Podcasts about african american republicans

Batya Ungar-Sargon is the author of the new book entitled Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women. I am going to ask Batya to focus her comments on why Trump appeals to Working Class Americans.Corey Fields is a Professor of Sociology at Georgetown and the author of a book entitled Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans. I want Corey to explain why the Republicans have historically been unsuccessful in attracting Black people and if it will be different in the upcoming presidential election. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

In this episode, I discuss the African-American Republican, who is running for the US Senate seat in Minnesota.

Rick Pidcock is a regular contributor to Baptist News Global, an independent news organization that provides "original and curated news, opinion and analysis about matters of faith." As a regular reader, Ken noticed Rick's impressive weekly article collection. With a background in homeschooling and private Christian schools, Rick graduated from Bob Jones University. Rick tells his personal story of seminary training, church planting, and leading worship. When his lead pastor walked out, he experienced a crisis of faith. He turned his focus to his considerable skills as a journalist. He is a perceptive commentator on politics and religion. He tells his story growing up in classic Southern evangelicalism - from purity culture to "Left Behind" politics and fears of eternal punishment. He describes his journey of deconstruction. Ken chooses three of Rick's recent articles to unpack. They talk about James Dobson and Eugenics, Tim Scott as a conservative African American Republican candidate for President, and complementarianism as a threat to the health of the family. SHOW NOTESSupport the show

Hosts Adolph Mongo, Vanessa Moss and Allan Lengel talk with attorney Terry Johnson, an African American supporter of the Republican Party.Johnson defends ex-President Donald Trump's record. The panel also talks about Florida's new take on educating middle school students on the upside of slavery. Ex-Trenton Police Chief Jim Nardone talks about the homicide at the Wayne County Jail of a man imprisoned for drunk driving

On this week's episode of "Kaleidoscope with Allison Keyes", a look at outreach to Black voters ahead of the midterm elections. More than two dozen African American Republicans are running for Congress, and there have been small increases in Black support for that party in the past two elections. GOP leaders are hoping that trend continues, and are strongly supporting black candidates including Georgia senate hopeful Herschel Walker. But CBS News political contributor and Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright tells Allison his party is trying hard to energize Black voters as well.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Charlie discusses the abortion issue. He talks with caller JR a Christian, African-American Republican. He claims he gets more push back from the African-American community than anyone else on the abortion issue. Charlie talks about the State House. Charlie talks about a trans person who expresses concern about exposing children to the trans community.

William Martin David Webb to talk about his campaign for Lt. Governor of Wisconsin. William will also discuss his plan to reduce crime in Wisconsin and return to law and order. He would be the first African-American Republican elected to statewide office.

A discussion with Aram Goudsouzian, Professor of History at University of Memphis, and Charles McKinney, Professor of Africana Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. McKinney is the author of numerous essays on African American history and the book Greater Freedom: The Evolution of the Civil Rights Struggle in Wilson, North Carolina, published in 2010, and is currently at work on a book titled Losing the Party of Lincoln: George Washington Lee and the Struggle for the Soul of the Republican Party, which explores the life and work of George Washington Lee, an African American Republican operative and civil rights activist who lived in Memphis in the middle of the twentieth century. Goudsouzian is the author of five books, including most recently Down to the Crossroads: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Meredith March Against Fear, published in 2014, and 2019's The Men and the Moment: The Election of 1968 and the Rise of Partisan Politics in America.Together, Goudsouzian and McKinney edited the 2018 collection An Unseen Light: Black Struggles for Freedom in Memphis, Tennessee, published by University of Kentucky Press, which we discuss in this episode. 

On this week's Newswrap from In Focus, Alabama Public Television's Don Dailey shares with Troy Public Radio's Carolyn Hutcheson headlines about Kenneth Pascal becoming the first African American Republican elected to the Alabama House of Representatives since Reconstruction.  And the wild card is about communicating with amphibians.

Former Congresswoman Mia Love joins Sam Stone and Chuck Warren on this weeks episode of Broken Potholes. Love was the first African-American Republican woman in Congress. She brought a unique personal history and diverse résumé to the House. Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was born in New York, studied theater in Connecticut, converted to the Church of Latter-day Saints, moved to Utah, and was a staunch proponent of small government. But Love's career in politics, long before she served in the House, revolved around policy more than her individual story. “I wasn't elected in Saratoga Springs because of my race or my gender or my heels,” she said in 2013 about her time as mayor. “I was elected by the people there because I had a plan and a vision to get us financially stable.”CONNECT WITH USTwitter: https://twitter.com/BrokenPotholesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenpotholesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenpotholes/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broken-potholesShow notes:www.brokenpotholes.vote This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com

Interviewer: MATTHEW BERKMAN. As an African-American Republican, political commentator TARA SETMAYER had long embraced the compassionate conservativism and optimistic individualism of the Jack Kemp wing of the party, along with a broader commitment to fiscal responsibility and small government. A senior advisor to the Lincoln Project, she has now formally left the Republican Party out of the sense that it has jettisoned these values in the Trump era. In her discussion with political scientist Matthew Berkman, Setmayer describes her outrage at Trump’s betrayal of Constitutional norms, her interpretation of minority voting behavior in the election, and her reasons for not becoming a Democrat. While recognizing the continuing obstacles, she plans to work toward a revival of bipartisan cooperation and pragmatic governance.

Senator Tim Scott, author of OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS – AN OVERCOMER’S STORY FOR THE CHALLENGES OF TODAY AND TOMORROW- How Hard Work, Business and Community Can Improve Lives and End Poverty, is the senator from South Carolina, Scott is the only African American Republican in the Senate and the only Black elected to both Congress and the Senate in history.  The Sean Hannity Show is on weekdays from 3 pm to 6 pm ET on iHeartRadio and Hannity.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

