Spartan Echo

Section: Opinion

Associated Press

We watched as the battle raged on and on during the Democratic Debate in South Carolina. Edwards was almost a casualty of the spar (and of the polls, or vice versa?). The Democratic Debate hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus begs the question, which candidate is best for us?
Historically, though we don't have to reach that far back, we know of the generalized affinity African Americans have for former President, Bill Clinton. Our "first black president" some call him. He is undoubtedly the most famous president since Kennedy. The Clintons are warmly received in almost every African American arena. With Hilary Clinton running for president, many are feeling that "happy days" could be here again.

I remember hearing a comedian joke that the Rev. Jesse Jackson was our last hope, and when he messed up, that was it. That comedian should be eating his words now. The Barack Obama sensation has swept our nation within the last several months. After Obama's win in the Iowa Caucus, America sat up straight and paid attention. Barack Obama could actually be America's first black president, could the dream be realized?
Two attractive candidates, but who has African American issues at heart? That remains to be seen. Black voters are not looking for someone who focuses strictly on black issues, but I believe we are looking for someone who will address them in a more immediate and tangible way. Though we are a "minority" we are a contributing and integral part of the American fabric. Our issues are everyone's issues, we affect each other.

The top issues for the black voters are equal opportunity issues in job-finding, healthcare and the justice system. Obama and Clinton's stance on most issues are very similar. Both candidates are campaigning for universal healthcare, though their strategies to achieve this differ. Both candidates champion civil rights and equality, but Obama in particular has a plan of action to deal with injustice in the legal and law enforcement systems.

What about the black student vote?

Both Obama and Clinton have addressed the issue of student loan debt, though their plans of action aren't clear. Clinton proposes a plan to give relief to those students who plan a career in education.
Both candidates have vocally supported HBCU's, but Obama partnered with a Senator from his state to pass a bill that included predominantly black schools in governmental funding.

There are many things to consider, and many arguments concerning these two candidates. The choice is up to the voters. The unifier should be pride; proud of living in a time where scopes of Dr. King's Dream have manifested.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools