Pacific Citizen included an image of Curtis Chin and Oiyan Poon, as well as a quote from me in their latest article about Asian Americans in the Nevada primary (specifically the Black and Brown Debate).

But Nevada's Jan. 15 MSNBC "Black and Brown" debate, which was co-sponsored by African American and Latino groups, initially did not have any APA participation or representation. When APA groups complained, a recognition rally was organized - like a postscript - with local leaders including Rep. Berkley.

In contrast, MSNBC reached out early to 100 Black Men of America, Inc. to get involved in the minority issues debate. This was the first presidential debate the organization cosponsored, said Telain Ware, their marketing consultant. All of the sponsoring organizations were asked to submit questions for the candidates, so 100 Black Men submitted five questions collected from their membership on issues including education, health disparities and economic development for minority ventures. Only one of their questions made it on air. "We would've liked to have more of our issues addressed," said Ware. Comparatively, no APA-specific questions were addressed. And to add insult to injury, APA community leaders, complaining about the poor sound quality in their assigned seats in the last rows of the Cashman Theatre, eventually walked out of the debate, according to Elia. Critics were quick to blame the Nevada Democratic Party and MSNBC, who did not respond to the Pacific Citizen's requests for comment. But the social amnesia when it comes to APAs is not just isolated to this one Nevada incident - the Iowa Black and Brown Presidential Forum has been a tradition since 1984. The exclusion of APA issues in the presidential debates concerns Jenn Fang, author of Reappropriate.com. "Wow, Hillary Clinton included 'Asian Americans' in her 'those most impacted by high home foreclosures' response. We exist!" quipped Fang in her live blog session of the MSNBC minority issues debate. "I think the [Asian Pacific Islander American] community should strongly work towards organizing a debate specifically geared towards the Asian American community, or to work closely with the Black and Brown Presidential Forums to include Asian American issues," said Fang to the P.C. She admits, however, that an APA centered debate is still many years away from becoming a reality. "Unfortunately, there is still a misperception in American politics that Asians vote rarely and vote White. Before politicians will truly take our issues seriously, we must demonstrate our political strength," she added. In an election year where the bipartisan message seems to be change, what can APAs do to cure this selective amnesia? (read full)