Mr. Phillips sadly trivialized the situation in America. As an African-American physician living in Scranton, PA (Clinton/Biden "country"), I can tell you that white guilt has not prompted people in this area to vote for Obama. The campaign supporters simply view him as the best candidate.

John Crews, MD, Scranton, PA, US

Obama's shouldn't be seen as just a 'black' candidate but as a 'mixed race' candidate. The problem with race in the US and UK is it is defined by how you look as opposed to what you are. It's about time we moved on from the obsession with skin colour/looks to what you are and what you can offer.

Paul, London, England

I read Phillips' comments and still...I got nothing out of it. What he's saying? All I heard was brouhaha.

Angela, New York, USA

Phillips is concentrating immediately on racism, entirely omitting the fact that Obama is a strong, promising candidate. He lumps Americans all into a bad stereotype, which is essentially a very core characteristic of racism. It's narrow-minded people like him who strengthen the racial divide.

Patrick Calder, Alaska, United States

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

Obama will win the Democratic nomination.

Then you will see racism rears its ugly head in the US, when he loses the Presidency.

Finally, and I sincerely believe this: then you will see race riots like never before, because Black Americans, (never could figure African-Americans when they've lived here all their lives in a lot of cases), who feel disenfranchised - again - will come unglued.

Mike, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Actually, Mr. Phillips is spot on here, as you Brits would say. I lived in New Orleans for 30 years and if there's anything I'm all too familiar with, it's politics and race. Obama stands to be a disaster in many ways, a serious setback for American blacks. The great majority of white American have practically no real experience with or feel for black culture in this country. But they're mighty proud of themselves for voting for The Black Guy. They don't have a clue - and don't really want one.

Kathryn, Near Austin, Texas

So Mr Trevor Phillipes: because of the pains of slavery and the work of Martin Luther King the black American should continue to live in obscurity, should not aspire to high offices - just because of the fear of persistent racial divide. This is what kills black people in Britain - they are divided and have never been able to rise above self pity and complain of slavery ...what ever. I am a black man and well educated. I am very proud of what Obama is doing and if he becomes the first black American president...this will be a great thing for the black race ...maybe not black people in Britain.

Driscole, Exeter, UK

this man should be preaching equality and not being divive. what a slap on black british.cant believe this

john, yorkshire, bansley

For us to follow the way of war will be an economic disaster, so the United States has to find a way to succeed in a marketplace much changed since 1945.

Check out the Stiglitz book, the Three Trillion Dollar War. Sure, the surge can work for a short period of time... but it will eventually catch up with us economically. Al Sadr lives in Iraq... he can wait 20 years. Can we?

Dan, Independence, USA

Obama and wife are pristine, attractive examples of the incipient socialism begun by Wilson and then FDR and on and on. Like Social security, then the ag subsidies, and then the "Great Society's" massive entitlements; Mr Barak Obama's "change" will be that of left liberal socialism. Those policies will further weaken the free enterprise which has provided such abundance for us as well as deepen their ability to provide for this nation's working "poor."

Additionally his refusal to wear with appropriate pride the symbol of this nation - its flag - reflects his antagonism to the great American spirit and is an insult to this nation which has defended against tyranny for two centuries (like Germany and Japan) and benevolently succored those defeated and desparate nations after ridding them of the evil tyranny.

His idealistic but naive attitude toward the world's struggle with Islamic despotism-terrorism will ultimately make us a victim of that terrorism and sacrifice Israel.

Hubbard, Summerfield, FL

Obama is the small Masia, he got Christian, Muslim ,wihit and black blood. He is going to bring the world together and stop the blood shed.

dan anger, bridgeport, wv

TP is voicing what some so called 'black leaders' think will make them popular with the neutrals and objectors....(just in case !!!!)

Those of us that support Senator Obama's campaign, do so not because he is a fresh new face in the horizon, but because he represents CHANGE.... and that CHANGE is based on a HOPE of better things for America, and for the UK as America's closest ally.

Its the same HOPE the UK had back in 1997 when we, (me included), voted Tony Blair into power in ‘that victory’.... We danced to the tune of 'Things Can Only Get Better' and we believed them....

Well, out of BELIEF thousands, millions of Americans -Black White, Latino, Asain are saying "We know you may not have all the answers, but we are willing to give you a chance".

Stop thinking we’re all mindless idiots, moved my sound bites and youth.... some of us actually BELIEVE not in just Barack but in the HOPE of CHANGE.

Anthony, London,

OMG. wow wow.
I really dont know how to express my shck at this article by Trevor Phillips .
This man should not be a leader for racial equality.
If white people are voting for Obama becuase they feel some sympathy, then all black presidential candidates will be winning. That is not the case now and that has not been the case before.
Trevor Phillips, is obsessed with race.
How do we achieve racial equality? NOT to be obsessed with race.

charles, London,

His point Ben is that,. yes Obama, Cosby and Oprah are judged more on character than race but the Black community and most black individuals are not.
He implies that the success of "colorless"(of course people notice that they are black,they just pretend not too) black people will allow whites to ignore day to day inequalities due to white priveledge.
In what way is this guy a professional victim btw? I think your just making baseless assumptions.

Ak, Chicago, IL

This goes to the point of what the Republicans are like when you scratch the surface. Is there any confusion as to why our country is in the mess it is under this REPUBLICAN administration.

M.J., Iowa, U.S.A.

I am a McCain supporter based on Mr. McCain's respectable record in the US Senate. I cannot however support a candidate if he supports a smear campaign of Mr. Obama based on false affiliation with the Islamic religion. I find this absolutely despicible. I support Mr.. McCain precisely because of his independent, pragmatic thinking. He faces losing many of these types of mainstream independent voters if he, or even his party, continues to walk this line.

Tim, USA,

What is Phillips thinking? What is this about certian widely admired blacks as "bargainers"? Wasn't M.L.King's dream all about being judged by inner rather than outward qualities? All those so-called "bargainers" are just living Dr. Kings Dream!

Professional victims like Phillips make me sick. All he is really saying is that blacks cannot succeed on their own. Not a particullary empowering message to those who he is supposedly championing. Men like Obama know better, as do his white supporters (like me). Phillips is just spewing the tired old 'politics-as-usual' that Obama is all about changing!

Ben Hoff, New Jersey, USA

I'm very dissapointed in Trevor Phillips with those comments because he chooses to focus on negatives rather than the positive Obama can bring.

Gordon, London,

Ok, so Obama isn't fat or ugly, nor is he a Clinton. And there is some truth in the comment that these are the reasons he is so popular. Maybe so. But who cares. People forget that there will be few occasions in his (potential) presidency when the decisions will fall on his shoulders and only his. This is a team race. Barack is merely the poster boy on the face of the campaign. And what's wrong with that. Every campaign needs a face. And as for people slating his liberal stance, please! Has America become so far right that left feels wrong. He is a smart man who I'm sure will do alot of good for a disillusioned state. At least he's not the face of a 20 year dynasty gone power mad. At least he's not a Clinton.
Sam

Sam, Leeds, UK

Barack Obama was an irregularly practicing Muslim , who rarely or occasionally attended Muslim salat ("prayer") with his step-father in a mosque, during his upbringing
in Indonesia.

The significance of this for a would-be President of the United States of America is "interesting" isn't it, and for Obama himself, the significance is he is now what Islamic law calls a murtadd (apostate),an ex-Muslim who has left Islam, and who must be executed. Were he to be elected President of the USA, this status would potentially have large implications for his relationship with the Islamic world.

Paul, Leeds, West orkshire, England

So how does he explain growing popularity for Obama amongst Latinos and other immigrants?

JT, Oxford, UK

I think the british government should look into the post given to Mr Trevor Phillips because from this his saying i dont think he should be the chairman of the Equality and Human rights commission. his a disapportment to himself and its race.

abi, farmaguster, cyprus

This man is a disgrace to the Equality Movement and quite frankly, if that is what he thinks, he should resign. Very shameful comments.

The time has come to start judging and making the choice for President/Prime Minister on the individual's ability to do the job and their vision for our future. The colour of their skin or their gender should be irrelevant.

That might be naive, but that is the *audacity of hope*. It's time be be audacious.

SL, London, UK

And what if I may ask, has Mr Phillips done for black people in this country? Shame on him!!!

renee, windsor, UK

How on earth did Sir Trev become chairman of the Equality and Human rights commission?

Maybe it was because he was voted for by some middle class white people who felt guilt over translantic slavery!

D Powell, London, UK

Since we cannot change history, I don't see how intolerance will die out until everyone accepts that people are not responsible for the sins of their ancestors.

I do not feel guilty for what my ancestors did.

In my experience, those who seek to make me feel guilty for my ancestors sins are usually doing it to get something from me.

John, London,

Here in the UK, black politicians only get voted in because their constituences are heavily populated by black people and they tend to have blind loyalty based on race. Once elected, nothing changes: high levels of crime, welfare-dependency, low/no skills, low scholastic achievement....etc.

Only one area with a majority white electorate, Windsor, has a black member of parliament.

Voting for someone because they are 'one of us' is pretty low.

Give me self-help anyday.

Trevor Philips should concentrate on issues closer to home. That's what he's paid (a large amount) for.

John, London, UK

Wow, what simplistic across-the-pond analysis. I wonder if Mr Phillips ever even been to the States. The widespread popularity of Obama is not about White Guilt -- far from it. If anything, it is about Bush Guilt. The election of an African-American who speaks eloquently and righteously for positive, peaceful change will alter the perception around the world of Americans as gun-slinging, shoot-first, racist cowboys. Trust me, Bush is the aberration of true American hopes and values, not Obama.

Phillip Epps, Taipei, Taiwan

An Obama win will be like the Space race to get to the moon. Everyone was full of great expectations - then finally that great leap for mankind - to find only rock.

Stephen Pain, Odense, Denmark

While the election process in the US is dependent on raising millions of dollars in order to fight an election there will never be a candidate who can simply stand on his or her own principled beleifs and moral values. There are thousands of people out there in the country who would be honest and worthy candidates, far outshining the shallowness and empty rhetoric the present contenders spout. Until the system changes America will get what big business and the banking systems want - manipulated mediocrity, Bush style.

Jaques, Camaret, France

I think this white-guilt theory is ridiculously overrated. To attribute Obama's enduring popularity to this is, quite frankly, nonsense. All the cynicism I can see is coming from Trevor Philips himself. What a sad man.

SB, Glasgow,

Why on earth is Phillips sticking his nose in when it is absolutely not his business or place to comment publicly? It is sheer impertinence; these are US elections and nothing to do with anyone else. Phillips should, as they say, butt out.

GMF, Aberdeen, UK

Hi, as an American Citizen, I thought I should comment. Personally, I feel no guilt over slavery. At least one ancestor fought in the American Civil War, for the North. At least two ancestors came to the US after slavery ended in 1865. None of my ancestors are from the South. The last person born into slavery died years ago, I'm over it.

Mike , Wichita, KS

As an expat living in England I can tell you that you have no understanding of what it is to be an American, and even less of a grasp of what it is like to be a white, middle class American. Anger and frustration replaced guilt some time ago. Obama is a revelation to most of us. He does transcend colour. He will look after me because I am an American and he is quite possibly our best hope for the future. You really don't get it.

Larry, Stratford,

Mr. Philips is right on the money. Obama will hurt America for everyone in the long run, should he win. Obama's a lightweight Chicago ward hack with only 2 years experience in the US Senate. No party would run a white man with very little experience like Obama, that 60's socialist, the dream candidate of the Comintern, who can only make pretty speeches which make the girls swoon. I wouldn't mind living next door to him, but I would NEVER vote for him. I voted for a black man in the Republican primary in 2000. I voted for Alan Keyes, because he had the character, intelligence, knowledge and experience to make a great president. I would've voted for him again this year, had he chosen to run. Perhaps if the Republican Party wises up this year they'll get McCain to have Keyes run as V.P. There will be a black president in America before long, but it won't be Obama. It will be a black conservative Republican who runs and wins on the strength of his character, ideas and experience.

Mary Mennona, Narberth, Pennsylvania, USA

I find Mr Phillips comments ofensive and therefore racist. To call someone racist for voting Obama is an insult.

jordi, bournemouth,

Obama may have wonderful ideas but he never seems to say how he's going to carry them through. Pie in the sky is how it seems to me.

I'd like to know his policies and hear how they're costed out.

leila, manchester, uk

And GOD created women. If I undestood English correctly, 45 years-old, Michelle Obama statement on her not being proud AMERICAN , until last week, despite her ivy league Princton education is far telling of her, unworthy charectoer to be our first lady. America will vote for a wholesome first lady who is at least patriatic . Former Rodeo queen , the beautiful Cindy McCain will win. Cindy will follow Laura, Hillary, and Barbara foot steps.

Beside that Obama is no Kennedy and no Colin Powell.

kitti, Oklahoma,

There are some very complex reasons given here, and it is nice to see that so many Americans think the self important Mr Philips is wrong.
However without wishing to run down Mr Obama, could it be that more than a few of his supporteres simply do not want the sainted Hilary.
It is apparent that much of the British media want Hilary, She is referred to in reverential tones as "Hilary" while Mr Obama is often just plain "Obama". Perhaps a similar media bias in America is turning people off her.

