Bravo to South Carolina, for a change. South Carolina is now home to some of the most pioneering political sea change in the Republican party in more than 50 years. Nikki Haley, a conservative Indian-American, is poised to become the state’s first female governor– and first minority head of state in its history. Republican state legislator and businessman Tim Scott is primed to represent his district as its first African-American GOP congressman since reconstruction. Ironically, Scott beat the son of Strom Thurmond, legendary segregationist and longtime senator from the state.
The general elections haven’t taken place, but given the state’s large republican voting electorate, it seems fairly certain that these two political neophytes are destined to take their place on the large political stage. This was by no means a small achievement, and not without opposition. Haley has been called a “raghead,” and has not been afforded the full inculcation of American status by some in the party. But even with the vehement opposition, she has broken through the ranks, and seemingly closed the chapter on the identity politics narrative. Could the GOP be on the cusp of reclaiming their roots as the party of Lincoln–reinvesting in its diversity, and addressing its rather wretched record on ethnic inclusivity?
Before the plaudits are given, a larger point must be made. With the elevation of Haley– and other high profile minority politicians such as governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana–race and ethnicity no longer seem to be hamstringing the party. Is the non-applicable race meme being overshadowed by something even more insidious? Religion. Faith. Is proving your Christian faith the new litmus test for conservatives now? Is it now in vogue to be a minority conservative candidate, as long as you identity with Christian values and beliefs? Is there a religious test you must undergo to become a candidate in the Republican party?
(Wednesday: Christianity as a political bludgeon)
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World Wide News Flash // Jun 28, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Are Republicans Changing The Race Narrative Into Something Else?…
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