Political Environment: Ethnicity, Race & Gender

Why isn't Bill Richardson getting more support? Governor and the best background of any candidate in the Democratic field. Barack Obama has to avoid being (too) black. Yet on the Republican side it does not appear that they have to avoid being (too) white. We know what too black is but what is too white? Hillary Clinton can't be a woman. And media pundits say the only reason blacks like her is because of her husband. Those innocent child like blacks clearly cannot like her because of who she is (blame Bill for the dnagling 'is.')

Some cross pollination is happening though (but not so much for Richardson). Bob Johnson and Maya Angelou support Clinton. George Clooney and Matt Damon support Obama. This dynamic is good for America. Because Obama can't be black, Hillary is trying to drive a truck through that opening. A good example is her recent sponsorship of a hearing on Environmental Justice before the Senate environment subcommittee she chairs. Obama on the other hand is giving the Clinton machine a run for its money (pun intended) in campaign contributions. He is actually raising more money than her. Congressman Charles Rangel was the top money maker in the Congressional Black Caucus until Obama. Isn't America a great country? And remember, the African American community is as American as apple pie. And if you don't believe that just keep your eyes on the South Carolina primary.