A national survey of African American voters by the conservative Black America’s Political Action Committee (BAMPAC) was a mixed bag for Republicans. On the one hand, the percentage of those who say that the Republican Party has reached out to African Americans has almost doubled since 1999, but on the other hand only a third say they’ve ever voted for a Republican. Republican vote levels are highest among middle-aged blacks and among those who are married with children. Most voters consider it a toss-up as to whether they’d prefer a white Democrat or a black Republican

When asked, “What would it take for you to consider voting for the Republican Party? In other words, what could the Republican Party do to earn your vote?,” the single most common answer was, “Nothing.” Ouch. On the other hand, that was only the response of 13 percent, and the other answers were scattered among a variety of issues that Republicans might be able to address. But on the third hand, only 1 percent responded with, “I already vote Republican.” Ouch again.