Racism Watch: National Political Figures Call On NY's First Black Governor Not To Run For Election UPDATE: Michael Steele Finds This "Curious"

Joe Wilson and the national leader of the KKK? Nah, just Barack Obama and the head of the White House political director.

So you know, nothing to see here.

President Obama has not personally spoken with the governor about the race, "but it's no secret that Democrats in New York are very concerned about the situation and those concerns have been conveyed in an appropriate way," a source said.

...White House political director Patrick Gaspard, Democrats say, has been internally leading the charge within the White House to try to convince Paterson to not seek election to a full four year term next November. Last week Gaspard met with the governor to make the case that he shouldn't seek reelection. That meeting took place in New York at Paterson's campaign headquarters on Monday, the same day President Obama was on Wall Street speaking on regulatory reform.

I doubt it will work. Paterson is already working on his election campaign and he doesn't seem like the quitting type. For all his incompetence as Governor, the fact is he's overcome a lot to get where he is (he's practically blind). I imagine there have been times in his life when quitting was the easier way to go and he didn't. I don't see why this would be any different.

Meanwhile, there's no word yet on whether or not Maureen Dowd heard anyone from the White House attacking Paterson call him 'boy'.

If Paterson sticks with the race, he'll likely face AG Andrew Cuomo in the primary. Cuomo took a lot of heat in 2002 when he launched a primary campaign against eventual nominee H. Carl McCall.

Cuomo dropped out at the last minute but there were a lot of hard feelings as McCall was the first black statewide office holder in NY (he was the Comptroller) and nominee for Governor.

Getting the reputation as in NY "the guy who runs against black candidates" is not a fun position for a Democrat. It's a primary that will lead to some bitter battles that will last through the general and weaken either candidate, hence Obama's interest in getting Paterson out..

So, does Rudy want to be Governor or not?

BTW- Obama and Paterson will be together tomorrow in NY, so you know, that should fun.

Update:

Heh.

“It raises a curious point for me. I think Gov. Paterson’s numbers are about the same as Gov. Corzine’s. The president is with Gov. Corzine,” Steele said. The RNC chairman was referring to Gov. Jon Corzine, the Democratic New Jersey governor who is facing a tough reelection bid this year.

Steele also said he would be interested in black leaders’ response to the White House request.

“That will be very interesting to see what the response by black leadership around the country for the president calling Gov. Paterson to step down,” Steele said.

Well, I'm pretty sure we all know what that response will be...crickets.

Thanks to Gabriel for the heads up on the Steele quotes.

posted by DrewM. at 01:58 PM

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