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Black Conservatism

Ben Carson and the Legacy of Black Conservatism

Guest Post By Ryan Purcell, Assistant Book Review EditorIt presupposes many things to say that Ben Carson is the conservative black counterpoint to Barack Obama, which much of Carson’s constituency thinks he is. (See Jelani Cobb, “Ben Carson’s exonerating Racism,” The New Yorker, 9.22.15) First, it assumes that Obama is indeed liberal, which is a matter of perspective. But more importantly it means that Carson represents (or would, if he is elected) the lion’s-share of black voters that are not currently satisfied with their representation in the White House. While this constituency may be a minority, its voice is strong Read more