Black women who plan to vote Democratic in the upcoming presidential primary COULD find themselves faced with a dilemma. Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton? Man or Woman? Black or White? Either choice has history making potential. Of course this is only a dilemma if you generally agree with both of them on most issues.
But if race and/or gender factors into your decision-making, consider this.
Barack Obama is the first Black candidate to have a real shot at winning the nomination. He’s smart, passionate, politically experienced on the state and federal level, a “people person” who comes from humble beginnings. And let’s be honest, he’s good-looking! His colleagues, both friend and foe consider him someone who can bring “both sides” together.
Hillary Clinton is the first woman to have a real shot at the nomination. She’s tough as nails (even though her softer side has come through recently), she has experience on Capital Hill and in the White House, she’s spent her adult-life in politics and she can count a former, 2-term president as her “better half.” Not to mention, maybe it’s time this country had a woman at the helm to tone down the testosterone dominating the world political scene right now.
It's a tough choice! Black women are asking themselves, "Should I be loyal to my race or my gender?" I’m willing to bet many of them won't know which way they’re going to vote until they walk into the booth. Either way it looks like history is about to be made. The first (fill in the blank) Democratic candidate for president will happen in 2008!
Comments (7)
The truth is white men have been in power for generations and they would rather give that power to a black man, even if they are uncomfortable with it than give power to a woman. I have been in the country long enough to say that there is more sexism here than racism, but it is played so subtly that people don't see it. I do not believe that the white men who voted for Obama is because they were charmed by his charisma. Big BS. The subconscious sexism is so strong - because they know a woman will be more reasonable, compassionate and fair and may not play the same political games! (atleast not the ones they know). It saddens me that women don't see it and but they keep whining about making less salary, having less power, policies that do not support them, etc. If obama comes to power, they will more african american men in power. How does that help women?
Posted by mselva98 | February 18, 2008 2:54 PM
Posted on February 18, 2008 14:54
Well, as a white male, I am very torn between these two candidates. It works two different ways, ya know.
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Good point!!
Tonya
Posted by Ticker | February 1, 2008 5:06 PM
Posted on February 1, 2008 17:06
I see Barack and Hillary as very similar on many of the issues. Even their educational and work backgrounds are pretty similar. As a Black women, I am casting my vote for Barack. The Clintons claim to have been "for the Black people". In reality, they have not done more for the Black race than any other democrat. I think it is time for a fresh approach; someone who can reach across party lines to bring the country together. I believe Barack can do that. Although, I liked Bill Clinton as president. I do not think he needs another term in office.
Posted by KG | January 15, 2008 2:41 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 14:41
It is clear that children are responding to the question at hand. Thank you "name withheld" for setting the record straight.
And what are these ridiculous comments about black women abandoning black men? This child obviously watches too much tv. The truth of the matter is, there is only a small number of black women who have married outside of their race. A very small number. And for your general information, there are a tremendous amount of successful black men in the city. It is unfortunate that you have only had the opportunity to expose yourself to only those who are womanizers and prisoners.
As a 40 year old, I have yet to meet a convict. Plus I and my friends (black, white, chinese, whatever) are happily married. So grow up and read more.
Posted by Older | January 14, 2008 2:15 PM
Posted on January 14, 2008 14:15
For some reason, I believe that black women would vote for a white woman before voting for a black man. I think it has to do that too many black women have been left raising their children because their black husbands have left them or are in prison. I wouldn't think that black women think kindly upon a black man, no matter how smoothly he speaks. Remember that even Martin Luther King was involved with other women.
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Pieter
Interesting conclusion but I'm not sure it's on point here. Experience has shown black women's frustrations with black men have not lead to them abandoning black men, no matter how despicable the behavior. Besides, Obama has shown himself to be a good family man. He always speaks highly of his wife and is extremely loving toward her and their daughters.
As for the infidelity issue, unfortunately it's not new either. It's also not exclusive to black men. History has shown us it tends to be a trait of ALL men, great and small.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Tonya
Posted by Pieter Kreyns | January 13, 2008 4:48 PM
Posted on January 13, 2008 16:48
You said it! This is going to be a tuff one for black women. I'm even hesitant to asking my female friends who they are voting for. I feel like I am straddling a rope because I am still undecided as to which candidate will get my vote.
Posted by Anonymous | January 11, 2008 1:50 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 13:50
I am insulted by the statement "Black women are asking themselves should I be loyal to my gender or race?" My candidate of choice has nothing to do with either. Do you think black women don't have the intelligence to vote based a candidates response to the issues that concern them?. There are many more significant differences in the candidates other than race and gender.
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Dear Name Withheld
You missed the point of this post. As I stated in the beginning of it, not all black women are basing their decision on race or gender. But interestingly you bring up intelligence in your argument. A person's level of education or reasoning does not insulate them from issues of race or gender. Any black woman born and/or raised in this country has been faced with the issue of race and/or gender one time or another, by an employer, co-worker, teacher, classmate, friend, enemy, mother, father, brother, sister, etc. Regardless of whether the encounter was positive or negative, I think you would be fooling yourself if you didn't think that experience affected your decision-making, even if only slightly. That said, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Tonya
Posted by Name withheld | January 11, 2008 12:30 PM
Posted on January 11, 2008 12:30