Obama talks to Roland S. Martin about Pennsylvania, state of the race

Watch the interview here on CNN.com

Watch Roland S. Martin break down the Pennsylvania primary in his weekly Sound Off section on CNN.com

Watch the full hour below of the CNN Radio conversation as Roland S. Martin breaks down the Pennsylvania primary, which includes his interview with Sen. Barack Obama.

He also talked with CNN Radio Capitol Hill Correspondent Lisa Desjardins; CNN senior political correspondent Candy Crowley; Dr. Ron Walters, political science professor, University of Maryland-College Park; David Bositis, senior researcher, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Rep. Gregory Meeks, Clinton surrogate; and former Congressman Tim Roehmer, Obama surrogate.

Comments

[Carolyn]

Rollin

The Pennsylvania debate has bought out the worse in supporters.I was reading an article in the Washington Post about a Obama supporter, Corey O Brien, a Lackwanna County Commissioner was verbally attacked by Hillary's supporter. Bonk is his name and he called OBrien a turncoat, that the county was 80% Hillary/Clinton county. Also told OBrien it will be hard to get his vote when his election comes up in 2011.It makes you wonder,how much united the democrats will be by November. I believe in these times that people are in fear of their future and it has always easier to take things out on us. Much as Hillary is hated by some, that whites will unite with another white, whether male or female. I also believe that many republicans/independents changed party's to vote for Hillary, so she will be the candidate in November and that they have something for her. Especially the newspaper owner who endorsed her and spent millions in the 1990's to put the Clinton's in jail. If Obama debates, send him to the debate school or the black Texas University famous in the Debaters.

[Erica]

We have a problem. Did anyone else notice that the "Media" had already projected Clinton the winner with only 3% of the votes in? Did anyone else notice that it took all day long to even start the counting? Did anyone else notice that Clinton recieved "exactly" the 10% percent lead votes needed to stay in the race? Does anyone remember Bush's tactics with the Media? Are we all Morons? Why would you want a President who is buying "superdelagates" votes, who is counting on these votes to totally disregard what the American Public wants, In order to win? She just wants to Win people! Please wake up. It is Hillary, not bill running, and I guarantee you that those who think its "BILLHILLARY" for President will be in for a rude awakening when Important decisions need to be made, Bill is nowhere to be found, And Hillary had no idea how to make these decisions! Do your own investigation of the truth and stop relying on Tell-Lie-Vision

[Cynthia, TX]

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2008/04/23//ap/politics/d907qra00.txt

McCain opposes equal pay bill. Here is another reason why we need to vote and pay close attention to the issues. Senator Obama is going to vote yes on this issue as noted in the article.

[B-Serious]

blog: http://www.reachblack.blogspot.com

We need to let the media know that Democrats can't assume they'll get the black vote in November if Hillary is the nominee.

Speaking for myself, I'm not voting for her. Neither is anyone in my family. And I know we're not the only ones who feel this way.

For the past month we've heard story after story detailing Obama's trouble reaching the rural working class voter.

Well, Obama's problems with Reagan Democrats are NOTHING compared to the trouble Hillary's gonna have with the black vote if she steals this nomination.

90% is more than an endorsement of Obama. It is also a REJECTION of Clinton! But we're talking about a 55-45% split among white working class men? Let get real.

Let's see Hillary win PA in November without the black vote in Philadelphia. Look at any electoral map. PA is RED (Republican) with blue spots. Those blue spots? Cities like Philadelphia where blacks can make as much as 50% of the Democratic vote. It's the same in a lot of these swing states where high turnout in urban areas is key to a Democratic victory in the Fall.

SHE is the one with real electability issues. Add that to her high negatives and 58% of Democrats who think she's untrustworthy. What's with the super delegates? This is not a difficult decision.

blog: http://www.reachblack.blogspot.com

[Columbia SC - (AAOS) An Avid Obama Supporter]

I "ain't" voting for Billary either, if for any reason Barack is not the nominee, I will have a write-in this year. I'm very excited that for the first time since 1972 and in my life, "I'm really proud to vote for Barack."

