One of DBAGD's particular interests is the Asian American vote, as the bloc is largely ignored by the mainstream media and deserves the occasional mention.
Back in March, John Copper noted that Clinton and McCain were winning the Asian vote by large margins, despite Obama's Asian Pacific background and minority status. He had some interesting qualitative reasons to offer:
Asian Americans generally perceive that Obama thinks affirmative action should help blacks and to a lesser extent other less fortunate (financially) and academically underperforming minority groups. Asians don’t fit this mould.But it is more than this. Asian Americans note that Obama’s support base is largely very rich white liberal Americans and blacks, neither of which they identify with very well.Another matter that strikes Asians is the fact that Senator Obama is the favourite of the media and Hollywood. Asian Americans see both as biased toward them--in their news coverage and how Asians are depicted on screen.They similarly observe that during his political career Obama has done nothing worth mentioning for Asian Americans. They say that Hillary has. Or at least the Clinton administration did. Bill defended Wen Hou Lee. He improved US ties with Asia.
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Asian American newspapers observe and report who is attentive to Asia’s success and its issues. One said recently that the presidential candidates had authored articles on their foreign policy views for the prestigious journal, Foreign Affairs. Senator Obama didn’t mention Asia until page 12, and then in the negative context of global warming. He gave little indication he realises Asia is growing in importance to the US. Hillary did better. McCain, who set forth clearly America’s goals and interests in Asia, did the best.
Finally, Asian Americans are aware of the important role the US has played, and still needs to play, in keeping Asia a secure region. Asia has engaged in regional and global commerce and has prospered because the US military has kept the peace in the area. Senator Obama’s hostile view toward America’s use of military power is not a good omen for Asia say a large number of Asians in the US.One has to conclude that Asian Americans are thinking more rationally than most Americans about their choice for president and that is why Senator Obama does not get as much support as the other two candidates.
HT to Asian Americans for McCain, and thanks for the mention!
Jun 16, 08 11:20 AM