Only the most gnarled cynic, or a member of the Clinton family (but I repeat
myself), could fail to be moved by Barack Obama’s historic triumph in the
Democratic primary this week.
As he stood on stage in St Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday, having finally wrapped
up the party’s nomination, it wasn’t just the romantics who fancied they
could see history at his shoulder, the ghosts of all those men and women
from Harriet Tubman to Martin Luther King who had struggled to make this
achievement possible. My wife and I called our teenage daughter down from
bedroom curfew to watch it live on late-night TV and for a moment we all
just sat there, agog at the triumph of the idealism it signified.
But cynics are more often right than romantics. And the fact is that Senator
Obama’s attempt to become the first black president of the US is, at best,
barely half complete. He enters the general election campaign against John
McCain wounded. Having soared through Iowa and South Carolina in January and
a dozen straight wins in February, he limped through March, April and May.
He lost nine of the last 15 primaries, being outpolled in the popular vote
by Hillary Clinton by more than 600,000 votes. Worse, he finished the
Democratic campaign under the cloud of doubt that, to use the carefully
euphemistic phraseology of political strategists, he had a problem with the
white working-class vote.
Yet he won, and before we ponder what lies ahead, it’s worth recapping how he
did it.
First, of course, he brilliantly articulated and symbolised change.
The change mantra is always a powerful one in democratic politics. The country
gets tired of the same old faces even after a run of successful years, and
you would have to have a fairly fevered imagination to think the past few
years have been successful for the US.
What’s more, there’s a deeper yearning for change in America – not just away
from President Bush but from a decade of disillusionment with snarling
partisanship. The old Republican coalition is breaking apart and its
constituent elements are looking to reattach themselves to new political
movements. Millions of Americans really are fed up with politicians who win
by uttering the tired platitudes and rusting certainties of party loyalty.
Into this rare moment of opportunity – the fierce urgency of now, as he called
it – stepped a man who by talent and temperament, style and skin colour,
embodied the change voters wanted.
Secondly, he won because of the war. Most of the country turned against Iraq a
couple of years ago. Democrats are overwhelmingly opposed. They didn’t want
someone who had acquiesced or collaborated in its inception, as Mrs Clinton
had by casting her fateful Senate vote for it. This is a significant change.
Since Vietnam, the party has been terrified that it would lose general
elections because it looked weak on national security. This, after all, was
the calculation Mrs Clinton made when she supported the war. But there came
a point, crystallised perhaps by the tortured triangulations of John Kerry
in 2004, when Democrats felt it was permissible to pick someone who was
unapologetically antiwar.
Thirdly, he won because he was not called Clinton.
It’s easy to forget this now after Mrs Clinton finished the primaries so
strongly, but the fact that there was always a good chance that voters would
rally around an alternative to the prohibitive favourite. Though Democrats
are more kindly disposed to her than the country as a whole, many worried
about the negative passions she would unleash in the broader population.
What’s more, as the campaign went on, the dynasty question deepened. The
prospect of Bill Clinton, for all his talents, back in the White House for a
vicarious third term unsettled voters. After all, the dynastic temptation –
always present in American politics – had already been satisfied, with mixed
results, by George W. Bush.
And so, abetted by a brilliant political team that constructed a strategy
precisely calibrated for a complex primary process, Mr Obama rode this
perfect wave to a narrow victory. Now it’s a new contest. Mr Obama has been
blooded – and bloodied – by the long primary. If he is to climb the last
steps to Dr King’s mountaintop, he has to overcome at least three
significant challenges.
The first is the real identity of this man who has emerged from nowhere to the
threshold of the White House. The scrutiny so far has helped to unearth some
of it – his iffy Chicago connections, the Rev Jeremiah Wright’s sulphurous
locutions – but there is more to come. His wife, I suspect, is going to be a
problem. The more that is revealed of her true feelings about race in
America, the greater light Michelle Obama will shed on her husband’s own
views and character.
Secondly, of course there will be a straight racist vote. This is neither
fathomable nor measurable. But that it will be a factor is indisputable. It
might be counterbalanced by a huge black turnout or unprecedented support
from the multi-ethnic youth base he has so excited. But we can’t know for
sure its net effect.
