Bobby Jindal - Do we walk the walk?

[doubles]

Yes, we talk the talk but sometimes I feel we don't walk the walk. We talk about diversity and being under one tent but then we don't take seriously Carol Moseley Brown and Al Sharpton as possible representatives for our party. Al Sharpton has been so sharp in the debates, he generated the loudest crowd response in all the debates, I feel if Al Sharpton were white, he would be the nominee!

The Republicans are playing the smartest game in trying to "appear" like they are inclusive and they are acting on it. If Bobby Jindal, of Indian decent wins the Louisiana governorship, I say shame on the Democratic party for not being first at this. We do not fight for and promote minority candidates enough, and in the same way blacks left the Republican party in the 60s, blacks and other minorities will leave our party if we don't walk the walk instead of this blah blah blah talk with no action. To believe Bush might now have another brown skin to sell his illegal wars is sickening. Blacks especially need role models other than sports and music personalities. If the Republicans are the party to produce the first black president or vice president (Rice?), no matter how ugly their politics, I guarantee you, just the mere fact of having a role model as president, someone for the youth to look up to and idolize, "hey, I can be president", and be the catalyst for dreams for young minorities throughout the inner cities of America, I predict we will loose our minority base, and sad to say, maybe we deserve it!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I want Mosely-Braun for VP

I think this will be great, and a great step for women and minorities.

[tritsofme]

5. You're obviously not from Illinois,

If she was the VP, we would loose in the double digits.

[_Jumper_]

2. I'm of South Asian descent

"The Republicans are playing the smartest game in trying to "appear" like they are inclusive and they are acting on it."

In this case he was nominated because he was the most qualified candidate. He isn't a token.

"If Bobby Jindal, of Indian decent wins the Louisiana governorship, I say shame on the Democratic party for not being first at this. We do not fight for and promote minority candidates enough"

If he wins that will mean the GOP will have one minority member elected governor, versus three(really two) minority Democratic governors. That is astounding--and fairly damning--given which party is the party of tolerance, and which party has a large pool of minority candidates. His election would also mean that he will be the only governor or senator of a state where "his group" is not the largest one(Richardson of NM is Hispanic but Hispanics are the largest group in that state).


"Blacks especially need role models other than sports and music personalities. If the Republicans are the party to produce the first black president or vice president (Rice?), no matter how ugly their politics, I guarantee you, just the mere fact of having a role model as president, someone for the youth to look up to and idolize, "hey, I can be president", and be the catalyst for dreams for young minorities throughout the inner cities of America, I predict we will loose our minority base, and sad to say, maybe we deserve it! "

After 9/11 I lost all hope of having a successful future in America; his nomination has restored some hope, given the fact that he rose in to the gubernatioral nomination(at least) in the more racist GOP, in a Southern state. However, it will not change my political beliefs or party affiliation. I believe that most minorities will vote on policies, not skin color, but I do see your point. If we fail to diversify our candidates for top offices we will lose the votes of moderate minorities. When will the practice of running a white candidate in a white area, a black candidate in a black area, and a Hispanic candidate in a Hispanic area stop?

[doubles]

3. Do you believe a black candidate can win the Democratic nomination?

I think not!

Even without baggage, if his history was clean, Sharpton would still loose. I do not believe even in our party, a minority could win the nomination! America has not progressed enough.

[_Jumper_]

4. I disagree

I believe a minority could win the Democratic nomination but the chances of that candidate being elected would be almost nil. Let's not forget that the vast majority of the people that are so bigoted that they would not vote for a qualified minority candidate already are in the GOP.

[Yupster]

28. Well what about VP then?

Isn't it long past time that the Democratic Party reward its most loyal group of voters with some leadership positions?

Every president makes sure there are A-A's in his cabinet and they're always in spots like Surgeon General, Sec of Labor, and Sec of Housing. What about Sec of Treasury? What about Sec of State? What about VP? Not a single A-A capable of doing those jobs?

