"Say it loud, I'm Black and I'm proud". That line resonated with many within theAfrican American Community. It was a statement of racial and cultural pride, at a time when many in the African American community felt they were under assault. Today many Black Americans are expressing that same sentiment but in the voting booth rather than on popular hit records. Barack Obama has energized a voting bloc of African Americans that has long been apathetic to the United States electoral process, and many people Black and White alike are unhappy with the reason so many Blacks support Obama. One of the main critiques some in the media have thrown out is that Blacks are supporting Obama simply because he is Black. To that we seriously have to ask how out of the norm of American politics is this?
Various groups rally around candidates from their ethnic circle regurlarly. George Stephanopoulos writes in his book "All Too Human" about his glee at seeing Michael Dukakis ascend to the governor's mansion in Massachusetts. He also talks about the pride he was filled with seeing Dukakis make a bid for the presidency in 1988 and how Greek Americans everywhere were supportive of Dukakis and his efforts. And to be honest there is nothing wrong with that. It makes complete sense to be supportive of one from their own ethnic community.
A comparison that is even closer to Obama is that of John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was an Irish Catholic that galvanized a nation with his youth, energy and his ethnic heritage. Kennedy had a politically active family but it was his charisma that gave him that unique quality that so many Americans fell in love with. Kennedy also drew criticism because of his religious affliation. That same affiliation energized his Catholic supporters to rally around him in part because he was like them... he was Catholic.
When many Americans, particularly Black Americans take to the polls this November, they will more than likely be voting for Obama. He's reported to have the support of about 92% of Blacks. Yes, many will say he is the most qualified candidate but a large part of the reason they will vote for him is because they feel he is the most qualified candidate, who also happens to look like them or share the same cultural heritage as they. And to be honest, there is nothing wrong with that.
For many of the critics who feel Blacks should not be supporting Obama on the basis of race, they need to first be honest with themselves about the way many White ethnic groups have gotten behind a candidate that came from their ethnic clan. Second, people must also realize that because of the circumstances that African Americans came to this country they can not rally around people who come from the same country as they do, so in turn Black Americans support people who are also of African descent. Ultimately people should not have a problem with that, unless hyprocrisy is on the loose.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
What's Going on Lower Down the Ballot
Many Americans are gearing up for an historic presidential election in the fall but little is being said about equal and in some ways just as important elections that will be taking place that same day. On November 4, 2008 many people will cast their ballot for President of the United States. People are excited about both presumptive nominees from the two major parties. One option is, to many, "a maverick", a war hero, a veteran who is strong on ethics; the other candidate, to many, is a beacon of hope and an example of all that can be good about the United States. With all of this, there still may be more important votes cast on that day.
On that day many will choose the next president, but soon after that choice people in 35 other states will also vote for a senator. This is huge because regardless who the next president is, he will only be as effective as the Congress he is working with will allow him to be. Some of the seats are thought to be pretty secure with either a well-known incumbent or a state that generally leans to one party, but many seats are in play this November.
One of the more interesting Senate races will be in Virginia. Virginia is already on the tongue of many political anaylst as they look forward to the presidential election. Virginia is a state that has gone decidely Republican in the last two presidential elections but the overwhelming popularity of Sen. Obama and the resounding primary win he had there leads many to think he may steal that state. Furthermore there were three Virginia politicians who were rumored to be on Obama's shortlist as VP choices. Sen. Jim Webb, Gov. Tim Kaine, and Fmr. Gov. Mark Warner. Warner has since withdrawn his name from consideration choosing instead to concentrate on his run for the senate seat. Opposing Warner will be former Gov. Jim Gilmore. Gilmore has a considerable amount of work cut out for him as Warner has the advantage of his success in the governor's mansion being fresh in the mind of many Virgnians.
Another key state to keep in mind is Mississippi. Pundits are saying this is another state that normally leans Republican in presidential elections but could be very much in play for Democrats this year. Outside of the presidential election, Democrats in Mississippi are excited about fmr. Gov. Ronnie Musgrove . Musgrove will be facing incumbent Roger Wicker who is finishing Trent Lott's Senate term. Democrats have already won a special election to fill Wicker's former congressional seat. Democrats in Mississppi have much to be excited about, whereas Republicans are counting on stalwart and Senior Senator Thad Cochran to retain his seat as both Mississippi Senate seats are up for election.
There are many other states that are in play and many other surprises to be had this election season. As Sens. Obama and McCain rally new groups of voters to inform themselves on the issues and stances of candidates be sure to notice what happens lower down the ballot because that could be the real tell-tale sign of what a true leader can do, or what kind of change to look forward to.
On that day many will choose the next president, but soon after that choice people in 35 other states will also vote for a senator. This is huge because regardless who the next president is, he will only be as effective as the Congress he is working with will allow him to be. Some of the seats are thought to be pretty secure with either a well-known incumbent or a state that generally leans to one party, but many seats are in play this November.
One of the more interesting Senate races will be in Virginia. Virginia is already on the tongue of many political anaylst as they look forward to the presidential election. Virginia is a state that has gone decidely Republican in the last two presidential elections but the overwhelming popularity of Sen. Obama and the resounding primary win he had there leads many to think he may steal that state. Furthermore there were three Virginia politicians who were rumored to be on Obama's shortlist as VP choices. Sen. Jim Webb, Gov. Tim Kaine, and Fmr. Gov. Mark Warner. Warner has since withdrawn his name from consideration choosing instead to concentrate on his run for the senate seat. Opposing Warner will be former Gov. Jim Gilmore. Gilmore has a considerable amount of work cut out for him as Warner has the advantage of his success in the governor's mansion being fresh in the mind of many Virgnians.
