October 23, 200620 yr With the talk of both Hillary and Barack Obama being potential Democratic nominees for President, we might ponder the question, "who will America elect first-a female President or an African-American President?" Personally, I am not sure that we are yet at the point of putting either a woman or an African-American in the high office. Hopefully, I am wrong. Also, what about a female African-American like Condi Rice? More or less likely? I like some things about Obama and I like women in political power as well. I would support Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama, but I have doubts whether America is ready for a black or a woman Prez. We've come a long way, but we are still a country full of prejudicial attitudes. So, who do you think we will see first... a female President or an African-American President?
October 23, 200620 yr Either would probably have to be Republican to win if you look at voting patterns. I think Republicans are actually more likely to nominate an African American than a woman, so I'll go with that answer.
October 23, 200620 yr With the talk of both Hillary and Barack Obama being potential Democratic nominees for President, we might ponder the question, "who will America elect first-a female President or an African-American President?" Personally, I am not sure that we are yet at the point of putting either a woman or an African-American in the high office. Hopefully, I am wrong. Also, what about a female African-American like Condi Rice? More or less likely? I like some things about Obama and I like women in political power as well. I would support Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama, but I have doubts whether America is ready for a black or a woman Prez. We've come a long way, but we are still a country full of prejudicial attitudes. So, who do you think we will see first... a female President or an African-American President? I think the question is NOT whether they could be elected but could they get the nomination. I think if it is the right candidate and they get the nomination, they could get elected. Getting the nomination, I think, would be the harder of the two equations. I believe the "woman" issue would be brought up in the primary by member's of her party but it would be stayed way away from by the opposite party. Same way with race. If you were running against me from the other party and made any comment besides a positive comment on my gender or race, how much flak would you take from that comment. That is why I believe having all of the necessary $$$ party connections (Hillary very well might) along with the right pedigree (doesn't Hillary) would be the key to get the nomination.
October 23, 200620 yr Either would probably have to be Republican to win if you look at voting patterns. I think Republicans are actually more likely to nominate an African American than a woman, so I'll go with that answer. I think there are ALOT of Republicans and Republican supporters that are salivating at the opportunity to nominate a Condi Rice and put aside all of the anti-African American and anti-woman issues. At least a nomination as VP.
October 23, 200620 yr I think there are ALOT of Republicans and Republican supporters that are salivating at the opportunity to nominate a Condi Rice and put aside all of the anti-African American and anti-woman issues. At least a nomination as VP.Condi Rice is a singular case, but I don't think she's all that electable in any case. She's not a politician, she's a policy wonk. Maybe as a VP.
October 23, 200620 yr Author I think there are ALOT of Republicans and Republican supporters that are salivating at the opportunity to nominate a Condi Rice and put aside all of the anti-African American and anti-woman issues. At least a nomination as VP. McCain/Rice vs. Clinton/Obama?
October 23, 200620 yr McCain/Rice vs. Clinton/Obama? I think it would be a HUGE mistake for Obama to link himself with Hillary. If they don't win, he will carry that link with him as Gore did. If they do win, then he is pretty much locked into the VP position for 8 years. He could stay on in the Senate and become a leader in the Senate and do more for his future than being the VP person on Hillary's ticket. I would say that Hillary needs a Southern male as her VP candidate. She going to pull the normal liberal areas. SHE is not going to pull the South or Midwest. She needs someone on the ticket to help her in that area. Not sure if Republicans trust McCain enough to put him at the top of the ticket. But right now, I think that duo is the best shot they have at retaining the White House depending upon what happens over the next 2 years.
October 23, 200620 yr I personally believe we are closer to having a female President than an African American President, and that's funny considering how long ago African Americans were given the right to vote in comparison to women. Sure, they had to pay poll taxes, but their voice was heard. Blacks were given the right to vote in 1870 with the 15th amendment (one could also make an argument for the voting act of 1965). Women were given the right to vote in 1920 with the 19th amendment I do believe. 50 years, in the scope of history, is not THAT long of a time... But in this particular instance I believe that it is. I believe that African Americans should be farther along in getting someone into the office than they are now. Sadly enough, the main ones that we see running are so radical that they don't stand a chance and in my opinion make a mockery of the whole thing... And they help to set the cause back. I look forward to a time where we don't have to ask who is first, and none of those issues even come into play when deciding who to elect President. For a country that is supposed to be the land of freedom and equality, we're a little behind in the times.
October 23, 200620 yr I personally believe we are closer to having a female President than an African American President, and that's funny considering how long ago African Americans were given the right to vote in comparison to women. Sure, they had to pay poll taxes, but their voice was heard. Blacks were given the right to vote in 1870 with the 15th amendment (one could also make an argument for the voting act of 1965). Women were given the right to vote in 1920 with the 19th amendment I do believe. 50 years, in the scope of history, is not THAT long of a time... But in this particular instance I believe that it is. I believe that African Americans should be farther along in getting someone into the office than they are now. Sadly enough, the main ones that we see running are so radical that they don't stand a chance and in my opinion make a mockery of the whole thing. I look forward to a time where we don't have to ask who is first, and none of those issues even come into play when deciding who to elect President. For a country that is supposed to be the land of freedom and equality, we're a little behind in the times. I have wondered if African Americans are not the ones that become more critical of an African American candidate than other ethnic groups view the African American candidate. I read an article today by a Leonard Pitts Jr, an African American, in the Enquirer and I quote. "Sort of in the way the party (GOP) prizes those black folks -- Rice, Colin Powell -- who don't go around reminding people they're black all the time. The thinking seems to be: sure you can join us. All it will cost you is who you are." It sure seems to be if you are an African American and a Republican, you have sold out. I agree with your last paragraph but realistically not going to happen. JFK was seen as the first Catholic President. We are debating the first female and African American. Then it will be the first Jewish or Hispanic or Muslim or whatever other label that is out there.
October 23, 200620 yr I have wondered if African Americans are not the ones that become more critical of an African American candidate than other ethnic groups view the African American candidate. I read an article today by a Leonard Pitts Jr, an African American, in the Enquirer and I quote. "Sort of in the way the party (GOP) prizes those black folks -- Rice, Colin Powell -- who don't go around reminding people they're black all the time. The thinking seems to be: sure you can join us. All it will cost you is who you are." It sure seems to be if you are an African American and a Republican, you have sold out. And does anyone not see the irony in all of that? In Civil War era, African American support generally came from Republicans. When did the tide start to turn that the Democrats got most of the minority vote? I'm not talking about Rice and Powell, I'm talking about Sharpton and Jackson mainly. But guys like Sharpton and Jackson probably won't get the white vote, and Rice and Powell probably won't get the black vote.. And that doesn't help their setback any. They need someone moderate... Someone who embraces who they are and who they came from, but doesn't come across to middle America as a nut.
October 23, 200620 yr I agree with your last paragraph but realistically not going to happen. JFK was seen as the first Catholic President. We are debating the first female and African American. Then it will be the first Jewish or Hispanic or Muslim or whatever other label that is out there. Those latter ones that you listed... I really don't see happening in our lifetime.
October 23, 200620 yr Just my opinion, but if the Dems want to occupy the White House this coming term, then Hillary should not be their candidate.
October 23, 200620 yr Just my opinion, but if the Dems want to occupy the White House this coming term, then Hillary should not be their candidate. I don't consider myself to be a Democrat or a Republican, but I tend to agree with you.
October 23, 200620 yr Just my opinion, but if the Dems want to occupy the White House this coming term, then Hillary should not be their candidate. I agree but honestly, if she runs do you think there is anyway they can/will deny her the nomination? She runs, I think she gets the nomination.
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