Race, gender and politics, in your words
TODAYshow.com reader opinions on diversity in this election
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 | Gender, race and politics Jan. 21: Hoda and Natalie speak with experts about how gender and race are affecting our most diverse election yet. Today show |
As we get deeper into our most diverse election yet, how will race and gender issues affect your voting intentions, if at all? Do you think the politics of race and gender should stay out of the election entirely? We asked TODAYshow.com readers to write in with their opinions, some of which we've shared below.
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It won't affect me, even though I haven't made a decision yet on who to vote for, my choice won't be based on race or gender. It's racist and sexist to vote like that, but people look past it because every past president has been a white male. It looks good on paper to be the "first black president" or the "first woman president," but if he or she doesn't have the credentials to back it up, our country will suffer. -Sarah, Scottsdale, Ariz.
It most certainly affects my vote. I believe in a woman president. Men have had control of this country and this world for too long. We need a balanced, compassionate approach for the future of our children and our nation. - Deborah Hall, Missoula, Mont.
I am a 30 year old black woman living in South Florida. For me the election and my vote are not about a black president or a women president, it is about picking the best person for the job. It is about listening to all the debates and finding out where each candidate stands and what they stand for, it is about being blind to race, gender and anything else, it is about making an informed decision, without bias. I have done my research on the candidates in both parties. When I make my decision it will be an informed, well-thought out one. Neither, gender nor race will play a part in my vote. I just wish it could be the same for everyone else. -Shaneice Boisson, Miami, Fla.
No it will not. What the candidates say and what they bring to the table will determine who I will vote for. This is a new century and race or gender should no longer determine if somebody is fit to be in any position of command. I believe in one race, the human race. - Joe Leal, San Antonio, Texas
Race and gender affect us our entire lives, and the totality of that experience influences what we eat, how we walk, who we socialize with, and how we think. To expect it won't affect how we vote is the essence of self-delusion. Race and gender should not, and cannot, be kept out of political discourse. -Victor A. Venning, Ringwood, N.J.
I will vote for Obama because I have waited 41 years for a viable black candidate to be in office. -Michelle Richardson, Columbia, Tenn.
Race and gender are part of our everyday life. We still see discrepancies in many areas of our lives between a white male and everyone else. Until it's a non-issue in society, it will continue to be an issue in all we do. As a lesbian couple gender is a big factor in our voting decision. We believe in the traits a woman will bring to the table. An example of this is that Ms. Clinton is on top of all the issues that face our country and she has plans to implement them from day one. She isn't just talking the talk - she will be walking the walk! -Pam & Laura Harless, Sanger, Texas
I think the media makes a big mistake when it characterizes groups of people as voting or believing the same. Not all women, not all black women, not all blacks, not all Southern white men, not all people from the North, think the same. I happen to be a white Southern widow, age 66, I still work in a professional position, and I vote on issues. I am supporting John McCain. My son, a truck driver who lives in the most southern part of Georgia, likes Hillary Clinton. My daughter, a New Yorker, happens to like Obama. -Carol Jones, Atlanta, Ga.
Yes. In this country, every child, boy or girl, white or black, brown or yellow, should be able to say "I want to grow up and be President" with credible hope and conviction. But right now, those words are historically untrue, cataloged alongside other hopeful yet improbable platitudes such as "I wish for world peace" and "I believe in Santa Claus." We have never elected a president who is not both white and male. This is not to say I am a single issue voter: But if candidates are close in skill and message, and one is white, and one is not, I would choose the one who is not. Similarly, if one is a man and one is a woman, I would choose the woman. -Robert Carlson, Austin, Texas
Race and gender do not affect my vote. I'm voting Republican; only the Democrats reduce an election to an "race and gender" contest. I am more concerned with the real issues! -Julie, Chula Vista, Calif.
As an educated 44 year old Hispanic woman, what drives me towards the candidate I will vote for are the issues we faced yesterday, will face today and what waits for us tomorrow. It sickens me to hear about race or gender being the reason to vote for a candidate. I have imagined in my mind that all three democratic candidates are of one race and gender; this has allowed me to think more clearly about the real issues that matter and not get caught up in the absurd rhetoric of race and gender. -Cindy, Loma Linda, Calif.
Race and gender should not matter. I intend to support Clinton because of her work ethic and her experience on domestic issues. I also believe she is respected around the world and would do well on the world stage. Dr. King had a dream that all men (and women) have equal opportunity. I'm proud to be a Democrat in this election. -Deborah J. Wright, Charlottesville, Va.
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