It grieves me deeply to say this, but I do believe it will cost him the White House. People too ashamed to say it to your face will vote their prejudices in the privacy of the voting booth

Lenox, MA

Jack: It just might. The”white privilege” mindset is deeply imbeded in this country. Which ever way this election goes ,it will speak volumns of who we really are as a country. I think we might not be proud of what we see.

100% If Obama would be white and his name would be John Smith then McCain would have never ever a chance! !
Many people will not vote for the issues but against a black president!!

Hi Jack,

Please accept our condolences on the untimely death of your wife.

Given the present state of the economy and worldwide concern, if Obama loses, race can be the only factor. Otherwise, why would someone vote for a person who openly admits that he is not good at economics?

Some whites will vote against any black for office, but a lot more of will vote the color green (dollars). A vote for McCain will actually be a vote for black (the color of emptiness in your wallet). Also, don’t forget that polls are generally based on those who are “likely voters”, ie; those who have voted in the last one or two elections! This omits all the new youth voters as well as those who only have cell phones! I just can’t belive the american people will elect Alzheimers John!

Obama’s race won’t cost him the election if enough first-time voters, young people and newly registered voters come out to vote on November 4th. I believe it could effectively counter balance the racist voters (new demographic for pundits to punt around). But if these people stay home, or are denied their right to vote because of home forclosures - we’re in trouble.

If he gets in the white house theres a high risk of someone trying to kill him.

Race will be the deciding factor.
To many banjos in your country.

Perhaps to some, but I feel they are in the minority. The only thing that will stop Senator Obama from winning the election is his lack of substance and his inability to address the issues that matter most to the citizens of this country. He must address them and give concrete solutions for them. No more platitudes and doublespeak and no more changing his rhetoric to fit whatever area of the country he happens to be in at the time. It is the citizens of this country that he should be addressing and not special interest groups, etc. whose agendas have nothing to do with what is best for the citizens.

Mary
Santee CA

One of your commentors yesterday nailed it on the head. I certainly hope that is not the case. I find Barack Obama to be honest and intelligent, among other attibutes. Remember the gas tax holiday from the primaries? He was the only one to tell the American voters the real deal. And, that is what we need. I believe he will be truthful and honest to us, unlike the pile we have up there now.

It certainly does not help his chances, but I don’t think it will cost him the election. People are fed up with the Republican policies and want a new direction. I think that the majority of people don’t care what his skin color is as long as they believe that he will change Washington for the better.

If Obama looses this race because of his color, then SHAME ON YOU AMERICA!! and then you get what you diserve!!! and I’m moving out of the country!!
~~Ann in Maine

I don’t think so, but I do think it is what is keeping the presidential race so close…sad isn’t it.

Namaste’

Senator Obama’s mistake that may cost him the election was in not picking Debbie Wasserman Schultz as his running mate. She’s attractive, she’s articulate, she’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s Florida.

And she could definitely take on Sarah Palin.

No

Of course it could Jack. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see the difference in the two candidates age wise, intelligence wise, morality wise and competency wise.

Then the biggest of them all is policy wise which isn’t even close for the average American it is so far tilted in Obama’s favour.

Obama is so far out in front of McCain on all these fronts no color blind person could ever justify voting for someone that will almost certainly turn out to be worse than what you have had for the past 8 years.

If the young people of this country come to the polls in November, the race will be color blind - as it should be. If they stay home, all bets are off. I’m sad and dismayed at the racism displayed both overtly and covertly in this election. After all, beneath the outer shell we’re all pink.

In this day and age,I’m afraid it could. All Afro Americans need to unite and Hillary needs to make sure her supporters vote Obama. Intelligent men would prefer an intelligent ,highly educated half black man with an experienced running mate to an outdated old fart with his little educated , not experienced,full of herself beauty queen.

It certainly looks that way so far although I hope not. There is no other reason to explain why he is down in the polls from Mc Shame …

No, Jack. His policies will do that. Those of us voting for a different candidate have moved beyond race. Unlike his supporters, who keep claiming I’m a racist because I don’t support him.

From Monadnock Region, New Hampshire

Jack, there’s just too much at stake this presidential season to be worried about race. What we need in this country is someone who can pull us all together and lead us forward in order to realize the Great American Dream. That means we should be looking for a leader, not a Caucasian or a Black, or a male or a female.

By rhe way, it’s good to ’see’ you back.

Yes, that and a complete lack of intelligence. The Republican strategy apparently has been to hit everyone they see with the stupid stick. I see no other explanation for why normally intelligent people can not understand that we are living multiple disasters and we need a serious change, anybody but McSame/McBush.

Don’t you get it? This is serious. If we blow it a third time in a row we won’t get any more chances.

Hopefully not , but a definite maybe.

The USA is NOW at a major ideological multicultural crossroad. Will we move forward to a new reinvigorated redefined America or live the glory and prejudices of the Past ?

The real choice, however, is who will structure itself to be the leader of the 21st Century…USA or China?

Don’t answer too quickly….nothing is certain.

I surely hope not. To vote for a man because of the color of his skin is apathatic and just plain stupid.

We’ve seen single-issue voters before, but this will be the first national test to see if race can be included on that list of deciding factors for voters. For most Americans, I think race will rank very low on that list. Issue number one? The economy, stupid.

sad to say it is….younger people are not interested in a person’s skin color but many older people are stuck in racism..interesting that he is half white and we do not hear much about that influencing voters…dont you think that is strange?

