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Sorensen: Obama's challenge is race

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By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008 - 05:04:01 pm CDT

DENVER — Barack Obama needs to overcome the “demographic challenge” of race by connecting with voters on a personal level, Ted Sorensen said Tuesday.

Obama needs to become better-known as “a family man and a community organizer,” Sorensen said, stressing biography and his life experiences to move some voters past “their unease about voting for a black man.”

In the end, Sorensen said, he believes Obama will connect and be elected president.

Story Photo
Former Kennedy advisor and speechwriter Ted Sorensen answers questions about his autobiography and Barack Obama after speaking at the Nebraska delegation breakfast Tuesday. (William Lauer)

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Read Sorensen's remarks Tuesday at the DNC

But, he said, if Obama was not facing the barrier of race, he could be 20 to 30 points ahead of John McCain today instead of locked in a tight contest.

Sorensen, the Nebraskan who served as President Kennedy’s chief adviser and speechwriter, addressed his homestate delegation at the Democratic national convention, then sat down for an interview.

“With all due respect to John McCain, an honorable citizen who has served his country, he’ll be 72 and is tied to the past in every way,” Sorensen said.

“He’s (tied to) support for the Republican policies of George Bush and Dick Cheney that have led to our country’s decline.”

Bush has been the worst president in his lifetime, said Sorensen.

Never during those 80 years has he seen “a president as reckless as George W. Bush, as careless about what happens to the economy and the national debt, as heedless about sending young Americans off to wars,” Sorensen said.

Ultimately, he said, he believes voters will “do the right thing and pick the candidate who will lead the country” away from those policies and to a new agenda marked by change.

“Obama should win if considered on the merits,” he said.

Sorensen addressed the national convention later in the day at the invitation of the Obama campaign.

“I was surprised to be asked, but I was delighted,” he said.

Sorensen was in the Pepsi Center Monday night for the poignant address delivered by Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy.

“It was a bittersweet moment for me,” Sorensen said, as he listened to John F. Kennedy’s youngest brother invoke memories of the president he served.

“There was Ted, still fighting the good fight,” despite his battle with brain cancer.

“I was moved almost to tears.”

Sorensen met with Kennedy over breakfast about a week before he was hospitalized. They spoke about Kennedy’s plans to establish a center for study of the U.S. Senate.

“He was full of hope for the November election,” Sorensen said. “He was looking ahead with hope.”

Sorensen said he doesn’t want “to overdo the race problem” that confronts Obama’s bid to become America’s first African American president.

“But some of his opponents and critics marginalize him as the black candidate,” he said.

President Kennedy faced efforts to categorize him as the Catholic candidate for president, Sorensen recalled.

“JFK thought it was important to make it clear over and over again that ‘I am not the Catholic candidate for president,’” Sorensen said.

Obama, he said, also needs to try to avoid being categorized by race or branded with falsehoods that he is Muslim or that he was born in Kenya or that he is not a patriot.

Sorensen was welcomed with a standing ovation at the breakfast buffet caucus at Nebraska’s convention headquarters hotel and greeted by Senate nominee Scott Kleeb, 2nd District House nominee Jim Esch, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler and a roomful of delegates and guests.

Following the interview in a nearby room, he autographed a stack of copies of his recently published memoir before moving on to a number of national and British media interviews and an evening fund-raiser for Kleeb.

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.


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New to Lincoln wrote on August 26, 2008 3:24 pm:
" Obama just needs to get some experience and sound policies/plans to connect with voters. "

 john McCain should.... wrote on August 26, 2008 3:30 pm:
" just pick a position and stick to it. If he were in the Olympics, he would have a gold medal in flip-flopping....

"It's almost like they take pride in being ignorant." "

 Im shocked wrote on August 26, 2008 3:41 pm:
" So race is an issue? You mean there are people who would not vote for(hire) someone based on race (or gender)? What's this world coming to? Where's affirmative action when you need it? "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on August 26, 2008 4:14 pm:
" Obama started his campaign for president two years out of the Illinois state senate, his only legislative experience. He has no executive experience whatsoever. His record in the US Senate is far to the left even of his party. He has views on abortion that are even less pro-life than Planned Parenthood's or NARAL's. He has a troubling, long standing association with a pair of unrepentant terrorists, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, who helped launch him in his political career. He has another dubious relationship with convicted felon Tony Rezko, who helped him buy his house.

But the only reason we might choose not to vote for him is his race. Riiiiight. "

 MarkyMark wrote on August 26, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Racists should only be half-alarmed, into half a tizzie.

Should only suffer half the stress, with half the anger.

Racists should half-calm, half their fears, they half-cry, half-tears.

