I just wanted to comment on an entry written by Neal on September 26th.
Blacks did not earn citizenship or the right to live and work peacefully in this country by being enslaved. They had their own communities and families in Africa until they were brought here in chains. They were always human beings that were immorally enslaved by whites for over 200 years. Blacks fought and won their freedom from bondage by fighting in the Civil War. No one should have undergone what they lived through. You wouldn't have lasted a week. Slaveholders got rich off the backs of poorly fed children that carried sacks of cotton that weighed almost as much as they did, women were raped and forced to raise children from their rapists. You wouldn't dream of having your sister being forced to live in the house of a man who would rape her again and again and again. But somehow your warped thinking says that its fine for someone else to have lived through that as long as that person was of a different skin color. Because somehow that makes the rape less painful or dulls the pain of seeing your children sold and dragged away from you. I believe and pray dearly that there is a very hot place in hell for the people who then believed it was okay to treat people so barbariously and for people like you now who try to justify the inhumanity of slavery. May you know the pain that you so lightheartedly reserve for others.

James in NY
The Democratic Party uses fearmongering to get votes?

Anyway, to all those who pointed out the racism of Southern Democrats in the past, you are exactly right. Southern Democrats especially between 1877 and circa 1964 were the most horrible racists this country has ever known. The Northern Democrats were not much better during this time because they wouldn't do anything to risk losing the southern vote. But what did Republicans do for African-Americans during this period? Until Eisenhower, absolutly nothing. After Rutherford B. Hayes ended Reconstruction, Republican administrations as well as Democratic ones did nothing to stop Jim Crowism from being instituted.
And the instant a few Brave Democrats such as Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson began to support the civil rights movement, Most racist southern Democrats became Republicans. Thurmond did in 1964. Jesse Helms (who wasn't a senator at the time) did in 1970. And probably the only reason Robert Byrd stayed a Democrat is that WV would never elect a republican.
Nixon then openly courted white southerners in 1968 and 1972; many of whom thought he would reverse the civil rights acts. of course he didn't, but white southerners have mostly voted Republican since then.

Anyway, There's your History lecture for the day.

The GOP elites made a deal with Neo Libs to give Hillary an easy ride. Just face it and look at the facts… Newt says it, Bush says it (hell, he's vacationed with her and Bill more than once), and even Fidel says it. It's obvious that the media knows that and is running with it. Coincidence is almost never what it seems…

In my opinion the GOP is not afraid of anything…they just do not care about minorities, the poor, and the middle class in this country. I really believe that the GOP should be very afraid of all american voters this time around!

What is there to be scared of? As usual blacks won't vote for Republicans because they will eat up all the usual Democrat BS about the Republicans wanting to send them back to the cotton fields.

Mr Martin your living in your own little world if you think that the Republicans are any more scared of Democratic black voters then they normally would.

Maybe some day black voters will wake up and relaize that maybe voting for the party that uses fear mongering to get their votes isn't such a bright idea

last time I checked Blacks were Americans. Why are you holding a different debate that excludes white audience? Why not just show up at the regular debate?

Black Francis…

The fact that out of 50 years of different Republican administrations…you could only come up with four situations in which a Republican president helped/or may have helped a major demographic in this country basically proves the point of this article…Try again

Jan from Omaha…

How about the fact that African Americans, regardless of who they vote for are still AMERICANS! Since when did we become a country of, "I'll only help whites/blacks/hispanics" if they vote for my party? As a Puerto Rican American, I ask what has this Republican administration done to help the cause of Hispanic Americans??? I ask because they voted 40% for President Bush…Oh is that not enough for you Jan???

The fact is that your statement alone shows the divisiveness of GOP politics and why your party is unfit to run this country.

Republicans have done nothing for the black community to deserve their vote.

Republican President Eisenhower signs Civil Rights act, supports the Brown decision, and sends troups to Little Rock, Arkansas.

Republican Richard Nixon signs first major affirmative action policy.

Republican congress restructures welfare in 1996, urging personal responsibility and helping millions of people obtain self-sufficency

President George Bush, Jr spends more on domestic social policies than any president before.

Yes, Pixie, I guess Republicans have done nothing supportive for blacks.

It's not just black voters.

Many white people are simply scared of blacks, period.
I'm white and I see it in my neighbors, relatives, everywhere.

That's why many became republican even though their parents were new deal democrats, voting rationally for the party that protected the working class, gave us social security, medicare and protected unions and working conditions in mines and factories.

But fear is a powerful force and the republicans began to exploit that well esp after 1968. The south turned solidly republican, scared white men want to protect "gun rights" in their twisted fantasy of protecting their home with their gun, and racial fear easily overcame their economic self interest.

Before this color-coded "terrorism" fear mongering, the republicans used racial fear and racial code-words amongst each other to electoral advantage.
The Karl Roves of America know that fear is a very powerful force and they exploit it for all that it's worth.

"White people as a whole view us as ignorant, whiny, lazy, shiftless, violent, uneducated savages…"

to see the people of New orleans ignore the Saturday warning to Get OUT, to see them demand section 8 housing instead of getting work , to see the violence on their streets, the filthy homes , the fact that they re-elected the same man who didn't do squat on aug 29 2005.

Now how are we supposed to think otherwise.

you libs are so darn touchy ! Every freakin' group that holds a debate is NOT going to get the candidates to show up ! If I were a candidate I would just show for the six main network debates like it used to Be

forget the SNOWMAN, forget the MINTORTY ONLY debates, forget LA RAZA ONLY debates. Just have debates for all the AMERICAN PEOPLE TOGETHER !!

The dynamics of the republican party shifted about 40 years ago w/ LBJ…Black people as a whole are misguided and manipulated. We don't immerse ourselves in the issues that matter when it comes to evaluating a candidate..It comes from a lack of education, which comes from a lack of wealth, etc…Black people need to look to themselves as saviours..White people as a whole view us as ignorant, whiny, lazy, shiftless, violent, uneducated savages…We do not need to hold the beleif that some benevolent white man in an elected office can even beging to address our problems…Granted, our issues exist largely due to the institutionalized racism that has existed since this country began..White people say "Get over it" I agree..But we need to acknowledge that we are not inherently inferior, we are just 400 years behind with respect to social and economic development…Self reliance is the key…I don't trust the government. Historically it is run by white men who care NOTHING for anyone outside of their demographic…What happened to all those treaties signed with the Native Americans? What happened to your 40 acres and a mule? You're not getting repartations…In spite of the fact that a LARGE percentage of white America is STILL reaping the benefits of financial gains made through the enslavement of our ancestors, when it comes to the reality of what it has done to us, they are in denial…SO…Forget them..get your house in order..Stop having kids with losers, get educated, stop killing each other, and stop getting offended by bloggers, or media folk who are simply hecklers of our culture…Jackson and Sharpton are more interested in self promotion that resolving our REAL issues…So…Vote your concious, but…Don't rely on ANY elected official to define or embody your value system….

Republicans fear to debate in front of a minority because they like to feel that they're in charge they don want to know that these minorities are in charge for the votes that they need to get to the Whit House.

In January, Condoleezza Rice will enter the race and become the republican nominee. She will defeat Hillary Clinton in the closest Presidential election in history!

As a McCain supporter I have to admit that I think its a huge mistake to skip this debate and the hispanic debate. I expect more from him.

They are scared because they know they have nothing to offer black Americans. People will choose the person who best represents their interests when at the voting booth. Republicans have done nothing for the black community to deserve their vote.

If I was a Republican candidate, I probably wouldn't show up at the debate either. Imagine going into a room where the people already have their mind made up. "I ain't voting for no Republicans. They all evil like George Bush." That is the mindset in these typical debates.

As a Black American who happens to be Republican, I am not interested in someone showing face to talk about so called Black issues. I am interested in policy. Republican policies overall affect blacks in a more positive way than Democrats.

What are the black issues? Come on black folks. We get all jumpy about a debate and where they stand on the issues. I promise you. Blacks have the same issues as other Americans of other ethnic groups.

Lets please stop trying to put RACE to ISSUES. Instead, lets focus POLICY TO ISSUES. And if Democrats were so for Blacks then I promise you that the Bill Clinton 2-term presidency would have been more effective and long-lasting. Bush didn't destroy Black prosperity. Clinton didn't build Black prosperity.

James from Pheonix,

David Duke the former Grand Wizard of the KKK served as a REPUBLICAN state senator for Louisiana and entered the presidential primary under both parties but the wikipedia entry lists him as a republican.

Let us not even discuss how the only thing Republicans of today have to do with Lincoln is only the name of the party they served in. Everybody switched sides during the civil rights movement that has already been well established.

If we are going to make points lets at least be truthful or somewhat honest about them please.

Duke, Thourmond, Wallace, slavery, they will never get the black vote
Posted By james, Minneapolis, MN

James,

I'm puzzled by your quote? The story is about the GOP not in tune blacks, yet you list two Dems turned Republican (Duke, Thurmond), a Democrat (Wallace), and an issue that was ended by a Republican president. I'm trying to figure out if you're being strangely sarcastic, are just extremely uninformed or lack the skills (as do many on this blog) of coherent thought.

Have a good day,

You know what this dude is corny. All talk about black this or black that. but to me he's a wolf in sheeps clothing. STILL WAITING ON MY RESPONSE TOO HOMEBOY. SENT A LETTER TO YOU A WHILE AGO GUESS YOUR TOO BUSY RUBBING YOUR ELBOWS. BOOOOOOO

Wow, a bunch of bitter racists respond on this post…funny though, none of them identify themselves as white Republicans…you all's own words kinda blow up your theory on Republican party. Put yourselves on simmer people, this guy is obviously trying to incite people against each other…shame he will succeed!

