From WPLG in Miami: "Corey Poitier, who is running for U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek's seat, delivered a passionate speech against the health care reform bill Monday night to Broward County Republicans. During the speech, Poitier addressed the President by saying 'Listen up, Buckwheat…'
"I wasn't meaning him any harm. Maybe it was a little insensitive," Poitier said. "It's a term that my brother and I use. It was kind of a way of saying, 'dummy,' like when I say to my brother, 'Hey, Buckwheat, cut that out.' That's what it was."
Buckwheat was a black character on "Our Gang" or the "Little Rascals," a series of movie shorts in the 1920s and the use of the word is largely considered a slur. The station notes that Poitier, who is black, is the "only Republican so far in the race for District 17, where 57 percent of constituents are black and where nine out of 10 voters cast their votes for Obama." He's said to be weighing a call to the White House to
apologize.
personally, I used to like Alfalfa. But Froggy was pretty cool too.
Posted by: Joe | March 25, 2010 at 01:24 PM
You think this is the worse thing Obama's been called? I'm sure he got a kick out of it in private.
Posted by: KsWriter | March 25, 2010 at 01:10 AM
Let's just downplay the fact that Corey Poitier is also black. Get a grip, libs.
Posted by: Scooter | March 25, 2010 at 12:49 AM
"the ends[sic] justifys'[sic] the mean[sic]"
Wilkinson, is English a second language for you?
Posted by: wondering | March 24, 2010 at 10:23 PM
What a racist loser! This guy belongs on a chain gang not in any position of authority.
Posted by: CurtisCampbell | March 24, 2010 at 10:02 PM
I'm wondering who the real Buckwheat is? Or who's the biggest pussy! The least the JO could have done it stand by the comment and not gravel for forgiveness. Thank God Obama is all Jesus like!
Posted by: Bill Lommey | March 24, 2010 at 09:33 PM
That's insulting to Buckwheat...he was no marxist.
Posted by: RuleofLaw | March 24, 2010 at 08:13 PM
Don't worry about calling the White House it's ok Remember "the ends justifys' the mean"
Posted by: James Wilkinson | March 24, 2010 at 05:20 PM