A man listened to Sen. Barack Obama’s speech Aug. 27 at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Mr. Obama could become the nation’s first African-American president. (Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff)
Surging Obama campaign suggests US racism on the wane
Prejudice lingers, but there’s evidence it’s becoming a thing of the past.
By Alexandra Marks | Staff writer/ October 22, 2008 edition
Reporter Alexandra Marks talks with CSMonitor.com's Pat Murphy about historical change on racial stereotypes as a result of Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
Oxford, Miss.
The issue of race has been intertwined with the history of the United States since its inception. It has brought out the nation’s best and its worst – from the courage of the civil rights workers to the murderous terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan.
Barack Obama’s meteoric rise already warrants a chapter of its own, and his mixed-race heritage has already played a pivotal role in this year’s election. It helped the Illinois senator win key primaries in Southern states like South Carolina. But it also cost him some white support in some struggling industrial states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, according to polls.
As Election Day approaches, Senator Obama’s lead over Republican rival Sen. John McCain is widening into double digits. Recent polls also show 91 percent of Americans say they are comfortable with the idea of having an African-American president. That contrasts with only 50 percent who say they’re comfortable with having a 72-year-old become president, as Senator McCain would be were he to win.
That is leading some political analysts to conclude that voters’ concerns about the economy and the country’s direction have trumped the race issue, at least for now.
”It’s an astonishing and wonderful thing that so many Americans are finding common ground,” says Melissa Harris-Lacewell, a professor of politics and African-American studies at Princeton University in New Jersey. “It could be a moment of such historical consequence and tremendous racial meaning … but Barack Obama winning the US presidency does not translate into the end of racial stereotyping or the end of racial inequality.”
In interviews with Americans across the country during the campaign, the vast majority agree with Chicagoan Gwendolyn Johnson that race “shouldn’t be a factor.” But many, like Benny Walls in Oxford, Miss., also believe it’s inevitable that skin color will play a role.
“Race is part of our fabric, it’s always going to be there,” he says. ”The question is how we handle it.”
For at least four decades now, it’s been socially unacceptable to be overtly racist. But stereotypes persist, often because of lack of exposure to people of different races. That’s helped create what’s come to be known as the “Bradley Effect.”
Named for former African-American Mayor of Los Angeles Tom Bradley, who lost his bid for governor of California in 1982 despite some polls that showed him ahead, it’s come to describe the phenomenon where some white voters tell pollsters they’ll vote for an African-American but pull the lever for his or her opponent in the privacy of the polling booth.
That’s come to be debunked as a current theory, in part because in more-recent elections involving African-Americans the polls have been spot on. Most pollsters have adjusted their methodology to be able to ferret out racial biases that could affect their accuracy.
There are others reasons as well. If someone doesn’t want to vote for Obama because of his race, say some political analysts, they can simply point to his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who made harsh anti-American statements in some of his sermons. Then there’s the Obama grass-roots political machine, which has registered thousands of new voters. In fact, some longtime politicians believe the polls could actually underestimate Obama’s support.
Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus likes to joke that he’s “one of Barack’s core constituencies: a white guy from the Deep South who was an elected official.” Mr. Mabus notes that just prior to the Mississippi primary election in March, the race between Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was predicted to be very close. The secretary of state estimated that 150,000 people would turn out to vote in the primary. On primary day, more than 450,000 Democrats showed up, and Obama won with 61 percent.
“The polls are missing how many new voters we’re registering – how many people who haven’t voted in a while are getting back interested in the process,” says Mabus. “I think they’re missing the enthusiasm and organizational work. The Obama campaign has the best organization I’ve ever seen. They’re everywhere.”
That has spurred optimism that the US may in fact elect its first African-American president. That’s something Jackie Rivet-River never thought she’d see.
“In my lifetime, I never dreamed that I’d see [an African-American elected president],” says Ms. Rivet-River, an older documentary filmmaker out walking her dog by Lake Michigan in Chicago. “Race isn’t an issue for me, one way or the other.” She believes that in the end Obama will win by a significant margin.
Christy Gozdik, who’s lived in Chicago for 30 years and just lost her job, says race isn’t an issue for her either. But she says she does know at least one person for whom it is. “She won’t admit it, but I know that’s the reason she’s voting for McCain,” says Ms. Gozdik. “I hate to say it, but the racist factor is there.”
Still, Gozdik says people’s concerns about the economy and the unpopularity of the current Republican administration may make race less of a factor this year in particular. “People may be more willing to vote for a minority now because the country is doing so badly,” she says, noting that she also knows a number of people who she might have thought would balk at supporting a black candidate but plan to vote for Obama.
At the Georgia State Farmers’ Market in Forest Park, Ga., just outside the liberal Atlanta beltline, the economy is also top on most voters’ minds.
“The economy is really aggravating everybody,” says Lamar Caskin, a 20-something black man, who’s busy mopping the market’s bathroom stalls. He almost lost his job recently when he couldn’t find gasoline to get to work during the regional shortage that struck the area after hurricanes Gustav and Ike. As a result, he supports Obama’s economic plan, which relies on energy independence and tax breaks for the middle class.
“I don’t think race is a big deal in this election,” says Mr. Caskin. “I hope it’s not an issue, but I don’t see it and I don’t feel it, and I honestly never thought about it.”
But Josh Pincus, a Chicago architect who supports Obama, says he was recently shocked at a conversation in which several acquaintances used racial epithets while talking about the election and praised putting up McCain lawn signs as being similar to advocating the KKK. “I was blown away,” he says, while watching his young daughter at a Chicago playground. “I just had to walk away.”
Experts on race say strains of overt racism still exist, but not as powerfully as just a few decades ago.
“[Those with racist views] clearly are a minority now and they’re not dispositive of anything – there was a time when they were,” says David Bositis, a senior researcher at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, whose research focuses on issues of particular concern to African-Americans and other people of color. “They can rant and rave all they want, but time has passed them by.”
Despite the academic studies and record numbers of Americans, white and black, who’ve contributed to the Obama campaign, concerns remain that racism could undermine Obama’s candidacy.
Sonia Whittle is a Mexican-American married to a white Republican man. She often picks up the scuttlebutt on the streets of Forest Park, a largely black and Hispanic neighborhood in Georgia. Because of her Hispanic appearance, whites and blacks often think she doesn’t speak English, so she overhears racial prejudices from all three populations. In her circles, she says, race overshadows all other issues at the moment.
“I hear this [racial] stuff every day – it’s real,” she says. “I think a lot of whites are afraid of what’s going to happen if Obama gets elected. Everybody’s real confused right now.”
Ms. Whittle does not think the country is ready for an African-American president. But with the polls continuing to give Obama a solid lead, others disagree strongly. And they’re worried about what could happen if Obama doesn’t win on Nov. 4.
“I think there’ll be chaos,” says Jimmy Gray, a fruit vendor and pastor in Georgia who is black. “There are too many people ready for a new country and a new vision, and you’d see the 50 percent of people who support Obama rebelling against any other government you put in there.”
For many veterans of the civil rights movement, like former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, much more is at stake than an election.
“The election of Barack Obama as president of the United States would be the greatest thing for racial reconciliation and racial understanding that we could have happen in this country,” says Governor Winter. “And I think it would mean so much to us as a leader in the world as well as to be able to point to him as president of the United States.”
Amanda Paulson in Chicago and Patrik Jonsson in Forest Park, Ga., contributed to this report.
Comments
2. D L Ennis | 10.22.08
I would say with 98% of blacks voting for Obama that racism is alive and kicking!
3. Arye Michael Bender | 10.22.08
We, as a nation, may finally ready to bury the Civil War. After almost one hundred and fifty years, it is long overdue… and most welcome.
Senator Obama’s election to the presidency will serve us in many ways that are above and beyond politics as usual.
I for one relish the idea of two bright, happy, little girls enlivening the white house. That they are of African descent, proves that the REAL American dream is alive and well.
while I am an older Caucasian man, I feel connected to all of humanity. America is finally growing up. And that makes me especially proud.
- Arye Michael Bender -
4. Sam Spade | 10.22.08
No, it just means that Democrats are more enthusiastic about their candidate than the past few years. Besides, people voting for McCain due to race are not going to openly say so.
