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ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
WILL GARY LOCKE BE THE FIRST AA PRESIDENT?
ary Locke can tick off almost every qualification for a successful presidential bid: third-generation Washingtonian whose father fought in Patton's tank corps; Eagle Scout; Yale grad; former prosecutor with a tough crimefighting record; popular two-term governor in a state with arguably the nation's most successful educational system and fiscal policies; a highly telegenic wife with impeccable credentials of her own.
Significantly, Gary Locke's 26-year political career unequivocally establishes him to be a republican in democrat's clothing. Political balancing acts of that order have become de rigueur for White House aspirants from both parties, as shown by recent elections. And he's only 51.
But one misstep may haunt Locke in any quest for higher office -- he was born to Asian parents.
Locke's ties to Washington state go back to a paternal grandfather who had immigrated to Olympia at the turn of the century and worked as a houseboy before returning to China to start a family. His father James returned to Washington and fought under General Patton. Gary was born January 21, 1950 in a Seattle veterans public housing project called Yesler Terrace.
Gary worked at his father's grocery store but earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated with honors from Franklin High in 1968. He worked his way through Yale, earning a poli sci degree in 1972. Three years later he got a J.D. from Boston University Law School and became a deputy prosecutor in King County.
His crimefighting record got him elected to the state house in 1982 where his star rose rapidly through hard work on the Judiciary and Appropriations committees. He chaired the latter from 1988 until 1993 when he was elected chief executive of King County. That office gave Gary Locke the opportunity to prove his knack for improving social services while enforcing fiscal discipline.
Locke's popularity is undoubtedly boosted by his pretty wife, the former Mona Lee. Before their marriage in October of 1994 she was a news reporter at Seattle's KING-TV. She gave birth to a daughter in 1997, then a son in 1999. As first lady Mona has won raves by championing the causes of early learning and quality childcare.
Gary Locke has never publicly shown interest in running for national office.
Supporters see no other progression for the lifetime civil servant. They dismiss racial concerns by citing the fact that only about 6% of Washington voters are Asian, not very different from the 4% figure nationally. Some even feel that Locke's prospects for winning the presidency are better than that of any other minority politician. They cite his cleancut image combined with a sterling track record at the helm -- not to mention the likely support of the world's biggest software company.
Others believe that on the national political stage an Asian politician would have so much of an uphill battle simply trying to establish that he is an American to have a shot at getting his message across.
Could Gary Locke win a presidential election or would he be foolish even to consider a run?
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:59:22 PM)
Political Insider:
"That in and of itself means that said candidate would have to 'sell out' his/her ethnic group in order to gain 'broader appeal'."
I agree and disagree.
Irish American candidates get to run and boast about their heritage. Hey, we've even had three former presidents (JFK, Reagan and Clinton) go back to the Emerald Isle and reminisce about their forefathers all at US taxpayer expense.
There is a strong element of white majority privilege here. Although, I doubt if an Italian, Greek or another Catholic candidate could do this. Especially Catholic.
On the other hand, at least two of those white guys did alot to put themselves out on the forefront for civil rights and equal treatment. I once read JFK's June 1963 nationally televised civil rights speech. It is really powerful; a tear jerker even for a man.
Bill Clinton also made very poignant statements about civil rights and equal protection. One glaring exception would be during the Wen Ho Lee investigation. He made very supportive statements but only after Lee agreed to a plea bargain.
If a minority candidate (Asian or whoever) runs for public office, they MUST recognize white fear for what it is and speak a broad message of inclusion. Let's face it, we still live in a racist society. Times are getting better, but it's not perfect.
Sad to say, but an Asian or Hispanic candidate would be dead in the water if too many bilingual campaign commercials appear on radio and TV.
If Gary Locke, a Latino or credible black candidate (please not Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton...PLEASE!!!) were to run for national office, they must realize that their message has to be broad and focus on economic growth, education reform, affordable health insurance, national defense, political reform and equal rights. These are issues that make all Americans take notice.
It can work, but the candidate has to have the intellect, pragmatism and oratory skills of Bill Clinton; the star like quality of Ronald Reagan; and the morals of Jimmy Carter. That's a pretty damn difficult candidate to find of any race.
Things that have pissed me off:
1) Michael Woo's 1993 LA mayoral candidacy: African Americans stayed home; Hispanics voted for Riordan.
