I remember an early image of John McCain last year. It was perhaps around the time he announced his candidacy for President of the United States, but I’m really not sure. John McCain was in front speaking and he was surrounded by about 7 or 8 white men who were all older and dressed similarly to McCain. I remarked to a whip smart conservative, political friend of mine that McCain really needed to mix up the gender, ages and colors in his campaign or it would be a problem for him. My friend, again who is very smart, said “No. People don’t look at that so much.” I refrained from arguing my point, but I knew she was completely wrong about that. I think the election ultimately bore that out.

More than 6 in 10 Republicans today are white conservatives, while most of the rest are whites with other ideological leanings; only 11% of Republicans are Hispanics, or are blacks or members of other races. By contrast, only 12% of Democrats are white conservatives, while about half are white moderates or liberals and a third are nonwhite. Source: Republican Base Heavily White, Conservative, Religious, Gallup.com

And I think the endless loop resurgence of the hard right is antithetical to the GOP projecting any kind of “big tent” mentality to those of us who are not convinced. I honestly believe there was more substantive outreach during the George W. Bush years, not to mention the late Lee Atwater’s efforts. Putting in a figure head with dark brown skin, who cosigns everything coming from the hard right is not a convincing move, even if he’s the titular head of the Republican National Committee.

God bless my black Republican friends. They are passionate about their mission and nuanced in their opinions. They see opportunity where I see none. I hope they are successful in broadening the vision of the GOP because America needs at least two viable, robust political parties. We must constantly debate ideas and fight for the best ones to succeed.