But it is clear that the diversity of black opinion is poorly represented in government. All 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus are Democrats. Because of gerrymandering, most come from majority-black districts. Since Republicans usually don't have a hope in such districts, the contest that matters is the Democratic primary. To win, a candidate must appeal to party stalwarts, who are typically more radical than regular voters. The effect of this on black politics is striking.

For example, black Americans tend to be quite socially conservative, but their representatives are anything but. Only four black congressmen voted to ban partial-birth abortion in 2003, though most blacks abhor the procedure. On practical issues, too, there is a disconnect. Most African-Americans favour school choice, yet not one black member of Congress voted to support a voucher programme to rescue mostly black pupils from failing schools in Washington, DC. Blacks are stiffed by the current pay-as-you-go Social Security system, because they die younger than whites and so collect fewer benefits. Yet blacks in Congress were united in their opposition to Mr Bush's tentative reform plan last year (emphasis added)