Overwhelming poll results say U.S. ready for black president

So people *are* voting for him because he is black? Is that what this poll shows? That's as unfair as someone saying to vote for Clinton because she is a woman. And again, why does race or gender trump character and policy? Is it because the people can't answer a poll based on that?

That's not what this poll shows. This poll's timing comes at a very subjective and involved point of the campaign. Obviously when asked if ready for a black president, people have Obama in mind. So, they may say "yes, ready" although they may be voting for Obama for more than that reason alone, or not that reason at all.

for example, I'm voting for Obama because he's black AND because he danced on Ellen DeGeneres' show. I also like how his ears stick out.

Good enough for me stephenthomson. I'm voting for him because Hillary is not black and because of his jug ears.

This is a great game. Thanks for inventing it stephen, I hope it catches on.

I'm voting for Obama because he's black AND because he can say things like "it's all good" and not sound like a complete tool.

I'm voting for Obama because he's black AND because I'm pretty sure I could out-bowl him.

I think it is a good sign that a black man can be seriously considered for the highest office in the land. like it or not, America has a fierce record on racism, so the fact that we have collectively reached this stage can be seen as a good thing.

the only reason I am NOT for Obama is that as much as I respect him and would LOVE to have a "gentleman president" I am not convinced that right now in American history we can afford a gentleman in the presidency. we need someone who can bring about many and serious changes and not only be able to appease divergent groups. it is about MAKING CHANGE (for the better) not just carrying the idea as though it were a well-made suit of clothes (that is, externally)

his speeches certainly do get my attention, though; nonetheless, it's his ability to ACT that has me just a bit worried.

'And again, why does race or gender trump character and policy? Is it because the people can't answer a poll based on that? '

That question is valid, serious, and is more a reflection of the media that always makes it an issue of race and gender which this poll obviously is. But nevermind. When other people start leaving here because of the clique mentality Current may then see that a slick looking site can't change the substance of it or lack thereof.

But hey, let me then answer too. I'm not voting for Obama OR Clinton, because neither of them are John Edwards who was the adult in this race, and who without the issues of poverty, the economy, climate change, and healthcare would not have even been addressed. He set the tone and was then pushed out by the same media those who once derided it accept now. You all can mock others for asking legitimate questions because you are now in a roving gang here and it makes you feel superior, but it does nothing to bring up the level of discussion.

The issues of race and gender are clearly evident in this race and more than likely the main reasons why both these candidates are there, since their policies are so similar.

Forget it though. it is impossible to have a serious conversation on ths site when the same people have to come into the threads and mock others.

I especially like (and appreciate) the words: "...John Edwards who was the adult in this race." yes.

AND I truly dislike the way the media makes our decisions for us. man how I would LOVE one person-one vote all on the same day.

the system is broke. let's start the fixing with the process itself...then oh how long my wish-list would be.

I'm voting for Obama because he's black and being president he will most likely be daily on the news, LOTS OF EYE CANDY!

you can't say the same about hillary sadly, sorry straight guys!

I am voting for Obama because he's black and Edwards and Gore are not in the race.

both Edwards and Gore being awful sweet eye candy, it is obvious i would vote for them.

sorry again, hillary, blame mother nature...

I'm voting for Obama because he's black and says "yes we can".

I'm voting for Obama because he's black and says "not this time".

I'm voting for Obama because he's black and I like basketball.

I'm voting for Obama because he's black and and we're not so prejudiced anymore to make that a factor when we choose a President.

Thanks stephenthompson!

I'm voting for Obama because he is black and he gives me hope.

I'm voting for Obama because he is black and has integrity.

I'm voting for Obama because he is black and because I'm smart. (lol, jk)

Oh Jan you are so put upon.

Why don't you publish a list of issues you find acceptable for us to comment on. That way nobody will ever disagree with you, or God forbid, challenge you in any way. And while you're at it, you could provide us some guidelines on when it's appropriate for us to joke around with each other.

That would be great. Thanks.

You know, how anyone can find negativity on the fact that the majority of Americans are open to electing a black President is beyond my comprehension. It shows the beginning of an open mindedness in this country that's been a long time coming whether Obama ends up winning or not. THAT gives me hope.

Tell Obama the white house is not for sale. Neither is my vote.And no my name can not be used for donation's

Sorry no substance from me. I'm voting for Obama because he never published pictures of Hillary in the native dress of any country. Besides like Jade said he's cute and has jug ears.

