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

thanks.

I agree with you "hustleman" i would have vote for obama if i was black for all the same points you make..you have a good point about the african american youth needing a black leader and I do hope he creates a change that american inner cities youth can look up to as well the rest of America. Great points !

a little late but here goes. And here is the 100% truth. I'm voting for Obama simply because he's black. If that makes me a tool then so be it. I am a young African American male and it would seem like blasphemy to not vote for Obama. I believe that if he were to be elected it would somehow help the black youth see the "light".Maybe it will change the mindsets of the youth in my neighborhood that "school is a waste of time and drugs is the way to make money". Maybe him being elected will make the black youth in my part of town see that ignorance is NOT attractive. Maybe him being elected will make the black youth in my neck of the woods open their minds to the culturally diverse world around them and accept people for who they are. So I'm voting for Barack Obama because he is black and that fact alone gives me hope that he can at least change the people directly around me if not everybody.

As voters, we have to read between all the lines. WE want to vote on issues and policies, but it's hard to trust the newly elected to do as they say.

Obama isn't Jesus, but he's the best out of the 3. At least he's trying to represent change. Voting for a candidate based on gender or race might sound ridiculous but it actually is voting for a change from the white men who have been ruling this country too long! So it really goes beyond color or gender.

At the very least, a black president will send a message to the world that America is actually evolving. Wow!

You're so right, Marilynn! We have to mobilize for Obama now, not wait until November. We also have to get him a filibuster-proof congress so that the Rethuglicans won't be able to obstruct his health care plans, his global warming caps, his plans for fixing up our schools, etc...

You hit the nail right on the head, Marilynn. We need to get 60 Senators in congress. That's the other half of the battle. Without a filibuster-proof congress, no president can be very effective in delivering the solutions we all need.

Like Jan, I don't think he walks on water either. He's a centrist at heart, as it is reflected in his cautious, small government policies. In my view, they don't go far enough to solve the problems that we face as a nation. We need an FDR, but he's a JFK.

But what he does have is the ability to listen to people, his keen judgement, his uncanny ability to dissect any knotty problem with dead-on precision, his compassion and his diplomatic temperment. After 8 years of tyranny under Bush, a good natured centrist may be just what we need.

Also, we will be more able to get the filibuster-proof congress with Democratic senators riding his coattails rather than Hillary's.

This November, we need to show the Republicans what a mandate actually is! (And I don't mean gay senators in bathroom stalls. haha!)

To a Democratic tidal wave, 08!

I think alot of people think Obama holds some novelty because he is black, I also think by voting for him people can make"themselves think" they are are in fact these fair and racially blind people..

oH, PLEASE!

anyone with half a neuron would see that we are kiddin when we say that we are voting for obama because he's black.

you people just don't understand what you read... go back to college.

Where is democracy or the wellbeing of the majority in all this? Are you voting for his ideas or his appearance?

Are you sure what happened to Al Gore will not happen to him?

Are you sure your votes will mean anything?

I think we need to learn more here
http://votesizing.org

I support Obama because he has great ideas. I really don't understand how someone could vote for Obama based solely on his race.

Excellent point Starving, how nice it would be if we were all in your state of mind.

Call me out of line, but I am NOT voting for Barack Obama because he is black.

I'm voting for Obama because of the content of his character- what happened where suddenly the color of one's skin suddenly became the pivotal issue of discontent.

Have we, as a generation brought up after the civil rights movement- as a generation brought up to see all men as truly created equal- are we still to raise an eye brow over a person's race beyond what they stand for as an individual?

A great man once said that humanity will never be able to govern in peace until philosophers rule the land.

JanforGore,
you have been around current for some time now, and I'm sure you have read and agreed with me and chique, Krag, stephen, marylinn murray, crob, smorrisey,angelinah, voyager, echoz, Cosmo, 96thdayofrage (among many other beloved currentians --at least by moi, check my connections, lol--) more than once, and you know we share a lot of ideas, opinions, feelings, views, etc.

Dou you really think that low of us?
Do you really think we are fanatics?
Do you really think we are that naive, blind and ignorant?
Do you really think we are maniacs?

Just because supporting Obama is popular, it doesn't mean it's stupid.

Polls lie...I have never been polled and I am 50 years old.

We can't listen to the polls. We have to listen to our hearts and souls. Who ever reaches us, at a heart level, that is what counts.

The media has its own hidden agenda. I do know that.

I am voting for Obama because he has touched my soul with his wisdom and his words.
I am voting for Obama because he is not afraid of speaking out against an illegal war. He is aware of the suffering of young men and women on both sides of the war, and feels there must be a better way. Killing is wrong, and there is never a justification for teaching people to kill. Military training needs to stop. Let the healing begin.

JTizzo, Obama and any Democrat on the Ballot. He might with lots of help be able to save our asses.

come on, do we need to really dissect our human essence this way. let's foray into the best person standing .. period. obama is a genuine candiate that should be viewed ast a candiate .. like hillary .. all this anglo woman versus african american man is only making the american civil rights march warrow in regress ..

My momma always said
"In the primaries, vote your heart. In the general, vote Democrat."

The thing is.....I don't have a fucking clue who to vote for.

Unity? After alienating half the Democrats in this country? Good luck with that. Me, I'm not unifying with any party mentality. I may have no choice but to go in November and vote against McCain, but that will not be saying anything for the name my vote will go next to if it even counts this time.

