As CNN reminds us, the 2004 presidential election exit polls indicated that 62% of white men voted for George Bush and 67% of nonwhite men voted for John Kerry. Although female voter turnout was lower, 55% of white women voted for Bush and 75% of nonwhite women voted for Kerry.
In 2008 we are bombarded with exit poll data after each state primary and articles discussing the age, gender, and racial splits among voters. What will happen to the 62% of white men in 2008? Will they make the same choice? Now that Ralph Nader has joined the presidential race for the fourth time, will he split the vote again? After 217 years of white male presidents, “The Pattern May Change, If…”, as a New York Times columnist pondered, Republican and Democrat candidates alike indicate that this country is ready for a change.
It is astounding that in 2008 Americans and the media machine are still so focused on the race and gender of the leaders of our country. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.” Americans need to focus on selecting a leader with the vision and plan to address our issues. The time should have passed when gender and race mean so much, but our work is not done yet.
A few things are certain. Gas prices are rising, health care is unwieldy, and America’s education system is falling behind on the global stage. No matter your race or gender, the political process is about lifelong learning. Everyone who is eligible to vote must take responsibility for educating herself or himself about
• voter registration,
• the election rules in your state,
• the differences between political parties, and
• the position of each candidate on issues important to you.
Then show up on November 4, 2008, as an educated voter, and encourage others to do so. That is the only way to find out if America is really ready for a change.
