While campaigning in Montana, Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Barack Obama is appealing towards the Native Americans. Perhaps the Native Americans are potentially a new voting bloc for Obama. So far, neither Democratic co-frontrunner Senator Hillary Clinton of New York nor presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona has tried to reach out to that voting bloc.
Obama said that he can identify with the struggles they have gone through. He gave a conference on the Crow tribe reservation in Montana. While talking with the members of the reservation, Obama said that he knows what it was like to not always be respected. He said: “A lot of times you have been forgotten, just like African-Americans have been forgotten or other groups in this country have been forgotten.”
Also, Obama became an honorary member of the Crow tribe. At the same time, the Crow tribe of Montana has adopted Obama as one of their own. This looks to be an honor that does not come easily. So far there have been no recent reports of either Clinton or McCain being honorary members of a Native American tribe. Two members known as Sunny and Black Eagle have become Obama’s honorary parents.
Also, Obama was given the name of “Barack Black Eagle.” Obama said that as President of the United States, he will also protect the interests of the Native American community. So far, it seems that Obama has been the only presidential candidate to actually appeal and reach out to the Native American community along with addressing those issues. Now, one can also call him Barack Black Eagle of the Crow tribe.
The main focus so far has been on the African-American and Latino-American population. Should Obama win the Democratic nomination, this voting bloc could possibly help him out in the future. At the same time, this could further change the playing field on predominantly red states.
Still, Clinton is not out of the race yet. Despite requests from many telling her to drop out, Clinton has refused. However after the May 6 contests, it looks as if Clinton’s chances of security the Democratic nomination are grim.
Obama’s effort to reach out to the Native Americans could help him later on. In short, this is an example on how many communities and voting blocs could and will possibly be in play for the general elections. This is a possible sign that the Native American voting bloc will be in play in the near future.