Jan 14, 2008 7:53 pm US/Eastern
Clinton Gets Respectful Applause At MLK Observance
Obama Supporters Show Up En Masse At Manhattan Event
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The Democratic presidential candidates have been squabbling for the past few days about the race issue, but the timing couldn't be worse. The South Carolina primary, where half the voters are African American, is Jan. 26.
Hillary Clinton tried to put it behind her at a Martin Luther King observance in Manhattan on Monday.
It didn't start off well. Clinton was reminded by The Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, "that we would not be where we are today it not for Dr. Martin Luther King."
Sure, she clapped, but the comment reminded everyone of the reason she was at an event dedicated to the Civil Rights leader -- to make amends for saying Dr. King's dream of racial equality was realized only after President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
"How many of us ever could have dreamed that we would see the day when a women and an African American are running for the presidency of the United States?" Clinton asked.
Events like this are very important to Sen. Clinton as she fights to win the primary in her own state.
When she first entered the race Clinton did so with the support of a number of black leaders, including Congressman Charles Rangel. However, political experts say that Barack Obama's success has generated a great deal of racial pride here.
"This is a vote for a dream that no one perhaps thought would happen in their lifetime," said Baruch College professor Micheline Blum.
Certainly at Monday's event, hosted by Union Local 32BJ, there were a lot of Obama supporters.
When asked who he was leading toward voting, Edward Barner of Queens said, "Barack Obama, because I think he's young, energetic and (has) a lot of bright ideas, good ideas."
Linda Murrell of Brooklyn agreed, saying "The issues he's dealing with are pertinent to me as an African American."
Others said they had not made up their mind yet, but at least one Brooklyn resident was in Clinton's corner.
"It's time for a woman president," Savay Burroughs said.
When Clinton finished speaking Monday the applause was respectful, but not overwhelming.
Monday was also a day for celebrity endorsements.
Clinton picked up America Ferrera and Amber Tamblyn. John Voight said he is backing Rudy Giuliani.
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