"That they happen to be black is not their biggest asset!"
Certainly not.
But Lynn Swann would probably not have a great shot at the Governor's mansion if he weren't black. It is definitely AN asset to be black or female if you're conservative. Which is a shame, because your sex or skin should have nothing to do with your ability to get ahead in society.
And as long as I'm fantasizing, I'd like a 65' Spray with a schooner rig.
I disagree. Swann's race might help a little, very little. His big ticket is that he's a famous football player with a lot of fans. If he were neon orange, I don't think it would really matter.
You can certainly credibly argue that perhaps football isn't the best training ground for a Governor, but I think that status elevates him a lot more then anything else.