I guess we are all entitle to our opinions, right? But there's a difference between not paying attention and ignoring. At least I can admit when I am wroing iof I wasn't paying attention, ignoring does not allow for that luxury.

Obviously, Obama's agenda never excluded any race thru mentions of "my Black people" or "my brothers", etc  If there is one thing I can say good about Obama is that he did not run a "I am for Black people mostly" race. But we all know Jesse and Al are both fighters for the Black cause and it's obvious they were never gonna get anywhere defending a single race in a country with such a diversity.

There is no denying he did. The question is not about hope and change but about what kind of hope and change. You do realize that change is a very subjective word. A change for this country can be from a Democratic Gov't to a Communist one (bare in mind I am in no way saying Obama will make this Gov't Communist, it's just an example). Hope can be for people to expect to go from $10 an hour to $20. Obama made many promises, promises that people could have easily understood in many ways because they were very open and subjective promises and if you pay attention (like I do) to the media, even they are saying some of Obama's promises may not be as easy to keep with the economy the way it is. To implement a universal healthcare and raise taxes during a time the economy is suffering is probably the worst idea anyone could attempt to try, it would make Bush's policies look like footnotes.

In your own words, you don't have to agree with my point of view, but to say I am not "paying attention" is an attempt to undermine my freedom of speech. I did not make up my opinion out of thin air (like some do), I base my opinions on information I read and personal experience. The polls say Obama had Black people vote for him in numbers never seen before in any election, to ignore that is shameful.

BS.  I in no way underminded your freedom of speech-- I didn't say you couldn't speak, just that I didn't think you were paying attention.

And what percentage of the black population traditionally votes Republican?  In order for this to be an anomoly, you would need evidence that in the past, blacks have voted republican when given a choice between a D and an R of the same race.  I think the historic trends would show you that black traditionally vote democrat so it is not surprising that they would be voting Obama.  Also, it's important to note that not just blacks came out in force in this election -- the increased turn out was across all demographics.

I actually don't think that race was as important a deciding factor as most do.  I can only point to anecdotal evidence, but, for example, some of my future in-laws are vocally racist and for months said they were voting for McCain -- but yesterday, they actually voted for Obama because they didn't want 4 more years of Republican lead policies (including both economic and foreign policy).  It was the reserve Bradley effect.  They were more concern with policy than skin color -- which is the way it should be, I think!

If that's the case, it's unfortunate.  Me?  I could care less about Obama's skin color -- but I do agree with many of his policies and the way in which he has said he plans to govern.  I have not enjoyed the secrecy of the last 8 years or the pushing of the evelope on civil liberties.

Yeah, but if people voted for Obama just because he's black, doesn't that mean McCain got votes for being white?

I don't think it's that easy. I think in the wake of his win, the gravity of the first black president hit hard. It did for me, and I was extremely conflicted over who to vote (yes, I love both of these men; it was like watching two of my best friends fight). But when Obama won, it was about change. I am not sure what he will do, but it was great to wake up the next morining and tell my son, 'You can grow up to be President someday', and not feel like it I was lying to him because it's never happened. I think that's why you hear so many making a point of the first black president.

I think there were some exit polls that revealed age was more significant than race. I could be wrong, though.

I believe it is possible that some did vote for McCain because he is white.  However, I have yet to find a McCain voter willing to admit this.  I know a few Obama supporters that are proud to say so.  I suppose that this election is unique in that there was more in play than just Republican vs. Democrat or Conservative vs. Liberal.  The tone has changed and I'm not sure what to make of it.  If it were simply "Obama was elected President of the United States and, by the way, he is the first black President" I would have no concern.  The message I'm getting most ofern is "Obama won the election but, more importantly, he is black."  This gives me pause.

85% of the black vote went to Barack Obama but that shouild not be taken as evidence of racism as the candidature of Obama has enthused the population. And remember that Obama did not win more than 35% of the white male vote.

For many it was racism, pure and simple.  But I think even beyond that, Obama won for one reason alone.  The Housing crunch.  As soon as the stock market dropped below 10k, McCain lost.

Most people will note that "Obama is the first....".  But most just wanted "change", without knowing what change is or will be.  It happened before in 1976.  I suspect this ride is going to be a lot worse.

Before or after democrats made race an issue?

And good to see you writing again Elie!  Hope things are looking up for you.

Nothin' like angry political lovin'.

~Zoo

Now, there's something Dr. Guy and I can agree on! 

Be sure to fasten your seatbelt, Doc.

I don't think anyone has said it quite like that. I think, regardless of who you voted for, it's a huge step in our country. I have mostly McCain supporters for friends and a lot of them teared up at seeing Obama's speech. Not because they liked him, but the milestone his win represents. I am sure on January 21st, they will be right back to disliking him as usual.

As high as 65% but never in history as high as 90% shades. Plus you never addressed my point about how come liberals have no problem thinking "SOME WHITES would not vote for Obama because he is Black" But Cannot accept that Blacks WOULD vote for him because he is black??

I called her a Socialist slut for the whole day on November fourth!!!

Great points DocG anyone that thinks Racism was not involved in this race is blind.

As An American patriot I am willing to give this man my support and not instantly hate him like many of the liberals hated Bush before he even took office.