Also, to keep the debate up, I was wondering what factors a black candidate possess to be electable in a country that is still racially divided.
I offer a few possibilities:
- Wasn’t part of the Civil Rights Movement. May be tied to it indirectly, but rose to prominence through other career paths. I think middle America is uncomfortable with the civil rights movement despite believing in Equal Rights.
- Moderate DEM. Someone who can appeal to the moderates in a general election.
- A good speaker. This is my LEAST favorite, because I finding it VERY condescending when someone says a black man is “very well spoken.” (SEE Chris Rock’s comedy). Yet, I think it would be important. Even people with bigotry in their heart could say “He’s different.”
- Not a Minister. I think this is true of all candidates, but I notice a large amount of black politicians are also ministers.
One I wonder about, and please note this question makes me uncomfortable: would Americans be more likely to vote for a light skinned black man over a darker skin black person?