Will Prejudice Trump Economy For Voters?

New AP-Yahoo Poll Suggests Obama May Lose Votes Of Dems, Independents Harboring Negative Views Of Blacks

(CBS/AP)  How America votes could come down to the economy, and that could be especially true in many of the so-called battleground states where voters have been hit hard economically.

But a new AP-Yahoo News poll shows that race could also play a big role in how some voters make their choice - and this may not bode well for Barack Obama.

According to the poll released Saturday, a little over one-third of white Democrats and independents agreed with at least one negative adjective about blacks, and they are less likely to vote for Obama than those who don't hold such views.

"There are a lot fewer bigots than there were 50 years ago, but that doesn't mean there's only a few bigots," said Stanford University political scientist Paul Sniderman, who helped analyze the exhaustive survey.

The pollsters set out to determine why Obama is locked in such a close race with Republican presidential candidate John McCain even as the political landscape seems to favor Democrats; President George W. Bush's unpopularity, the Iraq war, and a national sense of economic hard times cut against Republican candidates, as does the fact that Democratic voters outnumber Republicans.

Lots of Republicans harbor prejudices, too, but the survey found they weren't voting against Obama because of his race. Most Republicans wouldn't vote for any Democrat for president - white, black or brown.

The survey also focused on the racial attitudes of independent voters because they are likely to decide the election.

The poll does show that many whites who see blacks in a negative light are still willing (or even eager) to vote for Obama. But statistical models derived from the poll suggest that Obama's support would be as much as 6 percentage points higher if there were no white racial prejudice.

However, a CBS/New York Times poll released earlier this week showed that Obama holds a two point edge over McCain among all white women, making a 21-percentage point swing in Obama's favor from the previous week.

On the other side of the racial question, the poll shows the Illinois Democrat is drawing almost unanimous support from blacks.

But a sign that the economy may trump prejudice comes in the telling result from the question, "Would you say things in this country are heading in the right direction, or are they off on the wrong track?" Among ALL voters, 72 percent said the country was on the wrong track; only 27 percent said the U.S. was headed in the right direction.

Other findings in the polls, among ALL voters: 54 percent had "very favorable" or "somewhat favorable" impressions of Obama, compared to 50 percent for McCain. The "very favorable" response for Obama (30) was more than twice that of his rival (13).

Favorable impressions for the Democratic Party were also generally higher than for the Republicans.

And how do voters characterize the candidates? When offered a list of adjectives describing each candidate, those most frequently chosen for Obama were "Intelligent" (61%), "Popular" (58%), "Will bring about change" (51%), "Inexperienced" (47%), and "Honest" (36%).

For McCain the most frequently picked adjectives were "Experienced" (58%), "Strong military leader" (49%), "Intelligent" (47%), "Courageous" (44%), and "Past his prime" (36%).


Methodology

The poll used a methodology developed by Knowledge Networks, a Menlo Park, Calif., firm that interviews people online after randomly selecting and screening them over the telephone. (Numerous studies have shown that people are more likely to report embarrassing behavior and unpopular opinions when answering questions on a computer rather than talking to a stranger.)

Other techniques used in the poll included recording people's responses to black or white faces flashed on a computer screen; asking participants to rate how well certain adjectives apply to blacks; measuring whether people believe blacks' troubles are their own fault; and simply asking people how much they like or dislike blacks.

The poll sought to measure latent prejudices among whites by asking about factors contributing to the state of black America. One finding: More than a quarter of white Democrats agreed that "if blacks would only try harder, they could be just as well off as whites."

Those who agreed with that statement were much less likely to back Obama than those who didn't.

Among white independents, racial stereotyping is not uncommon. For example, while about 20 percent of independent voters called blacks "intelligent" or "smart," more than one third latched on the adjective "complaining," and 24 percent said blacks were "violent."

Nearly four in 10 white independents agreed that blacks would be better off if they "try harder."

Researchers used mathematical modeling to sort out the relative impact of a huge swath of variables that might have an impact on people's votes - including race, ideology, party identification, the hunger for change, and the sentiments of Sen. Hillary Clinton's backers.

Just 59 percent of her white Democratic supporters said they wanted Obama to be president. Nearly 17 percent of Clinton's white backers said plan to vote for McCain.

