NY Gov. David Patterson Says "Once You Go Black, You Don't Go Back" at Girdiron Dinner

New York Governor David Patterson has put his foot in his mouth, but is it fair to hold his feet to the fire? He reportedly said "once you go black, you don't go back." These comments were made at the Gridiron dinner, which is an off-the-record dinner with journalists and politicians who sing songs, do skits and make fun of each other.

Paterson's speech was certainly no exception. Even though he became governor of New York in quite a surprising fashion, it’s not the governor title that he wants, apparently. Paterson's real goal, he said, is to follow in Barack Obama's footsteps and be president of the United States, because: "Once you go black, you don't go back."

He also joked about how he's receiving all these phone calls from people seeking to take HRC's Senate seat and played real voicemails from HRC, Chuck Schumer (who were in on the gag) and even himself. Source: Politico

Well, here we go. I can see the pundits and others throwing a hissy-fit over this one. I wish they would focus on the economy and the fact that Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain is fighting to get his $10 million even though the company literally imploded.

Schumer: "Hi Dave. It’s Chuck Schumer. I thought I would let you know my view on the Senate race. I have one criteria above all. I would like a devout Evangelical. That way, there will be no competition for Sunday press conferences."

Hillary recommended that he not name a replacement, just have Schumer do both jobs. "Why does New York need two senators, anyhow? I know it’s a stretch, but I promised him I’d ask you," her message says.

And Paterson's own message to himself ends with: "Actually, I was thinking. If Chuck Schumer held both seats, that would be countervailing to the concept of one man, one vote. So we change the law to one ego, one vote."

Personally, I am not offended by his comments. If he had deliberately insulted Hillary Clinton or made an offensive statement, then I would be the first to demand an apology. But for people to say he should step down for these comments is utterly ridiculous. The dinner was an off-record affair and the comment was clearly meant in jest. I wouldn't lose sleep over this one but of course, I am sure people like Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and Pat Buchanan probably will.