Jack,

I would like to think people could get beyond race and look at how each candidate is going to address the problems which to me seem so huge that I can’t imagine anyone would want the job.

But then I hear people making statements about him being muslim and such idiotic things that I wonder if they are using that as an excuse to keep from admitting they can’t get past race.

What a shame if our country with all the issues can’t sit down and actually listen to a debate or two and get answers instead of getting everything from a blog! And we think we are educated! HA!

Carol
Knoxville, TN

Hopefully without the Clintons’ scorched earth policy at work in the general, overt racism will fade away, and we’ll be back to business as usual in America, which of course still includes aspects of racism. But I for one pledge to try hard not to hold his pale skin or long-time AARP benefits against John McCain.

Why are we still talking about race? I don’t like being called a racist because I don’t support Obama. I don’t support him because I don’t like his ideas. It’s as simple as that! Let it go.

As big as the media makes it, much like the Rev. Wright issue.

It will be much larger than most people are willing to admit. Some whites will not vote for a black man regardless of his ability to change the direction of Washington and our economic situation. Just like if Hillary would somehow get the nomination, some men will not vote for a woman.

I think it may be bigger than it should be. If the Democratic primary is any indication, many older, white Democrats will vote against Obama only because he is black. And most, if not all, black voters will vote for Obama and never even listen to a thing McCain has to offer. Hillary used race very effectively in getting older, white voters out in force to vote for her, and I regret to feel that most of them will never vote for a black man. That is truly unfortunate as this election, and the sorry state of our country, hangs in the balance.

Jack,
It shouldn’t be a factor. If it is, it will only be for campaigning reasons. So far he is ahead, so can’t be too inportant.

There has not been a word about the war in Iraq for at least 2-3 days. It’s almost as if someone has said to the media quit talking about the war but I am sure that could never be. It’s all about the campaign. What do you think, Jack?

While I don’t think race or ethnicity will be an overt issue during the fall campaign, I fear that it will, unfortunately, become a significant undercurrent. Rumors and untruths are already well-known and disseminated through the internet. I fear these will become more cited by ’shadowy’ “Swift-Boat” type organizations as the campaign progresses. To borrow from the title of a New York Times bestseller, “It’s (going to get) Ugly Out There.”

Hopefully, neither race or age will be an issue in November because neither one of them will solve any of the problems facing this country. I don’t want to see any man windsurfing either !!

You know Jack, I don’t know that race will be an issue. I sure hope it isn’t!!!! Although I’m not a McCain supporter, I do think he is above a few issues the media would like to push. Now if he comes out and says something like ‘Some of my closest friends are African-American’ I’ll die of laughter because I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt here. For a statement like that will surely be his downfall: if other issues like his affiliation with Bush, his ideas on the economy (or lack thereof), and his current position on the war don’t sink him first.

Jack
There will always be race issues, however I dont believe it will be a factor in determining the next president. Barack Obama has overcome these issues up to now, its not going to stop him in November.

I certainly hope that race will not be an issue, but given the Republican party’s dirty tactics in the last several presidential campaigns, I’m not putting anything past them.

Jack,

considering that history shows no party has retained the whitehouse after a poor Presidential term I think we’ll know the answer to your question on the 2nd Wednesday of November. Until then we can just guess.

My guess is that race will be a big factor. Obama is going to carry 99% of the African American vote but unlike Hillary will not call himself the Black peoples’ candidate. I am white, a republican, and hold a doctorate; I’m currently on my third book about Obama and I’m ready to vote for Barak. However, I am sure there are other caucasions who will not vote for an African American no matter how qualified the candidate is. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m guessing I’m right.

steven- ohio

If the US voting public has any sense it will see in Obama his mix of one white parent and one of colour. The prefect chance to get beyond the race card.

Of course race will be an issue in this election. The electorate have not been confronted with an African American presidential candidate before. Having said that, he has made tremendous inroads with people that I personally know who are going to vote for him and have surprised me. There are parts of the country that will never see the light of day on this issue, but I think it’s not as prevalent as it once was and hopefully America will begin a new chapter in history this November.

It will be an issue, Jack, but predominately in backward, redneck states (West Virginia, South Carolina) where Obama won’t be terribly competitive anyway. In states where people are educated enough to look at policies and plans for our nation’s future moreso than pigmentation, Obama will win voters: black, white, Asian, Latino, even plaid.

Jack,

It was either goining to be race or sex depending on which Democrat won. That is what has been so neat about this race. We are making history either way we go. That having been said I think that it will be a very big issue. Alot of people who do not realize how racist they areit at all are about to be face with the choice of electing a half black man to this nations highest office. I think that it will awaken many feelings about black people we thought had been dealt with.

Jack: it will be a very big issue. The republicans are not sissys and will have no problem pointing out the differences between Barrack’s morals and John McCains. Only a fool believes that Reverend Wright will not be an issue,not counting “bitter , relgious Americans in rural areas and I’m finally proud of my country. Except for the liberal East and West coast and predominatly black states “Barack” is dead in the water. The reoublicans will and should make it an issue.The democrats as usual are stupid, should have gone with the easy winner for 2008.

it will be huge!this rednecked white-boy,from arkansas,will be laughing my hill-billy, rear-end off,when obama gets more white votes than mccain.sen.mccain flip-flops more than a catfish ,on a canepole!

for me it is a non issue. i see only one race and that is the Human race. i wont vote for obama based on my belief that he is not qualified for the job. i am also revolted by the smug superior hateful attitude of his supporters, who unfailingly accuse anyone who does not worship THEIR candidate of being racist. oddly enough the most racist comment i have heard from anyone in the primary contest came from obama himself who referred to his own grandmother as a “typical white woman”.

