Keyes: Obama holds 'slaveholder's' view
Back to the Race Page
www.suntimes.com
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/keyes09.htmlAugust 10, 2004
BY MIKE ROBINSON ASSOCIATED PRESS
Republican Alan Keyes ripped into Democratic rival Barack Obama's views on abortion Monday, calling them "the slaveholder's position," as the U.S. Senate race roared back to life in Illinois.
Up at dawn for a whirlwind round of broadcast interviews, the conservative former diplomat started his first full day of campaigning as the GOP candidate by saying Obama, a state senator from Chicago, had violated the principle that all men are created equal by voting against a bill that would have outlawed a form of late-term abortion.
Keyes said legalizing abortion deprives the unborn of their equal rights.
"I would still be picking cotton if the country's moral principles had not been shaped by the Declaration of Independence," Keyes said. He said Obama "has broken and rejected those principles-- he has taken the slaveholder's position."
The remarks underscore the uniqueness of this Senate race in which both candidates, one an outspoken conservative and the other a favorite of party liberals, are black.
Obama, who has been basking in national celebrity since delivering the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, suggested Keyes is outside the moderate mainstream of state Republicans.
He said he voted against the late-term abortion ban in Springfield because it contained no exception to protect the life of the mother. He noted that Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and federal appeals Judge Richard Posner, both appointed by President Ronald Reagan, had voted to strike down laws banning late-term abortions.
Asked specifically about the phrase "slaveholder's position," Obama said Keyes "should look to members of his own party to see if that's appropriate if he's going to use that kind of language."
Keyes, who is from Maryland and lost two Senate races in that state, on Sunday accepted the GOP nomination to replace primary winner Jack Ryan, who dropped out of the race in June over embarrassing sex club allegations.
Illinois conservatives, who have long taken a back seat to business-oriented party moderates, engineered the selection of Keyes as the replacement candidate.
Monday afternoon, he was officially listed by the State Board of Elections as the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. The Keyes campaign confirmed that the Calumet City address listed, in Chicago's southern suburbs, is Keyes' new Illinois home.
Obama said he didn't question the sincerity of those who are deeply concerned about abortion, but he said he believed there are many other issues on the minds of voters.
"As I travel around this state, I don't get asked about gay marriage, I don't get asked about abortion," Obama said. "I get asked, 'How can I find a job that allows me to support my family.' I get asked, 'How can I pay those medical bills without going into bankruptcy."
He said that if Keyes uses the Senate campaign only as a platform "to espouse his socially conservative views, then I think the voters of Illinois are going to be disappointed and they will respond appropriately."
One issue of importance for Illinois right now is delays caused by congestion at O'Hare International Airport. Mayor Richard M. Daley has been pushing for expansion of O'Hare, backed by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., but opposed by Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, R-Ill., whose announced retirement launched the scramble for his seat.
Asked about O'Hare on WBEZ radio Monday, Keyes said he had not yet developed any position on the issue of expansion.
"The problem must be addressed," Keyes said. He promised to "try to reach a conclusion that is in the best interests of the economic future of the state and the quality of life" of those who live in the area. "The one thing I won't be bound by is any existing set of political obligations."
In the same interview, he defended his belief that gay marriage is wrong, brushing aside a suggestion from an interviewer that sexual preference might be biologically determined.
"We as human beings cannot assert that our sexual desires cannot be controlled," Keyes said. He said such a claim would "consign us to the real of instinctual animal nature-- and we are not there."
The race between Keyes and Obama sets up the first U.S. Senate election with two black candidates representing the major parties and almost assures Illinois will produce only the fifth black U.S. Senator in history.
Obama said Monday that there would be "a sufficient number of debates" between himself and Keyes-- both men are Harvard-educated, polished debaters-- but not the seven such clashes he had promised Ryan.
"That was the home-state special," Obama cracked. He declined to set a specific number, adding that staffers in the two campaigns would iron on the details later.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Copyright © The Sun-Times Company
Reply 1 - Posted by: Tulsa, 8/9/2004 8:56:42 PM
give him hell, Dr. Keyes.
Reply 2 - Posted by: jond, 8/9/2004 8:58:42 PM
Whatever this is, it will not be dull.
