McCain's African-American Vote: L.A. Conservative Joe Hicks Is a Race-Weary Republican

Joe Hicks has a voice that commands attention. Deep in tone, yet smooth in delivery, it punctuates every sentence with an audible period, pauses for commas along the way, and serves the man well when he leans across his desk to elaborate a point.

"Obama believes that racism is still a big problem in the lives of black Americans -- something I don't believe," says Hicks.

His claim is uttered with such conviction that most folks would flat-out dismiss his three-year stint with Ron Karenga's black cultural nationalist United Slaves (US) organization, his very vocal defense of affirmative action during the 1990s, or his past leadership of a civil rights group founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For most of his life, Hicks was a proud liberal, even a Communist. But today, he sits in his downtown L.A. office, with a tie around his neck and a fountain pen tucked deep into his shirt pocket, pledging his support to John McCain and the Republican Party.

"I kinda like the idea of a guy who loses his cool," Hicks admits, referring to McCain's notorious temper. For a fleeting moment, the young militant who once ruled the roost steps back into view. With that unwavering, convincing voice of his, he adds, "and Sarah Palin is a good pick too."

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies reports that the nomination of an African American to the Democratic ticket is expected to yield a 15 percent to 20 percent increase in black voter turnout (compared to turnout in 2004) and result in national numbers in the range of 65 percent to 70 percent this year, with well over 90 percent of black voters expected to support Barack Obama.

Though few in number, the 10+/-5 percent of black voters who will remain steadfast Republicans in this election is worth examining. These folks are the marginalized of the marginalized. The rationale and effects of their voting against the bloc complicates the identity politics at play in this historic election.

Joe Hicks is one of the loyal few. He works as a conservative radio host for KFI 640 in Los Angeles. He also heads up a non-partisan political think tank that rebuts predominant views on race and society.

He may be black and conservative, but don't dare call him a black conservative.

"Why do people need to put on the racial identifier?" Hicks begs, slightly annoyed.

He argues that this country needs to look through a trans-racial lens -- one that de-magnifies the prominence of race in society -- in order to address its problems. The black population, in particular, needs to reject the victim-based racial identity ascribed to it by those "NAACP whiners and complainers." Most black conservatives contend that affirmative action and similar Democratic policies only reinforce racial prejudice by advantaging certain groups of people over others.

"The notion of a color-neutral society may be idealistic," says Hicks, "but I think most people already get up in the morning, go about their business, and don't think about their race . . . we may not be completely there yet, but I think that's the good fight to be fought."

Why, then, isn't Barack Obama a suitable means for Joe Hicks and black conservatives to achieve (or inch closer to) the racially transparent end they so desperately seek?

Although Obama has attempted to implement what Ange-Marie Hancock, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern California, calls a "racelessness strategy" throughout most of his campaign, come November many voters will approach their ballots with race in mind. But Hancock says not all black voters will support Obama simply because he is a black candidate.

For Joe Hicks, the decision not to support Obama comes down to political principles. He is not willing to forgo his conservative stance on a number of core issues, including the economy, national security, small government, and personal liberty.

However, Hicks knows several black conservatives who are torn over whom to support this year. Notably, J.C. Watts, the former Republican congressman from Oklahoma and CNN political contributor, has admitted his uncertainty.

In a U.S. News and World Report article, Richard Ivory, the founder of the famed Hip Hop Republican website, acknowledged that "[his] heart is with Obama, but [his] brain is with McCain." Hicks neither understands nor agrees with Ivory's conflation of emotion and political positioning.

"How strongly do you really feel about your political principles, if you can be so blinded by skin color and so enamored by this notion of the first black president?" asks Hicks.

Nezar AlSayyad, a professor of Architecture, Planning, and Urban History at the University of California at Berkeley, notes that the confusion experienced during this election by a number of conservative Republicans is more than mere politics at play -- it's identity politics at play.

