Please read this blog entry. And this CNN story (with links to videos contained within it)on the the poll. What do you think? Will race play a significant role in the upcoming US Presidential election? If so, how might it? REMEMBER TO IDENTIFY YOURSELF
56 comments:
Its a tough question but i think that race won't be much of factor if Obama wins or not. I believe people will look more at what Obama's done, what he says he's gonna do, and his views. He wants to change how America is but how is he? That's gonna more of a factor for Obama than anything else. People will have to take what he says and trust it or not trust it. The only way i see how race will be a factor is if McCain or someone brings up his race. If Obama or another Black Canidate was in the same position about 25-45 years ago it would be a totally different story because of how racist people were then. Now-a-days people aren't as racist as they use to be. It's a tough question to answer but i honestly don't think race will play a significant factor in Obama's Campaign.
CM- Bronson Drewry
Race could play a role in the election but I do not think it will. In an interview on sixty minutes, Barack Obama was asked whether race would play a role in the election. He said there would probably be people who do not vote for him because he is black. He also said there would also be people who will vote for him because he is black. I agree with him that all of those votes will cancel each other out. Racism is still around today but not to the severity during the mid 20th century. I think more people today are actually interested in the views of the candidates. With the unpopularity of the previous administration, many people want a major change. Enough people will not even think about race because the issues at this time of economic recession, Iraq war, and fuel prices are too important for race to play a role in someone's vote. I think this year's election is more about the issues than in previous elections.
CM Michael Ozdarski
Race will play a role in the election for more than just one reason. At the end of the day race along with sex will be even more important to the results than empty one liners about change.
I agree with the previous student who said that people voting for a specific candidate because of their race will most likely be cancelled out by the people that won’t vote for them for the same reason. More importantly than race in my opinion will be sex.
Many democrats are pissed that Governor Palin is stealing their candidates thunder. The very same people that can be heard saying “it is wrong to tell a women she has to stay home and raise the kids” and about how “expected gender roles are ruining this country”, can now be heard saying “Gov Palin should be staying home raising her kids.” Why don’t they just tell her do the laundry and the dishes while they’re at it? This is clearly hypocritical, but it really suggests that just as important as race will be, Will be the fact that Governor Palin is a female. I believe if Obama had known John McCain would be picking a female he would have picked Hillary. Now the conservatives are coming across as people that are willing to change and progress with the times. I’m pretty sure liberals thought they had “change” copy written so when Palin was picked what were they to do but say she was just “an under qualified soccer mom.” They don’t mind if a women runs just as long as she not republican because that would change every notion of conservative’s tendency to resist change.
McCain and Palin probably won’t work miracles, but I think they will get things going in the right direction, and I’m sure it’s clear were my vote is going. Although the News media may try to paint Palin as under qualified I believe the fact that she is a women will play as big of a role as the notion that 1/3 of white democrats are uncomfortable of Obama’s race. One thing is for sure we will know soon if America is ready for a black president or not!
From: Your friendly, moderately conservative, Libertarian classmate, Adam Deveau
I believe that race is going to be somewhat of a factor in this election because although we don't see a whole lot of racism today, it still exists and as Americans we can't be ignorant of that. I agree with Obama that some will not vote for him based on the color of his skin, but others do want to see an African American lead the country. On the other hand, I believe that current issues like gas prices, home mortgages, and foriegn affairs are going to be the dominant concerns and ultimately the votes are going to be based on those, not on race. I think we also have to take the older and younger generations into account. The key to this election is going to be based on the younger generation because as Americans we are more tolerant of different racial backgrounds.Other votes are certainly going to matter but we are looking at a potential first African American president.
Everyone has their own opinions on race. One day a person can say they aren't racist, but the next day they can do or say something that may classify them as a racist. It is hard to tell whether or not race is going to be a significant factor in the elections. Of course, race will definately play a part in the decisions of some people, but in the end I believe most people will put aside their feelings on the issue and vote for the best suited candidate.
In a perfect world I would hope that race wouldn't play a factor in any election, but unfourtunately racism still exists. It clearly isn't a predominate factor as it was a while ago, but there are stil people who hold what I would call 'old fashion' beleifs.
Even though some people won't vote for Barack Obama because of his race, as Obama stated in the CNN interveiw, some people will vote for him because he is black. It may play a small factor in the campaign, but definitely not significantly. I know that race is not a factor in my vote and would hope that people would be open minded about race in general and not just in elections.
