CNN CNN

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Race or Gender: Once more, with feeling...





Randi Kaye
360 Correspondent

Are you voting race or gender in this campaign?

I found out this week that is a loaded question. I did a story for 360 Monday night which focused on black women at a beauty salon in Charleston, South Carolina.

An African-American Democratic analyst had told me black women are struggling with the dilemma of whether to vote race or gender. In other words, Obama or Clinton.

At Anjae's Hair Salon, we interviewed a handful of African American women who told us they are voting the issues, not race or gender. We made it very clear in our report that these women say they are smarter than that. This campaign is about choosing the best candidate on healthcare, education and the economy, we reported.

Well, who would've thought our little discussion at this hair salon would have inspired such a fiery debate about our debate.

My CNN.com story on this topic from Monday generated half a million page views so far. Hosts of The View on ABC bashed us on Tuesday for even raising the question of 'race or gender?' Host Whoopi Goldberg actually said my story made her "pissed off." (WATCH the clip)

I guess we're not alone though.

Did you know Oprah's blog has an e-mail chain titled "Oprah is a traitor" just because she is supporting Obama? That surprises me since our expert told us there is a perception in the black community that race trumps gender, and that some would consider any woman voting for Hillary Clinton a sellout!

Anyway... I just had to share this response with our new friends at the salon down south. They couldn't believe it! They said anyone calling Oprah a traitor is "ignorant."

The salon's owner, Angela Jackson, told me, "we've been dealing with racism and gender all these years. Let's move onto something new. Let's try to get America back to where it needs to be. That's more important to me."

Hairdresser Shanese Jones, whom I also interviewed for our story, told me "it's true we are women, we are black and we don't have any choice. Whoever is the best and has the views that we would like to hear and like to see in the U.S. and see a change that's just what we have to go with." Again, all the ladies reiterated they are voting the ISSUES!!

So what do you think? Do you believe race or gender can really be ignored in this campaign? Do you think white women aren't weighing the fact Hillary Clinton is a woman and letting that play into their decision? What about white men? Or black men?

Are we all kidding ourselves trying to pretend we don't see what we see? I'd love to know what you think.

And be sure to tune into AC360 tonight at 10p ET for another tough look at the race vs. gender debate.
Posted By CNNBLOG: 6:02 PM ET
  44 Comments
Randi,
I don't think that you have to look at someone's race or gender to decide who you want to vote for. And if you do then you are ignorant! The issues and what the candidates plan to do about them is all I care about. And should be what everyone cares about!

I am with the lady from the hair salon...let's put all of this race stuff behind us and make this nation a better place to live.