Hell, what about head of the national party? Is there no A-A that could do as good a job as Terry McAuliffe?

[_Jumper_]

29. For the record, we had an African-American DNC chairman

The late Ron Brown.

I do see your point. It is sad that Bush, not a Democratic president, was the first president to appoint a minority to an important cabinent position.

[Yupster]

34. Good point Jumper

I shouldn't have forgotten Ron Brown. He maybe would have been a credible candidate for president this year.

[leyton]

6. A _good_ black candidate

is what we need.

Sharpton and Moseley Braun are weak candidates. Sharpton has never held a government position or elective office (Clark at least has years of military experience) even though, if I recall correctly, he's run for mayor of NYC before. Moseley Braun would be a great candidate but her Senate term was controversial (marred by disorganized campaign bookkeeping and a visit with Niger's dictator). Futhermore, at least in the opinion of this Democrat, neither has presented a particularly outstanding plan.

They are at the back of the pack, but so is Dennis Kucinich and so was Bob Graham, both white males. Nobody is taking either of them much more seriously than Sharpton or Moseley Braun (well, Kucinich is gaining fame, I'll grant you that). This can be attributed more to the fact that they just don't appeal to as many people as the frontrunners in the race.

If we want to be a diverse party, I'm all for that. But that doesn't preclude our responsibility as Democrats to choose the representative who is most qualified and who we feel will succeed.

[_Jumper_]

7. Why a black one?

Why not a Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or mixed one?

Many people have a bifurcated view of race in America. If we continue this, and the GOP wises up and realizes that America is no longer biracial, we could lose the support of moderate "members" of non-black minority "groups."

[leyton]

15. Good point.

I stand corrected.

[doubles]

22. Well said Jumper, we need to support all minorities....

Having lived in California, America certainly is no longer biracial. Out East, it might appear that way in some corners, certainly not out west!

[_Jumper_]

23. I agree

The viewpoint that America is biracial is a result of an institutional racism that seeks to keep non-whites and non-blacks from the table.

Let's just run the most qualified candidate, instead of running candidates based on whether or not most of their electorate has the same skin color as them.

[doubles]

25. That sounds like a Republican statement, it's the same thing

we hear for corporations who don't hire minorities, they say "but there aren't any good candidates", give me a break, they are out there, they must be out there, I don't have the list but the DNC should make a concerted effort to look for them, I am sure that's how this Jindal kid was found by the Repugs! Our government should represent the populace!

[_Jumper_]

26. You're both right

Right now there are few minorities that are qualified for the presidency. Usually, in order to have a legitimate chance at running for president the candidate must be or have been either a governor or senator. Obviously, there are very few minorities who've reached those posts. This is where I agree with you doubles. The DNC needs to run qualified minority candidates at tne entry level now so 20-30 years from now we'll have minority senators and governors who will have a legitimate chance at being elected president.

[Coldgothicwoman]

41. Sharpton IS a good black candidate

Reverend Sharpton, in my opinion, is a perfect black candidate for Vice President. I mean, I agree (sadly) that any minority still will lose big in an election but I hope to see that change and soon.

But there is not one candidate, including Governor Dean, who is so eloquent and energizing in speeches as is Reverend Sharpton IMHO. The Vice President actually does very little in most things, but if he could engage the people directly (just like the great William Jefferson Clinton did) on important issues facing the legislature, we could potentially offset the sheer numbers that the BugKiller, for example, helped rig in the House and Senate.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[_Jumper_]

8. Apparently there isn't much interest in the issue

That answers your question.:(

[kodi]

9. al sharpton is a clown, albeit a very funny one.

the office of the president of the united states is a critically important job, and not one that i would want a clown holding.

sharpton might get a good laugh, but he is not capable of running the executive office of this government. it is that simple.

i dont go to the auto mechanic to get my teeth cleaned and i dont want a man with sharpton's obvious lack of credentials within 500 yards of the oval office.