Race has always been a factor in this race. The selection of Gov. Palin allows people to say that is is not. They can feel comfortable not voting for Senator Obama now because they can view themselves as still being progressive with a vote for Gov. Palin because she is a woman. Nothing in their limited worlds has to change because Gov. Palin is only second in command and her presence can be used to calm the natives.
Camilla from Alpharetta, GA

His ethnic roots won’t prevent him from winning the overall election, but sadly, it will cost him some votes. If he wins in November, I only hope that while running for a second term, his race will no longer be an issue.

I live in Texas and when i make a Obama comment to one of my white friends I get a “not a chance” answer. I have considered this rather racially toned comment. I believe there are alot of people still alive and well in this country that would not vote for Obama because of his African American heritage.
On the other hand I don’t think these narrow minded twits wouldn’t vote for a woman nor a Democrat either.
It is time for the African American voters in this country to pull together and get out the vote. You have a chance to change the course of our country and make history
The Republicans have given us a 72 year old geezer with a trophy wife and a pit bull in lipstick as a running mate.
If the Democrats can’t get it together to win this election I give up.

One thing I will say about all of you spineless reporters/pundants, whatever you are calling your self these days.
You keep gripping about how Ms Palin won’t answer any question from the press. Maybe it is beacause she has no answers. Stop putting her in every story. If the press stopped reporting the latest shoe story and where she puts lipstick maybe she could think of other things to say and maybe answer a few question.

Yes! Powder puffed and perfumed…if he had a single pregnant daughter it would be the same old racism comment from the republiclans of single black mothers. But since it is a caucasion single mother, we perfume it to smell good and it OKAY!! The same about his race…black man as Lou Dobbs says is ignorant and must not lead the white man.

Lois

I’m nearly 95% shore that it will!

If a white man was running McCain would only get the votes of the people he lives with.

The Nation has some growing up to do!

It amazes me that citizens in other countries welcome Obama and are not judging him by the color of his skin but they are judging him by the content of his character and policies he wishes to implement. If he looses race will definitely be the major factor. A McCain victory will leave the rest of us to believe that a large percentage of white Americans still consider themselves as the superior race and equality and race relations will suffer for the next eight years.

Carol
Alpharetta, GA

I pray he is elected but there are lots of bigots in this country that hate black people more than they love their country.

Pat
Elkmont, Alabama

Yes.

Jack,
I don’t think race is a significant factor in this campaign in either direction. If race were still a factor with the ability to swing elections Obama would never have been able to become the Democrat nominee. If Obama loses it will be because of his liberal ideology and bad policy positions.

Pliny,
St. Louis, MO

hi jack, I dont think it will cost him the election but i do think it will make it closer then it should be. as well as tick off all of those who would vote agianst him just because the color of his skin.

Yes-I believe race is a factor-and always will be-Sen. Barrack Obama-has an IQ OF 125-would love to know what Sen. John McCain’s is interesting don’t you think???????

I don’t think so and i hope not but:
The Economy is in crisis, people are losing their jobs, homes, retirement money, money to meet their day to day needs. Health care is a major issue. More than 4000 Americans have lost their lives in Iraq and many thousands more were wounded, physically or mentally. The Education System is in a mess for students and teachers alike. The United States has lost much of the respect of the other countries of the world. That is only the tip of the iceberg. What are people considering before they vote?

Some won’t vote for a ticket without a woman on it. When Kennedy ran some wouldn’t vote for a Catholic, some won’t vote for a Black man, some won’t vote for a Mormon, some won’t vote for any party except the one their parents and grandparents voted for all these years, no matter who is running or what the issues are. Some even vote on how the candidate looks. The pundits are constantly monitoring the “white women’s” vote but what about the Black vote or the Veteran’s vote or all the rest of us. A man who was 5th from the bottom of his class, married a multi millionare heiress, wears $500.00 shoes gets away with calling a man who graduated “cum laude” went to work in his community at below poverty level wages “elitist” and people believe that. These people show the truth to the old adage that “God must love stupid people because He made so many of them”.

No. I think that as many people will vote for Obama because he is black as will vote against him for the same reason. In fact, I think that his race acted a bit like a booster rocket in allowing his uniqueness to capture the nation’s curiosity long enough to give him credibility — tough thing for any young politician new to the national stage.

In the net, people have lots of reasons to cote for or against someone — not all are related to specific political issues. I remember when JFK came under severe public scruitiny for being Catholic and Joe Lieberman for being Jewish, and Mitt Romney for being Morman. Should the fact that people still think this way matter to me? Yes. Will it sway the election? Not in the net. These attitudes from both sides of non-material issues will fade away as the distasteful anachronisms they are

When Obama was thinking about running, and had not yet announced he would…..Polls showed that 6% of American’s would not vote for an African American President.

Now….with the media constantly Polling Voter’s and doing exit Polling during the Primaries and basically making an issue of Barack’s race….and the Clinton’s and their surrogates interjecting race into Hillary’s campaign….we feel that there is a race issue. There is not.

After 8 years of chaos and meyhem I truly believe that voter’s will choose the man who offers change, hope and a new direction for America.

jack, It well may. Out here in rural Virginia Obama has been cast as a Muslin and the antichrist. There are alot of whites who arent going to vote for a black, no matter what the issues are. America has had a sad history of racism,native Americans,Blacks,Chinese,Japanese, hispanics have all suffered. If White America elects McCain/Palin they are going to get the payback they deserve. Unfortunately most of the rest of America will suffer too. It surprises me that ones affected most by republican politics, the poor and middle class are the ones who are believing the “Big lies” of the republican party. Whats it going to take for middle America to wake up, another great depression?

