In his Op-Ed article in the New York Times yesterday, columnist Charles Blow assesses the Republican Party’s dilemma on how to steer its course in response to the rapidly changing face of the electoral landscape. “While some bemoan the dearth of minorities in the party, others seem bent on ensuring it”, wrote Mr. Blow. Charles Blow cites data that the non-White electorate continues to grow rapidly and that they tend to register as Democrats.
Since 1996, regardless of party affiliation, the non-White vote has expanded sharply, driven mainly by Hispanics whose share of registered voters has increased by 5-% points at each of the three following presidential elections. The share of registered African American voters has also grown though not as rapidly but the percentage of Asian Americans remains unchanged in the same period.
Perhaps this now-anemic GOP should revive one of Bob Dole’s slogans back in 1996 that their umbrella is wide enough for everyone—but this time, really, really mean it. Good luck to them because, as Charles Blow reveals, they have a long, long way to go!
Talking about anemic, how come the share of Asian Americans in the pie has not risen? The next presidential election is years away and, who knows, the face of both parties may still change until then, but don’t let that stop you from registering now. I doubt that the Republicans will steal the Democrat’s franchise on minorities anytime soon. I’m hopeful though that there will be an up-tick in the percentage of registered Asian American voters when they report this again by 2012.
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