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Blacks and the political process

Blacks and the political process. ‘The Black Vote’. Traditionally Democratic since The New Deal and the Voting Rights Act. Roughly 90% vote Democrat. Democrats seen to be more concerned with Black interests of welfare and social reforms.

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Blacks and the political process

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  1. Blacks and the political process

  2. ‘The Black Vote’ • Traditionally Democratic since The New Deal and the Voting Rights Act. • Roughly 90% vote Democrat. • Democrats seen to be more concerned with Black interests of welfare and social reforms. • Republicans making some progress winning the Black middle class

  3. African-Americans in Congress • Collectively called the Black Caucus • Currently wield 20% of the House vote • Very influential • Senior members control some Congressional committees • Special interests as a group

  4. African-Americans in Congress (2) < 1% < 1% < 1% 83% 9% 1% 5% African American American Indian Pacific Islander Vietnamese Caucasian Hispanic Asian • Despite the strength of the Black Caucus, Blacks are still under-represented in Congress. • African-Americans are 12.3% of the population • House has 41 members. 10% of total • Senate has 1 member. 1% of total • Admittedly Barack Obama has done ok!

  5. Also known as ‘Gerrymandering’ Means to alter voting districts to ensure a particular result Has resulted in MORE Blacks in Congress. BUT effectively LESS influence! Motor-Voter law tried and failed to attract large number of new Black voters Redistricting

  6. Blacks are 5-10% less likely to vote than Whites. Disillusionment with politics Less educated Gerrymandered districts. Expect a Black victory anyway Less media aware West-East time delay 10 states practice life disenfranchisement for convicted felonies Affects Blacks much more than Whites 31% of Black Floridians denied the vote – changed 2000 election Voting process regarded by some as anti - Black African-American disenfranchisement

  7. Republicans and African-Americans • Republicans believe with a concerted effort they can woo the Black middle classes away from the Democrats. • George W. Bush has appointed some very high profile African-Americans.

  8. Hurricane Katrina • Incompetent handling by GWB led to widespread disillusion among Blacks with the Republicans. • Many prominent Blacks were openly critical of the government and accused it of racism and double standards. • This undoubtedly damaged the Republican attempt to win the Black middle class. • Hurricane Gustav has given the Republicans the opportunity to ‘repair’ damaged relations with the Black community. • Again, it is the Black community who are most affected.

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