And BTW...not everybody likes Oprah! So that email chain doesn't suprise me!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.
Posted By Blogger Cindy : 6:22 PM ET
I think to say that race and gender are not playing some part in this election would be ignorant as well, every time I listen to some one talk about Clinton and Obama I hear " she would be the first FEMALE president" or " he would be the firt BLACK prsident" those statements alone show that race and gender are in play here, on that note, I am not letting either issue determine who I vote for, and as a white female I will be voiting for Obama, when I tell people this I often get a raised eyebrow and asked " Don't you want a woman in the white house?" my answer, is that I want a president who stands for me and the improvement of this country and I want someone who can work outside of party lines and bridge gaps that have been neglected for so long, be he or she, white or black, I would hope that the majority of the voters would also choose accordingly.
Posted By Anonymous Naomi Mac : 6:35 PM ET
I thought about all of this when I voted. I ruled out Edwards because he couldn't get the job done 4 years ago. I thought about Obama. I am from Illinois and I don't even remember if I voted for him for the Senate or not. I really didn't recognize his name until he started running for the Presidency. I have heard that he is backed by Jesse Jackson, Jesse Jackson Jr. and the Rainbow Push, so I figured that race would somehow enter the picture. I voted for Bill Clinton twice and I still like him. Hillary has been involved in the government for years. I think she is tough, intelligent and ready to go. She also has a wonderful advisor in Bill Clinton. Yes I am a woman, and I truely hope I'm not a racist. I don't think that I am. Who needs the writers to come back. This is better than anything else on TV!
Posted By Anonymous Kathy Chicago,Il : 6:37 PM ET
I love CNN and I love 360 but why do we need to focus on this so much? Clinton and Obama aren't focusing on race nor gender but the media seems obsessed with it, frankly. It's really kind of a turn off because I think as a whole the media isn't really giving the general public credit on this. If we say it doesn't matter then I believe it doesn't. Yes, there is a small percentage of bigoted, raciest and chauvinist pigs out there but that's not most of us. It just seems that the media is try WAY too hard to make this into a story and most people, I can bet, don't really want to hear it. Focus on the REAL issues. Why not do stories about what their health care plans are or where they stand on the issues but race/gendar is a non-issue.
Posted By Anonymous Holly from Tampa : 6:40 PM ET
It's hard to imagine anyone supporting a candidate with whom they disagreed on major issues just because of that candidate's race or gender. But all things being equal, perhaps race or gender could tip the balance in that candidate's favor. As long as Obama and Hillary are perceived as having similar views on all the major issues, it's quite possible that race/gender could be the deciding factor. However, if they are perceived as having differing positions, then race/gender becomes less of a factor, or perhaps not at all.
Posted By Blogger Barbara in Culver City, CA : 7:03 PM ET
Im a female, Im caucaisan . I have no desire for Hillary Clinton to be leader of the free world. My opinion of her has absolutely nothing to do with gender and is only based on her lack of progress in the Senate, her aggressive attitude and her negativity.
Posted By Anonymous Teresa D, Waltham Ma. : 7:09 PM ET
Randi, I know that race and/or gender can never be ignored in American society. However, I do think your story didn't really focus on these women voting for Clinton or Obama because of what they bring to the table. It felt like you were saying that Black women are between a rock and a hard place and only thinking about two surface issues. Some black women are and some black women aren't. Speaking for myself, I'm not in a hard place. Also Ms. Kaye, I would suggest that you not based stories that deal with a certain culture from one source. The analyst would told you that black women are struggling with their vote, should have also explained that he or she does not speak for an entire race/gender of people. Lastly, I think you brought up a good suggestion. You should ask white women, white men, black men, etc. if they are struggling with race and gender in this election. I think it's only fair that you get everyones opinion not just some wonderful education black women in a hair salon.
Posted By Anonymous Brandi : 7:15 PM ET
Honestly I am so sick of this race vs gender story. I love you Randi but I may just mute this report tonight. I have had it.
Posted By Anonymous Megan : 7:19 PM ET
I can only speak for myself.
Race and gender will not be a factor in my vote.
The new President will represent, all races, all men and women and all political parties.
If they can't do that, well, I guess they aren't the best person for such a huge job.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.
Posted By Blogger Lorie Ann : 7:24 PM ET
Hi Randi,

I don't think it's off base to raise the question, afterall isn't that part of your job...

People are foolish if they believe there are folks out their who are going to take race and/or gender into concideration during this political season.

I, however, am not one of them. I have been watching all the candidates, Republican and Democrat, very closely. I'm still somewhat undecided. But there are candidates on both sides of the isle that I am still concidering.

What is going to decide how I cast my ballot? The issues and only the issues.

One thing I know for sure is that who ever gets into the White House is going to have their work cut out for them. My job is to figure out which candidate can do the best job, regardless of race or gender.

Mindy
Surprise, AZ
Posted By Blogger Mindy : 7:39 PM ET
Bill Clinton's comments today were right on the money. The media needs to quit playing the race and gender cards and focus on the issues that are really going to make a difference in this election.

Why does it seem like the cable news media lives in a completely different world than the rest of us? The economy, health care, terrorism, Iraq, our image abroad, the widening gap between rich and poor and the vanishing middle class are all issues worthy of discussion.

