[tld221]

Originally Posted by 06pilot

I do. They are called Jews

hmm, point taken.

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

I think that the thread question is an unfair one and it insults the intelligence of the average modern American by thinking that a person's physical attributes implicitly makes him/her less qualified to be an effective leader.

aren't there many articles/commentary on the relationship between (perceived) candidate physical attributes and their likability/chance of winning the vote (i'm thinking of the JFK/Clinton candidacies)? and i dont think the notion necessarily INSULTS the intelligence of the "average American" (and honestly, i dont think any of us here commenting are "average Americans")

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

My question to all of you would be: Given these factors, why do you REALLY want a minority as POTUS? Personally I think the real reason why so many want a minority as President is more for ego-driven and special interest treatment reasons than if the minority candidates are really and truly qualified for the position.

i dont know if, for example, if Obama won the presidency that black people would be walking around with Kool-Aid smiles like "one point for us!" Okay, probably that first 24 hours...

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

On a lighter note, I do applaud Hillary and Barack for their acheivements despite their minority status.

if that was the case, it A. wouldnt be a "lighter note" and B. the bolded wouldnt have been necesary in your statement. or is that me reading too much into your statement?

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

Then the discussion is by default trivial, because:
1. Race and gender does bring with it cultural aspects which can make for various inherent political issues because of the variance of cultures and their different standards of living and coexisting.
2. It begs my original question: What would having a minority as POTUS accomplish that wouldn't be accomplished by a non-minority if we ignore their individual stances on issues? [/COLOR]

i feel like point #1 answers point #2, in other words, you answered your own question and therefore the discussion is not trivial. in that case, do we need to lay out exactly what cultural aspects each candidate can bring to the particular issues that we should be concerned with in choosing the best candidate regardless of race or gender?

Originally Posted by KAPital PHINUst

I don't think the real issue is whether America is ready for a minority POTUS; it obviously is to see two minority candidates come this far. I think we need to be honest with ourselves and just say the real reason we want a minority as POTUS is because we think our minority group will get special favors (pandering), or to snub our nose at the white man and say "We've arrived." (ego-driven).

again, i somewhat disagree. there is only so long that black folk/women can go around on the "hey we won" high horse. and history shows that we're never satisfied. how many folks will go around saying "oh, they LET us win it... this is part of the plan..."

and now i feel like YOU'RE insulting the average American by assuming that we'd get "special attention" because one of ours would be elected. anyone who thinks such is, for lack of better wording, buggin.