|
|
|
|
|
GOLDSEA |
ASIAMS.NET |
ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
WILL GARY LOCKE BE THE FIRST AA PRESIDENT?
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 05:59:17 PM)
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?
This interactive article is closed to new input.
Discussions posted during the past year remain available for browsing.
CONTACT US
|
ADVERTISING INFO
© 1996-2013 Asian Media Group Inc
No part of the contents of this site may be reproduced without prior written permission.
|
|
|
|
WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
Here in Los Angeles, there is a local talk radio show, (Frosty, Heidi & Frank for locals, on 97.1fm after Howard Stern). Frank, who I've never thought of as particularily thoughtful when it comes to racial sensitivity (typical privileged white male who is at times a bit insensitive to what it means to be outside the white male power structure), surprised me by saying he was really impressed by Gary Locke. He found himself thinking that he could be watching the first non-white male president. He remarked several times how he thought Locke transcended race, was really sharp, and impressive, and how he himself would vote for this Asian man as President.
Then they started taking listener calls.
I heard comments like this "if an Oriental gets into the White House is it going to be the Yellow House?"
"Socks [Clinton pet cat] is going to be in trouble if an Asian becomes president"
"All the old people that vote and still remember World War II will never vote for a Jap"
"What Oriental country is better off than the United States? Orientals can't even run their own countries, why should we let them run ours?"
and more disturbing, overtly racist diatribe that frankly would have been bleeped if it involved Blacks or Jews.
If there are people that feel this way in California, where Asians have been here for generations and represent a substantial percentage of the population, how do the people in Missouri and Georgia feel?
The only way Gary Locke has a shot at the White House is if he is chosen as a VP candidate.
I tend to agree with the DJs who decided that the only way a non-White non-Christian male will ever be voted into the White House is to wait until all of the WWII Generation dies off. Once the Baby Boomers are Senior Citizens, there might be a possibility.
I dare say that Pat Buchanan has a better shot than Gary Locke.
L.A. Chica
Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 22:12:40 (PST)
[4.46.129.19]
Man, I'd be happy if he makes Vice Prez, or at least the Cabinet. I think he's a good man.
Jake
Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 10:56:13 (PST)
[132.236.79.35]
To Sinologist:
"Also Asian-American, non-Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic-American etc. etc. are all signals to me that here is a person seeing through the eyes of one section of the nation."
Imagine that! And on an Asian American Website too!!! The gall of that person.
Perhaps you could share with us how you've managed to see through the eyes the entire nation and transcend the narrow lens of your ethnicity?
"The single word American should be enough for any of us."
Agreed. Unfortunately Vincent Chin, Jim Loo, the present INS roundups, Jim Crow, the japanese-AMERICAN internment, slavery, Trent Lott, and a host of other ugly events serve to remind us that too many people have not and do not share your inclusiveness.
Allenby
Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 08:38:54 (PST)
[132.200.32.32]
I saw the rebuttal on Tuesday night and was very impressed with this man. He has a vision for America that I agree with. He painted a picture of America being strong and smart. Our current President has turned America into a big, dumb bully. I would vote for Gary Locke because I believe in him, not for anything else. I don't care about a 'wasted' vote or anything else. My vote is my voice and I would only use it for someone that I believed in.
I am a white American, but I am also the grandson of immigrants on both sides. My grandparents came here and took advantage of the opportunities and left behind more than they were given. I think Governor Locke shares that background and wants to preserve this country as the land of opportunity.
Don't let fear or shame hold us down, this country was built on pride and freedom!
Mike
franquellim@hotmail.com
Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 07:51:46 (PST)
[159.53.32.46]
"He sounds nice, but in an age of terror we need a presidential candidate that has served in the arm services."
