A black man's coattails

[NotHardUp1]

In a Democratic presidential candidate field that has washed out in color, save Andrew Yang and Deval Patrick, neither of which appears to be a contender, several leading in the polls are now airing ads that feature clips with President Obama.

Wisely, President Obama has declined to endorse anyone, a necessary if awkward position when his former and loyal vice president is in the fight of his life.

But Obama is likely playing the long game, waiting patiently for the party's nominee to be named before he rolls up his sleeves and comes out swinging. And be very sure he will.

The ads appear to be colorizing the ticket to perhaps serve as a placeholder until the VP candidate is named for the nominee, very likely a black or Latin, or a woman, or both.

Is the strategy a cynical appropriation of race, or a sincere tip of the hat to a remarkably popular former president?

There was commotion in some of the leftist media recently about the blanching of the Democratic slate, but if you were basing representation on population, then statistically the US would begin to see a black president once in every eight presidents, as blacks constitute 12% of the total US population, or 14% if mixed race is included.

Of course, that would only happen if there were equal access to voting, if there were not gerrymandering, and if the population by racial groups all received the same educations and opportunities. But, that's not the case.

Activists say that representation needs to look more like the country. But, if that logic is run all the way out, it means we wouldn't expect to see another black president in seven more administrations, on average. Unfortunately, that's an inconvenient truth and as unlikely to be published as the facts about space travel that will mean humans won't be living off this planet for at least another century.

There's a real irony in the DNC now thanking its lucky stars it has one black president under its belt to lean on. Latinos and Chinese Americans and Native Americans are still waiting for their chance at the brass ring.

 

[DepravedMuscleFTL]

we could debate whether the DNC is leaning on it's "one black President" till the cows come home - there is no knowing how they think and feel as a group or individually BUT

what we do know is that President Obama is a great humanitarian who believes in democracy and believes in equal rights - THUS it doesn't matter how hard the DNC would lean as Obama would already be in the front line regardless - as you stated "And be very sure he will. "

Obama is in the ranks of MJKJr. - you are witnessing historical greatness in which will remain in the forefront of American history FOREVER - not just during his administration - or as a cheerleader for a few terms afterwards - Obama will be affecting and effecting policy and direction for decades to come

 

[NotHardUp1]

I agree on Obama's significance, although I believe history will be a harsher judge of his in-office effectiveness, and not just because Republicans blocked him at every term to the detriment of the country.

Like George Washington, he will forever carry the mantle of "first." And he deserves every plaudit possible for that accomplishment. However, it doesn't remove the political role he played, the progressive stances taken in the election campaign that were not born out in the closing of torture sites abroad, the slowness to address environmental issues, and the capitulation to big pharma and the AMA's political will in keeping his health care act from reducing actual health care costs.

All that said, I voted for him twice and would travel far this year to hear him if he comes to this region to stump for the national ticket.

My prayer, not just hope, is that Obama is able to call forth the same voters who turned out in record numbers for him. Despite all the forecasts of gloom I have posted in the wake of Trump's outrageous crimes, I believe it could be turned if the voters will simply go to the polls. If all the followers of Sanders, Buttigieg, Biden, and others come out, as well as Obama's devotees, we have a real chance to send these thieves and scoundrels in the Administration packing.

I'm thankful to have lived to see Obama elected. And his wife is a pure joy to hear speak and see lead. I pray I live long enough to see another such trustworthy leader.

I'm not sure the DNC can't yet blow it, but there ARE several leading contenders who certainly have what it takes to lead, and are capable speakers and able debaters, if the election even has debates between the parties. It is hard to imagine moderating such debates today.

 

[DepravedMuscleFTL]

I agree that the only chance the Dems have is getting out to vote - the lines are already crossed - it is very very very very apparent that no matter what truths are exposed it will not change one single Trump supporter - the ONLY truth that Trump has ever said is that he could go out on the public street and kill and none of his supports would care.... in fact if the victim was of color they would applaud -

this is no Civil War - no North against the South - no - this is much much worse - this is a handful of epicenters (epicities if you will) against the world in which some like Miami Philadelphia Columbus no longer have enough pull to save the state -

why wont black folks vote and take back the nation? why wont women vote and take back the nation? I have NO IDEA - it is beyond my comprehension - but this is the scariest image I have ever seen in my life: