• AOL
  • My AOL
  • Mail
  • Make BlackVoices My HomePage
  • ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
  • MOVIES
  • TELEVISION
  • MUSIC
  • RADIO
  • GAMES
  • BLACK VOICES
  • TMZ
Black Voices
Black Voices
Web
SEARCH Search The Web Magnify Glass
x
  • Main
  • News
  • Obama Watch '08
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
  • Sports
  • Work & Money
  • Blogs
  • Boards
  • Videos
Send Feedback
BV BLOGS
  • Main
  • Black Spin
  • BV Bookshelf
  • BV Buzz
  • BV Power List
  • Casually Obsessed
  • Entertainment Newswire
  • Hair Apparent
  • It's All Reel
  • Money Talks
  • Style Spotter
Blog Categories
  • Black Voices Products
  • Life and Style
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
RESOURCESsquare
  • Contact Us
  • Problems
  • RSS Feeds
BLOG ROLLsquare
  • (Red)
  • Afrobella
  • Afronerd
  • AIDS Combat Zone
  • All About Race
  • AMBERmag.com Fashion & Beauty
  • Anarchist Graffiti
  • Anderson@Large Political Blog
  • AverageBro
  • Baller Status
  • Black and Married With Kids
  • Black Web 2.0
  • Bossip
  • Brown Sista
  • Canada's HipHossip
  • Clay Cane
  • Clutch
  • Cocoa Lounge
  • Concrete Loop
  • Crunk Disorderly
  • Drew Reports
  • Funky Brown Chick Humor
  • I Love Black Movies
  • Jack and Jill Politics
  • Janet Charlton's Hollywood
  • Love B. Scott
  • Milk Magazine
  • Molifeney
  • Nah Right
  • NPR News & Notes Blog
  • Perez Hilton
  • Political Machine Elections Blog
  • Politics in Color
  • Pop Culture Junkie
  • Popeater AOL Music
  • Queersighted
  • Real Talk NY
  • Rhymes with Snitch
  • Sandra Varner's Talk 2 SV
  • Seventh Square
  • Smoking Section
  • Soul Bounce Music
  • Spinner
  • Stereo Hyped
  • Strictly Fabulous Style
  • StyleList AOL Style
  • That Grape Juice
  • The Black Informant
  • The Fashion Bomb
  • The People's News
  • The Root
  • TMZ
  • Today's Drum
  • VisualAIDS
  • Wallet Pop
  • Young, Black & Fabulous

Obama Rides a Bike, You Don't Have to Stare!

Posted Jun 11th 2008 2:00PM by Jeff Douglas
Filed under: BlackSpin, Elections, Barack Obama

Let's lay off Obama for getting spotted over the weekend looking a little dorky peddling his bike around Chicago.

First off, it's impossible to look cool wearing a bicycle helmet. Bike helmets just look dorky no matter what. I don't care if you paint flames on it.

Put Denzel Washington or Will Smith in a bicycle helmet and they would look like "Dumb and Dumber." But one BlackVoices user got to the heart of the matter, which has nothing to do with style.

"If McCain gets elected we'll ALL be riding bikes because we won't be able to afford gas." ...


Barack the Biker

    Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama goes for a bike ride in Chicago, Sunday, June 8, 2008.

    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    Newsweek's Andrew Romano argues that the "bike moment" will be a plus for the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee because it "makes him look like a normal, nerdy American dad."

    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    Obviously, Obama was thinking safety first (helmet) and wardrobe second. Pictures show him wearing poor fitting bluejeans while sporting a perfectly tucked in polo on his afternoon ride.

    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    Let's give Obama a break for not pulling off his bike ride looking like Lance Armstrong. Maybe he'd look better on a motorcycle.

    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama gets his helmet before he goes for a bike ride in Chicago, Sunday, June 8, 2008.

    AP Photo/Alex Brandon


Obviously, Obama was thinking safety first and wardrobe second. Pictures show him wearing poor fitting bluejeans while sporting a perfectly tucked in polo on his afternoon ride.

It reminds me of how fixated Americans were on Bill Clinton more than a decade ago when he stopped at McDonalds or went for a jog around the White House. Wow, a president who runs! Now a man who bikes, plays basketball and goes bowling (for votes).

Barack is normal! We made this point last week, when everyone went "dap crazy" over Obama pounding his wife's fist to celebrate his presumptive Democratic nomination.

It's nice to see a dad out biking with his daughters (no seen in any of the pictures). Newsweek's Andrew Romano argues that the "bike moment" will be a plus for the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee because it "makes him look like a normal, nerdy American dad."

Let's give B a break for not pulling off his bike ride looking like Lance Armstrong.

Maybe he'd look better on a motorcycle.

