Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver II

April 3, 2008

Emmanuel Cleaver II was elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 2004 to represent Missouri’s 5th congressional district which primarily consists of the Kansas City-Jackson County metro area. But, he was born in Waxahachie, Texas, and he grew up in public housing in Wichita Falls, Texas. I too grew up, much of my life in Kansas City and thereabouts. And the point is?

Emmanuel Cleaver II is a United Methodist pastor holding a Master of Divinity degree from St. Paul School of Theology. He was the first African American mayor of Kansas City. So, being a reverend, pastor, man of God, and all that, surely Cleaver would not tell a lie! He knows something about the big dabate!

Thus it was interesting that in an unusually frank interview on Canadian public radio, CBC, Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, a Hillary supporter and super delegate, gives a sense of how tenuous Clinton’s hold on many black super delegates is. “If I had to make a prediction right now, I’d say Barack Obama is going to be the next president. I will be stunned if he’s not the next president of the United States.”

Wow! Talk about candor!

I bet Hillary’s not going to be happy with Emmanuel when she hears that.

But at the same time he doesn’t cut Obama any slack at all saying about Obama, “He is articulate, in the black tradition, he would probably be mediocre, but in White America…” he said, a bit dismissively, of Obama’s speaking style, going on to joke about the word “articulate.” “For White Americans, it’s like, this guy can speak,” he said. He also said he was “outraged over the outrage” at the Wright controversy.

I do appreciate a politician who can speak with candor, honesty, and truth. So what’s he doing supporting Hillary?

Finally, I also appreciate his football metaphor since Arrowhead Stadium is one of my favorite sports venues as well as Royals stadium next door. Cleaver said, “Even though I don’t expect the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Indianapolis Colts, I cheer for the Kansas City Chiefs.” Bingo!

Keep telling it like it is Emmanuel- God is with us!

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Election News