This week at In The Past Lane, the American History podcast, we take a look at Reconstruction, specifically the ratification of the 15th Amendment which took place 150 years ago this week. It was the third of three amendments added to the Constitution after the Civil War and it was specifically intended to protect African American voting rights. In these early years of Reconstruction, formerly enslaved people registered to vote, voted, and won election to office, including Congress. But just a few years after the 15th Amendment was ratified, southern whites, with the acquiescence of white northerners, dismantled the accomplishments of Reconstruction, including black political power, and re-imposed white supremacy. And we also take a look at some key events that occurred this week in US history, like the onset of the1918-1919 Spanish Flu Pandemic and Martin Luther King’s 1967 speech against the Vietnam.   Feature Story: The Ratification of the 15th Amendment On March 30, 1870 - 150 years ago this week - the US Secretary of State, Hamilton Fish, certified that the required 3/4 of the states had ratified the 15th amendment to the Constitution and it was now in effect. This was the third of three amendments added to the Constitution in the wake of the Civil War. The 13th amendment abolished slavery. The 14th amendment defined US citizenship, established voting rights for African-Americans, and established the principle of equality before the law. The 15th amendment was intended to strengthen the right of African-Americans to vote. It read: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” For African Americans and their white Republican allies, the 15th amendment was hailed as a key achievement in reshaping the US political system into a multiracial democracy. As President Ulysses S. Grant put it, the 15th amendment “completes the greatest civil change and constitutes the most important event that has occurred since the nation came to life.” Grant and his fellow Republicans were right in celebrating the revolutionary nature of the amendment, but some of them expressed an unfounded and naïve optimism about its ability to empower African Americans. They claimed that with the 14th and 15th Amendments in place, black Americans no longer needed federal protection from vengeful white southerners who bitterly resented the end of slavery and black freedom and equality. Rep. James Garfield of Ohio, the Speaker of the House and future president, said the 15th Amendment “confers upon the African race the care of its own destiny. It places their fortunes in their own hands.” The message was clear: African Americans now had everything they needed to succeed. And if they failed to secure their place in American life then it was their own fault. Well, let’s hold that thought for a moment. We’ll return to it shortly. For now, let’s consider what had already happened in the years leading up to the ratification of the 15th amendment. First, African Americans had already gained the right to vote in 1867 under a Civil Rights Act passed by Congress. And this right was then made permanent in 1868 under the 14th Amendment. Immediately, formerly enslaved people seized this new freedom. Some 700,000 African-Americans registered to vote, nearly all of them as members of the Republican party - the party of Lincoln, emancipation, and now civil rights. And the results were remarkable: More than six hundred formerly enslaved men won seats in state legislatures and to other state and local offices. Still hundreds more served in all manner of posts, from register of deeds to justice of the peace. Some even went to Congress. Between 1869 and 1901 twenty-two African Americans would serve in the U.S. Congress (twenty in the House, and two in the Senate). Let’s note just one example. On December 12, 1870, Joseph Rainey, a man born into slavery in South Carolina in 1832, was sworn in as a member of the US House of Representatives. A man who just a few years earlier was considered property and possessing no rights, was now a citizen and member of Congress. Historical change doesn’t get more revolutionary than that.  That’s why I always refer to the first half of Reconstruction, roughly 1865 to 1872, as the Reconstruction Revolution. The impact of this revolution in the South in the early years of Reconstruction was profound. Under Republican rule, southern states enacted progressive legislation designed to improve the lives of average citizens. Most states, for example, significantly expanded public education which had been woefully underfunded in the past. Many also passed laws protecting the civil rights of citizens and launched public works projects such as road building to boost economic growth. They also changed state tax codes lesson taxes on the poor and middle classes an increase them on the wealthy. Not surprisingly, white southern resistance to these changes was intense, as were efforts to undermine and thwart black political power. The most vivid form of this resistance were vigilante groups like the Ku Klux Klan that used violence and murder to oppress African Americans and their allies. This was the context in which the 15th Amendment was passed and ratified in 1870. It was a recognition by Congress that African American voting rights faced intense opposition. And Congress did something else in 1870 to protect black civil rights: it passed the first of several so-called Force Acts that compelled the federal government to use its power and authority to defeat groups like the KKK. And it worked. Within two years, the federal government succeeded crushing these violent groups throughout the South.   And so, as I always say at this point when talking about Reconstruction, if we stop the clock at this point – say, roughly 1872 - the Reconstruction Revolution had achieved remarkable results. It had won for African-Americans citizenship and full civil rights, including the right to vote. It had seen hundreds of thousands of African Americans vote for the first time and many of them win election to public office. It had seen them join with white allies in the South to form an extraordinary and unprecedented experiment in interracial democracy. It had seen that interracial coalition pass laws and adopt policies in Southern states designed to protect civil rights and expand opportunities for average citizens. But this exercise in "stopping the clock" is just that – an exercise that allows us to take stock of a historical situation. Because history doesn't stop. In marches on. And march on it did during Reconstruction. And it was in the years after 1872 that saw many of the accomplishments of Reconstruction dismantled by a process one might call the Reconstruction Counter-Revolution. Here’s what happened in a nutshell: The single most important thing that allowed the Reconstruction Revolution to occur was the use of federal authority to protect civil rights. So long as the federal government remained committed to upholding civil rights and democracy in the South, the achievements of Reconstruction would endure and grow. What happened, however, is that this commitment on the part of political officials in the north began to waver and eventually disappear altogether after 1872. It did so for several reasons. First, the Grant administration became ensnared in a series of scandals involving high ranking officials, including members of Congress and cabinet officials. Second, the Panic of 1873 touched off five years of the most severe economic depression in US history to that time. Third, many conservatives began to argue that the federal government had done enough for the freedmen and that it was time to remove the US military from the South and leave African Americans to chart their own destiny. Now would be a good time to recall that quote by James A Garfield, who said of the 15th Amendment that it, “confers upon the African race the care of its own destiny. It places their fortunes in their own hands.” The combination of these three factors created a climate in which it became very difficult for Northern politicians to justify a continued federal commitment to protecting the rights of African Americans in the South. As a result, after 1872 organized white resistance to Republican rule – both legal and illegal --  began to rise. This resistance, much of it involving violence by vigilante groups, had two goals: 1. to strip away the freedmen’s hard-won economic, social, and legal rights and 2. to prevent them from voting and holding office. This violence reached full development in Mississippi in 1875 when armed groups of whites allied with the Democratic Party waged a carefully organized campaign of terrorism that came to be known as the Mississippi Plan. Through threats, beatings, and killings, they delivered an unambiguous message: blacks and their white allies who dared vote Republican risked their lives and livelihoods. Alarmed, Mississippi governor Adelbert Ames asked the Grant administration to send troops to keep the peace and protect the polls. His request was rejected. Not surprisingly, more than sixty thousand Mississippi voters—nearly all black and Republican—stayed away from the polls on election day. When fifteen hundred African Americans gathered to vote in Aberdeen, Mississippi, they were informed by the mob that “if they did not leave town within five minutes … the last man would be shot dead.” Democrats swept to victory in Mississippi and took control of the state legislature for the first time since the Civil War. Immediately they threatened Governor Ames with impeachment and forced him to resign. The success of the Mississippi Plan in intimidating black voters and demolishing the base of the Republican Party inspired other Southern states to employ their own version of it. And the political terrorism worked. One by one the remaining Republican state governments fell to a new class of political leaders known as Redeemers. As the name suggests they cast themselves in almost biblical terms as saviors of Southern society. Saviors from black and Republican rule. As one African American Republican named George Arnold put it, “It seems to me that we are drifting, drifting back under the leadership of the slaveholders. Our former masters are fast taking the reins of government.” We can see the success of this counter-revolution in the career of the aforementioned Joseph Rainey, the former slave turned congressman. Rainey served four terms in Congress and played an important role in the debates over Reconstruction. In 1876, however, as the Mississippi Plan and the Redeemer movement gained momentum, Rainey barely won reelection against his white Democratic opponent. Two years later, that same Democratic challenger defeated Rainey, ending his political career. The Counter-revolution was completed in the 1880s and 1890s as southern state governments devised clever ways to undermine the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. They imposed segregation and the US Supreme Court allowed it. They also imposed all manner of things to deprive black citizens of the right to vote, things like the poll tax and literacy tests. By 1900, African American voting in the South had been nearly eliminated. And that would remain the case until the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. And here’s a key takeaway from this story: laws, even constitutional amendments, are only valuable insofar as they are enforced. Laws and amendments that are not enforced are not worth the paper they are printed on. Sadly, we see evidence of this fact in 2020, as many states in recent years have enacted laws and policies intended to diminish the ability of people – especially people of color – to vote. The 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 say this is illegal. But it’s all about enforcement. That’s something to ponder on this, the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment. So what else of note happened in US history this week? March 31, 1776 Abigail Adams wrote her now famous letter to her husband John Adams, urging him and the members of the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies” in the making of laws for a nation that seemed on the verge of declaring its independence from England. Women, she wrote, in so many words, deserved liberty too. April 4, 1967 - The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr delivered his “a time to break silence” speech against the Vietnam war at Riverside Church in New York City. “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” King was vilified by many for this speech, including President Lyndon Johnson. Exactly one year later, on April 4, 1968 King was assassinated in Memphis, TN. April 5, 1918 - The first report was published that noted the rapid spread of a deadly strain of influenza in Haskell, Kansas. It was the first indication in the US of what would come to be known as the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919, one that killed 700,000 Americans and worldwide between 50 and 100 million people. And if you want to know more about this story, check out ITPL Episode 105.  And how about birthdays of some notable people? March 31, 1927 labor leader Cesar Chavez March 31, 1875 heavy weight boxing champion Jack Johnson April 2, 1875 automobile magnate Walter P. Chrysler April 4, 1802 pioneering advocate for humane treatment of the mentally ill, Dorothea Dix Last word Let’s give it to Abigail Adams, who 244 years ago this week, wrote to her husband John Adams urging him to push for greater rights for women in the soon-to-be independent United States of America. “I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” For more information about the In The Past Lane podcast, head to our website, www.InThePastLane.com  Music for This Episode Jay Graham, ITPL Intro (JayGMusic.com) The Joy Drops, “Track 23,” Not Drunk (Free Music Archive) Sergey Cheremisinov, “Gray Drops” (Free Music Archive) Pictures of the Flow, “Horses” (Free Music Archive) Ondrosik, “Tribute to Louis Braille” (Free Music Archive) Alex Mason, “Cast Away” (Free Music Archive) Dana Boule, “Collective Calm” (Free Music Archive) Blue Dot Sessions, "Pat Dog" (Free Music Archive) Jon Luc Hefferman, “Winter Trek” (Free Music Archive) The Bell, “I Am History” (Free Music Archive) Production Credits Executive Producer: Lulu Spencer Graphic Designer: Maggie Cellucci Website by: ERI Design Legal services: Tippecanoe and Tyler Too Social Media management: The Pony Express Risk Assessment: Little Big Horn Associates Growth strategies: 54 40 or Fight © In The Past Lane, 2020 Recommended History Podcasts Ben Franklin’s World with Liz Covart @LizCovart The Age of Jackson Podcast @AgeofJacksonPod Backstory podcast – the history behind today’s headlines @BackstoryRadio Past Present podcast with Nicole Hemmer, Neil J. Young, and Natalia Petrzela @PastPresentPod 99 Percent Invisible with Roman Mars @99piorg Slow Burn podcast about Watergate with @leoncrawl The Memory Palace – with Nate DiMeo, story teller extraordinaire @thememorypalace The Conspirators – creepy true crime stories from the American past @Conspiratorcast The History Chicks podcast @Thehistorychix My History Can Beat Up Your Politics @myhist Professor Buzzkill podcast – Prof B takes on myths about the past @buzzkillprof Footnoting History podcast @HistoryFootnote The History Author Show podcast @HistoryDean More Perfect podcast - the history of key US Supreme Court cases @Radiolab Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell @Gladwell Radio Diaries with Joe Richman @RadioDiaries DIG history podcast @dig_history The Story Behind – the hidden histories of everyday things @StoryBehindPod Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen – specifically its American Icons series @Studio360show Uncivil podcast – fascinating takes on the legacy of the Civil War in contemporary US @uncivilshow Stuff You Missed in History Class @MissedinHistory The Whiskey Rebellion – two historians discuss topics from today’s news @WhiskeyRebelPod American History Tellers ‏@ahtellers The Way of Improvement Leads Home with historian John Fea @JohnFea1 The Bowery Boys podcast – all things NYC history @BoweryBoys Ridiculous History @RidiculousHSW The Rogue Historian podcast with historian @MKeithHarris The Road To Now podcast @Road_To_Now Retropod with @mikerosenwald © In The Past Lane 2020 © In The Past Lane 2020

