What Should Black America Expect from a Black President?

Barack Obama's campaign has caught fire in communities all over the country. His call for change is resonating with a Democratic electorate fed up with the lies, distortions, corruption, and general crookedness of the Bush administration. Obama's support is running especially hot in much of the black community, which has rewarded him with overwhelming support. While I see this as a natural occurrence -- everyone wants to see "one of their own" in powerful positions -- it puts a new spin on an old question for African American voters: What should black voters expect from a black president? What issues should black America expect President Obama to address? Should he be expected to address not just universal issues, but also those of unique importance to black America? After all, what's the point of having a black president if he doesn't deal with uniquely black issues? I'm not suggesting that he should put black issues above everything else if he becomes president; that would certainly make him a one-termer. However, he can't win the presidency on the back of black voters, then do nothing on black issues. Can he?

Of course, there are issues that are of universal interest. The Iraq War, taxes, the federal budget deficit, and jobs, among other issues, have universal appeal. But, there also are issues that are of unique interest to various sectors of the electorate. Latinos have a particular interest in U.S. immigration policy. Jews have a unique interest U.S. policy toward Israel. Christian fundamentalists focus on abortion and faith policy. African Americans have issues, too, that particularly resonate in black communities all over the country.

Forty-six percent of the nearly two million people now incarcerated in the U.S. are black, despite the fact that African Americans comprise 13 percent of the populace (not to mention the millions of blacks on parole or probation). There are only two explanations for this reality: either African Americans are genetically predisposed to commit crime or there are systemic societal characteristics that make it more likely than not that African Americans will be sentenced to prison compared to other Americans. Families, neighborhoods, and large swaths of the black community have been destabilized through this systemic warehousing of African Americans. And, oh, by the way, black women comprise the fastest growing segment of American prisoners. What would a President Obama do to fix this disparity? Will he expend any of his newly gotten political capital to descend upon states with particularly egregious records in this regard and push them toward fairness or will he simply punt, arguing that this is not a federal issue?

There are incredible household wealth disparities that exist between whites and blacks. Median white household wealth is roughly 10 times that of African American households. These gains have been and will continue to be under siege as conservatives seek to shrink the opportunity base for minorities while preserving the status quo for their own children. Black college enrollment is beginning to shrink in part because of increasing costs and decreasing amounts of available federal student loans. What will a President Obama do to preserve access to higher education and greater black household income?

I know that this seems to be a lot to put on the plate for one president, particularly the first black president. Indeed, some will argue that these are issues outside the scope of what a president can reasonably be expected to address. I'm also not expecting him to run his mouth in Idaho, Iowa, or New Hampshire about what he will do for black people. But is it too much to ask of him to lay out his plans in places like South Carolina or Georgia?

You better believe that other groups are making plain what they expect him to do for them once he gets in office, so it's only fair for black people to get in the game too. In fact, you better get in line now if you have any expectations for him in this regard. People are falling all over him to do this or that and my guess is that criminal justice, housing, healthcare, and education issues that pertain to black people aren't high on their lists. Therefore, we must step up and make sure he knows what he wants. Sadly, my fear is that many black voters are so desperate for a black president that they will take one without asking him to do anything about the unique issues that plague black communities around the country.

There's something perverse in this kid glove's treatment: It's possible that a black president could win the White House but do even less for black America than a white president and get away with it because African American voters don't want to ask their first black president for anything and won't hold him accountable if they did. Here's hoping that Obama's march to the White House will include something for black America. After all, it may turn out that black voters in South Carolina made it possible for him to win the nomination. Shouldn't they get something for their trouble other than the pride in seeing the first black president in their lifetimes?

Michael K. Fauntroy is an assistant professor of public policy at George Mason University and author of the book, Republicans and the Black Vote; an updated, paperback edition will be published in April 2008. A registered Independent, he blogs at: www.MichaelFauntroy.com. Check me out when you can. Audio and video awaits your perusal.

Comments

[mempo]

It should expect a lot since Obama has essnetially been trumpeting himself as the second coming...well if you say you're the second coming, you better deliver....especially for all those Black folks who voted for you bc you're Black (well, Obama's only half Black, but I guess campaigning as a Black guy is a lot more politically savvy than campaigning as a half White guy). Let's face it, if he promises magic, we expect magic. No ifs, ands, or buts. He has a lot to live up to. If he doesn't deliver on everything he's promising, I think a lot of Black people will think twice next time about voting for someone just bc he or she is Black.