Yes! There is no other reason to NOT vote for Obama.
Americans seems to prefer another Bush over a black man. Good luck!!!!
Susana, Halifax

with everything the “RepulsiveCan’ts” have done to working people and the middle class in this country the last 8 years, IF Obama was to lose I would think his race would be THE major factor.

hi jack
did you just crawl from under a rock,yes it will.thats why they named it the White House. our country hasnt made that much progress.
clearwater,fl

Jack,
I sure hope not. Yes he is half black and has a funny name but look at the mess two guys named George and Dick have gotten us into.

God, I hope not. Listen… I’m a 50+ white Republican female who has never been engaged in a political race. For the first time in my life, I’ve donated to an election… and not just once. Race is not the issue. “It’s the economy, stupid.”

It would be a real tragedy if this were to happen. We have the best candidate we have had in my long lifetime, our children need him, we need him, hopefully we will have sense to get him elected in spite of the republican dirty tricks.

I certainly hope not. There have been many people in the movies and other proffessions that had to keep their race hidden. The people I am talking about are Native American.If people had known they were Native American they would not have gotten their jobs. We all grew up watching them on the BIG screen. Ex: Roy Rogers-he is a Native American.All this to say that there are some people still who are stopped because of the “race” issue. They never get to know the person. What a shame. They will also never get to know all that a person can contribute. There are leaders and there are followers.Obama is a leader.

The mere fact that he received the Democratic nomination indicates that his race is not a factor. If he loses, race, not his inexperience, shady ties to socialist agitators, will become a factor and cited as the reason for his loss. Democratic supporters will claim that this country has not moved beyond judging a man by the color of his skin, despite his poor qualifications for the presidency.

Hi Jack
I hope not, but as a American that is considered a minority I honestly fear that will be the case, America is going downhill at a faster rate than the great depression and yet Mccain/Pailin is being allowed to get away with massive lies. ” Republicans remember one thing. If you are voting for liars how do you expect America to get better.”

Palin is afraid to talk to the press and no one is calling her on that. what a joke, yet she continues to spew outright lies. If McCain wins god help us all

Hispanic for Obama

There can be no doubt it.
Unless a lot of voters are lying and vote different than they say they will.
As much as they want change I believe a lot of whites will not vote rather than vote for a black man.
America has a long way to go in actually accepting the fact that there are good, decent, smart, hard working Blacks in every community in America.
I’m a white,southern live and let live redneck that cannot stand to see what Bush and Co. have done to our future generations.
How anyone with half a brain could let race prevent getting change to D C is beyond me.
By the way, Jack I agree with you. McCain looks like some fool just off the turnip truck.
P/S
Very sorry to hear about your wife.
Bill

Sad but true! I think it could.
Rita
Itasca, IL

No. People who object to his race would not vote Dem anyway. Race will be the main excuse cited when he loses, but it’s not accurate.

He will lose because of the general perception that is is not ready, reinforced by his history of bad personal associations, and his razor thin resume. As his celebrity wears off, voters will ask themselves, “Why him?”, then they will think about the factors I have listed, and will vote for McCain as a default.

Race will play a minor part, but ask yourself: “Could Colin Powell have won?”. The answer is obvious.

It amazes me that the Democratic Party didn’t jump at the opportunity of an OBAMA/CLINTON ticket. No matter the order that they ran. We needed a ticket that will bring the party together. Senator Joe Biden is a capable choice however; it was obvious what the party needs. It’s almost as if Barack was so busy trying to defeat Clinton that he couldn’t see the unity as plain as day. Their campaigns’ were so similar. Is it too late for the Senator Biden to bow out for the good of the party and support Hilary as Barack’s running mate? It saddens me to see that the Democratic Party could be defeated just when the country needs real leadership more than ever. We need affordable healthcare and affordable housing. We need to go back to basics. We need to create jobs here as well as fair working conditions. We need to take care of our own as well as continuing to be leader in the eyes of the world. We need to show the world that the American people know the meaning of a unified country and we aren’t afraid the roll up our sleeves, admit our mistakes and start showing the heart that made this country great in the first place.

The Republican Party has stated that they don’t want to raise anyone’s taxes while the Democratic Party does. The truth is that the Democratic Party only wants the higher income brackets to pay their fair share. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it doesn’t seem like the Republican Party is for change. It sounds more like the same deal we have had for the past 8 years and that’s just sad.

On the other hand the Republican Party saw what they needed to do to bring their party together and didn’t hesitate. Americans want change and the Republican Party will continue to cater to the rich. They will continue to say what the people want to hear and then fail to act upon it.

Color doesn’t turn me off. Lack of experience, self- centeredness, and digging up dirt does. I would have loved to been able to voted for Obama in 2012 but he didn’t have the ability to read the hand writting on the wall.

carol
Springfield, Oregon

Jack,
Not necessarily, but sadly, I do think that race will indeed be a factor for many voters. I am as encouraged by the growing acceptance of other races/cultures by the younger generations as I am saddened by the lingering bias exhibited by others.

Darren
Seattle, Washington

Welcome back, sorry for your loss. Race is very much a factor. Some whites will never vote for a black just as some blacks are voting Obama because he is black. Racism breaks when traditions are changed and people see other people as their brother/sister not their color.

Sadly, I’m afraid it wil have an impact. Hopefully, not enough to lose the White House. Although this should have been long put behind us, race and gender bias persists.

Elaine
Michigan

Jack, I’m a 60 year old white guy who once was a racist. That was many years ago and I am now a supporter of Obama. Sad to say that there may very well be enough ignorant racists who will prevent this man of vision and inspiration, a true leader, out of the White House.