D.L. Stephens, York, England

Hillary Clinton is having to deal with gender and race prejudices.

Leigh, Fayetteville, GA

Funny thing is...

It was the English crown who sent more than 3 million white slaves (Yes, that's WHITE slaves vs. “indentured servants” or Africans) here to be sold in the New World. It's the etymology of the word "kidnapped". For those who are uninformed, there’s a huge disparity between what is generally believed about slavery and the actual historical record of who made up the majority of slaves here in North America during the 17th – 19th Century. Read some history folks.

It’s interesting to note too, that the first slaves sold in Jamestown were, in fact, 20 Scottish and Irish women and children, sent here from Britain. So let's put any blame for slavery in North America exactly where it belongs! The proof is in the pudding (or putting), as it were.

David, Hollywood, CA

It’s interesting to note too, that the first slaves sold in Jamestown were, in fact, 20 Scottish and Irish women and children, sent here from Britain. So let's put any blame for slavery in North America exactly where it belongs! The proof is in the pudding (or putting), as it were.

And by contrast, only 800,000 black were ever sold in North America. The overwhelming majority of black slaves, having been sold in Latin and South America by Spain which is why they make up a significant portion of that culture that is still there today. It is also why a disproportionate number of blacks still live in the Southern states of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

....more

David, Hollywood, CA

I'd also like to add, so this 'Trevor' guy thinks that white Americans are voting for Obama because they feel guilty of racism and slavery. That's just like saying Asian-Americans in America are the highest paid of any racial group(including Caucasian groups), because Caucasians feels guilty they have treated the Chinese badly during the creation of the railroads. Just stick to your own problems back home!

Arlene, LA , CA

Also it was the Puritan English in North America who agitated for abolition of slavery on ethical grounds as an extension of that period of history commonly called “The Enlightenment”. So let’s put any credit exactly where it is deserved too. Were it not for these culturally advanced principles, there would likely still be slavery, even in England!

The dismal level of historical education resident in most of the population is appalling. And there is something very wrong with the media when they pander to the fear and ignorance that is all too common in society.

News that is worthy to be called “news”, is news that is essential for the growth and maturity of mankind. News that divides is less than worthless.

David, Hollywood, CA

While I share the opinion that Barack Obama will do more to set blacks back, it's because he is so liberal. If he continues with these far left policies he will be the worst president in history and some will associate that with his race. But Cosby tries to empower rather than play the victim game and as a result is attacked by so-called "black leaders". These "black leaders" derive their power from making others feel they must rely on them and have no desire to empower anyone.

Bill, Paris, Ky.

Sounds like Mr. Phillips is either trying to get more personal attention/spotlight by talking about some "racial" stuff that is actually the least important aspect of this campaign, or the man is just plain silly.

And as someone said... Obama is half black and half white. Not only that, but his background is very multi-cultural. This seems to be just what the doctor ordered in this day and age considering the way the globe is getting smaller, Asia is gaining power, bad things going on in the Middle East for America, etc.

I mean really... there are tons of educated people who support Obama because of what he says and has done. While I never trust politicians 100%, I usually smell a rat a mile away... and this guy seems pretty darn sincere. He's much more about people, the environment, freedom, and positives ... and this is in stark contrast to what we Americans have been dealing with for the last 7 years. We are ready for a huge change, and that alone should win him the election.

Jason, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

It is amazing to me that Mr. Phillips believe's that white people feel "guilt" about the slavery........we can not control, nor be held responsible for something we weren't even alive for. As I see it we are responsible for our actions right here, right now.

Holley, Fort Worth, TX, USA

Mr. Phillips, This is not the America I live in. We have problems, yes, but you don't know what you are talking about.

Paul Pepin, New Haven, Conneticut

If Trevor thinks that white Americans only vote for Obama out of some ancestral guilt over slavery, he's sorely underestimated Obama's ability, class and core appeal. And by suggesting that whatever pleases white Americans will disappoint black Americans and vice versa, he's demonstrating an attitude which equality campaigners of all varieties will find most disappointing indeed. Frankly I think he should wake up and smell the hope, because everone else is leaving those antiquated prejudices in the dustbin of history. That is precisely the change which Obama is tapping into, and it's that - no some outdated notion of racial atonement - which will carry Obama to the white house.

Andrew, Leeds,

Since recently finishing Malcolm X's autobiography, I can see parallels here between some of Mr. Phillips's views and Mr. X's (early views). Both seem to have a rather 'Catch 22' position that for a black man to succeed in a white dominated society, that black man must be some form of 'Uncle Tom' or as Mr. Phillips puts it a 'bargainer' - that is black success can actually be a negative spot on black society's progress because of how they came about winning that success. But then if no black people strive to be successful in the society into which they are born and raised, then how can black society as a whole progress at all? It shouldn't be about pulling down the blacks at the top, but pulling up the blacks at the bottom.

Luckily, Malcom went to Mecca and changed his views. Maybe Mr. Phillips should do a similar thing?

The act of making Obama President presents an opportunity... an opportunity for a paradigm shift in US perceptions, which I think is a worthwhile thing to do.

AT, Sydney, Australia

Why should I feel guilty about slavery, which was a socially accepted form of commerce as far back as ancient Rome? Africans themselves shipped slaves to the U.S., and enslaved their own citizens. The practice is no longer acceptable, thank God, but get OVER it.

If Obama loses this election, and once the press finally puts forth his positions, he undoubtedly will, it will not be because of his race, it will be because of his uberliberalism of the extreme left.

Stevie, Chicago, USA

what nobody is REPORTING, what nobody is talking about in the SNOOZE, is that multitudes of Republicans are cross voting for Obama in the primaries, i.e., registering as either Independents, Democrats, or Other, & casting a ballot for Obama's nomination to the Democratic Presidential seat. very cynical stuff, but very effective. the goal is to prevent Hillary Clinton from being the challenger to whomsoever the Republicans put forward. SHE is ultimately unbeatable against every Republican challenger. Obama is not. real simple. so they're doing all they can to get her out of the race NOW, before the fact. sort of a Terminator-like approach to get Sarah before she has the child who defeats the Terminators. Wonder if they got the idea from Arnold? he's a good Republican ... anyway, it's working pretty well so far ...

lawrence langner, san antonio, texas, usa

Does he also think the world is flat? What a simple answer to a complicated question, but he couldn't be more wrong. Look at America - do you see much guilt there? How a country where the majority of its residents feel no guilt for Iraq would still feel guilt for slavery generations later is beyond me. People are inspired by Obama - what a novel idea, a leader who inspires people.

Marcus, Portland, United States

How does a person like this get such a such job. Mr. Trevor Phillips' point is that just like many Civil Rights leaders who have opposed Obama's candidacy....RELEVANCE!!! The better race relations become, the more irrelevant will people like Philips, Sharpton, Jackson and other become...its that simple.

No race issue, no job for Phillips.

Dekonti, Richmond, VA

Mr. Phillips has just offered America what i would call a "pushme -pullyou" or "tails I win, heads you lose"

as an american ex-pat dividing my time between the US and UK (my home), i can never help but chuckle when "mandarins" like Mr. Phillips offer sage advice to my countrymen. spare me. as i look around the UK both past and present, I cannot remember one person of colour having occupied any position of power in either a tory or labour government. please don't lecture from your paternalistic perch. the US will be just fine.

Ron, London,

Wouldn't it be nice if a familiar face stood up and said, "I'm a Republican and I approve this message"?

Larry Mobbs, Port Huron, US, Michigan

This guy has little/no experience in modern middle America. He views whites as having an imbedded sense of guilt, and that all blacks should have a chip on their shoulder.
The reality is that many/(most?) Americans have been impressed with Obama for simply being what he is - an intelligent and articulate politician - God knows his competition is not what it should be.
His babbling has it birth in ignorance - not keen observation of the current situation.

Leo, East Greenwich, RI

They say that America is not a melting pot, but when I read these comments I think that a lot of folks are out there, melting pot, if you know what I mean. But seriously, ladies and gentlemen, I don't have a guilt trip on slavery. My parents didn't have any slaves, nor did any of my ancestors. My family did, however, send members to fight in the Civil War to free them, a few of the 600,000 who died getting that job done. That being said, I wish we'd have less young black men in prison, more black youth in college, and fewer young black women having children out of wedlock. The black race is full of greatness, but they need to work out these problems within themselves.

kprochaska, Ktown, Ga

Mr Phillips suggested that guilt over transatlantic slavery was behind Mr Obama’s support from middle class whites. "A vote for Obama is a pain-free negation of their own racism."

- ?!?!?! Ummm... excuse me. I don't feel guilty about what my ancestors have done... why should I? It was them and not me... I'm not responsible for the actions of people who lived generations before me. My vote for Obama is a vote for the individual who is the best candidate.


This guy says that Obama has abandoned the moral weapon used by past black figures and that “in the end, salvation for blacks won’t depend on the actions of whites.”

- ?!?!?! oh, really? so Obama carrying 80% of the black vote somehow depends on the action of whites?


He added: "If he fulfils the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa."

- ?!?!?! this guy is the divisive one. if anyone is maintaining some outdated status quo of water-fountain racism it's people like him who can't see past his own nose

Cullen, Boston, MA

Neither Barack's race nor Hillary's gender is a significant issue for one simple reason - the disillusionment with the federal government is so profound as transcend either.

Janet, El Paso, Texas

Obamania is not about race. The fact is his voters wouldn't give him the time of day if he was fat and ugly. To many he is like a "star". Welome to the American (idol) way circa. 2008!

Tom, Chicago,

It's interesting how someone who does not live here, was not born here seem to understand this Country better than those who are natural born citizens. Britain has numerous problems. Maybe you ought to analyze Britain before you start concerning yourself with the US. I might ad, I have all the respect in the world for Britain. My heritage is there. (or Scotland/Ireland).

I do however feel Mr. Obama is a danger to this country. He is very naive, and it shows in statements by this man. He intends to meet with our enemies to ask what we must do for them to like us.

This is foolish. Let's give in to terrorists, and maybe they'll just go away. They'll like uis better when our economy is wrecked, and in ruins till theirs overshadows ours. I'm certain Mr. Obama can accomplish this.

-BAH!

-judst my 2 cents....

S. Kerr, Beckley, WV

Dont know where the article writer is getting his information from...exit polls show that white voters are voting for Obama as much as they are voting for Clinton. Which is of course obvious, that is why Obama and Clinton are neck and neck in the race.

Also interesting from the exit polls, 85% of black voters vote for Obama vs. 15% for Clinton.

Sooo if half of white people vote for Obama, but only 15% of blacks vote for Clinton, then what group is really the racist group? Something to think about...

Bob R, Cleveland, OH

Mr. Phillips is 100 percent off-base on all counts ... and as a black American who has voted both Republican and Democratic in presidential elections, I find his comments absurd. I have never viewed Mr. Obama as a Messiah, merely, as a thoughtful candidate whose judgment I trust. I certainly do not accept his zero-sum game theory with regards to who might benefit and who might take it in the shorts under an Obama administration. Nor do I buy his comments on Oprah especially ... if anything, she has hurt her standing with some members of her audience by supporting Obama. So his claims are just absurd. I'm not sure what qualifies Mr. Phillips to comment on race relations in America -- much less to tell me what is good for me as a black American -- but he is as tone deaf as a drunken crow in this column.

Chris, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Obama will set this country back and cause great harm to all citizens. I could care less what color he is, I will not be voting for him. Or should that be not voting for “Him” (for the benefit of his fanatical, cult-like followers)?

Tom Grant, Duluth, MN, USA

Why is it so difficult to believe that a middle class white can look beyond the color of a person's skin and see not a black American, but an American. Check your calendar. This is the 21st Century.

Ken, K'ville, USA

"Writing in Prospect, the monthly current affairs magazine, Mr Phillips suggested that guilt over transatlantic slavery was behind Mr Obama’s support from middle class whites."

Being a Kenyan native, Obama black parent could not have had much to do with "transatlantic slavery" other then perhaps collecting his African brothers to be shipped to the Americas as slaves. In fact, much of the African end of slave trade was run by Moslem blacks. Even today, the only African countries that have an active slave trade are the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Republic of The Sudan, both Moslemic controlled countries.

Neal, Boca Raton, USA / FL

phillips bases his arguement by putting obama in the box of a bargainer, this asserts a duality in the strategies for transcending racism. i reject the black white duality and present a gray where it is infact bargaining and gentle confrontation that would succeed in getting the extremes on both sides of the divide to a dialogue. so long as he can keep his eye on the "real" prize and refuse the distractions of tokens like affirmative action, obama does possess the qualities that would be instrumental in initiaing long overdue conversation.
cheers

adhaya, winterland, alien in US

In response to Ryan from Charlotte:

You bring up some good points about the possible negatives of universal healthcare, especially with an under funded system. The WHO ranked the US health system as 37 out of 191 countries, with Canada ranked as 30 (#1 being the best system). This information can be found in the World Health Report 2000 Health Systems: Improving Performance. Granted the information is somewhat old, but most people would agree that the US health system has only gotten worse.

Also, Iraq is 7th on the list of largest exporters of crude oil to the US and 8th on the list for total oil exports to the US (including refined). Check with the US Energy Information Administration. Canada exports to the US are 4.5 times the amount of oil Iraq exports to the US. The largest supplier of oil to the US is, of course, the US.