[MsLiz]

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" was on cable today. Listen to Sidney Poitier starting at 2:40 for a great speech about generational shifts in race relations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opuEwG0jCPA

"Not until your whole generation has lain down and died will the dead weight of you be off our backs."

This is what people younger than me are saying on the subject of race relations. They are reaping the benefits of the changes in the 1960s, and don't carry the weight we do.

[lip]

i'm uh black by the way. i believe obama has already done something for the black community. he has empowered several thousand black people - young children included. young black boys and girls who never dreamed they could be president included.

of course, we would like obama to do something for black people in ending a war in iraq, and creating college grants ... he does do something for black people and all people.

i understand what you mean and what you want but i think black people need to be less naive about american politics. all the change we want will not come from a majority white senate and house of representatives. change will come from us. which i think obama is correct to point out.

we must begin to be engaged with our communities and seek change right in our own backyards. if obama inspires 'each one to teach one' how could he fail? that's a real movement ...

[musselmanm]

It does not matter who wins the next election, there are many black problems which are not exclusive to blacks. The problem of racial harmony can be brought back to the forefront. Our economic problems are the most important issue that effects us all.
I believe that many Black Americans commit crimes due to the lack of a secure future with a job that keeps them on a road to be able to buy gas and groceries. This problem of jobs also is a large problem for all other segments of American citizens.
Our next President needs too address this problem and the problems that many free trade agreements have made for Americans of every race. I do not fear our current imigrants as the problem, I fear that the things my goverment does to me, er, for me will do more harm than almost anything except 50 year occupations. This is the McCain idea to reduce unemployment among the young black population.

[seepee]

Thanks you for a good view point. There"s nothing wrong with hope as long as it laced with a good dose of reality an objectivity. We get in trouble when we drink from the cup of "HOPIUM" -- We belittle other nations for voting with their hearts and not their heads. Lets not fall into a similar trap. Lets demand more from our press and media and let them not take on the role of king/queen makers. Lets ask the candidates the tough questions. The politicians will make out great with books deals and speaking tours. Its our future, our kids future and our grandchildren future.

[LarBear]

What in the realm of any kind of intelligent thinking would cause any thinking Being to consider skin color qualifies anyone for the Office of President? What in Heaven's name does either Race, or skin color, have to do with qualifying for the office of President? None! Nada! Zip! Zilch!
Hey, maybe we can find some skin peelers and make Obama's skin President! Would that qualify for you?
Why do the Obama's, and the MSM, and Obama followers, continue to bring Race into the Election? WE want America to be NOT racially biased, then corruptly make this Election about Race... There is no doubt in my mind the Obama's are either "Black Racists," or at least attempting to manipulate the Voters with "Race"... Hmmm, kind of like G W Bush manipulated the Voters with Fear... And Obama is supposed to be a "inspiration" of Hope and Change!
BLACK is not a Race! Beliefs, Behaviors, etc, yes... Race, NO! The Obama's ran Ads saying there is One America... Then Blatantly appeal to Black America, Black People, Black Voters, etc... And, imply all Black People should wake up and Vote for the First Black President, and imply White's would be racist to not vote for a Black man... They have played the Race Card against the Country and Clinton's...
Promoting a Belief in "Blackness" is the last thing PERSON's with black skin need... The Black Community, Black America is very Dysfunctional... High rates of Incarceration, Drug use, School dropout, single families, fatherless homes etc...
ALL PERSON's are Equally of Godly Nature... More than allow, insist your Children with black skin be allowed to grow into their Natural Personhood... Black is a Belief and accompanying Behaviors... TELL Kids, you can't be BLACK... You might do "Black", but you can only be a Person! IE, you can't be a Smoker, Alcoholic, or Drug user... Those are doings, NOT BEING..
Hope/ Voting for the First "BLACK" President, is a Negating of Personhood..

[hollyhoodjoe123]

Maybe race and/or sex wouldn't be the issue if the last 43 presidents weren't white males. We claim to be a progressive countries, but women, and blacks are extremely underrepresented in Congress.

[ntmessage]

Clearly Barack is pandering to any constituency in order to get their vote. Once he converted the black voters by conflating statements made by the very people that supported black issues all these years prove it.

Now that he has the vote, he is gone. Like a one night stand.

[hollyhoodjoe123]

Hi ntmessage...

I don't believe that he can aid the black communities. Look at the comments below, and these are predominately liberals.

If he does anything for the black community, whites will get outraged and he will be a one-term president.

