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Why Are There So Few Black Republicans?

The life of the black Republican is pretty lonely these days, but it hasn’t always been that way. Black Americans were deeply rooted in the party of Lincoln for decades to avoid joining a Democratic Party controlled by "devils from below the Mason-Dixon line."

Throughout the 20th century, many influential yet largely-unknown Republican black leaders steered the party toward civil rights and social justice policies beneficial to black Americans. But a lot of that support went away as white Republican politicians made the choice to abandon the cause of civil rights over fear of offending whites.

That’s one of the main themes of The Loneliness of the Black Republican: Pragmatic Politics and the Pursuit of Power, a new book by Leah Wright Rigueur.

Since that time, the GOP has worked in many states to pass voting laws that have the effect of keeping blacks away from the polls. The party’s presidential candidates have largely ignored the issues of racial justice and equality that are important to many African Americans.

Presidential hopefuls may not be worried about appealing to black voters, since they know they won’t win their vote anyway. Ever since Barack Obama gathered the support of 90 percent of black voters in 2008, the GOP has talked about a “bigger tent” that can include more diversity.

Can Republican leaders get back to the party of Lincoln or will the Tea Party rule the day?

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Chion Wolf is the technical producer.

Betsy started as an intern at WNPR in 2011 after earning a Master's Degree in American and Museum Studies from Trinity College. She served as the Senior Producer for 'The Colin McEnroe Show' for several years before stepping down in 2021 and returning to her previous career as a registered nurse. She still produces shows with Colin and the team when her schedule allows.

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