We cannot overestimate the importance of the Presidential Campaign for 2008.  The world is in a big mess.  China throws all the rules to the wind as they develop into a massive economic monster.  Russia is yearning for the days of old, The Cold War.  Genocide and suffering is bigger now then ever before while a corrupt UN, IMF and World Bank seem to be useless.  The United States leadership role in the world is being questioned like never before.  Now is the time for a true leader to step forward.  We need someone to present a vision that addresses all the major problems with solutions that can quickly turn around fear, death, and horror with hope, progress and prosperity.

On the evening of April 26 at the HBCU campus of South Carolina State University, the Democratic Party held its first debate involving 8 declared candidates.  In essence, it was quite cordial.  All the candidates held mutual respect for each other and there were no personal attacks.  They concentrated on various issues.  The biggest issue was naturally the Iraq civil war.  There is no text book approach to it but they all agreed that we must get out as soon as possible – someway, somehow.  Then came the usual issues such as ethics, abortion, guns, healthcare, taxation, immigration, education, fuel costs, international relations (generally speaking), gay marriage, global climate change and Cuba.  We waited and waited but never heard the issue of Africa addressed for the whole ninety minutes. 

There were a quick “half sentences” about Darfur mixed in with other matters by Senators Biden and Edwards and Governor Richardson.  There was no statement of substance given to the continent at all.  There is just no way this campaign can go on and ignore 1 billion people who are suffering from the intrusion and adverse policy of Europeans, Americans, et al.   Africa should be at the top of every political agenda.  People are dying by the millions as a result of war, HIV/AIDS, corruption and meddling from the 1^st world operatives.  The Western Hemisphere has over 200 million descendents of Africa and we want the current state of affairs to dramatically change for the better.  How can anyone striving to become the President of the United States, leader of the free world, omit or ignore the state of affairs on the African Continent.  Who are the advisors and managers of these campaigns that think they can get away with this?  Are they trying to assume the Black Vote again? I am extremely disappointed in Barack Obama who is the son of an African.  How can he stand there for 90 minutes and not mention the problems and plight of this whole continent.  He is even on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but when asked “What are the three most serious international problems?” he mentioned Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  Is he so presumptuous that he need not address our concerns?  It reminds me of a statement he made about Michael Steele, a Black running for US Senate, “Don’t vote for a person solely because of his race”.  That applies to you, too, Senator Obama.  We want to know what you will do for the Diaspora.  Say it and say it loud!  Of course, you must first start thinking about it.  As one pundit stated, “He was the most abstract politician I have ever watched”.  Remember Senator, it is not what you are but what you stand for and believe. What about Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton?  She and her husband resided at the White House when the atrocious horror of Rwanda took place. 

They just stood by and watched it happen.  Afterwards her husband President Bill Clinton issued an apology.  After millions of deaths it was too little, too late.  She should be particularly interested in the genocides of Darfur and Congo plus the wars in Somalia and other regions.  What is her opinion on Zimbabwe among other hotbeds?  Does she or the rest of them have a concern? It is clear.  The Democratic Campaign is void of a concern for Africa and it is the responsibility of the citizens of the United States, particularly the 40 million plus African Americans, to raise the issue and demand proposed solutions with stipulated action.  America can do something about the dire state of this continent and, as God as our witness, we (African Americans) must demand it.  Let’s make this a major issue in this campaign.  Candidates from both sides must become adept at the status of Africa and must provide viable solutions that can be readily carried out.  Those who don’t must not get our vote or support.    Mr. Alford is the Co-Founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce.  Website:  www.nationalbcc.org.