USM- Alexis R.D. Handy
To entertain the notion that race won’t play a significant role in the upcoming US Presidential election would be naïve at best. If one is speaking to those in their immediate social circle, the evidence of underlying racism in our country surely wouldn’t be visible. It actually takes going out into the world and experiencing life as it really is, as opposed to how we might like it to be.
In talking with people in our neighborhood and in speaking with people on the phone, people are reaching for reasons not to vote for Obama. There is a whole list of outlandish accusations that people are choosing to continue to spread even though they have been publicly discredited repeatedly. I have shown people the reports of the truth, and rather than accepting the possibility that Obama might not be such a bad candidate, they come back with some other outlandish accusation, clutching for anything they may have heard that might give any reason NOT to support a candidate that clearly has some good ideas. Obviously, I support Obama – not because of the color of his skin, but because of my concern for the future of our country.
While racism may not be as blatantly obvious as it may once have been, I believe that it is unfortunately still alive in our society.
The truth is what it is.
A turd by any other name still stinks.
USM – Matthew Lynch
The idea of race still being an issue in today's day and age is still, sad to say a deciding factor in many political arguments, including the upcoming election. However, If Americans truly do want to see change, they will vote for whatever they believe in. That is the only we way we will truly evolve as a country and overcome all the current problems we are facing. I think that most voters will see past race.
-Alex Prezzano
I think race will play a significant factor in the election. Whether you like it or not there is still racism all over the country. But I don't think race would jeopardize or play a real big role in the election. I think when it comes to the time to vote people will start thinking about what roles McCain and Obama play and what their plans are rather than their race.
USM - Kayla Clark
i would like to think that race wont play a big part in the election, but in todays world its going to. mccain is too old and could be facing health risks, and sarah palin could be taking over as president. i agree with adam that sex is a bigger issue than race, also her lack of experience could due her in. even in todays world race is still a big issue, we have over came a lot but not enough. him being of a different race will have little affect becuase in todays world people are looking more for the person not for their physical appearance
dan jurczak
The only reason race is a problem still is because people use the "race card" as an excuse for things. -Don't get me wrong, I don't believe that there are technically races, we are all humans, I don't see how color should make a difference on who you are as a person... Being realistic though Obama used the fact that he was a young black man to get ahead. They didnt focus so much on the fact that he was a young democrat, because lets be honest, that wouldnt have gotten him anywhere. I think being so young and having barely any experinece in government will hurt our country if he gets voted in. He needed to play the black card.. and it worked because he hedged himself in over Hillary. Now though, he is in a tough spot. McCain's campaign people and strategists were incredibly smart to look at Palin. She's a women, it was one of the best power plays they could have done, and doing it after Obama had already chosen Biden was all the sweeter. Obama and his people(campaign managers that is) are not going to overtly push the idea of him being black, but we are getting down to the wire, he will use whatever he can. If that means trying to get those who will vote for him because he is black, that manuever is not beneathe him, nor any politician. And people will vote for him because his black, just like they voted for hillary because she was a women. Personally that is a horrible and immature reason to vote for someone. But yes race and even gender are going to play a part come voting time in November. And no I don't believe votes are going to cancel each other out. It is comments like that that effect peoples thought processes and they start to misunderstand and believe that their vote wont count. Every vote counts. They don't cancel out.. but please if that was a reason you were going to vote for Obama or not vote for him because of his skin color.. take a few minutes and read some facts.. and decide that way.
CM- Jessica Jacobs
an unshamefully opioniated Republican, signing out.
Race will inevitably make a difference in the Presidential race, whether the outcome will be altered remains to be seen. We live in relatively liberal state, in liberal academia, where racial differences are well tolerated. In other parts of this nation there will certainly be people who won't vote for an African-American, in relatively high numbers unfortunately. There might be some additional African-American turnout at the polls, but historically (and unfortunately for Obama) blacks have very low turnout rates. What Obama needs to do, what he did do in the Debate, is to show that he is qualified and create sense of comfort(of safety) for independent voters. To conclude, race will have a small effect, but with such monumental issues at stake in this election the issues will determine the outcome.