Ross, Farmington, CT, USA

Even Obama's staunchest supporters cannot name his accomplishments. Moreover, he surrounds himself with the support of the likes of Ted Kennedy who has spent 45 years in the US Senate yet he claims he will bring "change" to the establishment in Washington. He accepts the money of powerful lobbyists and controversial figures yet claims that he wants to depart from the old type of politics. I've never seen why Americans are so hoodwinked by Obama but it's a really to read that a black person, like me, sees through him. I pray America will wake up before it's too late. Hillary talks policies with thoroughness and intelligence while Obama waits for her to initiate a point then tries to refine her argument. I have not yet heard a detailed ORIGINAL plan from him on how to effect a policy change on anything. Unfortunately, he has been riding on the back of the media, but hopefully, the truth will prevail ultimately.
Young, black, educated, female lawyer.

Funto, New York, USA

Laughable. Certainly racism is still rampant in American society, and there is a certain amount of guilt due to that fact and our country's racial history.

However, to say that Obama's victories are due to post slavery guilt is foolish. White Americans are far too selfish to back a presidential bid on the basis of guilt. Rather, it is my opinion that Barack has been getting the type of support he has due to his perceived ability to bring America together - not white and black, but red and blue America.

tommy, st. louis, USA/MO

Ha ha!! And Obama isn't even black!! Ha ha! You just couldn't make all this up, you really couldn't!!!

James , London, UK

this post is pathetic. maybe the country is growing and changing and king jrs. dream is starting to be realised. i look at the possibility of a black president as a positive and extremely important development not white guilt remanifesting itself. thats the most pathetic thing ive heard. black leaders in this country will have to give an account for their behavior over the last 30 years.

shannon , cleveland , ohio

In response to Ryan from Charlotte:

You bring up some good points about the possible negatives of universal healthcare, especially with an under funded system. However, the WHO ranked the US health system as 37 out of 191 countries, with Canada ranked as 30. This information can be found in the World Health Report 2000 Health Systems: Improving Performance.

Also, Iraq is 7th on the list of largest exporters of crude oil to the US and 8th on the list for total oil exports to the US (including refined). Check with the US Energy Information Administration. Canada exports 4.5 times the amount of oil to the US that Iraq exports to the US.

Ross, Farmington, CT, USA

In this article, to say that the Black British community is going to produce less high-achievers, that's very ignorant. Maybe you should focus more on Britains' own prejudices and discrimination and try to solve that problem first before jumping into America's problems.Yes, America still has an issue of discrimination not just racial but also age-discrimination. But I've seen all sorts of discrimination and racism in Europe and the UK. as well It's a problem that as human beings we face all over the world!
Tomas Ekland, Helsinki, Finland-Yes, I understand that America meddles into world affairs. But before you go ahead and say that you the side-effect problems you feel is because of America, it's not on all issues! Look at your own country's problems first before blaming all your problems on America!

Arlene, LA , CA

Finally somebody called it like it is. Too bad the American media can't do that.

frank, AMERICA,

Think so? America is divided on a lot more issues beside race. Obama is Hard Left Statist, John McCain is somewhat Left Statist. We Americans are devided by everything from economic policy, welfare, gun control, immigration control defense and anything else you might name. There is no big center.

Yes, we are a divided people and always have been. Republicans haven't been happy since Reagan and now the Democrats are rejecting the Clintons. Yes, we are divided; that is what we do. We are good at it.

RG, Gilbert, Arizona

And is this guy at all progressive? Sounds like this guy's bit of a cynic. Cosby and Oprah have done great things to bring healing to this country. As a young white man I spent many hours sitting at home with my conservative family (yes my parents were Republicans) watching the Cosby show. What this fella fails to understand about our culture here is that the younger generation, those under 40, were raised in a very very different environment. Look at hip-hop's influence and hell, look at Condi Rice. We don't look at race the same anymore. We're healing. Let us heal and stay out of our business with your old world ideology of racial inequality. Let's be honest, without racial divides this fella doesn't have a job.

David, Los Angeles, USA

Ridiculous. Ignorant. Patronizing.

Trevor Phillips clearly has no grasp for what's happening in America right now. Nor does he show even a remote understanding for why Barack Obama appeals to so many Americans regardless of age, economic standing, geographical location or skin pigmentation.

Nathan, San Diego, CA

Simply. Trevor is spot on with his view. The screeching you may hear from my fellow American citizens is because he has sliced through all the distractions and hit the nerve square and true.

David, San Francisco, USA

I seriously think that Trevor Phillips has some deep seated issues regarding black people. He seems to be the worst person possible to front up the ECHR and never says anything encouraging about race relations and/or the black community. What is his problem? And whose idea was it to have him in the position? Re Obama, America wants change and is willing on a new inspirational politician (whether he'll actually be any good remains to be seen of course) but to infer that Americans are voting for Obama over their guilt over transatlantic slavery just goes to show how out of touch and deluded Philips is.

Mark Walters, Oxford, UK

I am a middle aged, middle class, working white male who has always voted R. I will vote for Mr. Obama because he is the best candidate this time, not because of guilt. I am an expert in my own field and know how easy it is to speculate how the masses or others might think. That's what I would belive. In this case your are wrong, not speaking as an expert, but an average U.S. citizen we just want the best person for the job.

JK, US

JK, Honolulu,

To Mr. Tomas Eklund,

We don't particularly mind people commenting on our elections. If anything we are vaguely amused and surprised by it, at least I am. What I object to is the blanket characterization of what we think and feel about race, whether or not we are ready to move forward, and most importantly WHY we vote for someone like an Obama. This guy, and many others like him across the pond, have not even the foggiest idea, and he presumably has power and influence in Britain. That is the big stink, not the fact that Brits and Euros talk about our elections.

Jason, Buffalo, NY USA

As an American, I vote on the merits of the candidates and there plans to make this country better.

Basing this election on race or gender over looks that actual individual. I am tired of this thinking that prohibits the development for better future.

Crystal , Denver, CO, USA

As a young Hispanic voter in Texas, I feel his argument leaves out a growing and evolving segment of the electorate. I believe the writer represents a point of view and perspective that is not easily translated to the experiences of many population segments of the United States. The argument is bigger then black and white, and in so many ways goes beyond any simplification attributing Obamas success to white guilt. The poltical atmosphere in my view continues to evolve, and generational changes continue to occur.

Jessie , San Antonio, Texas, U.S

If Barack Hussein Obama were qualified to be President and I agreed with his political perspective, I would vote for him,problem is he is unqualified and he is a liberal. A few years as an Illinois State Representative and a half a term as a US Senator does not by a long shot make him qualified. What does he even say on the campaign trail outside of speaking in platitudes, I'll tell you , he says nothing.

keith kalish, Milford, CT,USA

Unfortunately, so will an Obama loss.

Gerri Larsen, Pleasanton, CA, USA

Personally I want HRC to get the Democractic nomination because I would like to see a female President not because Barack Obama is black. I will happily vote for him if he gets the nomination. Are there racists in America, of course there are just as there are racists in Europe. I have seen the racism in Europe first hand.
The majority of people supporting Mr. Obama are doing so because he represents a change that is long overdue. Will have to inform my general practitioner that the only reason I seek medical treatment from him is due to white guilt. Obviously Mr. Phillips has been reading too many British tabloids.

Stephanie, Baltimore, USA,

Trevor is right. Obama is doing well in mostly white or mostly black areas, and does not do well in mixed areas. Many whites I know would gladly exchange a vote for Obama for the elimination of affirmative action.

Brits may have difficulty seeing the white guilt, but it is a very large and unspoken of elephant in the room

Stan, Rock Island, IL

This guy is totally off-base on Cosby as well - I think Cosby has gone off the deep end in a way, but his point has been since he became more of a social critic since his son's death that black Americans need to take responsibility for their own lives and stop blaming others. He has been pretty consistent on this.

Damon F, Indiana, US

Obama may very well win the nomination but he will never win an election. As the pundits have been saying, the people who control the vote are the "angry whites" who have been forgotten and abandoned over the past several decades since they do not have a champion or a particular cause. These are the people who see Obama for what he is -- an intelligent, charismatic man who offers nothing but empty words and higher taxes. Unfortunately, we're going to be stuck with McCain. Hopefully after that turns out to be a disaster, we can elect a true Conservative to lead this nation.

Brie, Melbourne,

I agree to some extent. In talking with his supporters, I have already been accused of racism for having a different political ideology than his and not supporting him. The thing is that with some people, they are so desperate to avoid that label, they will support him just so they can say they support the black guy. If he wins we can look forward to four years of trivialization of any opposition to his policies on the basis that anyone who raises such objections is only doing so from a racists perspective. Completely ignoring the fact that this is a very intellectually diverse country, and to imagine that everyone should agree with him but simply won't because the color of the politicians skin have their own problems with race.

Randy, Cincinnati, USA

We can support Obama as long as we don't have to live next door to him? I'd love to live next door to him, but then my next door neighbor from West Guinea would have to move out and you never know if you would get along with the new neighbor as well as the old one.

Damon F, Indiana, US

Obama, black or not black enough, is a socialist to the bone. All of you who think that Obama will unite America should reconsider. It won't be his color that is decisive but his socialistic agenda that will be the ultimate down fall. People are getting sucked in by his retorhic of what can the government give you and how can the government protect you. Keep in mind that the government cannot give without taking from someone else. The government does not make money nor does it produce anything. It must take. OBAMA WILL TAKE, AND TAKE, AND TAKE so that others can sit on their backs, keep pumping out kids, complain and wait for the government to save them. Voter beware!!!

John, Charlotte, NC of the USA

Mr. Phillips obviously has no legs to stand on in this issue, since he is neither American or white. For him to say that all of my personal and political opinions in this election have been negated by the weight of my forefathers crimes is absurd. I voted for Barak because he is young, energetic and open minded. What about sufferage. Should all Americans who don't have any connection to slavery vote for Hillary because they feel guilt over the lack of voting rights for women in the 19th century? Does he feel compelled to vote for the Irish? This is just a sad attempt to garner attention by Mr. Phillips, who by the way, lives in a country where anti-semitic and ultra-nationalist groups are growing at a faster rate than here in America. Way to set the standard for cultural development.

Jonathan Burgess, Durango, Colorado

Wow, yet another case of a European completely misunderstanding Americans. They assume that because Europeans feel so overburdened with guilt over past imperialism, wars, lack of sufficient "multiculturalism" etc., that Americans must be too. Turns out that the only people in our country who have tried to exploit white guilt are Jesse Jackson, Malcolm X and the various other people who have made a living off of grievance.

Mike , Medford, Massachusetts

I am a white Republican in my fifties and have never felt racial guilt. I voted for Senator Obama in the primary and will support him if he is the Democratic nominee for President. Voting for Obama is a vote to break with the past, a vote to repudiate the failed policies of the Republican Party in which I'm sorely disappointed, it is a vote for hope. Obama is the first presidential candidate I've really wanted to support since Ronald Reagan. He has the potential to truly unite this country, not because of some outside threat as in 911, but because he is restoring faith in the goodness of America, in the American dream.

David, Castro Valley, California

Jeepers. Seriously, Brits shouldn't write about Yanks, and vice versa. You don't completely understand us, and we don't completely understand you. Obama is succeeding despite his race, despite his name, despite being relatively unknown, and despite running against a very popular candidate (for Democrats). It's not because he is black - it's because he is who he is - and America is recognizing a truly rare and gifted politician.

Jim Herndon, Rockwall, Texas

Obama is succeeding because he is receiving the vote of the young, clueless and disenfranchised, just like Jimmy Carter did in 1976. Should he go on to become President, America will see the same results from Obama that we saw from Carter (a very nice man but one of the worst American Presidents in history). The problem is that the young and the clueless don't remember Jimmy Carter and his similarities to Barack Obama, except that Carter had much more executive experience.

Mike H., San Diego, CA, U.S.A.

Trevor Phillips and Rowan Williams would make a great team! (on some island off the coast of Antarctica).

Karla, Margate, usa

As an African-American I find this article interesting. Trevor makes some very questionable arguements. If Obama satisfies the whites he will dissappoint blacks and vice versa? The two are not mutually exclusive.

Also, does Trevor feel that blacks in America will think everything will be 100% equal if Obama is elected? Blacks are not that naive. There will always be inequality and we know it.

Also, whites voting for Obama aren't doing so because of slavery centuries ago. They are doing it because they are liberal democracts and hate bush with a passion. He's confusing race and political views.

Mike, Los Angeles, California

England has as much to answer for regarding slavery in the US as the US does. Remember: we were a British colony when slavery was instituted here, and the institution continued at British convenience for, what, two hundred years before we declared our independence? Until that moment, we were as British as any limey, and Americans considered themselves British. It was British law that condoned slavery in the colonies. It took another hundred years before America could finally rid itself of slavery, but every time I hear a Brit yammer about the American "race" problem, I remind him: you gave it to us. British direction of our economy saddled us with a slave-based agrarian system. The British Empire was financed by exploiting slavery throughout the world, and the rhetorical gymnastics of English talking-heads who attempt to explain away African-American successes as attributable to "white American guilt" need to review their history: there's guilt enough to go around.

