The daughter of the first Caribbean-born woman to serve on the City Council, Yvette Clarke narrowly won the race for Major Owen’s congressional seat, a seat once held by Shirley Chisholm,
Shirley Chisholm figured prominently in Clarke’s acceptance speech: "She rewrote history. She was
independent. She was brilliant. I will never be intimidated
from standing up for what I think is right for a diverse cross section
of my constituency,’’
David Yassky conceded the race early Wednesday morning saying, “I congratulate Yvette Clarke on her victory."
It was a race that generated a lot of national attention because it brought up issues of race, representation and the appropriateness of a white politician running in a black district, one of many created after
the Voting Rights Act to increase minority representation in Congress.
David Yassky angered many for entering the race at all. Many felt that he had no business running in a largely African American district.
It was a contentious race from the start with three African American candidates and Yassky, who is white. The Atlantic Yards issue became a key issue, even though it is obviously not a matter that will be determined by congress. All of the candidates were anti-war.
The anti-Ratner candidate was Chris Owens, the son of Major Owens, who is retiring from the seat this year.
I supported Yvette Clarke, and I and am delighted that she won, but as a white voter I still don’t agree with the above comments or political philosophy. In my opinion, Ms. Clarke won because she largely chose to avoid joining in the polarization of voters on this issue and ran instead as an experienced and accomplished council member who effectively represented all constituents in her council district and who presented herself as a viable progressive candidate for all voters. I also don’t believe that the continued, after-the-fact bashing of Mr. Yassky or his supporters is productive or particularly useful at this time. Also, please reflect that arguing that “only [your race/ethnic group] can understand [your race/ethnic group]” will only serve to undermine the ability of Blacks to run for State-wide and National offices since coalitions and bridgebuilding between different racial and ethnic groups are essential for minority groups to accumulate the majority of votes needed to win. It is precisely because Ms. Clarke was able to reach out to all voters that she could step aside from the fray and speak out on her record and the important issues that stll need to be addressed. She will be a terrific asset to New York in the US Congress.
Firstly, Yassky did not live in the district. He only moved their after he learned Major Owens was retiring. Second, a white person will never understand the black voter and should therefore not represent an almost all black district. Yassky may have good ideas, but running in the 11th district showed that he doesn’t really care about the people.
Please fix Shirley Chisholm’s name! It’s Chisholm not Chilsom.
>>>political analysis is obviously not your strongest talent.<< Then what is YOUR analysis?
David Yassky had as much right as anyone to run for congress from this district. To say it “belongs” to blacks is the worst kind of racism. Shame.
political analysis is obviously not your strongest talent.
>>It was a race that generated a lot of national attention because >>>it brought up issues of race, representation and the appropriateness of a white politician running in a black district, one of many created after the Voting Rights Act to increase minority representation in Congress.<<< Why should there be a "black" congressional district, or a white one, or an Asian one? Candidates should be supported on what they will do for the voter. At least, that's how I've always voted.