as to bobby jindal, let's make one thing clear about him. he is not an african american and does not face the historical discrimination that blacks have endured in america, nor does he come from poverty (the guy went to Brown University), which is an unfortunate hallmark for many of those who are descendents of american slaves.

bobby jindal is just a stooge that has been placed to paint a smiley face on the gop's antisocial policies.

comparisons between african americans and bobby jindal are specious, and pandering a candidate to the voters simply because he/she is brown or black is some pretty repugnant shit.

let bush run with connie rice and see how may african americans support her. i know not a single black friend or neighbor who trusts her, or clarence thomas.

those who believe that blacks will flock to a black candidate simply because of their skin insult blacks everywhere. it is in and of itself a racist remark because it directly and explicitly proclaims that blacks are more interested in skin color and are too stupid to consider the issues the candidate espouse.

[_Jumper_]

11. So what if he isn't black?

It can be argued that Indians, who are considered Arab by the average American, experience more racism than blacks in 2003. I certainly haven't heard of any blacks considering leaving America to escape racism.

Most candidates don't come from poverty. Should we hold the fact that Dean and Kerry were born rich against them? Jindal comes from a middle-class background. He got into Brown due to merit, not because of his family's wealth and connections.

"comparisons between african americans and bobby jindal are specious"

It isn't just about blacks. The issue is why the Democratic party, which is supposed to be against racism, doesn't walk the walk in nominating minority candidates.

"bobby jindal is just a stooge that has been placed to paint a smiley face on the gop's antisocial policies."

If he was white would you think that?

Obviously people will vote based on policies but it is clear that moderate minority voters may switch if they see one party as a racist party and the other as being a tolerant one.

[kodi]

13. sub-continent indians face greater racism than blacks in the US? prove it.

your....

"It can be argued that Indians, who are considered Arab by the average American, experience more racism than blacks in 2003. I certainly haven't heard of any blacks considering leaving America to escape racism."

apparently, you dont know many american blacks living overseas or up in canada, i do and i know quite a number of well educated indians and pakistanis who know damn well they are treated by white americans better than blacks.

your...

"Most candidates don't come from poverty. Should we hold the fact that Dean and Kerry were born rich against them? Jindal comes from a middle-class background. He got into Brown due to merit, not because of his family's wealth and connections."

its not where you come from, but where you're going and if you are taking anyone with you. jindal and the gop policies are divisive across both racial and class lines, not inclusive of anything except dollar signs and whatever they do will be primarily for the benefit of those who already have all the economic power they would ever need...that's what republican "trickle-down" economics is all about. and jindal endorses them.

its nothing but warmed over "strive for the wealth and consider only yourself."

your...

"It isn't just about blacks. The issue is why the Democratic party, which is supposed to be against racism, doesn't walk the walk in nominating minority candidates."

one does not a priori require that minorities be in office to use the full force of the collective, viz., the goverment, to combat racism.

BTW: how many black republicans are there in congress anyway?

in response to my......

"bobby jindal is just a stooge that has been placed to paint a smiley face on the gop's antisocial policies."

you stated...

"If he was white would you think that?"

were he white, he would be haley barbour, albeit, thinner and better dressed.


"Obviously people will vote based on policies but it is clear that moderate minority voters may switch if they see one party as a racist party and the other as being a tolerant one"

this one takes the cake, you confuse the menu for the meal and think that appearences in gop politics of a light-skinned, upper middle class, ivy league educated, second generation indian who is both a social and fiscal conservative, will startle blacks in to thinking that the democratic party is racist.

my advice to you is never go near a wesley clark event, supporters like you he doesn't need.

[_Jumper_]

14. Response

"apparently, you dont know many american blacks living overseas or up in canada, i do and i know quite a number of well educated indians and pakistanis who know damn well they are treated by white americans better than blacks."

Prove that.:)

Read this:

.

