For months I’ve sat back and listened to radio and television talk show hosts analyze this upcoming presidential race. It seems that everything that should not matter is being emphasized. As the race grows closer in the opinion polls on the democratic side and the republican side alike, I find myself still torn between two candidates. I like the stance on faith of Mike Huckabee and the inspiration of hope expressed by Barack Obama.

Both of these candidates have received criticism recently. Huckabee for his release of questionable prisoners, and Obama for his lack of connection to the black community. The latter I find the most appalling. In this country, it is amazing that a candidate stills has to deal with superficial criticisms instead of criticisms of the issues. The mere idea, that is unfortunately being perpetuated by so called black “leaders,” is ridiculous. Question his stance on the war, question his health care plan or his experience, but no one has the right to question his African American authenticity.

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton of all people do not have this right. Obama spent years in the trenches as a community organizer in the inner city streets of Chicago. He has a results oriented reputation as it relates to African Americans and his political record shows he has always been sensitive to the concerns of the Black Community. Obama understands one of the most important principles of a presidential candidate, a true African American candidate must represent all Americans.

There can be no color lines for a president. I wouldn’t want a white president to only focus on issues important to that community no more than I want a black candidate to. To say he is not black enough really shows the accusers are not mature enough to distinguish racial loyalty from racial progression.

Racial loyalty means you stay in the “black box” or side with your race no matter if it progresses the community as a whole or not, hence Jesse and Al. Racial progression however, means a person knows their race, but still takes a stance to advance the plight of the race as a whole by getting involved in main stream initiatives. All races are advanced in American when balanced representation is sought and individuals in that race realize the importance of working with all.

Because of his democratic affiliation, he is accused of not being conservative enough and because of his race, he is accused of being not black enough? Who wrote the book on blackness? Obama represents racial progression whether he wins or not. The same so called leaders of the black community that are criticizing him are ignoring the fact this is the first time there has been an African American candidate in the presidential race that has a true chance of winning.

I am glad he is unconventional and forward thinking. Blacks are not a monolithic people.