It is a shame that some of the "top tier" candidates will not be showing up tonight. All is not lost for the GOP - Mike Huckabee will be there and will be inspirational as usual. "Vertical Politics" bridges the cultural divide!

Kent - Madison, Wi,

Are you referring to the SAME David Duke that ran as a Democrat?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Duke

If you really want to jump into history, Kent - yes, let's look to the south. Southern Democrats that fought for Slavery against Republican Lincoln. Let's look to the Southern Democrats that for decades resisted integration until the 1960's. Let's look at the various Presidential Administrations to see WHICH Presidents included minorities at all levels versus not including minorities or keeping them at entry levels.

I seriously doubt, Kent, you really want to look into those matters. As a democrat you'll be quite embarrassed.

Ummmm yes black people do not vote for the GOP because they percieve them as racist and the reason the GOP still doesnt have their vote is because they do nothing to combat that perception.

Duke, Thourmond, Wallace, slavery, they will never get the black vote

The GOP isn't "afraid" of black voters. They just see no point in investing time and/or resources in courting them. When over 90% of a demographic group consistently votes for one party, no matter how worthless the candidate of that party is, it tells the GOP "why try?"

Ayveel in Dallas meet Jon in Sacramento!

You Republicans always bring up the same old crap when you are confronted with the truth. Your party is controlled by Southern white bigots. That is why most blacks don't vote for you. Who gives a hoot about what happent 60 years ago. Today you are what you are.

Mel from Springfield

None of the top tier candidates said they were handing out reparations…get a clue

"The only thing holding blacks down is blacks but the only thing keeping them from voting GOP are racist whites."

You mean like Senator Robert Byrd who was in the KKK? Oh wait - he's a democrat.

Or the 1924 Democrat Convention where the KKK played a significant role. It was called the "Klanbake". Oh wait - that was the democrats too.

Or maybe it was Woodrow Wilson - that terrible Republican President who pushed segregation on society. Oh wait - HE was a democrat too.

Ummm .. yeah - blacks don't vote for Republicans because their racists!

The GOP is not scared of black voters, Mr. Martin. They've just given up any hope of attracting a black constituency. In all probability, it is the black voters who are afraid of the GOP- afraid, that is, because they distrust any political entity that currently boasts the allegiance of a majority of their one-time oppressors, demographically speaking.

I am a Black Republican. Proud of it to. Yeah I voted for George Bush in 2004. Yes I will vote Republican in 2008.

First, the GOP is not afraid of Black voters because they can truly win without Blacks voting for them. The last two elections prove that. Only 11% of Blacks voted Republican.

If the truth be told, the Dems are afraid of the Blacks. Democrats can't win without the Black vote.

I will say that the only problem the GOP has is President Bush and his possible effect on the election.

The most fearful thing that Dems have concerning black voters are the possibilities of Black christians who will vote morals and beliefs. Historically they have voted Democrat, but recently have voted Republican. Most Black megachurches are pastored by Republican voting ministers. While they may not endorse vocally across the pulpit, they most certainly say what a Christian shouldn't vote for.

Expect the Dems to become more religious just as the GOP did. The difference is, Christians are not concerned with the Republican senator who happens or might be gay or vice-presidents daughter who is a lesbian, and wife had an abortion (loosely speaking). They just care on how you vote when it comes to issues. If you believe in those issues, really know one cares.

Also, Blacks who desire progress on all levels especially economically will start to realize that Dems are for Big Government Control, Higher Taxes, and Estate Taxes that suck the wealth of Black American dry.

Instead they will that Republicans want to do away with the Estate Tax and the Capital Gains tax so that more money can stay in our pockets. Big business is good because it is the pensions and mutual funds that our 401k's are linked to.

If I were a Republican candidate for president I would most defintely show up at the NAACP sponsored debate. Even if 80% of the black population might vote against me, I would have a platform in front of a largely skeptical, but open minded population of voters. There are millions of blacks that vote Republican and if I could inspire them to court other blacks to consider throwing off the chains of the Democratic party, then I have done something positive.

I don't know the mainstrem Rep. candidates failed to attend. They had a great chance to create dialogue within sectors of the black community that they otherwise would have ignored. Would it waste time? I don't think missing a little BBQ in Iowa or South Carolina is going to be a big detraction.

Republicans do need to do a better job of attracting black votes, its very simple. Rep. want better school systems (vouchers/competition with public shcools), lower taxes, less destructive government interference with business….all ideas that could revitalize poor urban communities!

Republicans need to make it known very clearly to 'blacks' that the conservative/small government Republican platform will help their community. They continue to suffer under the Democrats…for the past 30 years!

