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Senator Joseph Biden: Obama 'clean and articulate'

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By Stone Martindale Jan 31, 2007, 18:14 GMT


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Adam MenendezJan 31st, 2007 - 19:00:38

Clean?

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smarterthantheythinkJan 31st, 2007 - 19:01:33

Joe for SecState,,,,, not Pres

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Big Al in AustinJan 31st, 2007 - 19:03:29

With regard to Obama's cleanliness, how are we to interpret Sen. Biden's remark?

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Bitchie McSnitJan 31st, 2007 - 19:04:02

I love how Biden added 'man' when discussing Obama's 'tributes'
LOL

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SpankyJan 31st, 2007 - 19:05:35

I'll go ahead and assume 'clean' isn't referring to Mr. O'Bama's hygene, but rather any political baggage and how he approaches politics, e.g. 'clean' vs. 'dirty' politician.

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Interesting that...Jan 31st, 2007 - 19:16:42

People so often feel the need to use words like 'articulate' when discussing prominent African American figures whom they have an affinity for. It's clearly a back-handed compliment because the implication is that being articulate and clean distinguishes that person from other African Americans - or at least it does in the handicapped worldview of the racially prejudiced.

Some might say i'm exhibiting paranoia or 'pulling the race card', but take a careful accounting of how often you see white Americans both in the media and in their everyday conversation cite 'articulate' as their first impression of a public figure who happens to be black- it's as if they are shocked whenever they meet an articulate black person... of course they could only be shocked if their expectation was that the person would be inarticulate, sad since there's not really an reason to base such a presumption on skin color.

In this case the inclusion of 'clean' betrays the presence of an even more disturbing prejudice. Apparently Senator Biden feels that cleanliness is a trait which Senator Obama possesses apart from the rest of the black (unwashed) masses.

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SlappyMacJan 31st, 2007 - 19:18:54

I'm pretty sure that complementing an African-American on how well they 'articulate' is a comparitive insult.

This senator is obviously a racist in a not so old man/innocent kind of way. Such statements as these are not acceptable at this day and age, and should never have been.

Furthermore, stating that he's the first mainstream African-American to do anything is disrespectful to the many, MANY African-Americans who have held polital and social offices. Even they were intelligent, and could 'articulate' rather well.

In conclusion, what a Putts!

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JoeJan 31st, 2007 - 19:20:45

Clean = clean reputation. Man, so many people have overactive imaginations. Biden said what so many others have already said. There's no dirt on BO. No scandals, nothing. Clean as a whistle. Capeche? Google Obama clean as a whistle. See if you can figure it out. Good luck and good day.

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Dave KershnerJan 31st, 2007 - 19:21:47

clean = not befouled by Washington yet.

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Might I Add...Jan 31st, 2007 - 19:21:54

that Spanky's comments hadn't been posted yet when I first read this article. His interpretation is one that I hadn't considered and actually hope is true.

Unfortunately, as far as the 'articulate' reference... that's one that transcends Senator Biden's remarks. I've noticed this since the mid-90s, which is really when I became old enough to notice it, though I don't doubt that it pre-dates that.

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Edward CantuJan 31st, 2007 - 19:24:44

'In this case the inclusion of 'clean' betrays the presence of an even more disturbing prejudice. Apparently Senator Biden feels that cleanliness is a trait which Senator Obama possesses apart from the rest of the black (unwashed) masses.'

You're making an assumption that's not necessarily warranted; it could be that he thinks the other African-Americans, who might have been 'articulate,' (e.g., Jackson, Sharpton) were not 'mainstream.'

I share that opinion.

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BurqueSteveJan 31st, 2007 - 19:29:07

Clean, as in he doesn't use pomade? Certainly not clean as in cleanhead, since Obama has all his hair!

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JoeJan 31st, 2007 - 19:29:13

This just in: Joe Biden Enters Rehab for Racism. lol! The rest of you can sign up for Navel Gazers Anonymous. Anyone who could take Clinton (6 years as Senator and ridiculous decisions/posturing on Iraq, plus BO with two years and just talk re Iraq, over JB with 34 years and leadership wrt Iraq) over Biden, when they think the biggest issue for the U.S. is Iraq, needs to screw their lightbulb in, b/c they're blind!

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Edward...Jan 31st, 2007 - 19:31:15

please reference my comment right above yours. Also, I would rather NOT believe that Senator Biden intended something so overtly racist as my first comment, so I am relieved at the prospect of another -very believable- interpretation being proposed.

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A Veteran from PennsylvaniaJan 31st, 2007 - 19:33:42

Biden sounds like a Bush Republican to me-in all catagories. A vast Majority of Democrats are NOT in favor of Mr. Bush's war in Iraq. Biden is against Universal Health care that both our people and our Industry desperately need. Biden has nothing positive to contribute to our society at all. He is just an old dried up political machine who's only value is holding that Democratic seat in the Senate.The Democratic Party desperately needs to retire old out-of-touch politicians like Biden and find someone that reflects the views and values of the 'under 50' generations, who have an education and actually think for themselves.

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Roberto SalazarJan 31st, 2007 - 20:11:42


Well, we all know that the white liberal is the master and runs the liberal plantation. Sooner or later Blacks will wake up and see how they have been screwed for the last 50 years with empty promises.

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AmosJan 31st, 2007 - 20:18:32

'Not a word about a plan?' Obama just released a comrehensive report on how to get us out of Iraq, and not only that, but he is proposing it to Congress!!! He is the only candidate who is taking steps towards a better nation. Clinton and Biden just want to be Prez.

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Abby GrantJan 31st, 2007 - 20:32:42

'Articulate' is a totally back-handed compliment. But I do have to say that Obama is an incredible speaker. I would elect him just to hear his voice more often. (Okay, not really, but he IS an incredible speaker.)

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SandyJan 31st, 2007 - 20:41:34

Poor Joe Biden: he doesn't really want to be President, so he shoots himself in the foot first day out. Pity. . . .

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geoffJan 31st, 2007 - 22:54:46

What makes Obama an 'African-American' any more than he is a 'European-American'? His mama was white.

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