"Identity politics is about sameness, not about difference," says AlSayyad. Thus, certain norms are projected onto people because of their race, religion, or gender, and these norms have the potential to greatly influence how people behave. Or, in this instance, how they vote.

Joe Hicks isn't ashamed to check the box next to McCain's name on the November ballot, just as he wasn't intimidated by the reactions of his colleagues when he decided to "come out" and acknowledge his conservative alignment in the mid-1990s. He did encounter antagonism -- from being called an "Uncle Tom" to a "race traitor" to a "sell-out" -- but his strong grasp of the issues and ability to backup his abrupt about-face served him well.

Austin Dragon, a longtime friend and founder of the Southern California Republican Club, says that Hicks is one of the club's most popular speakers "because he basically breaks that stereotype of a rich, racist, sexist, gun-happy Republican."

Joe Hicks does indeed break the mold -- but mostly because he's black. His Republican leaning makes him an atypical black voter, and his blackness makes him an atypical Republican. In other words, if McCain succeeds, Hicks will be the object of the black community's resentment; if Obama wins, Hicks and his Republican Party loses.

So can this man ever win?

"If I wanted to be on the winning side, I'd be sitting here telling you how great Barack Obama is. That is the winning side. That is the winning side," Hicks laughs.

And Hicks is right. For a black man, Barack Obama is the winning side -- win or lose -- because, in the community, race trumps politics. A vote for Obama is a vote for black pride. The only problem is: Hicks doesn't identify himself as black.

"I'm conservative. I'm a Republican. Beyond that, I find the whole racial component a bit odd," he says.

From Hicks's perspective, there is nothing black and white about being black or white. So, in this election, he intends to do his own thing, vote for McCain, and add a little gray to the big picture while he's at it.

Comments

[black28]

I don't know what world you are living in; but racism has not change to much since my childhood years. Maybe you are living in world of your own making. I can tell you a few years ago I went to Texas for my brother funeral. After the funeral we went to a place outside of Huntsville a little small town and had to go through the back door. And, if you live in California racism is definitely alive and well. You are a Republican because you feel that gives you some clout it doesn't. Why is there still people who are fighting against racism like brother Al Sharpton. I live in a apartment which was sold by the orginal owner; there are two black people in this apartment building because the managers will not give blacks an application when they as for one. Another seen and heard a black guy come to the door for an application and the man said he didn't have and would not show him the apartment; so he went back to his car and had his girlfriend which was white come back to door without them knowing she was with him; but she got an application and was also shown the apartment. Racism is alive and well. So wake up from your. dream. What do you think Palin calling Obama a terrorist, that is part of racism. But Palin husband was member of a terrorist group that hated America.

[sansego2000]

Being republican is one thing , but the republican party has become something other than republicans. My grandparents were republicans, people that were financially responsible, for less government, the party that help to free slaves. They are now for more government, finance is a joke they spend like drunken sailors. They have become these neocons, where money trumps everything. The corruption in government has become so bad that it is no longer about Dem or Rep for me, it is which guy will screw it up the least.

[sansego2000]

For someone that does not think race is a problem has got to be living under a rock. Even in this he gets angry when someone uses a racial quantifier, he can't even see when it is in his face. Being poor and not white are the worst treated people in America. This guy has no clue of what the American reality is as far as race. There was a big thing about Reverend Wright, but little to nothing of McCain's , not one but a couple of crazy clergy, you always hear about the white person going missing in the news, not so with non whites. Could a black man with Bush's qualifications make it as president - two words HELL NO! Racism has become something underground with code words - like the news saying "white working class", the supposed Obama problem. That was only a problem in states like West Virginia and Pennsylvania. With people on television giving interviews, coming out right, saying they have a problem with Obama because he is black. Mr. Hicks is very ignorant when it comes to race.

[GrayFeather]

I take it your black? That's how you know what you stated to be fact? If you are not, then do not speak for black people!

