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.

[tishsimon]

Your guest Luntz was a real riot this moprning. Really appreciated his comment re: average age of FL voters,;deceased. Ain''t dead yet, honey. This from someone "surprised" that there may be prejudice in the NorthEast. As a girl from Jersey, the jerk needs to wake up & look around. Take a step down from your lofty seat Luntz. CBS needs to get a little more careful in choosing experts. This one looked like a dummy to me.

[ubrew12]

"Yahoo Poll Suggests Obama May Lose Votes Of Dems, Independents Harboring Negative Views Of Blacks"

That may be why the cabals that run our country chose him.

[antizion]

He has my vote and I am German. I could care less what color his skin is, I care about how intelligent and honest he is.

I am not ready for "President Palin" and McSame has serious health problems, is Bush III, would keep us in Iraq forever, lies constantly just like Bush.

Obama 08!

[kevsan1]

The only poll that counts is the election. Voters may decide or change their mind at the last second and we will not know until it is over.

[hawksprings]

At least this article doesn''t use the ridiculous term "African-Americans".
That''s very offensive to those blacks from the Caribbean.

[tmn]

Only thing I''m concerned about is what he would do as President. Health care (tens of millions with no coverage or inadequate coverage), economy (stinks), jobs (goiong overseas), etc. - THAT''S my concern, not his race.

Folks who would decide their vote strictly on race are idiots, pure and simple...

[mediaspy_nv]

I get it: now that Obama is ahead in the polls, mainstream media is going to play the race card in a sleazy attempt to squelch his lead. A sleazy tactic by a corrupt media that''s trying to influence the outcome of this election for its own gain. Well, this tactic may have worked in the past, but voters are much wiser than they were last election. We know what mainstream media is up to.

Nice try MSM. Go fly a kite.

[sallievoter]

Will all of those with a documented totally "white" heritage stand up please? Hmmmm....not many out there nowadays.
This article/headline is seriously race-baiting. would it matter it the media called him "half white?'' it is a good thing that the scary skinhead racists out there are usually too busy listening to Rush and Sean to get registered to vote!!

[POWinCA]

The article quotes "almost unanimous" support of blacks for Obama and has the unmitigated gall to suggest that "racism" may play against Obama.

Blacks and white liberals are demonstrating that they''d put an unqualified, unprincipled, inexperienced twit in the White House just to create a rallying symbol. This is not a candidate or a party: it''s a cult of personality.

[sallievoter]

dmcfee1----you are the perfect republican!!! Congratulations! You can lie and lie and lie, and then be proud of it---way to go! You must be so pleased with yourself and your fellow lying friends to be lying to pollsters. What a great group you all are, and how proud your children must be when they too learn to lie JUST LIKE YOU. Wow, Palin is sure gonna be your pick.

[obbcbs]

At least this article doesn''''t use the ridiculous term "African-Americans".
That''''s very offensive to those blacks from the Caribbean.

Posted by HawkSprings

Hawkster: the Caribbean blacks were also imported from Africa, to work for British, Dutch and French ''owners''. No black persons lived in the Caribbean until the Europeans brought them in to work.

[bizldr]

I appreciate all of the data presented and believe that the polling data is plausible and most likely accurate. I am a caucasian male and would probably get lumped in the the 40% whites who have some stereotypes. However, I do not question Obama''s character or personal abilities. My vote is about specific issues such as pro-life, pro-marriage, taxation, etc. Obama''s positions on those issues push my vote in the other direction. I find it a bit simplistic and sophmorish to see you oversimplify these issues this way. Obama does not own the economy card, and there isn''t a conspiracy by the voting public (or the Republicans) to play a race card. If McCain wins it is because Obama is far left of mainstream and holds untenable positions for a majority of Americans. The appeal of Sarah Palin is that she highlights the constrast of the liberal and conservative differences. It would be a great privilege for me to vote for an African American or a woman for President. I just have to wait until there is one that is properly grounded on issues of morality, justice, defense, and free enterprise. That position unfortunately excludes Barack Obama.

[dlennis-2009]

"On the other side of the racial question, the poll shows the Illinois Democrat is drawing almost unanimous support from blacks." You people don''t see prejudice here? If almost unanimous support from white was for McCain I guess you guys would be drooling%u2026yet the above quote only warrants the one sentence? You people are pathetic! Prejudice cuts more than one way people!

