Here is further evidence of why the Pocatello NAACP and the national organization are so useful.

The spirit of inquiry is alive and well as presidential candidiates are asked their views on civil rights. As you can see in blue below, the definition of civil rights has expanded greatly to issues that profoundly affect all americans.

Obama and McCain will be speaking at the NAACP national conveniton in July.

International media coverage of the resulting information will be at an unusually high level of intensity in this historic race.

-- Michael

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The NAACP released its 2008 Presidential Candidates Civil Rights Questionnaire highlighting the presidential candidates’ positions on essential civil rights priorities facing our nation. The questionnaire is intended to educate NAACP members and the communities they serve on the presidential candidates’ positions on an array of civil rights, civil liberties and basic human needs priorities.  

“We trust that users will find this document to be an effective and thoughtful tool to assist them in making informed decisions before they head to the polls to cast their valuable vote,” said NAACP Interim President & CEO Dennis Courtland Hayes.  

Hilary O. Shelton, director of the NAACP Washington Bureau stated,” The NAACP’s Questionnaire topics include the candidates positions on: election and immigration reform, universal health care, criminal justice issues, predatory lending, public education, equal opportunity, gun violence prevention, affordable housing, fighting global poverty and disease, a living wage, African and Caribbean trade aid and development, ex-offender re-entry into society, DC Voting Rights and a host of crucial issues important to the African American community and others that value civil rights.”

Beginning in late August, 2007, the NAACP Washington Bureau sent questionnaires to candidates for President of the United States from both parties. It was made clear that responses received would be reproduced and distributed to NAACP members and their communities. Candidates’ responses were limited to 200 words or less per question.

Completed candidate questionnaires can be found on the NAACP website at www.naacp.org on the home page or under the Washington Bureau header.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.