For years, Republicans have been working to increase their vote shares among African Americans and Hispanics. And they had some successes along the way, especially among Hispanics. But now, it looks like it all might be going down the drain:
Key Republican leaders are encouraging the party's presidential candidates to rethink their decision to skip presidential debates focusing on issues important to minorities, fearing a backlash that could further erode the party's standing with black and Latino voters.[...]
"We sound like we don't want immigration; we sound like we don't want black people to vote for us," said former congressman Jack Kemp (N.Y.), who was the GOP vice presidential nominee in 1996. "What are we going to do -- meet in a country club in the suburbs one day?...
It's not just Jack Kemp, by the way. Newt Gingrich says that the GOP decision to blow off blacks and Hispanics is "an enormous error" for which there is "no excuse." And African American talk show host Tavis Smiley asks, "When you reject every black invitation and every brown invitation you receive, is that a scheduling issue or is it a pattern?"
Also in today's Washington Post, Michael Gerson writes about "The GOP's Ruinous Immigration Stance." According to Gerson, "A harsh, Tancredo-like image of Republicans has solidified in the mainstream Hispanic media." And, Gerson notes, although "Surfing on a wave of voter resentment is easier than rowing on the calmer waters of inclusion and charity...the heroes of America are generally heroes of reconciliation, not division."
In sum, the Republicans are making a huge mistake in disrespecting blacks, "repeating history with Hispanic Americans," and risking a long-term electoral meltdown for their party. That's fine with me, but what on earth are Republicans thinking from their own point of view? Are they suicidal? As Gerson writes, "They should be terrified" at the prospect of their candidates, "decent men, intimidated by the vocal anger of elements of their own party."
P.S. Speaking of Hispanics, Arlington has a very different approach than Prince William, for instance.
Now I hope the Democrats are not sitting on their hands enjoying the show when they should be out scooping up every stray disaffected and disgusted voters offended by the Republican shenanigans.
They may no longer say it openly as in year's past, they are hate merchants just the same.