Barack Obama Asked If Bill Clinton Was The First Black President

Brett Singer — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT

This was funny when it happened – during the Democratic Primary, way back in January of 2008. (That seems like it was more than a year ago.) Now, it's not only hilarious but of course takes on a whole new meaning.

Basically, the moderator, Joe Johns, asks Barack Obama is he agrees with Toni Morrison, who once wrote that Bill Clinton was, "the nation’s first black president." Hillary Clinton was sitting right next to him, which made the moment even more amusing. Obama's answer was measured, and quite funny.

Morrison eventually endorsed Obama for President. When asked by Time Magazine if she regretted, " referring to Bill Clinton as the first black President," she said, "People misunderstood that phrase. I was deploring the way in which President Clinton was being treated, vis-à-vis the sex scandal that was surrounding him. I said he was being treated like a black on the street, already guilty, already a perp. I have no idea what his real instincts are, in terms of race." Obama said something little different – basically, that Bill Clinton connected with African-Americans in a way that previous Presidents had not. Then he questioned Bill's dancing ability. It's quite funny, and has much more resonance now. Take a look:

They say: Obama Wins

Comedians From The Past Weigh In On The First Black President

About Ann Nixon Cooper

Strollerderby : obama asked if bill clinton was the first black president

Barack Obama Asked If Bill Clinton Was The First Black President

The Obama Kids Get a New Puppy

They say: Obama Wins

Comedians From The Past Weigh In On The First Black President