I know that the media is seldom interested in actual issues and prefers to stir up dirt as much as possible but get over yourselves and cover real issues that matter in people's lives.
Posted By Anonymous Carter : 7:42 PM ET
I never thought about gender OR race until it was shoved in my face. I think the media arethe only ones with race and gender issues only so they can have stories to write. You should be ashamed. KEEP IT GOING and you will eventually see another race riot at the end of all this. Let this be on your heads!
Posted By Blogger denise : 8:24 PM ET
I watched your report and thought it brought a lot of insight to what a section of voters might be thinking and why. Instead of having some so called experts sitting around a table and telling us why black women will vote a certain way, you went to the heart of it and actually got some real perspectives. It wasnt scientific by any means but it was real feelings from real people.

Race, gender and even catchwords like 'experience' and 'change' are great for getting attention and soundbytes, but at the end of the day I (and I hope most voters) look to unspoken words like; respectability, professionalism, and maturity for their president. No-one I have talked with, and certainly no-one on any of the political talk shows have uttered those words in reference to these clowns. Sen. Edwards really made a mockery of both of them during the debate and afterwards, and rightfully so.
All the bickering between these two will make it tougher for supporters of the losing side to support the actual nominee. As long as the republicans dont act the same way during the process, the moderate democrats and independents might choose the respectable, professional, and mature candidate.
Posted By Anonymous Vinny, Conroe,TX : 8:38 PM ET
ow true is this report? let's examined where it took place. This reporter went to a hair salon. She couldn't have gone to college or other venue. By just her going to a salon is stereotype by itself of African-American, by the way tell her that I know she can go to a taco stand to interview about how a Hispanic feel about the topic.
Posted By Blogger carlos : 8:40 PM ET
I'm a white woman, and I won't vote for Hillary because her policies won't create the America I want for my nieces and nephews. I'd love to believe America is smarter than race and gender, that as voters we look at issues first and the rest afterwards. But as a woman with a PhD in counselor education I know better than that. I know what struggles I've encountered because I have a disability and am a female. I know what I have faced because of prejudice and ignorance. And honestly, unless the world changes, I probably always will to some extent have to. We want to vote for someone who understands us, who is like us, who can relate to our issues, and who can help us get to where we want to be in life. Hillary is a woman. She has made inroads that will never be forgotten. But she is not qualified to be our commander-in-chief, a world diplomat, or the person who can recreate a domestic vision for America that allows its citizenry to create their own futures. Ditto for Obama. I've always been the underdog. I usually go for the underdog. But this time because too much is at stake for America, I have to go with that older guy who understands truth and is too mature and wise to play the games many of them seem be playing.
Posted By Anonymous Tammy, Berwick, LA : 8:57 PM ET
I am one white female that is not basing my vote on gender. I am avidly supporting Barack Obama. My husband is a white male and he is avidly supporting Barack Obama. My sons are white men and they are avidly supporting Barack Obama. Why is this? Because we have all researched the candidates and where they stand on the issues. We have all watched the debates and interviews and have a feeling for the character of each candidate. Barack Obama is the candidate to best represent our views, as well as being the Democratic candidate that also appeals to independent and Republican voters, which is what the Democrats need to get back into the White House. He is a great man and will represent our country well!!
Posted By Anonymous Marli : 9:03 PM ET
Race or gender? What about dog people or cat people? left-handed or right handed? Please media, stop polarizing and dividing population in segments. Your "objectivity" is phony.
Posted By Blogger Antonieta : 9:13 PM ET
The media has pressed the issue of gender. Hillary and Obama's views are very similar. Hillary may have great
plans for our country but will not be able to accomplish a thing because of all the enemies she's making along the way . Don't forget she will be your president too! The effects of this election will effect
our security, economy and standing in the world. It's not like she's so much smarter then Obama They have the same plans It's a matter of who can get the job done with this Congress on day One !!!!!!!!! Who do you think can get it done.
Posted By Blogger vicki : 9:14 PM ET
Hi Randi,

The debate the other night in SC made me proud. To see Senators Clinton, Obama and Edwards on equal footing, taking each other on, was thrilling to me. And the exchanges between Clinton and Obama weren't "nasty" as Wolf Blitzer said. To me, they were just giving it their all.