Reply 3 - Posted by: pomom, 8/9/2004 9:01:50 PM
Hoochie Mamma, did he really say that? We were just discussing the black/not black enough issue the other day. They hold strong views of this among themselves. Go Alan!!!
Reply 4 - Posted by: No Left Turns, 8/9/2004 9:06:16 PM
Shine a little more light on that cockaroch Dr Keyes ! This should be interesting.
Reply 5 - Posted by: veryrightofcenter, 8/9/2004 9:06:21 PM
I would really love to see a race between the two Alans: Keyes and Sharpton. THAT would be hillarious.
But this will be fabulous also.
He can only help the conservative vote in Illinois, which will NOT help Lurch and his hag.
Reply 6 - Posted by: gg, 8/9/2004 9:14:33 PM
I like this. It's really getting a lot of press interest.
Reply 7 - Posted by: vanimal, 8/9/2004 9:16:36 PM
Shake thinks up Dr. Keyes. You da Man.
Reply 8 - Posted by: WeenerDog, 8/9/2004 9:29:49 PM
I'm gonna send the ambassador a check for his campaign. It's worth it just to make Obama squirm. Amb. Keyes may not have much chance of winning, but he will at least force some Dim dollars to be spent defending the senate seat. Go Alan!
Reply 9 - Posted by: OJ Juror, 8/9/2004 9:33:46 PM
God I love Keyes! Go get 'em!
Reply 10 - Posted by: pittsburgh, 8/9/2004 9:38:16 PM
I am predicting that Obama will be the next Senator from Illinois. Keyes may be a conservative's conservative, but his firebreathing brand of social conservatism will turn of the middle of the roaders.
Reply 11 - Posted by: gg, 8/9/2004 9:48:18 PM
I believe fiscal conservatives turn off middle of the roaders even more than social conservatives.
Most moderate democrats are more socially conservative.
Reply 12 - Posted by: Coral Pink, 8/9/2004 9:52:54 PM
I love a guy who comes out swinging. He might even win.
Reply 13 - Posted by: RumsfeldFan, 8/9/2004 9:53:51 PM
Keyes is not afraid to speak the truth. His argument is quite logical. Slaves weren't considered full people once, just like the fetus.
Right on target. Win this one for God.
Reply 14 - Posted by: Italiano, 8/9/2004 9:55:14 PM
Even as we speak, Barack is dialing up his DNC plantation masters, requesting that a response be prepared and delivered to him ASAP.
Reply 15 - Posted by: Zelle1485, 8/9/2004 9:56:16 PM
Winning is secondary to Amb. Keyes, he has a powerful message and thrives on getting it out there. This will be marvelous, no matter who wins.
Reply 16 - Posted by: Akuhead, 8/9/2004 9:57:26 PM
Way to go Dr. Keyes. Take the battle to them. This is going to be a fun contest.
Reply 17 - Posted by: rocket-j-squirrel, 8/9/2004 9:58:39 PM
Re #11
The monkeys stand for honesty,
Giraffes are insincere,
And the elephants are kindly but
They're dumb.
Orangutans are skeptical
Of changes in their cages,
And the zookeeper is very fond of rum.
Zebras are reactionaries,
Antelopes are missionaries,
Pigeons plot in secrecy,
And hamsters turn on frequently.
What a gas! You gotta come and see
At the zoo.
Simon & Garfunkle
Reply 18 - Posted by: Photoonist, 8/9/2004 10:10:02 PM
Obama will debate Keyes as few times as he can get away with as he knows if Keyes gets him in one or two major gaffes that he could fall as quickly as the Dem Convention caused him to rise.
Reply 19 - Posted by: Remington, 8/9/2004 10:11:44 PM
I think Obama just found out there is a grown-up in the room. Only last week, Obama was bravely willing to agree to six debates, then cut it to four, now only two....
Wassa matter, Barack, not sure of yourself?
Reply 20 - Posted by: Sharkstooth, 8/9/2004 10:23:14 PM
Dr. Alan Keyes is a world class debater and a man that speaks from his heart. Obama Whatziss is completely outclassed by Dr. Keyes and the people of Illinois will benefit greatly by being served by this intelligent and principled man. This is a man is a role model for all politicians, both black and white.
Reply 21 - Posted by: warlock, 8/9/2004 10:25:43 PM
The danger is that Keyes will raise the veil from the eyes of his black brothers and sisters and show them how the DNC holds them in thrall and how its wholesale enforsement of abortion has proportionately killed more black babies than white. The DNC is little more than the party of Margaret Sanger.
Reply 22 - Posted by: whitesidecounty, 8/9/2004 10:34:17 PM
I propose that Alan Keyes and Barak Obama conduct 8 debates in the Illinois towns in recreation of the Lincoln-Douglas Senatorial debates of 1858. How appropriate that 146 years after 2 men ran for Senate with the major issue being slavery, that, I believe for the first time, 2 African-Americans are running for the same Senate seat. #1: It shows how far we've come as a nation in that time, and #2: It will force Mr. Obabma to face Mr. Keyes for the full 8 debates. What do you think?
Reply 23 - Posted by: eliza, 8/9/2004 11:11:10 PM
Alan Keyes == brave
Reply 24 - Posted by: Nancy Drew, 8/9/2004 11:11:18 PM
I think it is brilliant and should be proposed in just that way.
Reply 25 - Posted by: libertylady, 8/10/2004 6:29:53 AM
Oooh, WOW, zinger! That was definitely a knee to the groin. Blacks are best served by Republicans. Go get 'em Amb. Keyes.
Reply 26 - Posted by: Jethro bo, 8/10/2004 6:47:42 AM
Even thought Obama is half white, Keyes will be the fellow that isn't black enough. Keyes should get the Fabulous Thunderbirds to redo their hit and change it to 'Ain't I black enough."
Reply 27 - Posted by: Maybeth, 8/10/2004 6:55:30 AM
Best of all, Alan does NOT need a script.
Reply 28 - Posted by: Forehand, 8/10/2004 7:25:52 AM
I love it! Tough love for his fellow man. Keyes has nothing to lose. All he has to do is mortally wound (in a political sense) little Obama and anything beyond that is icing on the cake.
Reply 29 - Posted by: homebychoice, 8/10/2004 7:40:22 AM
"As I travel around this state, I don't get asked about gay marriage, I don't get asked about abortion," Obama said. "I get asked, 'How can I find a job that allows me to support my family.' I get asked, 'How can I pay those medical bills without going into bankruptcy."
I AM SOOOOO SURE!
I bet he's getting asked "If you get elected I won't have to go to work, right? My kids' school lunches will all be paid for, and the State of Illinois will do it all for me, right?"
Reply 30 - Posted by: George OC, 8/10/2004 7:43:06 AM
This will attract not only political junkies, but those who watch the Friday Night Fights and even the WWF!
The golden boy of the democratic party is about to be chopped into mince meat by Alan Keyes, who has never pulled a punch and has been know to throw some excellent combinations. Here we go! Don't let Obama whittle the debates down.
Reply 31 - Posted by: Halfgenius, 8/10/2004 7:47:35 AM
Note from Obama to Terry M: "Fine mess you've gotten us into this time Terry!"
Reply 32 - Posted by: Hobbiest, 8/10/2004 8:16:26 AM
For too long officials in the Republican party of Illinois worried how their words would play to the increasingly left wing editorial board of the Chicago Tribune. Dr. Keyes could simply care less.
He has a snow balls chance in hell of winning but I agree, it will be fun to watch. It may also get some Chicago blacks wondering why they have become so complacent under the rule of the likes of Richie Daley. That would be good for the state in the long run.
Reply 33 - Posted by: Harmony1, 8/10/2004 8:33:20 AM
I have admired and respected Dr Alan Keyes for years.....he's a man to look up to...
As for Obama, who ever heard of him prior to the Demonic Democrat Convention? Sounds too much like OSama to me....reminds me of the Alex Hailey 'Roots' when all of a sudden, the Star of the book/Movie became a Celebrity just because he Acted the Part.....Dems are such Suckers.....they will fall for a 'MouthPiece' every time!
