Democratic National Convention Wins Diversity Hands Down

Having watched the Democratic National Convention and painfully checking in and out on the Republican National Convention —- I think being evacuated from the city of New Orleans through Hurricane Gustav was less painful . it’s clear that the Republicans have a lot to hide – starting with its lack of diversity.

Throughout the DNC, if you tuned into CNN, you were forced to deal with scrolling ticker screens that even the calmest multi-tasking, undiagnosed A.D.D.’er would enjoy.

The Democrats took the opportunity to educate us viewers on its party’s history, the good and even what we might interpret as the bad. Party facts such as when the first African American delegate were seated, who was represented at the conventions – lesbian & gay (12%), Latinos (18%), African Americans (24.5%). Yes, the DNC looked like a party we could all enjoy. Good music, great speeches, and lots of diverse faces. And though we have forgotten the numbers, we remember the faces. Call it a few days of Kumba Ya…….but don’t drink the kool aid .

The stark difference in the Republican National Convention was only noticeable due to the many faces of color, women, lesbians, gays, etc. present at the DNC. If they were there, the DNC wanted you to know about it. Not a bad move and transparent I would even add.

The RNC, on the other hand, didn’t you want to think about anything. In fact, they really didn’t care. Guess who ain’t comin to dinner. I think I saw every last one of the 10 black folk there and half of them had cowboy hats on…..okay….I’m exaggerating. According to Eurweb.com and NPR, there were a whopping 36 African American delegates. Okay, let’s break that down. That’s actually 1.7%. I digress… 5% Latinos, and 68% men. Kinda hard to notice…ya think???

With so much going on, we at the AAG have not been able to give our full debriefing of both conventions. Three hurricanes, the Olympics, and trying to make it in the cold hard GOP world, just ain’t easy. We would have loved to hear more about each candidates positions on several issues. The Dems tried, but the Republicans really frightened me. Not a concrete thing to say. And no BUSH and his crew….but I digress.

Sound off on your convention take below.