Patterson, San Francisco, California

It doesn't matter what color our President is - he has laws that are already in place and has to follow them. We need to look past the color thing and see what each person is about. I am disappointed by those who continue to feed the color issue, slavery issues, and anything that breeds the hatred between our races. They are the ones who wish to keep us divided. I am a white American male and could care less what color you are - it is more important to see what a person of power can do for ALL American citizens. If Mr. Obama is elected President, then he was the one the people of America chose. will he be a great President and bring us together? Only time will tell. We need to move on and work together to make America strong again - NOTHNG else matters.

Daryl Clark, Council Bluffs, Iowa

As a white man, I could care less that Obama is a bi-racial man. My problem is that Obama is an empty suit promising butterflies and rainbows to the ignorant masses. He has no ideas and no solutions. His "foreign" policy ideas are based on fantasy, his "economic" policy is based on socialism. He gets advice from the likes of George Soros who hates America and has caused enormous suffering through his currency speculation. Obama will gut our military, devestate our economy and give us the same crappy "universal" healthcare that forces Canadians to come to America for real treatment. Just look at the VA if you want to know what to expect from universal healthcare. No thanks. A vote for Obama is a vote for our own demise. As the Middle East implodes in an orgy of violence and warfare because he pulls out of Iraq before it's stable, say hello to gasoline rationing. Educate yourselves...Obama is for change, change for the WORSE!

Ryan, Charlotte, US

I hate the way the media takes whatever Trevor Philips says as being representative of the views of all ethnic minorities in Britain. He just seems to make random, detrimental and baseless comments about the state of race relations. He has very poor judgment and his observations are flawed. I don't understand how he became "One of Britain’s most influential black figures."

NMO, London,

Britain built much of its 18th century empire on the transatlantic clave trade, and fueled it through the 19th century on colonial racism and caste. How wonderful that you don't have centuries of guilt to deal with - you must tell us poor renegades how you do it.

Bill, Nashville, TN

And for everyone who says Obama will increase government control and reduce our liberties...I point no further than the current administration and the patriot act

matt, gainesville,

If Obama wins it will be the best thing the US has done for the world since wh saved Europe from the Huns, twice. It will show the rest of the world how we truly are a melting pot and that in our culture anyone can rise to the top as long as he has desire aand ability. A country that can elect a person of color to it's highest office can not be holding it's people of color back. Here we push the smartest people forward. It is the American way!

Tommy Peters, Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Mr. Phillips accusation shows his ignorance and lack of understanding of the USA. Mr. Obama's campaign is not thriving because people are voting for him out of guilt from the caucassian community or because African Americans feel he is going to have an agenda to solve racial problems in this country. Mr. Obama is an intelligent man that has the capacity to represent all Americans regardless of race and political affiliation. Maybe Mr. Phillips should stick with commentary on issues affecting blacks in Britain.

Rosalynd, Orlando, Florida

I've never heard of this guy Trevor... and now I know why. His views are as stale as 2-day-old bread. This guy is just so obviously confused with what the modern world is becoming. The youth have a vote, and whatever race you claim to be, matters less and less. Because their attitude is the very thing that transcends racial divides. For better or worse, the "What can you do for me?" culture, takes precedence over what this Trevor "Completely out of touch" Phillips character has to say. For him to make these claims is is completely selfish... a true modern day "Uncle Tom."

James, Los Angeles, CA

I am a white American and do not feel compelled to vote for Obama out of guilt. I, in fact, won't be voting for Obama because I do not believe he is a fighter. I do not think you can compare Hillary and Obama on much of anyting simply due to the fact that Obama has not even been in the Senate for one full term. We really do not know what several years in Washington will do to the man. But for now, he is not a fighter but an idealist. A great idealist. But he really hasn't fought for anyone or anything, by his own admission. He is simply "present" on the tough issues.

MM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin,

Woke up one morning and realized I was white. This posed a dilemma. Should I express my innate racism by feeling guilty and voting for Obama or should I express my racism by not feeling guilty and voting against him? Racist that I am, voting on the basis of whom might be the best president for the United States would not, of course, be an option for me.

Ray, Micco, FL

Fortunately Trevor Phillips carries no weight at all in the US. No one would know who he is. Just as well as if this is indicative of his thinking. This is the most indolent journalism I have seen in a long time. How long is his term at CEHR?

Alex Smith, Paris, France

One thing he says is very true: The politician's job is to get elected! The only other job they have is to get re-elected! The way that Washington runs itself we will never get anything done. If anyone thinks different your just fooling yourself. If the Dems win the Repubs will attack until the next election and if Repubs win the Dems will attack. I just vote for the person who will protect us first and hope for the best. By the way, Thanks for all your support England. We fly your flag right next to ours!

Robert Strembicki, Orlando, Florida, USA

I'm a white conservative (unaffiliated, not Republican) married to a black woman, and while I haven't decided to vote for McCain (he's almost as liberal as W), I definitely won't vote for Obama or Clinton. It has nothing to do with their identity. It has everything to do with their policies. Put Condi Rice on the ballot and I'll vote for her!

Dunbar Fandankowicz, Penrose, Colorado

As a white middleclass american, Mr. Phillips' veiws offend me.
Senator Obama is an inspiring figure and charasmatic orator; 'white guilt' is not a factor in my support for him. Aside from the fact that slavery ended 120 years before many of his supporters were born, many white americans are descendents of immigrants who arrived after slavery ended. To group us all into one category is as 'white' is rascist.
Moreover, the suggestion that 'post-racial' america and 'black salvation' will only arrive when blacks acheive without the help of whites is ludacris. Divisive figures who focus on racial difference are inherently rascist. Post-racial USA will only arrive though inclusivity and significantly less focus on race. Mr. Phillips' view that he can must disappoint blacks to satsfy whites highlights this.
Not to mention that anyone running for president of a representative democracy needs the vote of the majority, and thus the 'help' of all races. Even his basic logic is flawed.

Richard, Chicago, USA

I'd vote for that dude if he was purple.

Matt, Tacoma, WA, USA

Trevor is spot on! He knows what he's talking about. Obama is an empty suit. He has marxist leanings and would be a disaster for America. I can't fathom how many gullible, stupid people there are in my country that are falling for this snake oil salesman. I know some of it's guilt but take a look at how much support he has in the black community. If voting for someone because he is black is ok, then why is it called racist when the candidate is white?

Tim Stubbs, St. Paul, USA, Minnesota

Ginger of Fort Lauderdale tells it like it is. Mr Phillips has an agenda of his own here, I suspect, apart from his apparent and
thinly veiled hostility towards whites.

Far from dividing America, Barack Obama is an inspiring Presidential Candidate and deserves the surge in groundswell support that he has gained recently. Maybe Mr Phillips shoulld tend his garden patch more closely?

Roll on Barack, roll on ...

Julian

Proud post '94 South African

Julian Begg, Johannesburg, South Africa

The reason Mr. phillips is so controversial is because nobody is allowed anymore to "actually" speak the truth or allude to it. He is correct and objective consideration without an agenda on either side of the issue would cause people to at least consider it as a possibility as valid.
Everyone screams that they want "truth" - until they receive it. "Individuals" are always persecuted in todays ridiculously politically correct environment.

Michael, Prague, Czech Republic

This is exactly the type of propaganda I expect to read on FoxNews. With all due respect to Mr. Phillips' education, I question how accurately he can speak on race in America. He is black but he is not African American. A black president would prove beyond doubt that as a nation, we are leaps and bounds past the racial tension of King's day and time. How dare this man say that Obama is feeding off guilt by gaining votes from white Americans? Americans of any race, gender, orientation, religion or background different from Obama's that intend to vote for him, are Americans that have learned to set differences aside. It is a blessing and a tribute to all civil rights leaders that Obama has come this far. It would behoove a man of British citizenship to stop talking for a minute and listen to what Americans are saying by electing Obama to candidacy. Perhaps we are not as bitter, closed-minded and divided as you think we are.

Valena, Dallas, TX

I think that this is a gross misrepresentation of the situation. Mr. Phillips must have a truly bleak outlook on the racial situation in general if he thinks that "If he fulfills the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa". I'm quite sure that powerful blacks like Oprah Winfrey, would also take much offense to his claims that they have basically betrayed their race by becoming powerful. Mr. Phillips seems bitter that he has not been able to get to the stature of Obama in his own country and it shows in his negativity towards a potentially great president, and wonderful (and much needed) step forward for blacks in America.

Nic van der Meer, New york, NY, USA

I really don't get it, everyone just praises Obama but in truth, the man has accomplished nothing except to speak well and they are canned speeches others have used almost verbatim (for example: John Edwards 2004). As such there are countless people more qualified but I supposed compared to Hillary, he is more qualified. It only demonstrates the sad state of people A) qualified B) able to garner the resources & C) willing and/or interested
As an American, I think it is dis-heartening.

Michael, Prague, Czech Republic

Re: Farakan - Obama denounced him. On the "race issue": Mr. Phillips might want to spend time in America (years) before making such general, un-educated statements. By the way, the younger generations don't have the same bias that their elders have about race and seperation. Americans - talk to the kids and see! Englanders - it appears you have your own Farrakans...

Spike Murdock, Sacto, California

"It is demeaning to suggest that the size of a community determines the number of stars" . . .

I believe Sir Trevor was statistically speaking. It's common sense. The chance of success increases directly with the rise in opportunity. Or, as in this situation, the more people you have in a group, the greater the possibility that more will highly achieve (Group of 5, 1 highly achieves = 20%. Group of 20, 4 highly achieve = 20%. There is a 3 person difference due solely to the greater number of the larger group). The greater the black population, the greater the chance that more people will become high achievers.

Thanks for letting me share.

Michael, Richmond, Indiana, United States of America

This article is purely an exercise in ignorance. Mr. Obama's rise in politics has nothing to do with his race. Mr. Obama who just happened to be a black man, has artfully tapped into America's yearning for change and the repudiation of the status quo in politics. There were other so called "black" candidates who failed where Mr. Obama succeeded because, like Mr. Phillips, they viewed the American polity in term of race and gender. Mr. Obama transcended race and gender, like no one before him as ever done. And as long as we continue to see people in terms of race, Mr. Phillips, the ignorance that permeates this article and your simplistic view of race and will only serve as an obstacle your own enlightenment.

Myrna Smith, Atlanta, Georgia/USA

How do you attack hope??? With despair.
Barrack Obama is appealing to the higher good of all.
His answers show a high degree of enlightenment & adherance to universal law. This is no longer about black, or white, male or female. It's about who will best unite US & hold peace & diplomacy above all else. War has been all too present a reality & we've learned time & time again that it solves NOTHING.
Our Children are not allowed to resolve their differences according to who's bigger & stronger, yet we allow our governments to do exactly that. It's time for principled leadership for a change. There have been plenty of leaders that have touched on those principles but Obama espouses them without words. If I'm going to take a chance on a politician @ this point in my life it may as well be one that touches on truth (yes I know it could be a lie). If it is @ least it's a far better one than we've been sold in the past...

Chapman, Portland, USA/ Oregon

One need look no further than Obama's refusal to reject Louis Farrakhan's endorsement to realize just how wide this "racial divide" will grow.

Rick, Miami, FL

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As the composer, Bjarne O., writes:

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YES WE CAN - ALL OF US TOGETHER

Anne

annevilla, Savannah,

"Divide and concur" - The elite continue to work for a divided society. If it's not religion then race. If not race then economics. If not economics then national identity. Wouldn't it be nice if we, the people, shut their little game down and just stopped listening to them while moving forward in accepting people as 'people'? The only distinction should be the 'good' from the 'bad'.... Now that's a real dividing line.

Mike Pike, Fort Collins, Colorado

Racism comes in all colors. There is no difference between a black who votes for Obama because he is black, and a white who votes against Obama because he is black. Both are racists. Black racism is likely to provoke a backlash from the white and hispanic working class voters. If the media continues to ignore black racism, then it should not be surprised by the white reaction.

George, Columbus, USA/Ohio

As an expat and observer of the USA for 17 years, I have to say there's not much of a collective guilt over slavery here. Present day Americans seem to feel that they had no control over something that happened centuries ago by people who are long dead. They may regret it deeply, but they don't feel responsible or guilty.
As far as Obama himself is concerned, he appeals because he is intelligent (unlike the current POTUS) and actually doesn't allow race to be a big deal, much as Hillary tries not to allow her gender to be part of the debate. If Obama behaved more like Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, sticking their noses in every PR opportunity that comes along, in the name of racial equality, THAT would probably prolong a racial divide more.

Toni S Hargis, Chicago, USA

Typical bureaucrat justifying his existence and, no doubt, angling to increase his budget. As to his forecasting skills; he doesn't think Obama will be nominated - well he will be for sure. Further, he in all probability will indeed take the White House... then we will see what happens.

Marc, Chicago, USA

Obama will save the USA

Mark, Gateshead, Tyne Wear

This guy has upset me. He should resign forthwith. The position he holds should go to an elected official. Is this what he gets paid for?

Sonny Shook, Cambridge,

For all that "Sir Trevor's" claims to understand the US situation he might as well live on the moon. The claim that the white people support Obama out of guilt is pure rubbish. It seems to me that he breathes a breath of fresh air and could provide a progressive clarion call that takes the US into a more positive direction. There is a need for someone to give a vision that provides hope after so many years of dreary politicians. I am so glad there is a choice beyond Hillary.

