I was a teenager when I watched the Nixon Kennedy debate. I'd been watching politics avidly for a few years. I was electrified when Kennedy figuratively shot holes in Nixon with a dozen or so acute charges. He was cogent, eloquent, and penetrating of intellect. I have the same reaction when I hear Obama's great speeches. Here are some criteria by which people should evaluate Obama:

Race is a myth but racism is real. Is Obama a living force who will support racism or one who will help tear it down?

Religion is a crystallization in dogma and ritual of a potent enlivening force in human life. Has Obama learned compassion, empathy, love of justice? Or is he just someone who spouts religious cant?

A truly strategic vision is essential to help one avoid things like the corn-to-gas initiative that ends up profoundly affecting poor people everywhere. Is Obama a clear thinker who has both acute insight and also a strategic vision that draws in all significant factors? Or is he just an improved version of a one-slogan campaigner like Bob "tax and spend Democrats" Dole?

Honestly, black americans are going to vote Obama because he is black and a lot of white americans aren't because of the same reason. Everybody is racist in america. Why are we lying to ourselves. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it. I truly belive the reason why Obama has done well in these primaries is only because he is going against a woman. There, I said it..America is sexist, also.

you know rev wright looks practicly white.if you have one drop of black blood that makes you african.rev wright also seems to like cash.correct me if i'm wrong and i was wrong once before wasn't minister farakan trying to get 5billion dollars from mohmar kadafi.with our country in a shambles compared to ten years ago.you know it's our free will to kick GOD out.republicans pimp GOD for votes.democrats want to dismiss GOD and call every unseemly thing okay.the kicker is GOD can take care of HIMSELF.just like in ancient times when HE pours out HIS wrath the fence and all those on it get the bulk of it.we've turned sound doctine into fables.race,religion,political party,rich,poor it's not going to matter.we may not see GOD.were just lining up to feel HIS wrath.after 9/11we all went to church for like 3wks whites,blacks,hispanics all treated each other like human beings.perhaps this we should get back to.

I honestly wonder sometimes if this is the really the "Information Age" instead of the "Disinformation Age". Some of the incendiary rhetoric in this campaign is due to racism on the parts of various people, as much as sexism, and even ageism. That said, I think that some of the more nefarious attacks against Obama is not so much derived from racism per se, but sectarian bias.

Many people received dubious emails that assert Barack is a closet Muslim, and that he supports Farrakhan's anti-Semitism. Many of the individuals and sites purveying these messages are so careful to include Obama's middle name "Hussein", to assert that he is in fact a closet Muslim. The problem is that such individuals are equally careless in leaving off part of his full name in making heir assertion. That part is the abbreviation for "junior" or "Jr". Apparently, it is a a terrible thing that Obama was named for his father. So much for "family values".

The emails and blog postings have continued, unabated, only the wording and tactics have changed. Many were replete with so-called "quotes" from Obama's book that were egregious. To start with, no page numbers were ever cited. When you viewed the quote back in context, it seems that it was at best, taken out of context, but in many instances they were creatively revised if not entirely fraudulent. This was done to elicit a negative reaction. Sadly, there are people who are so shallow as to believe what they are told, and even repeat it. They never checked what was actually written for themselves.

Many asserted that Obama was related to Odinga in Kenya, who supported an Islamist agenda, which is funny, as Odinga is a Christian. Many of the same sites featured images of Obama in Islamic garb when visiting such countries. The same sources ceaselessly try to claim that Obama and Farrakhan are best of friends. Sites like Snopes, Politifacta dn Fact check have routinely debunked these claims, but they still find an audience who are all too willing to believe the lies.

Many people were apparently persuaded by these malicious rumors. I have investigated some of these claims as stemming from an extremist organization of a different stripe. It is a neo-Kahanist (meaning that they espouse the doctrines of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane) site JTF.org. This organization was founded by Vince Vancier aka "Chaim ben Pesach" who is a convicted terrorist. His rabid rhetoric can be found posted on blogs and web sites across the entire nation- and there are actually people who are so inherently biased to begin with as to eat it up. This is despite the fact that this group has been condemned as a hate group by the ADL and Simon Wiesenthal Center. The Israeli Knesset has repeatedly banned the neo-Khanist political activity, which is often patronized by the most vociferously extreme settlers.

At the time, some asserted that Hillary's campaign was responsible for these rumors. Personally, I've always doubted that was the case. Some sources such as the Atlas Shrugs web site, which not only claims that Obama is a closet Muslim, but that Hillary is closet Lesbian with her Muslim aide (!)

Personally, I don't buy any of these assertions, any more than I bought into the rumor that McCain fathered an illegitimate black child back in 2000. Will Folks, the former spokesman for South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, told David Brancaccio on the Show NOW that he received one of these smear emails- from his own mother! She in turn obtained it from an evangelical email list that she belongs to. Folks rightly called it smear, and I am very proud that there are some Republicans who will call it as much.

The usage of sectarian bigotry to manipulate voters is to me, the underbelly of this years public campaign rhetoric. I only hope that McCain will stick to his promise to stay above the fray and not sink to such slander. So far, it appears that he is doing so, but there is a discernible pull on the part of some of his constituency to state as much.

I don't like Wight's rhetoric, but I also don't like that of Pastors Pat Robertson, John Hagee and Rod Parsely either. I don't really believe that after years of "anti-Papist" tirades, that Hagee's recent overtures to conservative Catholics is genuine. It seems to me that there is a lot of finger pointing that people can do, if that is their game.

I happen to think that all of our candidates are decent people. Such attempts to slime and smear are underhanded and not reflective of true American spirit. It is possible to debate issues with your fellow Americans and taxpayers, without giving in to debasing them and spreading lies. You can debate someone without resorting to logical fallacies, especially ad hominems.

Personally, I'm REALLY tired of he tit-for-tat games, posturing, and pandering that passes for public "discourse" in our nation today. I miss the days when the League of Women Voters sponsored REAL DEBATES. Our leaders bear a certain responsibility to return our nation to a more civil form of discourse. Even Gore VIdal and Bill Buckley's lowest moments were far better than the rivers of effluence we consume today; at least there was some display of critical thinking ability! We may have freedom of speech in our nation, but boy, we sure do like to squander that right by regurgitating someone else's hyperbole.

And in case you didn't understand the inference and the reality based on the reference made by Rev. Wright on AIDS being created in lab...GOOGLE THE TUSKEEKEE EXPERIMENT.

And again, I do apolize for my errors in spelling...there's no Spell Check.

It's really very disgusting to hear from both sides,throwing negative things to each other; we have to accept what the facts are, either he or she, white or black or whatsoever,after all we are humans that tends to make mistakes; all the three presidentiables are all highly respected persons with individual calivers, but we need only one president to occupy the Whitehouse;and if Sen. Barak Obama wins the race, he might do alot of changes for America,one thing I feared of,is that he may even change Whitehouse name to Blackhouse; oooops, that's foul, don't do that. After all it's a POLITICS; and politics is the dirtiest business ever, so watch-out guys.

For some one to say that African Americans will vote for Obama just because he Black is pure ignorance at it's worst. In others words African Americans are not intelligent enough to make informed choices. Give it a rest. I agree with the comments from CitizenX. The only Color any one should be Voting is RED, White And Blue.

Bill vs. Hillary & Blacks.

She is not of the same experience that Bill is. The voters she is running hot and heavy with are of that mind set and older.

If Older white women want a woman due their experiences in life, does that mean those women hate men or blacks? Probably not...more than likely it is the same kind of reality that blacks have if they are voting for Obama because he is black.

Rasist? Not even close.

Basically there is something to be said for leaving behind a future for younger generations. Young women and blacks need to know there is a future for us. (I'm both) And let's face it women, both black and white women and black people have not had a easy time making it america. It's been tough.

But do we hate white men...NO. There is a point being missed here.

The guilt that white men are perceiving is not the real honest to God intention of either group. We have and can be responsible for our respective groups.

At the end of the day it's best to be responsible, cause history is what it is.

I hear over and over again that we should vote for Obama because he is for HOPE and CHANGE. John F. Kennedy ran on a very similar platform. One big difference. John F. Kennedy told us what the changes were that he wanted to make and how!

What are these changes that Obama wants to make? How does he plan to achieve them? All I ever hear from him is that we live in the greatest country in the world, and he wants to change it. That really concerns me.

RE: Rev. Wright.

We all have someone in our family that would we would not want others to know about...white as well as black. And this is the major reason why no matter how close you are to someone of a different race...you don't invite them to "family gatherings", and into that person's home. Things are said at home that should not be mentioned in public all the time...and whites say these things are well as blacks. Though you may work together and are even fond of one other for all the right reasons...you know that you couldn't bring that person home to your family or some or it's members....blacks are well as whites. We all have someone that is profoundly ingorant that we are related to, yet we understand where they are coming from...and they are ususally older than we are.

Older black people at least have reason to feel they way they do...very good reason! My mom grew up with Jackie Robinson, and I learned to swim in a public pool in Pasadena, CA that she couldn't...and in the same park that Jackie couldn't play in...but every so often. There was the Union Pinic, however...the one day out of the year that blacks in Jackie Robinson neighborhood were allowed in...and at the end of the day...it was drained.