Brendan Morse USM
Although I believe this is a tough question for many Americans, I personally believe that race is and will be a factor in the election. Many might not vote for Obama because he is African American, and others will specifically because he is African American. I don't see myself as racist, I really support Obama and the work he has done with his campaign, but I do look forward to possibly having an African American president and some might see that as racist. Hopefully race wont play that large of a role in the election, people need to look more at the issues of heath care, gas prices, the war in Iraq etc. to really gain an understanding of their candidate that they are voting for. Change is a good thing and America sure does need some change.
USM-Jenna Hannigan
I don't think that race in the elections is as big as a factor as people cut it out to be. I think that our generation isn't as racist as people were years and years ago. There will be people out there who won’t vote for him because he is black, but it won’t be very prominent. I also hope that people take into account Obama’s views on the issues that are affecting us and how he plans to change them, like the war and gas prices. The issues are what really matter, the color of his skin is something that shouldn’t. I think it will be fantastic if we elected an African-American president, because it will different and I think America needs something different right now. I’m not going to vote for Obama because of the color of his skin. I’m going to vote for him because I support his views on what matters. I also think that with all this recent anti- Palin from both democrats and conservatives, Obama will grab even more votes bringing him closer to a victory.
USM- Melissa Ramsden
My personal belief is that the majority of people in our country will not be thinking about race when casting their votes. Race would only be a factor if a big name like the competitor McCain brought it up or even a tv station brought it up. I honestly dont think McCain would bring it up because that would make him seem like a racist and that would definatly take away alot of votes that he could have gotten. Majority of American dont want a racist man in office so I'm sure he would never bring up the race factor. And just now-a-days I dont think race is even looked at as a problem anymore. If Obama is qualified to be our President, I'll vote for him and trust every decision he makes.
USM- Matt Melia
I think that even though the race factor has dramaticlly changed in our country within the last 20 years, I still believe that people will bring race into the election. I believe that people who are African American are going to vote for Barack Obama regardless of his stand on politics just because they would like to see a man of color in the white house.
USM
Unfortunately I think race will be a factor. It may be work to Obama's advantage because some will probably vote for him just because he's black. On the flip side some may not vote for him just because he's black. People should vote for him because they believe he will be a good leader for this country not because they want to see the first black president. The significance of this issue probably wont play a big factor in the presidential election though. Hopefully people do realize they should be voting for him because they do believe he would be a great leader, and hopefully they don't realize it before it's too late.
USM-Dave Harvey
I'd like to think that race plays no role in American politics but i know that is not the case. In my personal opinion Obama's race has nothing to do with the fact that i do not support him. I don't support Obama because i disagree with his polices and believe that they lead America in the wrong direction. However most undecided voters vote purely on their first impression of the candidate and totally ignore policy. Therefore I believe there are voters here in the United States that would refuse to vote for Obama just because of his race,but i also believe their are voters that will refuse to vote for McCain just because of his age. Do i think Obama race will ruin is chances of wining? No i believe if Obama loses this election he will lose it because the people of America believe he is not the right choice. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and i believe that the people that would not vote for Obama purely because of his race are few and far between but I'm no expert and could be wrong.
Johann Donall USM
I believe race has and will continue to play a role in the 2008 election. I believe there are two sides of vote that's affected by the race factor: one being a vote for Obama solely because he's an African American and the other being a vote against Obama solely because he's an African American. In the end these votes will cancel out each other. I'd like to be able to say that the main concern of all the American people is the important issues that have come to overwhelm our country and where each candidate stands but I don't believe that that's reality. I think some people may claim that racism has become almost invisible but unfortunately is hasn't. It’s decreased a significant amount especially with the younger generations but it’s still laced into the culture of America.
Brittany Michaud - USM
Well, this is a difficult question to answer. I feel that race will play somewhat of a role into the November elections, however not a great deal. I feel that our generation of youth isn't as racist as people were some 40 years ago.
I would say that there are gonna be both, people who will vote for Obama because of his race, and others who will vote in opposition to him because of this racial factor. Even so, I feel that this racial factor, make it out to be.
It is of my greatest hope that this November, people consider how high the gas prices are these days, and what these brave men are doing for us in Iraq. Theses are just some of the important issues that affect us here at home.
I am not voting for Senator Barack Obama because he's African -American. I will be voting for him because I believe in his policies, and I believe that he is the change that this country needs!