The survey of 2,227 adults was conducted Aug. 27 to Sept. 5. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.

Pollster Frank Luntz said that race can affect what voters tell polltakers, as was evident in exit polling during the primaries.

"In the states that were north of the Mason-Dixon line and east of the Mississippi River, states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, they got the exit polling numbers wrong because people said 'I voted for Barack Obama,' but, in fact, they voted for Hillary Clinton,' Luntz told Early Show anchor Erica Hill.

Luntz said, in fact, voters in the South were more likely to be honest with poll takers about whom they voted for when race was part of the mix.

Luntz did say, however, that pocketbook issues may trump prejudice, saying he believes Obama will take Pennsylvania, a state he lost to Clinton, despite heavy spending there by the Republicans.

"Barack Obama has proven he does well in the suburban vote, and the suburbs of Philadelphia and the suburbs of Pittsburgh, I think, will put Obama over the top," Luntz said.

And perhaps most telling that prejudice - or even long-held party loyalty - may not trump the economy for voters: In Indiana, which has been a safe state for Republicans for years (George W. Bush beat John Kerry 60 percent to 39 percent), McCain leads Obama by only six points, according to a CNN/Time poll.

[wakeup33]

something to think about...White or Black...Black or White...hmmm Obama? Well he claims to be Black. Blacks dont like the whites comments that he is Black.
I think he is using the Black card also. Let me see..his father is black his mother is white...but he chooses black as a category...why not white? Wont get as many votes or attention? Lets analyze the typical situation: He doesnt wear his pants down below his waist, he doesnt wear 37 gold chains, he doesnt have gold teeth, he speaks very well and clear...hmmm sounds more white than black.

[wakeup33]

and another thing once and for all put the media in there place. They are responible for the economic situation of this country just as much as the leaders of some of these large companies that are called CEO''s that collect millions and then find out there company is a financial mess...hold them responsible. Oh yeah....tell the media to put some positve comments in newspapers occasionally instead of creating bubbles and popping them.

[wakeup33]

Ok..First, this is not Bush''s fault. Im not defending him, but congress and senate are made up of democrats too...problem is they dont want to work together long enough without ******** or pointing fingers. Tis situation was growing way before Bush. Second...the War, lets blame bush...i remember when Americans did not forget things like Pearl Harbor or 9-11 and the Trade Cneters...maybe its the wrong country to wage war with...one thing is certain..the Taliban have been hit hard. Thire....the race issue...who brought it up...the blacks. Here we go again, stop racism but thats only for blacks to preach to whites...yet blacks will make everything a race issue. How about a United White College Fund...WOW...start some *** there. And for God sake...Im sick of hearing "African American" sorry your NOT. If you were born in this country your just a plain American, just like us white people that are born here. Besides...Africa is a continent not a country. Are we North American Americans? Sorry...just American.

[PulSamsara]

Why would America REWARD complete Republican failure ?

We wont.

[overcome1]

Now this stuff about Prejudice against Obama,just don''t make any sense at all,Now that is playing the Race Card as Bigot like to state.Anyway Obama is Black,and White.His Mother is White Is''t she,so please come off of this Black stuff,and George Bush did not beat Kerry just like he did not beat Gore,in my humble opinion.My white Brother''s,and Sister''s let''s rebuild America,and once and for all let go of Racism,because you know that Barak Obama,and Joe Biden is the only Canidates that will do that,are you not tried of these''s mean Spirit Republican''s that don''t give a "DAMM" about anyone or anybody except their own special interest in my humble opinion.

[sjw1253]

In my humble opinion - there are clearly many people who blatantly and without any sense of shame continue to state that they will never vote for a black man.

I am a white 54 year old woman and I say it is time for this mentality to be squashed and to show those people this is not an acceptable mentality in today''s world...

It is time to vote on issues - not on a person''s skin color, religion, or other human characteristics that have nothing to do with the type of human being they are or their qualifications to be President of the United States.

Obama''s education in itself is an excellent qualification for President as he studied Constitutional law... Clearly he has dedicated his focus on carrying out our Constitution and insuring that it is not ignored when political decisions need to be made...

Come on people ... Do we live in the Middle East or do we live in the United States of America where ALL PEOPLE are created EQUAL!!!

Let''s find true patriotism and stop playing all of these ridiculous games...