But she was brillant at letting me know that I had the right to do that in the 60's...no one could stop me.

So...after haven worked at every single election since the 30's...my mom is voiting for Obama...because he's black.

And I forgot one more play and movie that was a well documented "factual" account of blacks in military service:

" A Soliders Play"- Pulitize Prize Winner and Tony Award, I believe.

"A Soliders Story" - Oscar nominated, Best Supporting Actor.

And today, the Obama's were interviewed on "Good Morning, America" by the daughter of a Tuskeekee Airman.

Again, a race card we can play!

Just some things I noticed when reading the comments here.

1. When blacks vote overwhelmingly for Bill Clinton ( or any other white candidate) they're a democrat. But when they vote overwhelmingly for Obama, they're racists.

2. When women vote overwhelmingly for Hilary, they're supporting a good cause for furthering female progress. When blacks vote for Obama, they're racist.

3. People seem to think that whites only vote for Obama out of guilt, not because they actually like him and what he offers America.

4. That Obama is only doing well because he has the black vote. Well even if Obama recieved 100% of the black vote, he would only recieve approximately 12% of the total US vote. That means in order for him to be doing as well as he is, just as many white voters are voting for him as for Hilary.

5. Misconception about the entire Rev. Wright situation. You are allowed to love someone, and disagree with their beliefs. During the civil if there was a 50 yr old white parent who believed in slavery and a 25 yr old child of thiers who did not, did that mean that they had to stop loving their parents? No, it just means that they disagreed with their parents. They still loved them but disagreed with their beliefs. Same thing with Obama. He still loved his pastor but dis agreed with him. I mean who in their right mind can believe that aids was created in a lab by the US Gov't to kill black people. Its rediculous.

*Extra point/question.
How many catholics left the catholic church after so many priests molested young boys? You may not agree with the acts, values, and beliefs of those priests, but you still believe in the church. Again, same as Obama.

I think that there is a sizable portion of older white americans, as there are black americans (notice I didn't say african) who are racist. But those attitudes and beliefs will die away with them and each generation is becoming more understanding, accepting of each other, and less inclined to define someone by ones race. Education and exposure are doing away with , slowly, but steadily. I hope Obama wins this race, but I will wholeheartedly support Clinton if he does not. However, as a black male, I would suggest that Sen. Clinton not anger the black vote by comments such as the one that made it seem as if only white Americans are hard working Americans. You know the quote he can't get the vote of "hard working Americans, white Americans". If push comes to shove and she alienates herself from the black vote, we will not vote for her which would be devestating to the democratic cause in november in swing states where there is a large black vote.

Young, black,hardworking,college educated male

Being educated in our history means that your have to face the fact that despite all that has happened...black men and women are still joining the armed forces to protect us from evil. Yet we have historially experienced here...and in the military. Eleanor Roosevelt worked with her husband to end racism in the military after visiting Tuskeekee.

That story has won both Pultizer Prize, and several Emmy Awards. A truely american story.

The funny thing is...blacks do haved a very legitimate card to play in the issue of race...we have survived a great deal here in america.

Can someone please answer this. What exactly is a "True American?" Isn't it all based on individual perception?

wow, after reading Raymond Andrews comment. that is all i can say WOW, here is a person who gets it. we are so divided over nonsense. i can not help the color GOD made me and i am proud to be BLACK. not african american but just black. never been to africa and after reading some of the comments on here not sure if being american is all that great either. only because i never seem to be treated like an american. i still get hassled by the police for the color of my skin. and the sad thing is a lot of white people don't get it either. i am a christian, but i also realize that is not the only faith out there. i realize that the whole concept of america in the beginning was to be free, free from someone else forcing their veiws on you. then i read linda weikel's comments. wow, that is what i thought. wow, how could she be so blind. i grew up in a very strong christian home. but i started looking at other religions as a way of trying to understand the many diffrent people i come in contact with. i went so far as to almost join the nation of islam. i can not say anything bad about it.they do a lot of good in our community that most other people look past. i went to the milion man march and i am very proud of that. we as a nation have to get past racism in america. racism is real and growng. i wore a vote for obama shirt this past weekend and the looks i got from most of the white people just made me want to cry. not for me, but for them. we go to church but do we listen? the same people that say muslims are all evil are the same people that think GOD only loves christians. it is impossible to be christ like and hate another race. everyone who does needs to look into their own lives and ask if christ came back today what could he say about YOU.

Voting against Obama because of experience is junk. Bush had 4 years of experience being president before we reelected him. Before that, governor.

Tolerance comes from education. Here is is and education in American history. That said, the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution is why and how Black people became Americans, as with Native Americans. And we got the right to vote before white women, and still had to fight for that right...hence the Civil Rights Act of 1964...which Hillary claims it took a President to make happen.

And as far as Rev. Wright is concerned...trust me, whites might be surprised at the things that have been said in "the black church". For blacks it as always been a safe haven away from suppression of racism. Many blacks, although they will never admit it publicly, think along those lines...most not as severe, however. But frnakly, since the Tuskeekee Experiment on black service men..which most whites would have to Google...most blacks...in the back of thier minds...don't put much past the US Government. Walking a mile in our shoes means you have to read history and face and confront a great deal that is quite hard to deal with.

I used to work in the library when I was in Grammer school, middle school, and high school. As an adult was a librian. (But I can't spell worth much)

And I have read a great of american history with respect to race.

Historically documented facts.

Having grown up in a predominately white, upper middle class, Republican neighborhood, being the first black family to live on the main residential street in that neighborhood, was the first black person many whites ever got to know and was the 3rd black cheerleader at my High School...n sunny Southern California where we all supposed to be so Liberal. I also learned alot by experience in that environment.

For many Obama is a dream come true. And sets a good example of many...for many reasons...not just to blacks but to whites...for reasons that no one will admit to...or want to even think about much.

THIS IS MY LAST POST ON THIS SUBJECT.(I HAVE DONE 4) THE TRUTH IS THE WHITES WHO R RACIST ARE AFFRAID OF THE 1 THING THAT JERIMIAH WRIGHT SAID THAT IS TRUE. U CANNOT DO EVIL TO YOUR FELLOW MAN & NOT EXPECT IT TO COME BACK ON YOU & YOUR FELLOW MAN. THE LAWS OF GOD(KARMA) DOESN'T WORK AGAINST/FOR EVERYBODY IN THE WORLD EXCEPT AMERICANS. THEY APPLY TO US AS WELL. (U.S. DOES SPELL US. NOT, THEM OR THEY) THE REAL ROOT OF THE RACISM COMES FROM THE ROOTS OF THIS GREAT NATION. THIS NATION CANNOT FACE THE HISTORY OF IT'S AFRICAN AMERICAN CITIZENS BECAUSE IT'S A PAINFUL & SHAMEFUL SUBJECT. THE BLACKS IN AMERICA ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WERE BROUGHT HERE BY FORCE IN CHAINS & FORCED TO DO HUNDREDS OF YEARS OF FREE SLAVE LABOR. THEN ON TOP OF THAT THEY STILL FACE A SEGREGATED RACISM AFTER ONLY BEING CREDITED AS 3/5 OF A MAN.(THE OTHER 2/5 MUST BE GODLY) AFTER BEING PROMISED 40 ACRES & A MULE. THEY GOT 40 OUNCES & KOOLS.(CIGARETTES) THE WRONGS OF OUR FOREFATHERS HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THAT'S WHY WHITES FEAR BLACKS. THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN KARMA, KNOW @ SOME POINT I TIME THERE WILL BE A DAY OF RECKONING. MOST WHITES JUST HOPE IT'S NOT DURING THEIR GENERATION. SO THEY PASS THE HATE & BURDEN ON TO THEIR KIDS. DON'T GIVE ME THE WELFARE & PUBLIC ASSISTANT ARGUMENT EITHER. WHITES CURRENTLY MAKE UP A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ON WELFARE IN THIS COUNTRY. OVER 400 MILLION AFRICANS LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE MIDDLE PASSAGE ALONE.(OUR COUNTRIES CURRENT POPULATION IS ONLY 300+ MILLION) NO MAN OR RACE SHOULD BE FORCED OUT OF THEIR HOMELAND & FORCED TO LIVE UNDER THE LAWS & RULES OF ANOTHER RACE THAT HATES THEM. THE HATE IS A FEAR THAT BLACKS WOULD EXACT RETRIBUTION FOR THEIR ANCESTORS.(BUT THE BIBLE/KORAN/ & ALL OTHER RELIGIONS TEACHES "VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD")SO HATE HIM. OH, I FORGOT THE COLONIZERS USED HIS NAME TO JUSTIFY SLAVERY. EVEN THOUGH NONE OF US WERE ALIVE TO BE DIRECTLY EFFECTED BY SLAVERY IT HAS HAD A VERY LONG LINGERING EFFECT. DON'T BELIEVE ME? ASK FANNIE MAE & ETNA. THESE COMPANIES MADE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OFF OF THE FREE SLAVE LABOR & THEY STILL CONTROL A BULK OF THIS COUNTRIES FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. THIS ALONE CONTINUES MAKES A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF THE POPULATION VERY WEALTHY TO THIS DAY. SO, IF THEY CAN STILL HAVE A POSITIVE GROWTH IN MONEY & POWER. WHAT WOULD THE NEGATIVE EFFECT BE? HOW ABOUT DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN? THE WHITES GOT A 300 HUNDRED YEAR HEAD START. BLACKS WERE'NT EVEN ALLOWED TO READ & WRITE. SO HOW COULD THEY LEARN OF THEIR SHORTCOMINGS? LOOK @ THE AMERICAN PRISON SYSTEM. A MAJORITY OF THE PRISONERS HAVE BROWN/BLACK SKIN.(BUT THEY ARE MINORITY IN THE POPULATION) IT IS THE NEW FORM OF SLAVE LABOR. PEOPLE GOTO JAIL & WORK FOR 3O CENTS AN HOUR. WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE LOCKED UP THAN COMMUNIST CHINA,NORTH KOREA, & IRAN.(BUT WE ARE THE HOME OF THE FREE) FREE LABOR THAT IS. WHEN THE JEWS HAD THEIR HOLOCAUST THE WORLD STOOD UP & FOUGHT AGAINST RACIAL TYRANNY. WHEN IT HAPPENED TO BLACKS THE WORLD TURNED A BLIND EYE. THE REASON IS THE WHOLE WORLD WAS IN ON IT. THE WORLD WOULD HAVE TO PAY BECAUSE THE WHOLE WORLD BENEFITED FROM SLAVE LABOR. (& STILL DOES TO THIS DAY) SO I SAY TO AMERICA & THE REST OF THE WORLD WHERE ARE THE BLACKS REPARATIONS? WHERE IS THEIR ALOTTED LAND TO RULE & GOVERN THEMSELVES? WHY HAS NOBODY STOOD UP FOR BLACKS LIKE THEY DID FOR THE JEWS? FOR THOSE WHO HATE THE BLACK MAN I SAY YOU SHOULD BE THANKFUL. SCIENCE HAS PROVEN ALL HUMAN LIFE STARTED IN AFRICA & DISPERSED ACROSS THE EARTH. IF THERE WAS NO BLACK MAN THERE WOULD BE NO MAN. IF MAN WAS MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD HIMSELF, WHAT IS THAT SAYING ABOUT THE BLACK MAN? TO HATE THE BLACK MAN IS TOO HATE GOD HIMSELF.THINK ABOUT THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do not support Obama's views. I do not support Clinton's views. For those of you that think President Bush is trigger happy, did you forget 9/11 so quickly. A war by terrorist on American soil against civilians. Wow! how quickly we forget. It took years and years to mess up this country yet you think It should have been fixed in a few terms. Our economic system is beginning to fail. Our government spends money that we don't have. Now I have heard that the new dollar bill does not say "In God We Trust". The very belief our country was founded on. All I can say is as American's we had better begin to Pray more.Do I want a Christian President? YES!!

