Why Do Republicans Think Herman Cain Can Wrest African American Voters From President Obama?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

I believe Alan Keyes got 3% of the African American vote. Also, doesn't that presuppose that African Americans vote for a candidate because of he or she is the same color as them. Not only is that insulting but it's something they accuse African Americans of doing.

[louis-t]

1. I just keep thinking...

they want to replace the smart guy with the dumb guy? Repugs reward ignorance, they worship it. They criticize Dems for being educated.

[patrice]

2. Because HC is Black. This shows their lack of respect for AA voters.

[Number23]

13. Not only a lack of respect but a general lack of UNDERSTANDING

This idea that black folks will always vote for the black guy or gal shows a hilarious lack of understanding and knowledge of history.

And I've seen people on the left and the right make this absurd argument.

[supernova]

44. Same logic that chose Sara Palin

They really thought putting any old Barbie Doll on the GOP ticket would make women flock to the GOP ticket.

Like you said "general lack of understanding"

[Starbucks Anarchist]

50. Just like some DUers who think Latinos will flock to Rubio.

[Number23]

55. Yep. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING that I see here surprises me here anymore

I'm sure that you feel the same. :)

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

57. And DUers even accuse Black Democrats of only voting for Obama because he's black!!

No difference!!

[baldguy]

59. +1000

They think blacks are stupid.

[Avalux]

3. Because his black ancestors were slaves. Obama is only half black and his dad wasn't a slave.

Herman Cain actually said this in an interview weeks ago. He must think Black Americans are idiots.

[patrice]

4. I think they're also triangulating the Libertarian piece, because of RP & the mix of other issues

up in the air right now.

IMO, Cain has clear Libertarian harmonies.

[liberal N proud]

5. He will grope them all away from Obama

:rofl:

[Politicalboi]

31. He only goes after

White women. Oh excuse me (Allegedly) LOL! Yeah right.

[JoePhilly]

6. Because they are stupid. Some simple math for them ...

African Americans voted for John Kerry at about 88%. Here is the source.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/US/P/00/epolls.0.html

African Americans voted for Obama at about 95%. Here is the source.

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#USP00p1

For some reason, idiot Republicans think that African Americans would simply switch to the GOP if Cain was their candidate.

The only reason I can come up with is ... they are stupid.

[Enrique]

7. I don't think they do

Cain doesn't seem to be trying for the black vote.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. He Said He Could Get Thirty Percent Of The African American Vote

You can prolly google it.

[leftynyc]

9. for the same reason

they thought sarah would get hillary voters - IOW, they're stupid.

[Pirate Smile]

12. Exactly. They act like they can not even conceive of the idea that women and black people vote for

Democrats because of their policies and their recent history of dealing with issues that strongly affect women and blacks.

It is bizarre how they purposefully try to ignore the rational actions of women and African-Americans.

[DemocratAholic]

10. socially conservative voters

There is evidence to suggest a contingent of black voters who are very socially conservative, especially people with strong connections to Christian churches. Socially conservative black voters were credited for overturning the gay marriage law in California.

Most black voters in the past have stayed away from Republicans as Republicans were so obviously racist. The Republican party has been on a mission to change that perception, and have realized they do make some progress with black voters by appealing to gay-hating, pro-lifers, creationists...

[Number23]

14. If by "credited" you mean "blamed" then you are absolutely correct

Socially conservative black voters were credited for overturning the gay marriage law in California.

In the end though, it was the same group of folks that have historically fought tooth and nail to deny EVERYONE their rights in this country that were the genuine turning point in Prop 8. Clue: It wasn't black folks.

But that sure as hell didn't stop an onslaught of "blame the blacks" from coast to coast. DU was absolutely BLANKETED with it for weeks, although some have tried their damnedest to pretend that never happened. Unfortunately for them and luckily for everyone else, no one here (and certainly not the black posters, gay and straight) has forgotten. Or will.

[DemocratAholic]

17. i expected that response

After I posted my reply I thought I should have re-worded it because someone will use it as an opportunity to interpret it as being an affront to black people. Certainly black people were not solely responsible for overturning gay marriage, that included all races. However, there was definitely an effort on behalf of social conservatives, Christian churches, which included black churches, to repeal gay marriage. I do not know the exact percentages, but it did seem a significant number of socially conservative black voters who voted to repeal gay marriage which made a difference in passing the referendum.

This was all in response to the question in this thread about whether Cain expected to take black voters away from Obama. My point was that there are many socially conservative black voters, as there are also white, Hispanic and Asian voters as well. In the past Republicans have had trouble attracting any black voters because the GOP was so obviously and shamelessly racist. I would suggest those times are changing, and there are many socially conservative black voters who are now willing to consider voting for Republicans because they hold similar political values.

One other point I would make is that simply because someone stands up against one kind of bigotry does not mean they are opposed to other kinds. It is an irony, but it is exactly what explains why bigotry towards gay people continues to exist while other kinds of bigotry are no longer socially acceptable.

[Number23]

20. You are wrong

but it did seem a significant number of socially conservative black voters who voted to repeal gay marriage which made a difference in passing the referendum.

The deciding factor in the passage of Prop 8 was Mormons. And you can probably count on one hand the number of black Mormons in the entire planet.

As I said, it was the same folks that have historically worked hard to deny EVERY group their rights that were the defining force in the passage of Prop 8. I always find it fascinating the focus on Prop 8 in California and those who seem to have no problem blaming blacks or "socially conservative blacks" for Prop 8 but who are mysteriously silent when it is noted that gay marriage bans also passed in states like Maine which have precious few residents of melanin. But I guess when a meme is being pushed ie "blacks are more socially conservative than the entire rest of America and Repubs are reaching out to our innate or socially nurtured hatred of gays to bring us into the Repub fold," things like facts are always the first thing to be tossed aside.

You stated point blank that

"The Republican party has been on a mission to change that perception, and have realized they do make some progress with black voters by appealing to gay-hating"

while talking ever so blithely about "bigotry." Are you not aware of the irony of your statement?

[DemocratAholic]

21. all black people are liberals?

if you want to believe that all black people are liberals-progressives, that is your choice. but it is not true. honestly you seem so intent on pursuing your own agenda which ignores the intention of what i was saying, twisting my words, and I refuse to jump off that bridge with you. the only point i was making was that conservative black people do exist, and Republicans have attempted to attract some conservative black voters with anti-gay, anti-abortion, biblical creationism, etc. Notice I did not say ALL black people, or that all black people are anti-gay, or even most black people. SOME. Just like SOME whites, Jews, Hispanics and Asians are also attracted to a socially conservative ideology. this is something that Republican leaders have repeatedly stated as part of their strategy. in other words, they are not automatically conceding black voters to the Democrats.

[Number23]

22. I'm black and I'm not a liberal

So I already know that your strawman if you want to believe that all black people are liberals-progressives, that is your choice.

is just that. I happily consider myself a moderate independent.

And if you choose to ignore the truly gargantuan disconnect between your statement saying conservatives are using anti-gay stances to appeal to blacks while simultaneously talking about bigotry out of the other side of your mouth, then there is absolutely NOTHING anyone can say to you.

You did not use the word "some" in your initial comment. You posted exactly what I said that you posted:

"The Republican party has been on a mission to change that perception, and have realized they do make some progress with black voters by appealing to gay-hating"

There was no qualifying, weasel-licious "some" in your statement before the phrase black voters. And even if you had put it there, it makes no difference. Black voters overwhelmingly vote Democratic and have for over 50 years. The Repub party can be as anti-gay as they want to be. When the Repub party makes even ONE HUNDRETH the inroads in the black and/or Hispanic community as they have made in the white one, then you will have a fact-based argument.

[DemocratAholic]

23. absurd

i am very familiar with people who try and attack others by throwing around subtle accusations of racism. or who restate and mischaracterize what other people say to suit their own agenda. i have no interest in conversing or arguing with people like that because it is so dishonest.

[Number23]

25. 'i am very familiar with people who try and attack others by throwing around subtle accusations

of racism." For some reason, I completely believe that this is something you are QUITE familiar with.

Your refusal to acknowledge or even respond to the facts in my posts (That Prop 8 was not passed solely or even mainly because of blacks; that people who routinely throw out this misinformation always tend to turn blind and mute when it is noted that states with little minority representation have also passed gay marriage bans; that blacks overwhelmingly vote Democratic so the idea that "Republicans are making progress with blacks through gay-hating" may not be based in reality; and that there may be a legitimate issue with "black social conservatives" if Republicans had made 1/10th the inroads in the black community as they've made in the white one) is much more telling than anything I've written.

I have no interest in discussing anything with anyone who is dishonest either. And your refusal to acknowledge any of the things that I've said to you makes me believe that ignorance can not be the sole source of some of the things that you've written.

[Name removed]

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[Liberal_Stalwart71]

58. People here assume that black Americans are socially conservative. NOT TRUE!

...and blame us for Prop 8!! It's offensive and WRONG!!!

[DemocratSinceBirth]

41. The Sad Thing Is They Are Trying To Get Black Folks To Hate The "Other"As Much As They Do

It would at least be more noble to promise to economically empower them.