The days of blacks being the most hated minority in America are over, for they are accepted as veritable Americans, whereas Asians and Hispanics are considered perpetual outsiders.


"its not where you come from, but where you're going and if you are taking anyone with you"

So why did you feel the need to mention that he didn't come from poverty?:)

"one does not a priori require that minorities be in office to use the full force of the collective, viz., the goverment, to combat racism."

The issue is the level of racism in a party, not its policies.

"BTW: how many black republicans are there in congress anyway?"

What is with you and blacks? This is about minorities, not just blacks. Secondly, how many black Democrats in Congress were elected in majority-black districts, or plurality-black districts? Racism is racism, regardless of the color of those discriminating. Most of those, if not all, are in office for the same reason majority-white districts elect white candidates almost exclusively.


"this one takes the cake, you confuse the menu for the meal and think that appearences in gop politics of a light-skinned, upper middle class, ivy league educated, second generation indian who is both a social and fiscal conservative, will startle blacks in to thinking that the democratic party is racist."

Yet, again, what is with your Afrocentrism? Most American minorities aren't black. What I said is the truth. Some minority SWING voters will switch to the GOP if it is seen as being tolerant and the Democratic party as being racist.

"my advice to you is never go near a wesley clark event, supporters like you he doesn't need."

You're right; he needs more ethnocentric supporters.:eyes:

[doubles]

16. Do you think Bush is less of a clown?

From watching these debates, Sharpton is clearly a sharper individual than Bush could ever dream of being!

[doubles]

18. I never suggested the majority of blacks would flock because of color...

I do believe maybe 10 to 20 percent who are more centered might leave for Condi or Powell. As much as I hate her politics, she is intelligent, and Condi or Powell could easily pull some of the minority community away from us. I think it is somewhat disturbing that you believe the black community will stay Democratic forever. Do not assume the loyalty Bill Clinton had with the black community would transfer to the next candidate. I will ignore your "in and of itself a racist" remark as that was not my message.

[_Jumper_]

21. I understand what you're saying and agree

It isn't just blacks, it is minorities as a whole. If Jindal portends a change in the GOP and it starts nominating candidates based on merit, while Democratic candidates have the same skin color as most of their electorate, swing voters will switch parties. One reason the Democrats have overwhelming support from minorities is the fact that it is the less racist of the two parties. If that changes minorities that don't believe in the DNC platform and are neutral, or even have a slight preference for the beliefs of the GOP but vote against it because it is the party of Trent Lott, will switch to the GOP.

[doubles]

24. The Repugs are trying to change their "appearance"

First they got rid of Pat Buchannan, then Newt Gingridge, Lott stepped down, and now they are trying to beat us at our own game by appearing to be inclusive. Clinton had the most diverse White House ever, but then Shrub brings in Condi and Powell. Don't talk about that charade at their last convention with the black entertainers and speakers and even a gay speaker. As much as we here see through them, with time, others on the fence could jump!

[_Jumper_]

27. I agree

I do think Jindal is a legitimate candidate, though. He was nominated because of his qualifications. It is true that the Republicans are trying to appear diverse via appointments, but they do not want to be diverse when it comes to elected posts--nor does a significant part of their base. Jindal is I believe the first minority Republican to be nominated for a governorship or senate seat. The GOP is all-white in the Senate, statehouses, and virtually all-white in all legislative levels of government. They do not appear to be trying to change that--yet. However, in a decade or so when Democrats become the majority they will realize that race was a major reason for their decline and may start to diversify the candidates it fields as part of an effort to appeal to minorities. If the DNC doesn't do the same, swing minority voters mat switch to the GOP.

[Yupster]

30. Governor Martinez

was Republican governor of Florida a while back.

Massachusetts had a A-A senator for a while when I was younger. Can't remember his name. Shows how long ago it's been.

[_Jumper_]

32. Edward Brooke

He was also a Republican.