So, obviously he has to walk a thin line, between making policies that can aid blacks and making policies that target blacks.

[hollyhoodjoe123]

Although a fair question, I believe Fauntroy is trending a slippery grounds when he ask this question.

One reason is because when someone ask a candidate what will he (or she) do to aid the black communities' plight, whites get offended. The proof is in the below comments. For some reason, committing to aid the black community offends whites.

Whites believe that if you even mention aiding blacks, somehow, they will have to ride on the back of the bus, and blacks will get $1 million each in reparations.

Calm down whites. It is not that serious. While I agree that Obama should not be a president for blacks, whites, Christians, or etc., He can aid a certain group if they are under plight.

No one use this same tone if gays ask "What will Obama do for the gay community?" And this is because no one fears aid for gays. But plenty fear aid for blacks.

Another reason Fauntroy is trending on slippery grounds he gives the impression that Obama MUST segregate blacks in order to win the black community approval.

Blacks are interested in the same issues as whites. Getting rid of Affirmative Action will hurt white women more than it would hurt blacks, because they benefited more from AA then any other minority group combined.

Creating American jobs is an issue to whites as much as in is to Blacks. Aiding impoverished communities is as much as an issue to whites as it is to Blacks.

We need to stop with the Black and White issues, pretending that the both doesn't co-exist, but we also need to pretend that aiding one group will be detrimental to another.

[standforpeace]

Right now it's shaping up like business as usual. No Democratic presidential candidate since Johnson has won the majority of white voters. Even Clinton lost white voters to George Bush in 1992 (39% for Clinton to 40% for Bush) and in 1996 (43% for Clinton and 46% for Dole). Every Democratic candidate plans the campaign strategy around getting 85-90% of the Black vote (Clinton got about 84% in both his wins) and just trying to keep it pretty close with white voters. Blacks get very little in return for being the most loyal,consistent part of the Democratic base. Obama and those who are running his campaign seem to have the same old answer to your question. They asked themselves "Can we win this election on the backs of black voters and then do nothing on black issues?" And the answer was

Yes We Can!

[EspritDeVoltaire]

I would imagine they should realistically expect to get exactly the same as they got from having a Black justice on the Supreme Court

[jb245]

Finally someone black who did not drink from the big bucket of Koolaid, but opted for bottled water.
I have been reflecting on this attitude of the black community towards BO's candidature.
Black folks are so fedup of holding the dirty end of the stick, being passed over, that they would run after anyone black in the hope that something might finally change. But just the same as we have black on black crime, and black pastors swindling their dirt-poor congregations out of their hard-earned pittances so as to live lives of luxury...we should be wary of black politicians, specially so of a black President, whose constituency is largely WHITE.
Barack has never wanted to be too closely allied to the black community, in fact his personal life story has nothing in common with the true black experience of someone whose ancestors were rooted in slavery and segregation here; he certainly does not mind riding on the back of their votes.
Having won most primaries in the South based on these same votes, did ANYONE notice that he did not even find the time to attend, nor to have a speech televised for the "STATE OF THE BLACK UNION" in devastated New Orleans, this past weekend. By the way, has anyone observed the position of the NAACP in all this?
I think that a black candidate will do even less than a white one for black folks....but the ingrained desperation of AF-Ams is such that they have begun Clinton-bashing, and Clinton hating, very ungraciously and ungratefully "whiting out" all the GOOD work that the Clintons did in and for that community during several years.
Hillary made an effort to attend Tavis' forum over the week-end, maybe it is because she STILL genuinely cares, maybe in an effort at fence-mending for words interpreted as being racist, maybe because she needs a boost to her campaign.
But her welcome there was tepid at best. The audience was hostile and wary....I interpreted it as being: "Get out of the way woman...you are standing in the path of a black man."
Were BO to have shown up there, he would have had a raucous 5 min standing ovation; she just got tepid strained applause...to me it was painful, because it seems to mean that blacks who have for so long been downtrodden are now willing to stomp on someone else, someone who has down a lot for them, all in the name of black pride.
It reminded me of a child who grew up with adopted parents, and then discovering its true parents.
Some kids say that the true parent is the one who actually has been loving them and caring for them for long.....most blacks have taken the other position.

