There they go again. Republican presidential candidates rarely miss a chance to miss a chance with black voters.
With the lone exception of Congressman Tom Tancredo, GOP presidential wannabes spurned the invitation to the NAACP's quadrennial cattle call presidential forum.
As I watched the proceedings via a live webcast, I was not surprised NAACP delegates and guests gave Tancredo a standing ovation. After all, 80 percent of success is showing up.
But Tancredo did more than show up. He connected with African Americans who share his concern about the impact of illegal immigration on employment, wages, schools, hospitals and local communities.
It bears repeating that an illegal immigrant is an "alien," i.e., "not a citizen or national of the United States," who entered the U.S. at a time or place "other than as designated by immigration officers."
Yet, illegal aliens wrap themselves in the American flag and purport to lay claim to the moral mantle of the struggle to achieve civil rights for American citizens. A claim rejected by African Americans.
Tancredo delivered some straight talk:
It is a slap in the face to say amnesty is the new civil rights movement. There is no comparison between amnesty and the civil rights movement.
The message of my campaign is not tailored for one party; it's for all Americans.
He added:
One challenge in particular must be addressed. We have to talk about it even if it's not politically correct: massive, uncontrolled, illegal immigration. Why is this happening? Because the federal government refuses to do its job.
Tancredo said he's "insulted" every time he hears illegals are doing jobs "Americans won't take":
I've done those jobs, you've done those jobs, our kids have done those jobs. No American will do those jobs for the prices the companies are willing to pay.
Tancredo urged the audience to ask candidates about their plan to "secure the border, preserve the rule of law, and preserve American jobs for American people."
A different kind of Republican presidential candidate, Tancredo was warmly applauded as he exited stage right.
