Quotes of the day
posted at 9:00 pm on November 6, 2010 by Allahpundit
“The midterm election not only busted the myth that the GOP is a regional party – seeing Republican gains in the Northeast, Midwest and West – it also puts to rest the notion that Republicans are a lily white party whose base won’t embrace a diverse slate of candidates. In eight prominent contests, Republicans nominated and elected excellent candidates and fine conservatives who also happen to be people of color.”
***
“‘I did not want to run as a black candidate; I did not want to run as a military candidate,’ Mr. West said in a telephone interview. ‘I wanted to run as an American candidate and win the respect of the people.’…
“There were no blacks in Congress from 1900 to 1929, but since then, their numbers have increased bit by bit, especially after the civil rights movement, this time with Democrats leading the way, a reflection of the changed dynamics of each party and the shifts of power in state legislatures. Of all the blacks ever to serve in Congress, 98 have been Democrats and 27 have been Republicans; there are 42 African-American members in the current lame-duck Congress.
“The yield of black Republican winners on Tuesday was small considering that 32 African-Americans ran in Republican primaries this year. ‘If two is the highest number of black Republicans to win since Reconstruction, it’s hard to call that a breakthrough,’ said Tavis Smiley, a prominent talk show host who has repeatedly criticized Republicans as not doing enough to court black voters.”
***
“While Republicans made strides Tuesday in bolstering the number of minorities elected to public office, some conservatives cautioned the party against boasting of their gains because there’s still a long way to go to match the Democrats’ long-standing dominance with minority lawmakers.
“‘You have to be careful in touting that because it looks like you think all the work is over because you’ve got two [black] Republicans in the [House Republican] Conference … [but] there is a lot of things that go into putting ‘meat on the bones’ if you will,’ said former Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts, the first black Republican House member from south of the Mason-Dixon Line since Reconstruction…
“Mr. Watts, who left the House in early 2003, was critical of Republican outreach to ethnic minorities, saying that Mr. Scott and Mr. West won Tuesday in spite of the party, not because of it.
“‘In 20 years I’ve been associated with the party, [minority outreach] has been given lip service,’ he said. ‘There’s nobody in the [GOP] establishment that can point to these two candidates and say that they [helped them win] – or any of these [minority] candidates.’”
***
“West told POLITICO he’d ‘absolutely’ be interested in joining the CBC. ‘That has been a monolithic voice in the body politic for far too long. There is a growing conservative black voice in this country,’ West said, that needs to be represented in Washington…
“‘I haven’t really decided. I’m probably leaning against it at this point,’ said Scott, whose 89-year-old grandfather was with him Tuesday night when he won a seat in South Carolina’s 1st District. ‘My experience has been the whole notion of one nation — so I really shy away [from] things that create some kind of boundaries. … It highlights the divisions I’ve been pushing forward to erase.’”
***
Blowback
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It will not be easy, in that, I believe amendments 5 & 6 (Florida Constitution) passed which will throw the entire redistricting issue into the courts and probably insure more not less Democrats in the house.
whbates on November 6, 2010 at 11:45 PM
not sure about FL but in NC the gov has no say in it and as long as the redrawn map does not have minority issues it gets approved.
unseen on November 6, 2010 at 11:59 PM
How do you get rid of racism? Stop judging anything by race.
IowaWoman on November 6, 2010 at 11:35 PM
true but equally important is to stop giving the enemy the opening to judge everything by race. It is harder for the enemy to say racist and have their folowers believe it if your group id full of all types of people instead of one color.
the dems attack work so well to the minorities because of what the GOP protrays to the world in party leadership, etc.
While I do not belive we have x amount of one group or this group or that group for the sake of having that group. I do think we should call out those of other races/sexes who have EARNED it. and give a different face to the world. it will take away the others attacks and allow their special groups to see things differently which will increase retention of all groups and hasten the true colorblind society we all want.
unseen on November 7, 2010 at 12:06 AM
From what I have seen , These 2 gents are the GOLD standard!
I am in Awe.
we
shoulddeserve no less then people of this caliber.ColdWarrior57 on November 7, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Over hill, over dale
As we hit the dusty trail,
And the Caissons go rolling along.
