WHY THEY KICKED HIS AZZ TO THEW CURVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I understand Roland Burris wants to be a senator but considering who appointed him he should have turned it down. I agree with fire4u, Burris comes off as desperate.
IMO, Blagojevich is using Burris as a slap in the face to the same government who wants to get him impeach for his shady dealings.
If the man who appointed you is very questionable then Burris's credibility would be slim or next to none when voting even if he was seated,
I am not saying Burris wouldn't make a good Senator, but Blagojevich, IMO, used him for his own selfish purpose...to screw with the government because he is on his way out.
@ SexyMama082181
Your pic stealing FRAUDULENT ass thought u were gonna get a ton of responses with that one huh... ROTFL!!!!
You're a blatant JOKE ((LOL))
keep it up loser ;)
ps: you know why u even get a little bit of burn from me.... causes its been a slow day, the weather is crappy and i needed a good laugh puta =)
Burris is staight coonin his self.
He was dumb as hell for accepting Blagojevich's, nomination in the first place. The senate wouldnt have accepted anyone of his choices.
He's using Burris, and his dumb ass is letting it happen.
But, I gotta admit, it was a smooth move by Blagojevich. He got the race card on his side. He really is fckin with Washington, cause he knows he's out.
Burris, might make a good Senator, but he needs to realize that he'll never be respected in Washington, if he's allowed to hold that seat.
Now, I'm never one to say the actions of one black man reflects on our whole race. Given his position, and this situation, yeah, he's making us look bad.
If he has any pride left, he will end this circus, and step away.
Once again though, Blagojevich, even though you's a slimy mu' phucka, probs for going out guns a blazin'. Cause, by choosin a black man, you are clownin' the senate, bad.
When I saw who he picked, I couldnt help but laugh, cause I knew what he was up to.
POOR BURRIS HE SHUFFLED HIS OLD BONES TO WASHINGTON TO GET A FINGER TO THE FORE-HEAD TO TURN AROUND.. THEY ARE EVENTUALLY GOING TO LET HIM SIT IT ON DOWN BUT I THINK HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TAKEN THE SEAT. I AGREE REGARDLESS OF THE COLOR THEY WEREN'T GOING TO ACKNOWLEDGE [EXPLETIVE] BLAGO IS ENDORSING.. THIS WILL BE INTERESTING THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LEAKING THE TAPES TO THE PUBLIC LMAO! CHITOWN/..
Examine his record, it's long. Let him sit. The state could have done something a while back, the feds extended the investigation, and Congress is ineffective. Seat him and get to the damn wars and the economy already. How are we going to pitch democracy about the globe, with mess like this happening. Change the laws across the boards to require mandatory elections. It's stupid and it's unneccessary.
BURRIS SHOULD NOT EVEN WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH BLAGO...NOW HE WILL BE TREATED WITH DISRESPECT AND DISTRUST...NEVER MIND THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SCUM-BAG BLAGO...IT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD, PEOPLE!!! NOW ANYTIME BURRIS' NAME IS SPOKEN, HE'LL BE ASSOCIATED WITH BLAGO'S CRIME...I WOULD'VE SAID 'THANKS, BUT NO THANKS.'
