Identity Politics in Voting

The remaining candidates in the 2008 election are an old white man, a young black man and a woman. Identity politics, the inclination for voters to chose a candidate based on race, gender, or religion, has never been more relevant to the political landscape. Just how real is the phenomenon of identity politics and is it ever in the voters' best interest to vote along demographic lines?

Tribalism and Identity Politics

INCERTUS - In response to Stanley Fish’s piece on identity politics, Brian Spears argues that all voters chose candidates on criteria rooted in identity. He argues that identity politics have become so contentious in this election cycle because, for the first time, it’s possible that America’s next president won’t be a white male. While white male voters have claimed to be more focused on “issues” than others, Spears maintains that white males can be just as tribal as any other demographic, and that they can change the political climate by changing the candidates they vote for....

Democrats' Identity Politics Getting Sharply Defined

CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS - Ed Morrissey discusses the growing divisions between variousDemocratic factions. Since there’s very little difference between Obama and Clinton in terms of policy or experience, Morrissey argues that identity politics have come to the forefront of the campaign, and even this tactic has failed to produce a clear frontrunner. The situation grows more complicated when weighing each candidate’s chances against John McCain. Morrissey believes that, since each candidate has alienated some demographics, it is possible that they will lose important votes to McCain in the general election....

Barack Obama: A Second Look at Race

THE 7-10 - Anthony Palmer uses the candidacy of Barack Obama to explore the complex and often divisive nature of identity politics in presidential elections. He discusses the branding of Obama as the first viable black candidate, as well as the debate about Obama’s “blackness.” He expresses concern that criticisms of Obama have often be branded as racism, and wonders how the current political climate would whether an Obama campaign. Will opposition to Obama constantly be mired in allegations of racism? If Obama loses, how will the nation respond?...

2.20.08

02:24 PM -

It's not working

alexva - The Potomac Primaries and now the Wisconsin primary has shows that Obama is crashing the barriers of identity politics and picking up votes that were once considered Clinton supporters.

06:08 AM -

Doesn't it only make sense...

stickywicket - Doesn't it only make sense to vote for someone that is similar to you? Whose core identity you are more likely to be similar to yours? People are more likely to share their deepest values with someone who has grown up going through the same trials and tribulations and joy and jubilation as you, all of which quietly and profoundly shape you as a person.

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