Marisa and Scott recap a hectic week of impeachment hearings and the most recent Democratic debate, and analyze the State Supreme Court ruling against the law to force disclosure of presidential candidates' tax returns (0:30). Then, Republican activist Corrin Rankin joins to discuss her childhood experience with redlining, her family bail bonds business, leaving the Democratic party, and her efforts to recruit African-American Republicans to run for office (6:14).

This is Ken Scott Baron from the National Association of Black and White Men Together with the run down on the 2020 Senate chamber where control of that chamber will be crucial to either party. This summer, Texas Democrats to pick their favorite from a list of candidates for the 2020 U.S. Senate race. They chose, with nineteen per cent of the vote—almost twice that of the next nearest contender—former congressman Beto O’Rourke, of El Paso.  About half of those polled said that O’Rourke should drop his Presidential bid and take Republican senator John Cornyn, whose approval rating is in the thirties. “Beto, if you’re listening: Come home,” the Houston Chronicle said in an editorial after the poll was released. “Texas needs you.”  Beto declined. Even if Donald Trump is defeated, the Democrats will need to pick up three Senate seats in order to gain control of the chamber and have a reasonable chance of turning their plans into legislative reality. If Trump wins, the crucial net gain will be four. (The Vice-President gets to break any tie) In addition, if either Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders beat Trump—the Republican governor of the winner’s state would name an interim senator until a special election could be held. Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer are both in their eighties. Trump could have an unimpeded choice to replace one or both of them, potentially remaking the Court.  Republicans have to defend twenty-three of the thirty-five Senate seats on the ballot next year, but most of them are in deep-red states. There are openings for the Democrats. One has already been taken: two weeks ago, in Colorado, the former governor John Hickenlooper abandoned his Presidential campaign, and he will now run against Senator Cory Gardner, instantly turning what had been a likely Republican win into a possible Democratic one.  In Georgia, an increasingly purple state, there are now two Republican seats up for grabs. David Perdue, is running for re-election, and Johnny Isakson announced last week that he would step down at the end of this year for health reasons.  There is a Democrat who could be a formidable contender for either seat: Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, who narrowly lost a highly contested governor’s race last year. Abrams has said that she is not interested, even though, as in Texas, no other candidate commands the field. She intends to stay focussed on her voting-rights work, but she did say that she would “be honored” to be considered as the Democrats’ Vice-Presidential candidate. In Arizona, Mark Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot and astronaut, is running against Senator Martha McSally, who lost last year to the Democrat Kyrsten Sinema but was appointed by the Republican governor to fill John McCain’s seat after his death.  Kelly is the husband of the former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was seriously wounded eight years ago in a mass shooting at an event in Tucson. Since then, Giffords and Kelly have become tireless advocates for gun control. He is a well-known figure with a strong message in a state that seems ready to hear it. The Democrats have their own vulnerabilities. Doug Jones won in a 2017 special election in Alabama against Judge Roy Moore, a far-right extremist. Jones must now defend that seat in a state where Trump’s approval rating is above sixty per cent.  In Michigan, the junior Democratic senator, Gary Peters, is facing a strong challenger in John James, an Iraq War veteran and a businessman, who, if elected, would be one of only two African-American Republicans in the Senate. In these states—and in others that may be in play, such as Iowa, Maine, and North Carolina—the essential message is the same: the candidates matter. And in case one forgets, the Senate is also a place where Montana, with a population of one million, has the same representation as California, with forty million. 

This is Ken Scott Baron from the National Association of Black and White Men Together with the run down on the 2020 Senate chamber where control of that chamber will be crucial to either party. This summer, Texas Democrats to pick their favorite from a list of candidates for the 2020 U.S. Senate race. They chose, with nineteen per cent of the vote—almost twice that of the next nearest contender—former congressman Beto O’Rourke, of El Paso.  About half of those polled said that O’Rourke should drop his Presidential bid and take Republican senator John Cornyn, whose approval rating is in the thirties. “Beto, if you’re listening: Come home,” the Houston Chronicle said in an editorial after the poll was released. “Texas needs you.”  Beto declined. Even if Donald Trump is defeated, the Democrats will need to pick up three Senate seats in order to gain control of the chamber and have a reasonable chance of turning their plans into legislative reality. If Trump wins, the crucial net gain will be four. (The Vice-President gets to break any tie) In addition, if either Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders beat Trump—the Republican governor of the winner’s state would name an interim senator until a special election could be held. Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer are both in their eighties. Trump could have an unimpeded choice to replace one or both of them, potentially remaking the Court.  Republicans have to defend twenty-three of the thirty-five Senate seats on the ballot next year, but most of them are in deep-red states. There are openings for the Democrats. One has already been taken: two weeks ago, in Colorado, the former governor John Hickenlooper abandoned his Presidential campaign, and he will now run against Senator Cory Gardner, instantly turning what had been a likely Republican win into a possible Democratic one.  In Georgia, an increasingly purple state, there are now two Republican seats up for grabs. David Perdue, is running for re-election, and Johnny Isakson announced last week that he would step down at the end of this year for health reasons.  There is a Democrat who could be a formidable contender for either seat: Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, who narrowly lost a highly contested governor’s race last year. Abrams has said that she is not interested, even though, as in Texas, no other candidate commands the field. She intends to stay focussed on her voting-rights work, but she did say that she would “be honored” to be considered as the Democrats’ Vice-Presidential candidate. In Arizona, Mark Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot and astronaut, is running against Senator Martha McSally, who lost last year to the Democrat Kyrsten Sinema but was appointed by the Republican governor to fill John McCain’s seat after his death.  Kelly is the husband of the former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was seriously wounded eight years ago in a mass shooting at an event in Tucson. Since then, Giffords and Kelly have become tireless advocates for gun control. He is a well-known figure with a strong message in a state that seems ready to hear it. The Democrats have their own vulnerabilities. Doug Jones won in a 2017 special election in Alabama against Judge Roy Moore, a far-right extremist. Jones must now defend that seat in a state where Trump’s approval rating is above sixty per cent.  In Michigan, the junior Democratic senator, Gary Peters, is facing a strong challenger in John James, an Iraq War veteran and a businessman, who, if elected, would be one of only two African-American Republicans in the Senate. In these states—and in others that may be in play, such as Iowa, Maine, and North Carolina—the essential message is the same: the candidates matter. And in case one forgets, the Senate is also a place where Montana, with a population of one million, has the same representation as California, with forty million. 