5. Andrew Rademacher | 10.22.08
[“She won’t admit it, but I know that’s the reason she’s voting for McCain,” says Ms. Gozdik. “I hate to say it, but the racist factor is there.”] If this is not a wild assumption then I don’t know what is.
6. Jamie | 10.22.08
Yes, it’s always good to vote race and not credentials or experience….Just the fact that this is even an issue shows how little anyone is paying attention to what the substance of Obama really is. He might be a nice guy, he might be a great senator to ILL..( 147 days in the senate can really give you a lifetime of experience) he might have a silver tongue..BUT..he isn’t going to bring any kind of change to the USA other than socialzation of what we had as a democracy. Right now if you tell people you are not voting for Obama you are labeled a racist…and thats not very democratic at all is it?
7. Marshall | 10.22.08
This is garbage. Saying that racism is “waning” in the United States is untrue. Racism against minorities such as blacks and hispanics may be waning, but the racism against whites from blacks is astounding. I recently read an article in Time magazine that listed percentages of different groups voting for each candidate. It suggested that 0% (I suppose this is actually somewhere less than 0.5%) of black voters will be voting for John McCain. You’re telling me that black voters aren’t racist. Garbage.
8. JRDevo | 10.22.08
Funny how this article sugessts support for Obama indicates “racsim is on the wane”, …..but 90%+ black support for Obama suggests what? Diversity?
Has any white candidate ever enjoyed 90%+ support from ANY group? Not in my 50+ year memory!
That aside, Obama wouldn’t have a chance of being elected without whites’ support - the numbers aren’t there without them. White voters are the most politically diverse group of all and we are shortchanged as racist at every turn. It’s time to change this worn out tune.
9. dumb racist journalist | 10.22.08
“cost him some white support in some struggling industrial states like Ohio and Pennsylvania”
I could of swore that industrial states always vote republican, but that is racist.
Too bad he is still higher in the polls. Tough journalist writing this so people read it. Terrible even
11. Scorpio Redhead | 10.22.08
It is wonderful if racism is waning in America. But it needs to wane some more, in my opinion.
12. Anonymous | 10.22.08
Its not the race factor like the Obama campaign says. Its the fact he has NO EXERIENCE, BAD ASSOCIATIONS, and RACIST/COMMUNIST MENTORS. What esle do you want?? Does the left forget what office he’s running for? I’m sorry if I want my president to have slightly better standards. I can’t believe the stuff the left will throw out there. It’s disgusting. If race was such a factor, why did Bush hire more blacks than any other president? Why do you see blacks in every single area of gov’t and jobs in America? Race issue? Or liberal tactics and smear? Cmon people. You can do it. Use that brain.
13. GLSteele | 10.22.08
I am not remotely a racist - and I believe the time is upon us that we can elect a man or woman of any race - but NOT a racist.
Barack Obama is a racist - he has set under consistent teaching, associated with organizations that promote bigotry and is a poor candidate for this office.
The state of politics in our country is poor to say the least. That this is the candidate that could hold this position in history is a sadder commentary still.
14. john | 10.22.08
Shouldn’t we judge people by their ideas and worth, not skin color? Why do articles like this get published? Such anecdotal and mean spirited bile tends to create problems rather than help remove them.
15. KING RICH | 10.22.08
This is reversed racism. How can a African American say that he is voting for Obama simple because of his race. This seems to be the phenomenon that every speaks about. It is no phenomenon, African Americans are voting for Obama because they are racist. I bet you’ll see the Bradley effect, I’m one of them. Id write more but I don’t want my African American counterparts to read what I’m writing and call me a racist. It seems that people are racist now a days just because they don’t vote based on race. Go figure!
16. Eb | 10.22.08
As I stated on the post that disappeared. I don’t think people as a whole are afraid what will happen if Senator Obama is elected because of his mixed racial hertiage. They are afraid because he has shown a consist lack of ability to tell the truth about who he has associated with, and his ideas of “redistribution of wealth.” There are two modern examples of “redistribution of wealth” that I can call to mind that most people know of. Zimbabwe and Venezuela. In both cases agents of “change” were elected to be president. In both case the “redistribution” started as major changes in the tax laws. From there the “redistribution” has crumbled both nations economies. With Zimbabwe now have the highest inflation ever recorded.
So I am not saying that Senator Obama shouldn’t win because he is mixed-racially (I am too) I am saying he shouldn’t win because his words are not consistant with his actions, and other words are just scary in this time when we can look at other examples of places that have tried the same basic things.
17. Rick West | 10.22.08
The fact that a disproportionate number of black Americans are voting for Obama is a clear indication that reverse-prejudice is clearly on the rise. This sends a clear message that, while many non-blacks are accepting of a black president, most black Americans are still caught up in a racist mindset, voting primarily on race, rather than on political qualifications.
18. JS | 10.22.08
Racism on the wane? Wrong. It’s more blatant than ever. Colin Powell’s decision to abandon his principles and the surge in black voters is absolute proof that racism is alive and well.
19. joe | 10.22.08
“The election of Barack Obama as president of the United States would be the greatest thing for racial reconciliation and racial understanding that we could have happen in this country”
But if he doesn’t win, or if I don’t vote for him, it has nothing to do with the thoughts in his head and the words that come out of his mouth (most liberal Democrat senator), it’s because I, and the rest of us who didn’t vote for him, are a bunch of racists right? HINT: I wasn’t going to vote for Hillary either.
20. Brandie | 10.22.08
Barack Obama is half white. Hello did anyone think about that? I think that race is the issue here. Who cares if he is black or white, but what I do care about is his socialistic views. He may say he is going to fix this country, but how? He wants everyone to be the same, and he wants to punish the well off. I think that he does not have enough experience, to the president of the United States of America. I completely disagree with David Bositis, because the election is clearly about race. People are voting for Barack Obama, because he is half black. He stands for blacks, and says he is black. If you ask me white people are discriminated against more than blacks. I am scared, because I think that this country is going down hill, and nothing can stop it. There are going to be major race wars here in this country, and with Barack Obama wanting to reduce the money on our defense systems here in America it will happen sooner or later. There are many white people that are ready for it too. It is sad that we have made, and developed our society around race. Who cares what race someone is, I think that if someone is a decent person, that works, and does thier duty to help society, they are a person just like me. I will vote for who I beleive will do a better job with this country. I will also pray for the new president, wether I voted for him or not, because he will need it. Whoever may win no matter how people have voted, they need to pray for our new president, because it is our American duty to stand behind our president. This is America, and we the people need to protect it, and make sure that it stays America.
21. RIchard | 10.22.08
Obama’s success arguably shows that race still matters: a majority of Americans who care about it are able to see themselves in him, no matter their own. In 1993 TIME magazine published a special issue titled “The New Face of America”: the cover image was a computer-generated image of the ideal multiracial face. Obama is the personification of that image.
The philosopher Groucho Marx, when told that Jewish-Americans were not allowed in a restricted country club pool, asked: “But my daughter’s only half-Jewish. Can she go in up to her waist?”
Obama’s already halfway in the presidential pool, and he’s a great swimmer.
22. Jonathan | 10.22.08
How can this presidential election cycle indicate that racism is on the wane in the U.S. when 90% of the Black voters are voting for Obama?
Clearly, White racism is on the wane, but Black racism is simply becoming more apparent.
23. George Leary | 10.22.08
It seeems that the article is saying that if whites vote for a black then racism is on the decline. However if they vote for a white then there is hidden or at least latent racism at work. If a black votes for a white he is either voting on the issues, has no choice, or is confused about his best interests. Left out is the obvious racism of 90% of blacks voting for a black based onbeing black. Why is this not openly discussed? Then there is the threat of what would happen if Obama loses. Tell me is this threat of mass violence, based on the rejection of someone of the same race, not racism.
24. Natalia Kac | 10.22.08
I am appalled that people would label me a racist because I am not voting for Obama. Sad day.
25. Frank | 10.22.08
How do you say racism is on the wane when 95% of blacks will vote for Obama. If 95% of white people voted for Mccain it would be said that white America stole the election and that White people are Racist. How is it ok for Black Entertainment television, Black Miss America and other things and not be reverse racism. If you decide you are against Obama you are a racist, but not the other way around…. Doesn’t make sense to me
26. Robert | 10.22.08
Yes We Can and Yes We Will.
