Systemic Racism Remains a Stain on America's Soul

Strategic Insights -

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris's comments on the Derek Chauvin verdict, while accurate, have sparked outrage among conservatives who claim America has made significant progress in addressing racism. However, the numbers tell a different story. Despite some positive changes, systemic racism persists, and the proof lies in the disparities in voting patterns and electoral demographics.

Key Takeaways:

  • In the 2020 presidential election, white voters accounted for 67% of the electorate, down from 88% in 1980 and 77% in 2004. This shift is a result of demographic changes in the US population.
  • Barack Obama's election in 2008 and 2012 does not necessarily prove a significant decrease in racism among white voters. Obama won re-election in 2012 with 332 electoral votes and 51% of the popular vote, but he received significantly lower support from white voters compared to previous Democratic candidates.
  • The proportion of white voters in the electorate has decreased over the past few decades, while the number of Black and Hispanic voters has increased. In 1984, Hispanics accounted for just 3% of the electorate, while in 2020, this number increased to 13%.
  • Systemic racism is evident in the disparities in voting patterns, with Black voters consistently supporting Democratic candidates at much higher rates than white voters.
  • The presidential election results since 1984 demonstrate that while there has been progress in addressing racism, the issue remains a stain on America's soul.
  • The minimal increase in support for Democratic candidates among white voters between 1984 and 2020 suggests that systemic racism persists in the US.

Statistics:

  • In 2020, white voters made up 67% of the electorate, compared to 88% in 1980 and 77% in 2004.
  • In the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama received 43% of the white vote, while in the 2012 election, Mitt Romney carried 59% of the white vote.
  • In 2012, Obama received 332 electoral votes and 51% of the popular vote, but his support among white voters was significantly lower compared to previous Democratic candidates.
  • The proportion of Hispanic voters in the electorate increased from 3% in 1984 to 13% in 2020.

Sources:

  • "How Groups Voted, 2008" by The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
  • "How Groups Voted, 2012" by The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
  • "1984 United States Presidential Election" by Wikipedia
  • "2012 United States Presidential Election" by Wikipedia
  • "How Groups Voted, 2020" by The Roper Center for Public Opinion Research
  • "Texas Republicans Try to Prevent POC from Voting" by The New York Times
  • "Tucker Carlson Dreams of a Room Filled Entirely with Tucker Carlsons" by Wonkette