PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2000 - OFFICIAL CANDIDATES

Angel Joy Rocker

Angel Joy Rocker's single, overwhelming agenda in running for the presidency in 2000 is to increase the presence and visibility of African-Americans in the Republican party. Unlike some candidates who have platforms, Rocker has published a "Manifesto" which strongly emphasizes the need to draw African-Americans of all backgrounds out of their traditional Democratic camps. She makes no apologies for the Republican party's history of hostility to including minorities, choosing rather to appeal the need for this stance to change via active participation. Her manifesto is clearly articulated, well thought-out and reasonable. It's clear that Rocker is a smart woman and excellent communicator - not surprising given that one of her occupations is as a motivational Christian speaker.

Although her backing is almost entirely from African-American ministers and laymen of various denominations, Rocker's statements emphasize education and rational thinking more than religion. She has not yet disseminated a detailed issues platform so it is still hard to determine just how much her religious beliefs affect her political ideology. Still, this well-schooled Floridian, from a lower income, non-professional family manages to impress us with her reasoned approach. So far, there is no taint of fanaticism to her presentation.

In addition to the motivational speaking, she is a school guidance counselor and has a first-hand grasp of the importance of education to future generations. She is also president of a family-run business that distributes sausages and biscuits around the Southeast and brings the small business owner's perspective as well.

This is a woman with courage. As the first woman African-American Republican candidate she will be facing significant challenge from both within her own party and from outside. She admits that she does not hold hopes of winning. Instead, she is hoping to be heard as a key minority voice among a sea of white, male Republicans. In our opinion her party will do well to give her a just hearing - she does have something significant to say.

- JS