It may be coincidence that the Democrats latest racial skirmish unfolded while Barack Obama was campaigning in Mississippi, where African Americans represented 44 percent of Democratic primary voters. As expected, black voters powered Obama to victory with 61 percent to Hillary Clinton's 37 percent.
The exit polls showed what "everybody knows about Mississippi:" racial polarization can give you the blues. Obama received 90 percent of the black vote. Meanwhile, Clinton garnered the support of 74 percent of white Democrats and 59 percent of white independents.
But as the Washington Post reports, "Mississippi clarified nothing." The story coming out of the Magnolia State was Geraldine Ferraro's remark that seemed to suggest that Obama is an "affirmative action baby." In an interview with a California newspaper, Ferraro said:
If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.
Ferraro serves on Clinton's finance committee. In a conference call with reporters, Obama supporter Rep. Jan Schakowsky said Ferraro's comments "diminished his achievement because of race." She said racially offensive words will undermine "our ability to win in November."
Obama strategist David Axelrod added that Ferraro's statement was part of an "insidious pattern that needs to be addressed." He called on Clinton to sever ties with Ferraro. Adding:
When you wink and nod at offensive statements, you're really sending a signal to your supporters that anything goes.
While Clinton hasn't cut Ferraro loose, she disagrees with her remarks:
I do not agree with that and you know it’s regrettable that any of our supporters on both sides say things that veer off into the personal. We ought to keep this focused on the issues. That's what this campaign should be about.
But the racial divide may soon become a chasm. CNN's Suzanne Malveaux reported there is a debate within the Clinton camp about "giving up on the African American vote."