2) Antonio Villaraigosa's 2001 LA mayoral candidacy: African Americans voted for Jim Hahn (a lawyer who had no credentials except that his father was loved and revered by the black community); Latinos for for their own; conservative whites voted for a liberal white guy in order not to vote for a Latino. Politics sure makes strange bedfellows.
Anyway, there could be some minority political stars in the making. I can't really throw out any likely names right now.
Geoff DB
GeoffDB02@aol.com
Monday, July 22, 2002 at 22:05:27 (PDT)
For any person of color to run for president, they would have to make the statement "I am not running as a(n) Asian/Black/Hispanic Candidate, but just as a candidate." And then focus on every other issue out there EXCEPT the race issue. That in and of itself means that said candidate would have to "sell out" his/her ethnic group in order to gain "broader appeal." Very sad indeed.
Political Insider
Monday, July 15, 2002 at 10:23:38 (PDT)
I don't know when the first minority president will be elected, but as long as the person is fair to all Americans it really doesn't matter to me.
Gary Locke would be a good choice. Colin Powell is desirable, but I'm not sure if his heart is in it.
My vote will most likely go to Senator John Edwards (D-North Carolina) in 2004. He is intelligent and reaches out to minorities. I normally don't like Southerners, but he and Bill Clinton are exceptions.
Geoff DB
GeoffDB02@aol.com
Thursday, July 11, 2002 at 22:27:07 (PDT)
I think it'll be atleast another 50 years before there's a colour U.S. president.
Whites could no longer be the majority, but they'd still be the largest minority.
Most of the political power and money still rest with whites. I doubt a non-white President would support Israel very much, so they'd have to fight the media as well as run against a opponent.
huu76
Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at 23:39:08 (PDT)
Mr. Machiavelli,
It's not odd how you can come here and make such bold statements about history proving that those who shove another ethnic group is rewarded with political goodies, but then retreat once someone calls you on the carpet. I take it you're out of ammunition on this issue.
Clearly, you don't have the muscle to shove an ant off a picnic table.
Political Observer
Friday, June 28, 2002 at 08:48:14 (PDT)
Asian Machiavelli,
I'm serious about my question. I can assure you it's not my intention to race bait, but I would like to know what you mean by when push comes to shove, shoves wins. What's your elaboration on that statement.
Political Observer
Monday, June 24, 2002 at 12:52:42 (PDT)
TO: Political Observer
First off, very clever, proportional response to Political Insider. I don't think he's playing with a full deck of cards. He, obviously, likes to bait African-Americans in his discussions. That's very troubling to me.
TO: Asian Machiavelli
Personally, I'd commit a great deal of thought and study in considering an Asian-American candidate for any U.S. political office. Gary Locke comes to mind.
I'm an avid baseball fan. As such, well strategized, methodical, smartly executed political campaigns are outstanding to watch. Bill Clinton's '92 and '96 presidential campaigns come to mind. I truly believe you'd see that same intelligent approach by an Asian candidate.
I would, however, be deeply offended if an Asian-American ran his/her campaign based on ethnic rivalries and/or racial fear. Whether it's a white conservative GOP candidate or a white liberal candidate; people see straight through negative politics.
In the same vein, if an Asian candidate tried to "shove" African-Americans or other minorities it would be a devastating blow to the cause of Asian-American politics. You go into a campaign telling white voters that you as an Asian-American is here to save them from the blacks is shrewd ethnic politics with a high chance of backfiring. It would be a nightmare to watch unfold and very demoralizing to listen to as an American. My face would be burried in my hands most of the time. I can't tell you how much that strategy would be resented by black voters. All the code words used in speeches and TV ads would bring back horrible memories of Jim Crow laws and a civil rights movement revisited.
I'm sure many white people would buy into it because they loathe black people, but think of the social damage that would be inflicted. You have to ask yourself is it worth it?
I'm all for tough politics, but it has to be constructive and politically smart.
Geoff DB
GeoffDB02@aol.com
Saturday, June 22, 2002 at 16:08:35 (PDT)
I think Powell will probably have the best chance as an ethnic candidate for the Oval Office. If an ethnic person is to be selected in the primaries.
He has more visibility than Locke at this point. But why would the Republican choose Powell, would be same question as why the Democrats would choose Locke. Both parties have other candidate which would not need to play the race factor that much.
AC Dropout
Friday, June 21, 2002 at 14:34:28 (PDT)
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