I think that the MSM in America is trying to destroy itself! Journalism in America has sunk to new lows this year and it''s is going to start to show as a growing number of us are beginning to boycott print publications and your sponsors!

[obbcbs]

Sure, there are lots of racists. Maybe a few of them would like health insurance and a good job rebuilding the infrastructure.
My favorite issue is the Constitution. The white union guys all claim to be such patriots. I dont see how a patriot could ignore the systematic destruction of the Constitution by McCain and Bush. Palin doesnt even use state run email, so she can (unlawfully) hide her work from the state auditors. She is already ready to replace Cheney as the master of evil.
And she is so plucky and cheerful, when she talks about going to war against Russia. She doesnt mention the draft or the nuclear fallout.

[gdgca]

If we are going to speak of bigotry we must also speak of sexism. Why do you neglect to do so?

Your failure to do so makes one question your motives (how could it not?).

At least a non-white candidate (but he is 50% white isn''t he?) is assured of almost 100% support from his non-white race.

On the other hand a female candidate does not get nearly that kind of support .. and yet they must face many of the same prejudices!

How else can we explain the media''s obsession with finding fault with her (by only interviewing the 20% that opposed her in Alaska)while ignoring Biden''s background and flaws.

I''ll anxiously await the results of your polls regarding sexist attitudes.

I''m hoping for Palin vs Clinton in 2012 so we can get past your sexism!

[pawprints54]

I am so sick of having the label "racist" hurled at anyone who does not support Obama. How about investigating the negative terms used by the black Obama voters to describe whites? Does that make them racists? Does that mean they are voting FOR Obama because he is black? I am sick of the media struggling to CREATE this so-called "elephant in the room" to make excuses for THEIR candidate, and to try to FORCE his liberal agenda. If anyone DARE oppose it, they MUST be a racist. And if he loses? Can we expect riots and burning in the streets? I have MANY reasons for voting FOR McCain, and AGAINST Obama. None of them have to do with skin color. But nobody wants to report on that. One reason I cannot support Obama is the fact that he supports gruesome partial-birth abortions. Worse still, when a baby survives an attempt an attmpted late-term abortion, Obama would not vote to afford that baby any human rights. None. He argued to do so would infringe upon the ABSOLUTE right to abortion. And he has vowed to appoint justices to the federal bench who will further that agenda. Even worse than that, he wants to pay for these gruesome procedures with MY tax dollars. That is just one OF MANY reasons I cannot support the media''s darling, Berack Obama. Sorry to disappoint you, but my reasons for voting for John McCain are NOT skin color. But I guess YOU really don''t get it.

[bbadenough]

The title of this article "Will Racism Trump Economy For Voters" is telling in and of itself. Right from the start the author suggests that if you vote for McCain you must be a racist that doesn''t care about the economy. It also does more than merely suggest that an Obama presidency would be better for the economy than would a McCain Presidency. Some things never change at CBS!

Meanwhile, all the news organizations, including Fox News, are letting Obama get away with saying that he will only raise taxes on the rich as well as corporations while giving a tax cut to some 85 or 90% of Americans. Let''s not even talk about this idea being the quintessential definition of the word "socialist". Instead, let''s talk about the fact that corporations never really pay taxes. All they do is pass on their tax burden to ALL of the rest of us in the prices we pay for EVERYTHING! Therefore, Obama is, in reality, proposing a "back door" tax on ALL of us. We will ALL pay for higher taxes on corporations at the cash register! Does anyone really think this would be a good idea in an economy already on the brink of meltdown? If you do, I have a bridge in Alaska I''d like to sell you!

[ladybug1233]

"Will prejudice trump economy?" It already has: prejudice against Mitt Romney (who had the experience and ability to actually help the economy) because of his religion. There''s also prejudice against McCain because of his age, Palin and Hillary because they''re women, etc., etc. It''s not just Obama that has to deal with it. And articles like this only serve to worsen the problem. Can we just focus on the REAL issues for once, please?

OK, here''s the deal- in language as simple and irrefutable as I can make it:

If you are happy with the way things are in America right now, vote for the people who made it that way.

If you think we are on a disastrous path and want things to improve, vote for the people who will honestly try to bring about those improvements.

It''s really very simple, but as we have proven in the past, so are we...

