Race and Politics

Does race continue to be a factor in politics?  I don't think anyone can deny race played a part in the 2008 Presidential Election, and many believe it was a factor in certain Primary contests in Texas.  I know several Republicans who voted for Barack Obama simply because they wanted to cast an historic vote for the 'first black president,' (and now regret it,) and on the other side of the coin, I suspect race perceptions may have played a part in Railroad Commissioner Victor Carillo's loss.

While the Republican Party has suffered from a negative perception regarding race, historically the GOP has been one of equal opportunity.  Of course Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president, and many 'first' black officeholders ran on the GOP ticket.  As a Republican, Teddy Roosevelt assisted former slave John Lynch in winning a race to become chair of the Republican National Convention in 1884.  Even in recent decades, black Republicans have been largely ignored by the media and the Democrat party's narrative. 

So, what impact will racial politics have on the 2012 election cycle?  Award-winning journalist Tara Wall will tackle this issue at an upcoming luncheon in Round Rock next week. Ms. Wall received two awards from the National Association of Black Journalists for producing documentaries on race and America.  Incidentally, she was also the last reporter to interview President George W. Bush before he left the White House.  Wall has also served as the Deputy Editorial Page Editor, columnist, and Political Analyst for the Washington Times. 

Here is the release from the Williamson County Republican Women.
(Disclosure:  I serve as the Legislative Committee Chair for the WCRW)

Political commentator Tara Wall will be speaking on 'Race and Politics' on Wednesday September 7, 2011, at the Williamson Conference Center in Round Rock, Texas.  Meet and Greet begins at 11:00 AM, Luncheon and Program at 11:30AM.  Hosted by the Williamson County Republican Women, cost is $15 per person; please rsvp online at   http://wcrw201109.eventbrite.com/, via email to williamsoncountyrw@yahoo.com, or by calling Donna Parker at (512) 388-8823.

Qualified media are welcome to attend. 

Tara Wall has served as the Deputy Editorial Page Editor, columnist, and Political Analyst for the Washington Times.  An award-winning journalist, she has received two awards from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for her documentaries on race in America.  Ms. Wall has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, ABC and Fox News, and is the founder Princess Tara Productions. 

Founded in 1977, the Williamson County Republican Women's Organization consists of Conservative-minded women and men, and works to promote an informed electorate, elect Republican candidates, and "impact Local, State, and National Politics." In addition, the club provides scholarships to young women of the county, and through an active Literacy Project, donates dictionaries to area third-graders and books to local libraries.
www.williamsoncountyrepublicanwomen.com.