The winds of change are blowing and Barack Obama will be our next President.
Black people, White people, Yellow people, Red people….we are all UNITED and proud to support President Barack Obama.
27. Doug | 10.22.08
This story misses the mark. Racism isn’t gone, it’s simply moved across the political spectrum from the right to the left. Race and racism are primarily injected into issues from the left now. Democrats have a far greater preoccupation with race than Republicans.
If it’s racist to vote for the white guy over the black guy because of race, then surely the reverse is also racist. It could well be a wash in this election with as many people voting for Obama as against him because of his race. Both are equally wrong.
28. Postracialnotreally. | 10.22.08
Is Obama Post Racial? Arguably not. A Black republican running with his kind of numbers would suggest that. Better yet, a black republican ideologue. But many people are prepared to believe that he is and will vote for him simply because he is a democrat, and not because of his race. If he loses will it be because of his race? Certainly. Yet, I don’t think that he will lose, and win or lose his mere nomination has the presidential candidate of a major party has already caused irreversible waves in this country. His election would simply be cherry on top of the whip cream. Old stereotypes don’t die easily, I suspect his election would only confirm the hollywood trope of the black crisis president of the u.s.a
29. Jason Spokane | 10.22.08
WOW! the liberal media went over the top on this headline. Is the Presidential campaign really abour racism? So if I don’t vote for Obama I am a racist?
I ope that peopel are not buing into this and only voting for Obama becase if says somehting about them- that they are not a racist. I think you need to vote for something that you believe in- like policy, action and patriotism.
30. fnp9 | 10.22.08
I guess all the Obama supporters can stay home. The media has already got him winning, thanks to them.
31. Patrick | 10.22.08
While Obama seems almost assured of being our next president, the voices of regular African-Americans are almost completely silent. Did you notice that? The atmosphere is so tense and full of hate towards us that we don’t put Obama signs in our yard or Obama stickers on our vehicles (at least not in Texas) because we understand. There have always been the truly racist on one hand and on the other hand, those who pretend that things are getting better. The pretenders tend to speak for African Americans while we hide and pray for deliverance. They tell us and themselves that “racism is on the wane”. I will vote for Obama even though he is winning by NOT being black. He is winning by ignoring us and yet we understand that he must ignore us to win.
32. Peter | 10.22.08
As a person who studied in your country and used to love America I hope and pray that Obama makes it. It would do SO MUCH GOOD for the image and the role of the USA worldwide.
33. Rodney King | 10.22.08
Temperature outside is getting cooler suggesting that global warming is on the wane.
34. R101 | 10.22.08
Racism has and will always exist in this country. Just that it shifts from one minority to the next. Think about it.
35. Mark Hendrickson | 10.22.08
Obama’s success indicates a decline in white on black racism, but not black on white racism. Black on white racism is not spoken about as much, but it is strong and disagreeable to those unfortunate enough to be a part of it.
36. Roy | 10.22.08
problem is that as white prejudice wains black prejudice is on the rise; remember reverend wright and mrs. obama’s panel discussion regarding “whittie”…anyway…we are all in this together and only time will tell whether obama will unite or further inflame racial passions in america. good luck to all.
37. Rosetta James | 10.22.08
I am 65 years old and well remember southern segregation [and northern indifference]; i remember no motels available to us when we drove south during summers or emergencies and reading about constant lynchings of [mostly] black men. so i am shocked that a black man has risen so far in the presidential race and i now see the young white person and the liberal white person in a completely different way where it is no longer white vs black but rather mccain vs obama. and i am truly grateful for that distinction, finally.
38. JWiesen | 10.22.08
What a thrilling time in the history of America! Obama is clearly the superior candidate. It’s the first time I’ve voted for a Democratic president and I can’t wait for the celebration.
39. Philip W | 10.22.08
This article does a horrible job of compartmentalizing two very different racial discussions: race’s role in this election and race’s role in our society. Race’s role in this election is only partially indicative of the broader racial problem. Just because a Black man is elected president does not mean the wealth/health/educational disparities in this country have nothing to do with race. They do.
40. Larry Linn | 10.22.08
I do not care how the American population classifies Obama as “white” or “black”. My only concern if his agenda is the best for my country. We are falling into the worst ecomic times since 1929. Obama’s politial agenda offers all of us the best hope.
41. Kathy | 10.22.08
Anyone that votes for a president because of his or her sex or race is a fool. I will never vote for a socialist whether he or she is black, white or purple. A great many Americans are actually beyond the color issue and I for one am sick to death of Republicans being called racists. In this crucial time, policies are what need to be examined. I fear that many Americans are shallow enough to be viewing this election as if it was Dancing with the stars.
42. Marshall | 10.22.08
Racism on the wane? Did you not see the Howard Stern interviews where african americans back all of McCain’s views, when they pretended those views were Obama’s.
http://www.uncommondescent.com/off-topic/howard-stern-interviews-obama-supporters-hilarious/
43. Neil Ross | 10.22.08
Contemporary Americans have been reared to insist on a WalMart civilization. Is it easy? Is it cheap? And does it serve MY specific needs?
For now, as our financial markets crash and the raw truth of the Bush Administration’s horrible malfeasance begins to surface, it’s convenient for racists to support Obama/Palin. For fifteen minutes.
Americans are fickle, and ultimately, it depends on what’s on sale, what’s in the yellow press, or in typical “individualist” terms: “What’s in it for me.”
I supported Obama long before he was convenient, long before racist whites and affluent, Conservative survivors of the current economic mess signed-on.
Racism isn’t over by a long shot, and that fact is one of the great tragedies in the history of this country.
So I dispute your claims. They fill the paper, but Americans — with certain exceptions — buy what’s on sale, support the current rage, or do whatever they can to walk over their brother’s face in the attempt to save their own hides.
Redux your article, please. What a world it would be if Obama were to erase the level of bigotry which has defined our nation for centuries.
No such luck.
The potentially great statesman, Obama, is different from the quick-fix Obama which has attracted so many of his former (and really current) detractors.
The CSM should know better than to publish such a naive article. That is not your tradition. And sadly, your claims do not fall within the American tradition.
44. FormerLPMember | 10.22.08
The article title is a bit ironic, seeing how 90-95% of black voters have or are supporting Obama. Doesn’t that suggest that a large percent of black voters are racists?
45. Neil Ross | 10.22.08
To correct an error (almost laughable)in my previous post: I was referring to the “Obama/Biden” campaign, not the “Obama/Palin” campaign which, thank God, does not exist.
46. E. Barry | 10.22.08
If the above published statement by Gov. Winter, regarding the election of Mr. B. Obama as president of these United States, is accurately quoted, I completely agree with him that it would a great act of racial reconciliation as well as great example to the upcoming population of the United States and a shining example to the world of the greatness of this country.
47. Campbell | 10.22.08
Obama is a racist so this opinion piece does not hold water. Obama has been using the race card throughout his campaign.
48. henry landis | 10.22.08
I have a different take on the “Bradley Effect, which claims that voters who said they’d vote for a black man then did the opposite. My guess is that many folks, who live in areas where their friends and neighbors normally are Republican, will avoid damaging their relationships and,in the privacy of the booth, pull the Obama lever. I also believe that they will do this in order to tell the world that America has outgrown its lamentable history of prejudice….and none too soon !
49. Steve | 10.22.08
Get a clue. The latest AP poll shows Obama with a 1 pt. lead.Nice story, but don;t use the polls to support it. They seem to swing every day, even every hour.
51. bwags | 10.22.08
We have traded our prejudices from race to age. Other cultures actually respect and treat age as an honor and listen to them for wisdom. Unfortunately we now are saying that we approve of electing anyone as President even though they exhibit no apparent wisdom or common sense, they only have smooth tongues that tickle the ear.
52. Shawn | 10.22.08
With 98% of blacks polled indicating they are voting for the black candidate and only 2% willing to vote for the white candidate, is racism really “on the wane”?
53. mike | 10.22.08
95% of blacks voting for Obama and racism is dead? Your coverage appears to be more about voting for someone of color than simply voting for the right person.
54. rpc | 10.22.08
The majority of the American people do not care if the candidate is purple with pink polka dots … ITS NOT ABOUT COLOR … Its about morals, God first, then country. If we put God first everything else will fall ino place.
