Thursday, July 20, 2006
After 5 years as no-show, Bush addresses NAACP


Until recently, Bush described his relationship with the NAACP as "basically nonexistent."

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Bidding to end an extended rift, President Bush addressed the NAACP at its annual convention Thursday, touching on Hurricane Katrina, African-Americans sour views of Republicans, and his support for renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. (Full story)

Bush has not addressed the civil-rights group since becoming president, citing a "good working relationship" with new NAACP CEO Bruce Gordon for his recent shift. The Republican president further acknowledged that "many African-Americans distrust my political party," calling it "a tragedy that the party of Abraham Lincoln let go of its historic ties to the African-American community."

About 10 percent of African-Americans voted for Bush in 2004, according to exit polls. According to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll taken after the hurricane -- which disportionately affected minorities in New Orleans -- 72 percent of African-American respondents agreed with the assertion that the president does not care about black people.

Of late, the NAACP's top political issue is the Voting Rights Act, set to expire soon amid challenges from some Southern GOP congressman intent on dropping or modifying provisions that require their states to submit changes to election rules to the Justice Department.

Bush quoted President Johnson in calling "the right to vote the lifeblood of our democracy." After much delay, the House voted 393-33 to reauthorize the act and the Senate is set to consider it this week, according Gordon.
Posted By CNN's Washington Bureau: 7/20/2006 01:08:00 PM ET | Permalink
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