Discussion on Republican Tactics

During CNN’s “NewsNight” on Monday, contributor Bakari Sellers argued that Republicans have merely swapped the Klan hood for Brooks Brothers suits.

Host Abby Phillip mentioned President Trump’s message directed to his supporters in Bacarry, South Carolina, regarding the upcoming redistricting vote in the South Carolina Senate. Trump stated, “Just like the great Tennessee Republican Party, which recently shifted the U.S. House primary to August, Republicans… Be bold and be brave. The schedule remains the same. Let’s proceed.”

Sellers responded, expressing concern over the confusion and the idea that they are essentially wasting votes. He noted a recent “60 Minutes” segment featuring Louisiana Governor Landry, who laughed about misplacing votes. In South Carolina, he pointed out, residents are already voting from abroad, which he found troubling. Sellers emphasized that they need to view these issues from a broader perspective. “Our generation is facing the reality that we may leave this country in a worse state than we inherited. For Black Millennials, it’s particularly disheartening to witness the erosion of progress made by our parents and grandparents. If someone from 1896 woke up today, they would notice little has changed—Black individuals have TV shows now and dress well, but that’s about it.”

He continued, “They’ve replaced the Klan hood with a Brooks Brothers suit. This is the crux of the issue. Looking back, Plessy v. Ferguson involved seven cases that led to 50 years of Jim Crow laws. Currently, we see individuals who sacrificed their lives for voting rights, only to have their voices muted in Congress. This is a significant problem.” Sellers lamented the casual nature of those who claim to support the right but are revealing their true intentions. He stressed that one of the most vital aspects of American democracy is the right to elect representatives who advocate for our needs. Now, he fears, Black citizens in the South are facing silencing instead of representation, which he does not find humorous.