But, I'm afraid I know some people who will vote "against" race or "against" gender. There are still people who shut down when presented with an opportunity to listen to a different viewpoint let alone vote for a different race or a different sex - especially for the most important job in the world. I just hope those people will be in the minority this time.

Keep up the good reporting.

Kay
Temple, TX
Posted By Blogger Kay : 9:14 PM ET
Randi,

I am disheartened by this follow-up to your original article, titled "Gender or race: Black woman face tough choices in S.C." At no point do you take responsibility for the gross oversimplifications and devaluations of your original article. Instead, you've chosen to invent utter shock and bewilderment that anyone would take issue, peppering this blog post with selective quotes from people who agree with you.

While you eventually quoted a few women who indicated that they would vote on the issues, the title of this post clearly summarizes the gist of your inquiries. Further, your article contains the line "Should [black women] vote their race, or should they vote their gender". Can you not see how that simplification reduces black women to sheep, automatons, content to merely vote for the candidate that looks most like them?

Why have you assumed, for instance that black women will not vote for Edwards? No doubt he polls low amongst black women but he polls relatively low amongst every demographic. Don't white men then have the same choice to follow - voting with their race or gender when deciding between Clinton and Obama? Could it be that this didn't occur to you because you expect white men to be more discerning in their scrutiny than black women?

Sadly, to end this blog post, you've invited a false choice for the reader. Shall we investigate the issues of race and gender in this election (as presumably you think you have done), or shall we completely ignore it. Obviously, yes, race and gender are factors in this election. However, your most discerning readers will agree to the investigation of these issues, and still disapprove of the approach you took.
Posted By Blogger Kenan Banks : 9:20 PM ET
Race is a big issue in the South and I don’t think there is a problem relating it to politics. People do gravitate towards a candidate that they can relate to and that could be because race or gender. We should look at candidates based on what they stand for but in reality it is only human nature to look at candidates based on their appearance and culture. I think a lot of the celebrities who comment on this issue do not realize what it is like to live in a rural area where people tend to naturally segregate themselves due to social stigma, cultural, and economic differences.
Posted By Anonymous Dusten, South Carolina : 9:21 PM ET
The ladies in the hair salon are the ones telling you - "NO, we don't want to vote race or gende," and the African-American analyst who sparked this blog post is the one suggesting that black women will vote race or gender. So I think the analyst is the one who needs to get a reality check.
Posted By Anonymous nikki, dallas, tx. : 9:48 PM ET
You sound somewhat skeptical of the idea, but I think that many, many people look at policy, not race or gender, when deciding who to vote for. The women of your previous story amply demonstrate that.

In this blog post you sound as if you want to start an honest, tough discussion on racism and sexism. Yet the central question of your previous story -- "For these women, a unique, and most unexpected dilemma, presents itself: Should they vote their race, or should they vote their gender?" -- was in itself racist and sexist, one of the most cringe-inducing premises for alleged news I have ever seen. What editor let this get by?

The story wasn't even good journalism. It was another example of shallow campaign reporting. What was actually in this story? A) What you call "a little discussion" with a "handful" of voters; B) A few quotes from the EXPERTS, the political analysts, those great sages of our time; and C) Your own questionable analysis of the electorate and its ability to judge people by the content of their character.

I can't take this kind of reporting seriously.
Posted By Anonymous Joyce West, Lexington, Kentucky : 9:53 PM ET
You and the analyst are selling African Americans short if you think they aren't smart enough to vote based on issues. Of course they want the same things we all want- a President who will have a plan for energy independence, getting congressional spending under scrutiny , protecting our borders, managing the Iraq war and getting health care costs to be more competitive. Why does this analyst assume that woman and African-Americans won't vote 'issues'?
Posted By Anonymous dean w. , fairfax, va. : 10:00 PM ET
I'm so tired of this debate on race. Although I think there is some value in this line of dialogue, it sickens me how we seem to get back to race at every turn.

