In his book "A Bound Man", [amazon.com, Google.com] Shelby Steele, a bi-racial research fellow puts forth the proposition that Barack Obama "can't win" the Presidency because he's a 'bound man'. Steele offers the claim that Obama is not 'black enough' for blacks--yet, not 'white' enough for white voters. At the same time, he claims that white voters are not threatened by Obama, because he's more of an 'appeaser' than a challenger like Jesse Jackson, or Rev. Al Sharpton.

 

Steele, also from Chicago is the product of a white father and African American mother--that, he believes qualifies him to 'categorize' the likely Democratic presidential nominee. While "A Bound Man" is an interesting read, it infuriated me at times. Ralph Nader's comments about "White guilt" mimic exactly another Steele book by the same title.

 

Nader's recent comments, accusing Obama of "talking white" and not doing enough for the 'Black community' (Nader actually used the word 'ghetto'...) appear to be right from the text of Shelby Steele's diatribe. Is Nader a 'racist'? An idiot? Or, just 'well read'? You decide.

 

Join me, on Gtownradio.com this Friday as I discuss this topic, and more with two of my favorite hosts: Leslie Robinson of "Black and Blue" (12 Noon -2PM) and Malcolm Cain, Jr. the dynamic young host of "Passing the Torch"(4-430PM). ONLY on Gtown Radio, The Sound From Germantown.

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If you'll indulge me, for just a little word-play; I'm excited that Senator Obama is 'black and blue' (African American/Democrat) and I'm anxiously awaiting "W" 'Passing the Torch' to President Barack Obama in January of next year!

 

As Charles Osgood used to say; "See you on the radio"...uh, well, the internet, actually.

 

D. Michael Blackie

Publicist/Media Consultant
South Philly Independent News (SPIN) and Media Services
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