The Root) -- When it was recently announced that there would be female moderators at a presidential debate for the first time in two decades, many women cheered. But that cheering was short-lived among many women of color. The reason? Because while this year's presidential debates represent a giant step forward for women in terms of diversity, they represent a step back forpeople of color.Four years ago, PBS host Gwen Ifill moderated the vice-presidential debate. This year, not a single journalist of color has been tapped to moderate any of the general election's scheduled debates. Some may ask why the race or gender of debate moderators matters, but we already saw, earlier this year, an example of why it does.
Though there were many forgettable moments during the Republican primary debates, one of the most memorable and controversial came courtesy of Fox News contributor Juan Williams. Williams, who is black, challenged former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich on his comments labeling President Obama "the food stamp president." More specifically, Williams asked Gingrich about criticisms that his comments were racially insensitive. Williams was booed, making the exchange one of the most newsworthy of the night.Yes, it's possible that someone who is not black could have asked the question, but it's also possible that the subject of racial insensitivity might not have crossed his or her mind, or at least not in a substantive way. With that in mind, below is a list of some of the most important issues facing black Americans, issues that we are unlikely to ever hear mentioned in a presidential debate, as long as those doing the asking do not reflect the diversity of our country.
this is blatantly another devise by the right to not include the voice of America, while continually telling us what Americans want, which American's the AINO's and that is only what they are being told their neighbor thinks so lockstep.
Marco Rubio , is suffering with pot kettle syndrome and he knows it. we all know who the culprits are, "do it, blame him for it".
"Marco Rubio calls Obama most 'divisive figure' in US politics", he has a very short and selective memory, or he's a bald faced liar as well.
Yes, it's possible that someone who is not black could have asked the question, but it's also possible that the subject of racial insensitivity might not have crossed his or her mind,or certainly their scripts. recognize for the right wing it ain't that kind of party, party.
