Let's try this again. Re: "...the Democrats' Racial Rift"

[LWolf]

66. These are interesting reads.

For myself, I'd say that, while some good points are made, there are other points to be made as well.

First of all, I'm a white woman in her 50s, if you want my demographics. I wouldn't try to determine my level of unconscious racism by those factors, though, because it wouldn't be accurate. I freely admit that I have not experienced the racism I've seen directed toward others, including some in my family. I have, though, experienced bigotry leveled against me. Some of it, the sexism, has been systemic.

That said...

To begin with, I have to say that I was absolutely horrified by the whole debacle in '08. I was horrified that the Democratic Party, and Democrats, were willing to make politics about identity instead of issues. I thought the party should equally represent all, especially all oppressed groups. To make the battle race vs gender disgusted me. And, to make it worse, the black man and the white woman were both neo-liberals, which made neither of them my choice. And they were all that were left standing MONTHS before my late primary rolled around. I was dis-invested in the entire process, and I was angry. I'm an issues voter; I'm not about identity nor symbolism. Yet, when November came around I cast a symbolic vote, since that's what my party forced upon me. I voted for a black woman. Obama was safe in my state, so it was safe to do so. I voted for McKinney. On election night, I watched and cried as the first AA won the presidential election. I sent him a letter and a book. Both were returned unopened. Apparently, Chavez could give him a book, but I couldn't.

Then I watched the appointments with growing horror. By his inauguration, I was totally dis-enfranchised. I never experienced the "hope," and didn't get the change I wanted.

When Bravenak explained, more than a year ago, why criticisms of Obama offended the AA population, I understood. Even though I've been a vocal critic. I understood, even if I wasn't there myself. I was still about issues, not about symbolism or identity.

When this primary rolled around, I was thinking, "Well, at least this time it's not going to be identity politics, it's not going to be racially based, and there's a strong candidate who is not a neo-liberal that I can support."

Boy, was I wrong. The race card was pulled very early on, with an organized, concerted effort to paint Sanders' supporters as racists, while touting Clinton's support among the black community despite her clear, obvious racial problems. Yes, I'm sure there is a racist element among some of Sanders' supporters, simply because racism exists; there will be racists in any population of U.S. citizens. I don't think that reflects upon Sanders; his record speaks for him for those who allow it to.

And I understand that some minority voters weren't convinced that Sanders would make racial reform a priority. I just don't understand why they'd think Clinton would. Between the two, Sanders seems the obvious choice.

Then, of course, the gender card was also played. "THE FIRST WOMAN POTUS!!!!" I wasn't moved. While I really, really want to see a woman president in my lifetime, I don't want a symbol. I want the right woman. Hillary Clinton is not she. She's an embarrassment.

Another factor I considered: I recognize that AA as a group, if not as individuals, are more conservative than I am. If identity politics is set aside, there may be a larger number who actually prefer Clinton's neo-liberalism to what they'd get from a left-wing administration. I don't agree with them about that, obviously.

I agree with you that local action is the most important, and that's where my time and energy will be going. As far as Trump is concerned? No, I don't want him to be president. Neither do I want Hillary Clinton to be president. My votes this November will not be about Trump, nor will they be about Clinton. If and when Clinton actually becomes the nominee, the presidential piece is over for me.

If the Democratic Party, including the key PoC voting block you refer to, chooses to nominate a candidate that cannot inspire voters to support her, that cannot beat Trump (and that's what polls have been telling us for many months,) that's on them. There is no honesty nor integrity in then turning blame on the people who you knew wouldn't be supporting Clinton in November. It does mirror Clinton herself, of course, who has some difficulties with honesty and integrity. There is no respect to be had, though, in playing the blame game, in refusing to be accountable for your own choices. There's also no respect to be had from me, anyway, in using fear and guilt factors to try to get people to shut up, get in line, and vote for someone they oppose.

Trump is not a factor one way or another for me. All the rationalizing in the world won't make it so.