I don't agree. The NAACP and the black vote are critical to the Democrat fortunes. Any substantial group that votes over 90% with one party all the time has tremendous influence on the electoral process. Moreover, the birthrate of blacks for women between the ages 15-19 is more than 150% compared to non-hispanic whites. Demographically, black and minority influence will continue to increase in the future. Far from having an exaggerated view of their own importance, the NAACP has only recently begun to realize that it should start exerting its power and influence. Combined with the predominantly Dem Hispanic vote, minorities are well on their way to becoming a majority. The face of American politics is changing literally and figuratively. The NAACP just fired the open salvo to the Dem white liberals that they won't stay in the back of the bus any longer.
Yes, Blacks vote overwhelmingly Democratic, and yes, they are important to the success of any Democratic presidential candidate. However, it is not critical for any of these candidates to appear at the NAACP convention and kowtow to Swami and Jesse and Julian Bond. If a candidate earns the Democratic nomination the hard way (winning primaries), there will be time enough for him (sorry, Carole, but I don't take you seriously) to do any necessary fence mending with Black voters. The smart candidate will do it by articulating positions that appeal to Black voters, not by bussing Swami's posterior.