Racism at the Congressional Black Caucus

"As a white liberal running in a majority African American district, Tennessee Democrat Stephen I. Cohen made a novel pledge on the campaign trail last year: If elected, he would seek to become the first white member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Now that he's a freshman in Congress, Cohen has changed his plans. He said he has dropped his bid after several current and former caucus members made it clear to him that whites need not apply."

The Congressional Black Caucus is an extremely powerful group. By not letting Cohen join, they are almost certainly harming Cohne's political career and reducing his influence. To exclude Cohen just because he is white is about as blatant an act of racism as you can get.

Now if Cohen were a conservative who wanted to join the Congressional Black Caucus to harm the group then I would understand. But he probably agrees with most of the group's positions.

The Congressional Black Caucus would likely increase its influence if it allowed non-blacks who shared its views to join. By excluding Cohen the Congressional Black Caucus is signaling that it prioritizes racial purity over political influence.