[standforpeace]

You've taken it too far with your repetition of the myth of the good Clintons. Bill Clinton started race baiting in 1992 with his attacks on Sister Souljah and the public way in which he left the campaign trail to go home and sign a death warrant for a retarded African American man. He threw Black women like Laini Guinier and Jocelyn Elders under the bus for having the courage to tell the truth. He let a massacre in Rwanda go unchecked and didn't even have the courage to call it genocide until every thinking human being had long since recognized that that was what it was. He "reformed" welfare at the expense of poor Black women and children. His efforts on AIDS in Africa were pitiful and even dwarfed by those made by George W. Bush. Yes, he works on AIDS now, but when he had the power of the presidency he largely ignored the developing crisis at a time when concentrated efforts would have made a real difference. And the first chance he got in this race, he tried to send out racially coded messages to the voters. So tell me, what exactly did Bill Clinton do that should make me regard him as "an adopted father?"

[LawOfAttraction]

Your ignorance of Barack's long years in service to the Black community as a civil rights attorney and as a community organizer in the South Side of Chicago is stunning. You've obviously drunken the Clinton Kool Aid.

Hillary went to the STOBU because she has nothing to lose. She desperately needs a stronger showing in Mississippi and other states where there are black constituencies.

Barack Obama is a multicultural, multi-ethnic coalition phenomenon that transcends race, so although he needs the Black vote and courts it, he's not exclusively their candidate.

Black people can only hurt themselves and the future of their people by creating any obstacles for the first Black person to ever stand a good chance of being elected U.S. President, especially when he's a candidate who not only acquits Black people well, but is a transformational candidate on the global scale.

Who else are they going to vote for? Who else can serve their best interests? Really.

We all know Hillary can't win against McCaine, and even if she could, her coattails aren't long enough to sweep any more Democrats into office in the Senate and the House during the general elections, so she'd have no power in congress to pass ANY of the legislation she's stumping about.
AND let's not forget that she's not Bill, nor does she share his affinity for Blacks to the same degree he does.

So this is a silly objection on the part of the self important Black political establishment.

The reality is, the bulk of Black people who oppose Obama have simply been brainwashed into only accepting the stereotypical Black candidates such as Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc. They want candidates who speak specifically to their issues and challenges TO THE EXCLUSION of NON-African Americans.

Barack Obama won't play himself small like that, and THAT'S what sticks in their craw.

Although this phrase has been abused and crapped on by Republicans, when done CORRECTLY and fairly, the rising ride really DOES lift all boats. Blacks needs to get that already.

When Obama gets into to office, he will help ALL Americans. ALL races and ethnicities will benefit.
But quite frankly, the challenges we face as a NATION are so great that those fires must be put out before any specific ethnic issues can be dealt with.

However, Barack's presidency would open the door to future Black candidates, not just in the U.S., but around the world. We'd be the first non-African nation in modern history to have a Black head of state.

He also raises the bar for Blacks in the U.S., especially in the 'Hood. I can see it now, "A Black man was able to became the president of the United States but you're telling me you can't even go out and get a job?! Pu-lease!"

Also, he would present a different face and aspect of Black people to non-Blacks in the U.S. and help to create greater acceptance of Blacks amongst other ethnic groups.

His example may even help to change the destructive Black youth culture that perpetuates such horrific stereotypes and negative role models for young Black kids to emulate (pimps, hustlers, thugs, hoes, drug dealers, gangsters, etc).

His mere presidency alone could do more to change the course of Black history in the U.S. than anything else since MLK's March on Washington.

His example to Blacks in the U.S> is that is that Black politicians can be self reliant, strong, intelligent, authentic, powerful, compassionate, sensitive and honest towards ALL people, and STILL serve Black people.

Exclusivity is NOT required.

He creates a new template where it's okay for Blacks to see themselves as more than just African Americans, but as full AMERICANS; where they can go out, mix and mingle, create relaitonships, friendships, strategic business alliances and coalitions with like-minded individuals - regardless of race - so that they can prosper, all the while retaining their ethnic identity, but not DEFINING themselves by it or constraining themselves with it.

[argent1]

Not too many comments here because you forgot to add a YouTube clip of Bill Clinton's comments from South Carolina. If you want to make the big time get with the attention grabbing technologies

[anghiari]

Fauntroy meet Tavis Smiley, Tom Sowell, Clarence Thomas, Shelby Steele, Charlie Rangel, Robert Johnson, Magic Johnson, Ward Connerly, and all the other brothers from another mother who are having a hissy fit because Barack Obama is his own man. He didn't feel it necessary to show up to accomodate the gatekeepers and they are mad. All of them them want a piece of the Obama pie...most decrying his popularity and his charisma. You like Bill Clinton will find your ire and nastiness rejected by those of us who can think for ourseselves...We do not need you to analyze and scrutinize this candidate for us. We are nearly as smart as he is and we can make our our decisions. Don't induldge yourselves by believing the cult crap. His message resonates and all of your cynical self-serving claptrap won't change our view or our support for Barack Obama!

