Wednesday, February 8, 2012 3:34pm EST Make this your Home Page | RSS rss

Roland Burris selection is a big mistake

Keith Boykin | Posted December 30, 2008 3:35 PM

My friends in Chicago tell me that Governor Rod Blagojevich's selection of Roland Burris as the senator to replace Barack Obama was a deft move. I wish I could believe them, but I'm totally unimpressed.

What just happened in Chicago today was a hot mess. It had to be one of the worst introductions into national politics since Dan Quayle in 1988. Yes it was worse than Sarah Palin.

I've known about Roland Burris for years and I don't have anything against him, but his performance this afternoon at his introductory press conference was a disgrace. I've never seen a candidate seemingly so unprepared for prime time as Burris was today.

Burris couldn't give a straight answer to a single question and the governor had to come in repeatedly to his rescue. Even Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush had to be brought up to the podium to save Burris. And it didn't work.

My friends in Chicago think the governor's move is brilliant because the governor will win black support and force Senate Democrats to choose between accepting the governor's decision or not seating the only African American in the Senate.

I know that makes sense in the old school political world, but it makes no sense with the new politics that Obama hopes to usher in. Burris, 71, is an old school politician from an earlier era, but Obama is a new school political leader with a different vision of government service.

I know that Bobby Rush and some other black politicians will try to make this into a racial issue, but it is not. This choice is purely about one man, Rod Blagojevich, and his efforts to preserve his job and positively impact his potential pool of jurors.

Yes, Illinois deserves to have the Senate seat filled as quickly as possible, and yes I would like to see an African American, if possible, in that seat. But the method and manner by which the governor made his decision today is all wrong, and Roland Burris does not inspire confidence.

I'm not sure what will happen in the Senate, and I don't know if the Senate has the legal authority to stop Burris now that he's been appointed, but I do hope that black people in Illinois and elsewhere don't think that this is a good thing. It's not.

We all deserve better.

Keith Boykin is editor of The Daily Voice and a CNBC contributor.

E-mail

Comments 16

The real Jay
2008-12-30 18:11:31

I couldn't agree with you more. In the breaking news part of Rolin Burris, I said that he is going to lose the senate seat. I would be senator for one year and then he would lose. He can't get votes from Southern Illinois. He can get them from the north but not the south.

Ro
2008-12-30 18:44:18

The elephant in the room is that it was already a race issue. Just like it's a race issue in New York. Just because it wasn't spinned racially doesn't mean that it wasn't. It's just that Burris wasn't a player a few weeks ago. Keith, please open your eyes and look further.

Anonymous
2008-12-30 22:05:30

Keith - you've not demonstrated or illustrated your declaration on how this is a "big mistake". Not answering a single straight question from media is standard in political circles. Caroline Kennedy won't even step up to the media, much less answer a single question. Burris has already done more than Caroline Kennedy has done in her efforts to become Senator of New York, your Senator Keith. Can you Keith be even handed and apply the same standard to the media and question avoiding and evading Caroline Kennedy? Keith?...your answer? Again, I've seen Obama himself have press conferences and not answer a single question....that's what Politicians frequently do Keith. Then you say, "New Politics"? Keith, who are you kidding. Wake the F up Keith. Look at the Obama selections for the cabinet. Plenty of "Same Old School Politics" in Obama's circle Keith, Women's groups are outrages, Gays are outraged with the embracing and featuring of Rick Warran while no Gays have yet been appointed to any significant role. That's called "OLD SCHOOL POLITICS" Keith that Obama is delivering. C'mon Keith, it's OBAMA Keith that's treating you as the second class citizen with his position against gay marriage. Blago just demonstrated he can play smart and wage political war, that's what politicians do Keith. Don't hate the player Keith, hate the game. Blago's a pimp, that's all. However Obama's a pimp too. Don't tell me you think Obama's so clean that he can rise through political Chicago and not deal in some dirt? Please Keith, you're not that dumb.

