Do you think we, as a nation that supported African slavery from ~1700-1865 as well as segregation laws through the mid-1960's, are far enough removed from our history to elect an African American as our president?

I look around and I see racism, bigotry, sexism and hatred in some of the people I work with. These people make me wonder if our society has really moved beyond our past illiberality.

My wife thinks that there are more fair-minded people than not.

I hope she is right.

What do you think? (Probably preaching to the choir here?)

My feeling is that MOST Americans want the best-qualified person - regardless of color, or gender, or age... though there will be a significant number of voters who can't get past some or all of these characteristics.

This is a most interesting pre-election season. I have been supporting Obama pretty much since he announced (though I like Kucinich, I don't think he would be electable). It's fascinating to hear the pundits on all sides, commenting on 'momentum' and on oratory skills, and on race, gender and age issues affecting electability. I was a bit disturbed by Hillary's negative ads about Obama, and I felt his response was appropriate. I'm a bit afraid that negative ads are what we can look forward to until November. I hope that Obama can maintain his perspective under fire. I believe he can...

Yes, I think it's time... and if she were available and qualified, I'd vote for a black or asian or native american or hispanic female of any age.

YES WE CAN!

I totally agree with Wyld and couldn't have said it better I'm so happy he's winning more states and more delegates!

Well, we have elected a minority to the office in the last two elections, assuming total jackass retards are in fact a minority.

I don't think we are stupid enough to elect McCain. Obama though still hasn't told me enough of what he is going to change. Yet it is clear to me that he can see over the horizon, we just need to know more of what is there from up there.

No No No

In Washington DC they are not a minority

You knew that Larry

Even tho I'm not for Obama, I believe he could get it because of all the Bush haters. We'll see...

I really don't know who I'm gonna vote for. In the past I've always have been a republican (please please don't tar and feather me ) But in the past several years I have grown and my thoughts and beliefs are and have changed. I really hope and pray that people can look at all the candidates for what they have to say rather than their sex, creed or color.

Hugs
Jamie

PS as to my beliefs changing over the past few years...there is a quote on the website's home page that truly describes me. I use it in the signature of a another forum I post on It's....

"The me I used to think of as being myself has slowly been replaced by the self I seem to be today." - ADG

It fits me to a T!

I'm more of a...

"Sometimes, I don't know any more after thinking than before I'd begun."

But I'm glad you are evolving. And you should be too.

My in laws, both lifelong republicans are voting for Hillary. Yesterday my wife mentioned her mom parroting some of the venom spued from her so called news source - faux news - about Obama.

When asked if they would vote for Obama over Mc Cain if it came down to that, both said they would vote for Mc Cain.

My wife took her time and explained to mom that is just biggotry and hatered at its best.

I am still thinking we are not over this race issue in any way. Which forces me to believe we are not ready as a nation to elect Obama or anyone who is not white.


I'm sure if they get Barack out of the way the same folks will bring in the misogny retoric team to deal with Hillary.

I mentioned before i no a lot of Republicans voting for Hillary. i had no idea there were so many republicans registered as democrats and voting for the most vulnerable candidate (or as they percieve the most vulnerable) in the general election.

I guess i missed it but I have not been subjected to that much negative campaigning by either Obama or Clinton in the weeks coming up to the PA election? It sounds rampant the way its talked about here? THe general spin in the State prior to the polls opening has been Hillary won the debate, they have both made a few minor faux pas', they both claim they are not in the oil companies pockets and they both are for change. Pretty standard election who ha if you ask me!

i can't guess who's going to win this nomination... or election... but i'm beginning to get the idea that this long birthing, proceeded by years of suffering and leading us to a recession.... may actually be an evolutionary process that could lead us out of the 2 party, big money system....

that we will have the opportunity to support and form other options, such as other political groups, that are electable and real choices...

on good days...
yes we can...
survive as a democracy
i hope...

Sure we're ready for a black president...
I'm sorry...
I just can't trust this one!
His associates are crap and it does rub off!

I'm with Zapp. Not this one. I know that I'm in the minority on this topic here, but I do not feel that Obama is the right person for the job. I also don't like to think that I would be labeled a racist for feeling this way.

I don't agree... I believe that Obama has what it takes to lead... but I respect your opinion. Around here, I don't think any of us would think you a racist if you voice an opinion that you don't feel Obama is the right person for the job.

Personally, I have NEVER felt that Hillary was trustworthy - though it's more "gut feeling" than anything concrete. When I lived in NY and she first ran for the Senate, I couldn't bring myself to vote for her - I didn't vote for anyone for Senate that year.