James DeGolyer, Quito, Ecuador

I'm a 36-year-old white male born in the U.S. South -- my family has been here since before the Civil War, both in South Carolina and Florida. I can tell you plain and simple, my age group feels no guilt about race relations. We expect blacks, hispanics, and white people to pull their own weight. My girlfriend and I both support Obama because of the language he uses to frame the political discussion -- one of hope and healing, not negativity and old-time politics. People like Obama because he is viewed as the closest thing to a political outsider that our country has seen in decades. Yet, he has experience in the Senate, he can work with all political parties, and he has a persona that I believe can revitalize our foreign relations.

This gentleman's views, while I respect them, are framed with his own beliefs and are not based upon the actual life experiences of Americans.

Jay Levy, Tampa, FL, US

I think the comparisons of Obama to JFK are ill-concieved, I think Obama is more like Tony Blair. JFK was a foreign policy hawk (bay of pigs, he sent the first wave of troops to vietnam) and a tax cutter. Obama is the complete opposite. I laugh at the suggestion that Obama could be a uniter, in an already extremely partisan america I don't think that the most liberal senator of recent times could bridge divides. People also point to his anti-war stance despite the fact that he was not even in the senate at the time of the Iraq war vote. Furthermore despite your views on the Iraq War, it would be very unwise for him to initiate a complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq in light of the success of the troop surge. He's a protectionist, he's an archetypal old-labour tax and spend candidate. People need to stop thinkin that this contest is American Idol, as Obama's success has been based on winning the performance and likeability contests, which he has done thus far.

Mark, New York,

That's so funny! You made me spill my coffee laughing. The idea of white guilt over slavery in America having anything to do with the election is a joke right? Most Obama supporters don't even remember Ronald Reagan, let alone consider something that happened several generations ago. What utter nonsense.

Robin, Joliet, Illinois

I have no great interest in what happens in American politics, and whether Obama, Clinton or McCain wins is, of course, down to the American people who are infinitely better placed than an outsider to decide who is the right person to elect. BUT to those American posters whose tone is 'who is this British guy? it's none of his business to comment on the US' I would say this; your country is surely guilty of commenting and meddling in other people's countries, causing death, wholesale destruction and massive global instability, so please don't be surprised if people round the world have an opinion on your election. Even if most of us in Europe find it interminably boring, due to your country's importance, whatever policies your leaders follow, we inevitably feel the side-effects! So, America, expect the world to comment on your elections, if you insist on interfering in other countries' affairs...

Tomas Ekland, Helsinki, Finland

Mr. Phillips has said almost the same words I said to my husband yesterday, thinking that a great many guilt ridden Americans, who ultimately bear no guilt for the deeds of the long dead, will do just that: vote for Obama out of some desire to keep from appearing racists. If so, the win will be hollow, as it will not erase the way Jesse, Malcolm and Louis have taught white people to appear to their followers. We will forever be racist, in their minds, though I personally have never felt myself better than any person who was not like me, I am still guilty to the Black racists who hate me anyway.
Lou, Texas

Lou Brown, Hughes Springs, USA/Texas

This is an incredibly cynical view of Obama's campaign. White Americans are voting for Obama because they believe he has the potential to be a wonderful president. Mr. Phillips has seriously misunderstood the political climate in America --and the level of racism still present in the United States.

Elizabeth, San Antonio, Texas

Americans who are coming to this site from the Drudge Report, pay no attention to what Trevor Phillips says, he has made many pathetic statements in the past and no one takes much notice of him. Barack Obama is winning because he is fantastic, he is inspiring people across America in so called Red States and Blue states. I strongly believe he will bring the country together in a way not seen before. Indeed Martin Luther Kings dream is becoming true, people are judging Mr Obama not by the colour of his skin, but by the content of his character.

Michael, London, UNITED KINGDOM

Are you kidding? I used to respect you, Mr. Phillips. I'm stunned by your complete inability to comprehend what is actually going on in America. Your own bitterness over race relations in this country have blinded you.

Perhaps though, if this is your view, it explains the difficulties that Britain has with multi-culturalism and in finding it's identity in the 21st century. And it probably explains why your agency lacks any real vision or success in promoting racial and gender equality.

To me, a white middle ages expatriate American woman in the UK, Obama represents change and hope for the future for all Americans. I did not vote for him out of some vague guilt over slavery. I voted for him because he promises to end the war in Iraq and to collaborate with other countries. He represents the best PERSON both to restore the US's image abroad and to unite all Americans around the theme of their own self-empowerment to effect change. Novel concept in a nanny state I know!

Nanci Hogan, Luton, UK

I do not understand this man's rationale for writing such an empty article - I suggest that he reviews any further thought which he may have about issues that he lacks complete knowledge about . I am not an american, and neither am I a british, but it is clear to me that B. Obama has something unique to give america and the world at large. And I think the best anybody could do is to be wise enough to discern "goodness" when it is found....as you know, the analytical studies of the ignorant have never defied the revelatory actions of the purposeful - this is why the likes of Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Warren Buffet, Google's Larry Page & Sergy Brin remain known for their greatness. I had not even heard of Trevor Philips until now - wonder what he's done for his nation as a person? Wonder if he's stood up for any worthy cause - I recommend that he should watch ratatouille for a change.

Tha Geenie, North East, UK

Trevor Phillips could be not be further off base. The primary reason many people are supporting Obama because they want to see somebody other than a Clinton or a Bush in the White House. Since 1981 a Bush or a Clinton has been in the White House either as president or vice president and the general direction of the USA has been heavily influenced by these two families. There's a term being used by democrats...ABC...Anybody But Clinton....Phillips is also wrong about a Black British Prime Minister...Former Chief Secretary to the Treasury Paul Boateng could very well make a run to be Britian's first Black Prime Minister

harryo, San Francisco, California

Hey Brits: we love you, and usually we Americans are the first to fall all over ourselves to agree when you use that magically crisp and logical writing style straight from Oxbridge.

But this guy is an idiot. All the Obama supporters I know that are white (and I am in this lot) like Obama for some mixture of the following reasons (partial list):
1. Realism. He has a chance to beat McCain, and Clinton does not. This is the number one reason.
2. Freshness. People are sick of the Clinton-Bush dynastic tango.
3. Wisdom. He was against the Iraq war when everyone else was for it. He was against NAFTA when everyone else was for it. The guy has good judgment.
4. International respect. Bush orchestrated a diplomatic holocaust. Obama, loved by the international community, will mend wounds.
5. Intelligence. People are sick of having a president who speaks at a third-grade level. Obama is the most intelligent-seeming candidate out there (Harvard law degree suggests it's not just an appearance)

BD Knight, Durham, USA, NC

Who are these people who feel guilty about the fact that some idiots a long time ago decided to participate in slave trading? Everybody get over it!! Someone way back when has "been there and done that!" But, not anyone around today need feel guilty about it, unless they just really want to!

tbirdey, Sugar Hill, USA/Georgia

This is exaggerated. Obama doesn't exploit racial issues at all. And if he will be exploited for such more than anyone else, this would still be unusual today. There may be an effect on racial grouping although, which need not be necessarily negative, and can be refreshing and relieving, even to the whites who are too often under stress to maintain and defend their position. But I am not an expert.

KH, London,

What's all the fuss about feeling quilt? Anyone can and should feel quilt.

Tony, Toronto,

Why would he have to "fulfill the hopes of whites and causing disappoint ment in blacks"? If we simply stopped using color as Bill Cosby suggests. Obama could his office to allow ALL AMAERICANS to fulfill their own hopes and dreams. That's how it's suppose to work in America. Government cannot fufill anyones dreams, only individuals can.

G. Williams, Seattle, WA

"If he fulfils the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa." Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

So we now have an official definition of ' racial equality' in the Commission's jargon. An advantage on one side must be weighed against a disadvantage on the other.

John Riley, London, UK

What is this "white guilt" that is a supposed factor in any of this. I do not know a white person in American who has ever owed a slave or has ever been one. Therefore, no guilt - white or otherwise is warranted. Do you suppose that the Africans whos ancestors (black) sold fellow Africans (black) to the slave traders centuries ago also suffer from this "white guilt"?

david, nyc, ny

I'm African American, and I don't support Obama because I'm a Conservative. America is already divided -- over a host of issues. I’m pretty sure that America can handle a black President as well as a woman as President. However, if they turn out be terrible presidents with terrible policies, it will make it harder for the next minority that runs...

R. Malcolm Smallwood, Washington, DC

I agree with Trevor. As a White male I ask myself how a black man is going to fix all these major concerns like the economy, energy concerns, environment concerns, etc. when the black community can't even figure out how to fix their own problems.

The black community has a poor performance in education, high drug use, high teenage pregnancy, not to mention figuring out how to stop them from committing major crimes. The black community is to busy burying the "N" word in Detroit instead of figuring out how to stop blacks from killing each other.

So I am to believe that even though Obama doesn't have any answers on how to fix the problems of his own race, the same problems that create, not all, but a majority of white hate, but he does have all the answers for the rest problems of the country? No Obama will cause a great divide if he is elected President.

David, Greenville, N.C.

Trevor Phillips has a long record of talking utter rubbish. This is more of the same. He's completely misconstrued what's happening in America. He should shut up and go away. The notion that millions of white people are voting for Obama to assuage guilt is utterly ridiculous.

Tommy Rollins, Cambridge, UK

There's wrong, really wrong, and oh my god. This guy is in the oh my god category.

Bob M, Grimsby, Ontario

Obama is half black, half white. Why does everyone always forget this?

andy, athens, ga

Mr Phillips thinks white people would never vote for a black candidate because they respect his abilities and agree with his policies, so he looks for another explanation. Mr Phillips is completely wrong. Why does he think like this? Perhaps he's bitter because he never won elected office. Well I've got news for you, Trevor. You never won office because you're not up to it, and the voters see through you. It's nothing to do with race. It has to do with competence.

Pete Smith, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

very funny coming from a man where blacks are still discriminated against. And very sad coming from a black man too!!! HUGE DISSAPOINTMENT.

JOHN, joplin, mo

It is interesting to me that you mentioned that


It was interesting to me that you mentioned that "guilt over transatlantic slavery was behind Mr Obama’s support from middle class whites." I am wondering why blacks in the US have not differentiated themselves from Mr. Obama, whose ancestors were not the enslaved Africans or our heritage. That makes a huge difference to me, especially in terms of any perceived loyalty he may have to the Black-American community, the majority of whom come from a lineage that is marred by slavery.

B Lynn, washington, DC

Mr. Phillips is correct in many areas except one and that being
guilt over transatlantic slavery, only bleeding heart liberals more than likely have this not the wrest of us. The U.S. has more than paid back reparations 100 fold with every conceivable program for Afro-Americans one can think of.

Opra is a prime example of U.S. affirmative action. If one is a minority you can get or have anything you chose just by playing the race card and many Caucasians are a bit feed up with this and as far a Obama goes he has no experience or not ready for Prime Time, this does not mean he couldn't be down the road. To compare him to Kennedy is doing Obama a disservice as Kennedy was not all that! nor was the Kennedy family check out their background.

W. Crawford, Austin, Texas

I am not voting for Obama and it has absolutely nothing to do with the color of his skin. It has alot to do with Farrakan endorsing him. Real simple folks, Louie F is the biggest racist in the world and I would never vote for anybody he supports or endorses. I think we should have a black woman running the show - say Condi? Or is Condi not black enough or woman enough for our liberal friends.

Mary Guider, Seattle, Wa

Another middle-aged white guy here to say that Sir Trevor hasn't a clue. I'm supporting Obama because I like his policies, his judgment, and yes, his rhetoric. I have no white guilt (my ancestors are relatively recent arrivals here), and I don't know any of my fellow supporters who have that view. Sir Trevor's ignorance of American politics is betrayed by the fact that, even at this late date, he's confident that Obama will not get the nomination. Just watch. I'm not sure what his problem is with Obama, but I suspect it has more to do with his own internal conflicts than a actual analysis of American politics.

Tom, Portland, ME, USA

Obama is the person we need as our leader in the U.S. and the majority of the electorate and campaign donors know that. Phillips is neither a voter or a legal campaign donor in the U.S. so his comments are completely irrelevant and a waste of newspaper columns.

james phillips, durham, north carolina

OMG!!!! Barack Obama is black??? How come nobody told me?!?!?!

Does racism exist? Yes. But, it's significantly less prominent than those in the media would have us believe. Is it the only reason people are voting for Barack? Not a chance! He's an intelligent man with a vision that is well articulated.

Let it go people! Let it go...

Matt Royal, Covington, WA, USA

He has a point. Many American want to vote for a black person for President. But when that black person is a liberal/socialist all bets are off. He will take America down the road of higher taxes more government control of the individual life.

James Gostkowski, Knoxville TN, USA

Where are the people of color in positions of power in the governments of EU countries? And yet America always gets the race lecture from Europeans.
And, considering the appalling treatment of black football players in Europe by spectators (one would NEVER see black players of any sport pelted with bananas in America), perhaps Sir Trevor should tend to his own business.

Ginger, Ft Lauderdale, USA

Brits don't have the racial history with blacks because they
found it cheaper to work with their own caste system of the
times. Ditto the other EU cultures of the times.

mirted, Colfax, USA

I think Obama would be detrimental as President to the USA. His ultra-liberal views will harm and divide our country.

