Toby Keith says he's still unsure whether he'll vote for Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama in November's presidential election. But, never one to shy away from controversial statements, Keith told conservative radio talk show host Glenn Beck recently that one of the reasons for Obama's popularity is that he "acts ... Caucasian.""I think also that black people would say that he don't talk, act or carry himself as a black person," Keith stated on the program, to which Beck replied, "What does that even mean?"
"I don't know what that means," answered the country star. "I'm saying that's what I think that they would say. Even though the black society would pull for him, I still think that they think in the back of their mind that the only reason that he is in is because he talks, acts and carries himself as a Caucasian, but ... I think him and McCain are the two best choices, in my opinion, that we've had in years."
While he's often pegged as a a hardcore conservative -- and therefore likely to vote Republican -- Keith is actually a registered Democrat, though he's voted both ways in the past. Keith tells the San Jose Mercury News, "I voted for [Bill] Clinton twice, and I voted for [George W.] Bush twice. Looking back on it, they both made a lot of mistakes. But at the same time, with the people they were running against, I didn't feel like I had a choice."
No matter who Keith chooses this time, he wants his fans to choose the candidate they like, and not vote for someone just because he says so.
"Why anybody would care who Toby Keith voted for is beyond me," he says. "I'm really digging in and getting myself educated right now, but people need to go educate themselves and not listen to moron celebrities."
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Susieat 8-11-2008
The mental limited functional capability of performers never fails to amaze me. the man is drinking the beer he is giving to his horse.
Rondaat 8-12-2008
Susie, maybe you need to belly up to the bar. Toby is correct. The only thing "Black" about Obama is the color of his skin. If Obama's skin color was the same as his White Mother do you honestly think the African-American population would still be as supportive of him and his views? That is the million dollar question that to this day has never been answered by the African-American population that support Obama. If the same words and views were coming out of a White skinned Obama would he still be their "Man"? Would Oprah still be an Obama "Cheerleader"?
It amazes me how the fact that Obama's black daddy abandoned him and basically the only thing he ever gave Obama was his skin color is basically celebrated and the "Typical" White family that supported and loved him are used by Obama as pawns to validate his "Blackness".
How do you write a book celebrating a man you didn't even know and yet degrade and label as racist the people that loved and supported you.
JRat 8-12-2008
I admire people that speak their mind, and also dmit that their opinion is their opinion not the majority. He is a down to earth guy. However, on the topic of Obama, we live in a very delicate society. People relate to other people if they have thesame things in common, beyond waking up, brushing teeth and taking showers... I'm bi-racial, and I was raised in a all white society did the same things played hockey, etc. I wasn't culture shocked when I went to Europe, or Jamaica, WI... It was when I watched a rap video that I realized there were major differences in how I thought, behaved, acted, dressed I was in total shock! I know exactly what Toby Keith was trying to say.
Bryanat 8-12-2008
So apparently if you're black and you talk with correct english or wear clothes that fit, you're acting 'caucasian'.Finally the answer I've been looking for, I guess you're only black if you act like rappers dropouts , so refreshing, thanks for that wonderful insight toby..
Julietat 8-12-2008
It simply amazes me how racist our society still is. How can we sit here and categorizes every single person into distinct categories. Have it ever occured to lovely Mr. Keith that within his so called categories of white and black that people differ. What ever happened to individualism? How can you go around saying "black people act like this, white people act like this" We will never move forward as a society until we can see past a person's skin color and acknowledge their personality. Since Obama speaks correct english, he apparently talks like a caucasion. Since he dresses nicely and displays good manners he acts like a caucasion...as opposed to? Should he speak improper english, dress trashy and act ill-mannered? Is that what will make him white? More and more minorities are receiving higher education, are making something of themselves. So many of us DO NOT fit into this category of the stereotypical black person that apparently america has. Does this mean that we're all acting white? Eh, get with the program. Grow up. We all need to live as one and stop trying to break everyone into these ridiculous groups. We're not much better as a society than we were 40 maybe even 50 years ago. Racism needs to end here. Because yes, these comments made by Toby are subtle racism, and until this kind of thinking ends, we're never going to progress to a true non-racist society.