Although many don’t like to talk about it, I am very much certain that race is going to become an issues. This is a new situation. And we are unprepared. When African Americans are voting over 90% for Obama it means there is a big chunck of those votes are because of the race. CNN polls indicates that race matters more to African Americans than for White people. That could trigger and outrage among older more conservative white Americans. Democrats can not win without them. Having Obama/Clinton join ticket may be the only way to diffuse it, if it ever happens. This is the reality as I see it.

Nuwan from Houston, TX

None. Only for the narrowminded will it be an issue, but ti would be that way for a woman, a catholic, and any democrat. We need a third party.

it will be somewhat of an issue…hard core prejudices will always exist and as the population gets younger prejudices will die down…in view of George Bush and his past 8 years it will not be as much of an issue as it might have been…McCain’s age will play as much of a part as race issues

Jack,
ALL the polls basically say the same. “white Democrats with a college degree prefer Obama by 59 percent. But white Democrats without a college degree prefer Obama by 36 percent.”
So, in the non-degreed white majority, only 36% will vote for Obama? Does that make anyone else a little nervous?

Race will be a huge issue. No one will own up to it but it will be. As much as we try to pretend that things have changed in this country, I don’t belive they have changed enough for us to vote a black man into the Presidential office. It is lurking… the distrust and bigotry… just below the surface… as we all pretend to be so tolerant and accepting. Just wait until November. If Obama is the nominee… McCain will be the President.

Unfortunately, I believe that race will be a major issue in November. There are so many people in this country that cannot look past skin color. As an AA female, never in my wildest dreams did I think that there would be a viable Black candidate for president. Many people on this site are saying that AA are racist because we are voting overwhelmingly for Obama but the truth is that we are proud. There are very few things outside of our own family interest that we can be proud about but this is one. But don’t forget AA’s are not the only one’s voting for him. We only make up about 15-20% of the nation’s population, so I guess we are not the only one’s feeling a sense of pride.

Race is not going to be a problem for me Jack. Although my choice was John Edwards I can without a moments hesitation vote for Sen. Obama. I do not want a George Bush 3rd term & there is nothing & I mean nothing that John McCain could possibly say that will ever change my mind. “Obama Now Change America”!!!!
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.

Hillary says she should be the nominee because she won the big states, the uneducated white vote, maybe the popular vote and some other categories. Why doesn’t she add that she has more hair than Obama, can bowl better than him and doesn’t have a spiritual advisor to get her into hot water. She can’t understand that the only thing that matters is the vote count yet she continues her “Mutually Assured Destruction” (MAD) to take Obama down with her.

Larry Daffern
Houston, Texas

I think it will be a big deal with Obama running. With over 90% of A.A.’s voting for Obama mostly because he is “one of them” and not on qualifications. He has no qualifications as his voting record in Illinois and the Senate shows. They make a big mistake because Clinton has and will be better for A.A.’s.
He will not be the “Role Model ” that they deserve.

Now that it looks like Obama is going to win. Jack? You and the rest of the Obamedia called for his win after he won Iowa and you have slammed Clinton ever since she won New Hampshire.

Race will have nothing to do with it, Jack. The win will come off of how many passes the Obamedia gives Barack Obama and how much they harp on the little and big things about John McCain.

Unfortunately it will play a big role. After the Clinton’s played the race card, the media has made a big deal of it. What we are seeing in places like West Virginia is that the uneducated, low income, bigoted whites in this country are still stuck in the past, and probably won’t vote for Obama because he is black. They should remember that his mother was a low income struggling white woman. We’ve come far but, not far enough.

Why do you say become? It’s always been the 1000 pound Elephant in the room that people try to ignore. Race will continue to become a big issue for the people that it bothers now. These people can’t see beyond a person’s color so they won’t be able to get past their prejudices to vote for any black candidate. Thank God that it’s not a majority of the population.

Dpends on the canidates. If Obama is one, itwill be BIG.

There are brain dead, narrow minded Americans who will vote against Obama solely because of the color of his skin. Unfortunately Jack, they are not watching you, they are listening to Bill O’Reilly give them restaurant reviews over on the GOP Propaganda Ministry. Hopefully, a majority of Americans will see a choice between a Harvard educated man trying to change a bad direction for this country and another old white Republican who thinks 45 million uninsured is no big deal, 100 years in Iraq is acceptable and tax cuts for the rich is the answer for everything. Cy Gardner Arlington, va

It will be the perfect test to see if the people of the “greatest country on earth” is racist !

There are too many other important problems for me to worry about then the race of my next president. I will be voting for Obama when he gets the nomination because of where he stands on the Iraq war and taking away the tax breaks for their rich and giving more tax relief to the average working men and women.

Jack, I think when people start weighing their choices, (1) having a black man as president versus (2) having McCain as president and the possibility of losing their social security, higher taxes for the middle class, losing their jobs, no or little health care, no way to send kids to college and the possibility of a draft, I think they’ll choose the black man.

Race should not even be an issue if the candidates want to be perceived as integrators. The voting should be about getting the most votes. This cannot be done by using a spreadsheet to put Americans into categories. The votes need to be viewed holistically as AMERICANS and not divisive. It will be a stretch for most politicians because they will do whatever is necessary to kill the other party. All americans need to join together and become the powerful team that it can be and take on the world. Leave the baggage outside the door or China will be your boss.

Jack, Just the fact that you have asked this question tells me that there will be some who have a problem with race, but there will be others who have problems with age, Over all I believe that it will be very small and balance each other out.

Gee, that’s a tough one. I think that the General Election will be a much more intense version of the Democratic Primaries. As a result, I believe that Barack Obama will overcome the race issue and win the General Election.

Let’s recap what has happened during the past few months.

At first, race is not an issue at all, until Iowa. That’s when everyone’s surprised that Obama wins Iowa, even though there are few black voters.

Next comes South Carolina. That’s when Bill Clinton plays the race card by comparing him to Jesse Jackson. That’s when blacks start to galvanize behind Obama, and away from Clinton.

And then comes Rev. Wright, with his controversial, inflammatory sermons. Obama takes a hit, but bounces back.