On this episode of Blunt Force Truth, Chuck and Mark are joined by Lacy Lee Johnson. Lacy is running for the United States Senate inMinnesota’s fifth congressional district, which is currently being helped by Democrat Ilhan Omar. Chuck and Mark kick off the interview by asking more about Lacy’s upbringing and what obstacles he’s faced being an African American Republican. Lacy shares how he has been able to have positive conversations and even received support from lifelong Democrats. They continue their conversation by hearing Lacy’s plans if he is able to win the seat. He explains that he wants to focus on the issues his district faces and how he hopes to create a model for the rest of the nation. Chuck and Mark also hear about Lacy’s views on major issues that are at the front of the political debate today. More about Lacy Lee Johnson: Lacy Lee Johnson has been a resident of North Minneapolis for over 40 years. He believes the community and its people are among the best in Minnesota. He was born in Natchez, MS where his mom, dad, and elders raised him, his six sisters and three brothers. Though times were economically challenging, Lacy had “a perfect childhood” and “the best public-school education.” Lacy has been married to his wife, Betty, for 30 years with whom they raised two sons, Darien and Adrian. After studies in pre-med, math, and English at the University of Minnesota, he began an over 40-year career in information technology, systems development, and engineering as a technical writer at Hennepin County MN. Lacy subsequently enrolled at Brown Institute and completed studies in Computer Programming. Lacy has worked for Control Data, General Electric, Bell Atlantic, and Northwest Airlines in engineering, project management, and management building computer systems for fighter jets, torpedoes, air reconnaissance systems, guided missiles, and airport kiosks. He also worked as an IT solutions consultant for Xcel Energy. Lacy has served as founder, partner, and CEO of three small businesses dedicated to the economic development, technology training, and education within inner city communities: Uniworld Business Systems, UrbanEd LLC, and currently Young Entrepreneurs of America (YEA!). Lacy also wrote, produced, and hosted a weekly radio show, “The Flipside,” which provided news, entertainment, and commentary on current events. Lacy served as start-up coordinator and interim director of New Salem Elementary Charter School dedicated to closing the so-calledachievement gap in education. He relied on the experience in the Natchez school system to ensure love, high expectations, and ultimately the successful education of economically challenged children of color. As program director at Hospitality House Youth Directions, Lacy oversaw its after school programs for inner city youth and its outreach programs for gang members. He has also served as a trustee of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and as a volunteer speaker for Amicus prison outreach program. He is currently Polemarch (i.e., president) of the Bloomington-Richfield Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Connect with Lacy Lee Johnson: Website: LacyJohnson.com Twitter: @LacyJohnsonMN Facebook: Friends of Lacy Johnson Don’t forget to leave us a voicemail for the chance to have it played on a future episode. You can do so by clicking the link. https://bluntforcetruth.com/voicemail/ Also,...

Join Terry as she interviews three women who have a very unique perspective on the election results. First up is KaLeigh Long, CEO of End Game and VP of C3 Super PAC. She’s giving the inside story and first hand account of how police—clearly Democrats— in Missouri were rounding up her African American Republican canvassing team and harassing them as they knocked on doors in a minority community! You’ll hear from Leslie Blackwell, a reformed radical feminist, who shares her thoughts on the “women’s vote.” Last, but certainly not least is Puerto Rican Tricia Powell who exposes the root of the problem America faces today. You won't hear this news anywhere else! KaLeigh Long is a fundraiser, lobbyist, CEO of End Game Consulting, a political consulting company, in which she has a record of wins in tight races. Leslie Blackwell is a reformed radical feminist with a long career in communications. She’s now a woman on a mission: to speak the truth with love winning hearts and minds to embrace a culture of life. Tricia Powell, known as the SassyPRGirl, was born in Puerto Rico and brings an interesting perspective to any political conversation. Teaching worldview online to homeschool students for Apologia, Tricia nips a Marxist lie in less than five seconds.

What images come to mind when you think of black Republicans? Uncle Tom? The sellout? Kanye West in a MAGA hat? Today we complicate those images by interviewing Dr. Corey D. Fields an associate professor of Sociology at Georgetown University and author of Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African-American Republicans. In the interview, we discuss the history of African Americans in the Republican Party (33:40), myths and misconceptions about black Republicans (38:20), and the relationship between race and political identity (43:24). We also have a conversation about interracial dynamics within the Republican Party (46:17), the roles of gender and class in black Republican activism (49:44), the new faces of black Republicanism (59:50), and the potential for a black wave in the the Republican Party (1:02:54).   Other Topics: 00:30 - Check in with Ty and Daphne 03:52 - BhD “Oh Lawd” News 18:42 - Introduction of the Topic 20:30 - Learn More about Dr. Fields 27:05 - Gaining Access to Black Conservative Spaces 38:38 - Race-blind vs. Race-conscious Republicans 1:12:10 - Dr. Field’s Upcoming Research 1:15:34- Ty and Daphne Reflect on the Interview   Resources Dr. Field’s Faculty Page: https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000019GdITAA0/corey-fields Dr. Field’s Twitter: @coreydfields The B-Side Podcast: sociocast.org/bside/ Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans - https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520291904/black-elephants-in-the-room The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power - https://press.princeton.edu/titles/10372.html Black Republicans and the Transformation of the GOP - http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/15564.html What You Need to Read in the RNC Election-Autopsy Report - https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/03/what-you-need-to-read-in-the-rnc-election-autopsy-report/274112/

