Earlier this week, KSFO talk show host Brian Sussman, who was filling in for the vacationing Lee Rodgers, made a statement that Senator Barack Obama (D) Illinois was a "Halfrican." Sussman was discussing the fact that Obama is playing to a African-American audience of people who have suffered generations of discrimination, despite the fact that Senator Obama was raised by his white grandparents in Hawaii in relative affluence.

During an on-air discussion, I made reference to his using this term, and thereafter I let Mr. Sussman know that I did not approve of it. Terms that needlessly make reference to race or ethnic makeup are in poor taste. Since making his original comments on the air, Mr. Sussman has since made an apology for the characterization, which I believe was the correct course of action.

I disagree with Senator Obama on a wide array of issues, almost every issue. His political beliefs are consistently liberal, even though there is an effort by the media to portray him as a moderate.

I will challenge him on his beliefs through the use of intellectual debate and the battle of ideas, and I will respect him as a human being and an individual who is proud of his background and upbringing.

And here are Brian's own words about the subject in this audio link.

Melanie Morgan
KSFO
December 16, 2006