Thirdly, unlike the Democratic primary, in which substantive issues were
dwarfed by matters of style and personality and demography, the general
election is quite likely to turn on policy. Most of these ought to favour Mr
Obama. On the economy he has only to deliver a few leftish philippics on the
evils of free markets and, at a time when house prices are falling by 20 per
cent a year and unemployment is rising, he will get an enthusiastic hearing.
But it’s obvious already that, in a time of continuing international
uncertainty, the new departure in foreign policy that Mr Obama stands for
will get punishing scrutiny from Senator McCain’s rhetorical blowtorch.
Ideas explored and promises made in a Democratic campaign will look less
appealing in a general election Mr Obama knows this. He is already showing
signs of flexibility on some of his supposedly nonnegotiable commitments.
His pledge to withdraw US forces from Iraq is evolving rapidly in the light
of developments on the ground there. He is frantically throwing up a
sandstorm over his commitment to sit down with dictators and tyrants as a
prime instrument of diplomacy. He is ever so carefully rephrasing some of
the more openly protectionist things he said in the primary.
The dangers for Mr Obama are that he either sticks to his guns on this new
diplomacy – and risks scaring voters – or he continues the evolution, and
winds up looking just like another say-one-thing-and-do-another-politician.
For now, history beckons. But the path it points to is a long and treacherous
one.
I think the US election has been one driven by cynics carrying predominantly a 'white' agenda.. The argument lies on whether Mr Obama is charismatic in the outside but weak in terms of moral fibre in the inside? Can he 'rock the boat' or would he dance to the tune of the international community?
Kenneth, London, United Kingdom
I'm tired of hearing that Obama has fired up the youth of America. I'm 24 yrs old, & I support McCain; as does my fiance. Don't get me wrong, he's charming & he can give good speech, but he was only in the Senate for 18 mos b/f he started campaigning & he's too liberal. He thinks there's 57 states.
Michelle, Elba, AL, US
The Republicans will be laughing once again, throughout this entire campaighn the democrats have been abusing one another to fight for the presidency, what everyone fails to realise is that, no matter what, Americans will not vote for either, a black man or a white woman,let a lone a combination.
peter shepherd, London,
I agree with Hal from Calgary. When a person is authentic, their inner light shines through in everything that they do and say. This quality cannot be faked, and as Hal says, Barak's authentic quality emanates from his being. If Barak becomes the next President, then there is real hope for the US
Alicia, London, UK
The analysis has merits and demerits. Merit in the sense that the coment acknowledges the posibility of Obama recording another slim win over Maccain in November, Demerits because it did not envisage the meaning of change and its effects on the way things will unfold and be judged.
Nwokedi Nworisara, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Cutting through all the rhetoric, what we need in this Country is strong decisive leadership. No matter what his race, choosing a young (in terms of experience) junior Senator to lead this country through our critical domestic and international issues is cautionary. We can't afford to get it wrong.
Mike, St. Louis, United States
"but his lack of experience, knowledge and abilitiies. He is too untested"
I could be missing something here, but will all the people who say Obama has no experience explain how he's supposed to acquire it?
Sarah, london , UK
America is not the greatest country in my books yet. But if the Americans have the audacity to elect Obama, sans racist politics, then I will certainly call it the GREATEST country on earth.
Don Marius Perera, Melbourne, Australia
I don't care so much the historical significance of Obama's candidacy as whether or not he is able to administrate this country in a way that will increase higher paying jobs, establish better education, and decrease the incredible gap between the rich and the poor. That would be historical.
M.A., SR, United States
i am so hopeful that obama will bring the change that america so desperately needs .
hafshah, london,
I am so sick of the "Obama has no experience" line. He needs to do better about emphasizing this, but not only did he spend years as a community organizer, giving voice to people who had none. He went to Harvard law school, and worked as a Civil Rights attorney, amother other things.
sfsinger, San Francisco, USA
What puzzles me is the term "racist', it is never applied to the nearly monolithic blac vote . Why is that ?
cjjoy, Southampton, NY, USA
No sooner has Mr Obama succeeded then the press attempts to pull him down. Had Mrs Clinton prevailed, the hate brigade would have been far more vociferous, but within days fault is found for him. If this is a sample of how it will be, heaven knows what it will be like should he win in November.
David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States
I am not a cynic, nor a Clinton. I am not moved. I am astounded at the ignorance of my fellow countrymen. Those who say only a Black man could attend racist meetings, hang out with radical terrorists, and have the most liberal voting record in the senate, and still pull this off, are correct.