[Number23]

43. When you say "they" here, who are you talking about?

The Sad Thing Is They Are Trying To Get Black Folks To Hate The "Other"As Much As They Do

Repubs? Because you are definitely right. But as I mentioned, the Repub party has had precious little success in converting blacks. It is common knowledge that any power, resources and stature that Republicans have has been achieved almost exclusively from whites.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

45. The Republicans, Of Course

I would have more respect for Republicans if they made an economic appeal. But if you listen to Republicans they always allude to the fact that most African Americans are socially conservative and to Republicans "socially conservative" is a dog whistle to keep down gays.

[Number23]

47. Well, the reason I asked to whom you were referring when you used the word "they"

is because it wasn't just Republicans that were accusing blacks of passing Prop 8.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

53. I Was With A Bunch Of Friends When Don Lemon Came Out

The women were a bit disappointed because he's so good looking.

I just said "God made all of us."

[craigmatic]

11. They don't think he can win black people. They just like the fact that he makes them seem less

racist by allowing their bullshit trash policies to come from a black person. It's all about window dressing. Just like their brief infatuation with Michael Steele.

[savalez]

18. I agree, Oh and I forgot about "U Be Da Man" Steele.

He was so easy to forget. Thanks for reminding me.

[Jakes Progress]

15. They don't think that. And they don't care.

cain will never be their candidate. He knows it too.

Kabuki.

[surrealAmerican]

16. Cain is far less crazy than Alan Keyes.

Then again, you can say that about almost anyone.

[certainot]

19. team limbaugh sells, defends him, too 50 mil a week, on 1000 radio stations

limbaugh is a racist as are many of the other blowhards, and perry is their kind of black man, especially since he talks talk radio lingo.

[girl_interrupted]

24. Because of people like Condi Rice & Clarence Thomas

and Colin Powell, and a lot of others. Not all blacks are Democrats or Liberal. So if you are black & conservative they would be appealing to you. Because every minority of one type or another, whether you are black, gay, female, etc want to see someone like themselves represented, especially, and most importantly, if they share the same political philosophy, as you do. If you're black & conservative, Obama isn't going to do it for you, but Cain surely would.

This year, especially, republicans have been typecast as racists, thanks to the comments and signs of a lot of teabaggers. I think with Cain, they are trying to prove that they aren't. They want you to know, that anyone, who shares their political philosophy is welcome in their party...like Cain, for instance. Unfortunately when you have republicans like Ann Coulter: "Our Blacks are better than Your Blacks" You think Whoa! Spoken like a true slave owner. They sort of shoot themselves in the foot, in the process, and come out looking worse.

As a woman, I'd like to see more women involved in politics. Sometimes I get annoyed when I see conversations about what Dem should run in 2014, and 9 times out of 10, it's always a man's name that is brought up. And I know there are plenty of qualified women out there, that can do the job just as well if not better. They also share my political views. And these women may also share other prospectives on life, that a man has not had to deal with. So they may be more inclined to get my vote. And I think a lot of minorities feel the same way, they want one of their own out in front speaking for them. And I really don't think there is anything wrong with that.

So I guess you could say the republican playbook is to try and appeal to every type of voter, because they need all the help they can get right now, and they have nothing to lose by trying it.

[ellisonz]

26. Racism. n/t

[jenmito]

27. Here's a poll that addresses that:

From Nov. 7th: NBC/WSJ has a new set of poll numbers out today showing Mitt Romney​ and Herman Cain​ in a virtual tie atop the 2012 GOP field -- 28% to 27%. Newt Gingrich at 13%, Ron Paul at 10%, and Rick Perry at 10% are the only others in double digits. Cain has seen his poll numbers hold for the most part in the face of the sexual harassment allegations, but with a fourth accuser going public today, the relentlessness of the scandal will probably hurt Cain eventually. The fact that the accuser has hired Gloria Allred also ensures that it will stay in the news, since Allred's bread and butter is promoting these types of scandals to no end.

The poll also finds that Obama leads his GOP rivals in hypothetical 2012 match-ups. He leads Romney 49% to 43% and he leads Cain 53% to 38%. He even leads against a generic Republican, 45% to 42%. Interestingly enough, the poll finds that Obama destroys Cain among black voters, 93% to 6%, showing that despite Cain's skin color, he has no better results among black voters than a typical white GOP presidential candidate. This is the best set of poll numbers for Obama in awhile.

http://www.411mania.com/politics/columns/209535

[applegrove]

28. The GOP works in small %. Don't forget how close the Presidential elections are.

Plus one of the worst charges against the tea party so far has been how racist they are. Now they can claim that is not true.

[golfguru]

30. Alan Keys is the biggest wind bag, no exceptions n/m

[Lionessa]

32. They don't. They know he won't win, but at least since they're going to lose anyway,

they can look like they're not racist for this election.

