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Obama's Play for Indian Country
Barack Obama has vowed to expand the electoral map for the Dems. Turning out the politically neglected Native American vote may be the key to doing so.
Sun Oct. 26, 2008 11:00 PM PDT
For observers of Native American politics, one race in particular exemplifies this bloc's ability to determine an election. Late on election night in 2002, Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) was losing, with only a few counties left to report. It was already a banner election year for Republicans, who would finish the night having regained control of the Senate and expanded their majority in the House. Among the last votes to come in that night were from the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation, which includes Shannon County, the least white, most Native American, and second-poorest county in America. State Democrats' ambitious get-out-the-vote campaign had increased turnout among the state's Native Americans by more than 70 percent.
When all the votes were counted, more than 90 percent of Shannon County went for Johnson, who won by 524 votes over John Thune. (Republicans would later claim, falsely, that "phony Indian votes" stole the election for Johnson.)
"We swung that election," says Garriott. "And it was a huge win that reverberated around the nation. Since that time, there's been a lot more attention paid to the Indian vote."
Indian country has also been credited with delivering Montana to Bill Clinton in 1992 and a Senate seat for Democrat Maria Cantwell in Washington in 2000. In 2006, Montana Democrat Jon Tester unseated incumbent Conrad Burns due in part to vastly increased Native American turnout.
As Garriott notes, Indians' effectiveness as a voting bloc has traditionally been limited because Native Americans register to vote at far lower rates than the general population. So if the Democrats need Indian country to win in the West, they're also going to need to raise registration rates.
In concert with its outreach program, the Obama campaign began soliciting endorsements from tribal leaders as early as January 2007. It has thus far received public support from more than 100 tribal leaders and more than 20 tribes. Despite representing a state with no federally recognized tribes, Obama has put together a far-reaching Indian policy platform, calling for a White House senior adviser on Indian issues and a yearly "Tribal G8," which would bring leaders of different Indian nations together in Washington to meet with the president and help fashion the federal government's Native American policy agenda.
Sam Deloria, a long-time advocate of Native American causes, says endorsements are all well and good, but he's glad campaigns are no longer just focusing on tribal leaders. "Getting the tribal leadership to endorse you doesn't mean that they're going to put together a get-out-the-vote machine for you at their own expense," says Deloria, a lifelong independent. Both parties are starting to realize, he says, "If you want the votes, you're going to have to go out and get them."
So what about John McCain? If any Republican could have a shot at the Native American vote, it's the Arizona senator. McCain represents a state with 20 federally recognized tribes and is a former chair of the Senate Indian Affairs committee, where he oversaw the investigation that put Jack Abramoff in jail for defrauding the Native American tribes that were his clients. Hardeen, the Navajo president's spokesman, says McCain has a long history of maintaining good relationships with tribes. When Hardeen was a reporter, McCain spoke to him briefly about his relationship with tribes. "He told me his proudest moment in politics was receiving the endorsement of every Arizona tribe when he ran for reelection in the Senate. That's how well he was respected by tribes then," Hardeen says.
But for McCain the problem of history remains. Native Americans are traditionally Democratic voters, so he is automatically at a disadvantage when trying to convince a poor, rural population with scant access to information to back him. In many traditional homes (known as "hogans") in Navajo country, it's common to see pictures of John F. Kennedy. "I can't explain why John Kennedy resonated with traditional Navajo people going back all the way to the early '60s," Hardeen says. But he did. And Obama is poised to benefit from that.
On Thursday, the AP reported John McCain was drastically cutting his ad spending in Colorado. New Mexico has looked out of reach for the Republicans for some time. Kalyn Free, the head of the Indigenous Democratic Network, an organization that focuses on recruiting Native American candidates and mobilizing Indian voters, doesn't think it's over yet. But she's confident of one thing: "The next president of the United States will not win the White House without the Indian vote. We've come a long way."
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Comments
Very glad to see this posted. My personal decision to support Obama was a result of a conference call for Tribal leaders and Tribal organizations, in which he outlined his plan to include a cabinet-level Native affairs position, and invite Tribal leaders to the White House on an annual basis. He also demonstrated a clear understanding of Tribal sovereignty, an understanding that has been absent in the White House since 2000 (while advocation has been absent since Nixon).
