The national spotlight is quickly focusing on what has customarily been an ignored ... and often "unappreciated" constituent base: Black Republicans. With Senator Barack Obama's foot literally on the doorstep of the White House, some Black Republicans find themselves betwixt and between in this election cycle.

The angst so many Black Republicans now face is: 1) not wanting to be on the wrong side of history by not casting their vote for someone who looks like them and whose very cultural roots are entwined... and, 2) not wanting to be viewed––––any worse than already labeled by Black Democrats–– as "Uncle Toms".

If blacks vote for a black, that's a good thing
because of:
slavery?
hip-hop?
solidarity?
Whatever.

But if I vote for a white candidate, I'm a RACIST KKK'er.

If Obama gets every black vote, every academic vote, every media vote, every public employee vote and doesn't get much of anyone else (white people with real jobs), he loses.

I remember that early in Bush's first term there was quite a bit of talk about a Powell presidency, and at the time most people I talked to, Liberal and Conservative, were positive about the idea. The only animosity I hear about him from the black community was largely due to the perception that he provided racial cover to President Bush, who was seen as unsympathetic to the black community

Ohhh... is THAT what they mean by 'Uncle Tom'? I did wonder.

Of itself, perhaps. But why can't we be having this discussion over the candidacy of Thomas Sowell? And Jamie points this up rather well.

I remember that early in Bush's first term there was quite a bit of talk about a Powell presidency, and at the time most people I talked to, Liberal and Conservative, were positive about the idea. The only animosity I hear about him from the black community was largely due to the perception that he provided racial cover to President Bush, who was seen as unsympathetic to the black community.

Of course the events leading up to the Iraq war pretty much soured him on the idea of staying in politics, which was a big loss for the Republican party in my opinion.

Out of curiosity, why wouldn't you say that they're trending Democratic?

Because in such a phrase, it could be interpreted as saying that they do not currently have democratic representation in government. A member of the "Democratic" party is referred to as a "Democrat", so saying they are "trending Democrat" is easily understood as meaning they are leaning towards members of the "Democratic" party.

People should not use "Democrat Party" as an under-the-radar jab at their opposition, but at the same time people should not get upset about something so inconsequential.

The press would serve us well by ceasing to write these race based stories and concentrate on issues.

No. Look, if whites were anywhere nearly as racist as blacks, Obama wouldn't stand a chance. The fact that he is considered to be the front runner proves that whites overwhelmingly reject racism (despite the MSM spin on the subject). I think that's reason to rejoice. Don't you?

Of itself, perhaps. But why can't we be having this discussion over the candidacy of Thomas Sowell? And Jamie points this up rather well.

And I wonder how the perception of black racism would be now, and would we be considering blacks conflicted, were one of the folks as Jamie lists nominated, instead?

There's another good reason for black conservatives (actually all conservatives) to be conflicted. There is no conservative in the race. McCain, like Governor Schwartzenegger, is basically a liberal. Wouldn't it be better to elect a black president just to get that issue behind us once and for all?

I suppose that to depend on our ability to survive him. Not because he's black, but because of his politics.

Maybe I am wrong--I would certainly like to be--but if the republicans had nominated a black man for president, no one would hate him more than blacks.

Out of curiosity, why wouldn't you say that they're trending Democratic?

It reminds me of the military when many assume a female Commander made rank simply because they were female. Unfortunately there were cases when this was true. More unfortunate was the many highly competent female Commanders who were painted with the same broad brush.