We have got to move beyond this and embrace serious discussions that will have a real impact on our lives - race and gender excluded.
Posted By Anonymous Aubri -Atlanta : 10:45 PM ET
We have so little real in-depth discussion of issues in a factual way in the press, that any time spent on this side issue is a total waste, and CNN can do better than this kind of piece. Of course humans have many things that influence their vote, including race and gender, but voters who base their vote on that primarily (and not issues) are just as dumb as those who would vote for someone just because of the state they come from, or some other factor. That is what CNN should be focused on pointing out - the facts behind the issues and policies.
Posted By Anonymous Winston : 10:49 PM ET
Anderson,

You have really disappointed me! Just because of ratings and hits on your website, you continue to propagate this nonsense. Really dumb!
Posted By Anonymous Peter : 10:50 PM ET
I believe that the uproar concerning this question is ridiculous. Race, gender, religion, economic status, educational background, etc. all have a serious affect on the way individuals vote. To ask someone how they will vote, based on their gender or race, is the same as asking someone how will you vote, based on your religion or economic status. Obviously our political views are based on something. I know that my views are based on my gender, ethnic background, my faith, my education, and so on. Our views are always based on something, so to have people say that they are appalled at this report, is something that I completely do not understand.
Posted By Anonymous Jessica, Bourbonnais Illinois : 10:53 PM ET
It seems whenever there's a big brouhaha in the news, it can be looked at through a lens of racism - remember the Don Imus case, then Jena Six, the Duke LaCrosse story had racial implications to accuse the boys because they're rich and white. Seems like almost every story can be twisted into a racial thing.
Posted By Anonymous tom, milwaukee, wi. : 12:37 AM ET
The more CNN defends this article, the more offensive it is and Anderson, who were those people that you interviewed to defend CNN's article? You couldn't find one person to interview that didn't agree with CNN? Why did you choose three that did? You claim CNN did not say black women only vote for race and gender. His is the direct quote from your article: "For these women, a unique, and most unexpected dilemma, presents itself: Should they vote their race, or should they vote their gender?"
It would not have been offensive if you asked, "With most of the issues the same, should they vote..."
The original quote seems to imply that black women only vote for black people or women. This is hillarious. If Bill Clinton, who is neither black or female, would get the majority of black women voters if he was on the ticket. My mother is a black woman. I wouldn't vote her into office!
Posted By Anonymous Curchel : 2:58 AM ET
I am a white male, and I find the question offensive. The question began with the idea that black women were torn between race and gender. It started from a point of view that these factors are the sole influences, and sought to find a story to tell.
Likewise, when a child dies of MRSA, reporters ask if the school was closed down, or whether it was dirty. The very question points away from the truth, MRSA lives on our skin, as an outcome of the extended use of antibiotics. It is on the kids, not in the trash cans, which is not the schools fault or responsibility. MRSA is everywhere. And likewise, the ignorant presumption is received like a slap in the face.
Posted By Blogger rg : 3:01 AM ET
As a black male I find it ridiculous for any black female to be offended. Are you serious?? Its one of those things everyone's thinking but no one is willing to admit. At least not in the public eye. Of course black women will be torn, they have a chance to choose between two firsts that they relate to. All things considered both candidates are truly similar save all the hoopla about change and experience. But I leave you with this, if BET aired the same question and report, would black women still be offended?
Posted By Anonymous Wes Suber, St. Louis, MO : 3:02 AM ET
Anderson, I would have thought a more balanced report on the impact of race would have looked at both sides of the equation...