With half a mind, to give half an opinion. With the common sense, that you half-lack, Obama is only half-black. "

 bo wrote on August 26, 2008 4:34 pm:
" if you vote for or against Obama because of the color of his skin then you are a lost cause. "

 Well Said G. H. wrote on August 26, 2008 4:35 pm:
" Bush the worst president in his lifetime? Perhaps he slept through the Carter years? "

 DP wrote on August 26, 2008 4:39 pm:
" 20 to 30 points is quite a stretch. In the latest poll 40% of white voters said they would vote for Obama but only 7% of black voters said they would vote for McCain. Just think how far a lead McCain would have if there wasn't all of this "racism" against him. "

 Evan wrote on August 26, 2008 4:46 pm:
" Sorensen is correct in implying our nation still as racist perceptions. Obama has had extraordianry service, experience and has motivation to get answers from those more experienced. Today's leaders must be able to manage information and advance communication, McCain has not achieved in these areas. Obama is a path to the future, McCain often slidss into the past and relies on old stories to side step issues. Obama is a leader of today and for tomorrow. "

 Eddie wrote on August 26, 2008 4:55 pm:
" How much experience did President Bush have? I mean really, the Texas Governor is just a figure head. He failed at almost every business venture he ever undertook. But then again, I guess I shouldn't be comparing Obama to the worst President in history. After all Bush won because he had an R behind his name. "

 Typical Liberal wrote on August 26, 2008 5:07 pm:
" Sorensen is just like 90% of the loony liberals that he associates with...ALWAYS PLAYING THE RACE CARD. These people have been in complete control of the educational system for 40 years and they say that IT is bias. I wonder why? Barack talks about his race. Nearly all dems talk about Barack's race. McCain has said ZERO about it. In fact, Barack was the one describing rural white people as bible-beating gun toters who hate anybody that doesn't look like them. When will people realize that all racial tension in this country is derived from Liberals proliferating it. Barack WOULD NOT BE THE NOMINEE IF HE WAS WHITE!!! His race is the only reason he is where he is right now and for the Democrats to say he won't get elected because of it is the same old garbage that they have spewed for years and years. No Jesse Jackson references please. Barack is the flavor of the year because of his race. He will get MORE votes because of his skin color than not, meaning more people will vote for him based upon his race than people who will not vote for him because of his race-FACT! "

 Gary wrote on August 26, 2008 5:10 pm:
" until democrats stop looking at people through the prism of race and sub groups they will continue to lose on a national level. everyone I know who is not voting for Barack Obama are not because he is a radical leftist not because he's black and they don't see him as a family man. You grossly miss the point. In short his problem is not race, it's his ideas or lack of ideas. "

 Common Sense wrote on August 26, 2008 5:17 pm:
" Are you kidding? George W. Bush couldn't polish Jimmy Carter's shoes! "

 sa wrote on August 26, 2008 5:42 pm:
" I don't agree. Race is not his challenge, his ideas are. "

 what is John... wrote on August 26, 2008 5:42 pm:
" McCain's plan? Where are his ideas? Can anyone provide them to me? His website says nothing? "

 Zoomie wrote on August 26, 2008 5:43 pm:
" Well, someone obviously slept through the Carter years! I suggest a quick review of the nation's economic performance, because dispite the stagflation, it's already in the history books as outperforming Dubya!!! It's not by accident Bush is viewed as the worst President in US history.

And what "long term" relationship with Ayers? They were board members on a Chicago charity for 4-5 years, and met four times annually for perhaps an hour! This, of course, was decades after Ayers' Weatherman background (when Obama was a small child), and sort of ignores that also on the charity board were several conservative GOP business execs, including then head of BP Oil! But then facts have never stood in the way of a good GOP yarn! "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on August 26, 2008 5:48 pm:
" Sorenson isn't going to say anything bad about Carter. Carter nominated Sorenson for Director of Central Intelligence (!) but when the Senate was done laughing, had to withdraw the nomination. "

 Nina wrote on August 26, 2008 5:55 pm:
" Even back thirty-some years ago, I remember wishing Sorensen would run for president. I've always admired his solid thinking, writing and speaking talent, and the way he has garnered international praise. Since that cannot be the case, I tend to take his advice seriously. Race is definitely a big factor. I've heard more than once in Nebraska, people say something to the effect, 'Obama talks sense, he sure has risen fast, and has earned a lot of respect - even if he is black.' Aargh! We've tried for many years to end bigotry and discrimination, and instead promote the fact that we people of both genders, all races and mixtures have so many more similarities than differences that we are as one, and still backward thinking is what some people base their decisions on. Pitiful! The same sort of comments were made by some when Hillary was in the running - all her attributes followed by 'even if she is a woman'... It's hard to keep my positive outlook when comes to my head unbidden the term 'thick-skulled.' The color of one's skin, one's gender, shape of one's eyes, etc. is neither attribute or detriment for being presidential. We should instead consider these things: character as shown by example, willingness to do one's best, constant knowledge-gaining attitude, intelligence, understanding, a commitment to those who have little or no personal power, a determination to do the right thing in every issue, and a solid sense of caring for this melting pot of a nation by dedicating one's self to using integrity to make America better. There - now I feel better, thank you! "

