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GOLDSEA |
ASIAMS.NET |
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, 05:59:20 PM)
Geoff DB:
what are you talking about? I don't think that Trueth (sic) Teller made any sort of veiled racist comment about black people. This forum is about Gary Locke and his pros/cons, and has little to do with African-American politicians, so why change the topic?
This is typical Democrat BS; no supporting evidence, so just label the comments with some non-sensical gibberish like "code word."
Also, compare that to your comment that he is obviously "GOP/Republican" with the not-even-implied taint that it is due to racial nonce-words.
Look, the guy is simply saying "why should I vote for a guy just because his race matches mine, when his policies clearly are opposed to my interests."
To me, that is a highly sophisticated and mature political question. I happen to agree. Would I vote for a guy like Locke because he *LOOKS* like I do? No way in Hell.
I have said it before and say it again - we would be well advised to vote for people who share our interests, not necessarily our pigmentation.
Ai Ya
Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 12:19:06 (PDT)
Didn't many Asians or Asian Americans become CEO's in a company before any blacks? Hence, the theory that a black, or a member of a "larger minority," before an Asian or Asian American VP or President is not entirely correct.
Secondly, although Asians make up 4% of the U.S. population, is it not true that in some sectors of the U.S. reality, Asians represent, for example, 30 or 40% of the context (educational contexts, for instance)? Hence, is it not true that Asians might actually represent one of the larger or perhaps the largest minority within those contexts? On the political scene, it is conceivable that Asians in the future will become, in certain political sectors, the "largest minority" and, therefore, establishing a positionality that actually favors an Asian American President over any other minority group.
It'
Monday, September 02, 2002 at 09:16:12 (PDT)
I think he could win a presidential election someday in the distant future but given the low representation of Asian-Americans in Congress (only 1 Chinese-American in all of congress - David Wu) and in the nation (4%), I would expect larger minorities to make it first e.g. Women, Jews, African-Americans, Hispanics.
And minorities would have to make VP before they make President.
SY
Saturday, August 31, 2002 at 23:09:01 (PDT)
Trueth Teller:
"Looks like you prefer your politicians to be a certain color."
Now, why on earth did you have to make a comment like that? It's race baiting.
I'm African-American and it's very clear what color you're talking about. You're obviously GOP/Republican.
Gary Locke may not be the most bankable, viable minority candidate, but why throw another race into the fray while knocking him? Why the coded subtle bullshit remark? That's too bad.
Veiled remarks like yours is a good way to turn people away from an Asian candidates.
Geoff DB
GeoffDB02@aol.com
Friday, August 23, 2002 at 23:13:25 (PDT)
"You should be greatful that white people elected him to office. It says alot for white people in washington state."
I totally agree. They are very different from white people in California and definitely different from racist white folks here in Louisiana. As far as Texas is concerned the jury is out till November 5.
Political
Friday, August 23, 2002 at 14:09:06 (PDT)
Trueth Teller,
you wrote
"Locke likes to have high taxes, good social programs, low in police funding, and that is the trueth. Check the records yourself."
Like I said gary locke is pretty much an unknown to californians. Probably I would not vote for the guy cause I'm not a bleeding heart liberal. I'll take your word for it as far as his liberal policies are concerned.
All I'm saying is most white people are supposed to be so evil according to some people's standards (not yours) but then they elect an asian governor in washington. You can at least consider that a significant accomplishment.
you wrote "I am not a racist."
I never called you a racist did I? I said your comment incites racial disharmony.
you wrote "Do not label me as one just because I have different views than you do."
Dude you and I both know how it is. Don't play dumb. You know how asians feel about african americans. You mention a polarizing figure like johnny cochran on an asian website and you know precisely what feelings are going to arise. Don't act like you don't know how it is.
you wrote "Looks like you prefer your politicians to be a certain color"
Yes sir, I do like my politicians to be a certain color or race. I like 'em asian, white, black and latino. Sincerely hope you like the same colors I like.
Political Observer
Friday, August 23, 2002 at 12:33:59 (PDT)
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