All the rest is noise.

[element51]

bizldr....I must give you credit for a well presented post. I can see that by your own words you are a hard core republican evangelical and I do believe for one minute that you have the best interest of the country at heart. This issues that you claim put you in the Palin/McCain camp are not issues that will get the country out of the mess we are in now. While I agree that abortion is an issue that needs to be addressed I do not believe that making it illegal will solve the problem. Look at what has happened to the economy in the past few days. We are at a crisis point and I do not believe that Palin/McCain have the ability to solve the problems that we face. Please don''t misunderstand me. I respect your views and appreciate your post. I just don''t agree with you 100%.

[bookout2]

So, the evidence shows that race does matter...big
time. There are more whites in the U.S. than
blacks. Do the numbers and you''ll get McCain, Palin.

[eraticus]

Racists who care about this country will just have to decide between their love of country and their small minded prejudice. A vote for Republican John McCain is a vote against your self-interests! Obama ''08!

[ghwab1949]

Obama would never have gotten the Democtratic nomination if he weren''t black and would never have gotten the Democratic nomination if he weren''t a man. He has benefitted from both racism and sexism. What a guy.

[gregorio57]

I sure hope that people don''t vote for Barack Obama just because he''s not white. That would be wrong!

[element51]

ribbie14....I think you totally nailed it. In one short post you said it all. I have come to this conclusion. Whether you are democrat or republican, conservative or liberal, we are first of all Americans. Like it or not we all have to live together and try to get along. There may be a republican side of the boat and there may be a democrat side but guess what....it''s the same boat. If the persons elected cannot do the job and the boat sinks, we all go down together. So, no matter what happens it is in all our best interests to pull together and get past all this petty name calling. I will support whoever is elected until they give me reason not to. Let''s apply a little logic for a change.

[kt2002-2009]

Obama is getting support of blacks at same rate Kerry got in 2004. Newsflash....blacks tend to overwhemingly vote Democratic. Because, Obama is HALF black (don''t forget the white blood wondeful Americans) this may drive up black turnout, but Plain may drive up female turnout - so what.

The key demographic will be Hispanics. While Obama loses OH, and maybe FL because of some predujice whites, Obama will WIN CO and NM because McCain will not get the Hispanic support Bush got in 2000 and 2004. Kerry states + IA/NM/CO = Obama POTUS.

Obama 273 McCain 265

[im4mccain1]

Absolutely race will trump common sense this fall. There are a remarkable number of Black people who say they will vote for Obama *because* he is Black. Isn''t that racist?

Yes, it''s outright racism!

[ericdrexil]

CBS has now reached the bottom of the barrel. If I don''t vote for Obama I''m a racist! Although I don''t blame CBS for backing their choice for president, I do take exception to being insulted.

[gnorum]

I agree completely with dlennis, those were the thoughts as I read the one sentence on racist support of Obama. I want to see this story done in a fair and balanced way. Have the blacks take the same tests the whites did. I want to hear their comments on the white faces on the computer screen, I want to hear what adjectives are used to describe the white faces, I want to read the comments on "the oppressor" or the "man is putting us down". I''d be willing to bet the results would show more black racism than the 3 or 4 in ten whites that the author seems to be calling racist.

Yes, racism will be a huge player in this election, but I don''t believe that racism from only one side is what will swing the final results.

[obamaisaho2]

This is such a joke and another scare tactic by the Obamites.

For those who refer to Whites voting against Obama because of Racism, well, why don''t you ask one of Barry Hussein''s closest buddies about that?

His name is Robert C. Byrd. He is the Senior Senator of West Virginia, and like Obama a Democrat. Unlike Obama, he was, for many years, the Grand Kleagle of the WV Ku Klux Klan, and a staunch opponent of Civil Rights. Yet who did Boy Obama go grovelling to instead of demanding his resignation? Why, his good old friend Massa Byrdie.

Don''t believe it, or care to scream Neo-Fascists of the Left? It''s clearly written in "Audacity of Hope".

Many of us who are voting against Byrd, including Black Americans, do so because of his history of associating with bigots of all stripes. Including his friend, Senator Byrd.

[obamaisaho2]

oops, that was meant to say, those of us voting against Obama...not Byrd, but we wouldn''t vote for that son of a biscuit either, especially those of us who were, unlike victicrat boy Obama, involved in the Civil Rights Struggles.

