An Ode to John Edwards
by Shakesha Coleman

DID BLACKS ALLOW SENTIMENT TO CAUSE THEM TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REAL CHANGE?

In the last debate before he dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination, John Edwards was the only candidate who referred to poverty among Blacks as a manifestation of past historical events—specifically the Enslavement process that Blacks experienced upon being brought to the United States in slave ships—and a fact that people of any race are usually not brave enough or honest enough to admit. This type of critical analysis should have impressed those who truly understand, and are interested in alleviating the strain of, poverty. Or are we not interested in this anyway? Instead, the exchange about poverty lasted for just a couple of more sentences, after which Senators Clinton and Obama dominated the debate with arguments over problems that will be solved once poverty is eradicated.

Political pundits billed the debate after John Edwards’ exit from Democratic nomination contention as an “audition” for John Edwards’ support. Yet, Senator Edwards has yet to back any of the remaining candidates. And hopefully, it will stay this way. John Edwards should not endorse either of the remaining candidates. I am not sure either deserves the edge his supporters would give. Both deserve to have to fight for the affection of undecided voters.

We hardly heard from John Edwards: How does his plan to improve the American health care system differ from Hillary Clinton’s and Barack Obama’s? His wife was so frustrated about the lack of attention he was getting that she said she could not help it if he’s not Black or the member of an oppressed minority group—although we could have done without her commentary.

So here’s a prediction: Senator Barack Obama will lose votes from the Black community because he rightfully has refused to “prove” his Blackness by putting on a Kangol and “break dancing” after each speech. And in addition to not pop-locking with his wife on stage, he also has not promised to allow Blacks to use their history as slaves as a “get-out-of-jail-free” card. In fact, he has appeared to stress accountability and parental involvement as a cure for some social ills. Senator Obama will also lose votes because so many “Blacks” are still in love with former President Bill Clinton and really have convinced themselves that electing Senator Clinton will be just like having Bill in Office again. Senator Hillary Clinton will lose votes because some Blacks will just want to vote for a Black person. She may also lose votes as some White voters protest another Clinton administration.

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Shakesha Coleman has a background in political science and public policy.