Later, Rev. Wright resurfaces, and Obama takes a bigger hit. But he bounces back again, and spanks Hillary in North Carolina.

I have noticed that, every time someone plays the race card, Obama finds a way to rise above it.

It’s going to get a lot uglier in the fall, but I bet he’ll rise above it all again, just in time for November.

From a historic perspective the things the media is currently obsessing on, race and gender, will be footnotes. This election is going to be seen as the beginning of TwentyFirstCentury politics. A politics where the people take back control of the government from the corporations. This is the end of TV advertising telling the people what to think in 30 second sound bites, and the beginning of the populous self organizing to take control of their government through the internet. Many think this is an Obama wave, it is not. It is a wave that has been building for twenty years. Obama saw the wave coming, and had the sense to get on its crest. It is the wave, not Obama, that is going to crush Hillary and McCain.

I would like to know if someone has taken a pole in the past to ask why when some media refer to obama black votes received they refer to them as black voters, but when they refer to Hilary receiving white votes they don’t refer to them as white voters but they call them white working class voters or blue collar voters.

Is the news media trying to say that black people don’t work or that they don’t want to appear as being what they are (racists)

I watch you all the time, I know you will tell the truth. Iam black and really want to know.

Race is Race some people are racist some are not some people are racist and will still vote for the canidate that has there best interest at heart and then there are racist that will never vote for a black person but times is changing and Barack has a Outstanding coalition of voter white and Black so Jack race is always going to be an issues but if we don’t get over it now we will never. But Jack is is Normally the small town people in certain place that are racist it might because or there parents being racist that is why the young generation don’t have that built up hate because we were not raised like that

Jack, race will be a big issue, even in states more accepting of African-Americans, because this would be the first someone of that race will be running for and could possibly win the White House. If Clinton was to become the candidate, gender would become a major issue in the general election– do not count her out until a chioice is finally made.

I’m so sick of the whole racism thing, I’m white and I would vote for Obama but everyone is acting like he isn’t getting any white votes, come on people this is just a media ploy to get people riled up, if this was the case what about the black voters, why aren’t they racists, as a group they voted for Obama about 90% what other race voted that way, for it to be that overwhelming it has to be only about race, but that’s ok us whites will take the blame again

I think Obama’s people will make it a big deal even though they have benefited from racism by getting 90% of the black vote, because they want to make white voters feel they have to vote for him

hey jack why dont you try doing both sides of a story for a change instead of your terrible views that makes the world seem like its a terrible place

Race will be a huge issue this fall. I like Obama and would vote for him anyway but I still have huge reservations whether this country can get past race and vote for someone on their merits. They have been saying Clinton’s supporters won’t vote for Obama but will vote for McCain and I think that is all about Obama being black. However, Obama is not just an African American man but he is also a Caucasian American man.

I believe when it really comes down to it, Jack, its going to be about race and if it was Hillary its going to be about gender . . why are people so blindsided about this. I’m not saying its fair, but come on, I’ve seen it everywhere. Its no surprise. A lot of it is ignorance. when it comes down to it, its going to be how a person really feels when he’s in the ballot box getting ready to cast his vote.

Despite the fact that Barack Obama is only ‘half” black, race will definitely be the big “unspoken” issue - even to the point that some will say that the African-American community is being racist themselves. I don’t think racism is going away anytime soon. You just can’t get rid of these racist types. Growing up in the rural South, I’ve been around plenty. I just wasn’t raised that way. “Love thy neighbor” in the Bible didn’t come with any qualifiers on which neighbors.
Some people just need to get their heads out of you-know-where and join the 21st century.

Well it is no surprize that we are talking the race card. Oh by the way race does not play a role unless you are a white person. Over 95 % of the blacks excuse me African Americans vote the racial line, when a black candiate it running. Barrack carried the early states before everyone started to see who surrounded him. But CNN will carry him on their back. I love your news coverage, but you are pathic on your poltics get a back bone and be fair once.

I think that we’ll hear much more about racism in the next few months. We’re coming down to the wire and the gloves will be off.
And, by the way, your gushing over Obama needs to be toned down. I just want the facts, Jack.

I am a white woman from PA. For me race is not an issue and never has been. The fact that that it is even a question in the 2008 presidential election in the United States of America is outragous and honestly quite shameful. Why is this still an issue? Why are people still teaching intollerance to thier children? That is where this stems from. It is sad but true. Barack Obama is the most inspirational polititian that I have ever seen and the first time I have ever heard someone speak the things that I feel and want for this country. What the color of his skin has to do with any of the issues this country is currently facing I don’t know. Media and politics have continued to try and divide the citizens of this country and it’s about time that we stand up and say “enough”. Obama should be judged on what he brings to the table not the color of his skin. PERIOD. Anyone not willing to vote for him because of his skin color should be ashamed of themselves. That is not what America is about.

Jack, race is, has been and will be a factor in the November election. The Clintons have used it as a subtext in their campaign. It has, as you state, been largely ignored by the media and pollsters. My roots are in Mingo and Wetzel counties in West Virginia; I can tell you that relatives, who I love, are also bigots who I despise. Thank you for raising this important issue.

Scott

Define “issue” for me in this case. The vague way the question was worded–which may have been intentional–brings two possibilities to mind:

1) People will vote against Senator Obama, primarily non-African-Americans, because he is associated with the African-American community because his father was African-American, and

2) Most African-Americans will vote for Senator Obama solely because of his skin color without consider his stand on the issues and his proposed solutions.

Like it or not, a great majority of votes have and will continue to be cast solely based on some nonsense such as skin color or gender. Then, despite the outcome, the finger pointing of blame will be associated with that same nonsense.

Race will be as big an issue as the pundants will allow it to be. I, Mr. Cafferty am a born and raised New Yorker, White, over 60, female, no college degree, and earn $50,00/yr. Oh yes, I am Jewish. Please have a pollster call me. Thank you

Race will be HUGE. Despite Obama’s primary victories in mostly-white states, the general election will reveal the latent racism that still exists in our country.

And I fully expect the Republican attack machine to make it an issue, in their typical appeal to voters’ worst instincts.

Race is a far more nuanced problem than we normally give it credit for. Sen. Obama’s race speech in Philadelphia was only unique because he candidly addressed concerns blacks and whites have that invoke race but are not necessarily “racist.” There are obviously still the N-word-using bigots and white-hating black paranoids, but the greater issue will be how well we understand each others’ more common race-related concerns. Obama can only deliver on his message of unity if he continues to stick to his convictions and helps us reach a little more understanding (and if the media follows suit rather than sticking to simplistic demographic breakdowns).

BIG…race is an issue no matter how many white American’s deny that it is not an issue. We have not seen anything yet…..

Hopefully America has come a long way and this will not be an issue. Unfortunately Jack, I don’t have faith that pundits, surragates and others will let it go. We have come a long way, but we have an even further way to go.

Why in this day and age is this even a question. What people should be looking at are the issues and not race. I guess that’s why some people are informed voters and others vote on whether I could I have a beer with that person.

jack,
we the people should all be color blind in this great country and the world. unfortuantely there will always be racism due to ignorance. obviously we are ready to have a black president or obama would not have come this far. can you imagine if we were all the same color, gender, religion, ethnic backgrounds how boring life would be?!! thank god for diversity!!!

Sadly, if my grandmother is any indication, it will be big. I think that is mostly due to the older white democrats who will certainly vote for Clinton, but when faced with the general election between Barack and McCain, will be torn. Do they compromise their long help beliefs about race and vote with the party, or do they compromise their long held party loyalty to vote for a white man?

Race will probably play a big part no doubt. But the question is will those “white blue collar” workers look at their situation for what it really is and just vote democrat; regardless of who the nominee is. I’m an Obama supporter but if Hillary were to take it I would vote for her. I’m no fool. I want my nephew home from Iraq, I want the ecomony to afford me the necesseties of life (gas, homes, food, etc…), a good education for my daughter. So no matter the face that help comes in, take it.

Race will play some factor, but not as much in the past. There are still people in some of parts of the US that will never vote for a black person no matter what his or her views are. I am not surprised by revelations that some of his staffers had to deal with racists. The media has been slow to report it because many want to believe that US is beyond race. Sadly, this country has racial issues. It is better than in the 1960’s but there is still a problem.

the media, all liberal media that is, seems they all want Barack Hussein Obama to win no matter what, but America will be getting what they deserve for electin a guy who is realy inexperienced he is just talk and with a wife who speaks with anger and resentment take that for bitter. specially this network wants Obama and they do not realize or do not care that all blacks are voting for him and a bunch of white liberals for him. this is a race issue that needs to be discussed and not overlooked.

Jack, the Washington Post is correct. What other explanation makes since that would permit Hillary to win a 30 point victory in W. Virginia. Same can be said for Pennsylvania and Kentucky. They will not vote for a black person. Hillary gets the vote simply by being white and it has nothing to do with issues. It’s a shame but it’s a fact.

Mr. Cafferty, Race will be a very big issue in this election and it will work strongly against Obama. I know a lot of people - liberals in NYC who will not vote for Obama but they would never say it was because he is black, though that is the reality. Then there are the people in other parts of the country - both red and blue states - who will never vote for a black candidate and are happy to admit it. It is a shame but no more a shame than people - white and black - voting for a candidate BECAUSE he is black and because he has a “hopeful message” - as if there is a politician running for office who doesn’t sell a hopeful message. I would bet a lot of money that Obama loses in the general and the idea that we can’t or shouldn’t talk about race because it is wrong is not just silly, it’s stupid. People are bashing Hillary because she admits that she appeals to white voters!

Well now let’s just see. . . You’ve got McCain, an experienced, older white man against Obama who is young, skinny and black. I guess it depends on how many people in this country are really hurting and want change for themselves and their country. McCain represents the old way of doing things that got us into this trouble and Obama is young, fresh, inspiring and has dedicated his life to uplifting people from their present circumstances. Race is such an OLD issue in this country. The white people who may be upset are just feeling guilty for all the injustices done to blacks in the past. I don’t care if it’s the purple people eater, anything but McCain and I believe most Americans will feel that way in November. Race is just not an issue any longer.

Race will not become an issue, if you don’t make it an issue. I’m sure that many of the Clinton volunteers have also experienced prejudice. If you want to be part of this election you need to be able to take criticism of all kinds. If the media could stop sensationalizing every remark that is made this contest would be much more civil.

Of coarse race will be an issue. We all have the naive notion that his will not matter. Hogwash. Deep in the good ol’ boy areas of this country, bringing up the notion of an African American President would be Blasphemy in their eyes. Even though McCain is not the best man for the job…he’s white. Beleive me if they had a choice between Charles Manson and Barack Obama it would be a close race.

Shame on us, Jack, After hundreds of years fo time to mature, we are not far from what we were in the 50’s, We had a chance to improve our image in the world and we will blow it again. After almost 8 years of misery. we will have to endure 4 more if McCain wins. Please think folks. don’t sell us out because of racism. How sad!

Narrow-minded bigots will always find ways to express their unhappy lot in life. They won’t vote for blacks, women, Jews, Catholics, old men, young men, etc. We need the best of all of the above to make this world work.

I believe that racism will always exist. It’s part of society and quite frankly, I feel that the United States isn’t as far “advanced” as a society as it would like to claim for in a world where the true majority is people of darker complexions, it would seem logical that white people would “wake up” and try to judge people by the content of their character rather than their skin color.

Barack is clearly the only candidate who will make a change in the way politics are done in this country. There are as many poor whites as their are poor blacks in the country so logic would lead the dumbest of people to see that voting Republican is not in the “masses” best interest. If you are not in the top 1% in terms of wealth, you may as well vote for a Democrat because the Republicans only give a damn about you if you are rich.