I would have liked to see you in a SC barber shop asking white males why their popularity of Obama is completely inconsistent with the rest of the country and why a black man cant earn their vote. THe hopefullness represented in the diversity of the Democratic ticket is unfortunately ahead of time in these more backward states...I do think you should look at race based issue more comprehensively that from just the effect on black women
Posted By Anonymous Mike, New York, NY : 3:16 AM ET
Oh come now, what is all this fuss about CNN asking Black Women in South Carolina if race or gender plays a part in their decision for a Democrat vote. Of course personal ideas and opinions about gender and race come into play when making these kind of decisions. It's not like all of the sudden we live in a non prejudicial society. When did the USA suddenly a model society without predudice of any kind? I thought we were still striving for that model. These complaining people are becoming increasingly whiny and familiar to someone else, but who? Oh, I know, Barak Obama. With each debate and speech he wines more and more about Hillary Clinton. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. I loved the other day when he said to Hillary that he cant tell who he is running against. If he can't keep up with who he is running against, then maybe he shouldn't be running in the first place. It seems to me that most of the whiny people complaining about asking those woman those questions, also seem to be Obama supporters. I knew there was some consistency there. Unfortunantely, they are complaining to the wrong entity. Maybe these women should start pointing their displeasure towards people like Roland Martin and Donna Brazille. If anyone has been watching the coverage of the election over the past two weeks, not only on CNN but on other telecasts they've appeared on, they've been doing nothing but talking about the Black Woman vote and what will sway their decisions. If that's all they comment on for 2 weeks in a row, being the black political pundits that they are, why wouldn't some organization raise the issue? Seems common sense that Democratic Black political pundits would seem to know what their fellow black voters are thinking, especially the way they present it on tv. Whoopi should research these things before she opens her mouth on the view. Doesn't make her "Views" look to intelligent.
Posted By Anonymous Anthony, TX : 3:21 AM ET
I think Obama's message is clear from the DNC speech he gave in 2004 when he was not running. He spoke about a United States of America where race, gender, skin color or social status is not a factor and not a dis-United States of America as some may carelessly lead us into. I hope the Clintons will remember that making Obama look bad will not make Hillary any saint. We remember the "truth" he (Bill) told us about Monica on National TV and we still remember that the so called experience of Hillary in the white house has not been verified. They are still locked away which the Republicans will dig out anyway.
Let's face the future together and talk about issues that matter with the man that have his eyes on the future. We need a visionary.
Posted By Anonymous Richard Matthews : 4:46 AM ET
From my perspective --- for what it's worth.

First, the world identifies almost all bi-racial people (at least, white and black bi-racial) as black. I have first-hand knowledge. So whether Sen. Obama identifies himself one way or the other isn't an issue; it was decided for him before he was born. Secondly, if anyone thinks race or gender or religion don't matter, tell the pollsters. That's how the statistics are displayed and that's what guide the politicians to target their campaigns - based on the demographics of the region in which they're speaking. Third, people tend to gravitate for social interaction towards those with whom they have most in common. It's human nature - we want to mingle with people who "know where we're coming from." Fourth, the "what about the other 50%" is misleading. Where do you put black women?? In the race or gender slot or in both?

And finally, the CNN piece featuring a reporter's visit to a black hair salon in South Carolina to ask whether people there would consider race or gender when voting. Wow! What a setup by CNN. I have to believe it was intentional. Consider how it would have played IF .. CNN had visited black businesses, white business, Asian or Latino business AND asked if voter would consider race or gender OR religion. That would have covered various populations and pretty much all of the irrelevant issues in one shot. But that wouldn't have been newsworthy, would it???
Posted By Blogger Janet : 9:02 AM ET
OK....Enough of the nonsense about Barack and Hillary! I am a very proud black woman who happens to be a strong supporter of JOHN EDWARDS. Remember him? I think that race and gender has played a major part in this election and it is tearing our party apart. The sad thing is that the person that I feel best represents the interest of the black community as well as the majority of Americans is being pushed aside by the media and I am so darn mad about it.

Why not have someone on to represent women of color that are in this position. I've had this dialogue with many of my friends and certainly once they have the opportunity to hear John Edwards message, they immediately reposition themselves to the Edwards camp. I am an educated, professional woman with real issues and real problems and while my color and gender are certainly major, I have no responsibility to either Obama or Hillary!