Jason White
2008-12-31 11:00:54

I believe I said it was a shrewd move and not surprising. A little known fact is Roland Burris was the first to campaign for the senate seat but was quickly dismissed by the democratic Illinois machine. He is a logical choose for an embattled Gov who is fighting that same political machine. As an african - american and former state wide office holder this pick is the perfect pick and a slap in the face. I think it is more an indictment on Roland Burris and his character to be senator at no regard for what is right. What has been very surprising is the talk on local and national radio shows that shows the very strong support of the Gov in the african american community! Surprising! Happy New Year!!

MidwestGuy
2008-12-31 11:33:15

Keith, I have to agree with Anonymous. Burris not answering questions well is is the big mistake? I saw the press conference and I don't know what you wanted him to do. The press was interested in him commenting on Blagojevich, and attempted to accuse him of conspiring for the seat by way of his donation to his campaign. What would you rather him do? Engage in a back and forth over some bullshit?

I've admired much of your work but this article is as empty as the title. What an extremely simpleminded position to take for someone as intelligent as you are. It's as dumb as the article Jasmine wrote about Rick Warren.

Ron Lee
2008-12-31 12:17:17

I agree with you Keith,but I think at the same time you should be pleading Jesse Jackson Jr. case.Blag. has been indicted he is disgraced. Everytime the white media show footage of this guy he is surrounded by black people.Whats up with that? This could spark the beginning of the end for the democratic machine in Illinois, I really think that the democrats will loose a substantial amount of white votes in that state on this issue. Because of his indictment Blag. should not have chosen anyone,nor should anyone have accepted. As for as I am concern, this was all to jip a young, articulate,ambitous,qualified Black Man from being a Senator. He has more legislature experience then Obama and is more qualified then anyone in the running. All those who support Caroline Kennedy should be head over heels about Jeese JacksonJr. PEACE.

lazy cheap fat bastard
2008-12-31 12:44:25

I think Blago's move was absolutely brilliant. First, he has not been found guilty of anything. The media took the story and ran with it. Second, the attorney general of Illinois sent a request to the Supreme Court of Illinois to remove him from office. It was unanimously shot down. Let met say that again, unanimously shot down. Third, the democrats were supposed to hold meetings to strip the Gov. of his powers and hold a special election. That didn't happen. So the Gov. did what was his legal right to do as the Governor of Illinois and appoint a person to the Senate seat. I know, some blacks who want to ride the Obama train feel the uneasiness this may cause his presidency. That's politics. There is no way they can't seat the man, who is irrevocably qualified. I swear, I am beginning to hate politicians. It's wrong. If there is a law, follow it, no matter how unpopular it is!!! I swear, if this doesn't go away soon, Democrats are going to suffer horribly next time around. As a voter, I will change my party to Independent; I'm losing all faith in the system. The crap and games (like Keith Boykin) democrats are playing, is dangerous, it's wrong and it will not be forgotten. Grow the f**k up. This is not high school. This is not a popularity contest. This is the constitution, and when you start messing with the foundation, then truly there will only be choas.

GLB
2008-12-31 17:53:10

Are some of you people serious??? You people want to trust the judgment of a man who wanted to sell this seat to the highest bidder??? It sucks but I have to agree with my man Keith it's not about Burris it's about Blago. He has already misused his power by trying to sell this seat therefore he should forfeit this power. ROCK ON KEITH!

Trollneequa
2008-12-31 22:46:31

I agree with you Keith. First, Roland Burris is too old and need to get somewhere and sit down. There are others qualified to fill Obama's empty senate seat. I can't understand what is taking Illinois officials so long to get Blagojevich out. How he got to governor is beyond me. Were there no better candidates running for governor? Anyone who thinks Blagojevich cares about the people of Illinois is a fool.

TJ Destry
2009-01-01 09:29:18

Well, I like the concept that, because New York's governor is being pressured by the wealthy remnants of Camelot to appoint a totally unqualified society princess to the Senate, anybody else is automatically a wise choice simply by having some relevant experience. Hey, New York may be making a really stupid decision, so let's ALL make one!

