African Americans have long had a reputation for voting together, serving as a firewall for Democrats in general elections and collectively crowning the eventual nominee in Democratic presidential primaries. But that reputation is a product of party politics and a primary process that gives black voters little say until a series of critical contests has already winnowed the field — rather than a truly homogeneous voting block. The chaotic 2020 Democratic primary is set to reveal the variety of opinions and priorities among African American voters that has long been obscured. Politicians across the political spectrum would be wise to take note. CONT.
David Byler, Washington Post