The media needs to stop making it about race when its not.. look at the support Senator Obama has … .
His color is beautiful, my concern is what he stands for
not the fact that his skin color is different from mine .. how truly ridculous that would be to allow that to be a determining factor
55. No1Yuno | 10.22.08
Funny how race DOES matter in this race, but it’s okay to play the race card as long as you’re the minority. Racism IS on the wane in this country, but sadly, people are using it as the basis with which to cast a vote against a white opponent to prove it, meaning that the color of a candidates skin does have an effect. People seem to think that equality somehow means that they should vote for Obama, not that the color of his skin should have no significance. How sad for this country, that so few can think anymore…
56. Robert Shreve | 10.22.08
One report has one candidate in double digits, while another report has them even, who can you believe.I don’t trust both of them.
57. Ethan | 10.22.08
This is what I deduce from this article. For whites, the race issue is mostly a non-factor. As for Sonia Whittle and her circle of African American and Hispanic minorities, race is a big factor. “Forest Park, a largely black and Hispanic neighborhood in Georgia… she overhears racial prejudices from all three populations. In her circles, she says, race overshadows all other issues at the moment.” For whom is race more important? Me, I believe that some white liberal politicians and some black liberal politicians use race and what little negative ‘racial news’ they can find in order to turn the election into a matter of race, with the intent of rousing ‘white guilt’. Evidence for my observation can be found in the last paragraph of this article. What is meant by ‘racial reconciliation’ and ‘racial understanding’? What happened to the issues: taxes, size of gov., spending…? And how is it always that Republicans are blamed by the left (’mainstream media’ included) for ‘racial misconduct’? Thank you for your time.
58. Harold A. Maio | 10.22.08
The issue of race has been intertwined with the history of the United States since its inception.
I am not certain you are representing the issue accurately. The issue of West European superiority has been intertwined with the history of the United States since its inception.
59. fjfjdvdv | 10.22.08
Hey, I’m not going to let race influence my vote. I mean, just because the guy’s half white is no reason to vote against him. We’ve had a few white presidents who performed adequately, and there’s no evidence that a white (or partially white) candidate cannot serve his country capably in this capacity.
We need to rise above the “guilt by association” that leads to racism. Just because white presidents supported slavery, killed the Native Americans and stole their land, and interred Japanese citizens during WWII does NOT mean that Barack Obama will do any of these things simply because he is half white. And just because the only human in history to order a nuclear weapon used on civilians was a white American president does NOT mean that Barack Obama will do the same.
60. warsame | 10.22.08
No mater who win this election america shawed the world. that America is the only country that is not overcome the raice isue.
It will be great thing for america if they electe obama. and it will remove all or most of the bad images that Bush admin created.
61. Guy | 10.22.08
So when 90+% of black voters vote for Obama, that isn’t racist? Maybe racism among white voters is less of an issue, but I wouldn’t say racism is totally on the wane in the US, unless you only think white people can be racist.
62. ACommentator | 10.22.08
The real issue isn’t race, it’s Political Correctness. The reason folks say they’ll do otherwise they they intend, or say nothing at all is fear they’ll be perceived as being race based, even when they’re not at all.
That’s one reason in the this election even those who support Sen. McCain typically will not have a bumper sticker or yard sign. They’re afraid of what others might think. Race certainly isn’t the only area where this affect occurs….and so the Silent Majority will become even more so.
I wonder what the import of this trend may be.
63. citizen4honor | 10.22.08
Racism? Against Obama? 98% of African Americans are voting for him.
Over 40% of whites. Whites are being called called racist against Obama. When I look at the numbers - I don’t think it’s white people that are being racist. Why can’t we just get the unbiased facts from the media?
Unreal.
And if Obama loses? Riots? Amazing. He was suppose to be the peace maker.
The One.
64. John | 10.22.08
Would the disporportional support of blacks for Obama, even over Clinton, be evidince of black racism? Why is that only white votes can constitue racism?
65. americanvoter | 10.22.08
Race is an issue on both sides. Most blacks voters can be accused of the same thing - voting strictly based on race. Additionally, please report the news in full context. Rev. Wright made (an still makes) racial slurs and racist statements about whites in America. He has stated - “All whites are inherently racists”.
66. Paul Maraka | 10.22.08
Nice article. But I can’t help wonder a bit about the flip side: if blacks vote for Obama because he is half black, is that also racist, or at least race-based? Completely understandable in my book, but maybe in another decade or so we’ll have a minority candidate that succeeds but does not draw substantial support from their own race…
67. ConservativeDem | 10.22.08
I have to wonder why everyone calls Barack Obama African-American? He is just as much Caucasian as he is African-American. Not that it matters. I have been behind Barack Obama since Edwards left the Democratic primaries. There is an NPR story regarding how parents are discussing “race” in this election given that it is very likely we will be electing our first African-American president. Thankfully, given the diversity at my children’s school, I have not had to discuss this issue with them. My husband and I informed the kids we were supporting Obama, and this was all they needed. They expect to see African-Americans in every part of their lives.
Bottom line: Obama is going to be an outstanding President, our exceptional Melting Pot President, if you will.
68. lb stites | 10.22.08
Excellent article, well balanced and informative.
I’m a white guy with several black friends, and I know they are sometimes treated poorly. That should have ended long ago, but we are making progress regardless of the outcome of this election. Obama is proof of that.
69. Nate | 10.22.08
I understand that many think race is not going to have a major impact on the election for Obama. But why is no one mentioning the anti-white feelings that many black americans have towards McCain? There are a large number of black (and I’m sure people of other races) who are going to vote for Obama simply because he his black, or non-white. It is much like people who are vote for the person in their party simply because they are in their party, not because they actually understand where that candidate stands on the issues at hand. Likewise, this can be said about many young voters. I know this because I am one (24 years old), and have had many conversations with people my age that have know real clue where either candidate stands, but had decided voting for which ever candidate is the most popular, or protrayed by the media as the “better” candidate. They vote for a candidate without any true reason or support for their choice.
70. artemisia | 10.22.08
It is about time that we transcend issues pertinent to race and gender in this country. We are voting for Obama because he and his advisors are the better choice to lead the nation.
71. John Pedler | 10.22.08
It’s not only race, but “political correctness” too. It seems quite possible that these two factors could cost Obama the election.
So many Americans particularly in the “red” central states perceive Democrats as “progressives” or “liberals” out to undermine the traditional moral basis of American society (gay marriage and suchlike) These people will vote against their own financial interests for their moral beliefs - in many ways admirable in today’s greed society.
And then there are the Catholic bishops who tell their flock not to vote for politicians who allow abortion. It would be tragic if Obama loses because of Catholic votes when the last two Popes have been against the invasion of Iraq which has caused such immense loss of life, just because the faithful only count the unborn dead!
For us Europeans, who look with dread on a McCain/Palin presidency running our lives too, these are nail-biting days!
72. JD | 10.22.08
If racism is on the wane, then how do you explain 90+% of blacks voting against the white candidate? Or is racism only one-sided?
73. Russ | 10.22.08
And furthermore, YOUR comments/Article appear to be intended to incite, and should not be published per your guidelines below.
74. Dex | 10.22.08
Are you sure about the title for this article? People blindly voting for a black man just means there is still just as much racism, it just has a different face.
75. Wisconsinite | 10.22.08
I think the GOP must be whipping up a race-related frenzy as a last-ditch effort. Several polls have shown middle-class voters agree overwhelmingly with the ideals of the Dems. But when it comes to actual votes, the race is significantly narrower. Anyone who votes for the GOP is voting for another 8 years of getting screwed if you are not a member of the millionaires club. But every four years the GOP trots out the gay marriage, abortion, blah, blah, blah issue that they have never successfully done anything about anyway. Anyone who votes for the GOP is just voting for their own ruin (unless you make more than a million dollars).
76. Pal | 10.22.08
You’ll be surprisd to see how wrong the polls are. Once behind the curtain, the true racist America will speak.
Mark my words…the dnc will think something is wrong with the voting machines, and demand a recount.
