Gov. David Paterson: Minority Success Stories Make People 'Nervous'

New York Gov. David Paterson raised questions Monday over whether racial stereotyping is the reason for more critical media coverage of his term in office. In an interview with journalist Gerson Borrero, Peterson complained of his characterization as "the accidental governor" -- he took office following Eliot Spitzer's resignation -- and said that the success of minority politicians has left some people uneasy.

"Part of what I feel is that one very successful minority is permissible, but when you see too many success stories, then some people get nervous," he said.

Paterson was interviewed by Borrero after an appearance last week on New York radio station WWRL, where he questioned whether some of the media criticism he's received was due to racial bias -- and suggested that President Obama would soon experience the same.

On Monday, though, an Obama spokesman distanced the president from the governor's remarks. Bill Burton told the New York Times that Obama understands that there will always be those in the media who disagree with him. "Whether or not race plays into that, I don't think is the case. The president doesn't think it's the case," Burton said.