Agreed. I'd start with school choice. Running against dysfunctional inner city schools is a winner in African American neighborhoods where the parents line up around the block for any type of opportunity scholarship. These parents know exactly whose kids are being sacrificed in crummy schools and they're mad about it.
I think Social Security reform is another winner if presented correctly. I can't fathom why George Bush, when he was trying to sell personal accounts, didn't do a man-in-the-crowd schtick at every stop:
The Prez: "I like you all to meet Joe, from West 22nd street. I had a chance to chat with him earlier. Joe's retired after 45 years over at ACME, where he built roadrunner traps. Social Security sends him $892 a month. The very same dollars, had they been invested in a broad based index fund from the time Joe started working, would be paying him $6,000 a month now. Joe, how do you feel about Social Security as it is vs. Social Security-plus, with a private investment account?"
Joe: "!*@#\\|$^%*@. "!*@#\\|$^%*@ Social Security. "!*@#\\|$^%*@ Franklin Roosevelt. "!*@#\\|$^%*@ the Democrats. Do I look like Wiley Coyote? You'd have to be Wiley Coyote stupid not to want personal accounts. I think the democrats owe me about $5,000 a month because that's what they've cheated me out of. "!*@#\\|$^%*@. "!*@#\\|$^%*@. "!*@#\\|$^%*@.
Or words to that effect. President Bush didn't play his hand that way. John McCain should. I'd take that message into every working class neighborhood in the country, black, white, or hispanic ... lay out the numbers ... and let the democrats explain why people should be happier with much smaller pensions so as to remain dependent on the government.
Sphinx,
George Bush doing Jay Leno, I love it!!!
What’s funny is that there are so many issues that the black community favors that are conservative. The two you mention are great. How about abortion? Studies have shown that a higher percentage of blacks are against abortion than whites. Also, there are a larger (by percentage) of abortions in the black community than the white. I think this should be pointed out. It is affecting thier community to a greater degree.
Some people may not think 2A rights would be a winner, but I do. I think we should point out to them how the first gun control laws were rascist preventing slaves and free black men from owning or carrying firearms. When you look at the more restrictive gun controls in large urban areas, you could make the case that is happening today. I think Condi Rice telling the story of her father and other members of their community patrolling the streets with shotguns to protect them from the KKK because the Jim Crow rascist democratic leaders at the time would not protect them would ring well...