77. Steve Martens | 10.22.08
With democrats it’s always a vote for celebrity, not ability. Name me just one democrat President, since FDR, whose substance was not overwhelmed by their celebrity. Jimmy Carter, of course. The peanut farmer celebrity that never flowered, and without the celebrity he was nothing. Here we go again. Listening to the “Dudley-Do-Rights” of your party who feel non-racist because they voted for the black celebrity. I think your head is bobbling a bit too much. You people are nuts.
Thank you, but I will always vote for the candidate that I consider as the most qualified. No matter what you say, voting for a 72 year old white man does not make me a racist.
78. Ron M | 10.22.08
When I went to a fairground in rural North Florida wearing a hat with an Obama pin on it I was surprised how many people glared at me. Two people volunteered uncomplimentary remarks about the candidate. One man was firey and using profanity. At another gathering in rural Central Florida last April one party goer volunteered that he was the Anti-Christ while another was upset because Obama was a beneficiary of affirmative action. Of the eight or so people who expresses strong negative feelings about Obama only three came out and said that race was a factor but I did not probe any to learn where their strong feelings originated from.
Hopefully one of the things that will arise from an Obama victory that I think is coming is that the level of respectability for expressing racial antipathy will decrease, if not the realization that racial stereotypes are both confining and incorrect. It won’t be necessary to say to my grandchildren all men are created equal. They will see it on the TV screen.
79. chato | 10.22.08
i have no racial issues with Obama,i just don’t like his financial plan for the terrible economy we have now.I believe that no new tax’s is the only way to go right now and he wants to raise tax’s
80. SJH/Miami | 10.22.08
Good article making common sense around political/racial issues we have never
experienced in a national election. There are really no surprises regarding
feelings of concern/bias on both sides do to Obama’s race. I feel it is the
degree of those feelings which may be troubling as Jimmy Gray stated: “impending chaos if Obama is not elected”.
I am a white, 21 year military veteran, including 2 tours in Viet Nam & 2
in middle east supporting the evacuation of Iran in late ‘78 / ‘79. I am also a lifelong republican supporting John McCain’s campaign with vigor.
I do not need to explain my own personal feelings of concern/bias regarding
the color of Obama’s skin. I am as color-blind as 99% of our military whom I
have served & fought beside.
The notion that this nation would see chaos without an Obama victory is
a very troubling thought that the liberal press should spend as much time
discouraging as they are supporting the Obama ticket.
Hey, this is “one nation” and if McCain does not win, I and most republicans
I know will get in back of Obama & support his efforts to move our nation
forward. They are both the top candidates from their respective parties &
both sides must live with the results and move on. Get the press to pour
water on that fire before it get’s started.
Concerned…SJH/Miami
81. Steve | 10.22.08
Voting for McCain because he is white is racist.
Voting for Obama because he is black is racist.
Difficult to say who is getting the larger racist vote.
82. akmk | 10.22.08
Love the headline!!
Senator Obama exemplifies family values. He honors his parents, grandparents, and his extended family in Kenya, Kansas, and Hawaii. He has been married to one beautiful woman for sixteen years and has two delightful young daughters. He’s worked in communities to better the lives of children, teenagers, and families. He respects women and works to uphold their rights. His economic proposals are designed to help and lift up working families. He has detailed plans to make health care more available and affordable for all families. He has his own Christian faith, but does not impose that faith on others. He leads by example, with integrity and compassion.
In recent debates, Obama has outlined clearly his economic priorities. Invest in diverse energy sources; invest in fuel-efficient automobile technology; invest in American jobs; invest in small businesses and the middle class; provide tax-relief to 95% of American individuals and families; invest in Head Start and in students pursuing higher education; invest in preventive health care. He’s done his part in this campaign, letting us know who he is and what he stands for. Across the miles from rural Alaska…
83. jpmac55 | 10.22.08
According to most polls, 90 - 95% blacks are voting for Obama. According to most polls, Obama is leading McCain by almost 10 points with all voters yet the mainstream media raises the race card again. The only racism appears obvious to me. Of course the media cannot take any chances.
84. Orlen Mallone | 10.22.08
If race is on the wane, why did Colin Powell endorse you know who. I wasn’t a racist before and respected Colin before he turned against his country’s future. Why are all the blacks except for a tiny few voting the race card instead of on the issues? Colin endorsed you know who only because he’s black. Fine, I won’t ever vote for a black again where before I would have voted for Colin before he lost his sense of direction for this country. You won’t publish this comment because you don’t want to hear the truth.
85. Lokken | 10.22.08
For at least four decades now, it’s been socially unacceptable to be overtly racist. But stereotypes persist, often because of lack of exposure to people of different races. That’s helped create what’s come to be known as the “Bradley Effect.”
I disagree with that. As a 49 yr. old who grew up in a small southern town, racism was still rampant until about 20 yrs ago, in my opinion. Also, there was no “lack of exposure” to black people in the south. I don’t think that was the cause at all in the south.
86. Kevin D. Korenthal | 10.22.08
Everything in this article appears to reflect the reality as I see it. EXCEPT for the fact that Obama is not surging. See this article referencing the latest AP poll of likely voters.:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gkM0JvRRUl81LuDA_P2t_goU2kGAD93VM2F80
Then there is the Battleground poll from yesterday that also shows the race tightening.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/RCP_PDF/BG_102108_2-way-ballot-trender.pdf
Please don’t mislead your readers into thinking that Obama is running away with this election. There is strong evidence that as the election grows closer, TRUST and EXPERIENCE (not race) are causing Americans to think a 2nd time about voting for Barack Obama.
Please post these comments!
87. Paul Stewart | 10.22.08
Indeed in this election, when Obama is elected, a page will be turned. Indeed an new Chapter will commence. The antics and the voices of so many in this campaign though must remind everyone that it is easy to back slide. It is easy to focus people, however directly or subtly on race and other lines of potential division and hate.
Let this election be an opportunity to say no to this kind of mentality, to this kind of action, to this kind of antiAmerican, antiDemocratic way.
And even though this may be a new chapter, this does not solve the plight of many of the minorities. It does potentially put a focus on what is common - the fundamental values, needs, wishes and dreams of all Americans. Americans must all find it in themselves to serve something greater than their narrow self interest. That does not need to be somewhere out there, it can start at home, with your neighbors and friends.
88. crenshaw | 10.22.08
Racism still exists if black people are voting for Obama because he is black.
Racism still exists if for 20 years Obama can attend the church of a preacher who spews “God Damn America!” and still be a serious candidate for the United States of America.
Racism still exists when the the black candidate only receives a pat on the head by the media and no grilling questions about his background or policies.
Racism still exists when a candidate for the United States Presidency can be a close associate of a known and unrepentent domestic terrorist.
89. cumaea | 10.22.08
I think that the election of Barack Obama would send a shock, not just through the U.S. but through the rest of the world. For all of our racial baggage in this country it is worth noting, that, because we are probably the most open society in the world, we air our dirty laundry in public. Is there racism in the United States? Yes! Do we know it? Yes! Can we overcome it? Yes!
The proof is in the fact that Barack Hussein Obama (I use his full name deliberately), an African- AMERICAN man, is leading in the polls and will probably win the election to become our President. Despite all of the negativity around the current campaign, I am intensely proud of this country!
90. Ronald Planesi | 10.22.08
America has been waiting for real change since November 1963. We got a glimmer of it in Clinton, and then saw every glimmer of progress thrown out the window for a Salem witch hunt. And then we got an international Torqumada. Well, even an Inquisition must eventually pass. And now we have a real chance. And Americans are responding. Race becomes irrelevant when hope, real faith, and real spiritual power rises. And that spiritual power does not reside in one man. It resides in the American people. Obama is only a symbol of that power, and an accurate ballot box is only a path to that real power. America can rise again from its ashes of pre-emptive war and torture (including economic torture), and that is what is engaging the electorate. As the groundswell can become the tsunami, the hope of the American people for a good country can become the impetus for a greater country than we ever imagined. If it is to be our future, we must WORK for it and STRUGGLE for it.
91. Don | 10.22.08
Yes, racism still exists in America. In the Democratic primaries, over 90% of blacks voted for Obama, the black candidate; only 60% of whites voted for Clinton, the white candidate. Clearly, whites were far more willing to vote for a black candidate than blacks for a white candidate. Yes, racism is alive and well in America, and blacks are the leading promoters of it, and these facts prove it.