Playing words and trying to make McCain look like a victim of racism is as ridiculous as the Republican National Convention - where any black person must have felt out of place...

The OLD BOYS CLUB and the OLD snooty snobs party making sure their elaborate parties can continue by keeping the regular person down...

Yes - I do believe that is very true and it is sad...

[coronada_xv]

The evangelical right is blood thirsty. They never see a war that they don%u2019t like. They will vote for McCain who is an admitted serial adulterer. I haven%u2019t heard them condemn the pregnancy of unmarried, 17 year old Bristol Palin.

How they distort the Christian message! Jesus was a peace maker and cautioned repeatedly about the sins of fornication and adultery.

And the %u201Cfaith%u201Dbased initiative--giving our taxes to preachers--isn%u2019t that unconstitutional?

[jaykizcook]

As an American male , I cannot that there are people who would rather have someone who thinks that just because they were a prisoner of war and a journalist(that it took five colleges to finish) run this country as opposed to individuals with experience and new ideas and concepts about governing this country. I am also appauled by the fact that some whites think that if Obama wins, that all blacks will become millionares, live in mansions and drive Mercedes?? Huh??? Where to people get this mind-set from. How long has this country been lead by a person not of color, and I don''t see all of them living larger than large. What has McCain done in the 20 plus years he''s sat on his butt in Congress, and now all of a suddden because he claims to be a hero, who by the the way was captured, is THE ONE to elect, along with some hippocrit, that has so much family values and pushing her daughter''s pregnancy down our throats, and the American public is suppose to accept that it''s okay. H to the No.

[publius77]

36% of respondents agree that McCain is "past his prime."

Still waiting for that ageism article, CBS...

[ljackson33]

You know I can''t fault the way white america thinks. And here is why? I am a 55 years old black male. And for as long as I can remember around the age of 3 or 4 years old. The news media has only shown the worst segment of the black community. All white American see about the black community is crime because that''s all the media shows. Secondly, it is hard and as a black man, I truly understand it, when you have called a race of people less than human for as long as I can remember, it is hard making a black man equal to our white counterpart. Last, if white America would teach its history properly instead of just plucking out heros from history. Our blue eyes brothers and sisters would know, of all the other ethnic groups in this great country of our. The only group that have fought alone side with white america in all of its wars from the revolutionary war to the two present wars were then and now African Americans. Their was about 1,200 to 1,500 both free men and slaves in the 6,000 plus continental army. So, when blacks makes the comments that we help fought and build this counrty, its a fact. But, white America only want to take a small segment of the black community and broad brush a whole community.

[carbuyer3]

There are going to be more whites voting for Obama than blacks voting for McCain, I can guarantee!

Personally I don''t know that any person or political party can fix all of the problems with our country. I don''t know why anybody wants the job but I am glad there are some people that do. Even with all of our countries problems and failures, I still would rather live in the USA more than any other country in the world! We are not perfect but at least we are free, free to state our opinions on a public platform!

[xmanborg]

I dont give a FRACK if you Green, Yellow, Red, Blue, Black, Silver, Old, Young or White.

Who ever can fix the mess the Bush Administration has gotten this country into gets my vote and so far McCain has hardly said anyting he is going to do besides Drill Baby Drill.

The Debates are going to be good because McLame cant dodge the hard questions and this Friday is the First Presidential Debate and I bet McLame stumbles big time. If McLame cant remember how many houses he owns then how can he fix the mess Bushie has gotten us into. McLame = 4 more years of Bush

[davidgriswol]

How come I never hear the other side of this question being asked? My bought my first house in a mixed, lower middle-class neighborhood and lived there for 5 years. My wife and I were constantly bombarded with racism and bigotry - because we were white! We were looked at with suspicion and stereotypes and I was once attacked at a local convenience store just because I was white.

So, be fair and balanced. I want to hear the other side of this. Go poll black Americans ask them how they feel about whites.

David Griswold

[silent2long]

McCain close ties to an anti-semetic, racist pastor of a church speaks volumes of McCains views.
Did anyone forget Obama is part white and was raised white. .......

Posted by obgyn33 at 09:12 AM : Sep 22, 2008

You don''t really think 1 Senator up on Capitol Hill can change the actions/votes of the entire Senate and/or House, do you? The only thing that could do that would be a special interest group with very deep pockets that could buy them ALL (Senate & House). What has Obama done in office all by himself?