Jill, Tucson, USA
For years i watched the Dems divide us along racial, gender, creed and every other disaffected group. This Dem primary proves just that. For 8 years i watched my party spend like the worst liberals. From the PC,of the 90's to the enviro-communists of today, i think ive seen enough Change.
William, Atlanta, USA
Your article is not very convincing, Republicans use fear to win votes, with more open free flow of informations, americans now understand that they are rule by oil merchants and arms dealers parading as patriots. Certainly we do not expect obama to win because of rigging in american elections
A Mahmud, Kano, Nigeria
I am a white woman voter in Hillary's " demographic". and a feminist.
Hillary lost my vote before the race began, because of her vote for war, because of voting against the cluster bomb ban.,..etc.
I am voting for Obama because he is an outstanding candidate who will make a great President.
barbara, Santa Fe, NM
Just to add to the text, the black vote at 90% is nothing new. Bill Clinton got similar counts when he ran for president. The black vote typically comes out in large voting blocs and whilst there is undoubtedly an element of favouritism for Obama because he's black, it's not unusual.
Anthony, London,
If Barack Obama is limping into the general election, John McCain has to be on a life-support system. Give me a break!
Dave Reeves, Port Alberni, British columbia, Canada
I think the author is referring to whites who will not vote for Obama specifically because of his race, not that a white person who has an honest difference in ideology and policy with Obama is a racist. The latter I respect and understand. The former are the ones that worry me.
Kiko Jones, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Just as Barack lacks expierence so does Clinton. Just because she's lived in the White house for 8 years does't mean she has more. After all she's only been a senator for about 6 years. What other expierence does she have.
Paul, Minden, USA
I believe that this election will be decided as who best can bring the country out of war trouble, economical trouble and
personal quality of a president, not the skin color.
Race is not more important than their paying bills and their sons/daughter blood in Iraq.
Susie, Westminster, USA
I think there is bound to be considerable disappointment if Barack Obama were to become the next President. The only revolution or big change that would be taking place would be an African American being elected President. Otherwise he will be just the next Democratic President and will be no different than if he was white, assuming all goes well. In other words, he will indeed become just another, say one thing do another, politician.
Henry Percy, London, UK
What is not mentioned is that many white,aging and middle-aged women in the US feel disenfranchized and will not vote for Obama no matter who is running mate is unless that running mate is Hillary. And that is not going to be the case.
Carol Woolf, Mashpee, USA
David in Exeter, UK... THANK YOU - you're spot on.
Enough said
Robert, Los Angeles,
Primaries are a way of introducing candidates to the wider populace - The true test to convince voters that he offers the best options to improve the country's economic growth and foreign policy begins now - Voters should give him the opportunity to present his ideas fully before casting their vote
WTaylor, London, UK
First Obama didn't fare as well in the later primaries because republicans crossed over and voted for Clinton. They see Obama as a more powerful candidate. By then McCain had the nomination wrapped up.
Second, some won't vote for Obama due to race, but others will only because of his race.
Ed, Wayzata, Minnesota
Baker forgets the obvious: Obama has no executive experience and almost no accomplishments as a legislator.
The "soft bigotry of low expectations" helped Obama win the nomination, but those who do not share that bigotry will want more in a president than the right skin color.
Jim Miller, Kirkland, WA, USA
As an Afro-Caribbean, I have followed with keen interest the unfolding of this election and I have just one think to say as a bystander; America, dare to hope, give Barack Obama a chance.
Don Lewis, Linstead, Jamaica
After all, the dynastic temptation – always present in American politics – had already been satisfied, with the worst results, by George W. Bush.
Senator Obama beats Senator McCain and stops a Bush third term!
Dan, Bangor, United States
To all you politically correct Obamaniacs: Since he is a more or less a self- avowed nicotine addict, will he be allowed to smoke in the White House?
Daryl, Palm Springa, US
Senator McCain's "rhetorical blowtorch." Are you having a laugh? Have you ever heard this man try to give a speech?
Obama will be the next president of the United States. It's about integrity.
Scarlett Hill, Dallas, USA
Age does not equal wisdom, neither does oratory equal action. Both parties chose the 'unexpected' candidate, so we have to use to campaign to figure them out. McCain is the maverick who is morphing into Bush III, while Obama is the celebrity who needs to communicate policy. On to the election.