[Frefallu]

Let me say as a member of a "white working class" family in Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh , Obama doesn't have a "race problem" here. Blacks and whites both struggle here from shut down steel mills and a depressed areas. What he did say in early campaigning was that we are a predominantly uneducated blue collar worker area that clings to our guns and religion---yes an overstated comment taken too far but in fact the truth. Pittsburgh Pa on many ratings came out one of the best cities to ride out this financial crisis because I think we are all used to it, not living above our means.

[elenanatx]

I believe the secret reason for blacks that choose to become a member of the RP is because they believe it empowers them in both social status and financial gain, while allowing to appear to be among the successful of the American Dream. I just wish to for once to hear a valid reason behind their vote rather than the constant verbiage they give. They desire to be respected so they refuse to show any connections to having experienced racial prejudice. They are beyond that¦they think. Showing ignorance with arrogance, they hide behind the label of being conservative. An egotistic hypocrite is the real label they bear. They have worked hard, live in upscale areas, traveled abroad, possess things, and have friends from other races, yet they are not SERENE. This deception claims a lien on their ignorance, and in time they are called upon to repay by suggesting to others to vote R is the choice for success in this country. No matter how persuasive it sounds when presented, being ambiguous, self-indulgent and a bigot never puts country first. Failing to acknowledge the current reality of this great but dysfunctional nation, and the desperate need for its people to embrace a cohesive direction¦they in the end will disclose themselves as fools. We the people can live the American Dream, under the Constitution of the United States, in unity by making an intelligent decision to choose a leader who has the understanding to do the right thing for ALL

[kimbari]

THEY might be "beyond that" but the people who are discriminating against them aren't.

[NationalTreasure]

Not willing to compromise on core values of the economy - run to the ground on the republicans deregulation and trickle down economic policies.

Not willing to compromise on core values of national security - the republicans lied to draw America into a war costing 10 billion dollars a month and Osama bin Laden is still at large.

Not willing to compromise on core values of small government - the republicans and their corporate welfare have bailed out Wall Street without impunity on a regular basis since Reagan was elected into office. The republican's corporate welfare has eclisped all of our social welfare programs 10 fold since 1980.

Not willing to compromise on core values of personal liberty - the republicans have eviscerated habeas corpus, used our Department of Justice as an old boys jobs program, spys on the personal conversations of our troops and their spouses, wants everyone to be an evangelical christian.

If this guy thinks that he can be closer to being white by saying he's a republican then that's his perjorative. But please do not claim that he's a republican because of core values. Those very same core values that republicans are so hypocritical about. Throw this guy into a room of white republicans and they will still see him as a monkey in the same manner that they think about everyother black man.

[politicsmatter]

Hicks is one of those people that live in an alternate reality. If he doesn't experience racism in this country, he is either the most unobservant person or just too narcissistic to notice what others around him are doing. Mr. Hicks is someone who has forgotten where he came from and that everyone was not as lucky in life to move to a level where racism is not as prevalent in everyday life.
Reading his comments reminds me of men that I have met who are only conservative because it allows them to be controlling, manipulative and judgmental. He misses the point in regards to the issue of race in this campaign cycle and actually believes that Black people are just voting for Obama because he is Black. I am voting for Obama because he is a Democrat and if Biden, Clinton or Dodd had won the nomination; I would be voting for them instead. I am voting for him because we see eye to eye on most issues. This country needs to move forward with race relations and everyone should be happy they are American; you can't be proud of something that you didn't do anything to accomplish. Most of us were just born American and well the color of your skin...I don't know anyone who had a choice picking that attribute. It's like blaming Barack for his middle name...as if he chose it?!

[lwilkerson50]

Hicks and all people who don't believe that racism is still alive need to go down to this restaurant in Greenville, NC where they won't even let a black soldier IN A UNIFORM come in.

I too am voting for Obama because he is a Democrat. Hmmm ... Let's say since you are a republican wouldn't you more than like vote REPUB no matter who is running.

I think Obama has been where most of us have been. That's why I liked Clinton. He did not come from a silverspoon. Neither did Obama .... but he did truly have a rich life with his mom pushing him and his grandparents love ....

