Black Votes -- No GOP Fantasy

The Washington Post ^ | 01/04/04 | Jonetta Rose Barras

[nypokerface]

Believing it has cornered the market on black voters, the Democratic Party may want to dismiss the GOP's announced goal of winning 25 percent of the African American vote in 2004. Democratic leaders may be correct in saying the feat can't be achieved in time for next year's presidential election. But the current political dynamics in black America do not bode well for the future; the Democratic Party could lose its good thing.

Consider these facts: There has been a measurable rightward shift in the black electorate. In 2002 the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a liberal think tank, asked black respondents in its national survey to identify themselves as either Democrats, independents or Republicans. Although 63 percent claimed to be Democrats, the number was down from 74 percent in 2000. The decrease occurred in nearly every age group, including among respondents 65 and older (where the drop was from 82 percent to 75 percent). There was a significant increase in those calling themselves independents, especially between the ages of 26 and 35. Respondents identifying themselves as Republicans also increased: Between ages 26 and 35, the number tripled, going from 5 percent in 2000 to 15 percent in 2002.

[Tennessean4Bush]

Respondents identifying themselves as Republicans also increased: Between ages 26 and 35, the number tripled, going from 5 percent in 2000 to 15 percent in 2002.

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[bert]

That's an 11% change. By my rekoning, 5% is alll that's required and the extra 6% margin is a safety factor.

The blue zone might diminish.

[hoosiermama]

Here's one for you!

[LisaFab]

Great news. Thanks for the post.

[Owen]

Precisely why, one asks, would the GOP choose to forget a source of strength in this particular pursuit? Meaning, specifically, why are not Black veterans contacted frequently? Monthly at least? Why not invite them to policy discussions in the local community. We can find areas where they, who are most probably the most conservative of that community, and the predominantly white GOP agree.

Black veterans are many. Blacks serve in the military in large numbers. There they would be exposed to conservatism and surely many persuaded to see the light, as it were. Why are Black Veterans not a GOP focus group?

[TheGeezer]

They say that although blacks repeatedly are depended on to keep the party in elected office, African Americans often are overlooked for key leadership posts.

Or, they are appointed to a leadership post, and then die mysteriously in a plane crah overseas, a la Ron Brown...

Democrats may avoid an erosion of their African American base... by abandoning the outdated left-wing politics they seem intent on playing.

A fascinating remark from a neo-liberofascist rag.

Reagards.

[NordP]

Red + Black = Freedom, Equality, Self Respect, Challenges, Goals, SUCCESS !

Black + Blue = hurt & pain

[Tailback]

Unfortunately this article doesn't bring up the fact that 100% of DEAD black voters vote Democrat.

[MattAMiller]

Our point ought to be that black interests are the same as white interests, that everybody benefits from a free market.

[CatoRenasci]

You make an excellent point, which you should pass on to the RNC. If you're a black veteran, you might even consider volunteering to help organize such an effort.

[Faraday]

If Republicans can garner 15% of the black vote, you can fogedaboutit. The article mentions the substantial fractions of the black vote received by Schwarztenneger and Bloomberg, but also says there is a strong animus against President Bush among blacks. This seems odd. Jewish billionaires and Austrian millionaire actors are OK, but GWB is no good? Does not compute.

[stevem]

There is only one poll that ever counts. We have been listening for three or four election cycles that blacks really are conservatives in their lives and therefor on the cusp of voting for the good guys. I will buy that only when it is proven in a real election.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

Looks like you had problems with your teachers.

You must hate chalk.

[mhking]

Black veterans are many. Blacks serve in the military in large numbers. There they would be exposed to conservatism and surely many persuaded to see the light, as it were. Why are Black Veterans not a GOP focus group?

This is an important point that people don't think about!

[mhking]

Black conservative ping

If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)

Extra warning: this is a high-volume ping list.

[stevem]

School choice, school choice, school choice...

I'm not sure I buy this. I don't think blacks even want a decent education for their kids. School choice has been an issue for years. Democrats have proven for years that they support wrthless education for blacks and everyone else. It hasn't budged the black vote at all.

I'll believe it when I see it in the only polls that really count.

[templar]

Slightly off topic but not entirely. I'm curious, what percentage of the black population is qualified to vote, and what percentage of those qualified actually vote? And how does that compare to other ethnic groups?

[jocon307]

"Our point ought to be that black interests are the same as white interests..."

And the same as those of other groups too. But, it is important, VERY important to actually campaign, to actually ASK people to vote for you.

That said I agree with the School Choice poster, (could we get Bart Simpson writing that on the blackboard at the beginning of one of the shows?) and the Republicans should declare war on the commie Teachers Unions. I know Bush won't do this. I'm just hoping we have enough success in the WOT during W's second term (please God!) so that the republican elected in '08 (please, please God!) will be able to do some serious domestic reforms.