Episode 247: The Grift

In an enlightening episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy Williams welcomes brings back to the front of the class, author, political commentator, and host of “The Clay Cane Show” 12pm EST Monday through Friday on SiriusXM Urban View channel 126, Clay Cane. They discuss America's political landscape, touching upon the historical transitions of political allegiances, personal anecdotes of political awakenings, and the current state of political parties. Clay also discusses his latest New York Times bestseller, "The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump." The discussion offered a comprehensive journey through America's political landscape, touching upon the historical transitions of political allegiances, personal anecdotes of political awakenings, and the current state of political parties.

L. Joy opened the conversation with a Do Now to reflect on the moment they first registered to vote, asking challenging questions about the influences that shape our political identities. From family traditions to societal pressures and the impact of education, she highlighted the diverse factors contributing to this critical decision in one's civic life. This introspection set the stage for a broader discussion on the intrinsic link between civic engagement and political affiliation.

Clay provided a historical narrative, tracing the roots of Black allegiance from the Republican Party of Lincoln to the Democratic Party, emphasizing the critical shifts influenced by policy, social movements, and key historical events. A significant portion of their discussion revolved around the concept of political identity and the importance of not allowing party affiliation to overshadow one's individual beliefs and values. Clay's analysis of the Republican Party's evolution and its impact on Black Americans sparked a compelling conversation on the importance of policy over party. He passionately argued for active participation in the democratic process, focusing on the primaries as crucial battlegrounds for shaping party platforms that reflect the community's values and needs.

L. Joy and Clay delved into the strategic aspects of political participation, especially concerning party registration and primary elections. Emphasizing the need for a tactical approach to party affiliation, they encouraged listeners to view their political engagement as a tool for effecting change within the system. This strategy involves not only choosing a party that aligns with one's values but also actively participating in shaping the party's direction through primary voting and local engagement.

Wrapping up the episode, L. Joy underscored the importance of looking beyond the voting booth to engage with political parties actively. She urged listeners to use their party identification as a strategic tool to support candidates who represent their values, thereby contributing to the shaping of their community's future. This call to action resonated with the show's core message of empowering listeners to take informed and active roles in their civic lives.

Do Now

Prompt: Think back on the first time you registered to vote.

Action Items: Ask yourself, what influences prompted your decision in party. If you have changed party registration over the years-what prompted that change. Think about the link between political party affiliation and civic engagement.

Clay Cane

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, radio host, political analyst and a New York Times bestselling author. "The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump," an instant New York Times best seller, was released in January 2024. Clay is also the author of "Live Through This: Surviving the Intersections of Sexuality, God, and Race" (2017).

In 2017, "The Clay Cane Show," a political talk radio show, launched on SiriusXM Urban View channel 126. Clay is the co-editor and contributing writer of the 2012 anthology "For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out, and Coming Home". Additionally, contributed to 2013's "Where Did Our Love Go: Love and Relationships in the African-American Community."

He is a a graduate of Rutgers University, Phi Beta Kappa, with a B.A. in English and African-American Studies.