GOP 2016: Still Predominantly Old, White, Christian and Male
Cuban Ted Cruz has decided to ignore the Latino vote.
I have been told that in spite of earlier proclamations, the Democratic Party has got a handful of decrepit, old, white career politicians running for President while Republicans have a couple of young Hispanics, a brilliant Indian American, a black neurosurgeon, a woman former CEO, and a reality TV star billionaire running. This is another example of the needle moving for I remember when having older, white, politicians would be the status quo for the GOP, and they would defend to the hilt why that was fantastic. Diversity, once a bad word to conservatives like taxing hedge funds and trade protectionism, is now being celebrated. Alas, when looking at Congressional representation, the new GOP still looks like the GOP of old.
White, Christian and Male
In the House, the Democrats have 65 female officials while Republicans have 23. There are 23 Hispanic Democrats where there are only 7 for Republicans. There are 44 Black Democrats and 1 Black Republican in the house. There are 10 Asian Democrats, there are no Asian Republicans. There are 7 LGBT Democrats. There are no LGBT Republicans though I suspect there are and they are just in hiding. Finally, there are 12 non-Christian Democrats and no non-Christian Republicans. To be clear, the numbers of representatives need to increase in both parties, but the Republicans have a long way to go before shedding that image though there are 2 Native American Republicans, while there are none for Democrats. Even looking at the presidential candidates, it’s clear to see where they stand on issues affecting their race, ethnicity, and gender.
About Those Diverse Presidential Candidates
Ted Cruz does not speak Spanish and has articulated a campaign strategy to turn out non-hispanic white people without college degrees to vote. Marco Rubio is actually pretty decent highlighting the need to address the concerns of Black Lives Matters, and the willingness and necessity to speak Spanish to broaden conservative support. Piyush “Bobby” Jindal, in an ode to how proud he is of his Indian heritage, changed his name to “Bobby” and preaches assimilation to the point of subordinating one’s culture. Ben Carson feels Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery which is a change of pace as more white people have gained access to it than anyone else. Carly Fiorina is pro-gestation at all costs and against equal pay for women as well as mandated paid maternity leave. The most honest “Republican” is the guy whose leading. He’s rich, white, male, claims to be Christian, and wants to make America Great Again, harkening to a time in the past that was not “great” for many Americans including women and various minorities. He promises that he loves them all and that they are fabulous nonetheless. This is still Reagan’s Republican Party. There are just way less white people now nationwide then there was in 1980. That’s the problem the GOP faces in national elections.