[anghiari]

Fauntroy meet Tavis Smiley, Tom Sowell, Clarence Thomas, Shelby Steele, Charlie Rangel, Robert Johnson, Magic Johnson, Ward Connerly, and all the other brothers from another mother who are having a hissy fit because Barack Obama is his own man. He didn't feel it necessary to show up to accomodate the gatekeepers and they are mad. All of them them want a piece of the Obama pie...most decrying his popularity and his charisma. You like Bill Clinton will find your ire and nastiness rejected by those of us who can think for ourseselves...We do not need you to analyze and scrutinize this candidate for us. We are nearly as smart as he is and we can make our our decisions. Don't induldge yourselves by believing the cult crap. His message resonates and all of your cynical self-serving claptrap won't change our view or our support for Barack Obama!

[Tator]

"There are only two explanations for this reality: either African Americans are genetically predisposed to commit crime or there are systemic societal characteristics that make it more likely than not that African Americans will be sentenced to prison compared to other Americans."

This is so incorrect, yet this kind of thinking is exactly what enables the AA terrible plight to continue. One of the first requirements to solve a problem, is to actually recognize what the problem is.

This author and most Liberals will not speak of the real cause of AA crime rates, gang activity, drug use, and the highest unwed birth rates for fear of being called a racist. Today, only an AA can carefully (as in it is not the AA fault) quote statistical facts about the plight of AAs. If a conservative quotes a fact, they are immediately labeled a racist.

So what is the AA problem that is the cause of all their troubles: their culture"the rules by which they self govern self-behavior. They use to have almost the same rules as most non-AA folks and they had the same cultural statistics.

Then two things happened that destroyed their set of rules (Culture). First was the creation, by Liberals, of a Welfare system that drove Fathers out of the homes back in the late 60s and early 70"s.

Cont.

[SteveCox]

I have a feeling you will be disapointed either way. Sorry.

I think blacks first impression was the correct one. That America is not ready for a black President. I could be wrong, but I know it will be much much tougher than his supporters think.

If he does make it through, he will play politics just like all the rest.

Look at how black politicians have been in any urban city. How much were they ever able to get done. You could argue that a white President could do more for black issues.

I appreciate how exciting it must be for African Americans. A very real prospect to be the first black Prez. It will be like when Joe Louis became world champ.

But at this time, with so many problems and after the damage of the Bush admin, I don't think it was a wise gamble to take.

The media has been hands-off on Obama. Once he get's the nod, that is going to change fast.

It is going to be very interesting to see how this all unfolds.

Black people should be offended by his dising the conference, especially since nothing is being done about New Orleans.

I hope black people will look at more than race in the remaining contests.

[getitrighthistime]

By getting rid of the death penalty in Il Obama has already done more for Blacks than the Clinton's who are touted as being sooooo good to Blacks.

[MsLiz]

Obama sponsored legislation requiring custodial interrogations by the police to be video recorded. That benefits both Black and white suspects in Illinois. He also supported an earned income tax credit for Illinois state income tax. That helps all working poor people.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/03/AR2008010303303.html?nav=hcmodule

Obama won't be your president, Mr. Fauntroy. He will be *our* president.

[anghiari]

Steve steve....all black folks don't think the same. Simple as that. They have different life experiences and their decisions for most are not made based on the color of their skin ... Up until many decided to support Barack Obama...they were supporting Hillary Clinton...What far too many had forgotten about the Clintons, is that blacks had given them both a pass back in the 90's for the many times Bill got caught with his pants down and for Hillary's continually enabling his behavior. But hey he was a good President, so blacks compartmentalized their distaste of his behavior and gave the Clintons a pass. To presume that all Obama had to do was to show up Black and run for President is beyond stupid...Blacks have voted for years and guess what? They have always voted for White males...what does that mean? They could have not voted at all!

[neworleanslady68]

This is the same problem facing any minority candidate. As a woman, I would looove to see Hillary Clinton talking about men's violence against women, about rape, about harassment, about pornography, about objectification in media, about pay disparities. But I'm also enough of a political realist to understand that as soon as she does that, she really will have zero chance of getting elected.

It's quite a conundrum the way minority candidates are prohibited from discussing what we most need them to discuss.

It's still the white man's world. Make no mistake.