A perfect opportunity for the Democratic Party to distinguish itself from the Trumpian Racist Party by clearly demonstrating that they do not take African American support for granted. This will be very interesting to watch.
Hells yes.
If it were left to white people, we’d be out of hope in this country.
This isn’t a gift, dammit. African-Americans have earned leadership positions. Every single seat that dems take away from repugs this year will be won by black voters - especially black female voters.
So let’s put Barbara Lee in leadership. Maxine Waters. Sheila Jackson-Lee. Frederica Wilson. Gwen Moore. Marcia Fudge.
Ya Gotta Dance with the Ones That Brung Ya. And from now on, Democratic victories will be brought by black women.
Go for it; racial representation is the backbone of the Democratic party.
I think it’s a fantastic idea. Here’s a thought. Can we stick a pin in this and discuss it, oh, I don’t know. Maybe next Wednesday.
After the freakin’ election!!!
PS - I’m truly not trying to be snarky. But, geez, did we not learn anything about chickens, eggs and the whole counting thing just a couple years back?
I honestly don’t see how discussing “a fantastic idea” will be an impediment to getting people to vote. I suspect that if the Dems made this a selling point in the national platform, it might actually drive even greater turnout as some folks might be motivated to go to the polls to force the Dems to put up or shut up.
Case in point - speculating Hillary’s cabinet positions in the final weeks of 2016. It’s now the Friday before the election. As a general idea floated six-weeks ago, I might agree with you. But in the “closing argument” period, it wreaks of overconfidence.
I think Hoyer should step down and Barbara Lee should be Majority Leader, and Pelosi should groom her to be her successor as Speaker.
From 2018-2020, we need an effective, experienced Speaker to lead the fight against Trump. But once he is deposed, it’s time for new leadership.
Absolutely. Without the African-American vote (particularly the female African-American vote), the Democrats wouldn’t stand a chance in elections. This should have happened long ago.
Discussing cabinet positions is inevitable in any presidential campaign. Making the leadership of the party reflect the demographic and political reality is a potential game changer. If an African American Democrat or Independent heard that the party leadership was actively discussing elevating minority reps to leadership positions, would he/she be more or less likely to go to the polls on Tuesday? Take “African American” out of that equation and see if your answer changes. If it does, why?
No, it doesn’t make a difference to me. Not the answer you were looking for?
I think it’s a bad idea to be discussing the leadership make-up of a race the party hasn’t yet won. Full stop. Please don’t insult me by questioning whether I’m sufficiently woke on matter of race.
Sufficiently superstitious perhaps. And that is fair enough.
That said, u don’t see Democrats losing any votes on this, but I do see it could be inspiring. not only to minority voters but also the younger set who see a need for some change in leadership, and to me this seems a measured move in that direction.
I’m hoping African American leadership will set a productive example for Hispanics… discussion and example ongoing…
Listen, I believe it’s far past time for African Americans - as well as younger Democrats - to take over the party leadership. And I sincerely hope this matter might encourage more Democrats to vote, African Americans and any other Democrat.
But it is three days prior to the election, and this article is not about a stated policy. It’s not a platform or election promise. This is an idea floated from the caucus to suggest it is time to change the leadership. So are the next three days going to about driving final messages of candidates and party priorities to the American people? Or is it instead going to devolve into a sideshow discussion of inner party leadership musings - who will step down? will there be a party struggle should the Democrats win the House (“as expected”)? Are some leaders opposed to the idea? In other words, the very exchange we are having, but on a national party level.
If it’s the latter, I would argue it hurts. Possibly badly if for no other reason than it opens up a new, and not entirely clear, message days before an election which may - may - for once be moving in the right direction for Democrats.
I just can’t say it any clearer than that, no matter how much I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. I just would appreciate them more AFTER the election.
I understand. I do.
Truth.
What are you talking about?
This year, all arts grants given by a major NYC arts council, except one were given to blacks & latinos.
The only white artist who received an arts grant, worked with impoverished groups.
Many white artists no longer apply for residencies in NYC, because these grants are driven by race.
One of the worst presidents in the history of one CUNY college is a Latino.
He is now one of the top candidates for president of the entire CUNY system.
He probably will not get that position because a black woman is also a finalist.
Race and gender are pretty much how job decisions are made now in the city.
So kindly stop bashing white people.
It’s all yours now.
Sorry to sound like a redneck. I was a huge supporter of equality, but that
notion is long gone.
I suspect he is referring to himself, not the deserving women you have listed.
"If a “blue wave” does let Democrats seize the House, protect endangered Senate seats and win key governorships, it looks likely that the party will have African American women to thank.
“Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we can’t take that for granted,” Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said last December on Twitter. In truth, the party has taken this loyal constituency for granted in the past — but surely cannot afford to do so now."
I guess we’ll see.
No democracy, no justice.