 Jody P. wrote on August 26, 2008 6:55 pm:
" Obama was a grown-up, not a small child, when he chose to kick off his first political campaign from the home of the unrepentant terrorist bomber William Ayers. The fact is that even though he is an Ivy league graduate, Mr. Hussein Obama seems to be too morally obtuse to understand that while he may not be responsible for what Mr. Ayers or even Rev. Wright do or say, he most assuredly IS responsible for choosing to pal around with them. But he doesn't seem to be able to grasp that, nor do his adoring followers.

As far as the race issue and voting demographics, Obama is doing as well or better than any Democrat in the last few decades. The Democrat LOST the last TWO presidential elections, and Mr. Obama is leading the polls. I find myself wondering what it will take to make the liberals happy. Does Obama have to get 100% of the vote? If someone has voted Republican for the last several elections, and votes Republican again this time, is it because they USED to be a Republican, but NOW they're suddenly a racist? This kind of goof-ball 10-cent reasoning is why I'm always skeptical when liberals start flapping their gums. "

 Julie wrote on August 26, 2008 8:03 pm:
" Every once in a while Nebraska produces someone of great wisdom and insight. Ted Sorensen is such a man. He embodies our Nebraska values - intelligence, logic, and independence; he's not afraid to say what he thinks and stands up for what he believes is right. I'm proud to call him a fellow Nebraskan. Thanks for the article. "

 Mark wrote on August 26, 2008 8:41 pm:
" Carter or Bush as worst president?? Carter was inept and ineffective due to being ideologically stubborn. Bush is inept and ineffective also for being ideologically stubborn, but unlike Carter, for also being absolutely lacking in character, integrity and brains. Both were bad presidents in terms of effectiveness. It would be more accurate had Sorensen said Bush was the dumbest president we've ever had. "

 Rolly Church wrote on August 26, 2008 9:22 pm:
" Sorensen is suffering from a '60s mindset. While "race" is too often an issue in life, that is far from the case in this election. Anyone who supports this premise does so from weakness.

Obama is shallow, inexperienced, inept and inarticulate. The color of his skin is irrelevant. To say that my refusal to vote for him makes me a "racist" is a feeble attempt to excuse your own ignorance. "

 j wrote on August 26, 2008 10:00 pm:
" Re: DP

"Only 7% of black voters said they would vote for McCain. Just think how far a lead McCain would have if there wasn't all of this "racism" against him."

This statement is not accurate. Blacks always vote Democrat (roughly Kerry got 90% of the black vote while Bush 10% in 2004). This assumption that just because blacks vote for a black candidate they are racist is completely asinine in every sense of the word. "

 Life-Long Nebraska Dem wrote on August 26, 2008 10:39 pm:
" I respect Mr. Sorensen very much but in all good faith, can't vote for Sen. Obama. What are we going to do about the problem of illegal aliens invading our country at will? "

 DR wrote on August 27, 2008 7:12 am:
" I will not vote for any candidate who chooses to solve every issue by opening the checkbook. Obama is such a candidate. Listen to what he says and don't look at the color of his skin. Unless he actually puts some substance in his proposed policies I will vote Republican this year for the first time in my lifetime. I am extremely disappointed in my Democratic party for selecting such a hollow leg for a candidate. If he is elected I predict a COMPLETE meltdown in our economy. We cannot afford to be Santa Claus to every one and that is exactly his plan. Listen to what he says! "

 beyond race wrote on August 27, 2008 7:39 am:
" I disagree.

Obama's problem isn't that he's black. Most Americans no longer care (talk about living in the past, Ted). His problem is that he has no substance. It is empty rhetoric. All sizzle, but no steak. And his inexperience. Remember, Obama only got elected to the Senate when the Ryan campaign imploded, otherwise it would have been a blow out. Obamam couldn't even get elected to the house when he ran before....and now he's eyeing the Presidency?

