The Black candidates for mayor in Chicago have come together, and now there is only one with a real chance: Carol Mosley Braun. James Meeks pulled out of the mayoral race a little over a week ago, saying “I have met with each of the four other African-American candidates and urged them in the strongest terms to consider withdrawing from the race in the interest of unity and for the greater good of our community.” Danny Davis, who has just dropped out of the race, warned Bill Clinton to stay out of the race and not "participate overtly in efforts to thwart the legitimate political aspirations of Chicago's Black community." Braun said, "[the] former president Clinton risks his legacy and the great respect that he has enjoyed among African Americans by coming to Chicago to endorse Rahm Emanuel who is running for mayor against two black candidates." Jesse Jackson has spoken about the need for there to be just one black candidate.
What is being said here is that the Black residents of Chicago will be best represented by a Black candidate, regardless of what his or her views are or his or her past record. Race is what is important. If this doesn't trouble you, I wonder why. I wonder where you draw the line, because you can't think this is acceptable as a general rule. Certainly, it was seen as ugly when people followed this logic to vote against Obama for President. Certainly it was seen as ugly when people followed this logic to keep Black people from being elected throughout much of the history of our country. Whatever you think, however, it is important to have it out on the table. The argument is that Black people should vote for Black politicians. That is what is being said. Do with it what you will.
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