Look at how Cain ran in Georgia in the senate race there, or at the most recent Louisiana race for governor. Rice would be popular in the south, with lots of money and support publicly given, she would be treated well on campaign visits, and when the votes were counted, the democrats would have the electoral votes from South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. I had hoped things had changed, but the recent races don't give me any basis for that hope.
I don't have to like it, you don't have to like it, but you ignore the underlying reality of southern politics at your own risk.
You make some good points. It would be interesting to see just how racist the Democrats would get campaigning against her - saying all the right things while spreading outrageous lies under their breaths.
As a former Keyes supporter, I have no problem voting for a black candidate and never met anyone who openly said they could not. Some attacked issues, yes, but no politician should be insolated from issue attacks. Same with women candidates. I have voted for many and voted against many. Who they are and where they stand is what matters to me more than gender or race.
I'd like to think everyone is that way although I know it's not true. I hope with the passage of time, it will be an issue to fewer and fewer.
At least Louisiana kept it close.
I've voted for people of all races and ethnicities in my 4 election years starting in 98. I really do not want to agree with you about this, but there's this nagging doubt in the back of my mind as well, and it doesn't apply to just the South. Blacks seem to do well in lower profile mid level and local offices (Sec of State, state rep/senate, State Supreme Court), but do not win senatorial or gubenatorial races. Illinois(Obama/Braun), Virginia(Wilder), and Massachusetts(Ed Brooke) are the only states since reconstruction to do so.
In 1986, Bill Lucas(R) ran for governor in Michigan against incumbent Jim Blanchard(who was ousted in 1990 by then unknown John Engler). Lucas(who was black) was Wayne County Sheriff and switched parties not that long before his gubenatorial run. Now he wasn't our best candidate, but we did not expect a disaster on this level. It was an approximately 67-34% defeat statewide, and a worse thrashing than even what John Engler did to Geoff Fieger(who even lost Ann Arbor). Some of that was the normal democrat vote, but even sacrificial lamb candidate usually hold the democrats under 60%. Keep in mind that most statewide races here are within 5% as well.
We may have a candidate for senate here who is the most qualified individual IMO of those who have announced their candidacy. He happens to be black. I think he has a shot to win, if he can get his message out to people. Can he get the message out, and will people listen? How far as Michigan come since 1986? That's a good question. I know what I'd like the answer to be.