Professor Robert Speel joins Tim to discuss classic contested elections in America’s history. Dr. Speel teaches at Penn State University Behrend, where his research focuses on aspects of American politics that include elections and voting behavior, Congress and the presidency, and public policy. The two talk about some little-known and some unforgettable stories of election rigging, challenges and “skullduggery.” https://traffic.libsyn.com/shapingopinion/Contested_Elections_auphonic.mp3 Dr. Speel wrote an article for the Smithsonian where he mentioned that there is a history of candidates and the media crying foul over what they perceived as suspicious results and rigged elections. 1876 – A Compromise that Came at a Price Rutherford B. Hays (Republican) v. Samuel Tilden (Democrat) – There was widespread voter intimidation in the south against African American Republican voters on election day. The primary states involved were Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina. Tilden won those states due to widespread allegations of intimidation and fraud. Congress created bipartisan commission - 15 members of Congress and the Supreme Court of the U.S. to determine how to allocate electors. Changes to the make-up of the commission led to the awarding of those states and an electoral college majority to Rutherford B. Hayes. 1888: Bribing Blocks of Five Democratic Incumbent President Grover Cleveland v. Senator Benjamin Harrison - William Wade Dudley, treasurer of the RNC sent letter to local Republican leaders in Indiana with promise to more or less bribe people for their votes in “blocks of five.” Democrats obtained a copy of the letter and publicized it widely in the days before the election. Harrison won Indiana by 2,000 votes but didn’t need that state to win the Electoral College. Cleveland won the national popular vote by 100,000, and did not contest the Electoral College outcome. Cleveland would face off against Harrison four years later and win the White House again. 1960: Chicago’s Mayor Daley and Kennedy Republican VP Richard Nixon against Democrat John F. Kennedy – It was the closest popular vote of the 20th Century. Kennedy won by roughly 100,000 votes. Chicago Mayor Richard Dailey allegedly churned out just enough votes to give Kennedy the state of Illinois. Chicago had a reputation for election improprieties. Election judges known to look the other way when people voted twice. The city’s Democrat machine would buy people drinks for voting for the “right people” Precinct captains would steal blank ballots, mark them and give it to someone to turn in. Election judges were mostly Democrat. Had Nixon won Illinois and Texas, he would have had an Electoral College majority and won the presidency. Some newspapers investigated and concluded voter fraud had occurred in both states. The GOP mounted bids for recounts but couldn’t find enough discrepancies to shift the balance of the vote. Nixon did not contest the results. 2000: The Hanging Chads Vice President Al Gore v. George W. Bush - Gore was set to conceded when they learned it was very close in Florida and that could tip the scales in Gore’s favor. Many states used paper punch cards in many places. Florida was one of them. It took a month to determine the winner with teams reviewing each ballot for “hanging chads” Over 60,000 ballots in Florida, most of them punch cards, registered no vote for president on the punch cards readers. It was suspected that the machines did not punch presidential votes “all the way through” the card, and left “hanging chads” of paper. They had to find these hanging chads. Gore went to court to have those ballots counted by hand. U.S. Supreme Court ruled on December 12th that Congress had set a deadline of that date for states to choose electors and there was no more time to count ballots. Gore conceded on December 13th. Links

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016). Using interviews and ethnographic data, Fields investigates how identity, race, and politics work together and influence each other. He finds two different lenses through which respondents see their Republican values: color-blind or race-conscious. Those who have a color-blind approach to their politics try not to emphasize race at all. In contrast, the race-conscious approach brings race to the forefront of any political argument. This book presents a fascinating case study. In addition to his interviews, Fields also presents historical background on the participation of African Americans in the Republican party across time and current day Black Republican organizations. Fields encourages the reader to move past seeing Black Republicans as a monolith, and instead appreciate the ways in which they are a heterogeneous group. Fields also encourages the reader to understand the ways in which politics may influence racial identity and vice versa. This book will be of interest to sociologists, political scientists, and race scholars. Given the concepts used and the ideas raised in the book, it would be especially useful in a sociology of race class or political sociology course. Sarah E. Patterson is a postdoc at the University of Western Ontario. You can tweet her at @spattersearch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016). Using interviews and ethnographic data, Fields investigates how identity, race, and politics work together and influence each other. He finds two different lenses through which respondents see their Republican values: color-blind or race-conscious. Those who have a color-blind approach to their politics try not to emphasize race at all. In contrast, the race-conscious approach brings race to the forefront of any political argument. This book presents a fascinating case study. In addition to his interviews, Fields also presents historical background on the participation of African Americans in the Republican party across time and current day Black Republican organizations. Fields encourages the reader to move past seeing Black Republicans as a monolith, and instead appreciate the ways in which they are a heterogeneous group. Fields also encourages the reader to understand the ways in which politics may influence racial identity and vice versa. This book will be of interest to sociologists, political scientists, and race scholars. Given the concepts used and the ideas raised in the book, it would be especially useful in a sociology of race class or political sociology course. Sarah E. Patterson is a postdoc at the University of Western Ontario. You can tweet her at @spattersearch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016). Using interviews and ethnographic data, Fields investigates how identity, race, and politics work together and influence each other. He finds two different lenses through which respondents see their Republican values: color-blind or race-conscious. Those who have a color-blind approach to their politics try not to emphasize race at all. In contrast, the race-conscious approach brings race to the forefront of any political argument. This book presents a fascinating case study. In addition to his interviews, Fields also presents historical background on the participation of African Americans in the Republican party across time and current day Black Republican organizations. Fields encourages the reader to move past seeing Black Republicans as a monolith, and instead appreciate the ways in which they are a heterogeneous group. Fields also encourages the reader to understand the ways in which politics may influence racial identity and vice versa. This book will be of interest to sociologists, political scientists, and race scholars. Given the concepts used and the ideas raised in the book, it would be especially useful in a sociology of race class or political sociology course. Sarah E. Patterson is a postdoc at the University of Western Ontario. You can tweet her at @spattersearch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016). Using interviews and ethnographic data, Fields investigates how identity, race, and politics work together and influence each other. He finds two different lenses through which respondents see their Republican values: color-blind or race-conscious. Those who have a color-blind approach to their politics try not to emphasize race at all. In contrast, the race-conscious approach brings race to the forefront of any political argument. This book presents a fascinating case study. In addition to his interviews, Fields also presents historical background on the participation of African Americans in the Republican party across time and current day Black Republican organizations. Fields encourages the reader to move past seeing Black Republicans as a monolith, and instead appreciate the ways in which they are a heterogeneous group. Fields also encourages the reader to understand the ways in which politics may influence racial identity and vice versa. This book will be of interest to sociologists, political scientists, and race scholars. Given the concepts used and the ideas raised in the book, it would be especially useful in a sociology of race class or political sociology course. Sarah E. Patterson is a postdoc at the University of Western Ontario. You can tweet her at @spattersearch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016). Using interviews and ethnographic data, Fields investigates how identity, race, and politics work together and influence each other. He finds two different lenses through which respondents see their Republican values: color-blind or race-conscious. Those who have a color-blind approach to their politics try not to emphasize race at all. In contrast, the race-conscious approach brings race to the forefront of any political argument. This book presents a fascinating case study. In addition to his interviews, Fields also presents historical background on the participation of African Americans in the Republican party across time and current day Black Republican organizations. Fields encourages the reader to move past seeing Black Republicans as a monolith, and instead appreciate the ways in which they are a heterogeneous group. Fields also encourages the reader to understand the ways in which politics may influence racial identity and vice versa. This book will be of interest to sociologists, political scientists, and race scholars. Given the concepts used and the ideas raised in the book, it would be especially useful in a sociology of race class or political sociology course. Sarah E. Patterson is a postdoc at the University of Western Ontario. You can tweet her at @spattersearch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016). Using interviews and ethnographic data, Fields investigates how identity, race, and politics work together and influence each other. He finds two different lenses through which respondents see their Republican values: color-blind or race-conscious. Those who have a color-blind approach to their politics try not to emphasize race at all. In contrast, the race-conscious approach brings race to the forefront of any political argument. This book presents a fascinating case study. In addition to his interviews, Fields also presents historical background on the participation of African Americans in the Republican party across time and current day Black Republican organizations. Fields encourages the reader to move past seeing Black Republicans as a monolith, and instead appreciate the ways in which they are a heterogeneous group. Fields also encourages the reader to understand the ways in which politics may influence racial identity and vice versa. This book will be of interest to sociologists, political scientists, and race scholars. Given the concepts used and the ideas raised in the book, it would be especially useful in a sociology of race class or political sociology course. Sarah E. Patterson is a postdoc at the University of Western Ontario. You can tweet her at @spattersearch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is it about Black Republicans that makes them fodder for comedy? How do Black Republicans view their participation in their political group? Corey D. Fields answers these questions and more in his new book, Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you think about when you hear about African-American Republicans? Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all Blacks must vote democratic? Or are they sell-outs, letting down their race? In 2016, before the November election, Corey Fields, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Stanford University, published a book titled Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans. In October 2016 Fields sat down with media innovator Peter Leyden at  Uncharted Festival of Ideas in Berkeley to talk about what it’s really like to be a Black person in the Republican Party. Every year in Berkeley, Uncharted draws together some of the world’s leading thinkers for conversations that provoke, entertain, and attempt to shift the needle towards a better future. Uncharted is produced by Berkeley’s independent news site, Berkeleyside.  