Diane M, London, UK
Being black is not a qualification for President.
The nomination of an unqualified Black -- as Bill Clinton said, you can only give Obama credit for service for one year as a Senator, before he became a full time candidate for President -- demeans African-Americans and sets back Black progress.
asetrell, New York, USA
As an American expat living in England, I am sick and tired of these starry eyed reporters waxing lyrical about Obama. How he may "scale Martin Luther King's mountain" among other silly drivel. Many of us,( near half of Americans), can't stand Obama because of his liberal politics. Not skin colour!
Rick Porter, Widnes, United Kingdom
Smart article. But what never came out in the primaries is that many of the same working class whites who are reluctant to vote for a black man are very angry about getting burned by Republican economic and healthcare policies and the Iraq war - upholding these will be McCain's only platform.
Mike, Pittsburgh,
All this talk about racism is really overdone. Yes, there are racist white Americans. Yes, there are racist black Americans. But honestly, I'm sick of hearing about the "race issue" - it's really not a big deal. The OWNER of Black Entertainment Television was a Hillary supporter.
Yon D, Boston, USA
After nearly 8 years of fear-mongering, lying, corporate profiteering & corruption, Americans are starving for some relief ; for a vision beyond personal gain & greed & a return to respect for the 'rule of law' . Obama, not as a messiah but as a man with integrity, embodies that collective hope!
Ken, Duxbury, Vermont, US
To the "popular vote" whingers:
In 1992 the US didn’t pick Carl Lewis for the 100m, and then said he would have won. Doh! If you don’t like the selection process, fix it. Meanwhile you play by the rules (unless you’re George & Jeb Bush) and accept the result.
joe, birmingham, uk
I think the issue of color is old fashioned. The majority of the Amerian people (the youth) have said "yes we can" through out the primaries, and this phrase is going to cotinue to the end of this race. As a matter of fact, the barrier has been broken. No matter how experienced "old white Rambo" is.
Thomas Meek. Sarko, Monrovia, Liberia
Obama is a MULTICULTURAL candidate. He belongs to two cultures and was raised in several. He is as "black" as Tiger Woods and like Tiger Woods he does not let his race define or limit him. He is the perfect "American candidate" at a time when America is searching for its core values.
Nwabu, Pretoria, South Africa
Black keys need white keys. And white keys need black keys. To make music.
Obama is the virtuoso born to make music from the ebony and ivory keys of the superb American piano. Music that will soothe and gladden the hearts of his countrymen. And the peoples of the world! Hail,Obama......the Master!
San Ying, Montreal, Canada
Race, Gender, Age...all can be pluses or minuses depending who you ask...as can religion, family, background. All candidates have obstacles. It's life, it's politics. Until the media stops focusing on these things instead of issues, they will remain a problem. Experience does not always mean right.
Michele, Bay City, TX, USA
Obama has the right message and i believe he can deliver on that, change is comming to america and no one can stop that train, the best of america is yet to come
jonathan adjetey, accra, Ghana
I believe that Obama can help make a change. But there are some that do not want that change. They use the saying that he is not experience and that is why you are not going to vote for him, but you were not going to vote for him in the first place. This county still has a lot of Racism in America
millie, Des Moines, Iowa, usa
When Senator Obama began his campaign, he promised to eliminate political PAC contributions to the Democratic National Party. Within 48 hours of securing the delegates for the nomination, he kept the promise. Imagine that, a politicain who keeps his promise. The times they are a changin'.
drs, St.Louis, United States
Race, race, race, black, black, black, white, white, white. America obviously hasn't come that far. Every thing is still about race. WHY! We're all human and our differences are only skin deep. Race is an illusion of difference that some people aren't smart enough to see past yet.
Go Obama!!!!!
Chris Williams, Dallas, Tx, Us
Obama is what he is: a talented, intelligent, reflective, and caring human being. He is the kind of boss I prefer to work for. He is the kind of leader I can trust as I follow his directives. He is the kind of soul I admire,who holds forth forgiveness as a Christian aesthetic. Now: Bush?
Bill Arp, Monroe, Louisiana
I do support others` views because race means nothing what matters are the positive results.We want people who can change the face of the world to be a better place for everyone.Obama deserves the position and voters showed that by voting.
cosmos marodza, Bindura, Zimbabwe
The race for President will be closer than anyone can imagine. If Obama does not convince women over 60 to vote for him (baby boomers), and if he does not gain the Jewish vote, he will lose to McCain. The Democratic Party needs Senator Clinton as VP to win these votes.
