Trevor Phillips theory that Obama is exploiting a racial divide and white voter support to do with guilt over transatlantic slavery is rediculous. Obama is an articulate orator and promotes hope that all Americans, regardless of ethniticity, will be represented.

David Dills, New Elgin - Moray, Scotland

Phillips' comments reflect a general lack of understanding in a man I expected to be wise. First, Britain has already produced Obamas such as Dr. John Ssentamu, the Archbishop of York.

The Obamas in U.K do not have to be politicians but blacks who can take up roles hitherto thought of by racists as a preserve for whiles.

Phillips has really disappointed me (and many).

John. Manchester.

John Francis, Manchester, Manchester

Trevor Phillips should stick with wht he knows best (been a yes man for the establishment). To suggest that the likes of Bill Cosby sold out to middle America beggars belief.

Perhaps it is Trevor Phillips that is a danger to the black community as oppose to Obama. How dare Trevor suggest that the black community in Britain are incapable of producing high achievers (perhaps he sees himself as the barometer tio measure success).

If Trevor Phillips record is scrutinised i dare say he is where he is not because he is an inspirational leader but a bargainer (the charge he seems to level at others, talk about pot and kettle).

Fola, London, UK

Barack Obama stands for more things than I care to articulate. If he wins the presidential elections, he will be immortalised as an icon not just for black people but for ALL people who believe that human beings are equal regardless. It is also worth noting that he stands for whites just as much as he stands for blacks. After all he is of mixed heritage, and therefore has an insight into both sides of the so-called colour divide. In this race, Obama is the only one who is truly positioned to be able to narrow the racial divide in America and in so doing his presidential victory will positively impact upon the world at large. He does not have to let the black side down to please the white side or vice versa. That sort of thinking assumes that all whites and blacks are racist towards one another. This is simply untrue. According to the ideologies that Obama has communicated there is only a right side, and his actions and the outcomes thereof demonstrate that he is on it.

Jemba Moh, London, England

Mr. Phillips' comments are very insightful. These are the types of discussions we need to have to move race relations forward.

pcos22, Chicago, US/Illinois

I think this guy is overthinking it. People (black and white) are voting for Obama because they think he's the best candidate.

steve , poughkeepsie, ny

I just wonder if the black electorate would be as excited and energized as they are if the only black candidate happened to be a Republican....say a Collin Powel or a JC Watts....and were in the lead for the nomination and then to be the first black president.

DPJ, Dallas, TX

The posts are just great guys. I'm glad to see you Brits and others around the world can tell this Trevor guy is off base. Please tell Gordon Brown that weird Trevor needs to be replaced with a normal person.

Joe, El Paso, USA

This is truly sad. It is a lose, lose situation because if Obama wins he wins according to the white electorate solely because he was black and if he looses we of course the blac electorate will say its because he is black. The man should be judged for his capabilities and quite frankly he has none that I can see that qualify him for the presiden of the United States!

R. Harris, near, Texas

1) To compare Bill Cosby & Oprah Winfrey to Marcus Garvey & Malcolm X shows some serious mental delinquency.
2) Since speculating on what a future president will do isn't very prudent, let's look at what we do know: Obama's senatorial career for Illinois and Obama's presidential campaign. Mr Phillips says, "If he fulfils the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa." In the senate Obama increased healthcare for veterans, both black and white. Obama went to Bali and pledged an American climate treaty after 2008, both blacks and whites want environmental justice. In the campaign Obama has pledged to renegotiate NAFTA, both whites and blacks want that badly! In other words, Mr Phillips has no basis (yet).

Bryan, San Francisco, USA