It is self-defeatist of Republicans to 'write-off' the black vote. The fact that Tom Tancredo showed up for the NAACP just shows how screwed up our Republican party 'leaders' are. That debate is an awesome opportunity to shake up politics as we know it. The debate is a great way to create contacts and get closet black republicans out!

Does anyone know that Ted Hayes, an advocate of the homeless, supports the little 'r' republican platform??

The current Republican party needs to shake things up and see they need to change their image…well, the voters need to vote for better representatives than what we currently have…ie anyone that has shaken hands with Sen. Craig after he returned to the Capitol.

as long as whites continue to support racists like David Duke the GOP wont have to worry about their vote.

The only thing holding blacks down is blacks but the only thing keeping them from voting GOP are racist whites. You are not going to get people to vote for a party that gets 90 percent Klan Votes no matter how in line the policies are.

As long as blacks continue to follow racist like Jackson and Sharpton…I would not want their vote either!

I guess beating the crap out of a white kid…like in Norfolk is always excusable because their black and repressed right? The only ones holding blacks back are blacks.

they're scared of black voters because they know the only way to get them not to vote for Democrats is to steal their votes. That's why Tim Griffen and Karl Rove will resort to tossing out absentee ballots with ethnic names, tossing out provisional ballots, pushing phony "poll tax/Jim Crow like" Voter ID cards, use caging lists and false felon lists in black neighborhoods, send black districts faulty voting machines or too few voting machines so they create long lines forcing people to use useless provisional ballots.

read Armed Madhouse, the book that kid in Florida got tasered for mentioning, to learn more. By Greg Palast. It's at the library or borders.

The solution: VOTE EARLY. Go to early voting stations and if you're not on the polls DO NOT ACCEPT A PROVISIONAL BALLOT IT WILL NOT BE COUNTED. If you're there a few days early you can call the local Democratic party to get your voter registation figured out. Don't let the scared Republicans toss out 5 million black and hispanic votes like they did last time. We can win this next election if we pay attention.

I'm supporting Barack Obama in part because he knows all about the tricks these Repubs will use to steal votes, coming from Chicago, a damn crooked district for election fraud.

He will also inspire voters who normally wouldn't come to the polls to come out. Obama 08. Stop the hate, therre is no fate, don't be late, set the date. Either Jan. 19 or Feb. 5th in most states. Vote.

They have damn good reason to be scared of you, as long as you're paying attention.

Posted By Lance in Monrovia CA : September 26, 2007 2:15 pm

Are you serious Lance,,Stop drinking the Kool Aid out in Cali. Usually democrats try to steal the vote using the black vote. Do you remember what JFk did to Nixon in chicago ,,over 70k dead votes for Kennedy,,,You are either very naive or astoundingly ignorant or maybe both?????/

Well, scared is the same thing as prejudice, is it not? Our fear is borne basically from pre-judging — we don't know what's beyond those trees, it could be tigers or lions or bears, oh my! — so we pre-judge and become — scared. We don't really know that person, so we pre-judge him, and become — scared of him. Prejudice. It's the reason white people have given black people a hard time ever since slavery: because (1) they acquired the upper hand (slavemaster), and (2)they've been truly unknowing of blacks, therefore pre-judging, being 'afraid' of, because of this other skincolor people, which is racism, division. And this thought process, this age-old mindset ruminates and swells. Just look at the kids from the Jena, La highschool tragedy. Instead of these kids fighting out their differences among each other then go home with a bruised ego and a bloody nose like we all did in school, this was and is a racially bitter tragedy, heightened by the adults — the parents', lawyers', judges' intervention. Too bad. So this with the GOP tells me you put one of these today 2007 men who we're begging to attend black debates, into the white house and it will be the same ole backwardism, separatism, divisionism, continued racism, and on top of it all — the continuation and perpetuation of the Iraq occupation! Again I say LEAVE THEM ALONE. Let them disappear into the background and stay in their own separatist world. What's ironic is that here they go around the country campaigning on the message they stole from Obama — 'Change for the Country', 'New Direction', etc. when what they really mean is just a new white face in the oval office!! And any black person who votes for these republicans or who joins the republican party might as well be grinnin' and skinnin' with a noose choked around his or her neck, like going forward with the brakes on, unless and until that republican black person forces a new position, a new direction for this political party!

People in the GOP are not scared of black voters. They are scared of black people. They show that over and over. It doesn't matter if black people and the GOP agree on an issue. As long as the GOP is afraid of black people as people, they will not get black votes.

they're scared of black voters because they know the only way to get them not to vote for Democrats is to steal their votes. That's why Tim Griffen and Karl Rove will resort to tossing out absentee ballots with ethnic names, tossing out provisional ballots, pushing phony "poll tax/Jim Crow like" Voter ID cards, use caging lists and false felon lists in black neighborhoods, send black districts faulty voting machines or too few voting machines so they create long lines forcing people to use useless provisional ballots.

read Armed Madhouse, the book that kid in Florida got tasered for mentioning, to learn more. By Greg Palast. It's at the library or borders.

