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Republican Rainbow Coalition: Diverse Slate of Candidates

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Republican Party is making a significant effort to broaden its appeal with a diverse slate of candidates in the 2016 presidential election. The party has gained two Latinos, an African-American, and a woman, with the possibility of an Indian-American candidate joining the mix. This is a notable shift from the all-white Democratic lineup, which has contributed to the GOP's demographic problem in two successive elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina have officially joined the GOP presidential race, bringing a total of four diverse candidates to the table, including two Latinos, an African-American, and a woman.
  • The Republican Party is trying to make inroads with minorities by fielding a diverse slate of candidates, but it's unclear whether this will help the party overcome its demographic problem.
  • Ron Bonjean, a GOP strategist, believes that a diverse slate of candidates can attract diverse voters and attention, but cautions that it's not a quick fix for the party's demographic problem.
  • Ben Carson's candidacy has attracted black voters who know his story and have voted for the GOP in the past, but it's unclear whether he can expand the party's reach among African-Americans.
  • The diverse candidates are betting that being demographically different will make their candidacies more attractive, but it remains to be seen whether this strategy will pay off.
  • Jeb Bush claims status as an "honorary Latino," while Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz highlight their Cuban roots, despite criticizing policies popular among many Latinos.
  • Fiorina has said her campaign would neutralize any advantage Hillary Clinton's candidacy might have with women, but many of her best lines are about Clinton and how she would match up against the former first lady.
  • Carson's criticisms of President Barack Obama have dampened some of his support among African-Americans, but he rejects the idea that blacks won't support him.
  • Emphasizing conservative values hasn't been a winning national strategy for Republicans recently, and it's unclear whether Carson can change the dynamics even with his compelling biography and hero status among some African-Americans.

Statistics:

  • 20-30% of Carson's speeches and book signings are comprised of African Americans.
  • In 2012, the gender gap was larger than ever with Republicans winning men by 8 points and Democrats winning women by 12 points.
  • Democrats also pushed their advantage among African-Americans and Latinos to record highs in 2012, with both groups showing up in historic margins.
  • The Democratic advantage among African-Americans and Latinos has led to the GOP's demographic problem in two successive elections.
  • 33-year-old African-American voter Tony Davison voted for Obama in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012, citing Carson's "example of the American dream fulfilled."

Sources:

  • CNN, "Welcome to the Republican rainbow coalition" (date not specified)
  • CNN, "Ben Carson announces presidential bid" (date not specified)
  • CNN, "Carly Fiorina joins GOP presidential field" (date not specified)
  • CNN, "Jeb Bush claims status as 'honorary Latino'" (date not specified)
  • CNN, "Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz highlight Cuban roots" (date not specified)
  • CNN, "Fiorina says her campaign would neutralize Clinton's advantage" (date not specified)
  • CNN, "Carson's criticisms of Obama have dampened his support" (date not specified)

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