Republican Party "Reason"

So, I was perusing the web site for the Republican National Convention this morning. While I was trying to find the list of Idaho delegates, I came across the best graph I have ever seen in my entire mortal existence. I mean, this graph is awesome.

First, let me give you some context. The Republicans are touting an increase in ethnic minority delegates as evidence they are the party of tolerance and diversity. You can check out their special "Delegate Diversity" site here. This is how they begin:

When the Republican Party hosts its first-ever national convention in New York City next month, it will welcome the most diverse group of delegates in party history.

Under the steady and optimistic leadership of President George W. Bush, the Republican Party is celebrating a milestone achievement in our party's connection with America's minorities. Since the 2000 convention, there has been an estimated 70 percent increase among minority delegates. (bold original)

The site goes on to show how the Republican party is crawling up slowly from it's segregationist past. It's fun to see how they are able to spin the fact that they had nowhere to go but up when it comes to diverse delegate participation:

President Bush's policies are producing results for all Americans and minority voters are joining the ranks of Republicans across the nation working to re-elect our president. Republican minorities make up a record 17 percent of total delegates and alternates, up from 10 percent just four years ago. (bold original)

Ok, now for the amazing graph I hinted about earlier. Here is how the Republicans set up the graph:

Unlike the Democrat's quota system, the Republican Party's open process has garnered a percentage increase 4 times greater than the percentage increase of minorities at the Democrat Convention since 2000.

In comparison, the well documented Democrat Party quota system and slight increase in minority representation at the 2004 Democrat National Convention (as compared to 2000) also illustrates that minorities are connecting with the Republican Party. (bold original)

Here is that graph:
Percentage Increase Of Ethnically Diverse Delegates
between the 2000-2004 National Conventions
Wow. This graph really makes the Republicans seem diverse. It also makes the Democrats appear to be an old white male club. That is unless you use an once of common sense when looking at this graph.

Yes, the Republicans have had an increase of 70% the number of ethnic minority delegates from their 2000 convention. Of course, that massively huge increase (70%) means only 17% of delegates this year are ethnic minorities.

For all you common sense conservatives out there, the reason that graph is misleading is because the Democratic party was and has been incredibly diverse. It's one of the party’s strongest attributes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the Republican Party is diversifying it's delegates. But don't try passing your party off as the champion on minorities. Remember, in 2000, a mere one in ten delegates was an ethnic minority; you could only improve (and congratulations to Minnesota's first Hispanic delegate, an example of the most diverse Republican party convention in history).