I think he is addressing our issues to some extent. He sided with the Cherokee Nation on NAHSDA and that bill passed. Its a victory for self-determinism and honoring tribal law. Plus, he's for Nation to Nation status and a cabinet-level post and annual convention of all tribes. In Oklahoma, a state so red that its at about 63%, I see that as a way to peel about 10% (roughtly the state's Indian population) of voters out of the McCain camp. Now, most of those voters were democrats to begin with, but Oklahoma has more registered Democrats than Republicans. Oklahoma is just not a strategically "at play" state so Obama Native American volunteers in Oklahoma can either travel to help in surrounding swing states or give money. That's all we can do from here. McCain has been good, ie the Akaka Bill. But I think Obama can think in terms of respecting sovereignty as an inherent starting point. He doesn't have anti-Indian constituents making up his base, like some of the fringe groups that in the past have had some input via the conservative ideology. I think he will be fair.
i was phone HARASSED by the nra last week asking why i was not voteing mcbush & neo-cons, they called me un american & told me i hate guns thats really stupid considering i was a "fedrally liscenced firearms dealer in the ninteys? & own firearms myself!!!
but on the flipside, all the neos gettin guns now cant & couldent pass a brady so im not feeling bad in any way. those psychos dont deserve to own firearms its a privilege that citizens once enjoyed, now any felon can buy a gun anywhere in tx so sad, im a registered republican & ashamed to say that! there are no true conservatives anymore just neo-jerkers
who call themselves conservative & churches want you to vote that way, i thought voteing was a right for law abideing CITIZENS OF AMERICA? not anymore now church votes neo, and so
does most of the so called conservative party that put bush/cheney in, now even NON AMERICANS & CRIMINALS can REGISTER to VOTE IF THEY REGISTER REPUBLICAN!!!this
really shows you where our country & the republican lawmakers have gone, might as well call the republican party the skinheads cause thats the beliefs that are followed by republicans now i guess, in america, crime really does pay just ask WALL st. the banking system, and of course their
GODS BUSH / CHENEY & THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!! WHERES THE DEVIL ??? IN CONGRESS & THE WHITE HOUSE & of course crawford tx.
And who was the last fiscal conservative who managed the budget like we all have to do? Not Bush. Clinton. I want out of this national debt, which already added 2 years before I can retire with SS. Each generation should pay for their own government. It would make people vote.
The demographic in Eternally Red Utah is becoming little more purple. In the next couple of election cyles, we may 'Turn Utah Blue', with the help of our Ute, Piute, Gohsute and Navajo brothers and sisters. The problem is the Utah Indian tribes were tamed by Utah Pioneers, who became a local source of welfare support, through the Mormon Church and its Native American foster family program. The church's conservative political values have been adopted, through exposure in Utah schools and churches. Some enterprising tribal leaders, may lean Republican because of this past support, but hopefully the tribal members are democrats.
Tribes, I think, will be more free to branch out in businesses more healthy than gaming and tobacco, and I think it will be by free will and not coercion. Its a win-win, when tribes are not groomed into untenable paths by definitions of sovereign that suit the federal government instead of an authentic reflection that these are pre-existing nations. We are so shattered by the cultural losses and bumping up against mainstream ways of doing things. I don't say that with any kind of malice-- its an objective fact.
And maybe we can find a way forward which lets Native American people keep Native American values intact-- family, community, helping each other, sharing, teaching, mentoring across generations and across families, and being resourceful, respectful, innovative, stewardly, etc.
As a Native person I grew up in white bread Utah, thankfully my family aren't Mormons, I experienced racism up to my eyeballs and luckily left the state. I believe my life experience taught me to think critically and not accept things as face value. I'm for Obama, for once we have a leader who will listen to the needs of Native people and develop a respectful government to government relationship.
It makes me sad that with 20 federally recognized tribes and the largest land mass of reservations/tribally owned land of any state (at least in the lower 48, not sure on Alaska), that Obama isn't reaching out here more.
However, I am also sad to see this article, which I liked overall, neglect the issues many tribes have with Palin's environmental policies. I think it's a valid point to make that while McCain did well with tribes, his VP pick undid those points for him. As governor of a state with many tribal communities, I think it speaks volumes that she does not have their support.
This old Cherokee-American is going with the candidate from the party that once featured Russ Means as a contender for their presidential slot, and as an EXCELLENT speaker at their convention.
I'm going Libertarian.
The rest of you can have Bush-Clone & Bush-Lite if you want 'em.
I would like to ask the Navajo who live near Black Mesa if they are supporting McCain? After what he and his Peabody Coal cronies did to those people I am totally surprised that anyone thinks McCain has a 'good relationship' with the tribes in Arizona.
Go here to read more about it - you will be horrified.
