Quote:I agree Dems should do more for blacks to earn their support. But when you consider how Republicans treat that group, it's understandable they don't need to do much to maintain that loyalty. This is not the Republican party that freed the slaves. This is the Republican party that spent billions on an ill-conceived war on drugs that targeted and incarcerated millions of blacks. They have actively gerrymandered voting districts to marginalize the power of the black vote so they wield less influence on the outcome of elections. They propped up a candidate who courts a vision of nationalism with a primary focus on targeting minorities. They have promoted countless bills to suppress the black vote despite any evidence of widespread voter fraud. Their party has almost no diversity, and even when they do have black "leaders," they are people like Herman Cain, Ben Carson or Allen West who lack a real grasp on the issues. They advocate draconian policies targeting people on assistance which have been proven to not work and be a waste of money. And when America got its first black president, countless people representing that party were caught sending overtly racist emails or tweets. So yeah.. the Dems should do more for blacks. But can you blame blacks for not backing a Republican party that does nothing to court, help or show respect for them?

 

Yes, that is their Achilles heel.  IMO, it's a perception problem.  But, that does not change if you do not try.  I agree that's their biggest challenge.  They just assume their message alone will attract those who are for self-reliance, desire for more, and believe that they can achieve more.

 

But it's also a two way street.  When anyone on the right opens their mouth, are they heard?  Are they looked at as someone to be looked up to as a leader by those convinced that the left is their way?  Or are there epithets in mind?

 

I think that's the biggest challenge, and it's a good debate that needs to happen.  Progress must be made there.  But it does take two.  Regardless of race, there's no "middle ground" between the two poles for many people, and there's simply no desire to see the other side in some cases.

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