If a racist sees him, they are still going to consider him a " ".

[Brillig]

So the millions of white people voting for Obama are a vote for Black PRIDE???

[HoneyBrown]

"The only problem is: Hicks doesn't identify himself as black.

"I'm conservative. I'm a Republican. Beyond that, I find the whole racial component a bit odd," he says.

From Hicks's perspective, there is nothing black and white about being black or white. So, in this election, he intends to do his own thing, vote for McCain, and add a little gray to the big picture while he's at it."
__________

I guarantee the rest of the world doesn't see it that way. Just ask O.J. How naive and idealistic.

[Keith52]

Excuse me Mr Hicks, but Barack is not the one to bring up race. When he finally found that it was indeed driving the narrative of the 2008 primaries he took the time to address it. By giving an amazing address.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU

By the way, did you hear some of the quotes during the primary that came out of southern states? Here's one I'd like your comment on - "...hang that "darkie" from a tree." How about Rove advising the RNC to label Barack as "uppity?" Does that ring a familiar tone?... in 2008? Do you sleep at night Mr. Hicks?

[coco51]

a right for all Americans is the freedom to vote for whomever you chose so blacks who chose to vote Republican are practicing that right and really should not be hated :)

However, I am not shocked when blacks try to run away from their ethnic identity. Black men and women like Tara and Joe Hicks are of the same mentality as OJ Simpson...not black cuz they have arrived....until a white person slaps them in the face with the reminder.

Successful blacks like Tara Wall, Joe Hicks, Clarence Thomas, Tiger Woods decendants of slaves are beneficiaries of the bloodletting of their African forebears and staunch black Democrats like Martin Luther King, yet they suffer from race-amnesia; whenever I meet one I tell them that white people I know would never consider themselves as being aracial. Instead they believe in either, equality, classism or racism.

Sad but true, self-hate is as pervasive as misogyny is in the black community. The Taras, Tigers, Joes etal, when faced with an inter-racial person who would rather be identified as black are shamed by their sef-loathing so they give these self-righteous blather.

[kadene]

Long live the difference!

[AngryLefty]

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."
Albert Einstein

Just read this quote on HuffPost. It applies all over this site and extremely well to Mr. Hicks.

[taddles]

This quote just blows my mind.

"For Joe Hicks, the decision not to support Obama comes down to political principles. He is not willing to forgo his conservative stance on a number of core issues, including the economy, national security, small government, and personal liberty."

The Republican party has stood for NONE OF THESE PRINCIPLES since the Gingrich revolution. They have controlled both houses of congress since 1994, the Whitehouse was added in 2000 and the judiciary since Reagans era. What have the Republicans EVER done to justify this concept? They ran up the largest debts and deficits in the history of the world and ran our economy into a second great depression. They jumped headlong into a foolish war with no plan of engagement and no plan on egress, (basically no plan at all) which has sot us over 4K American soldiers lives and 500+ billion in wasted funds. They have tripled the size of the government and spending since the "Gingrich revolution" and they institutied the patriot act and modified FISA to limit americas freedoms more than at any time in our history.

The Republicans have been an utter failure at everything they supposedly stand for for the past 30 years. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, grow up and stop supporting a party that acts like a spoiled brat, start thinking like an American Joe instead of like a Republican!

[YunekFlava]

(I am thrusting my finger down my throat).

[Val49]

Yep, he does remind me of Tara Wall and every time I look at her with that weave in her hair I say maybe thats what confusing her. Roland Martin was saying when Sarah Palin talk about Hockey Moms and Joe Six Pack she is not talking about people like me and Tara. Tara almost jumped out of her seat and said "Yes she is talking to me, I played Soccer growing up" Roland started laughing and said TARA she is not talking to people like you and me lets be forreal. It really bothers me when some of my people can not get out of that HOUSE "N" mentality. Sorry for that. But I am mad I am really mad.

[kimbari]

I saw that and it cracked me up! That little girl REALLY needs to take a loan out from her credit union and purchase a clue.