I'd argue that "in general" blacks have an idea of how the country should function and that a black man would help the cause - just like a D would help a cause for some or a R would help the cause for others. Your Hispanic example negates the "in general" point you made.

 

I'm saying that my political ideas are more likely to align with someone that is as average moderate democrat (as am I) than someone the average Hispanic female (as I am also.) As such, voting for someone based on political affiliation is different than voting for someone based on race.

It may not be popular, but I believe that many black people voted for President Obama primarily because he's black and will re-elect him for the same reason.

 

As I said previously, I think you're leaving out the 2nd key factor - he was a D. It's not just one factor .

 

I just posted these stats in another thread.

 

Black votes

 

1984 Walter Mondale 90% Ronald Reagan 9%

1988 Michael Dukakis 90% George H.W. Bush 10%

1992 Bill Clinton 83% George H.W. Bush 10%

1996 Bill Clinton 84% Bob Dole 12%

2000 Al Gore 90% George W. Bush 9%

 

rmrd0000's Blog | Talking Points Memo | Bill Clinton Got Historically Low Black Vote Percentages

I know quite a few African-Americans who voted for President Obama, not because they were Democrats, but simply because he was black. They've said so much to me, and are proud of that fact.

 

As to answer your question, those who vote straight party tickets, it depends on the amount of research they do prior to casting their votes.

I know quite a few African-Americans who voted for President Obama, not because they were Democrats, but simply because he was black. They've said so much to me, and are proud of that fact.

 

As to answer your question, those who vote straight party tickets, it depends on the amount of research they do prior to casting their votes.

 

Until they also tell you how the traditionally vote I'd argue we don't know if it was "just" because of his skin color. They may always vote D as the numbers TB&G posted would lead you to believe unless you know a lot of black Rs.

^So them saying, "I voted for Obama cuz he's black and I'm finally able to vote for one of "my own"", doesn't count.

Edited March 13, 201214 yr by UKMustangFan

Should we as a country consider it a milestone for having our first black president? Should this be seen as a triumph of sorts considering our sordid history with race and oppression? If so, why do you consider it problematic that people considered that when casting their vote? Conversely, do you consider that equal and opposite to those who voted against a minority candidate because of beliefs of inferiority or subordination?

I'm much more interested in the # of black voters rather than the % of the black vote.

Trying to remember who it was (maybe Howard Stern?) who interviewed people, but transposed the candidates with their opponent's stance on issues. So, it was Obama that was having a woman run as his VP, and McCain who was the community organizer, etc. Now, they could've very easily edited out everyone who caught on to their little trick...but, I was amazed at the number of people who AGREED with everything. It showed me how very little those people actually knew about the candidates. So, saying someone voted for Obama just because he was black, is/was very possible.

I'm sure it was one of a few factors, but I think it was the 1st priority for many.

 

Is that better or worse than people who choose a single issue to determine their candidate?

I just posted these stats in another thread.

 

Black votes

 

1984 Walter Mondale 90% Ronald Reagan 9%

1988 Michael Dukakis 90% George H.W. Bush 10%

1992 Bill Clinton 83% George H.W. Bush 10%

1996 Bill Clinton 84% Bob Dole 12%

2000 Al Gore 90% George W. Bush 9%

 

rmrd0000's Blog | Talking Points Memo | Bill Clinton Got Historically Low Black Vote Percentages

 

These numbers shock me. I thought Clinton's numbers would be higher than all those guys. Does Ross Perot have an influence here or am I missing something else?

Is that better or worse than people who choose a single issue to determine their candidate?

 

I'm not sure that it is better or worse. The voters are choosing a candidate on one factor/issue alone whether it's race, wealth, geographic location, or public policy. It goes without saying that some issues are more important than others, but it does not change the fact that voters are zeroing in on one.

 

I'm inclined to say that choosing the President on race alone is worse, simply because race should not affect one's ability to do the job well; however, many times people from the same race, ethnicity & backgrounds share the same views, so I recognize that it could be a legitimate factor.

I'm not sure that it is better or worse. The voters are choosing a candidate on one factor/issue alone whether it's race, wealth, geographic location, or public policy. It goes without saying that some issues are more important than others, but it does not change the fact that voters are zeroing in on one.

 

I'm inclined to say that choosing the President on race alone is worse, simply because race should not affect one's ability to do the job well; however, many times people from the same race, ethnicity & backgrounds share the same views, so I recognize that it could be a legitimate factor.

 

I guess my observation would be that if black voters voted for Obama simply because he was black, it seems to me that they were choosing their candidate on a (possibly misguided) premise that he would lead the country and have values that would be similar to theirs, and affect the policy on issues they hold dear similarly. I don't find this to be any different, in the overall scheme of things, than voting for a candidate solely because they oppose abortion, for example.

Should we as a country consider it a milestone for having our first black president? Should this be seen as a triumph of sorts considering our sordid history with race and oppression? If so, why do you consider it problematic that people considered that when casting their vote? Conversely, do you consider that equal and opposite to those who voted against a minority candidate because of beliefs of inferiority or subordination?

Sure it is a milestone. But I hope people casting votes are trying to accomplish more than getting someone in the record books, regardless of past oppressions. Racial dynamics are so unique and interesting because of the acceptance of double standards. Not saying that is bad or good, just the reality of race issues in America.

I guess my observation would be that if black voters voted for Obama simply because he was black, it seems to me that they were choosing their candidate on a (possibly misguided) premise that he would lead the country and have values that would be similar to theirs, and affect the policy on issues they hold dear similarly. I don't find this to be any different, in the overall scheme of things, than voting for a candidate solely because they oppose abortion, for example.

 

I'll jump in since I am a part of the single-issue deal you're speaking of. I've stated in the past that I have chosen to not vote for a candidate, regardless of party, if they are pro-abortion. I've come to that conclusion because I feel like if they've missed the mark so badly on something that seems so simple to me, then they've really forfeited the right for me to hear them out on anything else. Being anti-abortion doesn't guarantee my vote, but being pro-abortion does lose my vote. Now, I point that out not to start an abortion debate, but rather to highlight that I'm making a judgment based on a candidate's thoughts, worldview, or whatever you want to call it.

 

When you're talking about a person's ethnicity or skin color, you're dealing solely with exteriors & nothing at all to do with their character, thoughts, worldview or whatever you want to call it. To vote/not vote for someone based solely on something that has nothing to do with who that person is....to me, that seems much worse. In that instance, a voter isn't listening to anything at all that the candidate has to say. The voter is just looking at the candidate & that's it.

I guess my observation would be that if black voters voted for Obama simply because he was black, it seems to me that they were choosing their candidate on a (possibly misguided) premise that he would lead the country and have values that would be similar to theirs, and affect the policy on issues they hold dear similarly. I don't find this to be any different, in the overall scheme of things, than voting for a candidate solely because they oppose abortion, for example.

 

What about the voter who exercises their right to vote for the first time solely because there is a black candidate?