Andrea, Hudson, USA
Obama makes special interest group AIPAC VERY nervous indeed! Since Hillary Clinton is virtually owned by AIPAC I would be very surprised if Obama doesn't choose her as his VP mate!
It's sad but true that the the president of the U.S. is elected based on their loyalty to Israel!
Jack Cleary, York, USA
RFK said "Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking upon it". The joyful faces of 17000 Americans in St Paul listening to Barack Obama suggest that by gaining the support of the majority of ordinary folk, black, white, hispanic etc, he could be on course for a landslide in November
peter fieldman, paris , france
Obama has at least a half-dozen major hurdles to overcome to be elected, and will probably have that many more by election day. A Rasmussen poll shows 78% of Americans would vote for a black. This is not good news for Obama, when 22% won't even consider it. That's a huge hole to start off in.
gb, Austin, USA
Mr Obama is a product of the Chicago Political Machine. One of if not the most corrupt in the US. Mr Obama is very carrismatic. But what is under the carrisma? The South side of Chicago is and always has been a very poor area. What has he done in his 20 years to change that? Nothing major.
sandra thomsen, santa barbara ca., usa
Even here in the heartland of America, there is ZERO chance that the bumbling septagenarian McCain can beat Obama. Prepare for an Obama landslide. Obama offers a break from the past, and a clear hope for renewal and change. America, emerging from an 8-year Republican disaster, is more than ready.
Thomas, Kansas City, USA
America has been ready for a black president for some time. We just don't seem ready for a president with sound policies based on a knowledge and understanding of history, economics, science, and the Constitution.
Alexander, San Juan Capistrano,
Obama will bring the same style Marxist, anti-white policies as Mugabe. If you like what Mugabe did for Zimbabwe, then vote for Obama. He will rob people of personal liberty and responsibility, will take destroy incentive for productivity, create hyper-inflation and depression. Watch out whitey!
Tashaun, Harare,
It will again be Osama who decides the outcome, just like he helped Bush with a last minute November video. Osama would prefer Mccain as he wants to continue the fight with americans.
Izhar, aberdeen, uk
Was it around 1918 that Europeans fell in love with another idealistic peddler of hope from America? My country is rich in faith healers; now and then we put one in high office. They usually make a complete mess of things. I'm sure Obama will uphold the tradition.
charles, USA, USA
OB would make and sounds like a good used car saleman.
Looie, Sun City,
Whether Obama wins or not, the Illuminati will still be in control:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM7L4SDGdqU
Jon, London,
It's amazing to me that so many have so many negative comments on obama - yet nothing they can substantiate. Ayers - lived in his neighborhood, served on a board with him. So? Rezko - the trial proved he had no link with obama. Folks are just lobbing bombshells hoping something will stick.
Julie, Houston, USA
I feel similar to the person above, now , but I'm more inspired by the fact that life is hard alone in itself already, and when they say the economy is doing well, I don't know who they are speaking for not me. I'm willing to take a chance on change, we only have one life to live, I'm 4 obama
Jason, Saint Louis, United Sates
In a replica of the stupidity of the British voter the Democrats have just consigned themselves to 4 more years of a GOP administration. Hillary, like her or not would have been a shoo-in November.
Robert D., Chelmsford, Essex.,
This is the most intriguing and satisfying race for the Presidency in my lifetime, which spans six decades. In the end, I think, ir is not so much a matter of who wins. What matters maybe is that America, seduced and abandoned by its ideals of the late 20th Century, is now reformulating itself.
Matthew, Nashville, USA
I think it's only reasonable that Americans vote for issues rather than racial prejudice. If Obama will better amplify the American yearning for change, then what is bad in voting for him? What has the colour of a man's skin got to do with his performance and how he govern?
Wahab Omiwole, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
unfortunatly i was raised a racist and have been a racist most of my adult life. i guess in some ways i still am a racist. but our country is in such drastic times that we need someone with a vision, and i believe in my heart that obama is that someone. i just hope more americans become color-blind
Dawn Bock, north carolina, usa
I have been following Obama campaign avidly. Obama is mixed race he has both African & American/European heritage. He did grow up in the 'White' culture. However isn't it the 'White' culture /media who have studiously be avoiding his 'White ' roots ?
