Fear of a Black Debate

When I write a post my hope is to be pithy, or insightful, or at the very least to be able to take a sideways view of an otherwise warmed over topic.

This time the Republicans have got me beat.

I can think of no good, new, or clever way to dissect what is, frankly, a dumb move on the part of their top tier candidates -- former Senator Fred Thompson, Sen. John McCain, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. All are giving the go-bye to the Sept 27th All American Presidential Forum organized by Tavis Smiley at Morgan State University in Baltimore and airing on PBS.

This on top of all the Republican Presidential candidates -- save for McCain -- putting the dodge on the Univision debate. Univision being the most-watched Hispanic television network in the United States.

It's not as if the Republicans have so much political capital they can afford to throw anyone a cold shoulder. They certainly can't run on the war. And polls show the electorate trusts the Democrats with national security more than Republicans. Craig and Vitter have taken family values off the table, along with the Republican candidates themselves and their harems.

So why ignore voters of color? The Washington Post quotes one anonymous source as saying the candidates are afraid if they show up at Morgan State "they're probably going to get booed."

Two things here. Thing one: fear of a hostile reception: isn't that logic the same slam the conservatives -- and, uh, me from time to time - throw at the Dems for avoiding Fox News? If they can't stand a hot discussion how are they going to stand up to other world leaders/dictators/terrorists?

Thing number two: A debate at Morgan State ain't Showtime at the Apollo! Do the candidates really think black folks are going to sit there and boo their lily asses all night? Sandman's ghost isn't going to sweep them off stage. Strap on your meat, show up, and state your case. Speak intelligently, you might get groaned and guffawed. You will not get booed.

I remember going to the first Republican presidential debate this year held just days after the 15th anniversary of the Rodney King riots, in Simi Valley, California (where the jury acquitted the cops who beat King), held at the Reagan Library (Reagan who infamously launched his 1980 presidential bid in Philadelphia, Miss. where civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman were murdered in 1964). About the only two minorities in the joint were me, and -- as a stretch -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I remember at the time, looking at all those old white guys lined up like a string of pearls. They might be well meaning, but those guys on that day in that location... I sure didn't get the feeling the party couldn't communicate with me less if they tried.

With this latest snub, they've proven me wrong.

Comments

[mamacat]

If one looks at the issue of Republicans snubbing minorities, then one is inclined to start asking questions, such as "Why?"

One possibility, besides the increasing marginalisation of the Republican/Rove talking points, is that Republicans have realised that they are so unprepared to talk about substantive issues, that in a debate with meaningful questions, they would come across looking even more ridiculous than they already do.

[rikyrah]

Thanks for commenting Mr. Ridley. Too many Black GOPers are making excuses, and not breaking it down as you did.

They really have no clue.

Was Tancredo booed at The NAACP?

No.

And, so what if they WERE booed?

But, you and I know they won't be.

[CarmanK]

The Republicans are smart enough to avoid headlines that may be detrimental to their image or will come back and haunt them. The Dems just throw themselves in the lions den and "come what may". And what comes is a 15 second sound bite, taken out of context, that can sink their candidacy. I tell you, the republicans control their environment and they are clever, evasive and smart about it. They win because they control the spin...period.

[janvoght]

Good! Let them continue shooting themselves in the foot! I don't want any administration trying to turn our country around that is shying away from this countries people, whether they be people of color or people of non color! Guess what, the world is shrinking, and there is a good chance there will be a meeting or two with people, that have opposing view points, different genetic make up, and if we can not embrace a harmless debate now with the courage and open minds needed to succeed and win the hearts and minds of the people we ask to vote for us, what are the chances of pulling this country out of these financial ruins, finding a sustainable path to peace, healthcare for all, secure borders, etc...?

[FOXYLADY]

ANY CANDIDATE who is afraid he'll be "booed" shouldn't be a candidate!! COLOR SHOULD NOT COME INTO POLITICS AT ALL......UNLESS YOU ARE JACKSON AND THAT OTHER BLACK FOOL....who always jump at anything to SHOW THEIR FACES for attention. I don't believe as a white old lady that any candidate will be booed by blacks anymore than booed by white people. I'll tell you one thing, if I was able to be present when DUMBO BUSH spoke anywhere I'd sure boo that bastard!!