Wake up people. It’s 2008!!! Gas is at an all time high, food is at an all time high and you all still want to act prejudice? That is just plain ignorance! You get what you deserve if you vote based on race alone.

Hi Jack, I think race will be a huge issue. Wonder how many people in Iowa and some super Tuesday states wish they had their votes back since Rev. Wright, Ayres, Reczko the PLO and the Wood Foundation, and Bitter Gate. Obama is just to far left for a moderate Dem. like myself. Alot of us in PA will vote for McCain if Hillary isn’t the nominee……not because of race…..but, because of the other associates of Mr. Obama, mostly Bill Ayres. How can a presidential candidate befriend anyone who stomps on the American Flag?

Scientifically, I thought it had been determined that there is only one race; the human race. Why don’t we all just accept this definition and move on?

Race will be a huge issue. We all remember Obama’s “bitter” remarks about whites, well what about african americans? It’s been like what, a hundred and some years since slavery and they still groan and complain about race in America and about how we’re not giving them enough welfare, etc. “just because they’re black”. Maybe it’s just me but wouldn’t that also be considered bitterness?

Hopefully it will be a non issue, but lets not forget what country that we live, a county that was founded on racism, and a country that have not moved passed it injustices to it people and suppressed countries around the world. It funny that some in the white community think that this country is their right because of the color of their skin. We are all a part of the human race, and should respect each other differences. But it goes further than that if people really knew that history of this country. Of course the right wing loons are going to spin this thing to polarize Americans to make this a race issue. I only hope that all americans are smart enough to look past the spin issues like (Wright, race) and vote for a positive change. So that we can change some of the Cronyism of the Bush era.

In North Carolina many Obama supporters shouted obscene words including the B and C words at Hillary supporters. The reverse simply did not happen. Gender is much more an issue than race in this primary. I am disappointed that it is the same white elite (such as you, Jack) and Black coalition that killed the Equal Rights Amendment that is “doing in” the possibility for a woman president than I am pleased in any way to be a Democrat at the moment. I was in the trenches working for the ERA in Arizona and in Miami working on Civil Rights during the 60s and 70s. I too worked with Saul Alinksy and the sort of Marxist approach to organizing, as well as with his staff that Barrack did. I am sure you have read Rules for Radicals. It offers some terrific techniques — however it is based total and ruthlessly on the end justifies the means. Obama is succeeding in turning civil rights and equality for women back 30 years.

Ellen from Asheville, NC

What a shame that the person to make race an issue is a democrat. I thought the republicans were going to be the ones to do that, but I was wrong. Hillary Clinton (and Bill) should be ashamed of themselves. Party leaders should be ashamed of themselves for letting things get to this point. Just another reason why we don’t need super delegates who are afraid to be “super”! If you’re afraid to make a decision, quit. I don’t care which side you pick, but pick one. In the Corps we have a saying “Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way!”

Jack I am more afraid of the woman scorned factor. There are many women who blame Obama for not waiting his turn and derailing the bid of the first woman president. Because it is her birth right. They are the ones who will probably never vote for Obama because it is Obama’s and everyone elses fault she lost. And not the fact of her lousy strategy of touting Washington experience when a whole nation was tired of washington and wanted change.

i’m proud to be an obama mama. i don’t know if i would have had the courage of the civil rights marchers of the 1960’s but i appreciate the results they gave this nation; a highly intelligent, caring presidential candidant that happens to be african american. barack obama is the father figure that is so proud of this nation but also expects hard work from all of us. he makes you want to do your part.

Is only the old white,who does not have education that are still rasict american has gone pass all this no more devision where are moving forward..GO OBAMA08

I don’t believe race will impact the election largely enough to turn the tide of the election. Yes, in some parts of the country Obama may not be successful due to racism, however the overall effect will be insignificant.

Those that DO participate in elections (voters) are not the concentration of racists in the country.

Rev. Wright, who supports Barack, makes absurd remarks, its all over the news and highly criticized. Hagee, who supports McCain, makes a absurd remark and The Catholic church forgives him and the conversation is over. Race is already a issue.

Racism won’t be an issue by November. I”m a volunteer who’s dealt with the type of racism you just described. People are fighting against the thought of Barack Obama becoming President, but it’s time this country heals from our racial divide and Barack Obama is the one who can do this.

He’s an incredible man Fellow Americans, please stop looking at his skin color and start looking at his heart.

Wouldn’t have been but people like you have made race an issue just because someone is not supporting Obama.When 90% of the black vote is going to Obama isn’t that racist.You in the media keep stirring the pot so you’ll have something to flap jaws about.
Obama is preaching to you in the choir and not dealing with issues.

I don’t think anyone will actually talk about it–same as usual. But it will be there. I have already encountered people who use the Wright issue to say that Obama is a racist. They will use anything to point the finger away from themselves. But it is obvious they want to find any reason not to vote for a black man. I know blacks who are for Obama who will not “come out” when in situations where whites are speaking negatively about Obama. When I try to refute what they are saying (I am white), I can see the blacks nod very indiscreetly, but they don’t speak up. The race issue is still there, definitely. But no one wants to admit it. I think back to the movie “Gentlemen’s Agreement” when Gregory Peck’s character says, “If you don’t speak out about it, you are allowing it to exist.” This will be a test for our country.

How do you determine if it is race OR inexperience? When the black person votes for Obama, are they prejudiced against a white guy? Blacks by 93% back Obama… no matter what. Now that is prejudice without intelligence.

I would hope that the media wouldn’t report every expect concerning the election with a racial tone. I have never heard so much break down of what race is voting for whom, until now. It is proven with the results of this Primary, with Senator Obama leading, that many Americans don’t have race on their minds when casting their votes. There are still many that allows race to consume their thoughts. I say to the media, let this group of people be the minority and not give any attention to a narrow way of thinking. It is time for a change in more ways than one.