Jenn Colantoni -- USM
I think it is ignorant to believe that a person is any different due to race. I grew up to know that no person is different from another in regards to their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Of course I grew up in a very liberal household which I was taught to believe that. People will vote against Obama just because he is black, but I think it will not be a considerable amount. These people are those that don’t look at the issues of the politicians but rather what brand of glasses Sarah Palin is wearing. These may also be people that grew up to believe that African Americans are who break laws, are lazy at work, and untrustworthy. These people are not only ignorant but uneducated and need to get out of the 1950’s. I tell people to vote this fall regardless of political persuasion, though I am a registered Democrat, I support those who vote Republican, Libertarian or otherwise. The only thing I mention is that I would rather you vote for the issues you care about and not the name or race. People try to over-simplify the presidential race to make it something they can handle. This same idealism can be found with people who consider race as an important issue. I think people need to look at what is important to them and who will best represent those ideas. Will Barack Obama lose votes because he is black? Yes. Will he lose them to ignorant people? Most likely; but those are not his kind of voters, so I don’t think he will lose sleep over it.
USM - Chet Tetreault
I'm rather new to politics and with such a difficult questions, I wanted to watch the debate friday night as well as read other peoples responses before forming my own opinion. I believe that the right person for the job (the most qualified, intelligent, and the most able to represent America) should be elected regardless of race, gender, religion, etc. However, thats rather utopian. In real world I do think Race will play a role. More for some and less than others. IF its a close race, Racism might prove to be fatal, but if the race isnt close I dont expect racism to be vital. I maybe sterotyping but I think it will play more of a role in the South and even West, and much less so in the North. America has come a long way, and this election is historic. IF Obama wins and does a great job, it could set a precedent and maybe lower political racism. Even if Obama doesn't win, if another non-white politician ran I think race will play a less factor due to public exposure of an African American in this race.
-USM Charles Carlson
I believe if there was ever a time in the election process for racism to be a significant factor, it would be most apparent in the primaries. However, This years presidential race is of a much more focused politics. Americans are looking for a leader who is articulate and clearly shows a movement towards change. The candidate best representing that quality is fairly obvious, and I agree with Barack Obama's perception of this issue when asked about in the sixty minutes interview that Ozdarski pointed out. Race will play a factor one way or another. It will be a basis for someone to vote for him, or against him, and I believe it will affect him more positively than not in the long run.
USM- Robert Crowson
I believe that race will play some part in the elections. Some people who will vote for Obama purely because he is black and there are others who will decide against him for the same reason. But i also think that most people will be looking at each candidates policies and not their color. In today's society race is not much of an issue. Society has changed and I think because of this racism won't effect most peoples votes.
the previos post ( sep 29, 6:33 am) is USM - Danielle Mailly
I think that Barack Obama’s race will effect some voter’s decisions, however I also think that John McCain’s age will also affect voter’s decisions. From personal experience of making phone calls for a political campaign, one callers response to a question of who they support for president was “ I will never vote for a black man,” while a different callers response was “I will never vote for an old man.” As Bronson pointed out, 25-45 years ago many people were more narrow minded and prejudice in their views. In this day and age more people have come to accept others for who they are. As a fellow American I hope and wish that all voters would base their decisions for who they support as a presidential candidate on the candidates actions and beliefs in politics rather than superficial issues such a s race and age. However, I don’t think all voters are rid of their prejudices beliefs on race, age, gender and other such issues. Thus, I think that as much as race shouldn’t be a factor in this election, I think it could be as much as a factor as other issues such as having a woman as a Vice President or a seventy-two year old man as a President could also be factors. USM-Joanna Gildart
I feel that race may play an issue in this election, but not as big of one as some people may feel. I feel that americans have become so diverse and are more accepting of pthers now than say 50 years ago. I am hoping and thinking that people now will choose the next president based soley on the issues and who they feel will be the best leader of the country. So no I do not feel that race willplay a hugr part in this years election.
CM-David Brown
I find great disappointment in those who are still racist towards ethnicity. I am ashamed of my fellow citizens who criticize their fellow countrymen/women due to their heritage. We are all created equal, the past has happened, we must forgive, take responsibilities for actions, and move on into a brighter future. I find it pathetic that we are so concerned with the color of skin, and that this simple factor hampers one’s ability to move forward in the new millennium. There are BIGGER Problems then skin color that need our attention people! We are all one race, a human race, when stripped of everything diversely physical in this world we are left with identical cores of our being. We are all covered in scars maybe if we didn’t hide them and accepted others for their scars we’d realize how much alike we all are and maybe just maybe peace could have a chance.