Regarding the author's comments on Bill Cosby, nothing could be farther from the truth. This man has no clue what he is talking about. Cosby has proven that you don't have to talk like a gangster to be "black", you don't have to kowtow to the current black leadership in the US (Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson) and that African Americans can be proud of their heritage without hating the US (are you listening Michelle Obama???).

Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson want to keep African Americans down, because without that, they would be out of a job. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his "I have a dream" speech that he waited for the day when people would be looked upon for their character rather than the color of their skin. Cosby, Clarence Thomas and Walter Williams are excellent examples of that dream come true.

Kathleen, Sacramento, CA, USA

A complete and utter misunderstanding of the African contribution to America. We have always gone to the African Community for help, be it, voluntary or otherwise. They helped build this country and greatly contributed to what we are today and what we will be in the future.

Remember when no African Americans could play basketball, football or be welcomed in the golf clubs of America? We are again turning to the African American community for help, and as usual we will get help. My solid bet is that if elected: Obama will win in a landslide, and become the "Tiger Woods," of politics. He will establish a completely new and different foreign & domestic policy for our country. The world will again look to America for leadership, and our enemies will become far fewer.

Britain should follow the US example and look for great leadership where ever they can find it.

Bill, Columbia, USA / South Carolina

Wow! This way of thinking is news to me. I.m white and support Obama for lots and lots of reasons none of which are quilt. The man is touching a nerve on the landscape of America because he is not cynical but fresh , not hateful but generous, not cunning but thoughtful and well spoken. The people who love Barack have a bigger more robust and vision of the new century than all the tired cliches of the past. And anyway it's not Obama that's going to get things done, but a cohesive and optomistic electorate who are rejecting the poverty stricken mindset that says we'll always be divided.. Wake-up Mr. Phillips. "Something is happening and you don't know what it is".

Laurie Waitz, mattituck, new york usa

I am from a family of Norwegian heritage that arrived in the US in 1904. We have family members who have married people of Japanese and Nigerian origin as well as European roots. We are not assuaging white quilt by supporting Barak Obama. He's executed a smart and well run campaign and I am confident he can use those same skills as president.

Tom, New York City, US

I can't believe that with all this thought about what life would be like if Obama actually wins, that no one is addressing what is in my opinion a more important fear about this election. Personally, I'm fine with the idea of Obama as president, although I'm a little worried about his lack of experience, I think that he's smart enough to surround himself with good advisors, and will do fine. No, my fear is the upcoming election and the potentially ugly smear campaign that might be brought about by 527 groups. I dread what the Obama "swiftboat" campaign will be like, and fear the use of negative ethnic stereotyping in campaign ads that are not run by the political parties, and the reinforcement in many minds of negative images of black Americans.

Marie, New York, NY

Obama is first an American, and second an African-American. We can all trace our lineage and racial makeup as far back as generational records permit. Hopefully we are proud of the good qualities of our different cultures as they add to the success of our nation. It is not out of reasons of guilt that we will vote for him, rather he demonstrates the qualities of leadership that exemplify what a candidate for the presidency should possess. Obama has demonstrated time and time again that he is the best candidate for this office. He has a great ability to communicate and a powerful intellect. I live in the black neighborhood of Hamilton Heights in NYC and just as in any other community of this country, there is no correlation between a person's race and the merits of their character. Race can always be an issue and most likely will, but you cannot move forward by taking backward steps. Regardless of his genetic makeup, there is one thing Barack has demonstrated: he is all American.

Jeff Palisin, New York, NY, USA

This article is rubbish. How does one who is not a citizen of the United States even begin to understand the movement behind Barack Obama? If you understood the pain of the past seven years for Americans, you would realize that Barack Obama doesn't have incredible support because he is Black. He has incredible support because he unites us in the uplifting feeling of hope and capability that has been trampled on for the past 20 years of partisan bickering. Barack's own words put this article in its place "Cynicism is a sad kind of wisdom". When barack obama is sitting in the oval office in less than a year, we will all be glad that we came out and spoke out for Americas future now. Not weigh ourselves down with this type of devisive and hypothetical cynicism.

Travis, Saratoga Springs, United States / New York

I don't know how Americans could possibly value this man's opinion. The only people who would get all up in arms about Obama, or feel any divide whatsoever, are the radical elements which desire the divide. That is not Obama's fault, and we cannot expect him to be able to affect anything in that regard.

His comments about Oprah and the like are just shocking, and would never fly here. Never ever. People here are PROUD of Oprah and what she's done with her life. He should be ashamed of himself. How embarrassing. He has a high position in government in the UK???

I'm not an Obama voter, due to disagreement in policy. I'm not a Liberal. However, nobody should be afraid of a divided America with a black man in office (again, except for the ultras that desire this kind of conflict, who have literally no power anymore). That is poppycock, scandalously wrong, with no justification whatsoever. If we are not afraid of this, neither should you be afraid.

Jason, Buffalo, NY USA

People like Trevor are doing much more to prolong the "racial divide" that exists in racially-diverse countries such as the US and UK. For example, his prejudice about Barack Obama and other Americans in general. Is Trevor having a little bit of Obama envy or is this an attempt at self-promotion? Good luck, Trevor. Not.

Joe, US-UK,

Has this man ever lived in the United States? The situation is so very different in Britain that he shouldn't comment. I'm a white female from Georgia, and I live in a county that is populated by poor blacks and affluent mostly-white college students. The two groups live side-by-side, and still most of the people I talk to lean toward O' Bama. Those same people, mostly white and hispanic, agree with me that the candidates' race and gender don't really matter to us at all. We're not voting for O'Bama because we're guilty over slavery, we weren't there to do anything about it so we feel no direct responsibility for slavery. What we do feel a responsibility for is the racial divide that has continued over the years, and we believe that O'Bama's presidency would have a positive effect on race relations as well as the status of African Americans today. But this is not why we are voting for him. We're voting for him because he's the best candidate - white or black, male or female.

Bethanna, Athens, GA

I have never been satisfied with Trevor Phillips' judgement, and this latest pronouncement continues the pattern. Although racial politics could have been a consideration in the US elections, the evidence is that Obama's political support is more widely drawn than perhaps any political leader in any western country in the last few decades. Far from promoting racial division, Obama is one of the few people capable of transcending it.

Trevor Phillips. on the other hand, remains caught in the old-fashioned way of racial thinking -- i.e. if you are black [or whatever colour] just fit in with what your masters tell you to do. Don't ask for change, because that is not your right.

Martin Baldwin-Edwards, Athens, Greece

If Obama is selected as the Democratic nominee, he will then have to survive the "Bradley Effect". Tom Bradley, black mayor of Los Angeles ran for Governor of California in 1982 and led the polls prior to the election. He lost and lost again at the next election.

The polls erred when many white voters indicated in polls that they would vote for a black man, but upon entering the voting booth, voted for the white candidate.

Ray Elliott, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA

Typical Brit view of their former colony...guilt? no, just tired of cynical perspectives from the outside. Worry about your own guilt as you watch the various race riots that have reared their ugly head on occasion on your "lovely" isle...

Harris Sylvan, Charlotte, NC, USA

Mr.Phillips mounts a spohisticated, sly but esentially racist negative analysis of the Obama surge in the US.

Obama's strongest support comes from young people and I can say from direct contact with this generation that it comes as close to being color-blind as is possible in today's world. Like all young people they are also more likely to respond to charisma rather than substance - but in any case- Phillips analysis is rubbish.

I am a HRC supporter myself but would be almost as happy if Obama won the nomination and the Presidency.

Kali, Boston, USA

"Barak Hussien Obama is exploiting race and the liberal"

Also, I find if very interesting that the only Americans here who seem to be clapping enthusiastically for this preposterous article are knee-jerk conservatives who, I'm sure, would be perfectly happy with another eight years of catastrophic Republican rule. Muslim-loving Socialist? Are you kidding? Such comments would be laughable if they weren't so shockingly ignorant.

Marcus, Arlington, VA,

What is white guilt? Are you talking about British colonial guilt? Obviously this is the reason behind those in the UK who are manipulated into feeling bad about things that were done 200+ years ago, which is lame since history cannot be changed.

Why should I feel guilty? My ancestors did not own slaves, in fact, they weren't even in the US until the 20th century, and sorry, they were too busy building a new life to be involved in active racism.

Get a grip and quit the generalizations about whites and blacks.

Laura Abbey, Washington,

People outside the USA need to know that the few racists remaining in this country are overwhelmingly people of color. Mr. Obama has recieved support from around 50% of whites, whereas 98% of blacks support Obama. Which group do you think is making its decisions on the issues and which is making decisions based on race.

Whites by-in-large have moved past race as an issue.

Fernando Cuevas, Hartford, Connecticut, USA

....they like the way he thinks about the issues at hand. He's shown himself to be steady, insightful, articulate and charismatic.
The above is true except the statement on "the way he thinks about the issues at hand." He has never ever given any specifics on issues or his ideas on how to fix the issues he sees as needing fixing. He has only given the platitudes about "Hope and a change we can believe in"

pat, newman grove, USA Nebraska

With all his experience, Mr Philips should understand better that quality is not necessarily a number game. I do not really know who he represents.

Paul B., Leicester, Leicestershire

"obama will prolong racial divide" ? people are supporting BO
because they like where he's coming from. they like way he thinks about the issues at hand. he's shown himself to be steady,insightful, articulate and charismatic. it's obvious that he has strong support from whites in the first place thereby negating the concept of the US a racist society. BO is showing the world that in fact the reverse is true. the so-called "racial divide" as viewed by seemingly ignorant people outside the US is shrinking day by day, minute by minute. contrary to popular belief, americans are not afraid of a "black planet"
trevor, old chap, sounds like you've had one pint too many.

JimtheWhiteGuy, JCNJ, USA

Americans remember centuries of white guilt?

We can barely remember who won the last Super Bowl.

Cab, Cleveland, Ohio

I'm amazed that a man that is not a citizen of the United States is able to make such sweeping generalizations about the entire country and its citizen's personal convictions. This article is absolutely absurd.

Brett, Atlanta, United States / Georgia

Mr. Phillips is 100% correct. People don't want to admit it but Barak Hussien Obama is exploiting race and the liberal's eternal feelings of self guilt to win votes. The man says nothing, however he says it very well. Anyone who thinks he would be a unifier is sadly mistaken. His pandering to blacks or whites will ultimately lead to increased racial divide.

Alan, LA, USA

An atypical supporter of Barack Obama, am I? I'm a white, non-native and over 70 and while, African-Americans are understandably enthusiastic, Barack is as far from racist as anyone I know.

James Silverton, Potomac, USA

As a social studies teacher here in the states I just wanted to chim in and say that all the stereotypes of war-mongering racist americans are simply, not true.
We have issues, as do all countries. We disagree, we debate, we get over it and move on to the next topic. If Mr. Obama wins, that's Ok, if not, that's OK also. Our country has survived for 232 years because of our ability to move forward, even after our mistakes.
Most of america is not super wealthy and obsessed with material possessions. We go to work the same as you and at the end of the day we come home to be with our families.
I appreciate this chance to share with all of you.

Ken, Atlanta,GA, USA

LOL!!!!!!

Speno, Kingston, Jamaica

I agree with Trevor Phillips. America is not ready for OBAMA.
BO and MO has too much hatred in them.

Jane, Alabama, USA

what is the difference between caste and class? the real problem with all of this is religion peoples race and colour are things they have no control over but they can with alittle thought get rid of their stupid religous ideas and others would like them more

james, edinburgh,

I am voting for Obama. I am white. My tank of white guilt has been empty for years.

phil Greene, Houston, teaxs

We are already divided along the lines of Capitalist (Represented by the Republicans) and Socialist (Represented by the Democrats). Race and or gender may not be an issue in this campaign; it boils down to two issues, the American way versus the Cuban way.

Considering that the system that made this nation the greatest in the world was Capitalism that drove the industrial revolution, thus providing millions with employment and generating a tremendous Tax Base so as to fund the Government, and as we clearly see the impact of the Socialist programs on our economy and our manufacturing capacity, Obama's Whitehouse bid may not be determined by his color, it is the CHANGE that he wants to bring to this nation that may stop him short.

Shame on us, China is adopting Capitalism (1.5 Trillion Yearly Surplus) and we are adopting Socialism (8 Trillion Dollars Debt). What works is clearly defined in the numbers.

Camco, Allentown, PA

So Trevor Phillips is at it again. As a British black woman who has lived in the US since 1998, I find his comments strange and plain spiteful. Barack Obama does not promise to heal the racial divide in America, what he has said is that his vision is to unite the country and reach out across old divides, politic and race being the most prominent. The fact that he has a viable campaign in itself, is a source of pride for many black people. My own children are really proud of him. It is insulting to suggest black people are expecting a masiah and that they will be disappointed in Obama. Obama, is an extremely intelligent, talented, inspirational man who has garnered world attention. What a fantastic role model! Don't forget, too, he was raised and nutured by a white mother and white grandparents, so it is impossible for him to view the world like the average African American. Obama will be an American president who is black.