Hi Jack,

I sincerely hope that Americans get behind their racial prejudice and vote for a candidate based on how he addressess the issues that face the country and not by his skin color. Sheesh!

If people are not mature enough to even entertain the thought of a candidate because of their race, then they are not mature enough to have a say in American Politics. Those of you (and you know who you are) who wont vote for Senator Obama because of the color of his skin, do all of us a favor and stay home this November.

Jack, Racism in America is still enbeded in our American society and only those of us that want to be free from this spirit of the past will be able to over come it. Segregation had to give way to change in the South and the spirit of racism will change in greater America so that Red states will not be White states in our future.

Rev. Wright asked God to (damn) America. The Republican Party and George W. Bush carried out the sentence. Guess who wins in November?

As you said, racism has been largely ignored by the media, and that may remain the case. However, racism could easily cause Obama’s defeat. The real concern are the racists that aren’t honest about it. Recently a trivial sentence was given to a racially motivated stabbing in Steamboat Springs. You would never get the Judge to admit it, but clearly he is a racist. What is worse is that Republicans are far more racist than Democrats. Race will hurt Obama far more in the general election than it has hurt him in the Primaries.

Jim, Craig, CO

For me race was never an issue, however, it is slowly becoming an issue in light of all of the negativity that is surrounding Obama at present. See, everyone talks about how he has won in 30 states, but that was before Reverend Wright, and all of the other negative energy that is currently surrounding Obama. if we did a revote right now, Obama would mainly win the African American vote, just like he did in North Carolina. Alot of white voters who were backing Obama several months ago, are no longer backing him.

I for one, have a really big problem voting for someone who for one thing is inexperienced, is surrounded in life by anti white sentiment, as well as anti American sentiment, and someone who has a problem placing his hand on his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. The saddest thing about this whole election is that Hillary Clinton is truly the right candidate for the job, but, has been torn down consistently by the media, while Obama has been put up on this false pedestal by the same media.

Well, guess what? Obama will not win the election in November. Too much controversy surrounding him, and if Hillary does not win this nomination, we will be swearing in McCain come next January. Most of the people I know who support Hillary are voting for McCain if she doesn’t get this nomination.

I am looked at as racist because I do not want Obama in the White House. No matter how good my reasons I am told it is because he is black. He himself has caused alot of this

Jack, a Black President, I’m not voting.

Integrity trumps race!

Whether spoken or unspoken, race is always an issue at the national level. What do you think people have really meant by the blanket statement “He’s unelectable!”?

This is true and past politics. I refer this to ignorance and stupidity. Why media don’t conderm these politics at highest tone. Most blacks or other ethinic groups have been voting for whites candidates for years and nobody questions them why did or keep doing so. In 2008, we have uneducated whites still drive issues of this country. When you don’t have vision and lacking inclusive ideas, you stop to stupid ideas. Now, media and few people keep calling these groups “blue color workers” Media don’t tell the true about these issues and it shows how media setting “power agenda”

Race will be a factor because this country has not fully come to grips
with it own race relationship throughout history . I think that this question needs to asked . However the key point is that many hard working votesr ’s of all races have voted already for OBAMA . If there are people out there who will not vote for a person because of their race or sex or age then this country is getting is getting worsed.

My daughter and I went thru racism most of her 22 years of life. Her
deatbeat dad was allowed to not pay child support for years and now owes my daughter more than $40,000 is back support! Oh well was the response from Brown County Child Support! Because racism is
silenced in my community! I took her out of school in fifth grade and taught her at home and always told her how really wonderful she is!
Now she has a year left of college! And I am so proud of her! I made sure she was not influenced by racism.

Unfortunately, it will be more of an issue than some would like to believe. As a Hispanic-Jewish Obama supporter, it pains me to see people I know who cannot look beyond race. But when it comes down to it, a lot of Americans do not want to see an African-American become president.

Although I believe that race will prove to be a large talking point for the Republican Party and even larger that usual because of the terrible economy, I am more concerned with the problem of the Diebold voting machines and the practice of preventing eligible voters from casting their votes.

It will only be an issue of Clinton is our nominee because:

1) She considers hard-working Americans to only include WHITE Americans. That is racist.
2) If the nomination is taken away from Obama because she steals it and the DNC allows her to do it, then African Americans and other Obama Supporters of all ethnicities will naturally question the state of race in this country.
3) Everyone knows that if Obama was in second place right now, the DNC would have run him out of town and the media would not be covering him at all. Because Clinton is white and political “royalty” she is allowed to carry on.

Very sad.

Jack.
Yes race will be a big issue. It’s an issue that has been woven into the fabric of our society and will still be there for years to come. Politics is a big thread in that fabric. People can’t help it.

It’s terribly sad, but true.

Race will be a factor, but it is being made worse by Hillary Clinton’s use of it to get votes to bolster her ego and ambition! She will use anything if it gets her a vote or two. She needs to quit and let Obama begin to pull the party together. Racism should never be a reason not to nominate Obama or any candidate–that would be giving into these haters. So what if Hillary gets their dirty votes.

As I see things race is not a problem as long as the person is a republican and not a left wing liberal who has no respect for the United States of America , no Race dose not matter . The problem is though the democrats have a race problem and the black race has a race problem the black candidate has been getting a very large share of the white vote in this election , but it seems the blacks have a problem with seeing a white candidate as a choice when 80 to 90 percent will not vote for any one white .

With all respect to the people in this nation I feel that I should be a raciest and there should be no problem with it. When we have so many telling all of us whites we are raciest , al sharpten Jackson write Clinton the NAACP all the Mexicans and the arbis and the all nowing media helps them along

perry j
councl bluffs
iowa

I would hope not… I suppose that is what we are all hoping for.

But for the most part the press ignores all other substantive issues Senator Obama outlines. A great example of this fact, was his amazing speech on the economy in NYC shortly after his ‘A More Perfect Union’ speech.