92. Brightfame | 10.22.08
It demonstrates clearly that over 90% of black voters are willing to support a black candidate, no matter how corrupt or dishonest he is. This is the lesson Americans of all colors should have learned from Marion Barry, Kwame Kilpatrick, William Jefferson, Alcee Hastings, and many other examples. Sadly, we haven’t, and millions of gullible whites may soon help elect a man who will do for America what Barry did for Washington, DC and Kilpatrick did for Detroit. May God help us all…
93. CM | 10.22.08
It it my personal opinion that racism is still alive in the U.S. It is much more covert because the consequences of discovery are more grave. Many whites will say that they are not prejudice, but at the same time we lock our doors when we drive through certain neighborhoods, and we make racist remarks when in our circle of friends and family.
Obama did the country no favors by refering to himself as African-American when the reality is the product of an interacial marriage. A marriage which resulted in his white family taking the responsibility for his upbringing. Instead of refering to himself as an American, Obama chooses to refer to himself as product of his father’s contribution to the relationship. The father who abandoned his mother with a young child. How pathetic?
Don’t believe the polls that you see, because they are certainly not representative of the way the average white population believes in private. Ask yourself, why did Democrats vote for Hillary Clinton…a very polarizing candidate? Was it a “no vote” for Obama. Remember New Hampshire. The polls were dead wrong about Obama’s lead.
Voting is very private matter. From experience, personal values, beliefs, and indiosynchrosies rush to your head as you make the choice. Racism is alive in the United States, look at the 99+% support of Obama from the African-American community.
94. cobb | 10.22.08
don’t forget that in the primaries, surveys indicate that clinton enjoyed the majority of black support.
95. Cindy | 10.23.08
I an register to vote as republican and I am a white women. Even though I am registered as a republican I vote for the candidate that I feel would do the best job,that’s views are ones that are important to me and my family and the one that has the issues that I think will better this country. I hate it that race even has to be an issue in this election.
I was born and raised here in the south and have seen racism on both sides. I have seen whites raciest against blacks and blacks raciest against whites but I feel that it is getting better. Don’t get me wrong we are not there yet but I believe it is better than it use to be. This election should not be about race it should be about which candidate will be better for our country. I am supporting Obama because I think he is best for this country, because I agree with his solutions to our problems and because his issues are ones that (I believe) is this countries major problems that need fixed now in order for America’s economy to be strong again.
One main thing I notice with the campaign that made me lean towards Obama was health care. Obama wants to make it where we can keep our company insurance if we want or make it were we can get insurance as good as the one he has as senator. He wants to go after insurance companies so they won’t be denying coverage for past medical history and lower cost. McCain wants to give everyone tax credit so they can get individual insurance which will not work and I will tell you why it won’t. Me and my family have always been on group insurance through my husbands work or mine but he recently changed jobs and that company doesnt have group insurance.
96. Byron E. Price | 10.23.08
African Americans have always voted overwhelmingly democratic 90+ percent of the time. People forget about Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. These gentleman did not receive that kind of support when they ran for the democratic presidential nomination. Could it be that blacks feel that Senator Obama is qualified? Are the whites who endorse or vote for the McCainPalin ticket racist because they are voting for other whites? This is ridiculous supposition. Governor Palin is clearly not ready to serve intellectually, yet a lot of epople are voting for her because she is white it can be proffered. Why can’t women just be proud of her instead of it being racial or sexist? Are some whites so begrudging that they cannot understand the pride black people feel for this intelliegnt and gifted man? If he were Flavor Flav or some other buffoon and received that level of support from blacks then I would say there is a problem. Yet, with all her intellectual shortcomings, some whites feel it is ok to vote for Palin. They must be racist to support such an intelecctually challenged individual? I suspect that they get her and we get Senator Obama. Yes we are proud but we would not offer up an African American idiot to the polity for the highest office in the land. We would never have another chance to run for president if we did and that person would set us back several centuries.
97. Mark Johnson | 10.23.08
I’m greatly impressed that so many African-Americans are willing to put racial considerations aside and vote for a man who is half white.
98. Just Looking | 10.23.08
People are as naive as it gets, if one seriously thinks that Americas race problem is simply gone, the facts clearly show how voting is following racial lines (other than the white population). America is going to increasingly become balkanised and will increasingly vote on racial lines as the economy falters and their is less to pass around to everyone.
99. ARMD | 10.23.08
first of all let me just say that everyones got a point………….when almost all of black americans vote for obama it does suggest a strong case of reverse racism……but on the other hand………you must consider as well that they have lived under strong oppression for more than 200 years and wen they see a black man rise to become president they believe that their voices might finally be heard……….in sum sort of way i think this topic is so complex that it cannot be discussed in one go………at the end of the day wen you go to cast your vote .,you must ask yourself….one very imp Q……..
is this about the colour?
101. K. Tyson | 10.23.08
There is clearly a double standard in the US. Many people of color say they are voting for Obama because of his skin color yet that is not considered to be racist.
If you even think about not voting for Obama and you are white…you are a racist. If you say it is because he has socialist ideals…you are a racist. If it is because of his lack of experience…you are a racist.
102. Tom | 10.23.08
For all the people complaining that ‘black people’ are voting for the ‘black guy’, keep in mind that every other election they voted 100% for the ‘white guy’. 100 percent. Not very racist eh?
You know, once the novelty wears off it won’t even matter any more. We look forward to that day.
103. Tim | 10.23.08
I’m from Arkansas and Racism is alive and thriving here. Blacks and Whites are Racist. Obama will win because he is the better candidate. All of McCains lies and ignorance have defeated him. I saw a picture of him on the news and he looked evil. The choice is clear.
104. AJBopp | 10.23.08
I don’t see any great difference, really, at being labeled a racist for not voting for Obama, and being labeled a Socialist for voting in favor of him. Both points of view require the same low standard of intellect.
105. Naeldwyck | 10.23.08
All you people shouting “reverse racism”,”90%”, “95%”, “99.5%”, please take a reality check. Is there anything - anything at all in the McCain/Palin ticket and campaign that could convince more than 10% of non-WASP American that theirs is the platform of inclusion? Did you see the audience at the GOP convention? That’s their base, and there are many many reasons why it is so, but non of them are the fault of blacks in the US.
And Natalia, I think nobody here has said that voting McCain means you are a racist, and if they say so, they’re wrong; but that does not take away the fact that there is a strong undercurrent of racism in the McCain campaign (and occasionally even explicitly, as with his juxtaposition of “Arab” - “decent family man”), and terrible expressions of racism by people who attend the McCain/Palin rallies, which go undenounced by McCain or Palin.
106. Bill | 10.23.08
I sorry to say most of you white folks will never get it or care to get it. Just because a Black person decides to stand up for his or herself they are instantly label anti-white. Must black people don’t want a hand out or any special treatment. We would just like a level playing field. That’s why programs like Affirmative Action, Voters Right Act etc were created. Until you have walked in a Black man’s shoe on a daily basis you will never understand.
107. fuzzyjefe | 10.23.08
A common thread here has been that African-Americans are racist because 90+% of them are voting for an African-American candidate. By the same token, does that mean European-Americans have been racist for the last 200+ years because they have voted for a candidate of European-American descent? Is a person necessarily racist because they vote for a person from the same ethnic background? No. I think a person votes with racist motivation if they think the other candidates are inferior only because of their skin color. So far I haven’t seen a poll that has looked for this specific motivation.
108. Chris Underhill | 10.23.08
For lovers of history, it is very apparent that Mr.Obama and his supporters have only one major goal and that is a hyper- aggressive lust for power. Love of, and abuse of power transends race so Mr. Obama’s racial backround means very little in a culture consumed with an American Idol “who’s the winner” mentality. Additionally ,the democratic party will crow about Mr. Obama being the first African-American president for years to come once he is elected. Nevertheless, Mr. Obama’s other major task after he sets the economy on its right course will be to eradicate the massive poverty as well as low educational level that is found in so much of the African-American community, especially in our nations longtime democratic controlled cities.