From football to ministry to Congress and more, J.C. Watts has led and inspired millions. Bio: Our guest is J.C. Watts. Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr. Watts has served as a Baptist minister, a state-wide office holder in Oklahoma (the first African-American to do that), and a four-term United States Congressman from the fourth district of Oklahoma, where he was elected the first-ever African-American chair of the House Republican Conference. Since retiring from Congress in 2003 he started a lobbying and consulting firm, contributed to various media outlets and served on several corporate boards. Mr. Watts was a star quarterback at the University of Oklahoma and then in the Canadian Football League. Interview: I don't think I could open this conversation with anything other than asking you for your thoughts on the election results and President-Elect Donald Trump. An earthquake hit Not shocked, but surprised Didn't vote for either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump When a candidate acts in a way that would cause you as a parent to send your kid to their room with no dinner, can't vote for that But he's the president-elect and owe him support and not wanting him to fail You can't sink the captain's quarters without sinking the crew's quarters Hopefully he will govern differently than he campaigned President Obama and Secretary Clinton have acted like adults in the wake of defeat Will pray for Mr. Trump and his advisers, cabinet, etc. We are a racial powder keg waiting to explode; the sticks/stones/words won't hurt mantra is a lie; words matter You grew up in Eufaula, Oklahoma on the eastern side of the state. Tell us about growing up there and maybe lesson or two that you learned that still impacts you today. There was a time when he couldn't swim in the public pool; had to sit in the balcony at the theater New book: Dig Deep: 7 Truths to Finding the Strength Within Men of all races have sewed into his life Not angry about past Got a perspective that allowed him to succeed beyond pedigree, education and abilities We've lost that community spirit these days; to invest in kids In politics, the new theory is do unto others before they do unto you Values come from faith and growing up in small town Oklahoma What was it like to play football at Oklahoma for Barry Switzer in the late 70s? Began career there in 1976 Quite twice his freshman year Coach Switzer called him back before spring practice and talked to him and said if you stay, you'll play He believed Coach and decided to stay; it turned out just like he said C. got married, matured, had two kids all while there and then starting his last two years Life is like a puzzle; if you just look at one piece in 1000 piece puzzle it doesn't make much sense; but once you get to the end, “now I see.” Life is a process; you have to get up every day and chip away at it; be conscious of getting better and doing it better (Daniel follow up) what was it about Coach Switzer that convinced you he was telling the truth and convinced you to return? Back then, coaches were huge With him, what you saw was what you get No reason not to believe him Just needed to bide time and do what was expected That experience game him a better insight on how important getting an education was “Don't waste your pain” – grow from it; get better from it; his grandmother would say “there's no education in the second kick of the mule.” Learn from the first kick! All that has made him a better person We're all dysfunctional to some degree; but when we allow that to become our normal is when there's a problem; that person isn't interested in growing personally Had to grind to get there. Soon after graduating college you went into the family business: ministry. What are the similarities and differences you've noticed between leading a congregation and leading constituents? Trying to separate leadership and management is like trying to separate the water from the wet; difficult to do Leaders don't create followers; leaders create more leaders Backup QB is going to pay attention to what the starting QB is doing The great leaders all have one thing in common: they were not group thinkers. They were willing to challenge the status quo; they thought about 100 years from now Sometimes we pay so much attention to the right/left wing that the whole bird is dying The 2016 campaign was not very future oriented; we are on the cusp of curing several major diseases but that wasn't talked about; no talk about R&D; no talk about what we want to be as we grow up as a nation As FDR said, we all have a rendezvous with destiny; we have to think to the future You were the first African-American Republican from the South since Reconstruction; what was it like to be the tip of that spear? And where do you think we are today when it comes to Black representation in government His uncle was state president of Oklahoma NAACP for 18 years When he switched from Democrat to Republican it was a big deal; most of the state was Democrat at the time Did it out of conviction; felt the Democrat leadership had left him economically and socially Didn't run to be the first African-American for those roles; just wanted to serve; if one runs for any other reason, it's the wrong one He term limited himself after four terms He has been after the Republican party to do things to establish a deeper relationship with the Black community; Hispanics, poor White too Concerned about this because of his faith, not party affiliation His church is very diverse; didn't choose a church filled with people that looked just like him or any other trait; wanted a church that looked like Heaven – every tongue, tribe and nation; doesn't mean that when he talks diversity or minority outreach that it excludes someone else The thing God gave us that holds us together (our skin) is the thing that divides us But God made all of us the race/color; he didn't mean for us to be color blind, if so he would have made us all one race/color (Daniel praising Congressman Watts for term-limiting himself) The strength in politics is not in hanging-on, but in letting go Easy to slip into living in the bubble The cheer of the crowd can be so intoxicating and seductive; exists in lots of arenas, but none bigger than in politics Remember Grandma “…you may be some of that, but you ain't all of that. How many yards and touchdowns do you think you would have thrown for had you played in Bob Stoops' offense in 2016? Threw the ball 81 times in 12 games one year Then in the CFL threw it 50+ times in one game Feels like standing up and saluting whenever he sees an option or wishbone play Get more J.C. Dig Deep: 7 Truths to Finding the Strength Within Thank Yous/Acknowledgements: Antioch Live/Clear Day Media Group – music More here. Jonathan Davis – production Clint Musslewhite – voice over      