His economy speech, which a number of nobel prize winning economists applauded as brilliant, days later on financial channels, was mostly ignored by the press… While ‘A More Perfect Union,’ was lauded as a speech on par with the ‘Gettysburgh Address,’ or MLK’s ‘I have a dream.’

This is to say that with all his accomplishments the characterization of Senator Obama has been one of style over substance… But I submit he is style with substance combined with Leadership, Wisdom and Humility… I hope I will be saying President Obama in January.

Race will be a BIG issue. It won’t matter to small minded people that Sen. Obama’s candadacy represents both Blacks and Whites in this country in that his mother was white and his father was black and he has strived to stay away from racial issues. These same people will only look at the color they see. While I believe this country has come a long way, we still have a ways to go as highlighted by Sen. Clinton’s continual harping on the “hard working white people” of this country. Newsflash-Black people and other minorities work hard too! I guess Martin Luther King’s dream has not come true-we still are judged by the color of our skin rather than the content of our character. That really is no news to me Oh by the way, Sen Obama is NOT a secret muslim.

Thank you, Jack, for reporting on the hidden racism that still haunts this nation. After volunteering for Obama in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, I can tell you it isn’t just an isolated incident. At times, I was yelled at with expletives, chastised, or simply told, “There’s no way in hell I’m voting for that nigger.” It was disheartening and frustrating at times, but I continued to campaign for Obama. Race will still be an issue in November if we keep sweeping it under the rug. We have to realize that in the small country towns of Pennsylvania and West Virginia there are still a lot of people who express hatred towards people of color or different backgrounds. Experiencing this racism first hand has just made me a stronger advocate for Obama because it will mean his victory in the Democratic nomination and General Election was achieved against all odds, against all expectations.

Most voters will make a sensible vote based on economics and their dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq. Other voters will not be able to overcome their racism and will vote the other guy or stay home but those votes will not be enough to impact an Obama presidency.

May 13th, 2008 4:19 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
How do you determine if it is race OR inexperience? When the black person votes for Obama, are they prejudiced against a white guy? Blacks by 93% back Obama… no matter what. Now that is prejudice without intelligence.

jack, hillary needs to let a little air out of her inflated ego, the votes she is getting now are primarily votes against obama, not for her. these are people who would never vote for a black man. she clearly has the redneck vote wrapped up. obama will undoubtedly have trouble swaying these racist voters in november.

Why is Hillary supporters, pushing to have her as a vice president, everything that change means does not include old politics/old lugage,in the word “change”, on the other hand, Hillarys supports would do anyting to win, all i would say is that Obama’s day would be numbered so she can win at any costs.

Jack, are you kidding me? Of course race will be in an issue in the fall. Our country has come a long way in terms of bringing together everyone for a common cause, but there will always be those that will not vote for Senator Obama because he is part African-American. They will continue to promote these divisive attitudes towards other cultures, and even with a Caucausian mother, that is still not enough. I say to those that is just plain ignorance. When this campaign began last year I was for Clinton, a white woman, and race never entered my mind, but when I continued to listen to the candidates, Obama inspired me and excited me like no other presidential candidate in my lifetime, and that is when I decided to rally behind him. Race nor gender never has been or will it be for me. Whomever the nominee (preferably Obama) I will continue to support my party.

It is very unfortunate, but it is what it is. It’s about time the nation see’s with their own eyes that racism still exists in our country. This is not just isolated to black people; it happens to asians, latino’s, Arabic, white’s, etc. It just so happens, the spot light is on racism against black people. However, we have definetly come a long way in the area of racism. The majority of this nation is not racist! Shame on those individuals who cannot accept diversity! We are all the same underneath the color of our skin! Thank you, CNN, for not hiding the reports from the volunteers. Too many people are in denial.

Race won’t be an issue unless the media makes it one. Obama certainly isn’t going to make it one. McCain would be stupid if he did. What’s he going to say about an Afro-American candidate in public?
Theresa in Minneapolis

Race is the 1000 pound gorilla that never left the room. The fact that Barack Obama has done so well in the primaries in various predominately white areas throughout the country is a symbol of the hope that he expounds upon so eloquently. More importantly, it reveals the ardent desire for a new formula for dissolving the partisanship that undermines real progress in Washington. However, if we know one thing about politics: never underestimate the ignorance of the american electorate.

I dream for everyone to be colorblind, I want racism to stop in America. I am a white woman and that’s why I am voting for Barack Obama so he can bring all americans together. I’ve been a republican all my life, but this time I voting for Obama because I know he is going to bring everyone together. I think he is going to be one of the best president in America. Like me a lot of people feel the same way, I hope race won’t be a issue

People say the West Virginia primaries will tell alot about Barrack and what problems he may have with whites, but I think it is just the opposite I think the West Virginia vote will tell Barrack what problems white America has with him. It is sad that in the year of 2008 a black man can not run for President and be treated like evry other candidate. Come November yes Jack race will play a big part he will the be the only candidate that have to constantly tell the world yes I love America even tho some Americans don’t love me, yes I will wear a flag pin even tho the ones that are questioning me wearing one are not wearing one themselves, he would have to explain the place where he worship when others don’t have to worship at all. Yes Jack race will play a big part but for all of our sakes I pray our economics, this unjust war, our health care plays a bigger part and we will do the right thing for America.

It’s inevitable that race will be an issue, but what Obama needs to do is make up for it by maximizing voter turnout of younger voters, hispanics, blacks, asians and the vast majority of whites who obviously don’t have qualms about a black president.
Joyce,
Fort Worth, TX

One last thing. I am against the war.

race will only be as big as you make it so if mccain dont put it in it wount be in . obama hasnt use it and he wount but hillary did so its in

The result of the current election will be the bell weather to determine the actual amount of racial prejudice that is simmering under the surface of racial unity in this country.