[LadyR]

Love your posts, Mr. Ridley!!!! And your remark "This ain't Showtime at the Apollo!" is a scream LOL!!!!

[elois]

In too many cases, the wrong people are persecuted. Wrong doesn't have a color. The Bible says that a person should apologize if they're wrong. It also says that you should go to that person if they won't come to you, but, some are so stuck on wanting to feel like they're write that they can't find it in themselves to admit that they're wrong. In too many cases, when a person has lived that kind of life for so long, it becomes attached to their character, but on the other hand, it take a very unique person to recognize the good in a person for anyone can't bring that color out of so many troubled people, but on the other hand, it's just a waste of time and I don't have that kind of time to waste. Besides, it's not fair for any one person to do all the work by themselves when others has played a role or not played a role in negativity overwhelming lives.

[Kendo Nagasaki]

African Americans are smarter than you think.

The republicans know they have been rumbled, so why bother.

Katrina anyone ?

Barbara Bush's comments on the superdome ?

[Dangoodbar]

Don't SMART people get that the Republican Party is a RACIST party. The poor White folk in the South who are screwed by Republican economic policy sure get it.

Which is why Republican candidates for president are refusing a "Black" debate.

There is no more sure way for candidates in a Republican presidential primary race to lose Republican votes to other candidates then showing any concern, support or even sympathy toward Blacks.

I mean as Rudy G. proves the term "VALUES" among most Republican "VALUES VOTERS" is merely code for RACE. That poor White folk in can South have understood this code for the about 30 years and that affluent people of all races in the rest of America seem unable or unwilling to decipher really makes me wonder.

[Richard729]

Mr. Ridley may be right about the Republican presidential candidates but I think it goes deeper than that. Remember, candidates like John McCain spoke at Bob Jones University and Rudy Giuliani got in his conservative bona fides by speaking at Pat Robertson's Regent University.

Neither of these schools have much of a reputation for embracing blacks or ethnic diversity. On the contrary, Bob Jones University was founded on principles which denigrated blacks and Catholics and openly professed anti-Semitism.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization which studies and compiles hate groups such as homophobes, white supremacists, skinheads and neo-Nazi associations, calculates that there are about 15% of all American citizens who are fervently racist and bigoted.

Not surprisingly, most of these groups are drawn to the Republican Party and will turn out in droves to vote for wedge and racist issues like flying the Confederate flag over statehouses in the Deep South.

Also, much of the immigration debate is grounded in attacks against Hispanics in our country, much of it driven by the xenophobic Minutemen who wave the American flag in one hand while brandishing a shotgun or rifle in the other. That they share the same prejudice against blacks and other minorities is evident in their constant cacophony against almost anyone who isn't white. These groups have become a solid 15% of the Republican base.

It is the underlying reason why it is easy enough for the Republican candidates to do the simple math: Blacks comprise about 13% of the population in the United States whereas the racist base, mostly in states below the Mason-Dixon Line, make up at least 15% with the likelihood there are many more closet racists which up the odds for Republican candidates to get elected.

When all the votes are counted the 2% margin of victory may seem like a squeaker but a one run win is as good as winning by ten -- it's still a win and it is the main reason why Republican candidates can afford to snub black voters in America.

[studioh!]

This just speaks volumes about the Republicans and their inclusiveness. Compassionate conservativism my ass! They should all just go out and get 'reborn' again.
GOP - it IS still your grandpa's grumpy old party.

[chevydriver1123]

If this debate was held by Christian Fundies the Republicans would flock to it in no time

[Raster]

It's all explainable and understandable if one looks at American society as a multi-sided, zero-sum game.

[JimReed]

"So why ignore voters of color?"

They wouldn't want to be questioned by voters of color for the same reason that they wouldn't want to be questioned by a bunch of Democrats. They want to concentrate on their issues, not our issues.

[massive]

Republicans are racists, plain and simple. Why people of color give them the time of day is beyond me.