It won’t be because of his race, it will be because he has no experience, surrounds himself with the likes of Wright, Pfleger, Rezko and Ayers, and has no voting record since he voted “present” over a hundred times. Although I’m sure liberal media will blame it on the “race card” rather than giving the American people credit for looking at his political history……. which is NADA!!!!

Jack, it’s not his race, it’s his lack of experience, his questionable judgment and his failure to put Hillary Clinton on the ticket. If he did not feel he could manage the Clintons as President, how will he be able to handle this nation? Sonoma, CA

As a sad commentary on America his race will cost him votes. On the other hand Reverend Wright maybe his worst enemy. John McCain said early on he will win the White House in the last 48 hours of the campaign - that means the ads will be nothing but 48 hours of Reverend Wright.

Normally I would say yes since there are so many backwards thinking people in this country but I think that given the alternative - an aging, senile man who lives in lalala land and a pathological liar, they will look beyond race and choose the best option for America.

I sure hope not, Jack, but think we have alot of in the
closet racism. And, in reading blogs some who admit it
freely.
It is unfortunate that some people have chose not to
vote for intelligence, judgement and true concern
for us and the future of our country.
It makes you wonder what their priorities are.

Probably. If he were white and Palin was a man (with the same resume) the democrats would be a shoe-in. My dad is the perfect litmus test of American politics; he’s always voted the candidate, not the party, but he now says he’d vote for a corpse before he’d vote for Obama, simply due to his race.

He’s my dad, I love him, but there you go…

For the sake of our country, I can only hope not.

I certainly hope not…..If that would be the case I would have to say AMERICA is ignorant, and I hope that is not the case.
if I had to choose between a black man and McShame, I would choose the black man.

go OBAMA……BIDEN……

Of course Senator Obama’s race could cost him the election. America is country where people of color were considered subservient for a very long time by every White American. In recent times, all White Americans don’t feel this way, but you still have some who want that White Purity again. And those are the ones who won’t vote for an African American no matter how badly the Republicans have made conditions for their lives. This is sad but if we don’t rally together for the sake of the country, we will make a grave mistake by voting anti Obama instead of what’s good for Americans. At the Republican convention if you looked at the audience, which was 97% White Americans, you could feel the hatred through the screen. I watched this convention with a diverse group and all of us saw the same thing. We are in a position to go forward if we put race aside. Americans typically are not stupid, but the need to preserve an out of date outlook on who’s in control in America, we could make the gravest mistake of our lives to vote for John McCain.
Donnie
Fort Worth, TX

No. There will always be losers that will not vote for candidates because of race or gender. But that type of ignorance does not reflect that of what mainstream America thinks.

I hope not, but it does not help with some voters. More harmful, I think, is the misinformation about Obama floating around, and the tendency of some voters to believe what they hear without checking it out. The scurrilous e-mails, discredited ads, and republican characterizations of Obama as having no achievements as a Senator–at the state level or in Congress–could easily be disproved by consulting such non-partisan websites as factcheck.org and politifact.com. There may be a few people who accept negatives they hear without factchecking because of racism, but I hope they are not a critical mass.

tampa, fl the thought of a white house garden filled with fresh watermelon vines or a presidental limo with 24″ spinner rims alone will keep me from voting for obama. his pitiful voting record clinches it.

Ofcourse race will play a factor and expect the Mccain camp in the closing days to amplify his race. If he loses it will tell a lot about this country….and it may not be good.

no his race is not a factor but his color is, he’s as red as joseph stalin.

Race IS a factor. Even though people are up in arms saying its not! Let’s face it, we are a society who is still afraid of black men, women still hold their purses when a black man walks near them; in department stores a young African-American man is still followed.

So, yes, race is a factor! I am hoping against hope that we, the People, will rise above this. That we will SEE a MAN, an educated-articulate-brilliant man who is offering us a change!

With all the experience-’judgement’ and the wisdom that should come with age, Bush, Cheney, McCain, etc., all LIED to our Nation to go to war!

Bush/Cheney/McCain/GOP has nearly bankrupted our Nation……… give me a brilliant young man any day!

Jack,
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way. Barack Obama’s racial mix doesn’t play nearly the role that it once would have. As for it having an effect on the results of the election, I suspect that more people will be voting for him because he’s black than will be voting against him just because he’s black. His race has no influence on my decision to vote for him. I’m voting for him because he’s smart–magna cum laude at Harvard Law School, inspirational, and has the right ideas for moving this country forward with the changes we need. Comparing the two candidates, there’s only one clear leader I’m willing to follow. Compare Obama to McCain– who graduated 894th place out of 899 in his class at the Naval Academy (way back when textbooks were a lot thinner)– along with his statements that he does not know enough about economics– along with his explosive, hot temper– and it’s a no-brainer. Yes, he’s been in the military. My two brothers were military heroes too– I wouldn’t vote for them for president either.

I told my kids that the US will not elect a black man to be President, because he’s black. We say we’ve come a long way in this area but I well remember living in Selma, Alabama in 1955-57 and would say the measure of our success is that we don’t have two water fountains, one labeled white and the other colored. I’m white and will vote for Obama because I believe we need the change he can bring to help all of us.

Not too me but to the older generation yes. They will not let go of the old ways and they think he should still be in the fields plowing their plantations. It is time for a major change. White men have done our country no good. Want the same old stuff? Pick McDaddy and his trophy Veep. Want a shred of a change? Pick Obama and Biden. Quit being afraid of the unknown. Stand up and vote the right way.

If he loses, it will be because of his race. No doubt about it.

I certainly hope not. But then there are people who are racist and won’t vote for a black no matter what. It is a pretty sad state of affairs. How people would want a third term of Bush is beyond me. At least we know with Obama he won’t be going thru menopause nor will he have dementia.

