Race Based Politics

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You many think the primaries are over, but likely not, if you've been reading DCW. Yesterday's most interesting House primary took place in the 9th Congressional district in Tennessee, the seat held until two years ago by Harold Ford, Jr. Prior to his decade-long tenure, this Memphis seat was held by his father, Harold Ford, Sr., for 22 years. This is a story of race and gender.

The incumbent is Steve Cohen, a Democrat with a liberal voting record. His challenger was Nikki Tinker, a local businesswoman. She was supported by Emily's List, which only supports female candidates, EVEN against male candidates who share the issues position of Emily's List. Her goal was to paint Cohen as racist, and as a Jew who hates Christians. On Election Day, she was denounced by Barack Obama, who said:

“These incendiary and personal attacks have no place in our politics and will do nothing to help the good people of Tennessee.”

Luckily, the citizenry didn't fall for it. With 89% reporting, Cohen was leading 79%-19%.