L. Douglas Wilder, a grandson of slaves, became America’s first elected black governor 30 years ago, winning in Virginia in part by finessing the racist history of the state that is now roiling its politics once more. To succeed as a black candidate in 1989, Mr. Wilder had to patiently […] Read more »
Only 58% of Americans oppose blackface
The roiling blackface scandal in Virginia continues. It not only includes Gov. Ralph Northam (D) but now also Attorney General Mark Herring (D), who says he dressed in blackface at a college party. The scandal has put renewed focus on how this racist depiction of African Americans has endured well […] Read more »
Yes, Virginia, This is Chaos
Saying that anything in the annals of American political history is “unique” or “unprecedented” is dangerous, for the simple fact that the past is filled with so many oddities from which we can draw parallels. That said, we’re struggling to come up with something equivalent to what we’ve seen in […] Read more »
Why No One Should Be Surprised By Democratic Calls For Ralph Northam’s Resignation
Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is under intense pressure to resign his office in the wake of the publication of a racist photo that appeared in his medical school yearbook. And most Virginia Democratic leaders and groups have called for him to resign. But if you’re surprised by these calls […] Read more »
Americans Most Satisfied With Nation’s Military, Security
Two years into Donald Trump’s presidency, Americans remain most satisfied with the state of U.S. military strength and preparedness (78%) and the nation’s security from terrorism (68%), among a list of 22 policy areas. At the other end of the spectrum, the public is least satisfied with the nation’s campaign […] Read more »
New data from the Winthrop Poll Southern Focus Survey
New data released from December’s Winthrop Poll Southern Focus Survey of 11 southern states show that while attitudes of white and African-American Southerners on racial issues show some congruence, deep divides still exist. … What the poll uncovers is that whites and blacks have very different experiences living in the […] Read more »