  • Permalink
  • Email this
  • Share
  • Comments [23]

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. Hello Barack Ombama,

The media has describe your appearance as some what dorky." LOL (They may be correct, you do look funny)

It's okay take their criticism with stride. As rising gasoline prices continue to propagate here in the Usa, we will all look a little dorky riding bikes.

I commend you for exposing the gasoline tax day, by admitting McCain's plan was a gimmick. I wish you the very best in this election and hurry up and get elected, so you may deliver us americans from rising gasoline prices.


Rozlyn Ratliff

Obama 2008 Yes We Can!"

Rozlyn Ratliff at 4:31PM on Jun 11th 2008

2. I think Barack looks like a regular guy riding a bike. He just happens to be wearing a helmet which some folks don't even do. Also, he looks fine in his jeans. I do agree that all of us may be riding bikes and motorcyles soon if Barack doesn't win. We all have to make sure that we get out and vote for Barack!

VotingForBarack! at 8:33PM on Jun 11th 2008

3. My fiancee and I dap each other off all the time. That's how we say "See Ya Later" or congratulate, or a way of saying Thank You to a compliment, whatever.
I thought that was cute when I saw them doing that.

Anyway, mainstream America needs to see that they are average and not some pinky in the air type of people or ghetto, which a lot of people I know have either of those two views on them.

Tiffany at 2:01PM on Jun 12th 2008

4. Apparently Mr. Obama had to buy a bicycle with an automatic transmission as he just could not figure out how to shift all those gears. He can "change" everything but gears. We "Hope" he learns soon as we understand that Mr. McCain is quite a good bike rider and normally whizzes along on a 27 gear bicycle, shifting gears quite easily!

Unkle Donal at 2:49PM on Jun 12th 2008

5. Mr Unkle Donal you are to being quite correct. Is well known that the black male is not with easy familiarity with mechanical devices. From history I am reading that the male of the black peoples is finding a hoe or rake of enough complication but is able still to work with. Not so much the Sen. Obama with of shifting gears on sprocket chain. If the Sen. Obama is not with so good of changing gears of bike then how so good of change of entire of America?

EastEuropeDude at 5:30PM on Jun 12th 2008

6. This reply is in response to EastEuropeDude,

With all due respect, and trust me;" I'm trying extremely hard to remain regardful and courteous." I truly find your mindless thoughts extremely offensive. Although this is America, "yes", in fact your entiled to freedom of speech. "Keep in mind that I share the exact privilege (Freedom of speech)"...

It could be very easy to degrade you. Nevertheless, I will take the high road since, "you have already made an ass out of yourself!"

Before I close, I would like to ask? What can you possiblable know about an African American Male by reading a book?" You are completely out of touch with the world, Your thinking continues to be stuck in the 18th century. This forum is not the place for your insults, I'm quite sure you would receive a much warmmer reception on a KKK website.

Thank you,
Rozlyn Ratliff

P.S.
I will never vote for MCCain not because he is white, but rather I disagree with his polcy. Yet, that does not give me or any no else the right to disrespect MCCain.

"Wisdom prevails when two can agree to disagree, without conflict."

Obama 2008 "Yes We Can!"

Rozlyn Ratliff at 6:37PM on Jun 12th 2008

7. I am just glad he had a helmet on because we all know that if he didn't have one on, the media would say it was un-American to ride a bicycle w/o a helmet and only Muslims and Wright supporters ride bikes w/o helmets. Or he probably would have received a felony charge. They will say anything to keep Barack out of office. For example the alleged Pledge of Allegiance is actually the National Anthem. Alot of people choose not to place their hands on their heart during the Anthem. I'm Voting Barack. I'm Voting 4 Change.

Ron at 8:55PM on Jun 12th 2008

8. Hey Rozlyn Ratliff #6 is you relly Ms Uniquue?

ODdoe2U at 11:25AM on Jun 13th 2008

9. #9 No; I never heard of Ms. Uniquue."

Rozlyn Ratliff at 4:25PM on Jun 13th 2008

10. Oh hell yeah Rozlyn Ratliff YOU Ms Unique. I recongize your particklar vocie anywhere.

PrdBlkMan at 5:24PM on Jun 13th 2008

11. Hello PrdBlkMan,

Honestly, I'm not Ms. Unique. I never heard of her. Now, I'm curious and desire to know more about this woman. Who is she?"

I assure you I'm not Ms. Unique. I'm a 50 year old strong African American woman, who loves life, all people of many cultures.

If unique shares these same qualities, than she must be one heck of a person.


Thank you..

Rozlyn Ratliff at 6:57PM on Jun 13th 2008

12. Obama a high yellow fool. next he be ridin in the clown car wif dem big shoes and dem big floppy ears.
Start de minstrel show! Obama yo baby mama gonna fine out yo jes a shine! O lawdy mercy obama gon be a absent fadder michele get her som ADC. dem po lil gal babies gon gro up to be hos jes like dey mama!

