What do we learn if we examine the history of Black presidential candidates? By my count, we’ve had three serious Black GOP candidates and maybe four serious Black Democratic party candidates. Among the Republicans, we have Ben Carson (2016), Herman Cain (2012), and Alan Keyes (1996, 2000, 2008). On the Democratic side, Barack Obama (2008, 2012), Carol Mosley Braun (2000), Jesse Jackson (1988), and Shirley Chisholm (1972). By “serious,” I mean actually had their names on the ballot in at least one state. I toss in Herman Cain, who suspended his campaign before the Iowa caucus, because he attracted serious attention in polls.
The first thing to observe is that serious Black presidential candidates are incredibly serious people. We have multiple Harvard graduates, a world famous brain surgeon, a US ambassador, a major social movement leader, and a fairly successful business executive. This probably reflects a selection effect. Since running…
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