GOD BLESS YOU, DR KEYES.....GO GET 'EM!
Reply 34 - Posted by: PoliticalJunky, 8/10/2004 8:35:05 AM
I want to mention once again the Pac run by Alan Keyes and J. C. Watts: BAMPAC
Reply 35 - Posted by: Tulsa, 8/10/2004 8:54:45 AM
the black pop is 12%.
every service, every piece of equipment, every city, county, state job is paid (for) by TaxPayers' tax dollars....down to the last paperclip. All that Stuff comes from wage earners.
Dr. Keyes needs to hammer that home, just as President Bush did to get tax cuts.
obama is selling junk and money still doesn't grow on trees. I am amazed that working people vote for the left and have been duped for decades by the left.
Reply 36 - Posted by: F.IL.B., 8/10/2004 9:13:30 AM
www.keyes2004.com
Reply 37 - Posted by: TCloud, 8/10/2004 9:27:15 AM
Dr. Keyes is a Constitutional Scholar and Obama is a progressive socialist communist! A most interesting matchup. History and Truth versus the re-writing of history with lies! Oh what will it be Illinois?
Reply 38 - Posted by: Freedomlover, 8/10/2004 9:58:36 AM
It doesn't matter what Alan Keyes says. Most Illinois voters won't hear him -- they are 6 feet under in the cemeteries of Chicago.
Reply 39 - Posted by: texaslass3, 8/10/2004 10:01:40 AM
#10 I hope you read #37. Smart Illinois voters will be listening. Some of these middle of the roaders need to read a bit and then bold truth won't hurt their ears so much. Much of what Dr. Keyes says only scares those who don't read very much about our nation's roots, history and founding documents.
Reply 40 - Posted by: Katie Corrupt, 8/10/2004 10:11:25 AM
I read that Obama has an anytime, anywhere view on Abortion. A big reason why the pro-abortion side has succeeded so long is because they were good at shutting down all public discussion of abortion. If Obama is so proud of his views, he shouldn't mind defending them, and Keyes will be there to point out that abortion is as indefensible as slavery.
Reply 41 - Posted by: Dolley Madison, 8/10/2004 10:25:35 AM
POW!! Right out of the starting block!
I love Keyes; this will be anything but dull. I HAVE to see these debates; wonder if anyone outside Illinois will be carrying them?
Go, Alan! I have to send some $$$ to him.
Reply 42 - Posted by: TexasRose, 8/10/2004 10:29:17 AM
from article - Asked specifically about the phrase "slaveholder's position," Obama said Keyes "should look to members of his own party to see if that's appropriate if he's going to use that kind of language."
Oh, yes, for the Democrats, the "F" word is much more "appropriate". s/
Reply 43 - Posted by: Bazi, 8/10/2004 10:55:02 AM
I don't usually do smiley faces but I can't help it!
I'm cheering Alan on!!
Obama declined an invitation to debate Keyes on H & C the other night.
Reply 44 - Posted by: Remington, 8/10/2004 10:56:17 AM
Teal'C versus Steppin Fetchit.
Reply 45 - Posted by: herownself, 8/10/2004 10:58:16 AM
I have personal reasons for being incensed at Obama's being called black. His father deserted him and his WHITE mother who raised him. He should not dis his mother and her loving care while giving his respect to a runaway daddy.
Reply 46 - Posted by: serotonin, 8/10/2004 11:09:33 AM
NYTimes classical music radio station WQXR on the internet yesterday.....leads a story about Ambassador Keyes with the following...."Failed presidential candidate Alan Keyes blah blah blah"... Using that logic Governor Dean and Senator Edwards now become 'failed presidential candidate Dean and failed presidential candidate Edwards...not holding my breath.
Reply 47 - Posted by: Delilah, 8/10/2004 11:13:31 AM
I know how you feel #45, but in this country today it pays, big time, to be black. A friend adopted a half black son and he had money thrown at him when he went to college. He even returned some of it that he didn't need. Her two white kids had to work for every cent they got.
Reply 48 - Posted by: No NWO, 8/10/2004 11:17:14 AM
Why is it whenever black politicians are involved the old "slavery" stuff has to be used somewhere in it? I figured since it was a race of black against black this wouldn't happen. Obviously I was wrong.