I'm not voting for Obama because he is white and hangs out with all the corrupt white Illinois politicians and utility company/nuclear power lovers. He really is a white guy.

You are right Clique. This is a great sign for our country and you'd think we all could try to see something positive in that.

Sorry I got snide. I just get frustrated when people post their comments and then get bent out of shape when people don't line up to validate and congratulate them for posting their opinion.

No apology necessary Krag, just speak from your heart.

Interesting link woodywoodbeck, thanks.

One poll doesn't doesn't mean the majority of Americans regardless of the topic. This country is too mired in soundbites, polls, and media bs, and it shows here too it seems where I thought that would be different. But then, I am sure if a 'poll' came out stating that the majority of Americans thought it was time for a woman president the same ones praising this would be dissing that. I would be much more at peace to see a competent president not tied to the military industrial complex (and please, all of them are this time whether people want to deny that or not) rather than one who got there just because he was black or one who got there just because she was a woman.Both of them have the blessing of military generals, corporate CEOS, and members of secret societies and the rich. So where is the change? That is the point here. Not trying to label people as racists or 'haters' simply because they don't fall for the soundbites and wish to make their judgements based on a bit more substance.

Obama helped the question get asked in the first place.
I look and listen to the man and ask, "Is he of leadership quality?". That's all. The only time I've discussed color with a person of color was because they brought it up.
I was too busy making eye contact to notice.

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."
-- Winnie The Pooh

I ask myself the same question, huntre. Is he of leadership quality? And then the answer comes rather naturally, yes.

He voted against the war. Hillary voted for it. That right there shows the kind of foresight and judgement that were Hillary and the rest of America to have had when it was crucial, we wouldn't be where we are today.

And now he pledges to work closely with Al Gore to solve the climate crisis. And I don't think he's whistling dixie. He has shown nothing but good sense and leadership thus far.

So you can choose not to vote for Clinton OR Obama simply because they're not Gore or Edwards, but that would be like starving in the desert and refusing the cream of caribou because you prefer the rack of impala.

i'll be voting for any democrat that wins the nomination unless they raise Andrew Jackson from the grave and give him the nomination, that was one mean ass, racist mutha.

A very interesting discussion... because it focuses solely on the color of the candidate. We are ready at the drop of a hat to call an unfair distinction between candidates when there really is none. If people are voting for Obama because he is black it is because in their lives they know how difficult it was for him to obtain this level of distinction "as a black man". There is no race so distinguished from the socio-economic political majority than Obama's and I would wager that you know the subtle distinctions that are made on a daily basis which make it more difficult for a person of color to succeed, not survive but succeed. So ask yourself this, why didn’t anyone say a thing when millions of black people voted for white candidates over the past 20 presidents or so?? Not a single word, right?! Why? C’mon, why? Let’s not talk about Obama. Let’s talk about America’s voting legacy then resume this discussion, that way we will have a common basis for the gist of these absurd assertions. He is not a better candidate because he is black but the debate underscores my point, you know he had a harder time geting there and yes, he is a good presidential candidate. And ummm, go jug ears! Haaaaaaa.

forget race and experience and policy positions and leadership and all that nonsense... I'm voting for Obama because he's clearly the candidate who would be most likely to push for Artis Gilmore to get into the Hall of Fame. Who would Edwards support? Jack Sikma? Mike Gminski? Granville Waiters?

McCain would clearly be useless - I think I heard him refer to Bob Cousy as "that young little whippersnapper" the other day...

time for change, plain and simple
ps. im a republican and am voting for obama

96thdayofrage: I know you are obsessed with me here, but could you just take a day off from your incessant whining at me and about me? I don't post BS polls and emulate the mainstream media. Too bad if you can't stand being shown for what you are. Just another American falling for the spin. And believe me, though I know it seems you live to bring up my name here and get a rise or response out of me which this one time you did, this will be the last response you get from me on this site. Your vulgar nasty language is a huge turn off. You may think this is some sort of stage you can come onto now to showcase how you think you are "all that" but I am not impressed in the least.

That's good news for race relations in this country! Cheers to that! :) Race relations have come a long way and we still have more to go, but I think Obama's ability to get black and white Americans to dialogue with each other will help us get beyond the stalemate.

