It is fair to say from time to time the pages of “Break It Down” have focused on race and its placement and use in a variety of political and public policy debates. That may lead some would be detractors to suggest “There you go again, playing the Race Card.” The fact of the matter is I am convinced that when applied in proper context, it is perfectly reasonable; perhaps even necessary, to address how this sometimes volatile, always controversial issue is used to influence the discourse that shapes all aspects of our democracy, including elections. It should come as no surprise, this year is no exception.
So while the lead news stories on the political scene today will tout Mitt Romney’s convincing win over a scattered field of GOP candidates who have taken their best shot at dislodging him as a prohibitive favorite to secure the 2012 GOP Presidential Nomination, I will spend a few minutes on “The Road Less Traveled.” Congratulations to Governor Romney. He finally broke out of the 25% range, attracting 39% last night in the
Two points of note, before moving on. First, for many months, I have noted that Mr. Romney was the presumptive favorite, and that I was all but assured he would wrest the nomination from an otherwise largely Not Ready for Prime Time field of candidates. Second, in last weeks post, I discussed “The Next New Guy.” Just in case you missed it, Romney’s first place finish in
In other words, that means, Rick Santorum, “The Next New Guy,” failed to win, place, or show in New Hampshire South Carolina
Here are the results of last night’s race in "New Hampshire:
| Results for | |||
| Jan 10, 2012 (95% of precincts reporting) | |||
| Mitt Romney | 95,666 | 39.4% | |
| Ron Paul | 55,451 | 22.8% | |
| Jon Huntsman | 40,903 | 16.8% | |
| Newt Gingrich | 22,920 | 9.4% | |
| Rick Santorum | 22,685 | 9.3% | |
So where do race matters enter this discussion, you may ask? Well in the interest of economy, I will mention just a few recent examples of candidates and their statements, writings, and in some instances, denials.
Sunday before last, while campaigning in Iowa
The comments, which fortunately, at least for the purposes of this discussion, were caught on tape, appear to have been at best, a Freudian slip, by the candidate who got caught up; at worst, a flat-out denial of the obvious by desperate, if not pathetic politician fighting to hold on to his moment (After all, is “was” the Next New Guy”). Santorum initially suggested the comments had been taken out of context, and then, perhaps when realizing there was no acceptable contest, endeavored to distance himself altogether from the embarrassing remarks.
Finally, Dr. Ron Paul, the GOP/Libertarian, iconoclast is reputed to have authored a series of controversial newsletters. The organs contained racially divisive comments, including:
- one of which said in June 1992 about the Los Angeles riots: “Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks three days after rioting began.”
There are all sorts of data available documenting that while the percentage of African Americans subscribing to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (erstwhile, Food Stamps) is higher than that for whites, the actual number of whites receiving benefits is greater. I suppose Newt should not be confused with someone who needs to be constrained by the facts.
These three examples are not meant to suggest that the contest to secure the Presidency; even the GOP nomination, is completely dominated by race. Rather the post is intended to prod readers to avoid sleeping on any of these candidates, because, make no mistake about it, “The Race Card: A Political Staple,” is a fact of life.
I’m done, holla back!
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