109. rurikvred | 10.23.08
It’s nice to see so many whiners of the white disposition complaining that most black people are voting for Obama. Really? And those white whiners think its “reverse racism”? How about looking at it as “catch up” emotionalism to a black man (half white) finally being accepted as a potential U.S. President? I don’t hold it against any black person to vote strictly on race. I don’t have the experience of being profiled and ridiculed for my color (white), like blacks have been for three hundred years.
Grow up, racist apologists. Your pointed hoods are showing, no matter what your lopsided logic is. I’m white, voting for Obama, because he is young, has a good brain, is cool under pressure, and has shown just by the immense organizational power of his campaign that he knows how to lead. McCain should have chosen Tina Fey as VP. She has more education, intelligence, and experience than “Failin’ Palin”. (We have an ongoing joke in the office that you can tell how high your IQ is by whether you get excited when Sarah Palin speaks — it’s not high, trust me. Even the customer service women are shaking their heads, upset that Palin is being presented as the “female choice”… they’re actually embarrassed)
110. Tony | 10.23.08
I am glad that the bloggers undermine the naïve idea that Obama’s campaign is evidence that prejudice and racism is becoming a thing of the past. We will know that those issues are becoming a thing of the past when the prison and poverty rate is not grossly leaned towards people of color, without the implication that “they are just lazy.” Furthermore, for some bloggers to wonder why blacks lean more towards Obama, is the same reason blacks lean more towards Clinton, Carter, and Kennedy. The interests of blacks have not been with the Republican Party since the pre-Civil Rights Era. To imply that all blacks are voting for Obama simply because he is black assumes that they can not make educated and informed decisions. I seriously doubt blacks would be enthusiastic if Clarence Thomas was running for office.
111. Mayosoft | 10.23.08
In regard to DL Ellis comment regarding 98% of Blacks voting for Obama is racist. On the contrary. 98% of Blacks typically vote Democratic! If you had studied history and stats you would know this. America is ready for a change. We need responsible government. Not leaving Blacks or Whites stranded like with Katrina (in New Orleans) and Gustav & Ike (in Galveston). Being over 50 I know I had never seen such ineptitude on such a grand scale as Homeland Security, FEMA and their missions to help Americans. Citizens are tired of the misfits running things, and the average Joe is taking the brunt of the fiasco’s that this administration has let loose. The election is not about race, it’s about honesty, compassion, intelligence and true vision for the America that I grew up with. If you never lived in a Great America, you may be too young to remember going anywhere (abroad) and people would come up to you saying “American- Ahh good” instead of today almost ashamed or fearful of saying you are an American because of retribution of harm that may come.
If you are a racist, or have concern over race- remove it from your thoughts and go over both candidates ideals, vision, and speeches (written) without their names attached until you have read both or all. Then make a decision.
112. Nic Jack | 10.23.08
I am completely fine with an African American man or woman becoming President of The United States of America BUT he should not be win the election just because of his race. How about Sen. Obama goes back to Illinois and serves another 4 years and gains some more experience and then he comes back and might have some more experience and he might actually vote on some the issues instead of voting present.
113. Jay | 10.23.08
Is it more racist for a black candidate to energize black constituents, many of which have never been engaged in the political process, or for a white candidate to over look that entire demographic? This is the course of action that has been taken by most white republican and democratic candidates in recent elections. I’d rather play on the baseball team where the coach actually lets me get some playing time. Republicans think it is reverse racism because so many blacks are voting for a black man, but maybe if the Republican party would of engaged these voters to begin with they wouldn’t be staring defeat in the face.
114. Jose Card | 10.23.08
You will have to have lived overseas to know that the US truly welcomes all races on Earth. Can you name another country that is more tolerant of different races?
115. kristi | 10.23.08
This could also mean that there’s a redistribution of which bigots are becoming a minority. Go Obama!
116. Dini | 10.23.08
African-americans vote for the democratic party at margins usually greater than 90%, be it for Gore, Kerry or Clinton. So, just because they are voting for Obama does not mean they have suddenly all voting according to race. If Obama was as right wing as McCain or Bush, you can be sure he would not be getting anywhere close to 90%. Blacks always vote for the most left wing candidates, because they generally perceive the right wing as racists. However, it can not be denied that some african-americans will be voting for Obama this year because they want to see the first black president.
117. Delvin | 10.23.08
Race relations in this country have never been worse. They’re even beefing up security in major cities for election night. Detroit and places like it. I believe McCain will win, not because of race necessarily. But, because Obama has a hidden agenda people can sense. Of course, racism plays a part and it will. However, we’ll never know. If he loses, it will be blamed for past and present dealings with shady people and not race. Atleast, that’s what you will hear on the news and see on the internet. I’ve noticed some of the most humble, well mannered people say things in the past year, I thought wasn’t even possible. Racism , is on all sides. What to do with it, beats me. But, oh yeah, it’s around.
118. Diane | 10.23.08
Blacks voting for Obama at least in part because he is Black is not at all the same as whites voting for McCain because he is white. The white racist vote is a vote of fear and sometimes hatred against blacks, while the black so-called racist vote is a vote of pride and excitement, a vote FOR something important.
119. White Guy # 0789231005 | 10.23.08
I have read most of the comments related to this article and have come to 2 conclusions:
1) Clear writing is a foreign concept to most conservatives;
2) Conservatives only become concerned with racism when it can be construed as anti-white.
If voting for the first and only black candidate because he’s black is racist, then what is it when every other candidate prior has been a white male?
There’s something much more pernicious about institutional racism compared to the parochial issue the right-wing falls back to, wherein some people who may identify with the experience and values of a candidate that shares those individuals’ race are labelled “racist.”
120. Paddy Rao | 10.23.08
Racism is an interesting notion. I am Indian, a Hindu brahmin and tanned. I am aware of India’s unfortunate past with untouchability, and quite ashamed of that past. So don’t get me wrong, discrimination of any sort is a wrong thing.
Slavery was wrong–that was racism. Otherwise, prejudice always exists, and will exist. When there was no whites v. blacks, there was christians v. jews, or catholics v. protestants.
Are 98% blacks racist because they will vote for Obama, assuming they do? Perhaps. But then, perhaps not. This is the first time a black is on the very brink of becoming President. While blacks may vote for Obama en masse, we must remember that Obama has endearing qualities that enables him to reach across several cultures. He is running an inclusive campaign.
Now let us assume Hillary had been the candidate (I was rooting for her in the primaries, though I never voted in the primaries). What if 98% of women had voted for Hillary? Would that make 98% of women feminists?
If Obama becomes President, it will be a significant step in US moving away from its unfortunate past, just as Mahatma Gandhi in the 1930s influenced Hindus to open up the temples to the untouchables, something even Buddha had not been able to achieve.
So no one in the US is a “racist,” because everyone is against slavery. People from all cultures come to the US, and these very folks open the doors to us. If some of those folks don’t want to vote for Obama because of race, they are not racists. They are just prejudiced.
But one other thing needs to happen after Obama becomes President. He has to do well, and steer the country to great heights, greater than we have ever reached before. The pressure on him to deliver is very high. But then Obama has created those high stakes for himself.
121. Lucy James | 10.23.08
This campaign has nothing to do with race, but another historical lesson: Taxation without representation. After we have thrown off out oppressors, will we bear them again, voluntarily?
If we allow the liberal left to take over all houses on the hill they will attempt to mute the voices of all dissenting views. Wake up people!!!
Obama and associates are perfectly comfortable taking from people who have worked hard their whole life to realize the American dream; a personal dream, only to arrive and find that dream really belongs to someone else, not because someone else worked for it, but because the government says so. Whatever happened to the philosophy of people like John Locke, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Remember them? Every American has the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness; we have a right to the fruits of our labor. We have a right to keep the property we have worked hard to earn. This is what our Country, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are built on. This is the foundation of our freedom.
We are a land created of the people, by the people, and for the people.Don’t let the liberal media, political and cultural elites lull you to sleep and steal your heritage!
122. john | 10.23.08
obama is changed and mc cain is 72 year old man and supports the war in middle east. with little veiw on how to control the economic problems in the USA
123. JMATT | 10.23.08
Ok Im gonna go both ways on this, for race and politics
I agree, African-americans vote for the democratic party at margins usually greater than 90%, be it for Gore, Kerry or Clinton. African Americans have voted democrat for years so stop using it as an excuse to cry reverse racism.