However, this poll is not so good news for the sexism that is still ingrained and rampant in this country. While some may say that Hillary may be what's driving the numbers down for public opinion on a woman president, but can't help but wonder if her unfavorable press for all these years is because of the public's sexism: we as a nation are still uncomfortable with women in leadership roles.

And that's pretty ass-backwards for a supposed 1st world country, if you ask me. Why should any little girl have to question whether or not she can be president someday due to her gender?

I think our society needs to work harder at promoting positive images of women in leadership and also at combating the ignorance and hate against women because of it.

Obama makes black men look good.

Hillary makes white women look bad.

that's how I see it anyway.

Too bad elections aren't about issues..unless, as it seems, race is an issue...THE issue. So could I then assume that if people are voting based on the issue of race, would that mean that anyone NOT voting for Obama is racist?
And the corporate media, pushing for Obama to be elected, seems to want people to believe that Obama should be elected to "prove" to the world that America isn't racist? Because its been harder for a person of color (oh and there is a woman too fighting a different/same type of battle), people should elect them just to prove we let everyone play? WTF is this about? You are kidding me, right? Reminds me of the mentality of people voting for the homecoming/prom king/queen.
Is it any wonder our economy is crashing, people can't get healthcare and, oh yeah, we are killing ours and theirs in Iraq. Not surprising at all.

Jan, you know the thing is, if you don't like either party and you aren't planning on voting what's the deal with the negativity on every Obama post anyway? Doesn't the mantra go something like . . . if you don't exercise your right to vote you don't have the right to complain?

Re-read Rage's post. She raises valid questions just like you say you're doing. No personal attack, she just disagrees with your point of view.

So, to use your words, "You may think this is some sort of stage you can come onto now to showcase how you think you are "all that" but I am not impressed in the least."

Ok now whos acting adult.. not anyone on here.. Im voting for him not because hes black beacuse what he speaks , seems like a good words.. unlike some people.. think of all the troops out there. for no reason picking up bushe's bullshit mess! People are getting killed for no reason out there.. and look 9/11 I was working around there, he could have done something.. having a women president is to risky.. women are emotional! and thats that! Im a women but i would never want anyone to piss me off when im on my period ( i might end up staring a war with a few countries) (or push the red button and blow something up). Mccain i dont like him hes so fake.. my dad faught in wars and is alive to tell thank god but damn enough about his war stories ( he looks like he wont make it long neways) Obama either ( theres still to much racist crap in this world hes going to end up DEAD!) but i like to see a change in life, maybe thats whats we need.. i just like what obama is saying , hopefully he will live long enough to back it up!

No, I don't think this poll says that people are voting for Obama because he's black. It just says people won't vote against him because of his color. A lot of people are voting for him because of his ability to bring about a change in the social environment of this country. He is succeeding at elevating the national discourse from one that is centered in fear, division and every hate and prejudice (about color, gender, immigrant status, as well as socio-economic status) to a society centered in compassion, justice and a sense of the common good - that we are all in this together. We're tired of the fear-mongering, the constant warfare against other countries and against ourselves, the negativity and isolation from each other. (much of it fostered by the "mainstream" media. Grrr...) We as a nation are ready to band together to solve our problems, from global warming, health care to turning around our economy, that is neither black, white, yellow or brown, but that affects all of us.

Now, as a fan of good policies, I have been a Hillary supporter. I'm not as easily swayed by good feelings as I am by good, solid plans and a stellar track record on the economy by her husband. I voted for her in the California primary. I agree with Jan that her policies on global warming, health care and the economy are better.

However, the Democratic party needs to unite around our most likely nominee, and Barack Obama, by all accounts, will be likely to win. We can't afford to be divided this year. Not when McCain is poised to swoop in and give this nation another 4 years of George Bush policies! Yikes! We either suck up our bruised feelings and work together to put a president of change into the White House or say hello to 4 more years of greed, corruption and hubris, 100 more years of war and a supreme court that will completely favor the shredding of your constitutional rights!

I say we band together and kick ass and take names this November and turn our country around!

LAHolly, are you saying you would be a active and enthusiastic leader in a revolution if your guy, Obama, is not elected president? Is this Kenya? Even when Gore had the election stolen in 2000, he gave in because in a civilized society people attempt to work out their issues...and government works slowly. You are represented...in congress. If you don't like your rep, get them out or run yourself.
And lets say Clinton wins more popular vote (a real potential), would Obama become the independant if the dems give it to Clinton? Afterall, his bigger base is independant voters (if you look at where and how he has won delegates).