D. Clarke, Chicago, IL, USA

I will not dismiss Mr. Phillips comments out of hand but I would like to point out the striking similarities between what he is saying and very similar points made by conservative black intellectual Shelby Steele. That being said his point is unoriginal and generally unfounded. What empirical data does he use to support his assumptiones? Would I be wrong to suggest that it is in fact he who is being cynical beyond reason? It is painfully clear to me that he is probably a british black leader and not a leader of British Blacks. When it comes to the impact of his opinion there is a big difference.

von, detroit, US/Michigan

Views from abroad. Get over yourself. You don't know anything about this white American male.

John Carroll, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Obama may be a tranformative figure. We Americans are used to acknowleding greatness (black or white). We love Tiger Wood, Martin Luther KIng, Micheal Jordan, Oprah, etc. However, it will be his percieved ability to government that will or will not make him President. At this moment I am leaning to McCain; but we'll see...

pudin tane, north side, atlantis/ atlantis

This guy doesn't really seem to be in touch w/ reality and he's not even American so what does he really know about it's citizens motives in voting for Obama. Seems to me he's trying to bring Obama down w/ empty words. Get a life, Trevor.

Andre, Oklahoma,

Definitely, this is someone we Reject and Denounce

FaithIsAlive, Houston, TX

I am black and I am ashamed by this man's claim. He is part of the black generation that believes the way to solve today's black problems is through confrontations. He is part of the black leaders who perpertuate black poverty because they do not want to tell the black commnity the truth . It' s time that we blacks wake up and take responsibility for our actions. You can not continue to blame slavery when 75% of children born in the black community out of wedlock, when parents believe the best way to raise kids is to use swear words in front of them.

Black leaders like this so called "British Equality Chief' know that their relevance is rooted in exploiting racial tensions between blacks and whites, and as such, they want to continue fanning these tensions. On the other hand, leaders like Obama are calling for bringing people of all races together. If this happens, the relavance of the old black leaders disappear; and that's why they see Obama as a threat to their own relevance.

Kamuzangaza, pittsburgh, USA

Stick to politics in your country and we will stick to ours

Frank Ricard, Franksville, Iowa

To: Darrell in Chicago.

Please take an American Government course. You do not win the nomination of a party, or the presidential seat by majority vote. You win it by delagates. There is a HUGE difference. The U.S. has never been a true democracy in that sense.

If the majority was used to determine who wins, it would be the inmates running the asylum. This system was put into place to prevent that from happening. This is why the 2000 and 2004 election went the way of G.W. Bush. You can cry foul all you want with a 'majority' victory, but in the end, it holds no validity.

Rob, Columbus, USA/OH

I appreciate his courage and perspective.

I can't dismiss outright what this man is saying, especially after reading all the posts from black voters who suggest fellow black voters who don't support Obama will be left behind.

Nancy Brown, Burnsville, MN

If Obamo wins, it will be a sad day for our country ,he does not have a clue what he is doing ,all he does is pander to blacks and hispanics, not a single thing for white middle class Americans. He should drop out of race now and save what little face he has left. Granted there is no one good to choose from but he is deffenitly the worst choice./////

R. NOCK, FARMDALE, OHIO/U.S.

I can't imagine what would inspire Mr. Phillips to say such ridiculously out-of-touch things. Clearly, he has not spent enough time away from the ivory tower to understand the state of race relations in the United States.

Moreover, his suggestion of exploitation is an insult to the intelligence of African Americans who have flocked to Sen. Obama's campaign.

Jon Greene, Santa Barbara, U.S.

Thank you so much Mr, Trevor I agree with you totally. The American Public is mesmerized, & like Jim Jones Cult the end result will be very horrific for this country. "A Divided House will not stand", Obama will divide this country, and make us weak against our enemies.
Excuse the cliches', but Obamacans can't see the forest for the trees!

Dee, Cohutta, USA/GA

Obama has been given a free pass on many issues. He is a muslim-favoring socialist liberal, the very things America has been fighting against for the last 100 years. This is probably the first (and last) time I agree with Trevor Phillips. To put someone as inexperienced and radical as Obama in office will be an enormous setback for future black presidential hopefuls.

Lloyd Hansen, Fairfax, VA, USA

This American has no "White Guilt" and I suspect in the general election a lot fewer Whites than Phillip thinks will have it as well.

Paul Cardi, Bedford Hills ,Ny, USA

Is it so hard to understand that maybe we just like the idea of a young energetic, intelligent, well spoken candidate regardless of his color. I think you are the one hung up on his color. Maybe you feel that he ruins the "excuse" of the black population, that they have been held down by someone else and not just by themselves.

Gary, Rochester, USA New York

How sad that the only one to actually speak the truth is from England? The US papers are too P.C. to talk about this subject. The only thing I disagree with is that there is no way Obama will win as president - whites may feel guilty enough to vote for him in a primary, but they won't in a general election.

Kate, Draper, UT,

Trevor is right...or more fitting, correct in his analysis. And to add to it, many of blacks think it is wise to NOT ask anything of Mr. Obama now, rather, "let's wait until he's elected...he's going to do the "right" thing..." What Tom-foolery! The concept of Democracy or campaign politics dictate that all groups place their demands on the table before the votes are cast and get promises or commitments from the candidates, first. Instead, most blacks, including their prominent national political figures are NOT asking anything of either Mr. Obama or Mrs. Clinton. Finally, consider this: The blacks do not realize that they are being looked at as going back on their words. Many had promised and committed their support to Sen. Clinton and out of a fear of losing support in black opinion polls, welshed on her. Whites will also, in large numbers, revisit whether they believe their slaves' descendants are truly loyal. Thanks, Trevor. Nice to hear from a cousin in the U.K.

Jeffrey Edwards Savage, Greenville, NC USA

Maybe he should ask John Lewis of Selma fame about his current feelings before he and you publish this type of "headline grabbing" opinion piece. By the way, did he talk to Jesse Jackson before writing his article to solicit his thoughts?

Robert Parson, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Who the hell is this guy? Fear of Obama....you should your time and your ideas from the past are being swept away....
A Black man in the US...

Clay , New York, NY

middle class whites in America do not feel guilt over slavery.

John Clark, middle america,

An Obama victory won't do much for the average black man or woman in America. It may give whites the idea they aren't racists and blacks may feel some pride but nothing will change for most blacks who go to substandard schools, live in poverty or turn to a life of crime. It won't inspire them. Most of his supporters get their inspiration from the TV show "American Idol". Many said they had no interest in politics before so they have no one to judge him against. He's a smooth talker and but even most of his backers can't name one of his achievements or discuss his policies. His supporters have a blind rage against Bush and will support anybody who can win even though neither Bush or Cheney are running for office. A first, by the way, since 1924. Worse there's no serious criticism of Obama so far and we are going to elect a nobody, with no track record, with no public scrutiny and no plan beyond "hope" and "change". In short, Obama is a scary prospect.

David, Gainesville, USA

It's not a matter of black or white for most of us, I am a conservative white man, and I wish, WISH Condi Rice would run, because of who she is, not the color of her skin, Obama is a Socialist, through and through and will wreck this country from his policies, and nothing else.

John, Michigan,

Who cares what you think Mr. Phillips. Here you are trying to inject your unwanted opinion into our election. You really need to place your focus on your own country, Britain, a country that is still wasting time and money on a monarchy, ridiculous!

Under president Obama, as a whole, America will do just fine.

Pia, Creamridge, NJ

I'm ashamed of Trevor Philips. I'm white. I support Obama therefore I feel guilty for slavery and am racist. Thank you Mr. Philips. Will you please get of the public stage you've been abusing for years and retire into obscurity.

Doug, Aberdeen,

For once, someone in England who actually understands American culture. How refreshing.

Robert Marley, Jamaica/New York, USA

"Charm, skill and ruthless cynicism..." sounds alot like Tony Bliar - of whom Trevor Phillips was a key acolyte and insider, his sycophancy being rewarded with his little quango empire from which he pontificates utter nonense.

lakoss, London, UK

This is embarrassing. That a knight of the realm should publicly espouse such unmitigated rubbish makes me cringe, especially because I share Sir Trevor's Black Caribbean ethnicity. I am a high achiever who attended one of the best universities in the world and who enjoyed a high level of recognition in New York. It is demeaning to suggest that the size of a community determines the number of stars. He mentions Marcus Garvey - throw in Bob Marley and Jamaica would have quite a bit to say about punching above her weight.

Barack Obama is an engaging, intelligent politician. Hillary Clinton might be upset that he challenged her for 'her' presidency, but that's life. Sir Trevor has been accused of siding with the status quo to the detriment of ordinary black Britons. Articles such as this do nothing to dispel that belief.

Diane Martin, London, UK

I'm quite heartened by most of the responses to this article. People like RCW, Myrtle Beach, SC for example illustrate what is going on in the U.S.

It's not about what divides us. Let's concentrate on what unites us. Yes it's ideological and I make no apologies for saying it.

Jite, London,

I never really thought it was up to our leaders to end racism. I always thought it was up to individual people to end racism and that we could do this if we all chose to.

Also, "fulfilling the hopes of whites will be disappointing the blacks" implies life is a zero-sum scenariio when it is not. Everyone can gain.

Again, it's if WE choose to, not what our leaders decide.
Scott Ahrens for INTERNAL ENERGY PLUS

Scott, Ramsey, NJ

The fact that Trevor touched so many raw nerves suggest there is some truth to what he says about Americans.

Randolf Scott, Earlysville, VA

I have just returned from US after observing the primary elections there. I am rather amused to read Trevor Phillips comments about Barack Obama. First and and foremost Mr Phillps does not understand the potential for change that is inherent in American Outlook. I spoke to a cross section of American white voters none of them exhibited any sort of guilt feelings about blacks. The discussions were always about Obama'sindividual merit and vision. Barack is a phenomen in America. He is not black in the traditional sense of the word. He is the son of a talented African and perhaps equally talented white American women. He has not got the mind-set of a slave decended African black. Like most new arrivals in America he is propelled by the American dream and I know from the progress made by members of my own family that the American dream is a a reality for many. I have no answers as to how to overcome structured inequalties arising from class race or caste. Change is the norm unlike here

sinna mani, london, uk

100% correct, we can not say it here

Loyd, Birmingham, USA

I disagree completely. No disrespect to Trevor Phillips but this makes absolutely no sense. Are we missing part of the interview? I don't read any explanation of why he thinks Obama "exploits the racial divide" in America nor a valid reason on how he would prolong it, other than his own general opinion on every middle class white voters in America's view of "transatlantic slavery", regardless of age, place, background or gender.

Maybe it's just bad journalism.

Leah Kozak, New York, USA

It's not a matter of shame.

Trevor Phillips has said something utterly stupid. Full stop.

This calls into question any authority he man may enjoy in his position.

Decisions based on this kind of analysis are worthless, if not dangerous.

John Chuckman, toronto, Canada

Finally someone is talking sense about Obama and not going all goo-goo over him! Obama will not unite America as he claims to do so ... rather divide it more along racial lines.

As a best case scenario, he will be a powerless President able to accomplish nothing ( just like his "experience" in Illinois)... the worst case can be pretty bad ... lets not think about it!

Nick, London, UK

this guy is not even American. Is it any of his business???????

Go fix England.

Debbie, Albany, NY,

While I would never vote for Obama white Americans supporting him has nothing to do with "white guilt".

Last I knew, slavery ended 150 years ago. Nobody alive of any color in America should feel guilty or expect an apology of it. Simply put, get over it.

Obama has succeeded because of hard work and being a new face. Give the media another month or so and they will tear him down just as they built him up. Obama is a media creation and that has nothing to do with race.

Chris Myers, New York,

Let us point out that Senator Barack Hussein Obama is 50% WHITE - his mother is of IRISH descent. So, this makes him White, doesn’t it? At best Multi-cultural.

Why isn’t the media referring to him as Irish-American instead of African-American? Oh, and by the way, since we know his father was Kenyan doesn’t that then make him part Kenyan-American. This is just the medias way of reminding whites that they can prove their not racists by voting for the “Black man”. Let’s face it his mother is WHITE, he was raised by his WHITE grandparents, went to a mainly WHITE high school, a predominantly WHITE college and Law school; so what about him is “African-American”? So, if this Senator (one of the most Liberal in the US Senate) is elected president he will be the first ½ black president of the US.

Jim Curran, Chicago, IL

Why does having one white parent and one black parent (as Obama does) make you black? Surely he's as much one as the other?
The whole race thing is quite bizarre.

James, Camberley, UK

Honestly I can not believe that this man and bodies like CEHR are funded from my taxes

Michal, London,

How can this man be in a position to speak for anyone - least of all the black community in this country? His world view is as polarised as the racists he abhors and is similar to those who argued for apartheid.

A black President must support the black community at the expense of white? A white President, the white community at the expense of black? This is zero sum thinking, hopelessly outdated and intellectually and philosophically bankrupt. Phillips is clearly unfit for office.

Jim, Cambridge, UK

I have been saying for several weeks now that an Obama win may actually aggravate race relations. My reasoning is slightly different than that of Mr. Phillips.

In the U.S., there is both real racism and perceived racism-- the latter being more pervasive. If Obama should be elected, and perceived racism does not diminish, cynicism and disillusionment will harden attitudes and exacerbate race relations.

RJ, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.

What elitist views these guy has. He is just jealous that he could not scale the British political ladder.