In and out, hear them shout,
Counter march and right about,
And the Caissons go rolling along.
Then it’s hi! hi! hee!
In the field artillery,
Shout out your numbers loud and strong,
For where’er you go,
You will always know
That the Caissons go rolling along.
In the storm, in the night,
Action left or action right
See those Caissons go rolling along
Limber front, limber rear,
Prepare to mount your cannoneer
And those Caissons go rolling along.
Then it’s hi! hi! hee!
In the field artillery,
Shout out your numbers loud and strong,
For where’er you go,
You will always know
That the Caissons go rolling along.
Was it high, was it low,
Where the hell did that one go?
As those Caissons go rolling along
Was it left, was it right,
Now we won’t get home tonight
And those Caissons go rolling along.
Then it’s hi! hi! hee!
In the field artillery,
Shout out your numbers loud and strong,
For where’er you go,
You will always know
That the Caissons go rolling along.
That the Caissons go rolling along
That the Caissons go rolling along
Luka on November 7, 2010 at 12:24 AM
I believe that blacks relate to the Democratic party, but for the life of me I don’t know why. Their values seem to be more in line with Conservatives/Republicans. I’m not aware of anyone trying to deny them access to the party or trying to actively keep them from it, other then themselves. I have noticed that the ones that have aligned with the Tea Party are looked at as traitors or something by other blacks. It’s time to cut all the crap. Come on in, the water’s fine, and there is plenty of room for everybody. But hey no farting in the pool no matter what race you are.
New Patriot on November 7, 2010 at 12:27 AM
Allen West is my kind of American, just like Justice Thomas…
… never thought of another’s sex or skin color, until the Democrats made it an issue.
Then there was illegals being able to vote in CA over the past twenty years…
… Look what that got us.
Time to stand up and stay “STOP!!!”
Seven Percent Solution on November 7, 2010 at 12:44 AM
Do we really want to have this discussion?
If blacks and other minorities don’t want anything to do with conservatism, that’s their problem. This bullshi9t that that conservatives have to prove to the world we’re not racist has to end. It’s not conservatives and the GOP keeping minorities down or are being exclusive here and I wish conservatives would quit trying to be like liberals in reacting to it.
lowandslow on November 7, 2010 at 12:46 AM
I am not sure if he voted for Obama, but J.C. Watts was highly complimentary of Obama during the 2008 campaign.
bw222 on November 7, 2010 at 12:46 AM
These two are true American Patriots!! I am ecstatic they got elected!!
long_cat on November 7, 2010 at 12:54 AM
I know Col. West and was proud to be with him election night…he will not be afraid to shake things up… he’s going to force the CBC to change their name if they don’t let him in (which they won’t) to the DCBC…the CBC actually had people working for Ron Klein in FL-22 the last few weeks before the election… they are nothing but yet another dem slush fund…
DCJeff on November 7, 2010 at 1:03 AM
What needs to be remembered and to remind the left of, whenever the GOP does run a Black candidate, who is it that actually trashes, bashes and opposes that Black candidate? Leftist Democrats who always cry there are no Black Republicans.
We surely don’t fight our own candidates.
Place the blame right back where it belongs, on Democrats who oppose Black Republican candidates.
LewWaters on November 7, 2010 at 1:26 AM
I don’t care that either is black to be honest. I’m just glad neither of them are lawyers.
Ozwitch on November 7, 2010 at 1:38 AM
Conservatives don’t elect blacks because they are black. We elect them because they are conservatives.
The pool of black conservatives is small. I blame the schools. But when one breaks free of the slavery of democrat expectations, they are to be watched.
Lonetown on November 7, 2010 at 3:59 AM
Dr. King’s vision was a colorblind society. It’s very difficult to be colorblind and conduct minority outreach. How can you be all about the content of someone’s character when you’re pandering to their race?
Kafir on November 7, 2010 at 6:23 AM
This can also read: For the first time since Reconstruction blacks have felt safe enough to run South of the Mason-Dixon Line after the Democrats instuted the Jim Crow laws and ‘The Great Society’. They are finally getting the message that they can see themselves as Americans, first, not ‘black voters’.
