A shill for the right-wing wackos. This guy represents the "family-values-get-married-before-you-have-children" crowd and he fathers a child out of wedlock? Watts is acceptable to the Re-smug-licans because he does not threaten their white world and their socio-eco-political hegemony. Watts goes along to get along and doesn't make waves because he wants to present a "united" front so he can ascend the GOP hierarchy. Good luck, Watts. Even you, as a black man, would realize that the pablum-puking GOP would never truly accept you.

Being a star football player does not entitle you to a seat in Congress. Being black should not entitle you to a leadership position in the Republican Party. People should rate this guy on the same scale they rate all the athletically-challenged white people in Congress --"what has he done for the nation and his constituency?" If you ask yourself that question you will inevitably come to the conclusion that Watts is a horribly ineffective Congressman and representative for his District. If it becomes a question of "character" (what the hell does that mean anyways?) look no further than his child out of wedlock, estranged exwife and children, questionable land dealings, slumlord properties, etc.

It is interesting to read the comments from the raters who believe that Watts is a family man and a role model. Yeah right. We found out just how much he values his family and children during the impeachment farce when we all found out how he fathered a child out of wedlock and then abandoned the baby. He is a jerk.

J.C. abandoned his child? Well, what's new? Most of the right wing Republicans shoot their mouths off about family values but often have something to hid themselves! Didn't he write "Uncle J.C.'s Cabin?"

Just like Supreme Court Justice Thomas, JC Watts denies his own heritage.

I'm not from Oklahoma, so I don't know alot about him, except that he's a undaunted Black conservative. While I'm sure he has his flaws and has done his share of questionable deeds (as we all have in our lives), I wish him well. Even though I'm not usually very conservative in my political views, I get dismayed by the cowardly authoritarianism that dominates political discussions in the black community. A black man who dissents from the liberal left civil rights party line, a tired ideology of victim-focused rhetoric fostered by aging relics of the 60's, risks alot more than a white man who disagrees with victim-focused racial politics. It's relatively easy for us to blow off the pompous jackasses who call us "racist" for not agreeing with their every opinion. With the exception of P.C. white liberals who still cower with "white guilt", most whites have learned to laugh at "mainstream" black leadership, because most of these people are double-dealing opportunists and hypocrites who are looking not for "racial justice," as they claim, but merely for the power to manipulate the system and squeeze it for what it's worth. A black dissenter, however, risks real ostracism by declaring himself as openly as Watts has done. I suspect that being called an "Uncle Tom" carries a worse sting than being called a "racist." People like Watts can hardly get a word in sometimes, so loud is the angry shrieking directed at him by the black "mainstream" and their accommodating white liberal flunkies. So, yes, I wish him well. Black dissenters are a breath of fresh air in American political life. I may not agree with all his positions, but I can respect him as a decent and brave human being. I don't feel that kind of respect for Maxine Waters, Al Sharpton and any number of other black politicians. To tell you the truth, I have more respect for the last bug I squashed than I do for Waters and Sharpton.

JC Watts is good lookin' and quick, but he MIGHT be too young. He's still a boy in a lot of ways, and that's not a bad thing. He just doesn't want to get too full of himself. Katie V.

Am I the only Oklahoman who knows about Mr. Watts's abandonment of his child to the social welfare system? He doesn't support his own progeny and people call him a hero! Scandalous and sad.

This young man would make an excellant presidential candidate someday. Furthermore, he just might be able to convince many black voters that the democratic party is buying their vote by selling them their soul. I will never forget the statement that J.C.Watts made at a republican convention in his reference to Bill Clinton. He said: "CHARACTER IS DOING THE RIGHT THING WHEN NOBODYS WATCHING" I rate him tops.

I am a white female who has watched J.C. Watts over the years. I am very impressed by him as a role model for all Amercans,k but especially black Americans. Jesse Jackon and Al Sharpton are two of the most ardent racists in this country. Their inflammatory rhetoris further divides the races. \I would hope that no black American would use either of these two as role models for their children. They should look to men like J.C. Watts!

