Back in late September word came down that the majority of GOP Presidential candidates were going to skip a debate which focused on issues which particularly impacted black voters. Newt said at the time, "I'm puzzled by their decision. I can't speak for them. I think it's a mistake."
Now comes news that yet again Republican candidates are skipping out on a debate aimed primarily at an African-American audience.
The Congressional Black Caucus Institute announced in September that it had scheduled a debate for November 4 on Fox News for Republican presidential candidates. But a spokeswoman for the group confirmed to the Huffington Post that it has now been postponed, with no new date set. […]
Republican candidates have cited scheduling conflicts in resisting new proposed dates.
Newt, again, has commented, "It’s just fundamentally wrong. Any of them who give you that scheduling-conflict answer are disingenuous. That’s baloney."
I agree wholeheartedly with Newt on this, it is an issue of moral leadership which any qualified candidate for the most powerful office in the world must exhibit. Our President has a duty to not only listen to as many of us as possible, but also be willing to share their message with all of us as well. To skip multiple minority-aimed debates because of cynical calculations that these voters aren't going to vote for you anyways shows a deficit of leadership along with a willingness to perpetuate the stereotype that the GOP doesn't care about minorities in America.