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This book focuses exclusively on the question of how Blacks have used presidential elections to exercise political influence. Setting forth the argument that Blacks use the electoral system differently from other groups to achieve their social, political, and economic goals, the work analyzes the tactics employed. It looks at Black participation in the politics of the primaries, party conventions, and the general elections, showing that what happens is the result of both traditional behind-the-scenes bargaining (dependent leverage) and the more recent direct entry of Blacks into the presidential selection process as candidates (independent leverage).
Walters deals with the most significant topics in Black politics studies and electoral studies in general: the prospects for Blacks within the Democratic party, the function of Black presidential candidacies, the independent political movement in presidential elections, the impact of conservatism on Black presidential strategies, and the role of Black elected officials in presidential politics. Understanding the activities and objectives of key voting constituencies, such as Blacks, allows one to understand the dynamics of American presidential elections.
BLACK PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS IN AMERICA
A Strategic Approach
Ronald W. Walters
Contents
Tables and Figures
Preface
1. The Evolution of Black Electoral Theory
Introduction
The Black Electoral System: Dependent-and Independent-Leverage
Conclusion
2.The Balance of Power and Dependent-Leverage
Introduction
Demographics
The New Movement
Conclusion
3. The Strategy of Political Integration
Introduction
The Struggle for Inclusion
The National Party
The Primaries
The Conventions
Conclusion
4. The Black Agenda-Building Process
Introduction
The Gary Convention
Charlotte 1976
Richmond 1980
Discussion
Conclusion
5. Independent-Leverage Strategies
Introduction
The Strategy of Independent-Leverage
Intra-Party Presidential Politics
Inter-Party Presidential Politics
Options
Conclusion
6. Inter-Party Scenarios: The Black Independent Party
Introduction
The National Black Political Assembly
The National Black Independent Political Party
Discussion
Conclusion
7. Intra-Party Scenarios: The Jackson Campaign for the Democratic Party Presidential Nomination
Introduction
The Two-Ballot Strategic Scenario
Conclusion
8. Leverage Strategies and the Future of Black Politics
Introduction
Beyond Leverage Strategies
Conclusion
Appendix
The Howard University Black Delegate Survey
Notes
Bibliography
Index