Reply 49 - Posted by: sherlock, 8/10/2004 11:17:50 AM
Allen, Allen. you da man....if you can`t do it no one can....Go Allen...Go Allen...RAH!
I love Allen Keyes, and would vote for him in a heartbeat for POTUS in ever given the chance.
Reply 50 - Posted by: HogPilot, 8/10/2004 11:26:22 AM
Tom Bevan over at RealClearPolitics blasts the Alan Keyes selection in the daily blog. Here's the most cogent point, utterly missed by the Illinois GOP:
To use the famous sports analogy, they could have chosen to draft a promising rookie and start rebuilding the franchise. Instead, the party put forward a carbetbagging political retread...
RealClearPolitics.com is based out of Chicago, so they know just a little about Illinois poltics.
While entertaining to some degree, it will be more farce than drama...
Reply 51 - Posted by: WyoEagle, 8/10/2004 11:28:20 AM
Alan Keyes doesn't stand a chance, but the debate(s)will be fun to watch.
Reply 52 - Posted by: pepperblue, 8/10/2004 11:32:53 AM
Note to Illinois RATS: Be careful what you ask for (elimination of Ryan), you just might get it. You got rid of Ryan, and now you have Alan Keyes, and he's not going away! I just know this will spill over into the states surrounding Illinois! Go Alan -- my prayers are with you.
Reply 53 - Posted by: VivaFlame, 8/10/2004 12:09:30 PM
Teal'C, Indeed!
Reply 54 - Posted by: jingoist, 8/10/2004 12:30:14 PM
Alan Keys is a good man. He loves GOD. He knows what the right thing is. The Dims do NOT.
We are rooting for you Alan!
Reply 55 - Posted by: nycweboy, 8/10/2004 12:36:43 PM
Everything about this first appearance says "hello, I'm from out of town." Keyes is going to need more than boilerplate ("I won't be bound by political obligations" - how nice. Probably not true, but nice) to deal with pressing local issues. Even I've head about the O'Hare expansion issues from a friend in Chicago. Keyes can try to frame this around hot button social issues, but Obama's going to have an easy time then labeling him as a social conservative more interested in a narrow agenda than on economic and other issues. In fact, that's been a lot of Keyes' problem all along - developing his narrow social issues into a broad framework. So far a lot of heat, but little light.
Reply 56 - Posted by: booshkindoggin, 8/10/2004 12:44:47 PM
Keyes is too outspoken and non-PC to be elected, but this race holds the potential for being the the most honest treatment of today's issues.
Reply 57 - Posted by: RunRow, 8/10/2004 1:31:46 PM
Who ever heard of Obama before the dim convention? The LSM is building him up as some kind of star when few know what kind of abilities he reallyhas. Just being black gives them orgasms. I hope Alan kicks some serious butt. Go, Alan, Go!!!!!
Reply 58 - Posted by: walcb, 8/10/2004 1:35:35 PM
Don't write off Keyes too quickley. Ill. has a tradition of one Rep. senator and one Dim senator. Many voters are going to want to vote for Keyes to even things out. Also, Keyes will get more (more than zero) black votes than any other Rep. candidate ever has. Keyes can argue with Obama on certain points that a white Rep. candidate would not be allowed to get away with.
As to selecting out of state--sorry, there just wasn't anyone (after Thompson, Edgar, and Ditka refused) with enough name recogniton from Ill., at this late date, to mount a viable campaign. I believe Oberweis, a candidate in the primary, even recognized this and has endorsed Keyes.
Reply 59 - Posted by: Christie, 8/10/2004 1:48:12 PM
Even the guy's name bugs me: Barak Obama.
Let's send Obama over to Pakistan/Afghanistan to get Osama and let's make sure he doesn't come Barak.
I don't support everything Keyes says, but I'm definitely rooting for him...I wonder how many women have a late term abortion for health reasons. I'll wager not many at all. If the baby is viable, it's MURDER and if i have to help pay for that, I'm a murderer too.
