It’s Black History Month, and boy does the GOP have history with Black Americans. The “party of Lincoln,” as it constantly reminds us, has spent the past 50 years attacking our voting rights, scapegoating us to win elections (e.g. “welfare queens” and Willie Horton), and smearing Black activists. The GOP’s major initiative right now appears to be erasing Black history in general.
However, the GOP is proud to announce that a small number of Black people identify as Republicans.
This year, there are 435 elections in the House of Representatives, 34 Senate elections, 39 gubernatorial elections, and roughly 7,000 state legislative elections. Forty Black Republicans could comfortably fit in my living room. Although, all that tap dancing would ruin my floors.
Stand On Every Corner co-founder Erin Conroy responded to the GOP’s humble race brag: “During Reconstruction the GOP had more than [40 Black Republicans] in just one state. I guess you’re admitting some stuff.” Indeed! There are probably at least 10 times as many Lauren Boeberts, Marjorie Taylor Greenes, and Paul Gosar copycats currently running as Republicans.
The GOP’s tweet insults our intelligence, but the gaslighting is the point. Journalist Ashton Pittman commented that 40 Republicans amount to 0.008 percent of candidates for all local and federal offices. The GOP’s tweet is a less-than-subtle reminder that the Republican Partyisn’tdiverse. It’s white-dominated and white-focused with 40 willing human shields against charges of racism.
The GOP commemorates Black History Month by reassuring its supporters that the party isn’t very Black at all.
https://www.wonkette.com/gop-has-40-black-candidates-for-7000-elections