[TygrBright]

33. They think black folks will vote for any colored fella-- even theirs. Assbags. n/t

[thelordofhell]

35. They think the same way about women too

One of the reasons that Sarah Palin got the VP nod is that they thought, "Hey, women will vote for a woman!!"

[mindwalker_i]

37. I'd really like to see a grudge match

between Herman's Cane and the Clenis. It'd be like presidential sausage vs. mangy peperoni.

[Obamakarma]

39. Cainiacs think AA voters vote on color not issues

I am convinced that a firm swathe of Cain supporters are behind him because they believe that he has a chance against Obama in the general simply because he's black. The logic is that the color of his skin will somehow appeal to African American voters in a way that causes them to reflexively fall in line and, at least half of them, peel away from the president. They think Cain, therefore, represents the perfect package of Conservative and vote winner.

The idea that African Americans might actually discern who to vote for based on issues like, say, health care, jobs, education, tax policy, doesn't seem to have occurred to them. Not least because Cain's platform is devoid of any detailed policy beyond a couple of back-of-the-envelope slogans and, unlike with Rick Perry, his regular contradictions don't seem to concern them. To the Cainiacs that doesn't matter. The way they see it, policy isn't the point.

[BlueMTexpat]

40. I am not AA.

But I am female.

I would thus imagine that thinking AA voters would feel somehow like I felt when McCain picked Palin, the antithesis of a qualified woman candidate, supposedly to entice those women voters who were formerly supporters of HRC.

I felt extremely insulted, dismissed and demeaned. And, like so many others, I immediately sent a sizable contribution to BHO!

But much as I reject the idea of Cain as a credible candidate - or any of the current GOP crop, for that matter - he is more qualified than Palin ever was - or could ever be.

[randome]

42. They don't.

The only alternative is to admit they have already lost the 2012 elections. So they cling to this frail hope.

[AtomicKitten]

46. Because they are ignorant and racially insensitive.

[Yavin4]

48. The Majority of African American Voters Are Working Class

and unlike their White working class brethren, they vote their economic interests. By and large, Democratic candidates better represent their economic interests.

In addition, a good many middle class African Americans work in government, largely because there are stricter rules against discrimination in government hiring. And, the Republicans want to cut govt. workers.

So, why would African Americans vote themselves out of a job?

[Skittles]

49. because they think black folk are stupid

it's called "racism"

[Lyric]

51. Because they think that black people are as dumb and bigoted as they are.

Seriously. They honestly believe that black people ONLY voted for Obama because he's black, and that all black folks would support ANY black person on the ballot over a white person. It never occurs to them that black people are actually smarter than them, and voted for Obama because he was the better candidate--NOT because of his race.

Why do they believe this? Part of it is racism. The other part is projection. They know that THEY would prefer any WHITE man over any black man on the ballot, so they assume that black people are just as stupid, bigoted, and ignorant as THEY are. They also think that black people are too dumb to figure out their pathetic attempt at manipulating the "black vote".

It's almost painful to witness that level of Teabagger stupidity. They really have no clue just how fucking STUPID they really are.

[butterfly77]

52. One reason is..

they want him in the race to say things about blacks,they want to say but can't..

[MadMaddie]

54. Simple: They believe that African Americans are weak minded

weak hearted and weak in strength to know that it's a scam.

This is why I am always amused, the Republicans hate African Americans so they have never really bothered to look at our history. We know a pimp daddy when we see him and that would be Hermie Cain.

You see the Hermie Cains are in the neighborhoods that we grew up in selling shit for too high a price, living by their own rules. They look at everyone as if they are kings in their tiny worlds. The Hermie Cains are the abusers and tricksters but always manage to stay a step ahead of the law. This is what the dumbas Republicans don't get...

Herman Cain is playing the victim and it makes me sick....and the MSM is playing into his hands.

[NOMOREDRUGWAR]

56. Herman Cain can win blacks, Latinos and Jews!

Obviously the key to winning black voters as a Republican is to accuse the vast majority of them of being brainwashed. Herman Cain makes sure to clarify in his statements that he's not talking about all blacks, only the ones that vote Democrat. Well, that's 90%, Herman Cain, so good luck ever winning their votes. Lol.

And Herman Cain is going after the Latino vote by talking about electrocuting people attempting to cross the border.

Herman Cain's next feat will be to go after the Jewish vote by talking about a final solution for them.

[Arkana]

60. Because Cain's black.

No, really. They haven't thought about it any more than that. Cain's black, ergo he'll win the black vote. Never mind that he's criminally stupid and his policies would screw most African Americans, he's black--so he must be able to win the black vote.

It's like their idea that Sarah Palin would peel off Hillary voters. When she turned out to be stump-stupid white trash, that plan backfired--but this is essentially the same plan in principle.