Expat's comments are right on "safe white neighborhoods"black majority schools"There is not one white liberal who would send his kids to a black majority school nor would they live in a majority black neighborhood.If you want to end racism erase the perception that young African-American are criminals.A difficult task if you listen to Rap music and watch the evening news. Obama in his 20 year Rev Wright experience not being aware of the Rev's nasty ramblings is like Rudolph Hess not aware of Hitler's rantings.Get real Kumba-Yas.It's not going to happen.

The beauty of the Civil Rights movement is that Black Americans were given the RIGHT TO VOTE - this includes voting for any candidate we see fit. There are racist black, white, hispanic, asian people in this world. They do not represent everyone as a whole. Unfortunately, the media has shoved down our throats the issues that raise eyebrows rather than the issues that are relevant. Thankfully, I'm part of a generation that concentrates on accomplishments, skills & abilities, and potential rather than race, age, sex, etc. If I was judged on those characterisitics I wouldn't be the successful young, black woman that I am today.

Hmm where to start, lets see reading over all the comments I love people that get on and start the racist thing especially the black americans. Excuse me all of you need to learn your history. yes slavery was a part of this country's history, but if I were you I would take a long hard look at who sold you into slavery. That would be your own people in africa a long time ago. Yes this country has it's issues with racism, but you cannot blame the whites on all of that hate. Blacks are racist towards mexicans, hispanics, indians, whites it does not matter your race or gender. It saddens me to see this when noone is listening to the issues at hand. I am an american first and foremost and and halfbreed white/american indian female second. So when I look at a candidate I look for who will do this country the best. First and foremost if you are middle class you better look at Obama's policies on social security and health care all of the stuff he is wanting to do he has said will fall on the middle class of this country. In other words your tax dollars will increase to cover other people. Clinton although some of her intentions are good and well meant followthrough is an issue. Do I think either democratic candidate is good for our top office not really. McCain is the lesser evil if Obama runs. I say this because he has shown his true colors he is a bigot who wants to destroy rather than unite this country. Example is kentucky, Clinton is still there taking time to get the votes and such Obama said screw you he is also saying screw you in oregon and lost west virginia/pennsylvannia because of comments he has made. If he wants middle class votes no matter what the gender/race of the person he needs to prove he is worthy of the position and will make changes instead of playing his I am a black man card. It is getting old and he needs to stop making excuses as to why he lost some big primaries. Excuses do not go far when you are going to have to deal with other countries.

Let's flip Obama's supporters and actions around and attribute them to McCain.. just to see if it's really so noble.

If 90% of white voters openly stated they voted for McCain simply because he's white.. we'd never stop hearing how racist it was. But they get a free pass..

If McCain had made derisive comments about somebody being "just a typical black woman".. we'd never stop hearing about how racist he is. But again, Obama gets a free pass...

If McCain had been going to KKK meetings for 20 years, said the klan leader was his spiritual mentor, spent large amounts of time away from the meeting hall (AKA church ), used him in his marriage, and made him his children's godfather.. white Americans would rightfully shun him, black Americans would be outraged. But Obama gets a nearly free pass on that as well..

If after all that, McCain's supporters started attacking the other'd candidates supports as being racist... they'd get laughed out of the place.

Yes, there is a lot of racism in this campaign.. but the worst offenders aren't some rednecks from West Virginia.

And for the record the reasons I won't be voting for Obama..

No experience.

No plans beyond the same generic calls for change, unity and progress every politician in the history of the world has made before.

His history of refusing to work with Republicans. You can't be a "uniter" if you won't compromise and find a middle ground.. and he has never shown any interest in doing that.

Andrew Austin | May 18, 2008 3:05 PM
It is called brushing your shoulders off. And it is not to brush off "cooties" lol, but to brush the negativety of peoples words who do not support you or always have something negative to say about you. We call them haters. People who hate on you and don't want to see you do well. He brushed all the hate off his shoulders. You made me laugh.
No comment on the rest of your comments. You have your opinions, hopefully you wil grow one day.

Barack Obama has denounced Rev. Wright's comments in unequivocal terms. What more can he do? To all the people who express discomfort over the fact that he stayed as a member of his church for 20 years, I think you're expecting Obama to live up to not merely a high standard, but an impossible one. A church/synagogue/mosque is a part of one's life and community. It's place in which you congregate with friends and neighbours. Yet people on this board and elsewhere are acting like a person should change churches as easily as they change grocery stores. Obama was a member of a church in which the pastor, over a period of YEARS, made serveral off colour remarks, which Obama denounced once they came to light. Many, though not all, of the people who say that they will not vote for Obama on account of Wright are secretly glad that these comments appeared, because they provide a warped sense of validation of the latent racist feelings that made them uncomfortable with Obama's candidacy to begin with. During a time when soldiers are dying in Iraq, low-income Americans are losing their homes and America's global prestige is at an all-time low, anyone who bases their vote on Rev. Wright saying "God damn America" should be ashamed of giving their democratic right such superficial consideration.

I am 30 years old and have never voted ever because I never liked any candidate and I felt that voting wont solve my issue with the ways things are done in my country meaning same old defunct system but a different face. Someone posted this country is not ready for a black man or a woman president, what a crock! This country not only is ready but is in Dire need of some change and a fresh perspective from often overlooked opinion sources, its about time. This time I am paying attention the the races and I am going to vote. Times are changing people todays generation and mine is disgusted by sexism and racism, and its citizens like us who find you most unpatriotic and blind.

Barack Has no experience huh, tell me what president came to office with experience running this county. Dont you ignorant so and so's think he will surround himself with foreign affairs experts and learn like everyone else. Whos the smarter of the two men, Obama or Bush, you voted for bush twice, the cry babies crying about the experience factor are truly the biggots who dont want to see a woman or black man run this country. Guess what, get use to it suckas' cause a change is a coming.

What has always gailed is whites who can't except responsiblity for being...white people. There are members of that race that have very serious issues with being white and feeling entitled. When blacks support each other for doing a job well done it's because understand that it was not easy...that person had to fight suppression is some way...both black and white. Whites do not have to fight suppression from black as much as they would like to think they do, acutally. And blacks have never been out to get them. We lack the position and power to do that. What is most fightening is that those whites think if Obama has that power somehow he will be out to get whites. Which is a mental dyfunciton. To say that Obama is an elitist, when both Clinton's are Ivy League, Bill is a Rhode scholor and their daughter works for McKinsey...who traditionally employees the top percentile of the top percentile! Most whites who called Obama an elist wouldn't make it that far! Polls have shown that those whites who call Obama an elist are less educated! What that really means is the old..."Uppity" terms because Obama is black!...and he is resented by less educated "working class whites", who didn't read either of his books, no doubt.
Youger educated whites are so over the race issue. They work with "people of color", they socialize with us....after they leave home....no matter where they are from. And that is when they discover their parnets and grandparnets are arrogant and ignorant.

In one of the comments above I saw the refrain of Obama not being seen as an American 1st. I am an American, plain and simple, and unfortunately a prejudiced one, of which I am not proud and am trying to change in myself. Why am I prejudiced? It was taught to me by the people I am prejudiced against, who drove into my head that I was white and they were not, that I owed them, they were better than me in spite of their color and so on. I went home during this learning experience and wound up making an unkind comment about some blacks in front of my father; he got upset and said,"you did not learn that from me!" No Dad, I learned that from them. And why are they "African Americans" and not just Americans? Guess I'm a British-German-Scottish-Danish-French Canadian-Native American.....hell of a mouthful eh. Think I'd rather just be an American, and treat all other equally as long as they act as Americans also and not something apart. And, ps, I do have black friends, though I just see them as friends and not in "color".
Also by the way, Obama will not get my vote because I don't think he has the experience, a plan past the word 'change', and his association with his pastor and terrorist neighbor. Not happy with any of the choices, but will probably take McCain as the lessor of the evils. thank you, enough said.

democrates should unite and support Obama.From a distant UnderDog He worked doggedly consistedly focused to be the Leader in the race.What i admire most is his refusal to hit back at hilary for every blow he has a kind word for her.to be thats leadership.

It bothers me that all of you are so very uneducated and ill-informed.First, a president can't and won't do very much of anything without the majority conesnt of Congress, doubt my statemen just ask BUSH.
Second, have u ever met an honest politician? They say whatever it takes to get your vote, then they do whatever it takes to get the big bucks from special interest.And finally, I can tell you what I am going to do for days,, but will I tell you HOW?? My point, don't tell me what you are going to do to change, tell me how. So who will get my vote? The person with the MOST experience. Atleast she is not afraid to show her affection for her country

I'm tired of all the time and attention "racism" is receiving and not enough time and attention on our economic, defense, and health issues. Most adults (white/black/brown/yellow/male/female) I've ever met have to some degree, racist and/or sexist components -- and that includes the people of other countries where I've lived too (England/Germany/Thailand). One thing overrides most people's bias though: "Show me what you can do for me" I'm still waiting for the Democrats to tell me how they're going to do the things they say they'll do. For instance, HRC wants Universal Health Care. But she'll need to increase taxes. So, how much it will cost ME? Obama wants to change the tax code but I want to know how much it will cost ME? It sounds like I'm only interested in myself and family and, for the most part, that's true. I would like a change in govt and I'd like to vote Democrat this year, but I'm missing the "fine details" of all their wonderful plans. If all the Democrats can offer are sound-bites w/o the details, I'll stick with McCain because his record tells me there will be lttle change on the domestic front but better handling of our defense.

This "debate" goes on because it's not really a debate, it's just a bunch of people ranting. I'll bet most of the people ranting here didn't even read the original article.

Racism is a disease. Treat it as such. You the reader may be infected with it just a little or a whole lot. Be honest with yourself so you can start recovering.

The opportunity to endlessly debate prejudice in politics here is brought to you by the Post, and the media in general, who can't wait to waft the stench of good ol' American prejudice your way, constantly reminding us of it's existence, through "news" and other forms of entertainment.

The media makes money off racism, off constantly reminding us about racism, for the sake of conflict and drama, which sell quite well.

Ive never seen so many dumbA$$ biggots in my life. Get off this page and get a life. All of you Black and White

We live in a mult-cultural America and it is not going away. I grew up among all cultures and currently live in a mult-cultural neighborhood. I love it and embrace it. I have found that people are the same deep down inspite of cultural differences. Living around all cultures and having friends from all cultures, I learned and gained insight to become a more balance person in my view of the world. You see other's perspectives and appreciate their views.

I can always tell when I am talking to someone if they have never had close and personal friendships with people from other cultures. Their perspective is always one sided.

America has been changing and will continue to change. If we are not moving forward, then we will cease to exist. We have to realize that we can and will ALL prosper as a nation when we unite.

This fourm is just not useful. I hope a more substantial discussion about the campaign and race comes foreard. When all we had to choose from were white men, ironically it wasn't an issue. It was assumed that women and people of color were supposed to vote for either white male or don't vote at all. White supremacy is woven in the fabric of this society. White folks have the privelege of not even haven to address the issue and to be blind to the legacy of politics dominated and ran by white males for generations in the U.S. A legacy that was facilitated by law and by custom and when deemed nesessary violence. The 21st century might see the U.S. coming to terms with the legacy of white supremacy.

The only reason Obama is running on the change platform is because if he is elected that will be the only think you have in your pocket...change. He wants bigger government and higher taxes. The middle class will suffer.

Here we go again,with this race issue.Why do we keep trying to fool ourselves to think that America is not the most racist country in the world.Look at the very history of this nation.Becuase every time a African-American want to try and be a leader in this country.He or She is either not knowledgable according to the white race or they end up DEAD.

What Obama's volunteers are confronting in racism and hostility isn't new or unnoticed, just ignored. We love to ignore the unpleasant. Perhaps we believe that if we ignore it, it will go away. Racism like all other "fears" is learned. We learn it from our parents, from our surroundings and from our experience with it. Unfortunately racism, breeds racism.

As an example, I was raised to have tolerance and acceptance of others, and I should have been free of feelings of racism, but shortly after leaving home, I confronted it in an ugly situation that marked me. I am now quicker to react in a racist fashion because of that one experience. Although I try to remain neutral and teach my children as my parents taught me, they too, have been confronted by racism and have formed their opinions.

I personally will not vote for Obama, not because he's black, but because he makes me uncomfortable. I am uncomfortable with his inexperience and I'll admit, equally as uncomfortable with his proximity to a religion that I don't like. There, I admit, I am prejudiced. Try as I might to act beyond it, I can't.

Unfortunately we don't have too many choices out there. I don't particularly like Hillary, but if those two are the only choices, then I will vote for her. I will vote because it is my duty as much as my right. She has more experience and she has a proven track record, disliked as she is. As a nation you think we would have (we SHOULD have) learned from our mistake. We voted in a man without the necessary experience, based on his family's credentials, particularly his father's and look where that got us.

On a side note, for those really interested in 9/11, then read Charlie Wilson's War. Not the movie, as hollywood tends to either romanticize or sugarcoat everything. After reading the book, you might have a clearer picture of why 9/11 happened and why we are to blame for being so good at "ignoring" what was before us, rather than watchful as we should have been.

If I could choose my leader? Condoleezza Rice. Black or white, man or woman, now there is a worthy individual. I would follow her. She has the right mixture of intelligence, diplomacy, patience, experience and strength. Too bad she's not running.

If Colin Powell ran tomorrow he
would win in a landslide and nobdy
would be talking about Powell as
the quintessential 'African-American'
or 'Jamaican-American' or any other
such crap. People are talking home
the wrong lesson from Obama's candidacy.
It is a CONFIRMATION of America's immaturity and inability to vote beyond race. Obama is not qualified and is merely
the 'feel-good' postmodern demographically-correct candidate that will make
self-hating Whites and neo-leftist
college professors feel empowered..
what nonsense...!

In fact, Obama's loss to Clinton
as the Democratic Candidate to face
McCain in the Fall is the proof
we have moved beyond race and NOT
Obama's winning the nomination.
When we stop hearing that Obama must
win so that African-Americans will
not be offended..that is the day
that America has moved beyond race.

YO, I'M @ A LOST FOR WORDS...... (WICH IS RARE) HOW MANY TIMES CAN POLICE JUST KILL YOUNG BLACK MEN FOR WHATEVER REASON THEY DECIDE TO MAKE UP? WHEN WILL THE REST OF THE WORLD STAND UP & SAY ENOUGH? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT RACISM IN THIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE FROM ANY OTHER NEWS CASTER OR STATION UNTIL THEY ADDRESS WHY IT'S OK FOR POLICE TO KILL US INVESTIGATE THEMSELVES & WALK AWAY FREE. I HAVEN'T HEARD ONE NEWS STATION ASK SENATOR CLINTON OF NEW YORK WHAT SHE'S GONNA DO ABOUT IT. BUT THEY ALL ASK BARACK HOW CAN THEY KEEP THE BLACK PEOPLE IN CHECK? WOW .........THE OFFICERS LOOKED SO GUILTY & SHAMEFUL IN THEIR NEWS CONFERENCE. ONE OF THE OFFICERS HAD THE NERVE TO GET ON NATIONAL T.V. & SAY THIS VERDICT HAS RESTARTED HIS LIFE!!! WHO IS GONNA RESTART SEAN BELLS LIFE? & THE THOUSANDS OF BLACK MEN THAT HAVE BEEN UNJUSTLY MURDERED BY THOSE WHO R SUPPOSE TO BE PROTECTORS OF OUR SOCIETY? I'M TIRED OF THIS B.S........ WE HAD RIOTS IN CINCY ABOUT 6-7 YEARS AGO BECAUSE POLICE HAVE KILLED OVER 20 PEOPLE IN THE LAST DECADE OR SO & THEY WERE ALL BLACK. IT'S NOT JUST A PROBLEM IN N.Y. IT'S NATION WIDE & UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED. I HOPE ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WERE PROTESTING THE OLYMPICS & HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA R AS PASSIONATE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE U.S.(THAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN) REV. SHARPTON IS TALKING ABOUT ECONOMIC SANCTIONS............... BUT THAT IS NOT THE ANSWER. WHEN WE HAD REAL LEADERS THAT MARCHED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS THEY MARCHED TO THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND & DIDN'T LEAVE UNTIL WE HAD JUSTICE. OUR POST MARTIN & MALCOM LEADERS ARE SOME SOFT BIATCHES. THEY WERE INSTALLED BY OUR GOVERNMENT AS OUR "BLACK LEADERS." I WANT A LEADER WHO IS WILLING TO PUT HIS LIFE ON THE LINE FOR JUSTICE.(& I'LL PUT MY LIFE ON THE LINE FOR THEM) NOT GATHER PEOPLE MAKE SPEECHES THEN SEND THEM HOME TO FACE THE SAME PROBLEMS. WHAT DOES THAT SOLVE? BLACK PEOPLE IF WE DON'T STAND UP. WE MIGHT AS WELL STAND DOWN & JUST JUMP IN THE DIRT. YALL BETTER IMAGINE SEAN BELL AS YALL SON,BROTHER,UNCLE,HUSBAND OR CLOSE FRIEND. BECAUSE THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS IT MIGHT BE TO SOMEBODY U LOVE! THEN WHAT R YOU GONNA DO? THE SAME THING U SHOULD DO NOW!

Take away race and Obama is just a guy with no experience and no ideas. Lets face it- many white people love the idea of a "black" president. I'm not sure if its because of guilt, or paternalism or what. If Obama were white, he would never have made it this far. He's a lousy candidate because he's inexperienced, naive and lacks any actual policies (see his focus on vague soviet-style slogans like "hope," "change" and "new direction"). Voting for someone because of their race is just as bad an idea as voting against someone because of their race. And one question- how come Obama is always referred to as "black?" He's half-causasian, so a better moniker is "biracial" (unless people are subconsciously following the long-dead racist "one-drop" theory of race).

I believe God probably does in fact "damn it". "Barack rocks", a common reason for those who "support him", shallow and cliche, like him. A white candidate would have been tossed to the wolves and out of the race by now, if they had his (and Michelle's) history. Antipatriots, sliding on "excuses" and "racism" to secure the most important position in the U.S. and the world. This country has gone MAD.

People better wake up because the black church is preaching hate such as the Rev. Wright and his newly appointed pastor Moss is now doing. Until the black church gets its act together changes its hateful Sunday masses, things will never change. Did Obama see this in his Trinity Church after 20 years sitting there clapping? Now I know what his "CHANGE" sign means wherever he talks and it is all for the liberals and special interest groups.

Funny comment about the cashier...the best one at my local supermarket is black.

Listen, if Obama was white he would have never made it this far with the limited experience he has under his belt. He's only been in Washington for a short time and he knows nothing about international politics. I'm black, most of my friends are black, but none of us plan to vote for Obama "just because he's a black man." We would prefer to vote for the most qualified candidate and that boils down to either Clinton or McCain. Obama needs a lot more experience in the Federal government and international politics before he earns my respect and my vote...

CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY WHITE/BLACK AMERICANS LETS THE MEDIA DECIDE YOUR FATE. IT'S UNREAL. I DON'T PAINT EVERYBODY W/ A BROAD BRUSH STROKE. BUT, ACCORDING TO POLLS ALOT OF U DO. HOW COME EVERYTIME BARACK OBAMA SAY'S ANYTHING & HILLARY CLINTON MAKES A SPEECH OR PROTEST ABOUT IT . IT'S NATIONAL NEWS.......ALL U FICKEL MINDED PEOPLE BLINK. I HOPE THE SUPER DELEGATES HAVE MORE HEART THAN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. HERES MY MESSAGE TO WHITE & BLACK AMERICA. YOUR PROBLEMS WILL NOT BE SOLVED BY ANY OF THESE POLITICIANS. THEY ONLY WANT YOUR VOTE TO CONTROL YOUR MONEY! (3$TRILLION) THEY WILL USE YOUR TAX MONEY TO KEEP YOU SEGRAGATED. THEY WILL USE YOUR TAX MONEY TO SPREAD HATE & WAR. & LAST BUT NOT LEAST THEY WILL USE YOUR TAX MONEY TO IMPRISON YOU IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY. THERE IS A GLOBAL MELT DOWN GOING ON. FOOD CRISIS,GLOBAL WARMING, & THE EVER RISING FUEL COST OF LIVING. IF THE PEOPLE WON'T DEMAND TRUTH & FAIRNESS FROM THE PRESS YOU WILL ALL GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. DON'T ALLOW THEM TO SHAPE YOUR HEART W/ PETTY RHETORIC. LOOK INTO THE HEART OF YOUR LEADERS LISTEN TO THEM SPEAK HALF TRUTHES TO DISGUISE FULL LIES! THEN DECIDE WHO IS THE LESSER OF THE EVILS. UNFORTUNATELY THOSE ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICES. I HAVE TO SAY IN CLOSING EXACTLY WHAT PART OF BARACKS LATEST STATEMENT IS SO CONCERNING TO YOU CLUELESS PEOPLE? IN WHAT PART OF RURAL AMERICA ARE THE PEOPLE WILLING TO GIVE UP THERE GUNS & RELIGION IN A TIME OF RECESSION & DEPRESSION? HONESTLY WHITE PEOPLE BARACK IS 50% YOU & 50% BLACK PEOPLE. (THAT'S NOT AFRICAN AMERICAN) HOW MUCH FARER CAN IT GET? IF U STIFFEN YOUR HEART FOR SUCH PETTY THINGS BE PREPARED FOR YOUR STIFF HEART TO BREAK INTO 300+ MILLION PIECES WHEN YOUR COUNTRY FALLS APART.

Obama should NEVER be President of our great country...he does not deserve to hold the highest office in the land because he is a racist, a liar and his wife is worse than he is.

If this is the best that the Democratic Party has to offer for the Presidency then the party is doomed once again.....pitiful. Pandering to the special interest groups who have their hands out for something "free" seems to be the norm here. Obama: 1)supports affirmative action in College & government 2)supports not notifying parents of minors who get out of state abortions 3) wants to class street level drug dealing as a minimum wage affair 4) supports dirvers licenses to illegals 5) supports social security to illegals.......what a fine guy to have as a President????????

Obama is America's last hope. This country was good for so long then GW Bush rolled thru and jacked it up. Obama is America's only hope to get it all back. Regardless of anyones personal feelings about Obama, 1 thing that will help RESTORE this country to greatness will be when we get a Black Man or a Female as President. The World will look at America in a different light.

I have been voting since JFK. I have voted republican and democrat.I thought I was able to pick the best qualified. I was wrong! I have allowed the media to influence my thinking. Not this Time! I believe all this drama about blacks and women is the old "fear tactics" of the "old establishment." When you can't tell the truth "make it personal." I am afraid if the same people vote against their own best interests, then "nothing changes if nothing changes." Our country is more than sound bites and "rah rah win one for the gipper"! It is about the blood that flows in all of us, there is no distinction in color or gender! My challenge to this 21st America is that we all need to start becoming indepondant thinkers! That's why education is important.We need to choose based on our best thinking and not that of our parents, our pundits or other oppressive groups. Just because we vote doesn't mean we haven't squandered that right! WAKE UP NOW!

what exactly are white people angry about? the fact that another man.(not barack himself) said hillary aint ever been called a n*****? or are they mad because he said jesus was a poor black man in a country controlled by rich white people? i don't understand...... what did he say that's not true? or so controversial? & why would that effect if u support barack obama or not?(if it does u never supported him in the 1st place) he didn't say it..... not to mention he won't be the 1st african american president. he'll be the 1st bi-racial president. white people don't even want to claim or acknowledge the half of him that is them. why is that not up for discussion? he's just as much a white canidate as he is black. that's the point i think nobody in the media has said a word about. why? because the truth is, our country, as far as politics & the media goes are still very racist indeed. meanwhile the multicultural population has learned to be tolerant of eachother. we have no choice. we live,work,eat,learn, & indulge in the same neighborhoods,schools,restauraunts, & est. those who live on capitol hill are not a part of our world. that's why they need a deeper understanding of what's going on in our personal lives. (wiretapping us)(video taping our streets) making us relinquish our basic civil rights in a time of tribulation.only because if they keep the people separated & divided over things we have already physically ovecome.(racsim) we can't mentally focus on the fact that they are failing miserably in being the so called leaders of our country. don't let these fools take your eye off the prize. our society is only as strong as it's weakest link. our strongest link as a nation is our diversity. we have some of the greatest minds in the world,also some of the best athletes,greatest thinkers & inventors the world has ever known. we should be united by our racial differences because we all bring something different to the table from our experiences just being who we are. so too all you white people who fear barack & his message of change DON'T. everything changes! if not , none of us would be americans & the native americans would still occupy the very land you live on. europeans would still be in europe, africans would be in africa. & all those who come inbetween like barack obama wouldn't even exist. that was not the will of GOD almighty. now is the time for change. if we continue on this path of self destruction instead of production. we will destroy ourselves & the hope of the free world w/ us. because although this country was built by blacks & whites. the only colors that should matter the most is RED WHITE & BLUE.!

and this is news to you? You didn't know racism still existed? Just in case you didn't know the dominate race in every country discriminates against the weaker race: rich against poor, young against old,...

Must we constantly write articles on the obvious? Racism is certainly a product of being capitalist, everybody wants a edge up on the other guy even if it means treating them unfairly.

Stop hating on the U.S. because it's not perfect and appreciate it for what it is.

Race relations will continue to improve over time as all the "water hosers" from the 50's and 60's die off and each generation inherits less sterotypes to pass on to the next.

I'm sure you knew this but ran out of things to write about so why not twist the knife on a old wound,....

Doug Feavor writes: The comments include the usual nonsense, partisan sniping and name-calling that comes from our regulars on political stories; they include some blatantly racist or otherwise inappropriately worded remarks, some of which we have deleted.

Also, you enciourage your readers to report "offensive comments" to your staff. I assume to make sure it is deleted.

First, free speech, by definition, is often "offensive". Thats why its protected. Please don't think I'm suggesting that constitutionally protected speech applies in a private setting as this forum. I'm only trying to suggest that it shouldn't be censored.

Second, censorship in any form sucks. It allows the censor the subjective ability to pick and choose what is posted, and what is deleted.

Third, let racists remarks be posted so that they can be challenged by the vast majority of us.

Lastly, when you censor comments you loose creditability in even suggesting racists comments were posted. How would we know they were sent if you delete them? Though I do believe they were posted, we can't independently verify that. As journalist, you know that better than I do.

I'm not an Obama supporter, but if he becomes president, and successfully completes his term(s), it would help those on the fence on the race issue see that our country will be all right, and also it will, hopefully, substantially diminish the voice of racists.

Thanks.

We hear people calling each other racist. The fact that Obama wanted to run as a black man is never taken into consideration. His only real credential is that he is black other than that his resume is shallow. He is running as a black man so the white liberals will vote for him and the black people will vote for him, and the people who feel ashamed of their racist leanings with feel guilty and vote for him. Those are his supporters.
The people who view Hillary Clinton as an extension of her husband, the Clinton haters who want to bring them down. Those are his supporters. So his supporters are the special interest groups who he says he distains. This is the same old Washington.

He brought his wife into this election to further his ambitions and now that the Republicans are repeating those gaffs that she herself made which certainly showed what a racist she is, Obama says she is to be protected (to emphasize, he is including children who noone has mentioned in any derogatory fashion) even tho she is fair game as was Chelsea and Bill Clinton.

So you see this person, who has accused Hillary Clinton of doing so, has changed the rules when it is to his advantage. He was against superdelegates until they would vote in his favor. He had TV campaign messages in Florida, etc, etc.

Change is a word he uses only when it is to his advantage but in every sense he is no different from any other politican. I cannot understand why people dismiss who he really is.

If people really wanted change, it would come in the form of a woman president. Women think and act differently that men. If Obama is a man he thinks the same as other men despite those who claim he is the real feminist in the race. You can see how easily persons who support want to read into him their own personal needs. Hillary Clinton is the real change in this election.

If you were hiring Obama for a job other that the presidency and honestly looked at his resume, he would come up far short of McCain and Hillary.

So in conclusion, Obama supporters are racists be they black or white and that was the real goal of the power brokers who backed his presidency in the first place.

Barack Obama is a whiner and is pandering to the white vote. White people who vote for this pure super liberal person will only pay higher taxes if he is elected. They will have to pay for all of his give away programs that he is preaching about and what "he will do" for America....an America that his racist wife was "only proud of until recently"....

Not all black people support Obama.
We know he gets overwhelming percentages of the black people WHO VOTE.
We don't know how many black people don't feel comfortable voting for him, but also don't feel comfortable voting against him, so they stay home.
Too many people have been using race as an excuse, both for and against whatever position they want to take.
I would hope every adult who votes would have a better reason than skin color for making their decision.
Shame on those who don't.

You would think after 20 years sitting in a pew with a racist loon such as Rev. Wright, holding hands with Louis Farakhan and Billy Boy Ayers, his wife being only proud of the U.S. "until recently" that Obama's views could be altered somewhat??? I don't think so! He is pandering to the white vote to get elected and if he does get the Presidency, his views will change "again" and the United States will pay dearly.

I'm of a younger generation, but as a black person, I'm disturbed by what I'm hearing. White people are not racist if they are voting FOR Hillary. Neither are black people who are voting for Obama. It's when you use your voting power to vote AGAINST someone that racism comes into play. I don't know many people personally who are voting against Hillary they are just proud a black man has made it this far and want to support him. Women who vote for Hillary are not sexist. They are eager to support a woman for the highest office. This does mean they won't or wouldn't vote for a man. They've been voting for men for years. Please stop getting this confused.

Secondly, 90% of the black vote has consistently went to the democrats. It's only since that vote is going to Obama that it's been an issue. Why? Please explain that.

I thought we were futher in race relations in this country, but apparently we are not. This saddens me.

While I prefer to be called black, I understand why some people like the term African American. Most black people don't know their heritage and it makes them feel connected to something beyond themselves. It may not be that important to other cultures or people, but it is to some. Why do some people like to be called Jewish Americans or Irish Americans? It's because it connects them to others in a special way. I don't understand why we have to tell other people how to view and what to call themselves. Only, if the people are actively trying to take down the United States should be concerned about how they identify themselves.

Also, since when did being a muslim becoming a slur? Since when is it now okay to practice a religion other than Christianity? I'm a Christian and I am ashamed at how the term and beliefs of muslims are denigrated. There are millions of muslims in the United States that are law abiding citizens and patriots of this country and we've made it not okay for people to say they are muslim. What I would like for Obama to say is that while he isn't a muslim, when did it become evil to believe in a different form of God? Geez. Being a muslim does not mean you hate America and/or would not be a good leader.

I hope my generation and future generation do better at the dialogue of race and faith relations, otherwise this country is doomed.

TOGETHER WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL!
WE ARE FALLING!

This debate is tired! I am voting for Obama, even though I don't really fit into his demographic. Im a 44 year old white queer man. I love my country, but hate what the neo cons in the government-elected and unelected-have done to our dear country and its image here and abroad.
They run the dirtiest smear campaigns I've ever seen. They have no shame. I think American voters are smart enough to know who the real patriots in America are, we don't need anyone's "help." No candidate is perfect, our leaders are human, and I dont expect perfection from them. Im tired of all these fake religion/patriotism/racial arguments. Anyone voting for Mc Cain IS insane! The guy's an angry sexist nutbag living off his wife's trust fund, jetting back and forth between their 8 (or is it 10?) homes...Sen. Obama will do just fine. He makes me proud of what our country can do when it knocks off the B.S. and rolls up its shirtsleeves to get to work. Rock on Barack!

What I am learning in this election is that with some people Senator Obama is damned if does or damned if he doesn't. There are always going to be small-minded people who make a mountain out of a mole-hill and who just look to find fault with anything someone does just because they don't like the person.

I guess if Senator Obama bends down to tie his shoe, he had better make sure he ties it perfectly or make sure he performs some type of patriotic gesture before bending down to tie it. LOLOL.

I have browsed through MANY pages of comments about the primaries and soon to be general election. I must first commend the voters for coming out in record numbers and so much excitement about the upcoming general election. I am a 34yr old Afro-Rican (African American & Puerto Rican) male. I have to be honest in saying that over the past years even though i have voted, i have not been very excited about the elections. My outlook on Presidential election now and then is what candidate looks best to mold this country into what is best for all people. Rich, poor, Black, White, Brown, alike. No race in this country is better than another, and there is racism across all races, which does predominately relate to the elders of that race.

I was a die hard Clinton fan at the beginning of this race, mostly because of her husband and outstanding former President, Bill. As i watch the debates and follow this race closely, i have come to believe that Mr. Obama would be the best candidate. Everyone speaks on experience, and how Ms. Clinton has alot more, because she was basically in the office when her husband was in office. We all have walked into an office building and saw a new person come in that may not have as much experience as the other managers in the office, but because of the way the old managers are stuck in their ways, the new manager can come in and make a positive change, a change that impacts everyone in the best way possible.

This is the case with myself. I worked for the top telecommunications company in America. I came into the company as a manager, had noses turned up at me from white and black managers alike, because i was so young, African American, and had a fresh look on things. I was able to see the issues that the long term managers have overlooked, and in result allows the same old problems to keep resurfacing. Its time for a fresh new change for the betterment of this outstanding country and Obama has the fresh new outlook that this country needs, regardless of the color of his skin.

Now i do whole heartedly agree that there needs to be some experience in office also, that is why Clinton should definitely be his running mate. They both are fighting wars in their own right, a war against racism and a war against sexism. Why not fight that war together to bring this country closer together. To show that African Americans are important to this country just as the rights and views of women are. Its time for Change with Experience. Get on the OBAMA-CLINTON (A Changed Experience for America) ticket.

I think one of the problems in this discussion is no one is defining what racism is.

Racism is the the belief that one racial group is superior to another, or to exclude someone else based solely on their race. It does not mean that if you support or you are pround of one's ethnic group that you are being racist. Just because you are for something does not mean you have to be against another. If you are Irish, and you love your Irish heritage and you celebrate it, does that mean you are racist? No...and very few one would argue that. If you vote for an Irish candidate, does that make you racist? No. If you say that you will only deal with Irish people because the Irish are superior to all other races and groups...well, then you are running into what we are defining as racism.(Or in this case ethnicism.)

Although most people may argue here, I personally don't believe that celebrating being White is racist either - its the historical background that made celebrating being White equaling White supremacy that makes people feel uncomfortable. So people feel more comfortable celebrating their ethnic background.

What makes you racist is when you WONT vote for someone because they are of another race. You are not racist because you SUPPORT someone of your race or another.

I've read so many people incorrectly stating that it is racist that 90% of Black voters are supporting Obama because he is Black. It might be wrong for some of them to support him just because he is Black, because they should support the best candidate regardless of race. But, it is not racist - just like it is not racist of Whites supporting Clinton or McCain because they happen to be White. It's only when people make an effort to exclude someone based on race, not include, are they being racist.

J Cline, I never heard Obama make his race an issue. We as Americans and the media did this as usual. Practically, everything you listed about Obama as to reasons why you would not vote for him are political minutia.

McCain (or McSane as you say), has said and done plenty of flip flopping and made many inappropriate comments.

Neither of the candidates are perfect but I would rather deal with Senator Obama than McCain any day.

Actually, Barack backers are the most vitrial people. Any hint of any perceived slight to their almighty-one and they play the racist card hard. Frankly, it's that behavior that has given me a new understanding of blacks and their now open hostility and hatred towards whites that we saw expressed and taught by Rev Wright. This campaign is souring race relations. Obama's defending of black grievances was not helpful. It only served to reinforce their hatred and give it validation. Ironically, some blacks have become what they hate in others by hating whites for the color of their skin. This does not bridge divides or unite people.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING BETTER START PRINTING THE WHITE ONLY ANDCOLORED ONLY SIGNS I STILL BELIVE BARACK WILL DO FOR THE PRESIDENCY WHAT JACKIE ROBINSON DID FOR BASEBALL

First, black people were accused of not thinking Obama was black enough or good enough and that's why they supported the Clintons and refused to give Obama any "brotherly love". Then once black people started learning more about him as the eletions went along and realized his ability to unify, which is what blacks have historically fought for in this country, they quickly become racist, incompetent, and blind voters for switching their support.

DOES THIS REALLY MAKE SENSE TO YOU PEOPLE????

Blacks didn't support Rev Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson nearly as much, most of them dislike them, so to say it is because he is black is illogical and ridiculous. It goes to show you that blacks can't win for losing in this country...THANK GOD FOR THE NEXT GENERATION WHO IS MUCH MORE UNDERSTANDING AND DIVERSIFIED...WE WILL MAKE AMERICA WHAT IT SHOULD BE!

All of you idiots that suggest that Obama is using race as an excuse should listen to what HE is saying and not to what the media is saying. Not once has he used his race as an excuse or crutch for his performance. He has pointed to the truth that a certain part of the electorate has chosen not to vote for him but he has never said it was because of his race. Although, it might be true. Wake up!

In addition, those of you who think he is an elitist need to pull your head out as well. What he said was the truth, you just didn't understand it.

All he was saying is that in tough economic times, such as now, people will tend to align to what is comfortable to them. He was not saying that there was anything wrong with guns or religion or the game of monopoly if that is what you do during tough economic times. When Obama says "cling to religion" he's talking about Faldwell attacking Teletubbies or Robertson blaming gays for Katrina. He isn't criticizing Christianity.

Most of all, Obama is saying people are right to be bitter, and their plight has been ignored unfairly. He's going to try to make things better for them.

Anyone who does not understand this or find it not to be true really needs some help with reality.

There's nothing wrong with not voting for a candidate who makes you uncomfortable, for any reason.

I was willing to look seriously at Obama, until he shot himself in the foot about 20 times.

- His wife's little "proud of America" moment.
- His dismissal of a patriotic gesture as "that pin."
- His "likeable enough" sneer at his debate opponent.
- His 20-year close, voluntary association with a black nationalist bigot.
- His repeated defense of said bigot, until the potato got too hot to hold onto.
- His apparent inability to put his hand over his heart for the national anthem.
- His shady connections with Tony Rezko.
- His fundraising ties to the unapologetic 60s terror-bomber Bill Ayers.
- His reference to his granny as a "typical white person."
- His "bitter" excuse for those who "cling" to "religion and guns."
- His sexism in calling a female plant worker "sweetie."
- His sexism part 2 in calling a female reporter "sweetie" (while dodging her valid question).
- His inability to produce any plan of substance other than vague calls for "change" on the basis of "hope."
- His drawing 90% of the black vote. Yes, that IS racism.

Okay, are we up to 20 yet? No? Well, we soon will be. Obama is just that much of an amateur, and he is not ready for the world stage, no matter how racially-overdue some people think this country is for a minority president. Affirmative Action does not qualify you for the Presidency.

Really, I could have cared less about Obama's race, until HE made it an issue.

And finally, perhaps the biggest Obama turnoff are his own supporters, the type of rabid left-wing zealots who swill Kos Kool-Aid and donate to MoveOn. Every time these trolls savage yet another Obama critic in some online forum, it turns more people off to their Messiah.

I'm voting for McSane.

I wonder how many Black Americans who are so gung ho about Obama are the same ones who try to shame other Blacks and say they are trying to be white when they stay in school, stay out of gangs and try to make a better life for themselves?

I like Obama, but I just don't think he has enough experience. To be a mayor, senator, even governor maybe, you can get away with learning as you go, but not the leader of the greatest nation in the world. There is no room for OJT there

It is amazing that when Sen. Obama is subject to personal and political scrutiny, how fast and furious the race baiters and balkianizers of America show up to remind you that Obama should not be put to the same standards as every other candidate because of his heritage and background. White middle class America is supposed to roll over and play dead when the truth about Karl Marx Obama rears it's ugly head at press conferences put on by his close confidants, namely, his wife and 20 year pastor. Keep in mind that when people ask him to list his political accomplishments in the US Senate as a springboard to his candidacy, again the labels fly at warp speed against his critics, who are deemed as wanting to continue more "Bush-McCain". Finally, when you ask Obama about his family life, he was quick to throw his white grandmother under the bus when she espoused the same fears of black criminals as Jesse Jackson did, while pining away over the black deadbeat dad who left him and his white mother to fend for themselves. Senator Obama's greatest fear is the fear of private disclosure, because it is the very mantra that he lives by in his Black Liberation Theology life. Wait for more cats to come out the bag in the coming months. His supporters are running out of cards in their deck to defend him with.

Looking over all of these comments I can't help but laugh at the absurdity of this discussion. It's really helping to expose white people for their collective racism and amnesia. It's clear that white people are looking for excuses not to vote for Obama. Questioning his patriotism and accusing him of playing the race card ? They will vote for McCain rather than Obama even if McCain is going to continue the Bush legacy even further. White people deep down think they own this country and everyone else are just visitors. When I hear them get impassioned and angry about their racism it's because they can't handle the truth. Native Americans, Japanese, Blacks and everyone else in this country has experienced white America's hate whether from genocide, slavery, disenfranchisement or internments.
To hide from the truth, white people will cling to the flag and link patriotism to guns and God. Yet it will in all likelyhood it will be white people going to hell for crimes against humanity. Getting mad at Reverend Wright won't change what so many of us deep down know as the truth. White people are devils in all the ways that matter and the truth will come out during the day of judgement.

Racism is an ongoing battle everywhere you go. But I think America is ready to see this change. I think it is for the best. We need Obama. http://www.obamarocks08.com

If Obama was a white man there would be no contest. You know it.

qster, your logic is kind of faulty. African-Americans have beeing voting for White American Presidents for years. There was never a great candidate like Obama on the ticket. Just as there was never a woman like Hilary Clinton on the ticket in previous years. Obama is just as qualified as anyone else to run for the Office as President. He is black and white although we have decided as usual to placed him in our neat little box and designate him to the category of "black".

When I heard he was running, just as when I heard Hillary was running for President. I said to myself why not vote for them? I see no great impediments regarding them being President of the USA. I am not going to not vote for them because of their race or gender. They are just as good as anyone else, if not better, to run for that office.

oh just to add this...
AM I going to VOTE??
NO!!

A friend of mine recently said she was upset that if Barack Obama was elected that the white house would turn into the black house because they all travel in posse's. I asked her do you think because a white president has all his white friend's over that he has a white posse?

Dear "Tired of both ",

I agree that there is racism in every race - including your own. In fact, I'm sure you yourself could give us ample examples of racism by asians. For that reason, I find the fact that you could be "tired of both" whites and blacks to be racist, and the opposite of "neutral". As for myself, I am just plain tired of racism.

I think this is a sad time.....We are finding out that we have not advanced as a Nation , on equal rights, Men are all created equal! Black, White, Female, or Male in this office, should be treated as equal. A Unified Nation Under God all created equal. Land of the free. Opportunity for all. Race or gender should not apply.

Mc Cain is a winner, should not take pot shots at any one to try and further his campaigin. Stick to the issues at hand. Hillary attacked in a very bad way therefor loseing. Hillary before you destroy the Democratic Party you at this time should bow out. Have some Honor.

My comment is about the American People
Having lived through the 1950's and 1960's all Americans are forgetting one thing. Racism existed and still today exist. We tend to forget our history. Racism exist in the Black Community as well as the White Community. Whites still think of blacks as second class citizens. Blacks on the other hand are still mad about how they were treated. You can never change a man's mnind set, but working together can heal a nation that has been riddled with with distrust from the white and black communities. Until we face facts and have a dialogue about the truth instead of whitewashing it it will and always be a problem. If most whites say they don't have a problem with blacks, they are lying. If most blacks say they don't have problem with whites they are lying. There is an innate trait built into black and white America to distrust one another. That mechanism is the constitution of the United States Of America. Read the Preamble, Read the Bill of Rights all the answers to black and white problems are written there. Until we understand our Constitution and it is interpreted correctly we will never understand why racism still exist on both sides of the spectrum. There is inbred ignorance on the part of white America and Black America. We live in a society guided by Christanity and until we really think about why a Savor went to the Cross then we will have a problem. It is ABSOLUTELY called FORGIVENESS>

Martha A. Mba
Retired Librarian

I have read most, if not all of these comments, and the thing that just baffles me is the general lack of reality many of you have.

Does racism exist in America? DUH
Does racism exist in black communities? DUH
Does racism exist in white communities? DUH
Does racism exist in Asian communities? DUH
Hispanic? DUH
Native? DUH

Look... this country by its very nature almost BREEDS these attitudes. Every immigrant society that came here started out in its own little neighborhood (Irish, Italian, Jewish, Russian, Chinese, ... on and on).

To think that we have somehow "turned a corner" on this problem is naive at best. The fact of the matter is it is really an issue of educated vs. uneducated. Educated people understand that quality of an individual is not based on their "race", but rather on the INDIVIDUAL. Uneducated people stick to stereotypes.
Will race be a factor in this election? DUH
Will Mc Cain win? DUH
Will he be out in 4 years? DUH

It's the same thing over and over again. Either you are a democrat or an independent who believe that we can't afford four more years of republican rule or you don't. Are you a republican in sheeps clothes? If its more important to you to not vote for Obama or Clinton than it is to rid ourselves of republican rules then you should go. Who need you anyways? We don't need you, we will win the general election without you. Mccain is useless, and america just doesn't have the time for more republican nonsense. Which ever Clinton or Obama I will be behind. We need a change and Obama is offering that. Since it seems that he will be our man come November. Why can't you people just wake up.

I don't think that a majority of the American voters that we are hearing from are what you call racist. A majority of these people are probably dicusted with policies set forth on the American population since the 1960's. Obama can attend an Ivy league school and be admitted on a minority scholarship, where if it were myself,I would not have that opportunity. This and several other examples I could give show where he might have had life a bit easier than a majority of the population. Advantages in employment, schooling, etc. Now that he is running for the "TOP OFFICE" he feels that he should be able to play the race card, and when it doesn't work that the American Voter doesn't feel that he has reached them with a concrete plan or policy. That he promises that he is the candidate of "CHANGE". I don't feel I can support the current Republican candidate because of the results shown by past Republican administrations, I don't feel I can support one that I feel hasn't yet told me why I should bless him with my most precious gift, my vote. If the vote comes to a decision I have to make between Obama and McCain, I'll have to vote "NONE OF THE ABOVE" and vote on all other issues. I find this totally unacceptable of the Press to keep letting Racism be their major slant in any campaign for any office. Let's stick to the issues and let the voters decide.

Being neither white, black, or a female, I hope my opinion be viewed coming from a neutral position. I'm a second generation asian, and I find it hilarious whenever race issues come up in America. Because I find both blacks and whites to be very racists. They both enjoy belittling other races. So maybe both better look at themselves in the mirror first, before calling out the other side.

Now in terms of politics, I think it's fair to call blacks racists in the primary, because they are picking between 2 democrats. Were this the general election, I think everyone knows majority of the blacks vote for democrats, so calling them racists at that point would be stupid.

Having said that, I hate all 3 candidates. However, I hope Hillary can make it, because I'd vote for her over Mccain. I'd rather vote for the enemy than a traitor. I hope GOP gets crushed this election. When you turn your back on your voters, they'll turn on you. I hope for the day of small govt, sound fiscal policy, and smart energy policy. Right now, neither offers anything remotely close. Hopefully GOP will learn, and weed out the idiots.

I DONT THINK AMERICANS SHOULD REJECT THE PERSON WHO WILL CHANGE THE COUNTRY BECAUSE HE IS BLACK,AMERICANS SHOULD KNOW BY NOW THAT EXPIRIENCE HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN THE BEST TEACHER AND GIVE ABAMA A CHANCE TO SHOW US WHAT A BLACK MAN CAN OFFER AMERICA.WASHINGTON NEEDS A NEW MACHINE AND ITS URGENT,SO LETS KEEP COLOUR BEHIND US AND GO FOR CHANGE.

As a white, I'd like to say why I don't think its racist for 90 percent of the blacks to vote for Obama. In the past, blacks have not voted significantly based on race. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton did not receive the same level of black support that Barak Obama receives. Barak Obama did not receive a high level of black support until Obama proved that he could also draw significant white support [the Iowa primary, for example]. Taking all the evidence into consideration, it appears that blacks vote for Obama because he is a unifying figure, able to draw support from whites as well as blacks. To me, that seems a noble reason. Now I cannot say the same regarding the polarization of white votes [for Clinton] in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In that case, we have significant evidence of racism. Specifically, exit polls in those states asked voters if race mattered, and who they voted for. Around 20 percent [!] self reported that race mattered, and of those, more than 90 percent voted for Hilary. To deny that as evidence of white racism is tantamount to sticking ones head in the sand. You cannot get more direct evidence than that.

white woman in the u.s., you know what I am sick of? I am sick of us as Americans not trying see life through OTHERS perspectives. We keep trying to see life through only OUR perspective.

Seeing through other's perspectives brings about understanding each other. For some reason we refuse to do so and then wonder why things don't get better between the races and genders. We look around as if we are clueless as to why there is so much distraction based on race and gender when someone other than a White male is running for the office of President. It just easier for us to point the finger of blame instead of just truly listening to each other and trying to understand one another's views.

Anyone who actually believes that either of these two democratic candidates are for real "change" has clearly chosen a path of denial. Both are career politicians, and the status quo is their "friend"! Although they badmouth lobbiests and big corporate influence, they shy away from the real solutions that prevent this big money from becoming addictive-term limits!!!But have we heard either suggest that we kick these professional "do-gooders" away from the public trough? I don't think so. And if you're one of those that have bought into this "change" image...well, I'm sorry!

There will always be rascists. There are far fewer about these days than when I was young (I'm 49), and hopefully, there will be even fewer 49 years from now. It doesn't suprise me that Obama workers encounter some rascism. Is anyone really suprised? I'm not going to vote for Obama because he's too liberal, not because he's black. I wouldn't vote for Hillary because we need to break the two family monopoly of the presidency: If Hillary were to win two terms we would have had a Bush or a Clinton as president for 28 years! Go McCain.

I'm tired of everyone's hangups on racism. If you cross a street and look at someone the wrong way they are liable to scream RACIST! Political Correctness is going to be the downfall of this country. Mark my words. It's already headed down the tubes.

bllrd62: There is no denying that 9/11 happened. What you should ask yourself is Why 9/11 happened?
I will not believe that whoever attached america just woke up one day and said, "gee I don't like america. Let's attack it".
Americans need to come out of this "they are after us" mentality and start looking at why other people are angry. Maybe...just maybe you can deal with the root problem.
We hear of countries making nuclear bombs. I'm only 26 years old but the only nuclear bomb attack I know about are thoe bombs that were dropped by non other thatn the USA. How many innocent people have been killed in the name of imaginary weapons and in the name of 9/11. Innocent civilins like the innocent civilians of 9/11? It's not the civilians that "forgot" 9/11, it's your government. Who knows? Maybe, they didn't want to be faced with the question why it happened and started another war.

First let me state I think all three candidates for president have flaws which is natural. The decession we all have to make is which person best represents how we see The United States going forward.We and the world face problems that no one seems to want to address. When you get to the root o