If Obama loses the election because of those who would judge a person by the color of their skin and not the content of their character, judgement and intelligence then these voters are part of the problem and not part of the solution to the problems facing America.

His race should not defeat him, his lack of experience and other things might.
But, it works both ways — he should not “win because he is Black”…just as no one should win “because they are white.”

Yes….sad to say I feel that when 3/4 of the American public goes into the private little voting booth they will not vote for a “black” man because they are closet racists who will not admit it.This country is just not ready or “grown up enough!

Jack, it’s apparent that some people were planning to vote for whichever ticket carried a female candidate - any female candidate - so it’s clear that there are voters who don’t understand or care about political issues. Race will indeed be a factor.

Jack are you really asking this question? Thants a no brainer, we just came out of one of the worst weekend in 50 years. A republican is in office and our economy keeps getting worse and worse; MCcain votes with the president 90% of the time and yet the polls are so close. What is wrong with our country. We deserve better. I am not even going to vote this election because I live in West Virginia and I know for a fact that this state will NEVER vote for a black man; and that is really sad but true.

Rich
West Virginia

Does anyone really believe that if Obama were white he would have made it this far? If Obama loses the election it will be in spite of his race, not because of it.

When asked, most Americans will assure us that race plays no role in their decision. But the outcome will depend on whether a majority of Americans will be ready to vote for a Black candidate when they are in the privacy of the election booth.

he is as white as he can be with a mother grandparents great uncle and others in his family just as white as me. the color of your skin doesn’t make you white its the color of your heart which makes you white or black. he is not blackened by the cancer of washington which is all over McCain.

Jack
It could possibly cost him the election, there are a lot of voters that will look you in the face and tell you they cant vote for John McCain and will vote for Barack Obama however when they enter the voting booth and its time to make their selection for the most important job in the world they will not vote for an African American.

I think that race is a factor in this race, however, I don’t think it will cost him the White House. The American people are hurting immensely right now and he embodies a change that we desperately need. Therefore, I think that the American people will be looking at the lagging economy, job market and their decreasing bank account and rising gas prices instead of looking at the color of Barack’s skin. It’s about the issues for most Americans and he has substance on the issues unlike McCain and Palin.

Yes, Jack-

If Obama doesn’t win the “White” House, it’s because he’s a “Black” man.

With the Economy falling apart and the American people are loosing jobs along with other crisis, and if the American people put their trust back in the Republicans hands again, yes, it will be because of race.

Ask the people of VA.

Bit/Alabama

not to me hes race has nothing t do with why i will not vote for him it is his opinion on taxes and government in my life.. it is not the busness of the white house or congress of what goes on in my house ..he supports the killing of children ..and dose not feel this countery should be able to protect its self … my flag never come’s down till it is time to put it to rest then a new one goes up my flag dose not know what hafe mass is it is always at full mass because it is proud of its past and it future it dose not fear nothing and it respect every thing about fairness when i hear the national anthem i get butterflyes in my gut every time iam fifty and i do not see this in this man nor do i feel it is in his hart …just my opinion
Perry W. Jones
Council Bluffs Iowa

Racism is the massive 10-ton elephant in the room that everyone is afraid to talk about. Everyone fears being accused of “playing the race card”. Isn’t there a double standard here? When white folks say they won’t vote for a black man simply because he’s black, they are playing the race card - using race to trump any argument. No one confronts them, but that is not the point. They should be commended for their honestly, then shown the error in their judgment.

I hope we are beyond voting for or against someone based solely on their race, and to a large extent I believe we are. However, there are pockets of people in this country that may well vote against Obama due to his race, and in certain states where the vote is close, it could cost him a state and as a result, an election. That would be a shame, as I believe Obama is the right person to lead this country forward.

I have to be honest Jack right around the time of the democratic convention my husband who was not going to vote for Obama because it went against his good ole boy reputation, well he has done a complete 360 in just a few short weeks which he says is due to the fact of Mc Cains VP choice of Palin and how it scares the hell out of him to think of that much inexperience and religious fanaticism to be second in command of this country……so my good ole boy is definitely voting for Obama so no, race will not be an issue.

I’ve looked at this from every angle I can think of and it has to be race. I would ask that people consider voting for his white half. They’d be doing themselves and all of us a favor.

Race will not be much of a factor. The percentage of people who would not vote for Obama because of his race is probably no larger than the amount of African-American voters who would not have otherwise turned out. Also telling was the way Obama was over achieving beyond the polls in several of the primaries.

As an african american girl, I think alot of white people who vote for Mccain really do believe he would be the best candidate. Personally i dissagree. but there still are some who solemly base their decision on his race…but i think enough people from every background have made the choice to look past this and so i believe he has a GOOD chance of still winning the election! By the way i think its kinda weird to just ignore his mother’s race..he’s the first bi-racial candidate not just black

OBAMA-BIDEN 08

In a word, Yes.

you better believe it does and that’s why it makes me mad when the nedia ask why ins’t aheadm it’s nothing but race, this oountry rith all it’s finacial ails would rather elect an old white man who is more the same as gerodge bush, than to put someone in office who is smarter, fresher and trying to be a uniter, who happens to black is a travesty

While race may be a factor for some people I think the right wing smear machine is more of a factor. I have seen vile emails that take two minutes on “the Google” to prove false. Many people won’t take the time to check it out.

This morning Obama explain very well his plan for the economy. It was clear,enough. He explain item per item his program for the middle class. To make it short he is the one who understand better than McSame what went wrong and what he will put in place for recovery. Watch his speech in his web site… He got a huge comprehending how to lead as president no doubt he will be great..