He's just not ripe. "

 WRONG wrote on August 27, 2008 8:56 am:
" Several posters are spouting about Barack's inexperience and substance so I will show you that he is SUPERIOR to McCain by comparing the time they have shared in the US Senate. My research at Thomas.gov shows the following:

Obama has sponsored or cosponsored 570 bills in three years (more than McCain in the same timeframe); he has directly introduced 15 bills that have become law (more than McCain); he has introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted by the Senate (more than McCain). Most of the bills he sponsored were in: energy efficiency (25 bills), health care (21 bills), public health (20 bills), consumer protection (14 bills), Veterans bills (13 bills) and ethics bills (12 bills). He hasn't set any kind of record, but his record IS above the average for a freshman Senator. On a related point, let's note that Obama has voted on more than half of all bills this year vs McCain who has missed every vote since April (indeed, McCain's own leading state newspaper has criticised him, and noted that AZ voters are citing McCain's failure to even show up in the Senate this year, as a major reason NOT to vote for him!). "

There is NO arguing this....these are the FACTS!

Barack may or may not prove to be as great a leader as John F Kennedy was, but McCane is a lazy joke! His ideas? Drill, Surge. Drill, Surge. Drill, Surge. His torture wrecked his mind and body such that he can't hang! "

 ALB wrote on August 27, 2008 9:34 am:
" Wasn't it his own running mate, Biden, that referred to him as a clean, articulate black man? I guess you can say that kind of stuff and not be a racist as long as there is a D behind your name. I won't vote for him because he's a liberal. I don't care what color he is or if he's a man or a woman. I'd feel less angst about Hillary, but I wouldn't have voted for her either. Personally I feel kind of bad for her b/c her own party deserted her. Obama...he's SO hot right now! "

 Lola wrote on August 27, 2008 10:53 am:
" Obama's challenge is not race. It's credibility. With so many far-left ideas and associates, he isn't seen as American by many voters. Plus, he has no experience at anything but running for office. He's not a man I'd trust to protect this country. His pretty speeches are not going to impress Putin, Ahmaneedajihad or any other potential enemy. They're probably laughing their heads off at our stupidity. "

 James wrote on August 27, 2008 12:23 pm:
" I am actually quite honest myself...and not being a smart alec...where is McCain on any issue? I don't have any idea. "

 JB wrote on August 27, 2008 12:45 pm:
" What experience did GW Bush have? Three failed corporations and a crappy baseball team. Everything because his daddy was a president. "

 notrace wrote on August 27, 2008 1:01 pm:
" The reason I'm not voting for Obama has nothing to do with him being mixed race. I don't agree with him on issues. I don't see how McCain flip-flops, but I have noticed Obama doing it. The only word I ever hear from him is "change" but no good plan of action. I could stand up and say I'm changing the problems we have now, and I'd be just as good of a candidate. Obama makes me uneasy. "

 Race schmace wrote on August 27, 2008 2:11 pm:
" MILLIONS AND MILLIONS AND MILLIONS of newly registered voters signed up to put an end to this fiasco. They're not on likely-to-vote lists so they don't get polled. But come November 4th Barack will use them to sweep to a huge win....49 states to 1.

Put your money on the winners!

Obama/Biden/Kleeb in '08 "

 Ignignokt wrote on August 27, 2008 4:04 pm:
" We might as well elect Obama...I don't know if I can take an other 4+ years of the libs and Dems crying like bawlbabies about not getting their way. "

 Nina wrote on August 27, 2008 5:25 pm:
" What, 'notrace' has never heard of McCain's award-winning flp-flop few others can ever boast of? He introduced a bill, then voted against it! Now that is the Grade AAA, double de-luxe, mother of all flip-flops. "

 to lola wrote on August 28, 2008 5:56 am:
" most of the world our allies and our enemies, including 'Ahmaneedajihad' and bin laden, have been laughing their heads off at us for the last 8 years. obama has something bush doesn't even know exists except as a word in the dictionary: diplomacy. with obama as president we would rebuild our relationships with allies, control our enemies without making more enemies. "

 LJS wrote on August 29, 2008 12:01 pm:
" I believe this article was the best written and exemplifies investigative reporting at it's current best! "

 sws wrote on August 29, 2008 5:07 pm:
" Sorensen does know how to weave an entertaining story even if it and he are out of touch with reality! The article in the paper was longer and more fully displayed what he wants others to believe about the world, not necessarily the way it actually is. As a novelist he could make Nebraskans proud.
His words demonstrate a misunderstanding of the lower and middle classes. He has been a resident of New York City for too long working for a law firm that currently pays a starting first year associate $160,000 according to web sources. One of the firm's expertise is entertainment law which quite possibly equipped him to write and speak fables in such an entertaining manner. "

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