GW Bush only served in the National Guard, and was AWOL half the time there too.
http://awol.gq.nu/4dawol.htm
----
As far as the "Locke" surname, that sure is an odd spelling. I think it's pathetic to anglicize ur name for better acceptance - although many many have done it - notably Jewish or other ethnic actors, celebrities and others...
blah
Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 06:17:52 (PST)
[148.104.5.7]
It is about time, if he is the best man for the job, good for him. Go for it. Be great if he ran with Lieberman.
www.dotaichi.com
tai
www.dotaichi.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 23:14:42 (PST)
[68.67.191.53]
I am very impressed with Gary Locke's speech! I would love to see him run and win the presidency. Go Gary, my Chinese brother!
ChinaManRising
ChinaManRising@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 20:25:09 (PST)
[209.244.181.200]
Yes, he's foolish , even if he doesn't run. The last thing we need is another leech, pushing for affirmative action, in the White House.
Responsible For Myself
Dart4763@AOL.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 13:44:04 (PST)
[198.81.27.10]
I saw Gary Locke for the first time tonight after Bush's speech. I am happy. At least some one is there, who can see beyond American interest. My vote is for him.
Cho
A South Asian.
Cholan
Cholanr@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 13:04:36 (PST)
[66.141.234.128]
He showed to be a good leader, smart, hard-working, does not depend on his minority status or skin color, but hard work makes this man deserve to be a position to lead the country. I believe that a person should be judged by his character, hard work, and results rather than his ethnic background or skin color. Gary Locke is truely deserving. What bothers me is his liberal status/beliefs (D) makes him a bad influence for himself and America. If you start moving to the 'RIGHT' direction and start believing the policies that is Godly and good for America, then you got it made in my eyes, for american people, and most of all in God's eyes. I don't want a worldly leader, but what this nation need is a Godly lead man. To lead America in God's will not the evil/world's will. So, Gary you still have time evaluate yourself and your stand before that time comes.
God's Secret Asian Man
GOD-BLESS-AMERICA
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 12:13:46 (PST)
[64.12.96.237]
"I am a white american, and I saw Gary Locke for the first time tonight after Bush's speech. I was very impressed with him....I think we will see our first non-caucasian president in our lifetime." states gOf_Marcus.
I am a white American too, and I saw Gary Locke for the first time tonight and was anything but impressed to hear a hackneyed party political diatribe. I don't know why an opponent should be granted an opportunity by the media to make a party-political speech in reponse to nation's president addressing the congress.
Also Asian-American, non-Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic-American etc. etc. are all signals to me that here is a person seeing through the eyes of one section of the nation. The single word American should be enough for any of us.
Could Locke possibly be any worse than George W. Bush? asks WF. Well, easily if he is anything like Bill Clinton.
"I will definitely vote for him. I saw him on TV once" says Quin Lou, a really in depth analysis to reach his decision.
Sinologist
philcoa@pacbell.net
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 11:47:49 (PST)
[64.171.188.35]
Very impressive speech following Bush SOTU. Sounded like much better than Bush. Should definitely run for Prez and will be a harder competition for Bush. Have priorities well set and in order. God Bless Him and All Americans. Americans need Gary very badly and sooner we have him will be the best!
Indian American
safiahmed@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 10:47:01 (PST)
[63.140.97.2]
America stands for freedom, individuality, equal opportunity, top talents in all spheres. Gary is a top notch American in all respects. His presidency will be a shining example for the whole world and will benefit not only America and Americans but every one on the globe. His talents are remarkable and I pray that all Americans benefit from them!!
Safi
safiahmed@hotmail.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 09:56:12 (PST)
[63.140.97.2]
I think Locke's speech after the President's State of the Union address was a shot of reality. Bush spent so much time giving a sermon about the "Devil" Saddam.
It is nice to see someone in political office realized that the presidency is about taking care of the American people. Our economy, our healthcare, etc. Not a position to be squander chasing ever shadowy figure outside our borders.
AC Dropout
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 09:06:42 (PST)
[24.136.115.189]
I am very proud of Gary Locke.
Asian American
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 08:29:39 (PST)
[137.187.167.6]
He deserves the presidency. I felt strongly after listened his response to Bush's speech.
Baolin
Baolin_Z@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 08:06:48 (PST)
[150.148.218.190]
NEWEST COMMENTS |
EARLIER COMMENTS
|