So here are Scalia's comments in full:
SCALIA: There are — there are those who contend that it does not benefit African-Americans to — to get them into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having slower-track school where they do well. One of — one of the briefs pointed out that — that most of the — most of the black scientists in this country don’t come from schools like the University of Texas.
GARRE: So this Court —
SCALIA: They come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they’re – that they’re being pushed ahead in — in classes that are too — too fast for them.
GARRE: This Court —
SCALIA: I’m just not impressed by the fact that — that the University of Texas may have fewer. Maybe it ought to have fewer. And maybe some — you know, when you take more, the number of blacks, really competent blacks admitted to lesser schools, turns out to be less. And — and I — I don’t think it — it — it stands to reason that it’s a good thing for the University of Texas to admit as many blacks as possible. I just don’t think —
Well, I personally, if I were Trump, leading all Republicans with the black vote (which is part of his appeal-- that he can win the general with a broad base of support), would avoid as much as possible something as insignificant as a Scalia controversy over affirmative action--which, without question, he is correct on. Blacks do do better at slower paced schools than whites. But saying that out loud, or even sounding like you said it out loud, is obviously problematic, even if all the studies support it. I've long noted that Trump has generally been silent on affirmative action in general, and I suspect the reason behind that is entirely strategic.
At some point, conservatives should learn to pick their battles. The black vote may break heavily for Republicans this year because of Donald Trump. I've seen a lot of anecdotal evidence of this, with even a personal black friend of mine stating that she supports Trump 100%, but tells no one about it. She voted for Obama last go around, is generally liberal on things like taxes, but then I've heard her complain about blacks on the welfare line with nice cars. Blacks like her have no set ideology, but supports Trump on illegals, Muslims, etc.
It would be pretty stupid at this point to open up another front on the grounds of affirmative action and whether or not african americans have an aptitude for top class schools. Trump would instantly alienate them and the only thing he would get in return is more support from the people who already support him. If Trump did open up a new front in the battle, I'd support him, but I'd also expect his numbers among blacks to plummet.
C. Edmund Wright and company would be happy that Trump immediately join himself into this fight. After all, they themselves are supporting a candidate who has zero chance of winning the black vote. Misery loves company.
Your ‘in-depth’ is impressive. Thank you.
‘I’ve long noted that Trump has generally been silent on affirmative action in general, and I suspect the reason behind that is entirely strategic. At some point, conservatives should learn to pick their battles.’
Right. Affirmative action is a calcified trench-warfare issue that divides people. Banning muslim immigrants is a unifying exciting issue that leaves other candidates [except perhaps Cruz] flat-footed. ‘Hit’em where they ‘aint’.
So now Rush and Mark Levin are frustrated with Trump over this Scalia mess, all because Trump stepped into a hostile interview and got blindsided. [evidentally — I don’t know all the specifics about the interview].
Hope he learns from this, and hope he can mend bridges.