That explains it. It's a birth defect!!
The Democrats waged a more effective campaign than the Republicans for the heart and soul (and vote) of the 'ordinary' or 'little' guy - black OR white. They're doing it even as I type this, and they keep doing it for one reason: it works. Make no mistake, it's less effective than before because more blacks are moving into mid to upper level management, own their own companies, have stock options and - gasp - capital gains!
Peer pressure works across race and gender lines in many ways. Look at the outrage from the Democrats today because Pataki picked up the endorsement of a labor union. Why? Because union workers are SUPPOSED to be Democrats.
Breaking with tradition can be very difficult for some who do not yet have the courage of their convictions. When I talk to the politically naive, I always suggest they listen to Rush for at least a month, and of course I refer them to Free Republic. Osmosis does work. I've 'converted' quite a few people in this way.