This week saw more tension between Democrats, with the topic of race emerging yet again. Unfortunately, one downside of possibly electing a Black president is the individuals who use race to push their own agendas.
Despite political differences, Barack Obama is a man of good character and a strong candidate. While his views may not align with everyone, he’s a worthy contender with a positive message. Judging candidates should be based on merit and policies, not race or identity.
Geraldine Ferraro made comments this week that were both reasonable and mostly true. However, the backlash from certain media outlets and race advocates was swift. Some called her remarks “shameful” and even compared them to historical injustices, such as slavery. This reaction is misguided.
The media often overlooks other instances of bias. For example, people openly admitted they wouldn’t vote for Mitt Romney because of his religious beliefs, yet there was little outrage. Why is it acceptable to dismiss a candidate based on religion, but calling attention to race is seen as scandalous?
Ferraro’s comments, highlighting how both she and Obama benefited from identity politics, are accurate. She stated that, just as she was chosen in 1984 because of her gender, Obama’s rise has been partly influenced by his race. This is not a negative observation but rather an acknowledgment of reality. Black voter turnout has significantly increased in his favor, and that’s a factor in his success.
The real issue arises when people vote based solely on identity. Whether it’s race, gender, or religion, casting a vote for these reasons alone reflects poorly on the voter. Obama’s race, like any characteristic, should not overshadow his qualifications or policies.
The problem with modern politics, especially within the Democratic party, is the focus on division—pitting groups against each other for political gain. This leads to voters supporting candidates for the wrong reasons, like race or gender, rather than merit.
Geraldine Ferraro’s remarks were simply an honest assessment of the political landscape, and it’s unfortunate that the truth is often met with such hostility.