The 2016 election cycle will be remembered as one for the history books. Many people are left asking questions as to what happened to lead to such an expected outcome, while still others are left wondering after such a tumultuous and divisive campaign season what is next. There were a significant number of African American religious and political leaders who emerged during this presidential campaign representing the GOP than can easily be remembered in recent years. Even before the most recent election in November, many in the African American community felt underserved by the Democrats, and now there are some who have even more fear about what to expect from President-elect Trump and the new Republican-dominated three branches of the federal government. But not everyone. In his book Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016), Corey D. Fields considers how race structures the political behavior of African American Republicans and discusses the dynamic relationship between race and political behavior in the purported “post-racial” context of US politics. Drawing on vivid first-person accounts, the book sheds light on the different ways black identity structures African Americans’ membership in the Republican Party. What do you think of when you hear about an African American Republican? Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all blacks must vote democratic? Are they Uncle Toms or sellouts, serving as traitors to their race? What is it really like to be a black person in the Republican Party? Moving past rhetoric and politics, we begin to see the everyday people working to reconcile their commitment to black identity with their belief in Republican principles. And at the end, we learn the importance of understanding both the meanings African Americans attach to racial identity and the political contexts in which those meanings are developed and expressed. Dr. Fields is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity at Stanford University. This is his first book. James Stancil is an independent scholar, freelance journalist, and the President and CEO of Intellect U Well, Inc. a Houston-area non-profit dedicated to increasing the joy of reading and media literacy in young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2016 election cycle will be remembered as one for the history books. Many people are left asking questions as to what happened to lead to such an expected outcome, while still others are left wondering after such a tumultuous and divisive campaign season what is next. There were a significant number of African American religious and political leaders who emerged during this presidential campaign representing the GOP than can easily be remembered in recent years. Even before the most recent election in November, many in the African American community felt underserved by the Democrats, and now there are some who have even more fear about what to expect from President-elect Trump and the new Republican-dominated three branches of the federal government. But not everyone. In his book Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016), Corey D. Fields considers how race structures the political behavior of African American Republicans and discusses the dynamic relationship between race and political behavior in the purported “post-racial” context of US politics. Drawing on vivid first-person accounts, the book sheds light on the different ways black identity structures African Americans’ membership in the Republican Party. What do you think of when you hear about an African American Republican? Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all blacks must vote democratic? Are they Uncle Toms or sellouts, serving as traitors to their race? What is it really like to be a black person in the Republican Party? Moving past rhetoric and politics, we begin to see the everyday people working to reconcile their commitment to black identity with their belief in Republican principles. And at the end, we learn the importance of understanding both the meanings African Americans attach to racial identity and the political contexts in which those meanings are developed and expressed. Dr. Fields is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity at Stanford University. This is his first book. James Stancil is an independent scholar, freelance journalist, and the President and CEO of Intellect U Well, Inc. a Houston-area non-profit dedicated to increasing the joy of reading and media literacy in young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2016 election cycle will be remembered as one for the history books. Many people are left asking questions as to what happened to lead to such an expected outcome, while still others are left wondering after such a tumultuous and divisive campaign season what is next. There were a significant number of African American religious and political leaders who emerged during this presidential campaign representing the GOP than can easily be remembered in recent years. Even before the most recent election in November, many in the African American community felt underserved by the Democrats, and now there are some who have even more fear about what to expect from President-elect Trump and the new Republican-dominated three branches of the federal government. But not everyone. In his book Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016), Corey D. Fields considers how race structures the political behavior of African American Republicans and discusses the dynamic relationship between race and political behavior in the purported “post-racial” context of US politics. Drawing on vivid first-person accounts, the book sheds light on the different ways black identity structures African Americans’ membership in the Republican Party. What do you think of when you hear about an African American Republican? Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all blacks must vote democratic? Are they Uncle Toms or sellouts, serving as traitors to their race? What is it really like to be a black person in the Republican Party? Moving past rhetoric and politics, we begin to see the everyday people working to reconcile their commitment to black identity with their belief in Republican principles. And at the end, we learn the importance of understanding both the meanings African Americans attach to racial identity and the political contexts in which those meanings are developed and expressed. Dr. Fields is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity at Stanford University. This is his first book. James Stancil is an independent scholar, freelance journalist, and the President and CEO of Intellect U Well, Inc. a Houston-area non-profit dedicated to increasing the joy of reading and media literacy in young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2016 election cycle will be remembered as one for the history books. Many people are left asking questions as to what happened to lead to such an expected outcome, while still others are left wondering after such a tumultuous and divisive campaign season what is next. There were a significant number of African American religious and political leaders who emerged during this presidential campaign representing the GOP than can easily be remembered in recent years. Even before the most recent election in November, many in the African American community felt underserved by the Democrats, and now there are some who have even more fear about what to expect from President-elect Trump and the new Republican-dominated three branches of the federal government. But not everyone. In his book Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016), Corey D. Fields considers how race structures the political behavior of African American Republicans and discusses the dynamic relationship between race and political behavior in the purported “post-racial” context of US politics. Drawing on vivid first-person accounts, the book sheds light on the different ways black identity structures African Americans' membership in the Republican Party. What do you think of when you hear about an African American Republican? Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all blacks must vote democratic? Are they Uncle Toms or sellouts, serving as traitors to their race? What is it really like to be a black person in the Republican Party? Moving past rhetoric and politics, we begin to see the everyday people working to reconcile their commitment to black identity with their belief in Republican principles. And at the end, we learn the importance of understanding both the meanings African Americans attach to racial identity and the political contexts in which those meanings are developed and expressed. Dr. Fields is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity at Stanford University. This is his first book. James Stancil is an independent scholar, freelance journalist, and the President and CEO of Intellect U Well, Inc. a Houston-area non-profit dedicated to increasing the joy of reading and media literacy in young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

The 2016 election cycle will be remembered as one for the history books. Many people are left asking questions as to what happened to lead to such an expected outcome, while still others are left wondering after such a tumultuous and divisive campaign season what is next. There were a significant number of African American religious and political leaders who emerged during this presidential campaign representing the GOP than can easily be remembered in recent years. Even before the most recent election in November, many in the African American community felt underserved by the Democrats, and now there are some who have even more fear about what to expect from President-elect Trump and the new Republican-dominated three branches of the federal government. But not everyone. In his book Black Elephants in the Room: The Unexpected Politics of African American Republicans (University of California Press, 2016), Corey D. Fields considers how race structures the political behavior of African American Republicans and discusses the dynamic relationship between race and political behavior in the purported “post-racial” context of US politics. Drawing on vivid first-person accounts, the book sheds light on the different ways black identity structures African Americans’ membership in the Republican Party. What do you think of when you hear about an African American Republican? Are they heroes fighting against the expectation that all blacks must vote democratic? Are they Uncle Toms or sellouts, serving as traitors to their race? What is it really like to be a black person in the Republican Party? Moving past rhetoric and politics, we begin to see the everyday people working to reconcile their commitment to black identity with their belief in Republican principles. And at the end, we learn the importance of understanding both the meanings African Americans attach to racial identity and the political contexts in which those meanings are developed and expressed. Dr. Fields is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity at Stanford University. This is his first book. James Stancil is an independent scholar, freelance journalist, and the President and CEO of Intellect U Well, Inc. a Houston-area non-profit dedicated to increasing the joy of reading and media literacy in young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2016 election cycle will be remembered as one for the history books. Many people are left asking questions as to what happened to lead to such an expected outcome, while still others are left wondering after such a tumultuous and divisive campaign season what is next. There were a... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before he became an MSNBC personality; before he became chairman of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele ran for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. One of the best known African-American Republicans in the country, he nearly won. But he was done in by a terrible cycle for his party (thanks, George W. Bush) and, he argues, some subtle and not-so-subtle racism on the trail. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week’s Past Present podcast, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil Young discuss Benghazi and the history of Congressional hearings, Ben Carson and black Republicans, and the state of reality TV today. Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show: Hillary Clinton’s testimony before the Congressional committee on Benghazi is just the latest event in a Congressional investigation that has lasted 72 months, inviting comparison to other Congressional hearings, including the Army-McCarthy hearings of 1954, Watergate, and the Iran-Contra affair. Natalia remarked that liberal media outlets, like the New Yorker, have concluded Clinton emerged triumphant from the hearings, while Neil noted that Fox News had cut away from its broadcast of the hearings once the Republicans appeared to have bungled their case against Clinton.Ben Carson has emerged as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president, but African-American Republicans are an increasingly rare group. Niki recommended Leah Wright Rigueur’s book, The Loneliness of the Black Republican, as an excellent recent history of black conservatives and the party of Lincoln.American Idol and Survivor are slumping in the ratings, but is reality TV dead? Neil argued no, pointing to the proliferation of reality TV shows that continue to blanket the airwaves. The history of reality TV is a complicated one, however, in part because no one seems to agree on what exactly defines the genre. In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History: Natalia commented on the controversy at the University of Louisville where the school’s president and other administrators wore stereotypical Mexican costumes to a staff Halloween party.Neil noted the record established on October 28 that the U.S. had gone 18,967 days without a president dying in office since John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. The previous record of 18,966 lasted between George Washington’s inauguration in 1789 and William Henry Harrison’s death in 1841.Niki discussed Paul Ryan’s ascension to the speakership and explained why Speakers of the House almost never make it to the Oval Office.

Heron talks about the Christie Bridge Scandal. Solipsism sucks but it is turtles all the way down. De-programming anyone? Don't invite Tom to a social event. Tom has been in retreat. Tom launches an idea. [Editorial note: the Wolf was shortlisted for the Australian Children's Book of the Year 1992. It won the Human Rights Medal 1992.] Heron and Tom dissect a Joe the Drummer question. Keep driving those SUVs. No happy books please and now you need a nap. Heron reflects on the 1960s. Syria needs more comedians. Eli Porter is dissected like a bisexual bridal shower. I have one question man: tell me who's next? Can you channel and improve discussion? Tom raps on Net Neutrality and how you can get get Scroogled. Heron expands his corporate art discussion. Tom muses on African American Republicans and stalks Heron's friends. Heron retells a story. Heron starts a long and somewhat comedic discussion on the hair piece conspiracy that needs to end. Tom tells a hair cut story. Tom throws in a behind the scenes banter and explains his birthday gift to Heron. Tom explores a bit deeper on the illustrators discovered and an update on Facebook ads.