Another key state to keep in mind is Mississippi. Pundits are saying this is another state that normally leans Republican in presidential elections but could be very much in play for Democrats this year. Outside of the presidential election, Democrats in Mississippi are excited about fmr. Gov. Ronnie Musgrove . Musgrove will be facing incumbent Roger Wicker who is finishing Trent Lott's Senate term. Democrats have already won a special election to fill Wicker's former congressional seat. Democrats in Mississppi have much to be excited about, whereas Republicans are counting on stalwart and Senior Senator Thad Cochran to retain his seat as both Mississippi Senate seats are up for election.
There are many other states that are in play and many other surprises to be had this election season. As Sens. Obama and McCain rally new groups of voters to inform themselves on the issues and stances of candidates be sure to notice what happens lower down the ballot because that could be the real tell-tale sign of what a true leader can do, or what kind of change to look forward to.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Republican Answer to Barack Obama
Bobby Jindal has been gaining much national attention as the Republican Veep sweepstakes heats up. For those unfamiliar with Jindal, he is the 37 year old Governor of Louisiana. He is making waves across the nation for embracing a "new politics" made popular by politicians such as John F. Kennedy and current Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
Many took notice of Jindal during his first bid for Louisana Governor in 2003. He lost to Kathleen Blanco but established himslef in the Louisiana political scene. From there he went on to serve as a U.S. Representative from the 1st District. Prior to that Jindal had served in a number of appointed positions including Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, and arguably most impressive President of the University of Louisiana System.
This makes excellent material for a resume but as recent elections have shown, many Americans are impressed with qualifications just as much as charisma. Jindal has much of the latter as well. In keeping with the idea of "new politics" Gov. Jindal offered praise to Sen. Obama on last Sunday's Face the Nation calling him "earnest, genuine...a incredibly gifted speaker". These words sound consistent with the post-partisan theme Sen. Obama and his camp have been espousing since his candidacy for United States Senate in 2004. Though he gave credit to Sen. Obama, Gov. Jindal did throw his full support behind his party saying that he supports Sen. McCain because "he [Sen. McCain] is more likely to cut our taxes, defend our interest overseas effectively, more likely to keep the government out of healthcare..."
And thats what makes Gov. Jindal so appealing. Much like Sen. Obama he eloquently articulates his respect and appreciation for the suggestions that the other side has to offer, but at the end of the day he is consistent with his party's core positions. His willingness to praise the efforts of those on the other side of the aisle help him look more bi-partisan and moderate, yet a thorough examination of his politics makes conservatives very comfortable putting their confidence in Gov. Jindal.
But let us not forget the ever-present elephant in the room (no pun intended). Gov. Jindal is Indian and helps promote the diversity of all-inclusiveness of the United States. As much as many people would like us to move away from identity politics (including Gov. Jindal) he fits perfectly as the Republican answer to Barack Obama. The Republicans take your charismatic and eloquent African American Candidate and raise you an accomplished, Rhodes Scholar Indian American political rising star. Some are mentioning Gov. Jindal as a vice presidential choice, regardless if he is on the ticket or not, you can expect Gov. Jindal to be in Minnesota this September giving a keynote address and Republicans everywhere will join in their own chorus of "yes we can".
Many took notice of Jindal during his first bid for Louisana Governor in 2003. He lost to Kathleen Blanco but established himslef in the Louisiana political scene. From there he went on to serve as a U.S. Representative from the 1st District. Prior to that Jindal had served in a number of appointed positions including Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, and arguably most impressive President of the University of Louisiana System.
This makes excellent material for a resume but as recent elections have shown, many Americans are impressed with qualifications just as much as charisma. Jindal has much of the latter as well. In keeping with the idea of "new politics" Gov. Jindal offered praise to Sen. Obama on last Sunday's Face the Nation calling him "earnest, genuine...a incredibly gifted speaker". These words sound consistent with the post-partisan theme Sen. Obama and his camp have been espousing since his candidacy for United States Senate in 2004. Though he gave credit to Sen. Obama, Gov. Jindal did throw his full support behind his party saying that he supports Sen. McCain because "he [Sen. McCain] is more likely to cut our taxes, defend our interest overseas effectively, more likely to keep the government out of healthcare..."
And thats what makes Gov. Jindal so appealing. Much like Sen. Obama he eloquently articulates his respect and appreciation for the suggestions that the other side has to offer, but at the end of the day he is consistent with his party's core positions. His willingness to praise the efforts of those on the other side of the aisle help him look more bi-partisan and moderate, yet a thorough examination of his politics makes conservatives very comfortable putting their confidence in Gov. Jindal.
But let us not forget the ever-present elephant in the room (no pun intended). Gov. Jindal is Indian and helps promote the diversity of all-inclusiveness of the United States. As much as many people would like us to move away from identity politics (including Gov. Jindal) he fits perfectly as the Republican answer to Barack Obama. The Republicans take your charismatic and eloquent African American Candidate and raise you an accomplished, Rhodes Scholar Indian American political rising star. Some are mentioning Gov. Jindal as a vice presidential choice, regardless if he is on the ticket or not, you can expect Gov. Jindal to be in Minnesota this September giving a keynote address and Republicans everywhere will join in their own chorus of "yes we can".
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