Odd article. It theorizes that black turnout may be depressed because of Bowles distancing himself from Clinton, and due to the fact that Jesse Helms (a lightening rod for black turnout) won't be on the ballot. But the article misses the
biggest reason why black turnout may be off: Dan Blue. Blue, who is black (haha), finished second in the Dem primary, and took his time (as I recall, a month or so), before endorsing Bowles, and then with a notable lack of enthusiasm.
Anyway, Bowles doesn't come across as one who would attract a devoted black following: an "Eastern establishment" sort; an investment banker; member of several prestiguous country clubs until he decided to run (whereupon he withdrew from most of them); and married into big money. Bowles has tried to cultivate the "good ole boys" by working stock car racing and bowling into his ads and PR stunts (efforts which have been widely hooted at); I can hardly wait till he heads down to the hood and tries to pass himself off as a "bro."
IMHO Liddy Dole fits the description of the Plantation mistress complete with her southern charm and gentleness. Whereas, Bowels looks like the smart assed son who just came in from from the fields after whippin on some slow moving slaves. This scene is straight out of central casting.