CBC to withhold support for Pelosi

All is not sunshine and lollipops in Lefty Land. Creating a new leadership position out of thin air for James Clyburn wasn’t enough to appease the Congressional Black Caucus.  They also want to know the details of the job too.

CNN: Washington (CNN) -- The Congressional Black Caucus has decided to withhold its approval for the House Democratic leadership team, denying Speaker Nancy Pelosi full support of the 42-member organization as she campaigns to remain leader.

After a nearly two hour long meeting on Monday night, chairwoman Barbara Lee of California said the group only will endorse caucus member James Clyburn of South Carolina for a leadership position. The causus first wants to know what his role will be in the Democratic leadership before backing the full slate.

"We fully support our current Whip, Mr. Clyburn, for the number three position and we are currently reserving judgment on the entire package until we see what the actual portfolio entails, in terms of responsibilities," Lee said. [MORE] 

Nancy Pelosi thought she could smooth things over with the CBC by just making up a job for James Clyburn.  Now it looks like the CBC is going to turn the tables on her and try to leverage more power for Clyburn.

I am not sure if the CBC’s vote is enough to prevent Nancy from getting her leadership position.  What I do know is that the CBC has some of the most liberal members of the Democrats and it will be the more liberal members who will vote for Nancy.  It will be very interesting to see what tricks Nancy pulls to handle this sticky situation.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: CNN

Allen West to join Congressional Black Caucus

This guy has guts.  He isn’t even going to wait for an invitation.  It will be very interesting to see the Congressional Black Caucus’ reaction to West.  Refusing to accept him will pretty much cement their image as just another leftwing organization masquerading as a advocates for blacks.

Personally, I would not be bother joining the CBC.  That group is a lost cause and trying to change them from within seems like mission impossible to me.  However, West did not get elected by taking the easy route, so if there is anyone who can bring change to the CBC, it is West. 

I am also glad to hear he hung up on Ron Klein.  Why should a candidate be respectful of an opponent who abandons decency to win? Perhaps a little incivility in politics is what is needed to bring back civility.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Breitbart TV

The Congressional Black Caucus feels ignored by the Obama administration

The Washington Post has a story out today about how the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is feeling somewhat ignored by the Obama administration. They were expecting that a black man in the White House would give them better access and a great focus on their issues.  Instead they are finding that the administration pretty much expects them to be quiet. 

"We concluded they were just kind of listening to us and that then they would go back [to their offices] and conclude that we would do nothing," Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.), the vice chairman of the CBC, said of one dispute. "Because they had concluded there's a black president in the White House and that, to some degree, the Black Caucus, you know, was constrained in expressing its desires. After a while, we said, 'Hey, we see what's going on and it's nothing.' " 

I am not surprised by the CBC’s predicament for two reasons. First, the CBC’s greatest weapon for getting attention has always been the threat of playing the race card. While white presidents on both sides of the aisle are susceptible to this tactic, the tactic looses its sting against Obama.  Second, blacks in America view politics through the thick lens of race. As such, many of them will see Obama’s failures as racism working against him, rather than shortcomings in his policies or leadership. This is why Obama still enjoys extremely high approval ratings in the black community despite alarmingly high unemployment. Black will turn out again in large numbers to reelect him 2012 if it is only hinted that racism held him back.

With these two reasons working in Obama’s favor, there is little or no reason for him to be beholden to the CBC in any way, shape or form.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The Washington Post