Black Democrats Torn Between Clinton, Obama

March 4, 2007 — -- Like other black Democrats, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., is facing a dilemma: Should he vote for the man who could become the first black president or the woman named Clinton, with all that means to African-American voters?

"I'm torn, I'm torn," lamented Lewis. "When I celebrated my 60th birthday in Atlanta, President Clinton came down and spoke. When I celebrated my 65th birthday in Atlanta, Sen. Obama came down. They're friends. They're like brothers. And Mrs. Clinton is an extension of her husband."

Lewis remained neutral while the two presidential contenders visited Selma, Ala., this weekend.

Forty-two years ago, Lewis' blood spilled when a policeman bashed his skull in Selma as he marched for the right to vote. He said today's choice makes that day worthwhile.

"To see those two candidates will help to remind people of the distance we've come, the progress we've made," said Lewis.

African American leaders have warned Obama against taking the black vote for granted. There is strong loyalty to the Clintons, especially to Bill, who was affectionately known as "the first black president."

"I would vote for Hillary," said one black voter in Los Angeles. "We know her and we know what she stands for. I'd rather vote for what I know."

Although the Southern states vote Republican in the general election, they are vital to Democrats in the primaries. African-Americans make up about half of primary voters in states such as South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.

"The African-American vote is not a big deal in Iowa and New Hampshire, the two states that vote early," said ABC News political director Mark Halperin. "But it is a big deal in South Carolina, California, New Jersey, all over the country. That's why they're competing so much for this vote."