WARNING POLITICS - Democratic Party and Race

[mikesilvia]

I'm curious to see what Democrats have to say about this.

Democrats have been championing that this is the first time a woman and an African American have a chance to be president and 2008 shows how diverse and great the Democratic party is. But...

I have noticed in North Carolina 90% of African Americans voted for Barack Obama. Now in West Virginia Hillary has crushed Obama 67% to 26% with some 70% of whites voting for Hillary and a ton of them stating that they could not vote for an African American. These results were similar in Indiana and many other states. These are Democrats voting for Democrats.

So, can someone explain to me how this is not racism in a party that claims to be so progressive? 9-1 African Americans vote for Omaba and 3-1 whites vote for Hillary. How is it not on racial lines? How are black Democrats not being racists? How are white Democrats not being racist? Both are voting for their candidate based on race!

As an independent that leans Republican, I have had to hear that Republicans are not accepting of minorities when the truth appears that it is the Democratic party that is not accepting of other races. Anyone care to explain West Virginia, North Carolina or other states that Democrats are voting in?

[Yanksfan396]

rac·ism /ˈreɪsɪzəm/

–noun
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.

3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.



Hence, I wouldn't call that racism. African-Americans probably don't conciously tell themselves, "I hate whites, so I'm not voting for Clinton." West Virginia, granted, is an older population, and elderly (regardless of race, mind you) simply tend to vote for Clinton. The candidates know they have the power to appeal to their respective races, yet that isn't considered racism. If anything, there is subconscious racism going on. Not enough of the population looks at policies. For this reason (and yes, I am a Clinton supporter, but a black rights supporter as well) superdelegates should be a strong determining factor of the party's winner :D.

If Obama wins and the white democratic vote goes to McCain, then you may have more support. As it stands, though, racism is too harsh of a term. I'd call them ignorant, naive, or maybe even moronic.

I agree that it is stupid for those to say that the Republican party will not allow other races run. Republicans just tend to be white, wealthy males.

Conclusion: It is a hefty statement, saying that a party is racist. It is only natural for voters to sway towards their own race. Historically and evolutionarily, groups assemble by choice. The same thing would happen in the Republican party. It sucks, I know, but I'd say that it's human tendency.

[mikesilvia]

Thanks for the excellent response!

22% of West Virginia voters stated that race was a determining factor when voting for Hillary. I would say in North Carolina that much of the 90% of black voters that voted for Obama made their decision based on race. I agree that that is likely not racism, but more like a bias and pride.

My overall point is still valid though. The Democrat party has a lot to answer to when it comes to taking the high ground over Republicans when it comes to being a progressive, color-blind party. African Americans are voting for African Americans and Whites are primarily voting for whites. That doesn't sound like a party where the members are voting for the best candidate based on competence and leadership.

[Yanksfan396]

That doesn't sound like a party where the members are voting for the best candidate based on competence and leadership.

They aren't, which is the problem. As a member of the Democratic party, I don't want these ignorant voters representing me. As a whole, yes, the Democratic party stresses equality. Ergo, it is sad that there is biased voting going on within it. However, I'm sure there are SOME African-Americans who agree with Obama's policies and such. But, as your statistics have shown, race is a factor. I wish it didn't have to be. Especially since, assuming Obama gets the nomination, many democratic voters will either simply not vote, or go the McCain route. This is why many democrats are pushing for Clinton to withdraw and help the party unite. Representatives are quite aware of the race issue, most definitely. I'm just glad I've done my part by voting (my first primary!) for who I believe to be the best candidate--race not considered.

[Shayne1911]

I'm not really sure what to say. But I know I didn't base my vote on race. People shouldn't do that. They should base it on who would do a better job as president.

[angel0430]

I guess they are just supporting their own races. I am latin so if I have a candidate that is latin I am going to be voting for him. That is my best guess

[Yanksfan396]

I am latin so if I have a candidate that is latin I am going to be voting for him.

But if everything else is colorblind, shouldn't voting be? I looked into the policies/ideals of every democratic candidate before I chose who I would support.

[mikesilvia]

I am latin so if I have a candidate that is latin I am going to be voting for him.

Even if the Latin candadite has policies that you disagree with?

[TheTGB]

I'm white and although I did not vote in the primary because I am not registered as a Democrat (nor Republican for that matter) if I did have a choice of voting in the Democratic primary I would have voted for Obama. I do fall into the category of being a young college student, whom Obama has a huge backing from, however, his politics make the most sense to me. He believes what I believe in this country and I haven't been able to say that about most politicians in the last 4 years since I have been eligible to vote.

And if the rumor is true that Hillary will run as an independent if she doesn't get the nomination....I will lose all hope in the Democrat Party. I already saw that with Sen. Lieberman doing that in my home state of Connecticut (although he is pretty moderate) and if it happens on this big of a level, I think it's going to be very destructive and may even cost the Democrats the White House.

[streicher187]

Clinton will not run as an independant, it is almost impossible to do and get your name on the ballot in most states that is why Jesse Ventura did not run the rules are fixed for the 2 parties..

As far as the Dem. Primary for me it was simple I would have voted for Clinton not Obama not because of the color of their skin but their records, which Obama has none. He never really had to make a major decision.

As far as the voting that is an easy one, Obama did not campaign in rural areas, if you look and watched his campaign(as I did). He put all his attention in

A. Caucus states which leave out at least 1/3 of hard working americans as they can not leave work or their childen to be there for the 1 or 2 hours to caucus which leaves them to the well of and young crowd. Look at Nebraska they had a caucus in which Obama won the majority of delegates and most counties but on Wed. 5/13 they held a primary(same day as West Virginia) and Obama barely won and clinton won most counties.

B. Rural Areas, Obama ignored these completely. While in Pa he campaigned in Phil. and Pittsburgh and a few suburbs in between. I live in Rural PA and we didn't see a single Obama representative while Hillary and Bill were both in the area talking to working class rural people. If you watch his pattern Obama campaigned in Large cities and college towns.

If it is Obama and he continues that approach it wouldn't suprise me if Mccain takes WV, PA, OH, FL, and Michigan giving him the election. John Edwards is a big help but wonder how long they had it planned for the endorsement to come soon after WV?

To be honest I do not agree with Obama and Mccain so I had no intention of voting but since the horrible attacks have started by Bush/Mccain I may change my mind and vote for Obama. I hated the fear card in 04 now bringing up the Nazi quote was way over the line..

So to answer your question they got the votes of the people they wanted it wasn't ALL race but more about who they went after.. It's obvious that Obama knew he would win the primary with well off and college students but I don't think they knew how much they would offend the rest of the Dem. Party.. It's funny the Republicans had NO chance they were going to lose 20+ congressional seats and the white house and the Dems screwed it up yet again lol.. IF they can not win this year after 8 years of Bush it's time to just give up..