I had never heard about Martinez before. Thanks for informing me about him. When did he serve by the way?

Let's look at the record of the parties in electing minorities to governorships and the senate:

Senate

DEM-1
GOP-1

Governorships

DEM-2(Wilder, Locke)
GOP-1(probably two soon)

This is very damning, given the fact that the vast majority of minorities are Democrats and we have a much larger pool of candidates.

[Yupster]

35. Boy - you had to ask...

I had to do a search

Robert Martinez
Governor of Florida 1987-1991
Then Drug Czar under Bush

[_Jumper_]

36. Note to self:

never post here after midnight.;)

[doubles]

39. So true, very damning indeed. nt

[Egnever]

20. Yes!!

best post ive read here in a long time!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[amazona]

10. there is more to the story in Louisiana

First, I agree with your comments on Sharpton 100 percent cent.

There is more to the story about why we've failed to get a black Governor in Louisiana. You may or may not be aware of the decades-long smear campaigns here against any Governor who is remotely progressive or populist. Cleo Fields certainly stood a good chance, until he was smeared by being sort of an un-indicted co-conspirator of Edwin Edwards. If every Democratic Governor or prospective Governor is going to be accused of multiple crimes, then no wonder we got stuck in a defensive position and end up with an unexciting candidate like Blanco. This isn't going to change until Democrats get as serious about prosecuting Republican criminals as the GOP is about prosecuting (or even inventing cases) against Democrats.

Bobby Jindal is a Mike Foster hand puppet, yeah, that Mike Foster who bought the mailing lists from David Duke and is little more than David Duke lite. His grand achievement was to revoke the motorcycle helmet laws and get a few more folks killed by head injury each year. Don't judge by the color of the skin; judge also by the actual progressive (or nonprogressive) nature of a man's deeds. The sad thing is having a GOP Governor has proven to be completely useless; Mike Foster couldn't even get a state of federal emergency declared for the victims of Tropical Storm Bill. He is worthless at getting anything from Washington, and I have no faith that Jindal will be any better.

[_Jumper_]

12. It is a national problem

Why has the Democratic party only elected two minority governors and two minority senators?

We aren't saying we're supporting Jindal; I certainly don't. We're asking why the Republicans likely will elect their first minority governor while we've only had two--despite having a MUCH larger pool of minorities in our party.

[w4rma]

17. Republicans will vote for minority candidates, ONLY if they are Republican

Democrats will both vote for Democratic minotity candidates AND cross over to vote for Republican minority candidates.

That, I think, is why.

[_Jumper_]

19. Then where are they?

Where are the legitimate Democratic minority candidates if they are electable? Is the DNC keeping the party segregated intentionally?

[Yupster]

31. Take a shot at Clinton

He was president for eight years. He made thousands of appointments. Where are the minorities that he appointed to important positions, and therefore put them into the pipeline to be candidates for senator, governor, president?

[morningglory]

43. I think they will start to pop up when we take the country back.

Carol Mosely-Braun is a Clinton appointee. She will always have a place. I like the cut of her jib.

[maggrwaggr]

33. we need Al Sharpton to say things that the president CAN'T say

We need him the way the right wing needed Rush Limbaugh.

Seriously, Sharpton can TALK. We need to get him on the air and on TV.

[juajen]

37. I think that is a great idea. His own talk show would be great!

I love Al Sharpton. IMHO, he does not have qualifications needed to be President of this country. I know, * didn't either, but dems and pugs need to be tougher about qualifications. Gotta say I would choose him over * any day, just not over a few highly qualified present candidates. Why can't he run for the senate somewhere. I would love to see him in the senate and his name recognition would stand him in very good stead now. Also would like to see him obtain a cabinet position of some sort. I think his "Sharpness" (pun intended) is needed.

[doubles]

38. We need Al on talk radio but corporate America would not sponsor it!

[doubles]

40. kick

:kick:

[funkyflathead]

42. Carl McCall

Nuff said.