[Jody Gaddy]

Hillary is not going anywhere near the presidency, period. End of the story. Finished. Caput.

Bill and Hillary have been exposed as incompetent, money-lovers, lairs, and racists.

They can run from here to Bosnia, they are not going anywhere near to the whitehouse.

Look at it this way:

If Obama loses the nomination, then Bill and Hillary got some serious problems.

If Obama wins the nomination, then Bill and Hillary got some serious problems.

If democrats lose the general election, Bill and Hillary got some serious problems.

Whether Obama wins or loses, if DNC loses in the fall, the two incompetent liars and racists are in for some serious problems in DNC and in the nation.

They can scheme and fabricate their way to the top, but they are done for good. Even their daughter is done as far as DNC is concerned.

[Avembe]

Can people understand that If OBAMA is able to run for the presidency it could mean that a Native American, a Latino, an Asian will be able to do (or at least try )so in the future and that may be this future isn't that far?And that even millions of white voters are ready for that?.Do people understand the REVOLUTION that it carries?White politicians have already understand that...Do people REALIZE what it means ?OK some folks may think "Isn't it the same question with the candidacy of HILLARY?".Hillary is still thinking that the best opportunity for a black a latino a native american or an asian to move in this society and especially in politics is to vote for a White person who"stands" for them.Guyz you know what it means...remember she said once"Dr King's dream began to be realized when President JOHNSON passed the civil rights act...it took a president to get it done" did she mean"it took a white president?"

[Avembe]

by the way ERICA i absolutely agree with the incredible coincidence you mention...it's the type of things i was talking about in the topic"Clinton wins Pennsylvania"
you guyz better watch out

[p.clatyon]

Your "Red State", "Blue Spots" analysis is on target. These are the dependables that Carl Rove counts on in each presidential election. That Obama was able to cut into Hillary's 31 point lead with this demographic is remarkable!

The party needs to understand where its bread is buttered. When Blacks are taken out of the equation, republicans win. Democrats know this through experience.

The Super delegates now need to lead. Bring this to a close now.

[R. Harvey]

Avembe,
You are right. Obama's quest for the presidency is an attempt to "move the chains" for the nation. He can lead the nation and the world, and simultaneously advance understanding and expectations of the capabilities of minorities in general (including women) and Blacks in particular. He is a once in a generation leader. That he is here is a miracle. We may not get this chance again in our lifetime. This is a historical moment for the world. We should not miss this opportunity.

One way to think of it is, "the status of Blacks and minorities before King, and the status of Blacks and minorities after King." It will be "the status of Blacks and minorities before Obama, and the status of Blacks and minorities after Obama." As a nation we have wandered in the wildness too long, denying ourselves some of the best that America has to offer in various fields. Obama is poised to put the nation on his back, and close this chapter in American history. So together as a nation we can move on in our quest for excellence. He will inspire all Americans to step up and do their best to move us forward. Maybe as a country we can be a beacon of hope for people around the world.

This is a real important time in history, we all need to stand tall. Generations to come will know that the baby-boomers, white, black, hispanic, men and women, closed the issue on racial inequality before they left. It will be our legacy to American history. Generations to come won't have to deal with it at this level and can focus on excellence. America, the greatest country in the world!

[Avembe]

i still would like to understand why CNN ABC CBS and other big tvs haven't talked about Rendell's praise to Farrakhan,Roland can you tell us the reason.Do they have a special interest in not talking about that

[Angela]

Roland, do you think the Democratic party realizes that if Hillary is given the nomination that Blacks will "Black Out" the vote? Everyone I talk to say they will NOT vote. We will not defect and vote for McCain. We just won't vote or will write-in a vote. And no one, not even Obama can convince us to do otherwise. The Clintons are destroying the foundation of this party. The DNC has a lot of work to do. I think that a lot of us are realizing that maybe this isn't the party for us, but it's nt like we will run to the Republican Party either. I think that Black "so-called" leaders need to get their butts out of their chairs and start talking to us about how we are feeling about everything that is going on. I don't appreciate the media playing Blacks for stupid like we are just voting for Obama because he is Black. We see Hillary for what she is, plain and simple. Black people of all generations are talking about this election and are very passionate about it. I just don't think our voices are really being heard.

