Black Leaders Split Support Among Many Candidates [“It's disastrous for the black community,"]

The Boston Globe ^ | 1/11/2004 | Tatsha Robertson

[johnny7]

NEW YORK -- Former Vermont governor Howard Dean came to Harlem's Mount Olivet Baptist Church seeking to win the faith of African-American politicians. Three weeks later, retired Army General Wesley K. Clark made his own pilgrimage to Harlem, scooping up endorsements. Then, last month, the Rev. Al Sharpton -- clearly unhappy that his competitors were snooping around his turf -- stood on the steps of City Hall surrounded by as many black officials as he could round up.

[johnny7]

I have another opinion. The Democrat party has given all of their voters (black, white, brown or whatever) a sad bunch of losers to choose from. As for blacks, the writer mentions 'real' black political politicians such as Rangel, Clyburn, Ford and Jackson Jr... but they are not running. Why? What about Maxine Waters and Sheila Jackson-Lee? All of these people are more credible candidates than Sharpton or Mosely Braun. It's because they know 'their place' in the Democrat hierarchy. Blacks are meant to follow... not to lead! All they ask black voters is to just make sure that Bush has no 2nd term.

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[randita]

There's one candidate they'd would all unite behind, and she's not running--at least not yet.

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

"It's more than incredible; it's disastrous for the black community," said Ron Walters, a professor at the University of Maryland and former adviser to the Rev. Jesse Jackson. "What they are doing is giving away their collective power because if they had made a collective endorsement, it would have said something different to black voters."

It's diasatrous for the self-appointed black leaders. First the elected blacks recognize that they have their own constituencies. Next individuals start thinking for themselves. They realize that they are no longer required to stay on the RAT plantation. Reverend Al is not going to inherit the dreamer's mantel. The Rats can no longe assume that a voting block block exists.

A National Party No More!

[GailA]

ford JUNIOR is only 33, and before any one says he's a moderate, let me disabuse you of that, his life time voting according to Eagle Forum and ACU is between 16-19 on issues important to Conservatives. He supports abortion, gun grabbing, HIGHER taxes etc. His record marches in step with nancy pelosi's. Not to mention that all the many pols in his family are ALL crocked or a embarassment to human kind or both. Look up his uncle Tenn state Sen john ford. They feel they are ABOVE the law.

[leadpenny]

More sickening drivel from an Affirmative Action hire. The majority of blacks and their self-appointed leaders continue to believe all black people should turn in the same direction like a frightened school of fish.

[aBootes]

All of these people are more credible candidates than Sharpton or Mosely Braun.

Credible black candidates also know that they're not going to win and that this election is going to be an uphill battle against President Bush from which the loser might never recover. Better a bird in the hand...

[Steve Eisenberg]

There's one candidate they'd would all unite behind, and she's not running--at least not yet.

You mean Sen. Clinton? If so, I agree.

[johnny7]

Oh yeah... she's just what the brothers are waiting for. Get back on your meds before you hurt yourself.

[Libloather]

Others say it reflects a larger phenomenon -- the willingness of many Democratic constituencies to look beyond special-interest politics and devote themselves to defeating Bush.

What happens when Dubya gets reelected - four more years of whining?

[sinclair]

DO NOT stray from the collective. Your individual thoughts, ideals, hopes and dreams are not allowed here on the "plantation". Your individuality is not welcome. You belong to the Democratic party!!! Now shut-up and vote the way we tell you to.

[sinclair]

Oooops, forgot a part.

“What they are doing is giving away their collective power because if they had made a collective endorsement, it would have said something different to black voters."

DO NOT stray from the collective. Your individual thoughts, ideals, hopes and dreams are not allowed here on the "plantation". Your individuality is not welcome. You belong to the Democratic party!!! Now shut-up and vote the way we tell you to.

[Steve Eisenberg]

Oh yeah... she's just what the brothers are waiting for. Get back on your meds before you hurt yourself.

Well, the other person I thought randita might have been thinking of is Condoleezza Rice, except that it is quite hard to imagine black Dem leaders backing her.

[.cnI redruM]

It's pretty sad that these voters can't be allowed to make up their own minds and pick whoever they think is the smartest candidate out of this fairly sordid litter. I guess Democrats are insulted by having to work to court black voters. It's like having to impress the servants on one of their fiefdoms.

[Tax-chick]

"Every black person in America might not vote for the same presidential candidate? Why, that's almost like not being allowed to vote at all ... that's like ... individual human beings making their own decisions!"

It would be funny if they weren't all totally serious.

[Conservative til I die]

Walters, who was deputy campaign manager for Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign, thinks now is the time for black leaders to collectively articulate what they want for their constituents and for African-Americans as a whole.

Says it all.