This is an appeal to ALL of my sisters, Black, White, Rich, Poor or Young and Old. Please make an "informed" decision. Check out ALL of the candiates, you might just change your mind.

There is just too much at stake!
Posted By Anonymous C. Brown/Stone Mountain, GA. aroly : 1:28 PM ET
Subliminal stereotyping is the issue I have with this report. I think it was extremely tactless to select a hair salon of all venues available to seek out Black women's opinion. I'm sure there were many universities, churches, cafes or theaters that were available for pooling responses. However, this is American mainstream media at its finest. Would CNN seek out tanning salons to collect opinions of white women?

As a Black woman I do not find the question posed as demeaning. This presidential race is offering dynamics that are not normally available. Society is making incremental progressive steps towards a more unified and unbiased approach to solving our current issues. It is a massive leap to have an African American and a woman as front runners for chief in command of our nation. The two candidates are not on opposite sides of key issues. Their platforms are very similiar, therefore many people will make a decision on whether they will rally behind placing a 1st woman or the first African American Male in office along with voting the issues.
Posted By Anonymous java, hattiesburg,ms : 2:16 PM ET
"Im only 14 and i know this is wrong"

I could understand that after the Civil Right Movement how black people in general could and most likly would suport there own race...
but that was over 20 year ago.
Now a days we have a fare and equal education system.
Thanks to the education system blacks,whites,and latin exc.races are allowed to mingle.
With that education you know alot more about politics and everything else.
My whole point is that black people... people in general are wiser. We the people look deeper then just skin tone. We look for ethics and morles not "ohh hes black and so am I, I should vote for him, or ohh shes a woman i have to susport my gender"
I think thats just crap!

Thats grade school stuff
"Hes winning cause hes black ,or shes winning cause shes a woman."
The world needs to growup and act there age!!!!!

Brandon,Tx,14
Posted By Anonymous Brandon Smith,TX : 7:15 PM ET
What were you thinking??? I think a bigger issue not explored is how CNN producers of this segment view Black women. I bet the producers are white and one perhaps had watched "Barbershop" or Oueen Latifah's movie "Beautyshop" the night before and those viewing experiences and percetions she thought she could "weave" into the story idea and location. Maybe CNN should start thinking about diversifying their staff, so that someone doesn't watch "The George Lopez Show" and decide to poll Hispanics at Taco Bell to see if their torn between Barrack and a burrito!

Lynda-Painesville, OH
Posted By Anonymous lyndacake : 11:34 PM ET
shame on CNN and all the media station actively involved in this. why are u distracting viewers of what we want to hear. why do u keep talking about race? you just want to make obama or black pple look bad. are u guys scared a black candidate might win? is this a strategy to distract his campaign and his followers? shame on you lou dobbs, anderson cooper and every one of you.
Posted By Anonymous Ann : 4:31 PM ET
I read the story with interest and not much after thought. It was an interview in a salon with African American women about B Obama running for president. That's all.

I would would hope the women responding would get over themselves and know that people are interested in their viewpoint. African American women need to be heard and have a right to their own opinions. I thought it was great they spoke out and to read about their feelings on the issue.

I am voting for Hillary because I believe she is more experienced and stronger and because she is a woman.

I think we are both fine in our choices.
Posted By Anonymous MadeleineFL : 5:09 PM ET
African Americans have been taught not to trust one another years ago, stemming as far back as the days of slavery. I won't be surprised if Obama loses simply due to this variable. When Bush ran Americans failed to see through his fakeness--I fear that Americans (Black and White) are making the same mistake by not seeing through Hilary's fakeness. Like Obama said, "Some people will say anything just to be elected."
Posted By Blogger R Johnson : 11:05 PM ET
Dear Randi Kaye,

By far, you have done the best reporting on the biggest minority group in the United States. It is not easy being a woman, what to speak an African American woman.

I think they are in a dillema between voting for Clinton and Obama.
Posted By Anonymous Ratna, New York, NY : 7:43 AM ET
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