Finally, who cares if it is? For 200 year America has voted for white presidents, isnt it only logical that it would happen if an amazingly assured and highly american centered black individual came along and wanted to become president that African Americans would want to see him do so?
Wake up people. Se what has been happening for hundreds of years and look at yourselves in the mirror. Is it any different than what the majority has been doing for hundreds of years? I think not. What goes around comes around and this is the right man to do so.
124. crenshaw | 10.23.08
When a candidate for president can worship under a preacher who says “God Damn America!” and hobnob with domestic terrorists and vote consistently with a liberal left agenda, never have any substantive political experience, and state he wants to “spread the wealth around” indicating socialism as American government and Never becalled to task It Racism and Sexism.
Obama has not once been challenged by the media for any issue that has arisen that more than deserve deeper analysis. He is petted by the media because he is a Black Man!
Condi Rice is triple the accomplished individual Barack ever thought about being the media never made a ripple to commend her. She is strong, efficient and otherwise awesome.
Barack Oboma is the media kitty.
125. crenshaw | 10.23.08
When a candidate for president can worship under a preacher who says “God Damn America!” and hobnob with domestic terrorists and vote consistently with a liberal left agenda, never have any substantive political experience, and state he wants to “spread the wealth around” indicating socialism as American government and Never becalled to task It Racism and Sexism.
Obama has not once been challenged by the media for any issue that has arisen that more than deserve deeper analysis. He is petted by the media because he is a Black Man!
Condi Rice is triple the accomplished individual Barack ever thought about being the media never made a ripple to commend her. She is strong, efficient and otherwise awesome.
Barack Oboma is the media kitty.
126. Hello Kitty | 10.23.08
Are you kidding. Racisim waning? It’s only the tip of the iceberg. A covert and sometimes less covert form of racism permeates our American culture, language, media and entertainment. Check out the racial subtext of many commercials. The issues affecting the different racial groups have not yet been fully addressed or explored in the public arena. It’s very difficult for people to understand these issues when parts of the country are culturally so segregated. It is also very difficult to perceive racism if you are in the majority racial group within your environment because you don’t experience it yourself. This would be true regardless of the race of the majority group. Covert racism towards a minority racial group is almost invisible to the majority racial group who perpetrates it. How do you perceive something so subtle unless it’s happening to you? You would have to be a very sensitive and “other” oriented person to notice.
I am voting for Obama not because of his racial background, but because he is the best person to run our country and I trust his judgement. However, if he wins it will be a bonus to have some attention given to these issues.
Good Luck America!
127. hustleandfloe | 10.23.08
The only troubling part of this is the logic of it. We can accept that race is on the wane as a behaviour motivator. But that implies that we have a way of measuring that. In this article you have strong anecdotes, and we can surely use anecdotal evidence as progress. But the problem here is statements like “[racists] are not dispositive of anything.” Sounds great for them not to be dispositive, I guess. But what does that mean? And I’d put all of these strong anecdotes against one Palin rally, and not just the guys carrying Obama monkey… I’m an optimist on this stuff. I think articles like this don’t do intellectual justice to the topic. We have made progress. Nothing here shows that. The Bradley Effect is not fully debunked…just referenced on NPR. You mention the polls - definitely time and topic-sensitive, not longitudinal indicators. Barack’s on the ground organization? Good. But he’s neck and neck with, regardless of your politics, a team that is widely perceived as inept. We’ve a ways to go. I think.
128. Fitz | 10.23.08
When I read comments like from “crenshaw” it’s sad. Try to lift yourself above the pathetic reporting in the media. Maybe read a history book or something.
129. Shirley Freeman | 10.24.08
We need to focus on J-O-B-S for all Americans, regardless of race, creed, or ethnicity, not on R-A-C-E!
We have a great opportunity to unite our nation once again by working together for our Energy Independence. We will need to begin as quickly as possible, by using our great transition fuels, oil, natural gas, and ‘clean coal’ as quickly as possible. One hundred percent conversion to alternative fuels could take 20 - 30 years. We can’t wait that long to get off of dependence on foreign oil. Also, going ahead with our transition fuels, while also stimulating research and development of alternative fuels, will begin producing new jobs now. These jobs will replace those lost by the housing/financial crisis. As the US Treasury moves on homeowner rescue, following McCain’s urging, we may begin to see the ‘beginning of the end’ of the foreclosure crisis, and the ‘beginning of the beginning’ of stabilization of the housing market.
Illegal immigration through our southern border has been reduced in the past year, reports say, due to increased border patrols and raids on illegals within the US. There is some concern that illegal immigration will rise as new, ‘green’ jobs are created. These jobs are needed for American citizens of all ethnic groups. Our unemployment rate is growing. We need to continue strengthening our southern border security to protect American jobs for all of our citizens, from all ethnic groups. We have many legal citizens of Hispanic origin. America is greatest when we live the motto, “All for one and one for all.” These new jobs must be available to all our citizens. But, they should be for America first! We cannot and should not absorb more illegal job seekers at this time.
Obama would give illegals drivers licenses, making it easy for them to integrate into our society. This would be a great ‘welcome’ sign to illegal job seekers, not to mention Hezballah terrorists coming up from Venezuela. We need new jobs for Americans, regardless of race, creed, or ethnicity. We don’t need to give our new jobs to illegal job seekers. We need McCain, not Obama.
130. Delvin | 10.24.08
I, in my opinion, also believe this election will be one of the most terrible things for racism. I think it’s just making it worse, not better. No matter what you are, liberal or conservative, when you put each other down it’s driving hatred. Of course, a belief system from the way one is raised is a learned behavour. To re-program the brain, requires it to forget everything it ever knew and start over again. However, if that were all that easy, this wouldn’t be an issue at all for any of us. Human nature and anger is what causes motivation for war and everything else horrible, people are capable of. Skin color is the most obvious difference, but not the most profound difference. Emotion will decide this particular race. Wich, just in my opinion is what feeds anger that everybody is capable of. It’s forming up now, educated idiots, conservatives or anything else can sense it, just like a real life animal can sense. The country is divided, and this is making it worse. However, instead of blaming it on emotions, for some reason, people want to blame race. We’ve just learned to believe, call it race, when we disagree. It’s much more, than just the color of skin. That’s just my opinion and wasn’t meant to step on anybody’s toes. However, when people of different skin color of all races, do happen to get angry, that’s when skin color matters and thinking is overwhelmed by anger.
131. WouterWolf | 10.27.08
I’m voting for McCain, Lable me please, I’ve been called everything in the book. Being called a recist because I’m voting for McCain? come-on, If that is all you got then you shouldn’t vote at all, you have no clue. With just a few years at the Senate, he hasn’t got what it takes. Look at his record, really what has he done? very very little. Yes McCain has changed his views on some items, but you haven’t ever change your mind when you found it wasn’t in your best interest?
It would be nice to see Obama in the next election when he has a bit more time in the business of the country, but for me it isn’t now. So if you feel the need to point a finger at me because of my person of choice, than you have three more fingers pointing right back at you.. Vote because you can, Vote for whom you like, don’t lable people for whom they choose.
132. Kevin | 10.29.08
I’d be shocked to see the day when 50% of the black vote goes to a republican. Blacks are not voting for Obama because he is black, but because they traditionally vote democrat. DC, for instance, has a large black community, and it always has voted democrat. While I’m certain blacks are more likely to vote this election because a black candidate is running, I doubt that they do so against their political opinions.
If blacks disagree in Obama’s political positions, why would they want him to represent the US and the black community? It doesn’t make sense.
One last point is if blacks are voting on race, why has Alan Keyes failed to get the black vote in every election he has run against a democrat? The idea that blacks are being racist because of their vote this election is absolutely absurd. They are politically charged because of the black democrat, but they have not changed their liberal disposition.
133. Scott | 11.04.08
Racism on the wane? Not in Pennsylvania. Congressman John Murtha may have been forced to retract his comments about Western Pennsylvania being a racist area, but that doesn’t make them any less true. I’m predicting that the vote count in Pennsylvania will be a lot closer than the polls are predicting.
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1. Bwana Doc | 10.22.08
I agree racism is on the wane in the general population. It seems to be only on the rise among blacks where they are voting for a candidate solely for his perceived race, even though he is half white.