I’m Young, Black and Hispanic and Voting for John McCain. Here’s Why
By HHR | October 26th, 2008 | Category: Culture/Arts, Politics | 7 comments
By Claudio Simpkins
Far from being the post-racial campaign that pundits have talked and written about for months, this election cycle is proving to be the most racialized ever. Every word, gesture, act or omission is scrutinized by the media for double-meaning or racial undertones. But when we move beyond race and talk about what really matters -– the qualities we all seek in a president –- things become clearer. Senator John McCain is the best man for the job.
This doesn’t take anything away from Senator Obama. As a young Black and Hispanic male, I see Senator Obama as a role model. No one can deny his amazing achievement and inspirational life story. I also understand the concern of the Black and Hispanic communities given the Republican Party’s unfortunate recent history with regards to race. Senator McCain however, represents the best of what the Republican Party has to offer: service, experience, independence, judgment and pragmatism.
Senator McCain is a well-respected and known reformer. Significantly, McCain took on the entirety of the Republican establishment on immigration, offering leadership in devising a respectful and effective immigration policy. Unfortunately, the discourse surrounding the immigration issue from more xenophobic parts of the party has turned off many Hispanics to the GOP entirely. But it can’t be denied that McCain refused the politically expedient route and stood by his principles. This is the sort of bravery we should seek in our leaders.
The popular Democratic talking points that paint McCain as the second coming of President Bush miss the mark. McCain has repeatedly illustrated that he is his own man on issues of the highest import: interrogation techniques, diplomacy and nuclear proliferation, even the handling of the War in Iraq. Senator Obama’s record, on the other hand, reveals few attempts at bipartisanship and even fewer instances of the senator taking a principled stand in opposition to his party. With a country as divided and polarized as ever, can we really expect someone with the most liberal voting record in the entire Senate (see The National Journal’s 27th annual vote rankings) to compromise, to heal, and to unite? I have my doubts.
In spite of the utter incompetence of Congress, Senator McCain has proven himself willing to do what it takes to get the job done. McCain-Feingold, McCain-Lieberman, McCain-Kennedy, the Gang of Fourteen –- the list goes on. Senator McCain’s record indicates an individual committed to doing what is right, not simply what is politically expedient. It belies a man of deep conviction, of even temperament and sound judgment. Senator McCain might not always say or do what’s popular. Perhaps that’s why he’s losing this race. But perhaps that is exactly why he should be leading us through the next four years.
Claudio Simpkins is a contributor to hiphoprepublican.com, is a third-year Harvard Law student that specializes in foreign policy and international relations. In 2005, he was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar for his commitment to public service. He was also a Jeannette K. Watson Fellow. During college, he interned with The Conference Board, the Foreign Policy Association, the Institute of International Education in Budapest, Hungary, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Community Relations Service of the Department of Justice. csimpkins19@gmail.com
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Thank God for you and for this web site! I had no idea you guys existed and my hope is renewed. There really is a place for truth and logic to be offered to those who are hungry for it!
Great article. Go you!!!
I agree with your “pro’s” McCain. The problem is that he’s seemed to have sold his soul in the last 2 years. He has been everything but a reformer and sided with Bush on nearly every issue. He has also reversed his stance on many issues to a more conservative position to become more electable to his base. His pick of Palin was the ultimate betrayal of trust to folks who previously liked him. She is someone he didn’t know at all really and doesn’t improve his presidency other than appeasing the conservative base. Also, he’s run one of the most negative campaigns in recent years, even turning on Bush recently. I doubt a guy in his position could bring the country together after such a dismal run.
Obama on the other hand, has pretty much stayed somewhat steady. Yes, he’s changed his position on some stuff but he’s explained them as issues he’s willing to compromise on to get stuff done. His personality seems to be conducive to working with others instead going with his gut. He’s also showed poise in choosing an experienced running mate that shores up his weaknesses and reacted much more like a leader when the markets neared a crash.
I think the reason people like Obama is deeper than the issues. It’s about the man. Due to his campaign, and choices he’s made he appears to be the more capable leader to most, regardless of the issues.
Good to see that there is a site and writers who actually agree that republicans have to reach out to minorities. The Republicans biggest shortcoming is that there are so few african americans representing them or vow themselves conservatives. Some I can name are Lynn Swann, my favorite, Michael Steele, and Angela Mcglowan. I really hated the fact that Obama got elected, not because Mccain lost, but because I always felt that the first black president should come from the Republican party. Oh well though, we have two years to put this mess back together and it starts with reaching out to minorities. Hopefully more African Americans like yourself will run for office, we definately need more diversity in the party to move away from the stereotype of old white guys.
Obama voted present most of the time he was in Springfield. He may have been steady, but he sure hasn’t put his votes where his mouth is.
Greatings,
Great job. But not enought info. Where can i read more?
Thanks
Eremeeff