Progress in the South!
And I look forward to LTC Alan West’s first meeting with the CBC and picture it going something like…
‘Well, our group here seems to have an ethics problem, and I know ALL ABOUT ethics and the application of them. So let’s start with a couple of key points and some public hearings on having Caribbean homes you don’t disclose on forms and just what was shouted on the Capitol steps and who was present and which office had which rumors coming from it. I’m sure you would all feel MUCH BETTER getting these things addressed right off the bat to start with a clear conscience.’
What follows would be a few minutes of stunned silence by the CBC and lots of members looking at each other as the LTC scans the room, looking at them like they were terrorists threatening his people. Yes, the times will be achangin’ due to this man.
ajacksonian on November 7, 2010 at 6:26 AM
I had the privilege of speaking to Congressman-elect West by a complete fluke yesterday. I called his Fl office to leave a message of congratulations, thinking I’d speak to a staffer or voicemail. I almost fell off my chair when the voice on the other end said “Allen West”. I recognized the voice and was stunned. I said that I was in Texas but had given to his campaign and wanted to thank him for what he was doing. I kind of went on and on, as if I had just met my childhood idol, Bobby Sherman. He said that he was going up there to do the job he was elected to do. It certainly made my day.
TxAnn56 on November 7, 2010 at 6:48 AM
Already being challenged in court.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2010/05/brown-diaz-balart-can-file-a-redistricting-lawsuit-too.html
Cindy Munford on November 7, 2010 at 7:44 AM
GREAT STORY!!
Cindy Munford on November 7, 2010 at 7:44 AM
I think the republican party can be an important link for minorities in that they aren’t trapped by the dems be happy with what you have message. We are kind of the alternative to public schooling in failed neighborhoods.
tomas on November 7, 2010 at 7:58 AM
Great story!
I gave to his campaign and I live in TX, too!
I am soooooo jealous!
Jenfidel on November 7, 2010 at 8:05 AM
Until blacks stop believing that hard work=”acting white” they will continue to vote for Democrats who toss them crumbs from DC.
disa on November 7, 2010 at 8:26 AM
Dr. King’s vision was a colorblind society. It’s very difficult to be colorblind and conduct minority outreach. How can you be all about the content of someone’s character when you’re pandering to their race?
Kafir on November 7, 2010 at 6:23 AM
how you got outreach and pnadering to mean the same thing is beyond me.
unseen on November 7, 2010 at 8:31 AM
Obviousl, the racist nazis accidentally elected the wrong candidates. Must’ve been their “white” sounding names. Yep, that’s it.
OmahaConservative on November 7, 2010 at 8:38 AM
I called the number for his campaign headquarters – 954-288-6934. You might want to try it today and see if he’s there. It proved to me that he wasn’t out golfing (like certain Narcissists in Chief) and was at HQ getting ready for battle.
TxAnn56 on November 7, 2010 at 8:46 AM
I thought with the election of a “black” president we we’re past all this. I guess because he is only half black, we are just half over it.
But the real explanation is that consevatives look for Americans who will enact policies to ensure this country remains great.
Conservativism takes no notice of a person’s color, gender, or station. Conservatism is an equal opportunity employer by definition.
Those who wring their hands over the lack of a certain class of people represented in different areas of life are the true racists and sexists and homophobes.
The election of Conservatives this election cycle was a victory for America and for Americans.
Exactly this.
davidk on November 7, 2010 at 8:58 AM
Take all of the money out of it.
Speakup on November 7, 2010 at 8:59 AM
I watched both men interviewed by Hannity and both are welcome editions to the conservative cause. Based on their responses only, they understand the message Dr King said about “content of character, not the color of their skin”. The republican message to work hard, study hard, stay out of trouble, do what is right will allow ANYONE to succeed at anything they do in life. Pity Obowma could not convey the same message rather than “you can’t…”, “we will no longer…” and “America was…”. The democrats still resort to the racist meme far too much. Republicans like Michael Steele should send this message out daily using Justice Clarence Thomas, Thomas Sowell and these new congressmen as mouthpieces.
