Why did Bush turn down NAACP chairman Julian Bond’s invitations to address the NAACP convention 6 times?

Question

For five years in a row, President Bush declined invitations to address the annual NAACP convention. Every president for the past several decades had spoken to the Baltimore-based group. Until now, Bush, who received 11 percent of the black vote in 2004, had been the exception. And why did he just all of a sudden decide to do so this year?

Answer 1

Hmmm, maybe he was busy, yeah right! That idiot never has nor ever will care about people of color and/or other minority groups. His philosophy is "my way or the highway" regardless of who gets nailed in the process. I don't know why many are upset with Hugo Chavez for calling Bush El Diablo, it fits him perfectly. Is it any wonder I can only think of 3 prominant African-Americans that support him; Alan Keyes, Condi Rice, and JC Watts. Did I miss anyone!?

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Answer 2

The NAACP has become more of a political organization the past couple of decades than anything else. The NAACP fully supported Gore, which was their right, and denouced Bush. Bush was relucktent to speak there because it would do no good for him. He would be in a hostile environment where he would probably be on the defense of his polices right from the bat. If he did defend himself he would look weak, if he want on the offense he'd be accused of "picking on the minority". For several years the NAACP printed anti-Bush literature and didn't even make him the keynote speaker like other presidents. Only last year has the NAACP tamed down a bit and did make Bush the keynote speaker and surprise he accepted! The NAACP is just like the rest of us; accountable for their actions. They abused a tridition to push their own agenda and got caught. Bush was not obligated to speak. People vote on who they believe and like and look 11% still voted for a person the NAACP didn't like and against majority minority Democrats. Maybe if he spoken there he could have gotten more maybe not.

Answer 3

The over represented and disproportionate black contingency of our troops could be a factor.
You may have noticed that he used his appearance to shore up his war message and the fact that he opposed stem cell research.

Frankly I was disappointed the NAACP extended a 6th invitation. Despite the prestigious position of the office, I would not have entertained the person.

Answer 4

Because the NAACP is viewed more as an arm of the Democratic party now since their focus is more political than to preserving anyone's rights. Bush has gone to speak the National(?) Black Caucus each time he has been invited which has been numerous times since elected.

Answer 5

It's an election year is the reason he decided to go this year.
Unless Bush is in a controlled audience with bullet points written by Rove he would not know how to relate to anyone. Black or White.

Answer 6

Because the current NAACP leadership's rhetoric goes beyond political differences and into insulting partisan propoganda:

http://www.nationalreview.com/murdock/murdock200407130956.asp

Answer 7

He wanted to keep his base happy, but now the republicans are desperate for votes so will talk to any one who will have him.

Answer 8

Would YOU like to go talk to a group of people whow has had plenty to say about you, none of it complimentary?

Answer 9

why would bush want to talk to that group of racists who badmouth him? I give him credit for finally speaking to that group of losers.

Answer 10

because when he received the invitations he probably said "I'm not going to see those jungle bunnies".what a redneck