While I do not think Reid is a racist, I am not exactly sure he is right. I think he made a poor choice of words in his exclamation of President Obama. His remarks make the claim that Obama has the right "image" to run for president. I personally would hope that Americans can base their vote on something more concrete than image. However, with all the Hollywood glamor and reality TV that our country has become so overly obsessed with, there may be a large portion of America that does make such superficial decisions about people. In this aspect, I think Reid was right.

Barack Obama is considered a 'safe' African American figure to much of the U.S. population. He is clean-cut, well educated, and well-spoken; traits that appealed to his 'audience' and undoubtedly aided in his election. Reid's comments do sort of unmask the hidden opinions of so many American people. Reid's statement rings true, however, it is more likely the callousness of his wording that had people taken aback, contributed to some of the outrage. When it comes down to it, I consider his statements to be much less offensive than Joe Biden's comments. Biden would have us think that no educated, articulate African American preceded Obama in mainstream society. What about Colin Powell, or Condaleezza Rice (he didn't say male)?

The bottom line? Reid's comments were racial, but definitely not racist.

Kaye Ponnusamy

Great article Marcia! Of course, we all knew that race would be an issue in some form or manner regarding our President. I often wonder if people understand that it was the government that pushed the African-Americans into the position of racism that they have faced for decades. The government offered help and in turn manipulated these Americans into believing they needed governmental help or they would not survive. Once and for all, we are all made from the same dust of the earth with the same abilities.

Reid may not be a true racist. More than likely, Reid chose to articulate his thoughts based on the conditioned belief system he grew up with. As a white 45-year old female, I believe that individuals from my race are surprised that the belief system of their ancestors has now been challenged. There is also a jealously factor based on conditioned belief systems. We must remember that it was not just blacks, Hispanics and other races that elected Obama, but the whites came out in full force and voted for this man.

Times have changed and I believe we have come a long way if you look at history. I do not see the evidence of horrific racism that was evident many years ago. There are interracial couples, children and now a black (sorry mixed) President. Racism is here, but not to the degree so many claim in today's society. Sure we have further to go, but for now I believe we have made great strides.

So, Reid said something that so many others may have thought or said themselves at some point in time. Reid did not use the disrespectful "N" word or become like a trailer-trash white racist idiot. It is ok, everyone relax. I mean look who is in the Oval office! Case closed.

let's not forget about how the media treats race like catnip. There is no meaningful discussion, and this kind of "gotcha" racial coverage in the media is driving us into our seperate corners. That's what's happening here.

Jehmu Greene (Women's Media Center)

Today, the Republican National Committee has a black chairman, but even he still plays games with race. Listening to phony expressions of outrage over the word Negro by the Republicans, including RNC Chair Michael Steele, is an insult to every American’s intelligence. Do they think everyone has forgotten how Rush Limbaugh repeatedly mocked President Obama on radio as “the magic Negro”? That didn’t disturb any of the politicians and pundits who now angrily demand the head of Harry Reid. Their nasty hypocrisy is far more shameful than his clumsy sincerity.

Joe Conason, The New York Observer
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/for_reid_motive_does_matter_20100113...

I feel like the gut instinct for anyone that read/heard Reid's comment for the first time could be either of two instinctive responses: The first is something along the lines of, "he's a total racist; I don't know why we put him in any sort of power in our government!" and the other is something like, "absolutely! He's just saying what the rest of us are thinking! Good for him!" The first response, I feel, is a very snooty "holier than thou" attitude of people that think that they have a more advanced point of view than general society. The second response is more the mainstream thinking of today's society- not yet fully accustomed to the idea of complete racial equality, nor completely prepared for full acceptance of the changing times and ever-dissolving (however slow the progression rate seems) racial boundaries. The upshot being that I think Reid's comment was accurate in his reflection of today's thinking in general society, but could have had a more polished articulation so as not to draw negative attention to a remark that, in his opinion, was meant as a compliment.

-Henry Busby

Reid's comment was just that...a comment. However, it does bring to light the conflict and dilemma many Americans are facing (even blacks) regarding the questions "What is black?", "Who is really black? Dark-skinned, light-skinned, in between, etc?". Who sets these standards? Did President Obama set the standard on what or who is black or do random individuals like Reid with their ridiculous comments dictate what or who is black? Maybe this is a question we should ask ourselves but for those who know, we know Obama has helped blacks and others that it is possible for them to achieve whatever they put their minds to. Let's just hope they put their minds into something constructive, not ignorant.