And now for something different in this week in race and politics, let's talk about John McCain.

Earlier this week John McCain spoke to the NAACP convention. McCain, who has not spoken to the group in previous years - following in the footsteps of President Bush who has mostly declined the group's invitations - focused on education reform while asking for the group's support.

Today, accompanied by Maryland's former lieutenant governor Michael Steele, who is African American, McCain said he would seek the organization's support for his presidential bid.

"I am a candidate for president who seeks your vote and hopes to earn it. But whether or not I win your support, I need your goodwill and counsel," said McCain, as the crowd gave him his most extended applause. "And should I succeed, I'll need it all the more."

Although he received mixed reviews, some members were happy that he made an appearance.

The audience cheered McCain's promise to reform the education system and expand opportunities for minorities.

Gretchen Woods, an undecided voter, said she found McCain's speech "informative and very interesting."

"I had intended not to come, but now that I am here and actually heard it, I think I made the right choice to come and hear it," she said.

"After hearing him today, I may listen to him again."

Venitta Barnett, an NAACP member and Obama supporter, said also was glad McCain spoke before the group.

"I came, and I was open-minded, and I listened, and I was more surprised that I am open to what he was saying. He is not everything that I heard that he was about. He is more people-oriented, so I am open," she said.

Jill Tubman at Jack and Jill Politics writes: John McCain has the gall to speak at NAACP

The man is not the friend of African-Americans by any means and I’m kinda insulted he was allowed to speak. He had more to gain from the appearance than the NAACP’s members. McCain (and Bush) need to be held accountable for their actions (and inaction) on issues impacting African-Americans such as Katrina relief (or the lack thereof).

Prior to the speech, Holly Bailey at Newsweek gave a sneak preview and speculated:

McCain hopes he’ll get credit for at least showing up for the convention—an appearance he and most of the other GOP presidential hopefuls (except for Tom Tancredo) ducked last year. According to speech excerpts released by his campaign this morning, McCain asks members to “excuse” him for last year’s slight, explaining that his campaign was in the middle of an “implosion.”

Kathy at Blogging For Michigan says McCain's message to NAACP was a fakeout

McCain's speech to the NAACP yesterday was received with polite applause compared to the thunderous reception Obama received two days earlier. People weren't impressed.

While I am pleased that McCain made the decision to speak to the NAACP this year, given the single digit support for the modern Republican party from African-Americans, one wonders how effective he can hope to be in reaching out to black voters no matter how much he tailors his message to the needs of the community. However, given the overwhelming support the black community provides the Democratic party there is a strong perception that our vote is taken for granted. This provides a disincentive to Republicans to reach out and speak to the concerns of the African American community and offer policy ideas that would be of interest.

Perhaps McCain's efforts will provide a small start towards changing that dynamic but, frankly, I am doubtful. Although I think Republicans might make inroads on social issues where some black voters share a conservative point of view, free-market solutions to problems might not resonate well with a community that has a legacy of economic barriers and exclusion.

Do you have any ideas on how Republicans can build bridges to black voters? Although it is a conundrum, all communities will be better served if candidates from both of the major parties make an effort to reach out and engage them.

BlogHer Contributing Editor Maria Niles was briefly a teen black Republican.  Someday she'll tell the story at PopConsumer