Was President Barack Obama out of line when he told Americans that police in Cambridge, Massachusetts “acted stupidly” in the recent arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates?

"I could've calibrated those words differently," Obama acknowledged at a surprise appearance before the White House press corps Friday afternoon.

Despite the president's back peddling on his choice of words, black America nonetheless witnessed a profound moment seven months into his term: Obama asserting his blackness from the White House bully pulpit while discussing the arrest of a fellow black man - a friend - by a white police officer.

It was a political tight-rope for America's first black president, an Ivy League-educated brother who wants to become the nation’s messenger for multi-cultural harmony but experienced a backlash of criticism for expressing his own personal outrage on issues like racial profiling of African-Americans and social injustice. 

White House aides said Obama conferred with First Lady Michelle Obama and other top advisors who agreed the president should take immediate ownership of the issue and admit that his “unfortunate” comments contributed to the mess.

“There are some who say that, as president, I shouldn't have stepped into this at all because it's a local issue,” Obama said. “I have to tell you that that part of it I disagree with. The fact that this has become such a big issue I think is indicative of the fact that race is still a troubling aspect of our society.” 

Inserting himself into the volatile issue of race last week in response to a reporter's question was perhaps a no-win situation for Obama, but a risk the president was apparently willing to take.  

On one hand, many blacks across the country were proud to see Obama on national television shelve the button-down Harvard lawyer image – for once - to take a stronger public position on behalf of African-Americans.

And conversely, Obama’s critics - some of whom are bigots - can now suggest that Obama is anti-white, anti-cop and critical of those who are simply trying to enforce the law and protect citizens.

But here's a fact: Even as president of the United States, a black man who talks openly about his perceptions of racial injustice risks a public beatdown. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the state’s first black governor, called Gates’ arrest “every black man’s nightmare,” while comedian Bill Cosby sided with the Fraternal Order of Police, saying Obama should have kept his mouth shut.

Obama, a skilled politician and a student of black history, is not as naïve as he would lead citizens to believe. He told a reporter last week that he doesn't understand what all the “controversy” is about. Let’s get real: The president knows precisely what all the fuss is about.

As one of the most media savvy and intellectually prepared presidents in modern history, Obama knew his remarks about race would become a lightning rod for critics and fodder for intense discussion in newspapers, on national television, on the Internet and in offices, barber shops and police precincts all over the country.  

He knew the wave of criticism was coming – yet he spoke his mind anyway. Perhaps Americans are witnessing the emergence of a more instructive Obama; a president who seems intent on sharing more from the black side of his biracial heritage.

The man who has been called “No Drama Obama” created much of the drama himself in this instance, but in Obama textbook fashion, he moved quickly to resolve the issue, took personal responsibility, and has presumably moved on. 

Why did the president soften his stance?

Obama had to call Sgt. James Crowley, the Cambridge Police pfficer who arrested Gates, and offer an olive .....

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I made a mistake in a previous life here on BAW of engaging the "uncle tom" types that popped up from time to time, I was intrigued by the fact that those so diametrically opposed to the conventional thinking of most African Americans would show up on a black web site just to antagonize, I engaged them to see if there could be some common ground, but it has become abundantly clear that trolls are here to be trolls no more, no less.

by   
Magnificent_Hal
July 27, 2009, 3:08 pm
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The fourth amendment came about because of PATRIOT ANGER over warrantless searches by which British authorities would conduct raids of patriots homes at their own discretion. The 4th amendment states: The right of people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause supported by oath or affirmation and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

by   
MTI
July 27, 2009, 1:26 pm
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@Tng..I guess it takes one to know one. You and Obama both are the racist. Thats why is poll numbers are slipping, just like your hopes and dreams you have for this President. LOL!

by   
Uncletom
July 27, 2009, 12:31 pm
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Don't be surprised when there is a press conference and this President apologizes on national television to the police officer for his comments.

by   
Alexis55
July 27, 2009, 12:03 pm
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Uncletom,you know who you are and so does BAW.Your so-called fact are nothing but bias neo-con opinions.But don't take it personal when I call you racist.You should be proud of being racist.LOL!

by   
Tgn222
July 27, 2009, 11:53 am
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@Tng22, I know what racist mean to Obama kool-aid drinkers, it means that anyone that doesn't agree with president Obama's radical ideology is a racist. You Obamabots are so simple and childish. Let's start debating the facts and stop the name calling.

by   
Uncletom
July 27, 2009, 11:07 am
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Quita, yep. The presidency is nothing to play with, nothing. That position up there with working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, social worker, EMS, policeman and others, soldier in war too. It takes special people to be in those positions...iamout

by   
Jazflutesmith
July 27, 2009, 10:54 am
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He made a mistake, unlike his predecessor, whew. Mr. Obama made an opology in a presidential way. We must move on...smithmusic_2000@yahoo.com

by   
Jazflutesmith
July 27, 2009, 10:51 am
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Uncletom...You slipped up by what you just posted showing that you are nothing but some bitter white racist."BETTER DRESSED,BETTER LOOKING,AND MORE ARTICULATE VERSION OF AL SHARTON?"If this does'nt prove who and what you are,then I don't know what will.You say that America is a racist nation?YOU are a shining example of racism.

by   
Tgn222
July 27, 2009, 8:00 am
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President Obama slipped up and showed America who and what he is. He is a better dressed, better looking and a more articulate version of Al Sharpton. Hold on this marks the beginning of the end. Now all of the Obama kool-aid drinkers can start their "America is a racist nation" charges.

by   
Uncletom
July 27, 2009, 7:35 am
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pres. obama has so many gray hairs coz folks are driving him it's a shame.this would never happened to bush or mccain.all he said was arresting gates in his own home was stuipd.if this happen to joe scarborough, cased closed and no arrest at all.

by   
Quita32
July 27, 2009, 7:05 am
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