Sonny Shook, Cambridge,

Trevor Phillips represents the past, thank goodness, and that's almost over and done with. Hurry and go, Mr. Phillips, please.

John, Fairfax, Virginia USA

I have no guilt over racism.

Jennifer, Dallas, USA

Mr. Phillips is a sad figure who only seems to be able to see others through the prism of race. Senator Obama is not the first black Senator from Illinois, the first being years ago. So how does his premise hold up in that light? Did we need a second black Senator in order to overcome our guilt? Of course not.

William, Chicago, Illinois

Mr. Phillips copmplete ignorance has led to ignore one MAJOR item .... most of us do not believe that HRC is a good candidate, and we simply like Obama's plans much better. I am caucasian, and am not voting for Obama because of guilt....but rather, potential and character. Phillips...... your ignirance should embarrass you.

C.Myles, Chincoteague Island, Va

I'm a white, middle class, middle age, mid-American.

And I'd be pleased to have a next-door neighbor like Barack Obama.

Mark, Strafford, MO

"If he fulfils the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa."

Surely the above statement fuels racism. Why must the hopes of 2 races be poles apart? Indeed, the hopes of a person are not based on their colour or creed.

Trevor Philips needs to think before he speaks as he is clearly out of his depth.

Bill, New York,

I am a black man and I respect Sir Treveor, but I think he is talking absolute nonsense and it seems to me that he is disconnected from the real world. Blacks and Whites wants the same thing in life "To survive and succeed" albeit that we may have differing cultural background.

However, I do not see why a respected person like Sir Trevor will come out with such a stupid and baseless comment. I guess people are now seen by the man that is meant to unite the different races of this country, as parallel entities that can never reconcile their differences.

Henry, London, UK

Here on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. the racial divide is very real and growing rapidly. The divisiveness of this presidential campaign is causing irreparable damage between whites and blacks already. Unfortunately, maybe Sir Trevor is correct in his observation.

Jay, NYC, USA

And why should we care about the thoughts of an insignificant Brit? Trevor, mind your own business.

Kris, Plainfield, IL

"I think right now they are looking for somebody who can bring the country together, who will push against the special interests in Washington, will listen to them, will fight and advocate for their hopes and their dreams and their aspirations," he said.

"And if that person is green, they'll vote for him," Obama continued. "if that person's purple, they'll vote for him, and if that person is African American, I think they'll vote for him."

I think Obama says it best.

Camreon, new york, usa

I'm a white American, registered republican in fact, who voted for Obama and I don't feel one bit of guilt for the past, I never owned a slave and my ancestors helped run the underground railroad. I just admired Sen. Obama's spirit and appreciate the fact that, relatively speaking, he is much less beholden to the status quo and party leadership than the others in the race and I knew if I didn't help stop Hillary I'd have something serious to feel guilty about!
Obama is like Lincoln and Hillary is like Al Capone....nuff said! Easy choice!

RCW, Myrtle Beach, SC

I don't know this man, I've never heard of him, but he could not be more wrong. America has largely become a post-racial society. Sure, there are a few ignorant people who still judge based on skin color, but they are fewer and fewer each year.

This man has NO understanding of modern America.

KJO, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Funny, I don't wake up every morning feeling guilty over the 200-year-old transgretions of man against man . Where would I start? For this white brother Obama represent hope, pure and simple. Wish I could vote for him.

amos, Toronto, Canada

Trevor what's your agenda?

Harry, Gravesend , Kent

Trevor Phillips should be ashamed of himself. He never has been a leader and he does not talk like one. Barack Obama has stood up and he is doing a swell job. He should applauded for his success. Trevor Phillips is like the other so called black leaders 'crabs' each jealous of the other and hoping the status quo continues.

Orhan Catan, Istanbul, Turkey

Trevor Phillips , British humour at its silliest .

Andrew ex pat, Paris , France

You would think someone in his position would be celebrating the fact that there is the serious potential of a black president in the most powerful job in the world.Instead he is whingeing about the fact that Obama "might "disappoint.He might and probably will do more than any white President would for race relations.Give the guy a chance.
To suggest that white people are voting for Obama because they feel guilty about slavery is so utterly crass and deluded as to really call into question this man's sanity.Obama simply offers the best choice for the American people at the moment--black or white.
And while I am on that subject Mr Phillips is clearly only concerned about African Americans--not hispanics,asian etc--no hypocritical self interest there then !!
Also to suggest that because the black community in this country is smaller it is less likely to produce such high achievers is insulting surely.
Imagine if a white politician had said that !!!

Andy Thompson, Warwick, England

I find this article quite sad as Mr Phillips feel the need to justify Obama's current success on the guilt of white people that were not involved in slavery by any means.
Is he trying to say we should all suffer for our fathers sins? Please let us kindly be accountable for our own current situation and strive to achieve what the likes of Obama is doing.

Andrew O, London,

So white people who vote for Obama are racists?

I thought some black organisations thought Trevor P was a racist.

This is all getting very confusing.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

Totally disagree.

Phil, Hong Kong,

This guy is amazing! He knows the hearts, minds, and motivations of 180 million americans!

Simply incredible!

Mark, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Not sure what is worse; the completely illogical analysis or the fact that someone so wanting in intellectual honesty could end up as the chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Grant, Cincinnati,

Trevor, racism is on the decline and I am sorry that dissapoints you.

However, if Hillary Clinton manipulates to steal the nomination from Obama and Obama has the majority of the popular vote, THAT is what will divide America.

Darrel, Chicago, Il

I personally think people's personalaity shines through. When you know someone you either love or hate them based on their individual principles not their skin colour. judging them based on features as such is prejudice.

Aminat, London, UK

'A vote for Obama is a pain-free negation of their own racism.'

Perhaps, rather than delivering cynical statements such as this, Mr Phillips should look at the actual reasons people vote for Barrack Obama. He is charasmatic, unapolgetically masculine and smart. Americans dont vote for him beacuse they feel it absolves them of centuries of instituional racism; they vote for him because he is brilliant. There is no other reason. I am tired of listening to 'the cynics' who poke and prode at a man because of the colour of his skin when he so clearly transcends race.

"If he fulfils the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa."

That world is dead. The sixites are over and racism is dying a brutal death. Every day it dies a litte bit more and the children of this world are tired of hearing about division when they want unity. I abhor Mr Philips comments and I say they the thoughts of a man trying to promote his own self interest.

Matt Watson, London,

"If he fulfils the hopes of whites, he must disappoint blacks – and vice versa."

What utter rubbish. Why should politics be a race-based, zero-sum game?

I suppose the answer is, it has to be if the continuation of your job depends on highlighting, accentuating and perpetuating the differences between races, rather than behaving in a colour-blind fashion. Thank goodness for politicians like Obama, who give us hope and save us from politicians like Phillips.

David Kazarov, London,

Sir Trevor demonstrates once again on how bad he is for the position he commands. Barrack Obama represents a far better role model for Black Americans as well as Black British then Sean "Puff" Daddy. Barrack does not fulfill the hopes of whites - he fulfills hopes and aspirations of all, whether black or white. When Sir Trevor stops looking at things from the tunnel vision he projects on everything, he will be able to look at the larger picture on whats hopes and aspirations are all about, rather then releasing statements which represent his hunger for headline grabbing.

Eric Balk, London, United Kingdom

Trevor Phillip's stock in trade has been racism and he's made a good career out of it until now but Barack Obama is the future and this is bad news for Hillary and for Mr Phillips, who will both be put out of business.

Roger, Southwark,

Sir Trevor appears to have thunk himself up his own exhaust pipe. Actually, he's not even done that, since he's lifted his opinions from the works of some American chappie whom few people over here have ever heard of.

One might suppose from Sir Trevor's reaosoning, and by extrapolation backwards, that all the blacks who won the right to vote, own property, join a union, drive a car, go to the same schools, colleges and medical facilities as white people, all these people were bargainers, and their achievements worthless.

Well, now here's a black man in striking distance of the White House, a fact founded on the achievements of all those black bargainers.

If Obama took Trevor's tack, and publically berated Hillary & Co as "white slaveowner's descendants", then he'd be watching it the race on TV, not taking part in it. Obvious?

Sir Trevor, sadly, is courting controversy before common sense and if he reads this, I think he'd admit it. Sir Trevor, discuss, your own thoughts.

Chris Lee, Melbourne, Derbyshire

As a white American male, I find this analysis incomprehensibly bizarre: I'm voting for Obama because he seems to understand how to negotiate the deep divides in American social attitudes, and because he shares most of my values.

I wouldn't care if he's black, white, or purple with red polka dots. I know many other whites who feel the same.

Sounds like the analyst is primarily enamoured of his own analytical cleverness. The arguments are weak, the evidence non-existent.

Les Matheson, Anaheim, CA, USA

I think Sir Trevor Phillips is one miserable man, he needs to shift his thinking to an objective position. I conisder myself an educated black man and I have seen good, intelligent, high achieving individuals come from all races and backgrounds.

Bottom line is credit has to be given where it is due regardless of one's colour or background. However, Sir Trevor Phillips is failing to recognise Obama is one good guy and great at what he does. Today is him, in 1992 it was Clinton, tomorrow it will be one black guy in Britian or Switzerland. Sir Trevor should stop interpreting everything in terms of race, being CEHR is no justification for his narrow thinking spectrum. Oprah, Obama are genuinely good just as I am. They are not a white man's token of change to the black race because of the guilt from slavery.

If Sir Trevor feels his success is to a great extent tokenistic then sorry for him but he should know some black people have genuinely deserved and earned their success.

Alex Mutebi, Leeds, UK

This is a bizarre analysis. As a white, male American, I can assure you that my interest in Obama's candidacy has little to do with his race, and much to do with the dearth of acceptable alternatives -- those who share my values and understanding of the core issues in America are in short supply.

I wouldn't care if he was black, white, or green. I know others who feel the same. Sometimes a banana really is just a banana.

Les Matheson, Anaheim, CA / USA

What a fool! Surely this man's obsession with racism will do more to prolong the issue than Obama's running for president. His calling Cosby and Winfrey "bargainers" denegrates their achievements on a purely racial level - how sad he can't see this.

Matthew, London, London

What a load of rubish.Trevor Phillips has obviously not been washing Obama's campaings?His comments reflects the eternal pessimism and hopelesness that permeates the consciousnes of black people in Britan.

John Hammond, London,

Get real!

I am a black and I am proud of how Obama is changing the relationship between blacks and whites not only in the US but throughout the world.

A recent article showed that discussions have already started in France with young Africans asking why can't we have an Obama?

You fail to realise that there is a new generation of people for which race is a less divisive issue than it was even 20 years ago. Hence Obama's huge appeal to the young, including my daughter who was never into politics.

Older generation blacks have either failed to grasp this change or are jealous of someone they view as a usurper who has not "paid his dues".

I want Obama to succeed because I believe it might give hope and a new perspective to many black children who are failing simply because they believe the system is stacked against them. And yes, sometimes it is, but hope and belief are better than despair.

It is time to inspire, not denigrate - it is time you changed your approach.

Jonathan Ledwidge, London,

I'm not sure why race needs to be such an issue. I'm not sure that Phillips comments do anything towards bridging a racial divide here. Why does he have to bring voting choice down to race?

If whites were voting for Obama because of guilt then why wouldn't they vote for Jesse Jackson if he was running? Lets face it people are voting for Obama because they like the person.....why does Phillips need to bring it down to race? Maybe he wants to think people are more racist than what is really the case.

Brett, London, UK

Given his official position in the UK, I just wonder whether Mr.Phillips ought to have made this kind of comment at this stage of the Nomination process.

If the Clinton campaign takes it up, he will be open to the charge of meddling in the electoral process of another country. He really ought to have taken some pause for thought before writing this.

One really has to wonder also at thought processes that led him to his conclusion. There seems to be a very narrow train of thought involved here, and that seems to be coloured by his political partisanship.

Bill, Suzhou, China

In other words, he "isn't black enough."

Actually, if Trev were capable of seeing Obama without his racial prism, the real significance of this candidate is his ability to unite US voters behind a mainstream liberal agenda, the way Reagan did for conservatives. He's a US Tony Blair for better or worse.

In simple terms, Trevor, "IT ISN'T ALWAYS ABOUT YOU."

Peter Nichol, London,

Trevor Phillips has found a nice, academic way of saying Obama ain't black enough.

Charlotte, New Orleans, USA

It is a bizarre American tradition of classifying any one who has a black ancestor as an African American. Obama is no more an African American than a recently arrived immigrant from Africa. Consequently, he cannot liberate genuine African Americans from their entrenched poverty tany more han any other American politician. Nor can he end the divisive politics that has essentially paralysed the Congress. I'ts all a pipe dream. He is the quintessential empty vessel that makes the most sound. And the American electorate is all the more naive and foolish for falling for his vacuos rhetoric.
Phillips is right on the money in his analysis.

kishore, galena, USA

To paraphrase my fictional compatriot Homer Simpson:
"Sir Trevor, is there anything he doesn't know?"

Jefferson Smith

Jefferson Smith, Washington DC, USA

it's Bill Cosby, the comedien

ed strosser, new york, ny, usa

Ms. Strange, the entertainer you are alluding to, with Oprah Winfrey, is Bill 'Cosby', not 'Crosby'

Chris Erdmann, London, UK