Posted on 06/14/2011 7:05:17 PM PDT by rhema
Barack Obama benefited from strong support among a number of demographic groups during his 2008 presidential campaign. In an economic sense, after two-and-a-half years of his presidency, those same groups which showed him the greatest support have suffered disproportionately more than others in the United States.
It begs the question as to whether these groups will be political lemmings for Obama both in their support of his campaign and when they pull the lever in the 2012 presidential election. If their votes are based upon how their financial lives have changed since Obama took office, then they cannot reelect Obama into the White House. In other words, logic should tell them to vote against Obama next year. Consider these groups.
African-Americans
Barack Obama captured a staggering 96% of the African-American vote in the 2008 election, an increase even above their traditional backing of the Democrats' candidate. In addition, there was a slight uptick in voter turnout for Obama, as blacks had a 2% increase in turnout versus the 2004 presidential election. It is hard to fathom that a presidential candidate could possibly garner greater support from a demographic group than did Obama from African-Americans.
However, that support at the polling place has far from translated into a better way of life for the group as a whole.
When Obama took office in January 2009, the nation's unemployment rate stood at 7.6%. For African-Americans, as a group, the unemployment rate was 12.6%.
Fast forward two-and-a-half years and, according to the latest data released for May 2011, the nation's unemployment rate is 9.1%. The present rate of unemployment rate for blacks is 16.2%. So, while the overall unemployment rate has risen by 1.5% since Obama took office, the rate of unemployment for blacks is 3.6% higher. Seen another way, the gap between the African-American unemployment rate versus that of the entire population has widened from 5.0% when Obama took office to 7.1% as of May 2011. That is a rather huge move in a relatively short period of time.
What we've seen then is that African-Americans have had their economic state of life drop at a far greater rate versus other Americans during Obama's time in the White House, despite their overwhelming support of him in the 2008 elections. The numbers show that President Barack Obama has done nothing for the economic well-being of the African-American demographic group.
For him to capture a similar level of this group's votes in 2012 would be indicative of the group simply ignoring how their financial status has declined disproportionately more than the overall population under Obama's fiscal policies.
College/Young Professionals
This group was another strong supporter of Barack Obama to become President back in 2008. His message of hope and change resonated with the college crowd and among those just starting their careers. In fact, turnout among those 18-24 years of age rose slightly to 49% in the 2008 elections versus 47% in 2004. Exit poll data from 2008 show Obama enjoyed a 66% approval rating for the 18-29 year-old demographic group.
Unfortunately for this group, economic opportunities have become more and more scarce during Obama's presidency. According to a recent report from the Economic Policy Institute, for calendar year 2010, the unemployment rate for workers 16-24 years of age averaged 18.4% verses a rate of 9.6% for the overall population.
The same report states, "...the class of 2011 will likely face the highest unemployment rate for young college graduates since the Great Recession began."
The policies of the very man this demographic group supported has caused many of them to be either underemployed or unemployed, while also now burdened with thousands and thousands of dollars in college loans, in many cases.
Low Income Families
Lower income Americans offered strong support for Barack Obama. More than 70% of voters who earned less than $15,000 per year punched their card for Obama, while those whose earnings were $15,000-$30,000 voted for Obama at a clip better than 60%. Better than 50% of those earning $30,000-$50,000 also supported Obama for the Oval Office.
Yet, these same individuals have found life under Obama to be rather difficult. When Barack Obama assumed the position of President of the United States, the average price of gasoline was $1.81/gallon. Going into the past weekend, the average price nationwide was $3.72/gallon. That's a mere 106% price increase under Obama.
Energy prices, as a proportion of income, naturally impact lower income families more than middle class or upper class families. We've also seen a substantial increase in food prices, including corn and wheat, which again impact the lower income group more than the overall population.
In fact, Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke recently indicated that lower income Americans were being hit harder by the economy as he showed that lower income Americans continue to suffer disproportionately higher unemployment than middle and upper class Americans.
Three Groups: African-Americans, College/Young Professionals, and Low Income Families. All have seen disproportionately more economic challenges than the general population during Obama's term in office. If the economy is their top issue, then they cannot support the man who has made their lives worse since he took office.
Those who don't are screwed.
There's the rub. Logic. They didn't use it the last time. They voted out of pure emotion. Will they use logic the next time? Some may, but I wouldn't hold my breath "hoping for change" that the vast majority of them will be using logic this time around.
“People Using Homeless Shelters Surges 57%”....nuff said.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2734806/posts
Whiney collectivists are never satisfied. The more dangerous elements of Soetoro’s socialists will take us all down.
Music to read this post by.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrOeGCJdZe4&feature=relmfu
...and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Obama supporters are very happy that he is there to “take care” of them, and they will respond in big numbers in 2012.
I know this is a conservative site but I wonder why we don’t have any sensible people from the left come here and explain why a Democrat is a Democrat—I did say sensible. I’m series now. I would like to hear from the ones that are really angry at the present administration and what is happening to our country.
Isn’t there at least one around?
Hello!
He’ll pull the plug on food stamps and blame it on “Republicans” (translation: “white people”). The riots he needs will being the 1st of the following month when the cards are declined at the grocery stores. It’s a very simple “electronic trigger”. Watch and see.
Yeah, he’s an all-American stand-up guy.
He has his finger on all the buttons now.
That’s because you served your country. These people don’t have to do anything and they’ll get free money. That’s why the love Obama!
“God May Not Be Angry (But I Am)” http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_8988454 Just finished and posted yesterday, You might like it.
Now That is racism and discrimination if I ever saw it...
Need an investigation NOW!....Its criminal surly the DOJ has this on the front burner...it couldn't be any more blatant
He’s succeeding marvelously at creating more government teat suckers....
Three Groups: African-Americans, . . . and Low Income Families . . . have seen disproportionately more economic challenges than the general population during Obama’s term in office. If the economy is their top issue, then they cannot support the man who has made their lives worse since he took office.
Wanna bet? The guy is half black - as such, he has the support of Blacks; bet the ranch on that!! They do not care about how they are living - they only care that the guy leading the country as somewhat “dark” skin.
PROUD 4 percenter, here.
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