Fiolla, LONDON, United Kingdom
America, America God shed His grace on thee and crowned thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
SELAH! pause and think on this.
Pastor Cheryl, Chicago, AMERICA
Any professional politician, particularly those feted by the media, have to be treated with a degree of scepticism. And of all the qualities necessary for elected office 'soaring rhetoric' is the cheapest. At the moment all I see is a smile and a suit - I am suspicious that this is all we will get.
Mark, Berkhamsted,
When people talk of the 'racist' voters in the white working class, why do they suppose that these individuals would be any more likely to vote for Clinton than Obama? In my experience, bigotry doesn't tend to be selective, the racists would probably vote for a man over a woman as well
Sophie, Liverpool,
I don't think there was misogyny by Obama's camp. John McCain wants to stack the Supreme Court with more conservative, anti-abortionist judges. Also, Senator McCain opposed a bill that would have protected women from discrimination, whereas both Clinton and Obama voted for it.
Liz, Paradise,
Maybe Arthur they voted 95% for Clinton because there was no black candidate to vote for. Believe me race will be a big issue come election day and you will find the polls ofthe liberal press differ markedly from the actual result.
Michael Riley, London, London
Obama,if to stand respected in the international scene, he must always uphold high security fo US and the world otherwise 'the emergence of bully countries' will suffice very soon. Obama must be able to work closely with all nations around the world to stop OPEC from profiteering.
ms, Singapore, Singapore
Hahahaha. Trotsky and Lenin articulated their speeches very well. That did not stop red terror, which started russian civil war, then after it they shot all the democrats. And commies took charge... Oh btw.. They had a nice slogan too. Slogans are just that. Obama does not have a coherent plan.
Ski, San Francisco, USA
I laugh at how people say the Obama's major downfall is that he lacks experience in foreign policy (George Bush had experince and look how that turned out). Its called advisors people. He surround himself with people who were experts and beat the odd by winning the democratic party. Kudos to Obama
Bryant, Jacksonville, USA
Obama is a not so bright lawyer, and a political hack. An empty suit who mouthes Marxist rheroric as if he knew what he was saying. If the Republicans had a half way decent candidate, it would all be over. Nothing racial, the man is a nothing with a voice.
Desmond Taylor, HOUSTON, USA Tx
To blazes with gnarled cynics. They've achieved nothing of value in history.
Furthermore, the so-called 'tested' politicians of the past have utterly failed us. Clintonian and Rovian politics have left America high and dry. It's about time we get back to the ideals of our founders with Obama.
William J., Arlington, Virginia, United States
Bush had no experience either and nor does John McCain, just because he was a POW doesn't consitiute a knowledge of foreign policy and war hero's don't get caught and become POW's thyey kick butt and come home to talk and brag about it but somehow he thinks because he was a prisoner gives him props.
Charles, Jackson, United States
Obama is half white and was raised by his white family (after being abandoned by his black father). He grew up in white culture. Aside from dark skin, what about him is black? Maybe the constant ignoring of his white roots is why he's having so much trouble connecting with white voters.
Robbie, San Diego, USA
Katy:
What misogynistic attacks are you referring to? I can point to ham handed Clintonite racially tinged remarks? Exactly what anti-female remarks did the Obama campaign make?
Before you brand me a mysogynist, I backed Ferraro and wanted Christie Whitman to run in 2000
Bill in NJ
Bill, Monroe, USA
You obviously have no clue how many whites support Mr. Obama. He is a bright shining star in the black night of politics. Could he use help to beat John MCain?---Sure! But win he will, no matter what, with or without the South.
Jean, Chicago, US
No, he got it right. Blacks have voted for whites for decades. The polls are talking about whites "who state they will not vote for a black". Blacks say no such thing. Yes, they are voting for a black man, but they would also vote for Hillary if she was the nominee. That is the difference.
Patrick, Detroit, US
You seem to be forgetting about what Barack Obama really stands for: hope. Hope that it's not too late to fix the damage caused by 8 years of a Texan in the White House! If McCain wins, then the U.S. deserves all the horror that will result from another fake, dishonorable, money-driven presidency.