No, I believe there is a relevance over racism. Surely there are racist but for the first time in history- because we’re at a pivotal point- more people will look beyond their limitations and look toward freedom and empowerment- this will blind many to the color of one’s skin. I’m not worried at all.

unfortunately i fear this will cost him.

it pains me as an older Caucasian boomer to see my generation falling for the same old nonsense.

when any other (white male) democratic candidate would be leaping ahead, we see the closeness of this race for what it truly may end up being, the reluctance of someone to vote with their intelligence rather than their hypocritical bias, those who will not question lies and falsehoods and

Sadly, we live in what is still one of the most bigoted countries in the world. Look at how many people apparently believe the nonsense about him being a Muslim - as if his religion should make a difference anyway. Where in the constitution does it say one has to be a Christian to run for the presidency, anywhere? Too many people in this country are blinded by their prejudices and don’t use their God given brain to actually THINK!

So regrettably, his race will probably cost him the presidency, and unfortunately it will cost this country a potentially truly great leader.

hmmmm, Banjo’s? To many guns maybe….

jack, after seeing john king about a week and a half ago….. he talked to a man i think it was ohio, where the appalacion mts. are, he said he just could not bring himself to vote for a black man, thats very SAD!!!!! so race is a huge factor in this election….. jack those who do have a problem voting for a black should remember ,he is both black and white,and he has a brillant back ground !!!!!!!

Unfortunatley it may cost him the election, but if enough young people get out and vote he may win. Young people don’t see color like the older generation still do. I believe Obama is our only hope. McCain/Palin will lead us right into a depression.

Dear Jack, I am a senior citizen from W.V and I intend to vote Obama/Biden. My first vote ever was for JFK and news pundits said that a catholic wouldn’t get votes in a baptist state. How wrong they were. Our future depends on them being wrong again.

Only if the black voters and the younger generation voters are energized he might not lose.Unfortunately for Obama PREJUDICE is still rampant in this country and this is very sad.We badly need a change and for sure not a Palin fake change and a McCain just discovered change,

Yes, Virginia there is a racist voter. There always has been. The first Irish president faced it. The first Hispanic president will face it, and right now an African/American future president is facing it.

The tenet that “All men are created equal” is something that Crispus Attucks died for in the revolutionary war and something that Americans who understand what it means to be american have lived and died for every day since.

Jack,
If Obama does not win it will be because of his race. Common sense would tell the vast majority to vote for Obama and his policies, but common sense does not always prevail . There is a lot of “evil” in the world today and an alias of “evil” is “predijuce”. So very sad if this happens.

Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

I do not think his race will have a factor and add I pray for our country that it does not matter. I hope we have all reached a point in our being that race has no point in any election, job,and housing. The only point about race is that one should be proud of who they are and what they can do hopefully Jack we are beyond that and I believe most of us are.
Paul
Round Rock, Texas

I certainly hope not. If people could have seen FDR on crutches, would he have been elected? If campaigning was only on the radio, Obama would win hands down. But not all people are listening to the issues, they are too distracted by the lipstick, bodies parts and the color of the skin. Who ever wins the oval office is going to change our lives forever, and I hope it is for the better. Americans deserve more than a lying politician. We need a leader with wisdom and hope in his heart for this country, if his race happens to be different, it shouldn’t make a difference, but we all know prejudice still exists.

Mr. Cafferty: Maybe if you spread the word, the people can vote for his white half.

Audrey, Vancouver Island

Yes, it will. Too many deep harbored thoughts and prejudices still exist in this country to let him in the White House.
I am still not voting for him, as he is Liberal…..and I have seen what Liberals can do to good places, like Vermont.

If Obama loses it will be because he is black. NO DOUBT, NO QUESTION.

I think that if a person is not using their intelligence and facts that are available to decide who to vote for and are being influenced by the media or resorting to prejudice they will be doing themselves and our great country a diservice.

I think we already see that his race is a factor. I mean McCain is just like bush but we have a dead even poll right now. We as a country dislike Bush by 80 some percent but McCain is just as close to the white house as Obama! There are some who dont see it as a factor because Barack is different from Bush but I strongly believe most who support Barack in the primaries will vote for McCain.

While I do not give up on the American people yet and trust the majority of them to do the smart thing and not let race play a factor. It is still without question that if Barack was white there would simply be no competition in this election.

But instead its going to be close and in the end I think the country is ready to mature a little bit and do the right thing in the voting booth come November.

maybe. but, one thing that may make rich white folk , color-blind ,is the hits they’re taking in THEIR WALLETS,now. money is more important than race to them. if any saw him speak in golden,co. ,today ,then they would be changing their votes to obama in a hot minute.

Jack…..I am so glad you asked this question. Being that I am a black female, I disagree; it will NOT cost him the White House. He will win it, but it will be close. The reason being, after all the good old boy’s (McCain) die out and the newer generation take over, we will have a blended society. Everyone sees how prejudice some of the people are by their statements. They will vote for an inexperience person over a brilliant, articulate, educated black man. But GOD is in control of this race. They can knock him down, but they will not! Knock him out!

Jack

Finally someone is asking this question or even talking about his race being a factor. OF COURSE IT WILL BE A FACTOR AND A BIG ONE!!!!! Sad to say, some folks who agree on all his issues will not vote for him because he is black and that is ashame. Some people rather be dead then vote for a black man. I wish we could have a open discussion about this but the media could not stomach the truth about race and racisim. As a african american I love all my people, black, white, brown, blue or green. We are all red on the inside.