Very interesting article. This is the first time I've seen anything posted about presidential candidates gunning for native american votes. If it works, (that is to say, if Obama wins and it can be shown statistically that the native american votes tipped the scale) then this probably won't be the last time we see men in headdresses sporting political propaganda online.
i guess this is what mccain has done, little grandmother:
John McCain has been a primary sponsor of legislation that set a new timetable for the forced relocation of a number of Dineh (Navajo) families who continue to live on their ancestral homelands of Black Mesa, AZ. During the 109th Congress McCain sponsored Senate Bill 1003, an amendment of the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-531, the relocation law), prematurely terminates the Federal government’s responsibilities towards those who “have lived through the nightmare of relocation” as testified by Navajo Nation president Joe Shirley Jr. Furthermore, S1003 disclaims any further federal responsibility for the relocatees and refuses to acknowledge the long lasting damage to the community and current need for rehabilitation and support. Although this legislation thankfully stalled on the House floor in April 2007, there are growing concerns that if McCain becomes the next U.S. president, S1003 would be at the forefront of the whitehouse agenda. The coal companies have a long history of and continue to fund both the Republican and Democratic parties because they have huge interests at stake. Read more about John McCain’s involvement with relocation on Black Mesa.
http://blackmesais.org/
i'm glad to see this article. i find it hard to understand why native americans would vote for mccain. i truly believe that obama is striving to change this government, to have it represent and support all of its citizens. i just don't see that with mccain. especially not with palin on the ticket.
Senator Obama is the first Candidate for President that actually wants to be the President of all Americans and I applaud his efforts! His popularity abroad and his sincere desire to reach previously uncared about voters speaks well for his future administration!
People Obama has not and will not do any thing for the indian people first. it will be his people first. Obama has conection with a Indian attorney in Calif. who self enrich him and this posie against another tribe it is in sacramento bee 8/0/07. Howard Dickstien and Zerbie. if Obama is hanging around these kind of people who take from the indian people you better know who you are supporting go on the web!rumsey v's dickstein.
Burris: Jan/05/09
I don't doubt He will take office ..
It's not right he was not appointed in the right way..
He was appointed by a man that is in the middle of conflict about abusing his office..
From what I hear you all need a black man to fill this office.
Will I see this happen...
He will use RACE to get this office..
Barack Obama will kiss as. and put him in.
Congress will cower down and give in.
AND IT'S BECAUSE (BURRIS) IS BLACK.
See if I'm not right!
And I was RIGHT... JAN/19/09
Remember when this economic crisis hit, and Congress let Bear Sterns go under, pushed a bunch of forced marriages between banks, etc.? Then they bailed out AIG. At the time, I thought: "That's strange. What does an insurance company have to do with this crisis?" I think I just found the answer. Among other things, AIG INSURES THE PENSION TRUST OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS!! No wonder they got bailed out right away! To hell with the people, let's protect our future, said all our Senators and Congressmen. Nice to see where their loyalties lie! (I'm from the government and I'm here to help you!)
Obama: Jan/06/09
You people just can't wait to kiss as.
I hate to see what You and Your wife will do for the rest of AMERICA. After You have over taxed and run ILL into the ground.
Why hasn't anyone (The PRESS, MEDAN, and so on) ever talked or told anyone about this man and his wife being a hater of AMERICA and its people?
From what I understand the Obama's has always been "ashamed" at being Americans
The Obama's FLAG BURNING!
What a disgrace to all the veterans of AMERICA they gave there ALL for GOD and country....
Someone said (Obama and the democrats deserve the same respect they have showed President Bush over the last 8 years.)
For my self I also never had any for them!
I don't care if the Obama's were green with red dots.
They are still raciest toward AMERICA.
They have brought shame and disgrace to AMERICA.
And now we have this going to the White House!
This is a sad day for AMERICA.
So as they are ASHMED of AMERICA
So as I will be of You!
Thank You.
Isn't it illegal for you all to pad your own as.. with TAX payer MONEY, or do you all just pass a bill or Law to make it OK?
Stimulus Check ?
What a joke.
The IRS will just take it like last time and will screw everyone out of it..
Bush Stimulus Check, HE said was to be $1000.00 per adult and $600.00 per kid..
That happen .... One lie after lie.. what a screw JOB. Thanks ALL
I just would like to think You ALL that was for this ball out. These Corp's, Banks, And so on will never pay back anything..
Like the OIL CORP's it's free money, what the hell..RIGHT?
I just needed to thank You for putting this burden on my GRANDKIDs.
You all are making and giving away all this money and there is not even enough Collateral to cover any of the money being made..?????????
ALSO
Is our GOV, (YOU) ever going to anything about the OIL CORP,s giving America that screw job at gas pump? My guess is NOT.. ever going to happen, they will get away with it. See of I'M not RIGHT.
On Jan/05/09 Oil per barrel was $31.84 at that price gas at pump should be $0.45 maybe $0.50 per gal.. We're Still getting A screw job and it seems that no one gives a dam.
You all are supposed to be working for we the people of AMERICA. NOT acting like YOU'R our GOD. THAT YOU CAN NEVER BE.....
Hope to here from You all.Don't think I ever will!
But I would like to have some answers.
Harold Ard
Harold,
AIG does NOT insure the pension trust of the United States Congress:
http://askville.amazon.com/AIG-insure-Pension-Fund-United-States-Congres...
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