DaCork at 1:19PM on Jun 14th 2008

13. DeCork,

What on earth did you try to translate?"

Here's some free advice.

"Go back to school and focus with intense diligence a english course." Lol...

Rozlyn Ratliff at 1:56PM on Jun 14th 2008

14. DeCork,

What on God's good planet were you trying to translate?" Lol..

Here's some advice:

GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!!!!!

The world is passing you by. Education is a terrible thing to waste.

Rozlyn Ratliff at 2:04PM on Jun 14th 2008

15. Before I start, let me say I am not saying this as a putdown. That said, Hillary Clinton implied that Barack Obama was an elitist. How many elitists do you see out riding a bike? When have you ever seen Hillary Clinton on a bike? Just asking. One of the reasons why so many people show up at Senator Obama's rallies is because they see an ordinary guy who is just like them except for the fact that he is brilliant.

Paige at 2:35PM on Jun 14th 2008

Next 15 Comments

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry: inappropriate or purely promotional comments may be removed. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

Your name (required):

Your email address (required, will not be shown to the public):

Your site’s URL (optional):

Do you want us to remember your personal information for next time?
   
Add your comments:

Comments

Most Recent Comments

(7 Days)
  • william smith on Proposition 8 or Proposition "H8"? - Open Discussion
  • Satin on Barack Joins Fashion Police, Not Feeling Baggy Pants
  • D. Threat on Are Good Black Fathers That Rare?
  • countryboy on Barack Joins Fashion Police, Not Feeling Baggy Pants
  • Bill Johnson on Wanda Sykes: Declaring Herself Gay, After Feeling 'Attacked' By Proposition 8
  • S T Jordan on Barack Joins Fashion Police, Not Feeling Baggy Pants
  • Alan on Barack Joins Fashion Police, Not Feeling Baggy Pants

Most Commented On

  • Wanda Sykes: Declaring Herself Gay, After Feeling 'Attacked' By Proposition 8 (882)
  • Jennifer Hudson: Family Members Killed In Chicago (808)
  • Jennifer Hudson: Authorities Confirm Body Is Hudson's Nephew (714)
  • Hot Topics: Sherri Shepherd Talks Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Bill Maher, 'Madagascar,' Bernie Mac & more (482)
  • Barack Joins Fashion Police, Not Feeling Baggy Pants (422)
  • Tome Talk: Omarosa Talks Sarah Palin, Naomi Campbell, Spencer Pratt & others (407)
  • What If Hollywood Cast Election 2008? (396)
  • Dream Fulfilled! Obama Is President (379)
  • What's In A Name? Barack Hussein Obama (340)
  • Who's Black Now? Significance of One Drop (316)
  • Marion Jones Tells Oprah: "I Have to Find Out Who I Am" (295)
  • Newspaper Shames Locals Into Voting (281)

Find out what members are saying about everyone from Barack to Beyonce. There are nearly 100 forums from which to choose. Click on a category below and discover the right board for you.

  • Ages & Stages
  • Careers & Money
  • Cities
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Family & Ancestry
  • Gay & Lesbian
  • Health & Fitness
  • Hobbies & Interests
  • Love & Relationships
  • News & Sports
  • Spirituality
Also on AOL

More on Black Voices

  • African American Culture
  • Black Entertainment
  • Black News
  • Black TV
  • Black Blogs
  • Black Movies
  • Black Music Month
  • Black Gossip
  • Black Wealth
  • Black Community
  • Black Style
  • Black Hair
  • Black Celebrities
  • Election 2008

Hot Topics

  • Beyonce
  • Wanda Sykes Coming Out
  • Obama Called House Negro
  • Proposition 8: Prop H8
  • First Black Attorney General
  • Michelle Obama Fashion
  • Big Three Automakers Beg For Bailout
  • Barack Obama
  • Obama Inauguration Ticket Info
  • Obama on 60 Minutes
  • Keyshia Cole Hairstyles
  • NPR News and Notes
  • Essence.com
  • Black History 365
  • Martin Luther King
  • Celebrity Quotes
  • Quantum Of Solace : James Bond
  • Katt Williams

More On AOL

  • Mail
  • Search
  • Movies
  • Spinner
  • Winamp
  • Shoutcast
  • MapQuest
  • CityGuide
  • Games
  • Music
  • TMZ
  • Television
  • Sports
  • Money
  • Engadget
  • Autoblog
  • Joystiq
  • BloggingStocks
  • TUAW
  • DownloadSquad
  • Styledash
  • Cinematical
  • TVSquad
  • RSS/Feeds

  • Terms Of Use
  • Updated Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Updated Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Site Map

BlackVoices.com, the premiere site for African-American culture and community, offers African-American message boards, profiles and chats, African-American sports, African-American news, African-American entertainment, African-American style and beauty, relationship advice and more. Share your voice at BV!

© 2008 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.

BACK TO TOP