Monday, October 25, 2004

Race and American Politics

PolySigh's very own Phil Klinkner was quoted in yesterday's Chicago Tribune Magazine devoted to analyzing the role of race in American politics. Several articles in the magazine explore the significance of Barack Obama's senate race for African-American politicians to be elected to statewide office. Most of the assessments conclude that he's an exception; for the most part, Blacks still have a difficult time winning statewide political races because white voters simply will not vote for them, regardless of what they say on a survey. Says Klinkner, "Having a black candidate loses you about five points, assuming all other things are equal. That doesn't mean you automatically lose. But if you spot the other team five points, it's much more difficult." I suspect Obama is an exception and that many factors explain what will be a sure victory next Tuesday. I'd be curious to hear what others think: is Obama's entrance into the U.S. Senate an indication of a significant change in American politics? Should we expect to see several more Black candidates winning statewide (or, dare I say it, national) office in the near future? Or will he be yet another exception to the rule?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think there's a key difference with Obama. Voters seem to be seeing him as a politician who happens to be black, not a black politician. And that may be the critical distinction.

Devin said...
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Devin said...

Why would gerrymandered districts affect statewide voting?

Not voting for blacks because they are "more liberal" is still stereotyping in (for these individuals) a negative manner. Whether some whites are unwilling to vote for blacks because they don't look like them, believe them to be inferior, are jealous of the size of their genetelia or ability to jump and dance, or because they perceive them to be ignorant, lazy, or liberal is irrelevent - it's still racism.

Anonymous said...

Certain politicians are white regardless of skin color. I don't mean to imply they are "oreos", just that their stature eliminates the 5 point spot. Examples would have to also include Colin Powell and Condi Rice. Conversely, Chappell and Snoop Doggy would start down by way more than 5 points because their blackness seems threatening. We still have a long way to go!

Anonymous said...

You all are stupid, especially Dorian

Philip Klinkner said...

I'm at least as stupid as Dorian.