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Democrats highlight diversity, but face gap with white men

FILE - In this July 26, 2016 file photo, former President Bill Clinton speaks during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The Democratic National Convention speaker’s lineup has highlighted an increasingly diverse country that could soon elect the first female president as successor to its first black chief executive. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) FILE - In this July 26, 2016 file photo, former President Bill Clinton speaks during the second day session of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The Democratic National Convention speaker’s lineup has highlighted an increasingly diverse country that could soon elect the first female president as successor to its first black chief executive. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

By Associated Press July 27, 2016 1 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – Democrats are celebrating diversity in Philadelphia this week. They’re nominating the first women to head a major party ticket. They will celebrate the tenure of the first black president. The speaker lineup features Latinos, African-Americans, gays and lesbians.

But are they ignoring straight white guys – a group that is central to Republican Donald Trump’s path to the White House?

Their approach reflects Democrats’ demographic advantages in presidential elections, but it also could play into Trump’s strategy.

Democrats say they are mindful of the dynamics. They already face an electoral gap with white men that helps explain why Republicans control Capitol Hill and most U.S. statehouses.

Hillary Clinton’s aides say the nominee on Thursday will address working-class issues that concern disaffected white men.