Lorat 8-12-2008
How's this for stereotypes? Because Obama speaks English more or less correctly and wears a suit sometimes-he's 'acting Caucasian.' So based on what Keith wears and how he talks he's acting like what-some illiterate, uneducated guy who lives in a double wide? What does that say about his boy George Bush who can't complete a single sentence?
Rob Gat 8-12-2008
I don't necessarily agree with Toby but his point is well made. I think Obama is the best choice that we've seen in years with McCain a distant second. Keith said what he thought, too bad he defineds Black so narrowly but at least he's thinking about it. My hats off to him.
simpletonat 8-12-2008
Get a life! It is hard for me to believe that people are so ignorant. Differences in our culture are very prevalent; and just because someone points this out..."they are racist". The racist is the person who refuses to acknowledge the differences because they are so enlightened. Who is right and who is wrong is not the question...the question is, "can't we be who we are without some pinhead judging our motives?" Guess not...we need to fall in line and suck up to the PC position of today.
Erinat 8-12-2008
I've always liked the fact that Toby speaks his mind, but that is probably the most idiotic statement he has ever made. As a black american, I can personally tell you that I do not think Obama acts Caucasian. And I can assure you that most, if not all, of my black american friends feel the same way. Obama is simply a well-educated, highly intelligent, articulate individual - he went to Harvard Law for crying out loud. By no means does that imply that he acts Caucasian or any less "black" than other black americans. Does the fact that I listen to country music and own four Toby Keith albums mean I act Caucasian too? No - especially considering I own a couple Lil Wayne and Kanye West albums too.
Janeyreat 8-14-2008
So when my dimwit co-worker told me: You don't talk Balck. You sound White. I told her: All Black's are not like the sitcoms on TV. Some of the trash she was talking, I didn't even understand. By my speaking proper English, I am sounding White? All White people are not well educated and smart. All White people do not speak proper English. I am simply being myself. I have no desire to behave like a heathen or a White person. I am who I am. A Black woman with dignity and humility. Yes I feel good about myself.
tara*at 8-15-2008
I think its pretty sad when a black man isn't even black enough for the white folks...seriously. People need to forget his color and listen to his plan (a very detailed plan, regardless of what so many on the right want everyone to believe). He's got it all laid out for people to see. If you like his views and strategy then vote for him. If not...don't. Why what he looks like is an issue in a time where REAL issues exist is beyond me.
tara*at 8-15-2008
simpleton asked "can't we be who we are without some pinhead judging our motives?"~~~~~~ Well, if you think about it, isn't that what Obama is doing when he "talks white" instead of conforming to the black stereotype? He's being who he is and acting the way he is comfortable. I agree though. It would be nice if he could be who he is without some pinhead judging his motives, etc.
brentdlotsat 8-16-2008
Toby Keith is even more unintelligent than I thought. Obama is "acting Caucasian" because what, he isn't robbing a liquor store? Toby, your inability to recognize your own prejudice is incredible. You should just play your tin pan alley music and keep your opinions to yourself.
Jayme Talsonat 8-16-2008
HAS EVERYONE LOST THEIR EFFIN MIND!!!!!!!! I HAVE NEVER HEARD SOMETHING SO REDICULOUS!!!!!!!! WHO THE HELL CARES.. DO YOU WANT A PRESIDENT THAT WADDLES AND LIMPS AND HOLDS HIS PANTS AND LOUDLY SAYS , YO MAN .. WHAZZ UP IN DA HOOD ... DIS ERE SHYT WITH DA GAS PRIZES GOT TE GIV MAN ... I MEAN COME ON .. OPRAH DOESN'T ACT OR TALK BLACK .. AND THE POINT ??? GIVE IT UP!!!!!!!!
robertat 8-16-2008
Now this is one man who should learn to leave his mouth closed, forget the dixie chicks, i burned everything i own by this blow hard.