Home » Barack Obama, John McCain, Politics

James T. Harris: The black man who begged John McCain

By Carmen D. on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008, 12:04 am Comments

If you’ve been watching cable news coverage of the presidential campaigns like I have, the black man who stood up at a recent John McCain rally and begged McCain to take the "gloves off" and to "take it to Obama" might have struck you recently. That man’s name is James T. Harris.

And as I saw Harris’ plea play out I was uncharacteristically speechless. I wasn’t speechless because this black man was supporting McCain, that choice left me unfazed. I was shocked by the resolve of Harris’ full-throated allegiance to McCain. Given that established and well-respected Conservatives have criticized McCain’s campaign for the nasty and at times violent and racist tone of its political rallies, Harris’ complete and total buy-in to McCain and crew is remarkable. And I do not mean that in a good way.

Now Essence.com has conducted an interview with James T. Harris. I recommend you read it entirely, but here is an excerpt:

ESSENCE.COM: McCain has already addressed a lot of these issues, including Bill Ayers and ACORN, in campaign attack ads. What specifically do you think he should do, to "take it to Obama," that hasn’t already been done?

HARRIS: That’s different. That’s ads. Barack Obama said yesterday that, "McCain hasn’t said this to my face." You know what? He’s right! Forget all these campaign ads. Say it to his face. I said, "We have one debate left, and we have a few weeks left; I am begging you take it to Obama!" That was the context. Not "Massa, please. Massa, please." That wasn’t it. That’s the context that’s being looped on CNN and on blog sites. Nobody played the full clip. Maybe I’m just kind of jaded because of all I’ve been going through. I’m like, "Oh my God, this isn’t right." I really do understand how this is an emotional thing, and people think Stepin Fetchit. But that wasn’t the case at all. I don’t think I carried myself like that, and I don’t think my question was whining.

Mr. Harris, I have watched the entire clip several times. I disagree.

The first blog post I read post Harris’ beggin’ was from the inimitable Field Negro who likened James T. Harris’ enthusiasm for McCain to ‘beat’ Obama to that of "The Slave Catcher" of olde. As is often the case, Field has it right on the money.

  • AR1
    Everyone know this man was planted just like joe the plumber it's a shame how our people allow themselves to be bought.
  • dmills
    I believe in freedom of speech. I do not understand why Mr. Harris is telling a different story to Essence Magazine (I listen to his actual work on the internet.) I was totallly embarrassed when I heard him speak during the Town Hall Meeting with Senator Mc Cain! (He didn't ask questions about the economy!) I'm sure Senator Mc Cain has kept company with questionable personalities. Mr. Harris should have asked the Senator about how badly he treated his first wife. How can you take care of America when you forget about your wife who she was in a car accident and was physcially disfigured. Senator Mc Cain divorced his first wife and married this super rich lady who stands by his side now wearing diamonds and pearls. I am a breast cancer survivor who had problems with my health insurance providers. Senator Mc Cain has no idea about needing money to pay for additional doctor bills and insurance companies dropping you because you have cancer. I do not believe that Senator Obama is the Savior, but his health plan is much better than Senator Mc Cain. Also, Mr. Harris should have asked why the senator selected a running mate that is not qualified to run a city! If Senator Mc Cain should become president and he pass away, America will be in trouble when Sarah Palin becomes president. Mr. James T. Harris wake up, Slavery is over! You sound intelligent, but I'm questioning your motive!
  • selam
    Nobamamama

    No, the reason people are having a problem with Mr. Harris, is cause he wants McCain to "take it to him". As if McCain et al hasn't already. Read his interview where he talks about how McCain is being bogged down with "issues". As a black man, to "beg" for that? That is why he's an uncle tom.

    And the fact that he got flustered when he went to talk tells me he isn't interested in bringing up a point, but venting his anger. Read his response to the question of why he wants old issues re-hashed.

    He (and you) just think he is being "logical". He's not.
  • Nobamamama
    Are you kidding me? You should be ashamed of yourself for condemning this man. The only reason people have a problem with him is because he is a black man refusing to vote for Obama. Just for this, he is considered a "traitor." He is voting based on his beliefs, not on the color of skin, unlike 97% of other blacks. I applaud you Mr. Harris. You are a true patriot. Democrats are trying to pin the hate on Republicans, but then spew hateful racist comments and death threats to a man simply because he deigns to disagree with them. What would happen if McCain supporters accused other whites voting for Obama as "traitors" for voting for a black man? Oh that's right, then they'd be racist. The double standards are appalling.
  • Mary
    OK, based on what I'm reading here, I don't think it's those in the McCain audience that James needs to be concerned about. They approved of what he said. I have been shocked at the vicious and violent response that Mr. Harris' comments have generated. He was saying what many people have wanted to hear - Senator McCain has got to point out the questionable judgment that Senator Obama has exhibited in the past. After all, Senator Obama is running for the leader of the free world, and every one of us has the right to know about the person for whom we are voting. I didn't hear the same outrage when Senator Obama talked about McCain's relationship with Keating. What's the difference?
  • When I first saw this clip on CNN I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I respect the idea of African-Americans being able to follow their own path; that is what makes us individuals. 50 years ago we fought to not be seen by society as all the same. That means we have the right to be Democrats or Republicans, watch Seinfeld or Martin, and listen to Jay-Z or Dave Matthews. The problem I have with Harris's statements were not his choice to support McCain; that's his choice. My problem was the Uncle Tommish manner in which he did it. It's not necessary to BEG and PLEAD. Even being conservative, I couldn't imagine Armstrong Williams or Shelby Steele begging or pleading. Harris may object to the Uncle Tom label, but that's what came to my mind and obviously thousands, or millions of other black folk. McCain even saw it. McCain responded by telling Harris that his reward would be in heaven, exactly what the slave masters told their slaves during the slave era. I don't know how any black Americans could be a single black face (hmmm, nice choice, "blackface") at one of McCain's lynch mob styled rallies. Harris had better watch his back in an audience where people are liable to yell "kill him" in reference to a black man. I hope the next time he's at a McCain rally, he makes sure there are no trees anywhere near! One last thing; Harris might want to consider auditioning if Spike Lee needs a lead for Bamboozled Part 2!

    www.afrobrasilamerica.com
  • Steve Williams
    Bama King says:

    James T Harris is the new 21st Century "Uncle Tom" or "Boot Licker" for the new masa's of the Republican Party. "The brother ur correction" Mr. Harris has lost his idenity. I would put him in the class with O.J.
  • intelligent black man
    james t harris spoke,boy to man with john mccain.If james t harris is a republican,that's his right.But he is definately not a strong independent black man,begging john mccain.
  • Chicago
    James Harris is truly a "TOM". He claims to be a Conservative. How conservative can you be with TWO EAR RINGS? Wake up and get real to your party and race.

    Chicago
  • Yeah. I almost gotta wonder who the hell is PAYING this guy. . .
blog comments powered by Disqus