pparets,

Being black doesn’t protect Keyes from becoming a clown and that he did to himself in his last campaign. The paradox is that, generally, we conservatives do not see black and white (or Indian or Asian or …). So we do not “nurture” black conservatives and patronize them. It may be unappealing to be treated like anyone else to the minorities who vote Democrat, but people like Clarence Thomas, Larry Elders, Walter E. Williams, J.C. Watts, and even Alan Keyes would not have it any other way. It’s our lack of condescending attitude, of patronizing demeanor, of nurturing attitude, that probably attracted some of those luminaries to the conservative movement in the first place.

So, call it like it is. If Alan Keyes or Mike Huckabee want to beclown themselves, then we shouldn’t care what color their skin is when we assess their performance.

Kbiel: You are exactly right! Except that it was the derogatory use of the word ‘clown’ that I was objecting to in the original posting. If there is a problem with his politics or qualifications, then the posting should have said so! And, whether you or I like it or not, referring to the only black candidate on the stage as a ‘clown’ is fraught with unintended meaning.

If there is a problem with his politics or qualifications, then the posting should have said so!

I can’t disagree with you there.

And, whether you or I like it or not, referring to the only black candidate on the stage as a ‘clown’ is fraught with unintended meaning.

No, it’s fraught with intended meaning only if you’re one of the perpetually offended.

Add my name to the list of Keyes’ admirers. I remember his New Hampshire “town meetings” from 8 years ago. As keenly as I watched and listened and tried to dissect what he said, I could find fault with none of it.

His platform may be impractical, the antithesis of political accommodation and compromise, but ethically and constitutionally he towers over all the others, who would be well-advised to avoid the confrontation.

Just as a footnote, Rob, it’s interesting that dismiss Romney as not a “true conservative” but disparage Keyes as a “clown”. Is this a nascent anti-Christian moment, or merely a passing paradox?

Got to agree. He has zero chance, and yet is the intellectual superior to all the field, Republican and Democrat.

Some are clowns. Most are puppets. Very few stand on their own.

Alan Keyes is no clown! He is a deeply committed and articulate African-American conservative, and his place on the national stage along with other black conservatives like Larry Elder needs to be nurtured and supported! No wonder black Americans distrust us so much.

What is with the woman asking the questions? She seems like she has a problem or is bored???

Zsa Zsa– just a little good natured ribbing. I get it all the time over here. I guess we simply saw the debate differently. I thought they (the Repubs) all had chips on their shoulder( Especially the nut job Keyes)
What a piece of work that guy is.

I saw some of the debate on the news. Keyes
was acting nutty if you ask me. Rude,too. The guy needs to get back on his meds. LOL!!

I am a little saddened that so far in this debate, Keyes, a man I truly respect, has been quite negative and bitter.

He will be by far the best orator and greatest intellect on that stage. He cannot get elected and will go nowhere, but when he speaks I believe the audience reaction meters will soar.