Reply 60 - Posted by: Altera, 8/10/2004 2:00:26 PM
Ambassador Keyes will make sure that Mr. Obama works up a sweat on his way to D.C. All of his moderate Cosby act in Boston won't do him much good up against Alan Keyes. Running unopposed is so much easier!
Reply 61 - Posted by: Moonspinner, 8/10/2004 2:54:13 PM
Fasten your seat belts, its gonna to be a bumpy campaign.
Reply 62 - Posted by: qr4j, 8/10/2004 3:31:38 PM
One issue I wish Mr. Keyes would sieze upon here in Illinois is tort reform, especially concerning medical malpractice.
Ambulance-chasers like Senator Edwards have driven the cost of medical malpractice insurance so high that some medical doctors have left the state. For example, the premiums for neurosurgeons has gotten so high we now have NO neurosurgeons south of Springfield--that's in the middle of the state for any non-Illinoisans out there.
What does this mean? Patients in Central and Southern Illinois that have head-trauma and cannot be air-lifted upstate or out of state (due to weather, for example) are likely to die, or at least suffer permanent brain damage.
Senator Edwards and his cronies (like Barak Obama) are, in effect, killing patients in Illinois!
Take 'em on, Mr. Keyes. Nobody else is saying much!
Reply 63 - Posted by: Chief, 8/10/2004 3:58:20 PM
#62 is correct and our commie governor has sat on his hands bowing to the lawyers while this problem has turned into a night mare for those needing emergency medical care envolving head trauma.All commies suck.SAT CONG
Reply 64 - Posted by: Vast Right Winger, 8/10/2004 5:20:06 PM
Alan Keyes is a Great American.
BRING IT ON!
Reply 65 - Posted by: msjena, 8/10/2004 5:38:59 PM
-- Even I've head about the O'Hare expansion issues from a friend in Chicago. Keyes can try to frame this around hot button social issues, but Obama's going to have an easy time then labeling him as a social conservative more interested in a narrow agenda than on economic and other issues.--
O'Hare expansion is of little interest to any voters in Illinois except those (mostly Republican) voters who live near O'hare. Chicago is not Illinois. The rest of the state is quite conservative. Bush was hurt in Illinois in 2000 because of George Ryan. But it's news to me that Illinois is a Democratic stronghold. We have almost always had a Republican governor and as recently as 1998 elected a Republican senator. I don't really have much hope that Keyes can win at this late date, but it won't be because
Illinois is such a liberal state.
Reply 66 - Posted by: Stars-stripes, 8/10/2004 5:43:16 PM
How you going to keep them down on the farm (a.k.a., plantation), after they have seen Chi Town? Go Alan!
Reply 67 - Posted by: Engraved-on-His-hands, 8/10/2004 5:49:44 PM
Dr. Keyes is one of my favorite figures in the political realm today.
He is also the anti-Kerry. (For example, whenever people start hearing Dr. Keyes speak, the former ambassador's poll numbers go up. Whenever people start hearing John Kerry speak, Kerry's poll numbers go down.)
Reply 68 - Posted by: liberalslovetaxes, 8/10/2004 6:20:30 PM
Reply to #22
On Hannity and Colmes last night, Keyes said that Obama is backing out of the debates. It has gone all the way from six to two. It may be SoLonga for Obama if he keeps running away.
Reply 69 - Posted by: Sharkstooth, 8/10/2004 6:35:22 PM
Dr. Keyes is a class act. A man sure of himself that hardly needs speech writers. He is extremely articulate and passionate about what he says. A master of debate he is without eat any Democrat's lunch and leave him or her wondering what happened as their proverbial butts were handed to them.
I love listening to this conservative man and we need a man of his talents in the Senate to help give it the dignity and respect it deserves.
Reply 70 - Posted by: Dixie, 8/10/2004 6:54:07 PM
Mr. Obama's correct answer to the question of how to pay the huge medical bills is to get rid of people like John Edwards.
Ambulance-chasing trial lawyers run up malpractice insurance bills, which are then passed on to the patients.
Reply 71 - Posted by: danu, 8/11/2004 1:39:20 AM
it's not whether Dr Keyes wins or loses,
but it's how he'll play the game.
Virtuosity!