I lived through the Civil Rights Era and have seen a lot of progress, but race still permeates our political culture. That is why I doubt I will see a black candidate poll better than 35% in a statewide race in West Virginia in my lifetime. Seriously, Jack, how many voters are going to honestly tell you in their exit polls they are racists?

Race will be an issue for the uneducated rednecks who are following Hillary. As she says, the uneducated whites who aren’t willing to listen. Still old core southern thinking.

Both Obama and Clinton took on traditional glass ceilings for the Presidency. Both for the first time have broken through those ceilings, which speaks well for this country.

It would be careless, however, to believe that no one would vote against someone because they are a woman or person of color. What I want to see if if the McCain Gang can avoid playing the race card in the general election. I doubt if they will openly do it, but that it will be played big time by others for them.

Sadly to say race will always be an issue when a person of color runs for the most powerful office in the world, President of the United States. There is this sad perception that WE cannot do as good a job as a white man or woman. Hillary Clinton and her husband are trying to revive what appeared to be a non existent issue in many of the primary contests. Obama won in areas that have little or no Black voters, and he won those contests by a commanding margin. I see the attempts to raise these doubts based on race an attempt to revive Jim Crowism in Politics, something I thought had been laid to rest a long time ago, Shame on you Hillary Clinton for trying to widen the divide that Obama has managed to close between the races.

Jack,

I’m African-American and the daughter of college educated parents who grew up in Pennsylvania during the civil rights movement. I have always listened to stories from the past from my family and felt like it was not my problem, that it didn’t effect me until now. I grew up in a college town in the Midwest (Iowa) and have an entirely more optimistic view of race relations due to that but I do think race is a part of this election, and it’s still out their thriving in our society on all fronts. I’m a 27-year-old college student and even here in Seattle I see racism on a very silent and efficient level. I hope that people of color in my generation will take away the lessons we have learned from all the stories and events of this election and see that we still have a lot of work to do.

Will race be an issue? You better believe it! The votes from Appalachia are an important indicator of prejudice. What is being referred to as the “white blue-collar” vote is better described as the “redneck” vote, although no one wants to say that. Those voters will go for McCain over Obama, no matter what the issues are. They don’t vote issues. These are the same people who elected George Bush and moved WV into the “red” column.

Jack,
All white citizens who vote for Obama are well educated , smart and have gone beyond racism. In other words they are not red necks or full of hatred or still live in the 19th century.
Those who send racial signals are just that, illiterate and ignorat.

As much as my hope of over 50 years is for people to get passed the race issue I know that it will be an issue. We now have code words–”rural” “hard-working white Americans” and so on. I have been attempting to discuss the race issue with people I know and you can tell by they way they almost physically hold out their arms they are saying thesubject is off limits. Which tells me, yes, it is already an issue.

I think Obama is the right person for these troubled times. I am extremely concerned with the direction this nation has taken. Obama is polished and is a class act. Remember he is of mixed race and I believe this fact and his life experiences make him a better person, a fair and balanced person most importantly.
To be perfectly honest as a white man myself I am disturbed how white people have conducted themselves and the examples they have been setting therefore I think we should keep our minds open and then we can perhaps learn a valuable lesson from someone with Obama’s experience and we can then all become better human beings.

Jack, to be racist is to be ignorant. So therefore, you will have some ignorant people out there casting their vote not for the best candidate but because of the color of the candidate’s skin. Wonder why Hilliary is getting the uneducated vote and Barrack is getting the educated?

Even if it does come to an Obama versus McCain election I expect race will not be an issue unless the Media, i.e. CNN, makes it become an issue. I think the United States has evloved to a point that an African-American could be elected and supported by the majority of people. Sure we have guys like Sharpton, Wright, and a few others around, no one I know really takes them seriously thank goodness. It certainly would disappoint people should either of the political parties want to pursue some type of race agenda during the campaign. I would not expect that effort to be received well by the voters and the party may suffering a devastating impact in terms of votes. Even here in Appleton, WI I think an African-American could now get a victory in an election for the first time in my life.

Well the ones that won’t vote for obama because he’s black can vote for mccain, that’s of course..if they don’t mind the fact that he forgets and has to read his speeches all the time. is it going to convince racist americans who won’t vote for an african american to vote white and slow, instead of black and fast, and oh sooooo beautiful! hahahaha
black latina for obama!!
dear hillary,
if you win win, come and obliterate me before i steal wild Bill from you!

I don’t have a racist bone in my body, but unfortunately I think a lot of America does. They may not admit it but you will get your answer in November. If Obama does not win this election, don’t kid yourself. Race has everything to do with it.

The race is not over and neither is the race issue. Obama will have to deal with racism and so will Hillary. Strange to think that the Clintons who have always fought hard for the African American community suddenly are being accused of being racist and Hillary dismissed not because of policies but because of her race. Obama has ran well but has failed to get a large and significant portion of the traditional democratic constituency. That, rather than race, will be his challenge in the Fall. By the way, if Obama is the nominee he owes you a great debt of gratitude for the way you have ,directly or indirectly , attempted to push your anti-Clintonism on the rest of us.

david san

i am from canand and i love obama because he wants to uinte the country and he would be a good leader for the whole word because he understand and respect every one. Please give him a time. Most people around the world are excited because we can see that he could change how people see your conutry.

Race will be an issue but not such an issue where the American people will blindly vote for Mccain just because he’s white. I think by now the American people are ready to move past these divisions and are ready to unite the country once an for all. Somehing the status-quo in Washington has adamantly fought to maintain. The Washington elites want us to stay divided, so they can get away with the crooked business they have been doing for decades. If the people actually got past the divisions and united around a common goal, then the status-quo will no longer be able to lie, cheat, and steal from the American people. For many in Washington, that is a frightening reality.

Racial devide has always and will always be a problem in the United States, as long as one race of people feel their better than others. Additionnaly Hillary Clinton is not helping the situation: especially since African Americans have always supported the Clintons. The world is too small to be devided. It is time for a CHANGE.