The solution: VOTE EARLY. Go to early voting stations and if you're not on the polls DO NOT ACCEPT A PROVISIONAL BALLOT IT WILL NOT BE COUNTED. If you're there a few days early you can call the local Democratic party to get your voter registation figured out. Don't let the scared Republicans toss out 5 million black and hispanic votes like they did last time. We can win this next election if we pay attention.

I'm supporting Barack Obama in part because he knows all about the tricks these Repubs will use to steal votes, coming from Chicago, a damn crooked district for election fraud.

He will also inspire voters who normally wouldn't come to the polls to come out. Obama 08. Stop the hate, therre is no fate, don't be late, set the date. Either Jan. 19 or Feb. 5th in most states. Vote.

They have damn good reason to be scared of you, as long as you're paying attention.

Answer:
As to Guiliani - two names…Louima and Diablo.

Ryan - NY

You wrote, "You're really going to give Bush credit for this? Just watch how fast that number falls as the number of foreclosures continues to increase because so many of those homeowners that created that "highest level EVER under Bush" can't afford the homes that they're living in and never should have been able to buy in the first place because they shouldn't have been approved for loans."

- - - - - -

My statement is that Republican (Bush included) support fair and equal opportunity for ALL to have homeownership. Individuals still must be responsible for their financial decisions.

The sentiment that Republicans don't care about minorities is a political propaganda promoted by Democrats, bought by minorities. Tax cuts for all is colorblind. Vouchers for private schools is a colorblind idea (actually would HELP inner city kids be given more options). Homeownership for all is colorblind.

The people who want to divide this nation by race - consistently are democrats. I wonder why???

You know the GOP's problem with Africana American Voters is that they vote largely the same. In any given election the African American vote is 88 to 90% for or against a candidate. No other ethnic group in the United States comes any where close to that number. That makes the African voting block a blessing for those who get it and a nightmare for those who don't

You say GOP candidates should not ignore the black vote. You then point out that over 90% of black voters vote democrat time and time again. Can't you see the contradiction? GOP candidates going to the NAACP would be analagous to the GOP trying to court the AFL/CIO or immigrant rights organizations.

In your heart of hearts, do you really think GOP candidates would gain any African-American votes by going to an NAACP forum? I mean enough votes to make a bigger difference then meeting with groups of voters in IA, NH, or SC?

If Tom Tancredo did the righ thing by going to the NAACP forum, I guessl Tom Tancredo now start picking up black votes and endorsements from prominent blacks or black organizations. Do you really think he won any black votes? Seriously.

How many democrat candidates went to the NRA forum? How many went to the debate sponsored by Fox News? How many would go to a forum held by the CATO Institute?

A candidate needs to go where his likely voters are - voters he has a chance of winning over. Given the "strangle hold" that the democrat party has on the black votes, it would be a waste of time for GOP candidates to spend time trying to win over an indifferent or even hostile crowd.

It does not matter that the two highest ranking African-American government officials (4th in line for the Presidencey) in history were appointed by the current GOP president. He won't be known as a "black president" like his predecessor whose highest ranking appointed black was Sec of Commerce (10th in line for the presidency).

Come on, how many people at that NAACP forum were seriously considering NOT voting for Clinton, Obama, or Edwards?

As long as the democrats succeed in keeping so many blacks addicted to government and government programs (healt care, education, welfare, housing, affirmative action), GOP candidates who are not 100% for those programs have little to no chance of winning votes by saying they want to get government LESS involved in people's lives.

Yes, black voters today ARE the same as their parents. If they were not, then you might see them running for public office as libertarians or indepenents, but do you? When was the last time there was a serious African-American candidate for congress, senate, or a governorship that was not a democrat. By serious, I mean a candidate that had at least a 50/50 shot of winning. How much of the African American vote did Michael Steele, J. Kenneth Blackwell or Lynn Swann get? If they carried the GOP vote, they wouldn't have needed much of the black vote to win (no more than say 25-33%), but did they get it?

When trying to google the percentage of black votes Steele received (which I could not fine), I found this quote "Democrats say it will take more than a few attractive black Republican candidates to overcome GOP positions — on affirmative action and other issues — that many blacks view as anathema to their interests."

So if the GOP does not change its positions, why bother courting a hostile vote?

Do say that there is such a thing as speaking for the entire black community is about as ridiculous as saying that someone can speak for the entire white, latino, or asian community. In fact it borders on racism to say that all people of a single race have almost the exact same interests.

4. The "American Dream" afforded to all willing to reach for it - homeownership by minorities at the highest levels EVER under Bush (Black people don't want to own homes).

