OPINION:
The old Democratic-playbook strategy for losing candidates tells you to get the minority-vote card out. Like Terry McAuliffe is doing, those losing should assemble what are considered high-profile African-American personalities, influencers and public officials to come to their rescue, send them into the urban areas or “the ’hood” with messages about unity and togetherness or fear tactics, such as voter rights or Jim Crow. Never, however, should these personalities mention the most important topic: legislation such as economic investment, improvements in teacher training. pay and curriculum oversight and measures to reduce criminal activity.
It’s similar to bringing in a relief baseball pitcher to save the game. It has for many years been the case in political theater. It is sad that African Americans continue to answer the call and fall for this sign of desperation every election cycle, while never receiving any signs of a legislative agenda that would directly improve the quality of our lives. Of course, once the election is over, for all our efforts African-American voters will once again be ignored and forgotten — while being offered more welfare subsidies and maybe even a holiday.
As an observer I had hoped that during Virginia’s gubernatorial election African Americans and other minorities would wake up and support only candidates who address issues with meaningful reforms. Sadly, judging by the guest list, this doesn’t seem likely.
GREG RALEIGH
Washington
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