There was no attack, and no stealth..
I don't know that non-whites would be less qualified even at this point, as there are many well educated non-white people..The fact that white racism (and male sexism) in govt exists currently keeps many non-whites (and women) who would qualify unwilling to try for those offices that have been traditionally held by white males..
If equal opportunity in education, employment and everything else were a reality at this point (and at a point well before now) then more non-whites (and women) would be qualified now to hold any position there is..