The following is a brief review of some of the available evidence of what transpired on November 7, 2006, when the Democrats gained control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The black vote played a critical role in the outcome of a number of closely contested elections, especially for the U.S. Senate. In particular, this review focuses on the behavior and significance of African American voters in the 2006 midterm elections and on the changing number and profile of black candidates for federal and statewide offices, as well as their performance at the polls.

With the presidential primary season now in full swing, the significance of the African American vote, particularly in choosing the Democratic nominee, has become increasingly clear. While not particularly significant in the two states that traditionally go first in the process, Iowa and New Hampshire, the black vote will be critical in the primaries in Michigan (Jan. 15), South Carolina (Jan. 26), and Florida (Jan. 29). And on Feb. 5, when voters in states from New York to California cast their ballots, African American voters could determine the victors in several of the races.

Dr. Brian Perkins, Chair of the National Black Caucus of School Board Members, a member of the New Haven, Connecticut school board, and a member of the faculty at the Columbia University Teachers College, reviews the education policy proposals of Senators McCain and Obama and argues for re-structuring and full funding of the No Child Left Behind Act.

This analysis is a brief review of some available evidence regarding the November 4, 2008 election. In particular, this review focuses on the election of President-elect Barack Obama, the behavior and significance of African American voters in the 2008 elections and the profiles of black candidates for federal office.

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Publication date: December 2008

The 2008 Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Education Survey is a national survey of 750 African American households, conducted between September 16 and October 6, 2008.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies (Joint Center) has long been a leading authority on trends related to the opinions and voting preferences of the nation’s black electorate.  Two years ago, when the Joint Center launched its Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change, we undertook a major poll of African Americans’ opinions on the issue of climate change, in which we found that more than half of black voters believe it to be a serious problem that the nation must address.  Last year, our second comprehensive survey of African Americans on  climate change issues produced further evidence that a strong majority of African American voters want government action on climate change, and revealed additional details about what they are willing to do as individuals to help mitigate the problem.

In this report, we present the findings of surveys we conducted in four key states—Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri and South Carolina—with a focus on determining how African American views on climate change and other issues might affect the outcomes of the mid-term national elections this November.  While it is always difficult to predict election outcomes, the information from these surveys will no doubt contribute to the body of knowledge that political and policy analysts will use to understand how the climate change issue is viewed by a key electoral constituency, particularly at a time of tremendous economic upheaval in the nation. 
 

The 2008 presidential campaign represts a historic occasion for both African Americans and black politics.

The 2008 Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies National Opinion Poll is a national survey of 750 African American adults, conducted between September 16 and October 6, 2008. The survey's questions cover a range of topics including politics of the 2008 election and various issues, including education.

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