Will Democats Get the Black Vote?

As an African American, I feel as if democrats current take advantage of receiving the African American vote, and therefore ignore some of our core needs. Democrats cannot forget why African Americans are slanted slightly towards the left. African Americans support democrats because they support individual and social programs. Republicans alienate many black families with their nuclear family message. Conservatives cater to traditional families consisting of a man and a woman. Democrats reach out to those who are impoverished, most notably single mothers.

Social programs are the main reason why blacks are liberal. Welfare, healthcare assistance, and affirmative action are widely supported. These things even the playing field. They also give opportunity to many disadvantaged black youth. Social programs also create job opportunities. Democrats also try to balance the wealth gap by charging more taxes to the wealthy. The benefits of these programs are unclear though, and these may or may not be the deciding factors for African American voters. Every family as their own beliefs and values, and African Americans are no different. There is not one candidate who is good for all African Americans.

Secularism, most notably supporting gay marriage, may anger some African Americans. This is the only challenge liberals face with blacks. I hate to say it, but homosexuality is not accepted in Black America. This is unfortunate but true. I am not saying that homophobia is more prevalent; I am simply saying that many blacks I know don't support issues like gay marriage. Many African Americans are also religious and disagree with policies that strip "God" from society.

Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama are neck and neck in terms of support from African Americans. It is unclear as to who has the edge. Even though Obama is black, he does not have an overwhelming lead over African Americans, if he even has a lead.

Hopefully Obama and Clinton will reach out to African American voters in the 2008 elections. After dealing George Bush's administration for 8 years, blacks in America need some support. Issues like healthcare, violence, and education are very important in African American communities. If Democrats are smart, they will address these issues and form some solution strategies for these problems.

As of right now, it is unclear if Republicans will reach out to black voters. This is unfortunate too, because there is an opening for them to do so. Democrats have not been properly serving blacks.