Tom, Chicago, United States of America
I would not hesitate to vote for a black man - just not this black man. Vapid, woefully unprepared, inarticulate without the teleprompter . . . . Plus he has some very troubling topics yet to explain -
And for all of the platitudes about "change", he is playing the race card like a master
Linn, OREGON, USA
Great speaker but pushing change that is both bad and old. Real scary to think of BHO in the White House.
August, austin,
The world is ready for Barack Obama - he is the one who has the tools, courage and elevated, conscious perspective needed to bring forth a world of restoration. The authentic human quality emanating from his being will resonate with ostensible adversaries, including (former) racists & oppressors...
Hal, Calgary,
Obama limped accross the finish line because the majority of the last primarys were just that (primary's) not a caucus. His campaign strong armed the caucus states, blocked Hillary's voters. If it weren't for the Caucus states, Hillary would be the dems nominee. McCain will win sadly.
Go Hillary!
jan, kasilof alaska, USA
If blacks are racist for voting for Obama, what were they when they voted a staggering 95 % for Bill Clinton when he ran for Governor of Arkansas, and for president. moreover,only 38 % of whites voted for him during the presidential race.
Arthur, San Diego, USA
Three cheers for gnarled cynics. So does that make me 'white, uneducated' or 'A Typical White Person'? But I do give Senator credit for one thing: He (hopefully) drove a steak thru the heart of the Arkansas Clinton Mafia. Hopefully.
RobertG, Phoenix,
I live in Miami and race is an important factor when big things are at stake. I think white americans are secretly weary of a black union around Obama. America is not ready to confront it's recent racist past. McCain sounds safer and we are all about sustaining the superficial american way.
Jorge, miami, USA
The misogynistic attacks against Hillary by Camp Obama and their pundits was startling - who knew that America hadn't evolved or rather some of us hadn't?
I'm not voting for Obama - and its not due to his skin color - but his lack of experience, knowledge and abilitiies. He is too untested.
Katy, New York, US
Hey Mike from Sydney,
It seems like you Aussies ought to know that a racist is someone who supports racism which is a system which systematically disadvantages one race in favor of another. You are saying that the 99% of black South Africans who voted for Mandela did so out of racism.
Andrew, Minneapolis, United States
Great article. Black or white, his articulate speeches and ability to inspire are exactly what US foreign policy needs. But an electorate that voted for two terms of Bush doesn't isnpire me - I hope the US electorate isn't too proud to realise wipe the egg-off their faces and vote for change.
Mr Smith, Bristol,
I agree 100% with our friend from Australia. Some whites not wanting to vote for an inexperienced fellow who has intimate ties with known racial hate-mongers, and who says we should appease Islamists? Those voters are racists. Blacks voting 90% for a black man? That's "democracy." Right on!
Stephen, San Francisco, CA, USA
I hope he sticks to his guns. The Black votes Obama is getting is a matter of pride as well as confidence in his ability. The white, uneducated voters Hillary was getting was a matter of prejudice against Obama. Have you ever experience racism in America? Those who have see it for what it is.
Tre, Houston, USA
The whole world clamor for change, not only America. What change is Barack Obama trying to define for the Americans? As a Filipino, I doubt the capabilities of Barack to implement change - he maybe a an eloquent speaker of change, for change, but, not as a Change Agent...Barack is not presidentiable
Maybelle, Quezon, Philippines
I disagree that Michelle will be a liability. As a first lady she will keep Barack's ego in check and help hold him to his promises. Everyone says things on the campaign trail that they regret, including candidates and spouses. Proof? Bill Clinton. I want a strong woman like Michelle as first lady.
Katie Boundy, Washington DC, USA
You said "of course there will be a straight racist vote". That's true, Barack was getting 90%+ of the black vote while the white vote was more evenly split. Then, curiously, you said "It might be counterbalanced by a huge black turnout". I think you got this the wrong way round.
Mike, Sydney, Australia
How can the author say that when whites vote for a white it is a racist vote but when blacks vote for blacks it is a huge black turn out. In many cases both are voting based on race so both should be considered a "racist votes", as the author calls it.
David Wisner, Bridgewater, USA
Barack Obama is not the messiah. He talks of change in DC - but so did Bush. He resume is thin, and while he can speak well, in reality he's the farthest left candidate to ever be nominated by the Democrats. That (not his race) will be the reason he loses - to the shock of journalists worldwide.
David, Exeter, UK