Condi wowing Euro Press

POSTED BY: AURaptor
UPDATED: Saturday, February 12, 2005 16:09
VIEWED: 3890
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If ya got the chance, check out the coverage of Condi by the European press. She's being followed around like she's some gorram rock star, with flash bulbs going off at her every step or smile. No matter one's politics, Condi has a presence and style that is seldom seen on this stage. And it appears that the 'novelty' of a black woman in such a position of power as the Sec State of the USA ...still must be a big story over there. Heck, it's the 1st time a black woman has EVER held that position, but maybe Europe is more lilly white than most of us realize.

I think it can't help but send a positive image to the people world wide that America is more than just 'talk' when it comes to being the land of opportunity and freedom.

Actions speak louder than words.

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. I worked that out myself. "

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Originally posted by AURaptor:
And it appears that the 'novelty' of a black woman in such a position of power as the Sec State of the USA ...still must be a big story over there. Heck, it's the 1st time a black woman has EVER held that position, but maybe Europe is more lilly white than most of us realize.

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Sorry to dispossess you of this notion, but the fact is that in much of the European press, Condi was seen as very much Bush's trusted advisor in very much the Alistair Campbell/Blair mode - this is really one of the first real chances to see her in high political office.

Europe is trying to work out which way the wind is blowing for the second term, and that's the reason for the vast majority of the interest (I am however intrigued by how positive all the coverage seems to be - everyone must have their optimistic hats on).


"I threw up on your bed"

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Originally posted by Misguided By Voices:


Sorry to dispossess you of this notion, but the fact is that in much of the European press, Condi was seen as very much Bush's trusted advisor in very much the Alistair Campbell/Blair mode

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More like the Vader / Evil Emperor mode... but I get where your coming from

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Originally posted by GinoBiffaroni:


More like the Vader / Evil Emperor mode... but I get where your coming from

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Huh? You're clearly kidding, but I'm scratchin' my head as to why. The image of a black woman in such a lofty position of power while representing a country where just 140 yrs ago slavery was practiced.

Times change, and progress is made. Seems like something to feel good about.

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. I worked that out myself. "

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Condi is indeed impressive. The first time I became aware of her was at an early admit event for incoming minority graduate students back in the late nineties. As Provost, and the highest ranking woman of color at the University, she was invited to give the welcoming address. It was a slam dunk (knockout, home run, hat trick - insert appropriate sports metaphor here). In a small group setting she dominated the event and it was clear that here was an intelligent, well-educated, articulate, and extremely successful individual. She definitely belongs in the category of superwomen (minorities - double minorities in her case - who have to work twice as hard as their peers to get the same recognition and career advancement).

That said, when it comes to politics, I completely disagree with pretty much every viewpoint of Dr. Rice's that I've heard her articulate. I personally think that she is working with an outdated world view and stuck in the cold war mentality of seeing our enemies as predominantly stable nation states rather than the asymmetric threats we currently face. I also find it surprising (in the same way that I am surprised there are still members in the Log Cabin Republicans after the clear signals sent by the GOP during the last election) that she belongs to the same party that brought us David Duke. I wonder if she is aware that there is a substantial minority in her own party that is uncomfortable with the idea of a woman, an African American, and especially an African American woman holding a position of authority.

I have the utmost respect for Condi, and I couldn't disagree with her more. When it comes to politics, I'll take her second cousin Connie any day.

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We're not yet to the point where we can talk about "leveling the playing field." First we need to make sure we're playing the same game.

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Black woman.... Gay Midget

Doesn't really matter to me, all I really look at is the message. I look at the policys she seems to want, and I find them not only scary, but downright repulsive.

Really goes to show why Colin Powell, got the hell out of dodge... or Anthony Zinni, or a host of others

The press in Europe may give her the airtime, but she will not bring popular opinion over to support the US, if anything she will burn more fences than she will mend due to her ranting " we are right and you will do as we say " style.

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I wonder if she is aware that there is a substantial minority in her own party that is uncomfortable with the idea of a woman, an African American, and especially an African American woman holding a position of authority.

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Say what you will about that, but to me,and many others, actions speak louder than words. While some mightl like to placate groups of people and pay lip service to moving forward, it's clear from the actions of the GOP that they put their $ where their mouth is. More minorities have been put into positions of real,tangible power than ever before. These were not 'tokens', as is so often wrongly attributed ,but qualified and motivated individuals who have decided to listen to their inner voice. Dr Rice and others have chosen to go where their heart drives them instead of playing a role that someone else has decided they 'should' fill, based solely on the color of their skin.

As for David Duke..the GOP has never supported this clown, regardless of under which party he's run. The same can't be said for Robert Byrd and the Democrats. Senator Byrd proudly wore the white sheets of the KKK and ironically voted to oppose Dr Rice. I find it truly amazing at what some folks will excuse for the sake of partisan politics. Oh well.

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. I worked that out myself. "

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Quote:

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Originally posted by AURaptor:

Quote:

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Huh? You're clearly kidding, but I'm scratchin' my head as to why. The image of a black woman in such a lofty position of power while representing a country where just 140 yrs ago slavery was practiced.

Times change, and progress is made. Seems like something to feel good about.

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Even better, most of the articles over here aren't concentrating on the issue of her colour - which to my mind is the bigger achievement.

"I threw up on your bed"

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