Soccer Dad

What's to debate?

Captain Ed has added his criticism to those who fault the GOP presidential front runner from not showing up to a debate at Morgan State University.

We have scolded the African-American community for its lock-step support for Democrats. However, as the avoidance of this debate demonstrates, Republicans haven't exactly beaten down doors in an attempt to engage these voters, either. Given that these invitations went out in March, the campaigns had plenty of time to schedule one debate to address one of the largest voting blocs in the country, and one whose loyalties could help the GOP turn national elections.

Some will say that the African-American community doesn't turn out for Republican primaries, and that's mostly true. They focus on Democrats. However, the entire point of outreach is to change that voting behavior, and leading Republicans have to give them a reason to do so. Ignoring them in the primaries will not gain the Republican nominee any votes in the general election.

Back in 2002, then Congressman Bob Ehrlich agreed to an NAACP sponsored debate with then Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. There was a report that Ehrlich's running mate, Michael Steele, was pelted with Oreos. Whether or not Oreos made an appearance at the debate still seems to be debated. What is clear is the hostility of the audience to Ehrlich. According to the Baltimore Sun ( Ehrlich and Townsend exchange jabs - Gubernatorial candidates debate campaign themes, attack records, promises Sun, The (Baltimore, MD)
September 27, 2002 )

The beginning of last night's debate was marred by jeering of Ehrlich during his opening remarks, booing that became so disruptive that NAACP National President Kweisi Mfume took the podium from Townsend to admonish the crowd.

"We have to be dignified in our approach, no matter where we stand on these issues," said Mfume, who used to serve in Congress with Ehrlich. "On behalf of all the citizens of this great state, allow us to have a debate where all the issues can be heard."

Ehrlich did reach out and was heckled for his troubles. If the African American community wishes for Republicans to take them seriously, perhaps they ought to be a little less hostile when Republicans do reach out. If Republicans feel that their outreach efforts are for naught they won't waste their resources.

The difference here is that this was to be a forum only for Republican candidates. Still I can't help thinking that the treatment Ehrlich received had to be a consideration of the Republican candidates who chose not to debate.

presidential election 2008.