You go JC. Articulate, up on the issues, truthful. Too bad more African Americans aren't familiar with who he is and what he stands for. As an African American who definetly is not a Democrat...I like what JC stands for and represents.

God bless this man of wisdom! What a leader!

This is who the black community should be following instead of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. What a way to elevate themselves.

My Mother likes this man alot and he is own my history papers as a great leasder of ALL Americans. I have watched his speeches and he truely speaks from the heart. Bobby

Oh I LOVE THIS MAN!!! He will one day, rise in the ranks if not the first BLACK President. As a white female...This man gives me hope that our counry WILL come together and ALL be brothers and sisters. I would surely vote and campaign for this man. He does NOT demonize and he is for EQUAL rights for EVERYONE....Go J.C... BJL

Great role model for Black Americans! Keep up the good work JC... this white American is very proud of you! If he keeps up the good work, then I'll rate him a 5 next time!

A quisling and a sellout. As a white voter (and a born-again Christian, I might add, in the face of the furious Bible-thumping from the right), I have infinitely more respect for Maxine Waters and Jesse Jackson and do not in the least feel threatened by their long-term, proud and vigorous advocacy for African-Americans and for all of the oppressed. Watts, Keyes, Powell and all of their ilk -- front-men for the Republican enemies of the people -- are disgusting to me.

I find it amusing that many who champion j.c. watts as a dynamic African-American leader cannot answer the question why Mr. Watts cannot win an election above Congressman, even though most of the voters in Oklahoma share his views ? Despite the hooplah oven Ken Hamblin, Armstrong Williams, Alan Keyes, Ezola Foster and others, I doubt that now or in the near future that a Black Conservative will hold any significant elected office in the Republican party. The only spots they will hold are appointed positions where they can easily be disposed of if they outlive their usefulness, or become an embarrassment. Remember Gary Franks ? Remember Alan Keyes 2 runs for president ? When a Black Conservatives can get elected to statewide office in large numbers then a new day will come.

JC Watts is a real man and family Person. He has my vote. He is 10000's of times better than people like socalled reveran Jacson. JC is honorable. I am White man and I can relate to JC but not extremeist like Jacson, Gore, Clinton. Viva Watts!

Here is a man who everyone should look up to .Especially he is a man of reason black people should heed and not people like Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton.Look for him to be a force in the republican in tyhe future.

HAS HIS HEAD TOGETHER

A role model for every young person in in this country whether black or white. J.C.is a man of integrity and principal and believes that this country should be what the founding fathers' intended it to be. A plus for the Republican Party. A refreshing change!

He should be the first African American President. If George W. Bush would have been real cagey, he would have picked Mr. Watts to be his running mate. If J.C. Watts runs for President, he has my vote!!!

How interesting that the corporations who provided us with news and commentary on the 2000 elections (making sure, of course, that we remain an INFORMED people), could only find Jesse Jackson to tell us what our fellow Americans of African Ancestry thought. Kinda makes you wonder about their impartiality.<g>

A class act. Common sense, strong features, honor, moxy- this kid has it all.

The state of Oklahoma is proud of this son.. Very intelligent, and stands for what he believes regardless of opposition. It would be hard to black and conservative.. good link: http://www.higherd.org/Pearson/black_republican.htm

Need more like him ,,, hes going to run in 2008

What a refreshing change. This is no Uncle Tom..... I've recently joined his American Renewal PAC. J.C. stands for everything I do. I'm White, a Veteran, Married with two teenage kids, and I'm proud that J.C. is an American.

Maybe one of the most important people in the "new" Republican Party? Popular, articulate, Black, and Republican through and through, my guess is that the Republicans are counting on Watts to eat into the Democratic Party's domination of the Black vote. If Watts can't get it done, there is always Charles Barkley...