Topic: Andra Gillespie

Decoder Wire Black voter turnout up, but Dems can't take 'Obama effect' for granted

A new study signals that black voter turnout is up, but analysts say that Democrats can't assume the trend will last beyond the 'Obama effect.' Moreover, Republicans are reaching out to minorities.

USA Update In a first, black voter turnout surpassed white turnout in 2012

High black voter turnout, plus a lower turnout from white voters, gave President Obama the edge in swing states and a victory in 2012, signaling the importance of minority voters going forward.

Racial attitudes have not improved in the four years since Obama took office

A poll by the Associated Press shows that although America elected its first black president, after four years racial prejudice against blacks and hispanics has increased slightly.

Will black voters give Obama what he needs in Southern swing states?

Black voters who do go to the polls are near-certain to vote for Obama. But in Virginia and North Carolina, concern is rising that the black voters who sealed the deal for Obama in 2008 will stay home.

Herman Cain's other problem: African-Americans

Though his campaign caught fire for a time, many black voters did not embrace Herman Cain because he rejects institutional racism as a major issue. But his candidacy has exposed rifts in the black community.

Tea party fuels rise of Herman Cain. So how can it be racist?

Herman Cain surged to the top of the GOP presidential field in one poll on Thursday, buttressed by strong tea party support. Tea party backers say that shows the movement isn't racist.

After the Shirley Sherrod furor, a pivot on racial entitlement?

The US Department of Agriculture, from which Shirley Sherrod was fired for appearing to discriminate, stood at the forefront of institutional racism for decades. The question of whether America has righted historical wrongs against blacks ignites today's heated race debate.

Shirley Sherrod shows Obama still finding his way on race

Shirley Sherrod debacle: why Obama stumbles on race

The Obama administration hastily forced the resignation of a black Agriculture Department official, Shirley Sherrod, who was accused of racism. Shirley Sherrod was later exonerated. It's the second time in two summers that President Obama has become mired in a matter of race.

Passing of Dorothy Height: What future for civil rights movement?

Internecine fighting and the passing of icons like Dorothy Height and Benjamin Hooks indicate a civil rights movement unmoored from its past. Its search for relevance is coming to a head.

How is Obama doing with black voters?

Black voters were a key part of Obama’s election in 2008. But now some African-American leaders are criticizing him for not doing enough.