Almost! Thank God the American people are getting wiser by the day. 49 days to the election, wall street slump, motgage crises, high gas price, what has race got to do with these problems? All are affected, Latinos, Asians, Whites and Blacks, you see!!
So Americans enough!!! Wake-up!!!

There are far more people angry about the state of this nation, the state of our planet and the state of our economy than there are racists. Obama could be purple and he would still win in a landslide. Don’t believe the polls. They are not reflective of the massive amount of young people who are scared and angry enough to vote this election. The real indicator is the donations to the campaigns by individual citizens and by counting registered voters. The polls are way off. Obama and democrats are going win going away.

Sadly, his race just might cost him the Presidency. Clearly, he is head and shoulders the best hope we have for the future. He is the most Kennedy-like personality to come along in decades and we need someone of vision and hope like him. However, this is sadly a very racist nation (though most won’t admit it). The rest of the world wants him . . . we badly need him . . . but there’s still a large contingent of narrow minded closet racists out there who can submarine him at the last minute when they pull the lever. Just watch it happen Jack.

Well Jack they recently did a survey in Canada on who would support McCain and who would support Obama. The results were 66% would support Obama and 13% would support McCain. Of course these results were based upon the issues and who would be best for the country.

The crazy thing is as part of this survey Obama came out ahead of all of the other political party leaders (of which there are 5) as Canadians choice to lead.

In the final analysis jack I guess you either have to admit Canadians are a whole smarter than Americans or the simply truth is Americans are still far too prejudiced against African Americans and would cut off their noses to spite their faces.

Jack, It deeply saddens me to think that in this century that we can not look beyond race or gender, and if that is what happens in this election then I have no left faith in the USA and I feel it will be its demise!

I am so sorry for your loss

I hope and pray that prople will vote for the man and not hold his race against him. I have a wonderful women friend who will not vote for him because she still thinks he is a muslim. This man will be the best friend the middle class can have in the White House during these trying times.

this is the big question, isn’t it? i know that there are people i know who, while they will not say it, are going to either vote for or against obama b/c of the color of his skin. neither choice, is correct.

this race has put forward questions of how we view, race, gender, age, and even one’s level of education. maybe this country has not really progressed so much.

Being a white, 56 year old woman in Iowa, sadly, I think its going to make it tougher for Obama than if he were John Smith from anytown USA. I’m glad my state is in the blue column, but I have friends in the South, who are still saying “he will raise taxes…..his middle name is Hussein…..He wasn’t born in Hawaii……etc.” And I believe it is merely an excuse. People will use any excuse so they don’t have to say they are a biased racist person. This campaign is the most divisive negative campaign ever. People are really adamant on both sides, some people will accept any lie, manipulation, etc. just so they don’t have to say they won’t vote for him because of his race. If Obama does not win, we will know its a race issue. And then all those biased people will cry and complain when it all goes down the drain.

If race is a factor, it shouldn’t be. Just look how well it’s gone for us the last 8 years. I’m a white female, working two jobs, paying for a house, and paying extra school tuition because the school system that my tax dollars pay for is useless. It seems that the American Dream is becoming less of a right and more of a privelege under Republican rule. Enough is enough.

Jack, we’ve come to far as a nation with many cultures to let race become the defining factor of what color we want our next president of the United States to look like…but I guess that’s why they call it “The White House.”

Yes, Jack. When you have racist like Sean Hannity, Pat Buchanan, Bay Buchanan, Bill O’Reiley and Rush Limbaugh sitting out front cheering the bigots on….. I would have to yes. Blacks have always had to run faster, jump higher and be smarter to just break even…..this is sad, but true.

No Jack. His performance in the debates and John McCain’s nasty campaign will win the election for Barack Obama.

Jack,
If this is the factor that cause us to go through four more years of the same failed policy’s. Then the American people deserve exactly what they get. With the way this economy is going this could be a very scary sight four years from know.

Jack I heard an interesting piece on the radio driving my kids to school the other morning. A recent poll was referred to that suggested 17 out of 22 countries outside of the US overwhelmingly preferred Barack Obama over John McCain, and indicated that with that change alone, the current “standing” or perception of the US by the rest of the world would improve. Apparantly over 22,000 people participated in this poll. Now, I don’t know the specifics, and perhaps it’s not fair for a “concerned observer” from north of the border to offer an opinion on your political process, but a few things are abundantly clear. The war in Iraq has cost thousands of lives for no real gain. The US education system is in dire straits, and your healthcare system is a disgrace for such a wealthy country. The US is in a huge financial crisis, and everyday hard working people are having a tough tough time. Why is it so abundantly clear outside of the US that a real “change” (not the pitbull wannabe kind) has got to be better than what you’ve had going on for the last 8 years? The Democrats are certainy not without fault, but on the current record alone I’d say throw the Republicans out and try to regain your place in the world.The US and its citizens deserve so much better…

Jack: Yes race is a factor, and you might add gender and age to complete the political panaroma. It always has and always will. Americans have a pathological anxiety for all three.

I am a Democrat not in love with Barack Obama, but it has nothing to do with race whatsoever. I would have voted for Colin Powell on whichever ticket he would have run on. For some it is his race, but for me it is his inexperience and arrogance that put me off. If Obama loses this election, it is because he refused to put Hillary Clinton on the ticket. And please don’t blame her if he loses this for the Democrats!

Has it occurred to anyone that there are more people voting for Mr.Obama JUST BECAUSE he is African American as compared to those who are not voting for him because of his race?

