Bush gaining blacks' confidence

Washington Times ^ | Thursday, July 4, Independence Day, 2002 | By Stephen Dinan

[JohnHuang2]

President Bush and Republicans in general enjoy newfound popularity among black voters, according to a new poll sponsored by Black America's Political Action Committee.

The poll found that 41 percent of the 1,000 black voters surveyed approve of the job Mr. Bush is doing, while 44 percent disapprove. The BAMPAC's last poll, in March 2001, revealed a 19 percent approval rate and 45 percent disapproval rate.

[JohnHuang2]

Thursday, July 4, Independence Day, 2002

Quote of the Day by brityank

[cmsgop]

This is a good start. The GOP really needs to get it's message out to Black Americans , the tide can be turned....

BTW John you have a Happy and Safe 4th !!!!

[JohnHuang2]

Thanks =^) You have a Happy 4th, too, friend.

[pattycake]

This ought to send chills down the dems back. Oh how unhappy Gore is going to be. HEHEHHEEHHE

[JohnHuang2]

Happy 4th! =^)

[WKB]

the tide can be turned....

Maybe living in the South makes me think different than other parts of the country but I will believe it when I see it!

Happy 4th of July!

[cmsgop]

Happy 4th to you and yours!!!!!

[over3Owithabrain]

Anyone want to bet me that the Dems still get around 90 percent or more of the black vote, as usual?

They may like Bush ok, but when it's time to pull the lever for Masa, they'll be there.

[JohnHuang2]

Maybe yes, maybe no. As governor of Texas, Bush did manage to get a substantial Latino and black vote.

[zarf]

Coming from the Washington Times....I don't buy this article.

[Prodigal Son]

Meanwhile, 49 percent said the Democratic Party has served the black community well — down from 61 percent in March 2001 — while 40 percent said the party takes black voters for granted.

That ought to be the GOPs focus. Sure they have to hit the issues that show that the GOP cares about blacks as well- but the overall important thing is simply how the GOP is perceived by blacks. They might like certain aspects of the GOP's platform, but until the GOP changes the attitude among blacks that the dems care more about them- they will never have success among this demographic group.

This feeling that the dems have taken them for granted is a good place to start. The GOP needs to remind blacks before it happens that Gore and the rest of the Hee Haw gang are going to be coming into their communities soon, asking to get elected. That they'll be bringing Jesse Jackson and trying to say the same phrases and slogans they always do. That they'll be going to their churches and praying with them but it's all just the same old dog and pony show the dems think will get the black vote. The GOP needs to get blacks with some nice slogans along the lines of "Ask the dems what they have done for you lately". They need to get the Charles Barkley's out there to get active as well and get in communities and do some of this trench warfare for them.

The GOP probably won't make any major headway in the black vote, but they might steal away some, enough to keep the dems from being a serious threat. But what the GOP needs to focus on for long term effects is just the simple perception that blacks have of the Republicans. I still think Condoleeza Rice needs to be on the ticket in 2004.

[JohnHuang2]

I still think Condoleeza Rice needs to be on the ticket in 2004.

Amen! =^)

[StopDemocratsDotCom]

these numbers look good but they are still horrible. More blacks disapprove of Bush than approve of him, that is not even the case with Democrats. Im sorry to say that the GOP should just forget about mainstream black America and reach out to those conservative blacks that are GOPers based on their principles. This is the reverse with Cuban Americans (like me) and the Democratic party. In Miami we voted 82-18%in the last election. Democrats should forget about us. The hispanic bloc is where the GOP has to put their money in. There will be yet another member of congress ,Mario Diaz-Balart,(a cuban american republican from florida), who is running- if hes elected-which is likely, it makes him the 4th hispanic representative.). Poll after poll show Hispanics like Bush.

[marron]

The proper term describing Black loyalty to the Democratic Party is "Stockholm Syndrome". The statistics offered in the article suggest that working class, middle class, and entrepreneurial class Black citizens have much more in common with Republicans than generally recognized.... we just have to make the case, and, over time, the tide will change.

Its a tough sell, but it can be done. I remember, during the presidential campaign, watching Bush in front of a Hispanic audience, in which he delivered many of his remarks in Spanish, in an effort to make the connection. One of the listeners asked him, "what are you going to do for hispanics, if elected?" His reply was, essentially, "nothing", and he then went on to explain why Repub values were good for all citizens, including hispanics. It was a moment that showed his character, because most any other candidate would have pandered, but he didn't. He simply made the case. And our support among hispanics is getting stronger. Again, middle class, working class, and entrepreneurial class hispanics have much in common with Repubs, but we have to reach out and make the case.

[JohnHuang2]

Poll after poll show Hispanics like Bush.

Very true, but I disagree that Bush should give up on the black vote.

Blacks don't belong in the Democrat party: On a whole range of social issues, blacks are far more conservative than even the most conservative Republicans.

The GOP is their natural home. We need to welcome them home, the party of Abraham Lincoln.

[marron]

Speaking of Repub prospects with Hispanics, during the big blowup in California a few years ago, with Governor Wilson's laws against public services for illegal immigrants, someone did a poll among Hispanic voters. Hispanics favored Wilson's bill 60-40. Exactly the same ratio as among anglo voters.

Of course, that poll was buried very quickly by the major media, who helped to whip up a media-driven firestorm against Repubs.

I personally was against the bills on Constitutional grounds, but I was impressed that the big, dirty secret was that Hispanics favored immigration restrictions. And backed Wilson. Bet you didn't know that. I know you didn't know that if you got your news from ABC-CBS-NBC-CNN.

Hispanics are Catholic, family oriented, hard workers, and come from countries with dysfunctional governments. They should be ripe for the Repub message. But we have to reach out, respectfully, and make the case.

[JohnHuang2]

Excellent analysis.

but I was impressed that the big, dirty secret was that Hispanics favored immigration restrictions.

Indeed, I'm living proof. I am hispanic, and favor the strictist immigration controls.