Tony, apology accepted. I never figured you for anything like a racist (although New Yorkers aren't automatically immune). But I still say that comments like "of course Paris will get the minority (ie. Black) vote is really saying "of COURSE all the Blacks are going to vote for Paris" as though Blacks use only ONE criteria for voting, RACE, and are incapable of making an independent decision. (Sadly) the Democratic party made the same erroneous assumption in the last two Presidential elections. First, let me say that I doubt that very many African-American adults are going to sit around for two hours trying to text message or "power dial" into Americn Idol (just a hunch on my part, having been Black for quite a few years). Further, as far as I can tell, most Black teens and (very) young adults tend to be more into RAP and Hip-Hop (I personally don't know what the difference is) and could care less about the type of material Paris is doing. I also think that they are astute enough to know that there are at least 5-10 Brothers or Sisters within three blocks of their house with more talent (albeit untapped) than 98% of the contestants on American Idol. Therefore, I'm guessing that the percentage of Black votes is somewhere between small and insignificant. JMO of course. ALSO, Fran, how can you presume to know what's in my head....although I suppose it's possible since you seem to know everything else.

Peace,

chas

[This message has been edited by cgiles (edited 04-27-2006).]