Intro American Govt
Ms. Jones
I really do think that race will play a key role in this election. I feel this way becuase the presidential figure has been an older white male and usually a mormon. I think that the societal norms will again pick the older white male over the younger african american male. Even though slavery was put to an end several years ago I still think that certian people feel differently about the color of someones skin. I really do believe that race will play a key role in this election sad to say.
-Cm Dan Chabot
I would like to believe that Obama's comment in the CNN article about his race being "a wash" is true: some stubborn people will probably deny him a vote entirely because of his race while others may give him the vote specifically for it.
USM - Nick Hodgkin
not to open a whole new can of worms, but i beleive that this election may be more about age and gender than race. i do believe that a lot of people find it hard to put race aside in matters so large, however i think that this election is more about age and gender. people, i believe, are more worried about McCain's age and him dying and putting Palin into office, making it an issue of gender and experience. People are not only racist but sexist as well, so i do believe that since this is the first time, i believe, that a black man has been up for presidency.
USM- Ashley Hallett
Everyone has their own opinions on race. One day a person can say they aren't racist, but the next day they can do or say something that may classify them as a racist. It is hard to tell whether or not race is going to be a significant factor in the elections. Of course, race will definately play a part in the decisions of some people, but in the end I believe most people will put aside their feelings on the issue and vote for the best suited candidate.
USM - Briana Jette
I do believe that race will definitely play a part. But, i feel that it will go both ways. There are people who are indeed still racist and would be against voting for a black president, but i am sure that there is also a strong black community that will vote for him mainly because of his race. In my opinion race should not matter what so ever, however, i do not think that will ever be the case. I am not sure whether or not the presidential election will ever be "color blind".
CMCC- James Lemay
Race has and will always be an issue in this country and around the world. People make it an issue, by having groups and coalitions for certain types of people and different races. They segregate themselves from others. So people will always try to bring race, gender and other differences into things like politics because its something everyone can identify with. No, "race" will not effect the outcome of the voting in November as much as some believe but it will effect how a few different types of groups votes.
I think in this election race will not matter to much because I think america is ready for that change and they are learning to accepr that change in the white house. Also I dont think its the race that will play a big role but what he stands up for and if he follows threw with all of his promises that he has given and also if he can gain the trust of the nation. Also america isnt as racist as we used to be, weve learned to accept other people.
CM Nick Bouyea
i don't think that race will have a negative affect on the election. i think that it will actually help obama. i think that the American people will see this as something that has never been done before, because there has never been an african-american man anywhere near the oval office. people will welcome that in my opinion. i also think that people will vote his way simply because they are sick of the war in the middle east. they don't really care who they are voting for as long as he can get the troops out of Iraq.
I think race WILL have an impact on this presidential race this year. When race comes into play, we usually think of it as a negative factor. This year, in the case of Barack Obama, I believe race has a positive impact on the presidential race, and it may help swing the voters to Obama's direction. The United States is ready for a change. This is fact. Old white men have run our country since George Washington himself. Because of this fact, I think Obama's race will be seen as just that. A change. A good change. A step in the right direction, or atleast, a direction that is entirely different than the direction we are headed in now. And with the animosity towards Bush, any change of direction will be seen a positive one. Race will most definitely have an impact on this year's race.
-Ashley Fitzgerald CM
Race is a factor in our daily lives so it would be naive to think it will not play some role in the upcoming election. I do not think race will out weigh our need for change. Which ever candidate will put us in the best position to be the stronger nation possible than that is who it will be, all the black and white talk aside. The people of this country will weigh the candidates based on their beliefs and their vision for this country from rebuilding the infrastructure to ending the war and battling the economic hardships we currently face. Race is just not a strong enough issue anymore.
Danielle Ward-USM
Race may be a factor in the election. With the media breaking down the results of all the polls in the primaries into race and gender it's hard to say that it isn't. And when the pundits say things like, it may come down to the African American vote, or the Hispanic vote, it makes it seem like race is a huge factor in the election. And while there will be a handful of white people voting for McCain because Obama is black, I don't see the majority of them voting that way. It's a tough call to say whether or not that specific type of voting will play a major roll in the election, but the typical media hype of "whoever gets the majority of the African American, or Hispanic vote" should play just as crucial a roll in November as it did in 2004, or 2000.
