Are You a Closet Republican?

I really appreciate the investigation into black republicans. It is truly a disturbing phenomenon. I believe much of it has to do with not wanting to acknowledge race and the subsequent belief that we all are part of a larger community, whether we choose to interact or not. As a graduating college political science senior at a premier majority southern private liberal-arts institution I cannot understand how people of color continually vote against their own interests and that of people of color by being heavily involved in a republican party that does not value them as individuals or collectively.

Sent by Andrew M Lee | 10:27 PM | 9-2-2008

I listened to the interview of the black republicans with an open mind. I'm always curious to hear what the appeal of the Republican party is to any voter that votes on the issues, not just to black voters, but since I am black and yes I'm a democrat, I'm always curious to hear if a black republican can provide some new perspective that I've been missing. Sadly, true to form, all of them followed the typical talking points with those hidden implications(Democrats don't value family, Democrats are not patriotic, etc.).When I listen to any republican communicate their position it seems that they have no substance to their arguments. One of the guests claim that the republicans have always invited blacks is almost laughable. One of the most important appointments to come out of the 50/60's was the first black supreme court justice,appointed by LBJ.. A Democrat. Powell and Rice came 30 years later. All of the legislation from the civil rights era, important to blacks, was placed into law under Democratic rule. Its amazing that the audience at the republican convention appears to lack any diversity in race or gender, yet there is an expectation that voters, specifically black voters, should believe that the republican party is one of inclusion. Let us not forget that the two most prominent black republicans in the party have all but been silenced. When was the last time we heard anything significant from Rice. To imply that the majority of the black vote is for Obama because he is black implies that the black voting public lacks any degree of intellect as it relates to social and economical issues. It seems to me that black republicans insult their race to soothe their own sense of racial self loathing.

Sent by Glenn | 3:08 PM | 9-3-2008

I think it's good to have black people in both political parties, but the facts are glaring that the Dems tend to take black support for granted while offering small gains for blacks. The repubs on the other hand, historically have made it obvious claer they don't really want any blacks people associated with their party, at best they will tolerate a few for publicity photo shots. If these loyal black repubs were to actually make some real positive changes in the GOP for blacks I know their numbers would grow. Don't count on it.

Sent by JC | 4:26 PM | 9-4-2008