Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, says this presidential race is not about race.

But on Sunday, she appeared at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, after a week of harsh scrutiny from the news media about her comment that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream began to be realized when former president Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Clinton responded to accusations of racism and clarified her words by expressing profound admiration for King, whose memorial holiday was celebrated Monday.

Still, the senator’s visit to one of Harlem’s most beloved churches may have been more than just a stop on her campaign trail. Clinton emphasized that she and her husband, former president Bill Clinton, have deep ties to the congregation and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts.

Following the service, Butts formally endorsed Clinton’s candidacy, citing her character and experience in politics.

“She is the only candidate that we know with confidence can deliver ... the changes needed,” Butts said.

Butts denied that his support of Clinton was a race-based decision, and said that “a vote for Hillary is not a vote against [Barack] Obama.”

Outside the church was a frenzy of reporters, photographers, and political activists with either “Hillary ’08” or “Harlem4Obama” signs in hand. The crowds braved the blistering cold to rally for their preferred candidates.

In his introduction, Butts said of Clinton, “She understands who we are and what we do,” as the smiling senator took the pulpit, looking regal in a royal blue suit.

Clinton spoke of how she was glad to be home, called the Abyssinian Baptist Church “truly a magnet and an anchor,” and said she might sign up for the Weight Watchers partnership program the reverend spoke of earlier in the service. “The campaign trail has not been kind,” she chuckled, referring not to the uproar over her recent comments but to her on-the-road snacking habits.

Her speech included the expected stumping on issues such as universal health care, public education, and a living wage. She also recalled the transformative experience she had as a high school freshman when she went with her Methodist church group in Chicago to see Dr. King speak.

The congregation gave Clinton a standing ovation at the conclusion of her speech.
After the service let out, people emerged from the church doors to check out the combating political rallies. Some were unsure which side they were on.

Deborah Allen, a member of the Church’s Abyssinian Development Corporation, said she thinks she will vote for Obama because “he can make a difference in the discussion,” but added that “we do adore Hillary.”

Fellow congregant Carolyn Jarvis said age played a role in her decision. “We’re Hillary’s generation, so we’re Hillary’s people,” she said, adding that younger congregants tend to support Obama.

Church member Sharon Thompson stood in an Obama clump across from the Clinton campaigners and said she didn’t think Butts’ endorsement of Clinton reflected the sentiments of the congregation as a whole. Thompson said political motives drove the reverend to endorse the senator, who has been “tied to this community for such a long time.”

Indeed, Butts told his congregation that it is important to support “our team,” referring to politicians from New York.

betsy.morais@columbiaspectator.com