Posted By Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca : September 26, 2007 12:07 pm

You're really going to give Bush credit for this? Just watch how fast that number falls as the number of foreclosures continues to increase because so many of those homeowners that created that "highest level EVER under Bush" can't afford the homes that they're living in and never should have been able to buy in the first place because they shouldn't have been approved for loans.

So yeah, take credit for that one.

By the way, Bob Herbert's column, "The Ugly Side of the G.O.P." in the NY Times yesterday is about this same topic if anyone's interested.

This is the race baiting I have come to expect from the Al Sharptons and Jesse Jacksons and this no name loser. First of all the Black voters have been brainwashed by democrats that the republicans dont care about them and the democrats always promise the world and dont deliver. President Bush has more minorities in his cabinet than any other president in US history (including President Bill Clinton) and he is still considered racist by the black voters. The black voters just dont get it, they forget that the Republican party is the party of Abe Lincoln , you know the guy that freed you from slavery. I think this article is horrible and completely inaccurate. This is man is full of lies and is the man reason why there is still racism today. Shame on you.

Oh come on….there are "some" black voters who really do have their heads on straight…they give thought before voting..they do NOT like the majority of black voters just go to the poll..or "get a ride" to the polls and vote democratic….because that is what we have always done! please….. if any of the black voters were honest with themselves, and actually looked back in HISTORY as to what the democractic party has really even done for them….they would realize the sad truth. But…thank God, there are many many of those who have picked themselves up, gone back to school, asked for help and or assistance, and are making a wonderful living….a big YEAH for them! GOP is not afraid of the black voters…. these voters aren't interested. Their eyes are closed…their ears are shut…surely Roland Martin can see that….but then maybe not.

Reply to Kevin in Greensboro:

The Republican debate on Sep. 5, 2007 was the hightest-rated debate thus far. It brought 3.14 million total viewers. That beats the nine other legitimate Presidential debates.

Tavis Smiley doesn't have the viewers, so again, why would any candidate attend a debate no one is watching?

Would Galileo be accused of being afraid of members of a flat-earth society if he declined an invitation to speak at one of their events? Republican candidates aren’t afraid of black voters, they simply see no point in wasting time on a group that collectively votes against them 90%. A smart candidate spends time persuading swing voters to support him. There’s no point in a Republican wasting time campaigning for votes in Nancy Pelosi’s leftist district, nor is there any point in Hillary or Obama campaigning in a district mostly made up of people who believe in limited government and free enterprise capitalism. When the black voters eventually figure out that they’re better off with (true) Republicans in office than with watered down socialists, you’ll never see a Democrat win a national election again.

Matin has a point. It was the Republicans who ended slavery and yet, we rarely see a black republican. The Dems wanted to keep slavery but blacks relate more to dems now than they do repubs. When did repubs and dems switch sides?

They're not afraid of them, they don't care about them.
The Republicans have done the math. More white Americans vote, than Blacks. What votes the Republicans lose among Black Americans is more than made up by White Americans. Just look at what happened in the Senate race in Tennessee. Why do you think the Republicans are attacking Hillary with such venim? They want to run against Obama.
You heard of the saying, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall." Well the Republicans have figured out how to divide the country and they are the ones that are left standing.

IF THEY ARE NOT AFRAID THEN WHY CAN'T THEY SHOW UP FOR A DEBATE.

I love this guy!

Neal says,

"The interest of the GOP doesn't parallel the interest of Black voters in almost zero ways possible."

- - - - - -

Neal - thank you for articulating the great misconception. Your statement actually shows a degree of racism. Let's list the ideals of the party and then, in parenthesis, list YOUR assumptions.

The Republican party (not perfect) stands for:

1. Supporting the family (Black people don't care about family.)

2. Reducing taxes for all Americans (Black people don't care about paying taxes.)

3. Giving people a chance regardless of race, gender: Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, Alberto Gonzales, etc etc. (Black people don't want to participate in vital governing.)

4. The "American Dream" afforded to all willing to reach for it - homeownership by minorities at the highest levels EVER under Bush (Black people don't want to own homes).

5. Strong Military (Black people don't care about military matters)

6. Solving illegal immigration (Black people don't care about illegal immigrants)

Again - your suggestion that the Republican party doesn't parallel the interest of black voters is amazingly ignorant. Sadly, though, MOST democrats and many black leaders espouse the same message.

Someone poised a very good question, why are many sensible minorities opposed, or afriad, of the GOP? To be honest, i'm not a huge fan of the current party politicians, but do identify with a conservative/libertarian/small government ideology.

Many minorities would likely benefit from this type of platform. Handouts and Robin Hood poloticians only keep the status quo and offer no viable means of breaking out of the vicious cycle of poverty in many urban areas. Instead of giving a man a fish, teach him how to fish.