Phoenix_fire "I say we band together and kick ass and take names this November and turn our country around!" Don't wait until then. We need a majority in the house and senate. Donate and if you can get out and work to get them elected. He needs help if he is going to make change.

carcrashheart, the computer voice thing is the version of the story that airs on TV. I agree the voice sounds, um... let's say "stilted" to be charitable, but I don't think it's meant to replace reading the full story and commentary on the website.

this current news thing is kind of ridiculous. We can't read thsee articles for ourselves, we have to have the abridged version read to us by a computer. Thats sad.are we really that lazy?

anjela3 "You are kidding me, right?" Yes.

This is an excellent clip, excellent topic and Anderson Cooper is always great! Obama IS America!

I'm in Virginia and for the first time in a long time I have some hope. We will see.

Great post's on this thread from a lot of people, but you (Chique) and stephen specifically.

Thanks for the reality check Krag. I just re-read phoenix_fire's post and he's so right on message. I'm in Florida so there's not much I can do to change our sorry state of affairs for now, but any suggestions otherwise and I'm in.

Jan,
I dont think Obama walks on water, but I'm not trying to DROWN him either, and I don't see why you're so quick to stab him in the face for something that deserves encouragement - his willingness to work closely with Gore to solve the climate crisis.

Far as I know, McCain has not mentioned anything about bringing Gore to the table. nor has Clinton.

McCain's VP will rule the world.

You fail to see the irony in that you're beating the same dead horse! ;-)

". . .and that Democracy is so tough for you to handle in that regard. Thankfully, this station doesn't agree with you."

You're assuming this station agrees with your assumption, so no, that's not what you implied. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

I'm off to rent a backhoe to bury that horse, he's been through enough. See you around.

You're off the rails Jan. Try taking a breath.

I'm joining Phoenix_fire's call for unity. Where do I sign?

Why do I have to applaud Obama, Clinton, or McCain for that? Mr. Gore has already stated he will be willing to counsel any of them on this crisis which is logical considering his experience, passion, and dedication to this cause. His counsel will be immeasurable regardless of who "wins" this election. It has already been far too long for them to even acknowledge the urgency of this crisis, let alone provide an adequate platform. Perhaps with Mr. Gore's counsel yes, they will see how ineffective their plans really are and work to change them.
Chique: I didn't "start" anything. I responded to a thread with valid questions. No one then held a gun to your head to make you or anyone else respond to it. So I think you have just about beaten that dead horse as much as you can. And what I meant by this station agreeing is that they accept all opinions, unlike you and other Obama fans who seem to be the only ones here on this site trying to browbeat people into submission simply because they don't think he walks on water.

Another white man for Obama, right here!

Agreed stephenthompson, and getting back on a positive note . . .

I think this poll is encouraging for just that reason. Obama has inspired many and gotten multitudes of people involved in this election, in historic numbers, that have been apathetic before. Many of us think he's the best choice and like what the man stands for period. It's encouraging to know that the old stereotypes won't be so much a factor as they once were. I've worried that there was still enough racism around that may have prevented his nomination.

With Al Gore's counsel to boot, and an involved public in making things happen, we just might save our country and our planet.

And I'm sorry you missed the point again. An opinion isn't honest or dishonest, it's just an opinion; but an opinion can be positive or negative and as far as your opinions of Obama are concerned I haven't seen one that was positive and they're all over Current. I'm very happy for you that this station agrees with you, I know how important it is to you. I guess I just haven't been informed Current doesn't agree with me yet. Did they tell you this directly or are you assuming that because they picked your quote to use? You know, the one that misinterpreted the poll through assumptions and started all of this to begin with. And by the way, democracy isn't hard for me to handle at all, but complacency does push my buttons. Peace.

ONE THING I KNOW WE ALL AGREE ON -

We want Gore with his wisdom and expertise in the environment and politics to be a key figure in our desperately needed overhaul of energy policy.

Obama has virtually promised to have Gore at his table. I believe Obama has the same respect for Gore that we all do, and for that reason we should be applauding and encouraging this union.

I'm voting for Obama because there's nobody better to vote for...

WORD

Chique: With all due respect, I don't need to validate why I post or where I post to you or anyone else nor do I expect it of others. And I have voted all of my adult life. Who are you to then judge me because I just don't happen to be overwhelmed with the choices now? Please don't even think to tell me I cannot complain in order to silence me. I voted for the RIGHT choice eight years ago and what the hell did it get us?

The fact of the matter is that the American people on the whole should be standing up to the entire system that both the Democratic and Republican candidates embrace because it is not what this country was founded on. But once again, it is the same tactics, the same mudlslinging, the same tit for tat, the same soundbites, the same money over all rhetoric, the same media lies, and the same blind allegiance that puts party over country. Why do you really think some of the bigger names in the Democratic party have not endorsed either one?

And I am so sorry if you think posting honest opinions is "negativity" and that Democracy is so tough for you to handle in that regard. Thankfully, this station doesn't agree with you.

I'm voting for Obama because he has the ability to get where he is all by himself with no scandals. As a matter of fact he has to be smarter and much better to get there as a black man. I like that he wants change and I fully expect it. Plus I'm a fool for jug ears.

Now quit fighting. There is no one smarter, better or more important than anyone else.

If Obama were a woman, I'd be voting for her. His race has little to do with his charisma, intelligence or spirit.

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).

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!

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!

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."

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.

Obama makes black men look good.

Hillary makes white women look bad.

that's how I see it anyway.

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

"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

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.

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.

No apology necessary Krag, just speak from your heart.

Interesting link woodywoodbeck, thanks.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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!

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

sorry again, hillary, blame mother nature...

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

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 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.

'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 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.

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.

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

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.

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?