USM - Justin Quirion
I think that my opinion is best said the way Obama put it in this interview. I think it is very realistic to say that some will not vote for him because of his race while possibly just as many will for the same reason. No one can tell what the American voters are going to come out with in November but I don't think anyone could really say that there aren't racial aspects in the election worth looking at. Whether you are for the idea of an African American president or against it you know it is something to consider while making your choice.
Like in every election however certain issues and factors are brought into the spotlight more than others, issues that are never the same. I think race just happens to be one of those issues with this election. Along with the main issues and platforms of the candidates there will always be other factors that voters care about and the media will focus on. Although some may say that we are focussing too much on the personal aspects of the candidates and not enough on the country's issues I say that they may very well go hand in hand. Change is possibly the one thing that voters from every party will agree on these days. No matter who you are in this country you want change, maybe not in the same way that your neighbor does but in any case the racial situation this election has brought to the table is the chance for some Americans to get that change.
I don't know what American's are going to do or even positively what I am going to do come November but race can not be ignored. Whether it is In a positive or a negative way it is going to affect our country as a whole... the issue can not be put aside and forgotten no matter how much some would like it to be.
Rachel Gordon ~ USM
Race has, and is, playing a large part in this election, but I also feel a thing like age could be just important with these specific candidates. Obama brings a fresh new face to the White House and I believe that it is a needed one. This would give a new perspective four our country. People may look at McCain, another old white man, and see him as more of the same. With Obama being black, and going on the platform of 'change' I simply feel the voters should realize this and vote for what they feel is right, not what a prejudice tells them is right.
Colin Mack, USM
The optimist in me says that race won't play a part in this election. I truly hope that people will be able to look at the candidates just as two people and cast their vote solely on who will do the best job. I think that for the people who may have a problem with electing Obama may also have a problem with electing a woman. Either way people vote history is going to be made and hopefully America is ready for this positive step forward.
Emily Brown
Hopefully, if race is a factor then it will be for the right reasons; voting for a black president because he's black is not wrong but not voting for a black canidate because he's black is. Having a black president could change our country for the better. It's time to have someone represent diversity in office; if Obaama doesn't win then i'll believe that race matters to americans. Americans are always harping about how accepting we are, well it's time to show it.
---kate charest
Of course race will play a part in this election, simply because Obama is black! So will McCain's military experience, and Sarah Palin's gender. It all matters! However, there are far more basic factors involved as well. There are plenty of conservatives, racist or not, who decided from the get-go that they were not going to vote for Obama, simply because he was a democrat. The same is true for many liberals who wouldn't vote for McCain because he is a republican. Basic party loyalties always have and always will be the biggest factor in an election. The news article itself stated that the only people that were affected by race were those who were democrats, who might have voted for him, if he wasn't black, which kind of narrows the field quite a bit don't you think? Especially if you think about the term "racist liberal" for a few seconds.
Let's move on with talking about the issues, rather than walking into empty speculation so that CNN can get it's viewers.
Joshua Adams - USM
It would be nice if our country voted for anyone purely based on qualification, however this is rarely the case. It also would be nice if racism ended in the 60's, but alas it did not. Therefore i would have to say that racism will most likely have an effect on voters. Citizens that have been voting Democrat for years could be voting Republican simply because of Obama's race.
Sarah Myrick
USM
Race will play a role in the 2008 Presidential Election, but so won't every other thing about the candidates and their running partners. How many times has it been brought up that McCain would be the oldest candidate ever elected president. So age plays a role. How many times has it been brought up that Palin would be the first female vice president. So gender plays a role. I'm not saying that race should play a role in the election, but the simple truth is that it will. But so won't age, gender, etc. I also think it is wrong to think that votes against and for Obama will cancel each other out. This is because African Americans are still a minority in this country, so there are more chances for whites to vote against Obama because of his race than there are for blacks to vote for Obama because of his race. Articles about Obama's race and what not just hype up the problem, so that people are focused on that and not the more important issues. So, people who are trying to help Obama out with such articles might actually be hurting his cause. Although I think race, age, gender, and other such things will play a role in the election, it is no doubt that a lot of Americans are also concerned with the important issues within the election, so reporters should focus on them.
