Quote:
Originally posted by Steeltrap
It's hard to say for sure. Obama seems to be a liberal, and I'm sorry, I don't think there are that many white liberals left in this country.
Also, what I suspect is the combination of being a first-generation American, as well as being biracial, may account for his appeal. He doesn't come from what is called "resentment block" black politics. I first read about this years ago, in a Miami Herald column.
The writer talked about black politicians being in two basic camps: the opportunity block and the resentment block. To my interpretation, someone like Harold Ford Jr. would be opportunity block, while John Conyers would be resentment block.
I saw that basically as being a class issue. Opportunity block people generally represented the middle class, while resentment block represented the underclass and those others left behind.
This was years ago, but I think it still applies today.
Hope I made sense. I'm in a lunch-induced coma.
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You usually make sense to me, Steeltrap. (except when you talk shopping; then I'm lost)
Interesting point, though; does it boil down to no more than old/new school generational politics? As Ford-Obama mature do they move from opportunity to resentment block pols? Who would the author identify as opportunity block Afam politicians over 60? any?
Obama made a good speech, and showed he can move people to see his vision, but it was still just a speech. I have to study his policy positions before deciding how much I'll buy. I know a bit more about Ford but not much, same deal. It will be interesting to see how these men shape themselves....or allow others to shape them.
This reminds me of the early Colin Powell situation of 1995/96. Everybody "loved" him, I think because nobody really knew his policy stances. We had allusions about certain topics, AA, but had he declared for president (and had to make take position stances), I think his support would have dropped by nearly 50 percent right off the top. But C. Powell played it right, and sold a lot of books in the process.
...but I have learned a new term----->resentment block politics. Thank you, Professor Steeltrap.