We've all heard the sayings, but black voters keep voting in the same bunch of phony politicians who do little to better the communities they came from!
Why are inner city schools still so ass backward when it comes to producing meaningful results? Almost every large urban area is run by Democrats, from the school board to the city council. It doesn't matte what skin color you have but what ideas you have in your head! Clearly clearly, Democrats haven't offered much in the way of advancing the economic cause of blacks in this country.

Why should blacks be afraid of the GOP efforts to reform the school systems and offer vouchers to private schools? This would be the best thing done to public schools in the inner cities since desegregation. And why must kids be forced to ride buses for over 2 hours a day just to acheive some semblence of 'racial diversity'? Isn't it a slap in the face to think that black kids in America can't learn if they don't have white kids around them? Instead of shipping black kids to suburban schools that are run well, how about actually fixing the schools in the black kids' community? I guess that's just a racist idea from Republicans.

Its also a racist Republican idea that taxes should be kept low so that entrepaneurs can start business and create new jobs (might revitalize urban areas??) Its also very very racist that Republicans want to get rid of programs that discriminate on the basis of one's skin color. Come on, yes we want to respect and be proud of our heritage and differences, but at some point we need to come together. Look at Brazil, they are as diverse as the US but have much less racial problems…likely in part because they don't put themselves into such racial categories.

It doesn't mean we ought to ignore the problems that lay ahead of us. Jena 6 is a good example of the hurdles we still face.

I think what gets the GOP in trouble is that they believe so much that their ideals are colorblind, for which they really are (and shouldn't need racial pandering), but forget that they need to sell their ideals to people coming from very different perspectives.

Republicans depend far less on black voters than Democrats. Unfortunately, when people try to put forth a view that blacks don't agree with, the situation tends to turn into a shouting match among the crowd. Little is advanced and, in the end, blacks just end up looking out of control and not able to meet and dicuss their views with any civility.

If GOP candidates are concerned that there are too many debates but also concerned about the message their sending to blacks and latino's, why don't they show some leadership and effort to state that they will attend a more publicly viewed forum to reach out to these two minority groups? Perhaps Tavis is relatively small beans in the big picture, but with 70+ million potential black and latino voters, you'd think that with some effort, a strategically suitable debate could be organized.

The bottom line is that the GOP doesn't care and therefore, no effort will be made by this parties top guys to make something like this happen.

Shameful!

The GOP isn't scared of the black vote, the GOP can't get the majority of the black vote. Why? Because it's easier to take handouts from the Democrats and just coast. Need proof? YouTube's Dem. debate: "Where are my reparations?" That will always divide us, unfortnately. And it really makes it harder to get rid of that prejudice for those blacks who don't subscribe to that hand out philosophy. Those are the hard-working people who really subscribe to the American Dream. And that's where the GOP should be focusing their energies.

I do think that black voters who are not looking for welfare are way more conservative than we think. Blacks tend to embrace family, are more pro-life than most groups and want a strong military. It's the blacks looking to live off government handouts who like Democratic candidates.

I have this perception that the majority of Republicans are racist but I don't feel that way for all republicans that I still hold respect, I'm independent so I get to vote either DEM or REP.

Mr Martin,

Why do black men in the media (you, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, NAACP leaders, etc) ALWAYS have to make every issue about Black versus White?

Does the exercise of attempting to point out others' (usually white people) racism somehow justify yours?

Maybe they don't realize blacks got the right to vote?

I agree with "Brent" in Madison that cnn.com blog tends to take ONE isolated case, such as the blog entry a few mos. back where the illegal immigrant has to choose between her son and "living" in the US. They take this ONE incident and say the government is so big and bad and has no compassion for illegal immigrants.

The black voters do not like the GOP for sure. Now they are looking for support from a half-black muslim presidential candidate (Borat Hussein Osama).

Dan in Dallas asks:

"would you go to a debate that no one was watching?"

Dan, ALL the candidates (from both parties) have been going to debates that "no one" watches.

The issue is why GOP candidates refuse to appear for THIS particular debate (as opposed to other ones). And I think Roland Martin hits the nail on the head.

Frankly, by NOT showing, the GOP candidates are hoping to curry favor with racist elements in our society. Mathematically, I think that is a ridiculous strategy. And worse, its morally repugnant.

One more comment to blast:

I didn't approve of Hillary's premature attack on Obama's lack of experience to become President of the USA. Well, thus far, Bush has proved one thing that deserves my respect and gives me great comfort to know this and that is, he has proved that anyone without mastery of the English language, or a fool who possess below average mental capacity can become president of the USA-thus proving qualifications is a bunch of non-sense. He's the only president that has proven this thus far, and all mindless American should feel hopeful!

Let's not forget the backsliding of desegregation, thanks in no little part to the Supreme Court. True, affirmative action was meant as a "temporary" measure until we could come up with something better, but of course we haven't. On the other hand, is increased segregation so much racial as technological in origin? Decades ago, Clifford D. Simak in "The Huddling Place" predicted a link between increased technological interconnectedness and increased physical insularity. Is the blogosphere living proof?

