State of Disunion
What happens in Vegas...
Nevada primary will affect future votes
By Lauren Harrell, Behind the Scences, Blogs
February 14, 2008 | 11:57 p.m.
Since our country’s inception, politics have been dominated by white men, both in the voting booth and in political offices. However, in this election, the diversity of the candidates is affecting the diversity of the voting population and inspiring change.
I’m not usually well-known for my optimistic point of view. In fact, anyone who knows me would have trouble describing me as anything other than depressingly pessimistic. But even someone as cynical as I am can’t help but see a faint silver lining on what I consider to be a very dark, ominous cloud. So for today, I will focus on the positive of the Nevada primaries and hope that my system won’t shut down from the shock.
On Saturday, Jan. 19, Nevada held caucuses for both the Republican and Democratic parties. As usual, the Democratic race was very close with Hillary Clinton out-campaigning Barack Obama, 51 percent to 45 percent. However, what is significant about this race is the groups that were crucial to Clinton's win.
Women voters, who typically are stereotyped as not participating in elections, outnumbered the men in Clinton’s victory. Proving the pundits wrong, showgirls and librarians alike cast their votes and proved the value of female support. While Saturday didn’t turn out as well as I would have hoped, I can’t help but be proud of women who turned out to cast their votes.
Similarly, in South Carolina, where 50 percent of registered democratic voters are black, candidates are intensely vying for their support. The South Carolina primary, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, will be very important in setting the momentum for the primaries held in many states on Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Consequently, both Barack and Hillary are focusing a lot of time on gaining support from blacks. Blacks have been said to be unreliable when in it comes to voting. However, just as the youth turned things around in Iowa and the women showed up in New Hampshire and Nevada, the black vote will inevitably play a huge role in South Carolina.
Beyond the differing policies, and the varying political strategies, there is a much bigger picture. These two candidates, regardless of how successful they are in the future, have already changed the political landscape of the country. The diversity of the Democratic Party is finally being reflected by the candidates running and as a result, more people are voicing their opinion and moving closer toward equality.
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