[Angela]

I just got a chance to watch the interview with Obama... Roland, no more debates.... not unless you are one of the moderators.... :-) because then we know so irrelevant questions will be asked!

[ely]

Obama's quest is bigger than him, Hillary, or McClain. This is a major question for the nation. And the whole nation will participate in this decision.

The situation in Philly needs to be dealt with. The Mayor needs to be taken out of office. In fact, all of the super delegates who don't support Obama and represent predominately Black districts, should be removed by their respective electorates. They can't see the big picture, and are only thinking about their little personal ambitions and crumbs from the table. Efforts should begin right away to take them out of office. The sooner people begin anouncing they are going to run against them, the better.

Obama's campaign staff needs to understand that "street money" is very important to poor people. A few dollars for a days work is a big thing for poor people and provides the necessary leg work to get out- the- vote in our communities. You will get plenty of volunteers who understand what is at stake, but you also need street workers to get a lot of the work done for a well-oiled field operation. When a rich campaign like Obama's comes to town, in addition to leaving millions of dollars to the TV and radio stations, it should leave money in the Black community too. You can't possibly maximize the Black vote unless you have it. But the money should go to the little people.

[D'Anne]

I disagree with Ely's second paragraph. I think people, Black and white alike have the choice to support whomever they want as long as they are for Clinton and not against Obama. If this is about the issues, then let it be about the issues. I do believe that new superdelegates need to come out in support of Obama because of where this race is going. At the same time we have to remember that there are superdelegates supporting Obama whose states he did not win, so we have to be fair when calling on superdelegates to change their affliations. I do understand the point, however. If it is just truly for personal gain, then Ely is right. But this is politics and everything is for personal gain.

[pete]

Yeah,

Since they don't represent their people, maybe we should divide their Black populations up into multiple districts and elect two or three White democrats who can be depended upon to truly represent their interests.

[James]

If Sean Hannity can forgive Jerry Falwell, will he forgive Rev Wright if he apologizes for his statements?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doKkOSMaTk4

[HUGgy bear, GOD's Leading Lady]

Erica: "...stop relying on Tell-Lie-Vision."

This wicked world thrives on LIE; CRAFTINESS. Hence television has become "Tell-LIE-Vision".

Angela: The way the voters of Pennsylvania voted demographically should let all those who love TRUTH know that man cannot "CHANGE" the NATURE of "POLITICS". Even if Obama should win the nomination he will not be able to "CHANGE" the nature of "POLITICS". When the owner of a barrel of crabs decides to take a few out of the barrel it is for his own benefit alone. Sadly, those that he takes out are never allowed to go back and help get the other crabs out. It is the Way Of This Wicked-World.

So What is the solution for those who love TRUTH? Consider Rendell's praise for Brother Louis Farrakhan. Let TRUTH Prevail Over ERROR!

[Reeta]

Hillary is destroying the democratic party and I don't think she really cares. To her, it's my way or no way. BUT come November, if she is the nominee she will see that it's not her way either. Considering myself a Democrat, I am one of those that WILL NOT support nor vote for her if she gets the nomination. She has/is using the tactics that the media and republicans are capable of. She and Barack should be discussing their plans, their differences, ideas for the future and leave the gutter politics to the raciast media anchors that keep bring race into evrything. After Pennsylvania, if Hillary thinks she does not need Blacks then she and Bill have another thought coming.

[Whirly]

I am among the multitudes tired of the routine and efforts to chastise Obama on his “wording”. Unlike the Hill-Bill machine, Obama is upheld in reliable decency and truthfulness being his character. Obama’s comments in regards to bitterness/religiosity/guns immediately put me in the mind of The Branch Davidians, The OKC Bombing, The Move, youth gangs, Jim Jones in Guyana, the many times of reports on the rise of white supremist activity in farm and rural areas in particular times of feeling economically disenfranchised; the list, the legacy is very, very long.