USM-Justin Richardson
Race will play a role in the 2008 presidential elections. Regardless of if it is right or wrong there are many factors play a role in the elections and in the upcoming presidential election it will be a factor. However that doesn't mean other factors aren't more important, while it is a factor there are others that are much more important to everyone that will end up deciding the election.
USM-Jesse Garza
When thinking about race in the upcoming election, I don't think that it will be the deciding factor in who becomes the next president. Yes, there will be people who vote for or against him because of his skin color, but the majority of people will be voting on the ideals he holds and what he hopes to do in office. Essentially, if he gets voted into office, or doesn't for that matter, it is because the majority of the population voted for the beliefs and ideals of another candidate.. not because of his skin tone.
USM--Micaela Enevoldsen
I strongly believe that race will be a factor in this election. Politicians are being judged by everything they say, do, wear, and even who they associate with. I am willing to bet that some people will vote for a certain politician just for the way his/her looks. Race, being a pretty oblivious physical attribute to miss will certainly draw peoples attention whether they realize it or not. This being said, I feel that the majority of the population does not care what race Obama is. Just the fact that we are discussing it means that race will play a role in the 2008 elections.
USM- Connor Bibb
Although America has come such a long way culturally from where we were a couple decades ago, by having a Obama running for president and Palin as a Vice President. However, I think that it's unrealistic to believe that race won't play any factor in this year's election. It could go both ways. Some could be prejudice in believing that a black man shouldn't be president, others may vote for him because they think that they are making history and change by voting for a black man. I also believe that the same goes for gender as well, it may not be as significant of a factor as race but I think that it will play a small role. I would hope that these differences wouldn't effect the outcome of the election and that most people would vote based on what they believe each canidate stands for, but if the race becomes as close as it seems to be now, it could be a huge part of the outcome.
Though I think it is stupid to base your vote solely on the candidates race and not what he stands for, I think that race will be a small and possibly subconscious factor in some people's votes. Some may not vote for him because he is black or some may vote for him just because he is black. Racism is still very prevalent in many parts of the U.S. I think it would be awful to see our next president voted in because of race factor, but it may very well happen. I don't think that the color of one's skin should be a determining factor in choosing the next president.
-Michael Pottle
Race is always a factor. The media continues to talk about race and here we are discussing if race is going to be a factor. The question would not come up if all Americans did not care about race. There are Americans though who do care about race. If America was beyond race, why would we be discussing the idea of race being a factor?
-Michael P. Gauthier CMCC
I don't think race is going to play a dramatic change in this election, it said in the article that it might swing a few votes, while the racism of other people might cause other voters that are on the fence to feel sorry for Obama for being targeted by racism or prejudice, that they might vote for Obama.
-Dustin Poirier CM
Another factor of race to also look into would not just be of Obama, but of McCain. How many presidents have been white males? I am sure we all know the answer... All of them! Now we have so much difference come this election! We not have only race but also gender factors. Could the whole diversity issue have caused McCain to pick Sarah Palin as his running mate. Could he have been feeling the pressure of the whole diversity issue? This political election has been so diverse! When looking at the Primaries who had the most going on? The Democrats! The Democrats had many white males who fell out of the race while Hillary and Obama took over the primaries. The republicans dropped off the face of the earth because they were the same old thing America has been used to. Race is not just a big for Obama but is as much so for McCain.
-Michael P. Gauthier
CMCC
I am on board with Senator Obama's idea that he will lose some votes due to his race, but will also be thrown some bones because of his race. Which will be greater, I don't know. However it is both common sense and factual that both scenarios will take place. It's undeniable that many of votes will come from the ever-so impressionable younger generation, from the media portraying black people as cool, fun, tough, or whatever other reason there might be for young minds to portray African-Americans as popular trend setters and so on. Of-course there will always be racism, at-least for this era, to stop a potentially great president from taking office. I don't understand what all the debate is about the issue. I feel that no-matter what is said, people will vote for whoever they please when the curtain closes behind them, whether it be with an open mind or predjudiced one. -fecteau
Race is still an issue in some parts of this world, but as far as race in this election, it wont be a huge factor. People are smart enough now to realize nationally that color doesn't matter.
cm-ben french
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