Why is Obama running as a Black candidate and not a Bi-racial candidate?

You further suggest that a ''white'' president can not improve racial relations? Do you know what will improve racial relations? It starts with every individual in this country!

[carbuyer3]

The question of whether or not race plays a part in your vote I believe applies to most voters whatever their race. From what I have seen and heard most, not all, but I would say most blacks are voting for Obama. The question is, is it because he is black or because he is in the same party or because be is the best qualified. I am voting for the person that stands for what I believe and is the best qualified in my own opinion, no matter what the color of their skin. It seems to me that both democrates and republicans are affected by race and their own life experiences, including the candidates! It would be nice if race were not an issue but that is never going to change. It would also be nice if we lived in a world where we could all be judged by our own individual actions and not the actions of what race we belong to, but that will never be as far as I can see! Race does play a role with most voter from what I have seen, no matter what the color of your own skin.

[silent2long]

Will McCain lose because of black racists?

Posted by biasedpress at 07:35 AM : Sep 22, 2008

Looks like an interesting news headline to me. I would like to see a unbiased story following it.

[obgyn33]

McCain close ties to an anti-semetic, racist pastor of a church speaks volumes of McCains views.
Did anyone forget Obama is part white and was raised white. He has a great view and care for both sides.
Any American who loves this country will not let skin color stand in the way of a great ticket, Obama/Biden.
If McCain was truly a maverick, he has had 26 years and most of them with a republican majority, to change things, he did not. Carly Fiorina the ex-ceo, who works for McCains campaign said McCain could not run a company. McCain has gotten rich from a company but he has never ran a company. So let''s give this great country a chance with a presidential candidate who brings fresh ideas, a better education, and a unifying spirit. I use to be a racist, because I grew up in the south and until I got an education, I thought it was the norm. This Obama/Biden ticket makes me feel there is still hope for a great future for our country and keeping our constitution in tack. Otherwise, we will become a communist or should I say, a socialist country, under the pretext of keeping us safe.

[nodevils2]

What many extreme evangelical Christians fail to realize is that Obama is truly a real Christian. The Dobson group mocked Obama by caricaturing him as an Uncle Ben''s rice or Aunt Jemima type character on a waffle box, which was sold at their function. Many may have seen the video discussing the box on The View, as Hasselbeck spoke out against Obama racism. This demeaning act showed that real Christianity is not exhibited by Dobson%u2019s group. Jesus spoke of the Good Samaritan, as a clear example that racism is a weakness, not strength. In our economy, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis race, national origin, ***, age, and disability. Racism is un-patriotic, anti-Christian, sinful behavior, according to any and all Christian bibles!

Barack and Michelle truly love God as Christians and have a marriage that reflects real Christian and American values. Their cute marriage and precious daughters are an inspiration for all Americans and represent America%u2019s best. Together with the Christian love between Joe and Jill Biden, Obama/Biden will govern with fairness and God will bless America as a beacon of hope for the whole world.

[silent2long]

Whites are not the only race with bigots! I experience racism every day from the majority of black people with who I come into contact. I judge people on an individual basis. With that said, it is the Black Attitude toward me that instigate my negative feelings toward blacks.

I would vote for a black man/woman if I felt they were qualified and the best choice. If Colin Powell were running for president, I would vote for him in a heartbeat!

CBS, I am disgusted by this topic, as white people are always the ones considered racist. I would like to know how many black people are voting for McCain. One of your correspondents should do a story by sending a a few white people into a predominantly black neighborhood with hidden cameras and see the flip side of the coin.

I am for every one being considered equal, yet it is quite tiring to constantly having the pot calling the kettle black. Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you, right? Let''s ALL get real, for the sake of peace.

[davidgriswol]

How come I never hear the other side of this question being asked? My bought my first house in a mixed, lower middle-class neighborhood and lived there for 5 years. My wife and I were constantly bombarded with racism and bigotry - because we were white! We were looked at with suspicion and stereotypes and I was once attacked at a local convenience store just because I was white.

So, be fair and balanced. I want to hear the other side of this. Go poll black Americans ask them how they feel about whites.

David Griswold