Obama, the Blacks' president
04 November 2008 à 12h17
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Blacks have chosen the Democrat camp. A recent poll suggests that a majority of African-Americans could vote for Barack Obama.
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, which assesses black voter trends found that 84% of Blacks prefer the Democrat candidate. The same poll shows that only 6% would choose John McCain.
Historically, a majority of blacks have always voted for the Democrat candidate because they identified with Democratic social and economic policies. If the voters behave as the poll suggests, there will be a record number of black voters for the Democrat party. And they are probably already doing it. There has been a wave of registrations these last weeks and the majority are blacks. These new voters on the list could block a possible racist vote against Obama.
Another fact to bear in mind: for the first time African-Americans are going to vote early in large quantity. In 2004, they were the category most affected by problems when trying to vote on polling day, often because of a lack of equipment in some neighborhoods with a high black population. The black community, which represents 12% of the electorate, is more and more involved and represents an essential voting base for Barack Obama.
A black ballot for social change
Black voters do not only choose to vote for a Democratic candidate, but also for a color. For the first time they have the chance to elect a black president. If Obama succeeds to George Bush, it will be a new page in American history, but also a proof of a significant decline in racism.
Four years ago, the black community were not so to vote for John Kerry: 69%. Even if Barack Obama has never presented himself as the black candidate, the ballot here has become an act of racial solidarity for the African-Americans. But color shouldn't be considered as the main reason.
The biggest issue in the African-American community is the economy, with 62% citing it as their major concern, according to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Fifty-five percent said their financial situation today was worse than a year ago. And Obama's program, which targets the middle and working classes first, seems to be the best adapted to their needs.
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, which assesses black voter trends found that 84% of Blacks prefer the Democrat candidate. The same poll shows that only 6% would choose John McCain.
Historically, a majority of blacks have always voted for the Democrat candidate because they identified with Democratic social and economic policies. If the voters behave as the poll suggests, there will be a record number of black voters for the Democrat party. And they are probably already doing it. There has been a wave of registrations these last weeks and the majority are blacks. These new voters on the list could block a possible racist vote against Obama.
Another fact to bear in mind: for the first time African-Americans are going to vote early in large quantity. In 2004, they were the category most affected by problems when trying to vote on polling day, often because of a lack of equipment in some neighborhoods with a high black population. The black community, which represents 12% of the electorate, is more and more involved and represents an essential voting base for Barack Obama.
A black ballot for social change
Black voters do not only choose to vote for a Democratic candidate, but also for a color. For the first time they have the chance to elect a black president. If Obama succeeds to George Bush, it will be a new page in American history, but also a proof of a significant decline in racism.
Four years ago, the black community were not so to vote for John Kerry: 69%. Even if Barack Obama has never presented himself as the black candidate, the ballot here has become an act of racial solidarity for the African-Americans. But color shouldn't be considered as the main reason.
The biggest issue in the African-American community is the economy, with 62% citing it as their major concern, according to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Fifty-five percent said their financial situation today was worse than a year ago. And Obama's program, which targets the middle and working classes first, seems to be the best adapted to their needs.
