Every time Hillary wins a primary or caucus, (like yesterday’s Puerto Rico landslide win) the question of Obama’s “electability” arises. Political journalists are talking about whether race is an issue for Barack Obama. While Clinton has never out and out mentioned race as a factor in the Presidential election, when she talks about herself being more “electable” than Barack Obama–I think it’s fair to assume that his race is perceived by some as a disadvantage. Certainly the journalists that spin the political news for us have suggested it.
Shame On Us
I have to say that I thought the answer to this question was a no brainer. Not because I’m suggesting we all rush out and elect Obama. . .but because I cannot figure out why skin color would be an issue–at all. Call me naive or oblivious–but I’m not concerned about America having the first black president, or the first woman president.
But if race is an issue for us in this election. . .if the fact that Barack Obama is black makes us less likely to vote for him. . .then we might as well ask everyone to state their race or ethnic origin on their resumes. We might as well just tell people that certain jobs are only for white males in our society.
A New Question
I might as well come out of the closet and admit I’m not even a Democrat. I probably won’t vote for either Hillary or Obama. But I assure you it will not be because of gender or race.
So the question to be asking isn’t whether or not America is ready for an African American president. The question to be asking is WHY are you voting for who you’re voting for? Where does he (or she) stand on the issues that are most important to you?