Well done men and make us all proud.
dthorny on November 7, 2010 at 9:48 AM
Hey, Tavis. That’s TWICE as many black candidates as Dems tried to eliminate from the Florida race.
TugboatPhil on November 7, 2010 at 10:10 AM
In some way, we are all members of a minority. For instance, I’m the whitest white guy there’s ever been, but I’m from the Deep South – show me a group it’s more socially acceptable to ‘hate on’! Never-the-less, the GOP – which was hated with a seemingly undying hate where I’m from – now rules the Deep South. That hatred for the GOP is why people who say that Southern DemocRAT racists just flipped parties in the 60′s don’t have any idea what they are talking about. Those Southerners are still racists and they’re still DemocRATs. It was what the GOP stood for (truth, justice, the American Way – and, yes, even integration) that attracted the non-racist Southerners to the party. This should be a lesson to the GOP when they outreach to any minority. Never assume that any group hates you too much to change its mind about you, don’t concentrate your minority outreach solely on the ‘usual suspects’, and never, never compromise on your beliefs trying to be all things to all people.
Knott Buyinit on November 7, 2010 at 10:14 AM
It’s time for conservative blacks to drag the CBC, kicking and screaming all the way, towards some semblance of respectability and accountability.
mad scientist on November 7, 2010 at 10:30 AM
For those who care about “race“, this is impressive.
For those who don’t, these candidates are impressive.
Skill, integrity and intelligence have no color.
profitsbeard on November 7, 2010 at 10:36 AM
You’re more correct thank you think, Mr. Smiley. Looks like it’s racist Dems that are the problem, not Republicans. I volunteered for Charles Lollar’s campaign here in Maryland; Charles won overwhelmingly in rural, white St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, but got crushed in urban, black, Prince George’s County. Dems, choosing the old white guy (Steny Hoyer) over the dynamic black guy (Lollar).
Fallen Sparrow on November 7, 2010 at 11:01 AM
If South Carolina could only get rid of Jim Clyburn. Now that would be a good thing. But his district is gerrymandered to make sure of his election.
SC.Charlie on November 7, 2010 at 12:19 PM
I weep for the future of this nation–even if excellent candidates like Allen West can be elected.
A real story from my classroom:
My students were singing, “Miss Mary Mack, all dressed in black, with silver buttons, all down her back.”
A black child raises his hand. He tells me, “That song is racist.”
I wonder if we will ever move on from the unrelenting fixation on race. Somehow, I doubt it.
Grace_is_sufficient on November 7, 2010 at 1:16 PM
West says racism allegations against Tea Party by liberals didn’t work
OmahaConservative on November 7, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Because they’re the same thing.
ButterflyDragon on November 7, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Grace, I have a similar story. When my grandson was small, we were in a mall shoe store looking for him some shoes. As we were looking, we passed a young black boy sitting on a stool. We were talking about when my son was small and we had trouble fitting him because he had a “fat foot”. As we went about our shopping, this black lady approached us with her son, the aforementioned black boy, who had heard our conversation and thought we were making fun of him saying he had flat feet. She came at us with the headbobbing threatening way for making fun of her son. We were just flabbergasted and at first didn’t even know what she was talking about. I explained to her what I was talking about, and she turned to her son, who was about seven, and asked if that explanation was OK with him. What? I will never forget that. And then I said this, which had her coming at me – I said “you people” are just looking for things to take offense at, which as most of you will agree, is the truth in this day and age. About this time, a clerk intervened, thank goodness. I had had it with her. My grandkids were raised without racism and had and still have black friends. I just think the working on getting past racism thing for the last several decades has been a one sided thing. The most racism, in my opinion, comes from the blacks.
silvernana on November 7, 2010 at 2:48 PM
I was in a McDonalds after church today, and a black lady customer told the black manager she wanted someone else to remake her cheeseburger because the white kid handled the cheese with his bare hands and probably didn’t wash after wiping his arse. I was flabbergasted.
OmahaConservative on November 7, 2010 at 3:15 PM
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