Michelle Takes Barack's Case to Black Voters

Candidate shifts gears as primaries loom in more diverse states

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2008 5:45 PM CST

(Newser) – Transcending race means that Barack Obama often keeps black voters at arm’s length, but his wife is taking the contest to African Americans, Newsweek reports. Born on Chicago’s South Side, Michelle Obama has more in common with black Americans than her Indonesia- and Hawaii-raised husband—and has no qualms about speaking candidly.

Michelle Obama, a Princeton and Harvard grad, said last week that “too many little black girls” can’t live the dream as she is. But shifting demographics have changed the candidate’s tone, the New York Times reports. Building up to the primary in South Carolina, where African Americans make up 60% of the Democratic electorate, Obama appeared before a black audience. "We can no longer afford to build ourselves up by tearing each other down," he said.

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) introduces him to speak at a campaign rally in the gymnasium at Concord High School January 7, 2008 in Concord, New Hampshire.... (Getty Images)

Anita Zepeda listens to Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., during a town hall meeting on the campus of the University of Nevada-Reno in Reno, Nev., Friday,... (Associated Press)

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., signs autographs after a town hall meeting in Las Vegas, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., acknowledges the cheers of supporters and receives a hug from his wife, Michelle, upon arrival at his election night New Hampshire presidential... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., hugs his wife Michelle after taking the stage at his New Hampshire presidential primary election night rally at South Nashua High School in Nashua,... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., and his wife Michelle laugh together on stage at a rally, Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to supporters with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia, left, and Sasha, center, at an after caucus rally at the Hy-Vee Center after... (Associated Press)

Michelle Obama, left, and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, listen during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen Barack Obama, D-Ill., in Manchester, N.H., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007.(AP Photo/Jim... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and his wife Michelle kiss as supporters cheer upon their arrival for his New Hampshire presidential primary election night rally at South Nashua... (Associated Press)

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., reacts as the crowd reminds her she mispronounced Nevada during a town hall meeting on the campus of the University of... (Associated Press)

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Michelle Takes Barack's Case to Black Voters

Candidate shifts gears as primaries loom in more diverse states

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Race Looms Large After Obama Loss

Dems start asking whether a black candidate can win

Obama Camp Wants Ferraro Fired for Slur

Clinton adviser says voters like hopeful because he's black

How He Almost Didn't Run

Obamas struggled for months about Barack's White House bid

Jesse's Face Spoke for Millions

Jesse Jackson's tears expressed so many possible thoughts

Race? Only Thing Obama Transcends Is Logic

Instead of putting conflict behind us, Dem's crowd perceives insult just about everywhere

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Michelle Takes Barack's Case to Black Voters

Candidate shifts gears as primaries loom in more diverse states

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • race • African Americans • Michelle Obama • South Carolina • Democratic presidential candidates • African-American voters • Election 2008

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Race Looms Large After Obama Loss

Dems start asking whether a black candidate can win

Obama Camp Wants Ferraro Fired for Slur

Clinton adviser says voters like hopeful because he's black

How He Almost Didn't Run

Obamas struggled for months about Barack's White House bid

Jesse's Face Spoke for Millions

Jesse Jackson's tears expressed so many possible thoughts

Race? Only Thing Obama Transcends Is Logic

Instead of putting conflict behind us, Dem's crowd perceives insult just about everywhere

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?