Heron talks about the Christie Bridge Scandal. Solipsism sucks but it is turtles all the way down. De-programming anyone? Don't invite Tom to a social event. Tom has been in retreat. Tom launches an idea. [Editorial note: the Wolf was shortlisted for the Australian Children's Book of the Year 1992. It won the Human Rights Medal 1992.] Heron and Tom dissect a Joe the Drummer question. Keep driving those SUVs. No happy books please and now you need a nap. Heron reflects on the 1960s. Syria needs more comedians. Eli Porter is dissected like a bisexual bridal shower. I have one question man: tell me who's next? Can you channel and improve discussion? Tom raps on Net Neutrality and how you can get get Scroogled. Heron expands his corporate art discussion. Tom muses on African American Republicans and stalks Heron's friends. Heron retells a story. Heron starts a long and somewhat comedic discussion on the hair piece conspiracy that needs to end. Tom tells a hair cut story. Tom throws in a behind the scenes banter and explains his birthday gift to Heron. Tom explores a bit deeper on the illustrators discovered and an update on Facebook ads.

In his new bookActing White: The Curious History of a Racial Slur (Thomas Dunne Books, 2010), former White House aide Ron Christie recounts the history of the pejorative term “acting white.” He traces its lineage from the present day through the Black Power movement back to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, unraveling a fascinating history in the process. In our interview, we talked about Ron’s experiences as an African-American Republican, his ambitious vow to eradicate the term “acting white,” and his hopes for the future of America’s African-American community. Read all about it, and more, in Christie’s thought-provoking new book. Please become a fan of “New Books in Public Policy” on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new bookActing White: The Curious History of a Racial Slur (Thomas Dunne Books, 2010), former White House aide Ron Christie recounts the history of the pejorative term “acting white.” He traces its lineage from the present day through the Black Power movement back to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, unraveling a fascinating history in the process. In our interview, we talked about Ron’s experiences as an African-American Republican, his ambitious vow to eradicate the term “acting white,” and his hopes for the future of America’s African-American community. Read all about it, and more, in Christie’s thought-provoking new book. Please become a fan of “New Books in Public Policy” on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new bookActing White: The Curious History of a Racial Slur (Thomas Dunne Books, 2010), former White House aide Ron Christie recounts the history of the pejorative term “acting white.” He traces its lineage from the present day through the Black Power movement back to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, unraveling a fascinating history in the process. In our interview, we talked about Ron’s experiences as an African-American Republican, his ambitious vow to eradicate the term “acting white,” and his hopes for the future of America’s African-American community. Read all about it, and more, in Christie’s thought-provoking new book. Please become a fan of “New Books in Public Policy” on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new bookActing White: The Curious History of a Racial Slur (Thomas Dunne Books, 2010), former White House aide Ron Christie recounts the history of the pejorative term “acting white.” He traces its lineage from the present day through the Black Power movement back to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, unraveling a fascinating history in the process. In our interview, we talked about Ron’s experiences as an African-American Republican, his ambitious vow to eradicate the term “acting white,” and his hopes for the future of America’s African-American community. Read all about it, and more, in Christie’s thought-provoking new book. Please become a fan of “New Books in Public Policy” on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new bookActing White: The Curious History of a Racial Slur (Thomas Dunne Books, 2010), former White House aide Ron Christie recounts the history of the pejorative term “acting white.” He traces its lineage from the present day through the Black Power movement back to Uncle Tom's Cabin, unraveling a fascinating history in the process. In our interview, we talked about Ron's experiences as an African-American Republican, his ambitious vow to eradicate the term “acting white,” and his hopes for the future of America's African-American community. Read all about it, and more, in Christie's thought-provoking new book. Please become a fan of “New Books in Public Policy” on Facebook, if you haven't already. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Chairman Steele was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee on January 30, 2009. As Chairman, Steele has endeavored to set a new direction for the Republican Party – actively engaging Americans in their local communities and empowering state and local Republican organizations to do the same. A self-described “Lincoln Republican,” Chairman Steele earned a place in history in 2003 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, becoming the first African-American elected to statewide office in the state. An expert on political strategy and election reform, he previously served as Chairman of GOPAC, and also held posts on the National Federal Election Reform Commission and the NAACP Blue Ribbon Commission on Election Reform. Chairman Steele’s experiences as a successful elected conservative African-American Republican and his engaging speaking style have launched him into national prominence. His ability as a communicator and political analyst have been showcased by his position as a contributor on the Fox News Channel and as a regular host for the Salem Radio Network’s nationally syndicated Morning in America Show. Additionally, Chairman Steele is an entertaining and eloquent guest on cable political talk shows such as HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher and Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report.

Chairman Steele was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee on January 30, 2009. As Chairman, Steele has endeavored to set a new direction for the Republican Party – actively engaging Americans in their local communities and empowering state and local Republican organizations to do the same. A self-described “Lincoln Republican,” Chairman Steele earned a place in history in 2003 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, becoming the first African-American elected to statewide office in the state. An expert on political strategy and election reform, he previously served as Chairman of GOPAC, and also held posts on the National Federal Election Reform Commission and the NAACP Blue Ribbon Commission on Election Reform. Chairman Steele’s experiences as a successful elected conservative African-American Republican and his engaging speaking style have launched him into national prominence. His ability as a communicator and political analyst have been showcased by his position as a contributor on the Fox News Channel and as a regular host for the Salem Radio Network’s nationally syndicated Morning in America Show. Additionally, Chairman Steele is an entertaining and eloquent guest on cable political talk shows such as HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher and Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report.

(Part 2) Barack Obama has done it – won the White House in what was arguably the most significant presidential race of the past century. But now that the mud has dried and he stands before the nation promising change, where do we the people stand? That’s what Kevin Ross and David McLaughlin are bent on finding out. And who better for the job than America’s best blog talkers? Last month, Kevin – an African-American Republican from Los Angeles – and David – a white Democrat from outside Atlanta – took top honors in FOX News Radio’s “Battle of the Blog Talkers.” Now, the odder-than-odd odd couple is teaming up for an unprecedented event. On November 5, they’ll host a marathon BlogTalkRadio special that’ll take the pulse of our nation – and determine who believes change is on the horizon.Kicking off at 6 p.m. and running live until 12 a.m. ET, “Exit Poll ’08” will feature pundits from both sides the political spectrum, including Farai Chideya, host of National Public Radio’s “News & Notes,” Lee Bailey, publisher of the Electronic Urban Report, Rev. Leonard Jackson , special advisor to L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Julie Vanderpost , chairperson for California Republican Women for McCain. Also joining Kevin and David will be fellow BlogTalkRadio hosts Chad Everson and Andrea Shea King.But no pundit’s voice will be more important than yours: Kevin and David will do their damndest get as many callers on the air as possible. "Even if it means..." notes David. "Breaking in on each other mid-opinion," says Kevin.

(Part 1) Barack Obama has done it – won the White House in what was arguably the most significant presidential race of the past century. But now that the mud has dried and he stands before the nation promising change, where do we the people stand? That’s what Kevin Ross and David McLaughlin are bent on finding out. And who better for the job than America’s best blog talkers? Last month, Kevin – an African-American Republican from Los Angeles – and David – a white Democrat from outside Atlanta – took top honors in FOX News Radio’s “Battle of the Blog Talkers.” Now, the odder-than-odd odd couple is teaming up for an unprecedented event. On November 5, they’ll host a marathon BlogTalkRadio special that’ll take the pulse of our nation – and determine who believes change is on the horizon.Kicking off at 6 p.m. and running live until 12 a.m. ET, “Exit Poll ’08” will feature pundits from both sides the political spectrum, including Farai Chideya, host of National Public Radio’s “News & Notes,” Lee Bailey, publisher of the Electronic Urban Report, Rev. Leonard Jackson , special advisor to L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Julie Vanderpost , chairperson for California Republican Women for McCain. Also joining Kevin and David will be fellow BlogTalkRadio hosts Chad Everson and Andrea Shea King.But no pundit’s voice will be more important than yours: Kevin and David will do their damndest get as many callers on the air as possible. "Even if it means..." notes David. "Breaking in on each other mid-opinion," says Kevin.