Joe - it's just politics.  It is not racism.  It is not Obama throwing Black politicians under the bus (give an example - Rev. Wright and Kayne West are not political people - and neither is Skip Gates).  If the President was white and Patterson was white this would be a small story.  So Patterson is one of two Black Governors.  So are we suppose to have a qouta?  Ya know, maybe Obama wants to make sure that the Democrats keep control of the NY statehouse, and it looks pretty grim that Patterson can do that.  Maybe he has been a lousy Govennor.  It's just politics.  THINK.  Try THINKING this thorough.  Your reaction is knee jerk.  Try THINKING.