Truthfulness, fairness, consistency, decency in the Obama "camp". What's over there in the Clinton and McCain "camps" to which voters retreat who are too challenged by truthfulness, fairness, consistency, decency, . . . Hillary! How about The Clinton Body Count; the 103 or more sexual harassment lawsuits within the legal offices of International Profits Associates and their $170,000; regarding the white working class—“Screw ‘Em”; etc., etc. ad infinitum. Similarly for McCain;i.e., perks to the McCain campaign but not to the Democrats. Also, McCain in Alabama--free labor from jail inmates!etc., etc., ad infinitum.

And still the goodness and righteousness of “speaking truth to power” does and must abound;
from “Meet The Press”, 4-06-08:

Michael Erik Dyson: “. . . .Justice is what love sounds like when it speaks in public. . .within the black church, the articulation of a theological tradition that responds to hatred, doesn't respond in hate but prophetic anger and then, ultimately, love, love enough to speak justice to the nation. . . .”

Andrew Young: “. . . . To be in a free enterprise system without access to capital is as bad, if not worse, than being in a democracy without the right to vote. . . .”

[SGilmore]

Roland,
Sorry dude! You're wrong. We do want this to be over. It's too stressful. I have no idea how Barack does it. I don't know him personally, but I feel personally vested and it is wearing! The media, on the other hand, is not ready for this to be over. The money that's being made on this election is unreal!

By the way, can you give some stats on the number of colleges, college students, AA colleges, and AA students in NC? I would love to know the breakdown and how it favors Obama.

[Ellen G. Murphy]

When a Harvard Professor, an Obama campaign worker, said that "Hillary Clinton is a 'monster' and would do anything to win", she knew then what we all know now. It really saddends and angers me that the Clinton gang has stooped to such low levels to win the nomination. Not only have they displayed insensitive cruel,and immature behavior but it borders on immoral.
Before all of the ugly and cruel behavior, I would have voted for Hillary if she had won the nomibation fair and square because we must end this Republican nightmare, but since all of the nastiness has happened, I will NOT
vote for her under any circumstance. We are at a point in this whole political process where the DNC has an opportunity to save the Democratic party by listening to the whole new group of voters who have turned out in record numbers or to fall victim to "The same old thing" mentality.
I am so dissapointed in the Clintons!!
Barack Obama is truly a bring-together leader. He has shown that he has the skills and abilities to forgive, heal and build. That's what we all need now. We also need harmony and peace. He has it all. I will make sacrifices to ensure that he gets the nomination. I only hope that the first-time-voters don't get discouraged and quit. Lets hope that there are millions who feel the same way as we do.

[Jamie]

Ely, you have a point. Persons who run against these super delegates who represent predominately Black districts, can run on one issue alone. That issue is that they failed to support Obama. Since the trend is that 92% of their districts would vote for Obama, you would be in a shoe-in, can't loose proposition.

If Obama doesn't win the nomination, your candidacy maybe the only reason Blacks will even go to the polls, and maybe vote for other positions on the ballot. While they may skip over the presidential election, they will look for your button to push and maybe some others like Mayor, school board, city commission and the like. You would become an instant hero to these people who are running for these other positions, and they would owe you big time. If the Black vote is critical to their winning, you will have chips out for as long as they are in office.

If Obama wins the nomination in spite of their support for Clinton, it is a shoe-in again, as when voters punch the Obama button, they will vote for you too, because you are an Obama supporter. You will be a part of his coat-tails. Its win-win for you no matter how things go!

If Obama wins the nomination and the general election, he is going to need progressive people who understand his mission, the needs of the people and can make things happen at the national, state, and local levels. Persons who are only interested in themselves, unable to see the big picture, unconcerned about the progress of their constituents, will be in the way. If he doesn't win, your winning sends a message that people in the district are alive and awake, and want accountability from their representatives. Think about it!