Futurejumps
2009-01-01 23:57:15

I disagree! Mr. Burris is the best choice since he has been voted into public office by the state voters in other elections. Most importantly, the state voted a black senator into office so the state should continue the term (only 2 years)with a black senator.

Hermaine
2009-01-02 16:04:08

Keith must've been smokin a blunt when he wrote this nonsense and he needs to apologize to black Chicagoans for attempting to make them out to be unethical and racist. Shame on you Keith, the history of Black Chicago struggle for equality against such extreme racism and segregation should not be stained in this manner.

Notchavgbro17
2009-01-03 01:44:15

Maybe as previouly mentioned this was a strategy focused on keeping the seat African-American and thereby reinforcing popularity with that support base for Blago? Its pretty clear exactly what a "special election" will yeild, a non-black Senator elect. That said, he is still govenor, and has the legal authority and responsibility to appoint the seat. Despite the accusations, he has NOT been convicted of any wrong doing as of yet. WHAT EVER HAPPEND TO DUE PROCESS? Additionally, isn't he being scutinized over allegations taken out of context? Sounds familiar... And yes, the powers that be will be coming after him full force-as they should to get to the bottom of these allegations, (even though he only stupidly GOT CAUGHT doing what they ALL DO!!) Speaking of which-am I the only one that found the whole way all this all came out a bit suspicious, inflammatory, over the top and wreaking of hidden agenda. Much like how nothing much is being openly said about how Bush and his corporate cronnies have excercised legal license to RAPE this country for the past 8 years under the guise of deregulation, and further evidenced by the mortgage and bailoout crisis, and gas prices returning to exactly where they were when he first entered office. In all these cases the transparency is appaulling!!!!!!!!

Cecil Jones
2009-01-03 20:13:43

I deliberately waited to weigh in on this article to see where "The Big Mistake" was made. If anyone knows who is tainted in this process wouldn't that be Gov. Blago? He's accused, but not convicted of trying to sell this seat. Show me the money. If it is in his best interest to make this selection be clean, then this is a great pick. He's Black, a former statewide elected official, and someone initially not considered. This makes the Senate look like they may oppose anyone of color replacing Obama. That's a big mistake.

Cecil Jones
2009-01-06 06:55:17

Today is the first opportunity for Sen. Roland Burris to make a "Big Mistake." He can go to the Senate and try to pull a "Cynthia McKinney." I love Cynthia, but there are somethings you just don't do. One is "Don't Bumrush Congress." Wear your badges and don't create a conflict if you can avoid it. There aren't enough Blacks on the Hill for these people to understand yet. Patience is necessary if we want "Justice for All." Calling Harry Reid a bigot is bull crap and Burris needs to make sure he apologizes for any insinuation about that. He will get his seat, but today that seat is in Sen. Durbin's office.

shirley
2009-01-10 17:47:57

I think that burris's performances on tv show that he is a egomaniacal idiot. I live in MD so I am just wondering about those ill. blacks espec rush who throw in the race card. I agree with the author that that is old school politics. I have seen several blacks who say that the gov offered them the job and they turned it down, as would any reputable person, black or white. I have never seen someone who lusted after a job as much as this burris character. even if he is confirmed he will always, at least to the rest of america be under blago's taint. Burris seems to be so full of himself. my greatest concern, is that he has lost the last 5 elections, and will make a weak candidate for 2010, leaving that seat open for republicans. get over the race issue and let's look for qualified candidates.

Notice: COMMENTS DO NOT APPEAR IMMEDIATELY
To see your comment, wait approximately two minutes, then simply refresh the page.
Report issues/abuses to suggestions@thedailyvoice.com

Leave a comment

Today's news

NEWS UPDATES

More News Headlines

RECENT NEWS

MAY CALENDAR

May 7: Monthly unemployment numbers released

Name
Email Address
URL