We're in the midst of an unpopular occupation of a sovereign nation in an unpopular war. The cost of everything from gasoline to groceries is through the roof. A housing crisis has caused a record number of foreclosures. As banks bail out big bsuinesses, Wall Street is more turbulent than ever before and people are panicking about the state of their pocketbooks. The current president is the country's most unpopular in history and there are major questions about his party's nominees for the top two spots.
So why isn't Barack Obama running away with a commanding lead in the polls?
While some of us who read this blog insist we know exactly why, some will be sincerely shocked to read the results of a new Associated Press poll, showing that if perceptions and attitudes toward African Americans among white repsondents hold, Barack Obama would lose his bid for the presidency because of their misgivings about blacks.
Like most everything else in our country about race and ethnicity, the poll results are paradoxical. Aftr all, Obama couldn't possibly be in the position he's in without the white support and votes he garnered throughout the Democratic parties, in which he triumphed over his two closest -- and white -- opponents, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards.
Last night on "Real Time" on HBO, white conservative commentator Andrew Sullivan of the Atlantic Monthly -- who prefers Obama -- told host Bill Maher that shifting demographics, or what some refer to as the "browning" of America, scares some white Americans.
"Obama represents the futre," Sullivan said. "And whether America is ready for it in two months or several years from now, remains to be seen."
But black rapper will.i.am, of the multiracial hip-hop trio Black Eyed Peas held out hope, telling Maher on the same show that unfavorable attitudes among whites ages 18 to 39 toward blacks are rare and cited Obama's support among that demographic, which this year has registered to vote in record numbers. Will their votes overwhelm those of people who aren't ready for an African-American president?
Whatever your views are and whatever your heritage, the story below is a must-read that inspires discussion. So please comment and join the conversation.
yahoo.com
2 comments:
'Race is not the biggest factor driving Democrats and independents away from Obama. Doubts about his competency loom even larger'
BULLSHIT. i say 'competency' is a euphemism for 'blackness'. please god, hep us win :(
Ron Fournier, writer of the AP piece, seems so in the tank for McCAin that seeing his byline gives me pause.
but I will read it.
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