We Choose You

In We Choose You, Julian J. Wamble investigates the sophisticated process of Black voter candidate selection. Contrary to the common assumption that Black voters will support Black politicians, Wamble explores what considerations, outside of race, partisanship, and gender, Black voters use to choose certain representatives over others. The book complicates our view of candidate selection, expands our understanding of identity's role in the representative-constituent paradigm, and provides a framework through which scholars can determine a candidates preferability for other identity groups. Wamble uses original experimental tests on Black respondents to prove that Black voters prefer a politician, regardless of race, who shows a commitment to prioritizing the racial group's interest through personal sacrifice. Novel and timely, this book makes an important contribution to our understanding of Black political behavior and will only gain salience as the significance of the Black vote increases in upcoming elections.

Establishes a novel theoretical framework that expands how we think about identity in politics
Grounds theory and experimental methods in real world examples such as the Obama presidency
Connects a strong historical foundation to the contemporary political moment

Reviews & endorsements

‘Wamble offers an innovative perspective on the question of what drives candidate support in the Black community. He argues that these voters are most attracted to candidates who have signaled their sacrifice on behalf of collective Black interests. I found We Choose You to be fascinating, thorough, deeply theoretical, and ultimately persuasive.’ Vincent L. Hutchings, Hanes Walton Jr. Collegiate Professor, The University of Michigan

‘This book delves into how Black voters select candidates. Is it based primarily on the candidate’s race? Wamble asserts that Black people consider other factors, favoring group prioritization over self-interest. We Choose You is an original, must-read treatment of Black politics.’ Katherine Tate, Professor of Political Science, Brown University

‘We Choose You is one of the most important books published in recent years on Black American political behavior. It offers a fresh new take on questions about the centrality of race to Black political judgments and deeply engages the complexity of descriptive representation in Black political decision making. It is well researched, well written, and insightful. It will soon be essential reading for anyone interested in understanding race and ethnic politics.’ Ismail K. White, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University

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