For years, Republicans have been claiming that they should be seen as a viable alternative to the Democrats for the votes of African-Americans. Recently, the Black community has responded by organizing candidate forums where the GOP ’08 presidential contenders can make their pitch for Black votes. So why aren’t Republicans showing up?
Thus far, no Republican candidate save Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) has made an appearance at one of these forums. Tancredo, incidentally, was reportedly received quite well. But while a few more also-rans have signed up for the next forum, virtually the entire top-tier has decided to duck again. What gives?