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Indeed, many in the party believe that the only potential opponent who might be able to perform this extremely delicate tour de force of political surgery would be Del. Richard Bagley of Hampton. Bagley recently dropped out of this year’s governor’s race, but has already declared his intention of running for the top office in 1989.
“I don’t know why Doug is doing this,” said a Democratic observer ruefully. “He’s a pragmatic and bright politician, and in many ways a real statesman. And because he’s all these things he’s got to know that a liberal black can’t win a statewide race in Virginia. It’s tragic, but that’s how it is.
“At some point,” he continued, “Doug and his supporters will have to make a basic decision. They will have to decide whether they would rather have a winning ticket — even if it’s all white — which would best represent the interests of the black community, or have a black name on the ticket which might contribute to its defeat. They must know that this could turn the whole state government over to the Republicans who would not best represent their interests. That’s the choice they really have to make thife year.”
None of this can be pleasant advice for Wilder, and a number of his loyalists will no doubt elaipr^ they see racism in some o£>fhe views expressed.
But there is a profound difference between racism and realism, and many Democrats who deeply respect Wilder believe if he really wishes to serve the best interests of both his party and the black community, he will recognize that difference.
And having recognized it, they believe he should act accordingly.
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