Jack, I was in Wal-mart two weeks ago and had my Obama shirt on . The cashier ,a white lady about 45 years old said I can’t vote for him, I said why, she said he is black. I was in a grocery store yesterday with my Obama shirt on , the clerk was a young white male, he said I am voting for him .Jack, what will be sad is that the rest of the world will be watching and I am sure given the USA’s history they will see it that way also. They already believe we are fools. Old white women for Obama.
Connie from Indiana

There are probably as many folks who will vote for Obama as against him because of his race. I think that part will be a wash. What will probably cost him the election is his exceptional intelligence. Too many people just aren’t able to think at the level and speed that his brain works. They relate more to somebody like huggable doddering McCain or ‘perky’ hockey mom Sarah Palin.

(Note: Although he chose not to become a member, it is my understanding that Obama passed the exams and qualified for membership in American MENSA—which means his IQ is higher than 98% of the population.)

If McCain loses, is it because he is old, white, or because he simply loses the race. I beleive that if Obama loses, it is simply because he loses, and that he made a big mistake in not showing Hillary the respect that she earned with 18 million votes. Jack you are just trying to get ratings by suggesting that race would be the cause of his loss. and if people buy into that, there are many shallow Americans out there.

Jack, I think race is an issue whether one will say it is or not. If Obama was a white guy, his lead over McCain would have been double digits by now. I will be disappointed if people continue to say that race is not the factor in this race. As much as we would like unity for the country, but deep inside race is the main cultural barrier in this country , I know it because I am one of the minority groups and is the victim of this barrier.

John-Beaverton, Oregon

If he loses race will probably be blamed. Of course the fact that he is totally unqualified will take a back seat.

Race will always be a factor. People tend to vote with their emotions instead of voting for someone who can have an impact on the very concerns that are keeping them from achieving the American Dream: jobs, insurance, homeownership, and ending the war.

Blacks have long voted for white candidates - some qualified and some not - but many whites would rather have this country continue on its downward spiral than vote for a competent, intelligent black man. Race will always be a factor.

No Jack, of course not. Obviously a substantial amount of GOOD
Americans are upholding the American creed and looking beyond race
and choosing brilliance.

Definitely — just noticed finally last week when they posted “WHITES GIVE MCCAIN/PALIN AN EDGE” that finally came out, and just listening to the forums and speeches both candidates hold — only a “RACIST” would actually believe McCain is the best choice — he looks like Bush reading off a teleprompter and getting his ideas confused when he tries to freelance. Seriously these past couple of days he has flip flopped more than Kerry. 24 HOURS AGO “ECONOMY IS STRONG” and today “WE ARE IN A CRISIS” — well when you have to decide whether you will be buying groceries or putting gas in your car for the work week should have given you that indication. RACE can only be the factor. Some people will just not vote for a black man regardless of intelligence and knowledge.

It is unfortunate that there are white people that just can’t get over color of a persons skin. I am white, but I listen to what he has to say and believe in him. This is the first time I donated to a campaigne, Obama. I don’t believe that everyone can believe in Gov. Palin. I am making a doll of her that when you pull the string she says that same thing over and over.

I live in West Virginia, in a mid sized town and where the ‘n’ word is still said quite regulary by whites although in mostly hushed tones. At first I was reluctant to put my Obama ‘08 sign on my lawn for fear of the rednecks around here however as time moved on I began to see Obama ‘08 stickers, signs, t shirts everywhere. So I bravely put mine on the lawn and was more than shocked to see some of my neighbors do the same because I know they are extremely prejudiced. One day I had to ask one of them why they were supporting Obama and she said ‘Hell, I don’t like ‘im but he’s gonna look out for me and people like us. Obama is more for the ordinary guy, just a shame he’s black. Mccain is just too trigger happy for me and I’m starting to think he’s a little crazy…” So there you go.

I’m pretty sure his race will cost him the white house. Imagine if he was white just like Bob Kennedy, then all white folks from rural america, all white women and most wealthy white men will cast their votes immediately.America is re-living the 60s, we are the same Ignorant people.

I live among the worst of the bigots and the best of the open-minded. Unfortunately, the ratio is not very favorable.

Brad Mahoney
Memphis, TN

Great question Jack. Race is a big factor in this election and it could possibly cost Bam the white house however; we should not put all the balme on race you also have to look at how passive the democrats have been in the running the show. everyboby is sceptical about politicians nowdays. But to get back to your question, as a blue collar black man, listening to my peers talk about the election, you can understand the disguised message that the people around me at work are sending to one another. I was even told by one of my co-worker quote and quote: That this country will never elect a black man to the presidency of this country”. I think it is pretty clear that there are and will be some coded messages in this election and that is unfortunate because Bam is just the better candidate.

If the American people is smart, it won’t. His race is why he can’t close the deal with certain groups. I just hope that when the American people go to the polls to pull the lever for a president, that they think about the furture of the young people because right now this is really what it is about, their future.

Welcome back Jack.

Yes it will make a difference, and what a sad statement this will make to the world.

Jack, racism is so deeply inbedded in this country; If God was found to be Black and Satan was white, there are people in this country who would “follow” Satan to hell instead of being led by a Blackman in Heaven. That is just a cold hard fact and it doesn’t take a genius to see that. I fear for us all if the Republicans are allowed to continue their recklessness in the name of “conservatism”.

Hope,
Columbia SC

Jack, Racial bigotry is like crabgrass, ugly. and inevitible. The bubba factor (racism) will be in full bloom this election.

Jerry N/Tulsa

Jack, Senator Obama is both black and white. Therefore those whites
too ignorant to vote for the black half can vote for the white half.
(Jack, see how stupid prejudice sounds?)

Well, if this IS the case and I believe race plays a role in not electing Obama, then is it really “Country First”?. Or is saying Country First code for really saying “Race First”? Then that slogan actually makes sense in a disturbing kinda way.