Newswise — According to a new nationwide survey commissioned by LEADS at Spelman College, minority female Democrats say leadership ability, not race or gender, is the primary motivator for their selection of Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee.
In the first survey conducted to explore the political interest and mindsets of minority females, less than 10 percent of African-American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American female Democrats admit that race (2.7 percent) or gender (6 percent) are the primary motivators for selecting the next presidential candidate. Nine out of 10, say they will choose based on leadership abilities. In fact, the majority (19 percent) say integrity is the most important leadership characteristic.
"Contrary to the sensational headlines, this survey shows that minority women are looking beyond the surface of race and gender," said Jane E. Smith, Ed. D., executive director of LEADS at Spelman College, a leadership development center for women. "When facing critical issues such as healthcare, the economy and the war in Iraq, leadership demands integrity, which is represented not only by words, but by thoughts and actions."
However, the study confirms other national polls stating that African-American women are more likely to select Obama, while Hispanics and other minority women prefer Clinton.
Integrity (19 percent), ability to make changes (nearly 15 percent) and experience (almost 13 percent) are the top three characteristics. Inclusiveness and intelligence complete the top five at 11 percent each.
Interestingly, Clinton supporters were more likely to vote for her because she is a woman (20.6 percent) when compared to those who would vote for Obama because he is African American (6.7 percent).
Faith in Candidates AbilitiesClinton supporters (51 percent) cite her experience as the top reason they would vote for her while Obama supporters say he is the one who best represents change (21 percent). When asked to describe their personal motivations to vote for a candidate, respondents (unaided) revealed the following:
- Obama supporters believe he understands the issues (13.4 percent) more than Clinton supporters believe she does (9.4 percent).
- Significantly more Clinton supporters (6.5 percent) believe she better understands the challenges and experiences of women compared to Obama supporters (.9 percent); however, more than twice as many Obama supporters believe he will address the concerns of all people (11.6 percent compared to 5.8 percent for Clinton).
- Obama supporters (9.4 percent) are more likely than Clinton supporters (1.8 percent) to believe their candidate "will make America better."
- Obama constituents (4.7 percent) cite he has a better chance of winning the presidential election compared to the number of Clinton supporters (3.8 percent) who believe she can win.
Survey MethodologyThe LEADS at Spelman College 2008 Leadership Survey was conducted nationwide via telephone. The 905 female respondents were: head of household; 18 years of age or older; registered Democrats planning to vote in the next presidential election. Randomly selected, respondents included African-American women (305), Hispanic women (300), and other minority women (300): Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American). The margin of error for the sample is plus or minus 3.2 percent.
About LEADS at Spelman CollegeLEADS at Spelman College builds on the legacy of the private, historically Black institution by creating and teaching a leadership model based on the historic influences, experiences and achievements of Black women worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.spelman.edu.
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