The correct question is why is the liberal media scared of the GOP? This biased piece makes an assumption and then presents what is supposed to be evidence of it. It does not look at alternative points of view, though and that's why it's a bad piece of journalism.

It seems really fishy that these so-called minority debates were scheduled for the end of the fundraising cycle. The selection of those dates forced the contenders to make a choice between a debate and finishing off the quarter in a strong financial position. That's why the frontrunners will not be there, but the little guys who aren't making much money anyway will. Next time, the people who arrange the debates should consult with the frontrunners before they make the schedule. But, if they do that how will they make the GOPers seem racist? If you want one party to win an election, this is a good tactic to employ.

would you go to a debate that no one was watching?

He's exactly right.

Even as Republican/Independent I can see the Republicans are making a huge mistake not even sitting down with blacks and hearing their views on life, liberty and the pursuit.

Not like he Democrats have done much to advance the cause (except to offer the world and produce bleep), but to just give up on a voting block that in reality shares some of the same values is stupid, arrogant and will come at the parties peril.

There are blacks out there that are not happy with the other party (I hear it all the time) and a golden chance to bring these good people into the flock is being wasted.

You don't have to agree on every issue or offer handouts, just offer a better alternative.

I have no doubt the GOP knows they will forever have a have hard time getting Black American voters to side with them….The interest of the GOP doesn't parallel the interest of Black voters in almost zero ways possible. The Latino population is about 37million in the U.S. and the Black American population around 39million.

The only reason Bush sought after the Latinos is to save his party, b/c Black America has given up completely to support a party who sole interest are Anglo-Saxon related only.

Thank God, the immigration bill didn't pass, b/c no Latino or immigrant should be given free rights to freedom in this country due to the sole interest of a political party. Bush new, that if immigrants are given the rights to freedom to this country, then every generation of these immigrants will forever see BUSH and the GOP like Black America views Abraham Lincoln. I am glad the bill didn't pass. No immigrant deserves my country without a huge price to offer. Blacks earned it from slavery, they should do the equal same.

These comments are akin to the ones you are condenming from our favorite fox news anchor. Here is the racist formula use: 1 You make a stereotype, 2) you reference single instances, 3) you make wide reaching statments that reference point 1 and 2, and 4) you offer bland, one might say stupid, non-solution solutions to the non-problem problems. Go Martin!

Do we need to look much further than Jena, LA or Orange, TX or Yonkers, New York or Howard Beach , New York or places like that to wonder why? IMO, the Republican party cannot bring to the table and support the important social justice issues that would bring about greater racial equality. Just look at the immigration smoke screen. SO instead of trying for a compromise the Reps are telling the black community they do not matter. Just wait until the general election - won't that all change.

They are not SCARED… they dont want us. Because the causes/issues that black people actually care about, poverty, racism, civil rights… are in direct opposition of what the GOP stand for.

A better question, Mr. Martin:

Why are all of the sensible people of America afraid of the GOP?

I won't touch this, but Roland Martin has very good points about the GOP and the fact that they are scared of Latino and Black voters.

I'm sure someone will find a way to spin this though.

"Who cares about Latinos and Blacks. They're taking jobs from good, hard working Americans…"

frustrating…

When the Hispanic station didn't get 100 per cent turnout, it was "Oh, the republicans don't like Hispanics"; when Democratic candidates refused to debate on FOX, it was "oh, Democrats don't like FOX"; when Mitt Romney didn't want to debate a snowman, it was "Oh, the Republicans are afraid of college kids on you tube." Sheesh, don't take it so personally.

What a crock. The GOP isn't scared of black voters. They'll manipulate them (lie and tell them what they want to hear) just like the do any voting block. And if they can't do than they will discount them, marginalize them, legislate them into ineligibility and if none of that works they will re-program the electronic voting machines to change their votes to Republican candidates. It is ego or self aggrandizement that would make anyone think the GOP is "scared" of anything. Afterall if they lose they still win and then they regroup and come back again in 4 years. It's not like the outcome makes them homeless or broke or lose their medical insurance or killed in Iraq. They are and always will be in the drivers seat dispite the outcome.

Mr. Martin, I don't think the GOP is "afraid" of anything. I just think that there are too many debates. I mean c'mon, every DAY there's a debate scheduled; Tavis Smiley's ratings might not warrant Presidential candidates showing up. It's comical how people keep scheduling these debates left and right, and then getting all upset when the candidates decline or can't make it.

I thought That Roland martin is a smart guy but today I can say he is biased. I do not believe that GOP is scared of black voters. There are sensible black voters who are not in the media, who will always vote for GOP including myself. I do not need Martin to tell me to vote to Democrats. I will never will neither my friends. Have a life….