Many blacks are anxious to elect a personal advocate to the White House in the form of a democrat. However, if black voters are going to do this, they need to take a serious look at their choice of candidate and what they stand for.
In these troubled political times, it is imperative that black people arm themselves with the right ammunition to make informed choices about the nation’s next leader.
The “Super Seven” states – which consist of Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Carolina – are preparing to hold presidential primaries Tuesday and the sway of these states is critical in the process of nominating a democratic presidential candidate.
South Carolina possesses a staunch black population of moderate to conservative democrats who will serve as the first major testing center for the candidates’ positions on black issues.
Once the stigma of the black population is not large or significant enough to make a difference at the polls is removed from the black psyche, they can see what eager presidential candidates see in South Carolina.
The black vote – if taken advantage of – has the potential for great strength. This belief is even greater in an election where mainstream “electability” is as important as the candidates’ stances on issues.
The following days of presidential campaigning will be some of the most important for black voters. Eyes and ears need to be focused on the news to monitor the results of state primary elections – especially South Carolina. Blacks need to use this time to develop an idea of what type of leader they want.
This is the time to decide which candidate handles black issues the best and the opportunity to take their presidential bid all the way to the White House.
Black people can have almost everything they want in a national leader if they use their opportunities to express their concerns and then line them up with those of a presidential candidate. With the large field of democratic candidates, now is the perfect time to do so and be picky about it.
Putting a little effort into learning about the candidates now will go a long way in November.
Karen E. Marsh for The Editorial Board