Can you run in politics as an African American Republican?

[pdooma]

Or will other African Americans call you an Uncle Tom and a traitor?

Michael Steele - called an Oreo and an Uncle Tom...

http://www.nationalcenter.org/P21PRRaceBasedAttacks1105.html

[Jeff M]

The Democrats don't want to lose the black vote. It's really more like the Plantation owner mentality. They keep them close so they can control them and so they don't get to powerful.

[Larry]

It's been done.

[Mrs.S]

Colin Powell sought the Republican nod in 1996.
As far as what other African Americans say, it's a matter of your message, and mass appeal.

Although, if you're concerned with petty comments like that rather than getting your message across, you probably aren't qualified to run for the highest office in our nation.

[dagonet]

Well you can, but your chances of being elected are slim especially in the more glamorous positions. I think african americans should at least give it a shot, and not give up. Thats why I respect Obama for trying.

[Triumph]

What happened to Steele is unfair and wrong.

I think that many African American have such a negative view of the republican party and Bush that Steele has been unfairly made to be guilty by association. Same thing for Colin Powell and Clarence Thomas and Condi Rice.

[Steven C]

Alan Keys ran as a African American Republican.

But Republicans are far too racist to consider a African American for President.

[Zardoz]

If Colin Powell had run last time I think he would be President today. It might be easier with a crossover Republican black vote. I'm totally guessing. A "white minstrel in blackface" might be a little much for any audience.

[Adolf Schmichael]

Just look how Obama wasn't considered to be a real black man, because he had a good upbringing and is well educated, not to mention he is half white.

Or

Juan Williams, who is a black centrist and by no means a true conservative, is called an uncle tom by black democrats because he doesn't agree with them 100% of the time on controversial issues.

Matt D has a point. Let's do away with all the hyphenated labels, and just call any and all Americans just that. Americans.