Obviously Obama never heard of the New York Draft Riots of 1863, of Fort Pillow, of Poison Springs, or even of Slavery, otherwise not only would he NOT be a Democrat, he''d be contemptuous, instead of respectful towards Byrd. But what do expect from a stepin fetchit without fetchit''s honesty and talent?

Colin Powell would be someone I could possibly vote for. Not this victicratic little coward and reverse racist.

[clestes-2009]

You gotta be kidding me! In a word, NO it won''t.

People are way more worried about their pocketbook than they are about the color of the next president. The only ones that do care are old and rich, and the rednecks both of which are a minority of the voting population.

[yru_trippin]

It took more than the black vote for Barack to win the nomination since approximately only 1 in 3 blacks are registered to vote.

Perhaps some people don''t want an endless war. Perhaps some people want to their retain their rights to privacy to choose.
Perhaps some people do not believe that the fundamentals of the economy are strong.
Perhaps some people know the definition of fundamental.
Perhaps some people have waited long enough for trickle down economics, but have yet to receive a droplet.

Perhaps when all those things are taken into consideration . . . even if they don''t like blacks for whatever reason . . . they can look beyond the skin and see their needs have a greater chance of being fulfilled under THIS black man.

[vituvingy]

Racism is not an issue! whoever wrote this article is inciting racism in this election, shame on you! You are sponsored by Exxon Mobile and those are the racist!

[seedobecome]

Why ask if prejudice will trump the economy? There is not a person walking or breathing that is not prejudiced toward or against a race, gender, age, culture, color, shape, religion, or any defining characteristic. It is natural; the politically correct war is against nature and the p/c will lose in every election. The voting booth is private so ones vote is not publicly revealed. Privacy is a measure used to encourage the voter to exercise their right. Will prejudice, bigotry, or racism influence this election? Yes and it is the inalienable right of all American citizens. Either way, it is a roll of the dice. The economy? Put a fork in it if you want but it''s done. The mattress is flat, the bank is broke, and the lights are dim. Vote for your perception of the lesser angry or vengeful candidate. Learn to accept the reality that ALL politicians lie; it''s a major prerequisite for success.

[nirak2-2009]

Vituvingy, Don''t underestimate the many Red Necks in your country and there are many who will never vote for a black person as sad as it is.

[bubba31138]

Now we''re being further set up for an Obama defeat and a claim that the loss will be due to racism. With over 90% of blacks supporting Obama, nobody can deny the presence of racism in this election. But in such a favorable climate for Democrats, why else might Obama be faring so poorly? How about because of his lifelong associations with left-wing radicals, urban terrorists, racist ministers, and Chicago political machine hacks? How about the fact that he has the most liberal voting record in Congress? How about the fact that he has not a grain of experience in foreign policy or military affairs?

[nmsuip]

"...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..."

Just as I will not vote for any Republican for President. Especially after the past 8 years.

Funny that Sarah was talking about "noo-kyoo-lur" weapons recently. Evidence that Republicanism is a genetic disorder...?

[im4honesty]

JOHN McCAIN: "I believe the fundamentals of the economy are strong."

THEN THE NEXT DAY:

"Well... I... err... ummm, what I meant was the fundamentals of the economy are the working men and women, and anyone who disagrees with me is against the American worker."

The question is:

ARE YOU STUPID ENOUGH TO VOTE FOR McCAIN/PALIN???

[hypnotoad72]

Is "so-called" used on the battleground states the way others use it on the "war on terror"?

[lanawonders]

I know that there are a lot of decent people out there and I hope they show-up at the voting polls and vote according to what they believe in, and not the candidate''s race....If you vote for someone because of their race, you are disrespecting yourself.

[hypnotoad72]

G.W. Bush''''s real TAX CUTS removed the bottom 45% of American income earners from the Federal Income Tax rolls completely. John McCHANGE promises to continue G.W. Bush''''s real TAX CUTS, Sen. NObama promises to let these TAX CUTS expire and raise taxes on many of the bottom 45% of American income earners.

NOW this is a real fact JACK!!!

Posted by NObama_SUX
----

Do you have any links that mention those cuts?

[stmtraveler]

Can voters believe that a candidate understands them and shares their concerns?
What are their concerns? The issues for USA are poor economy, broken infrastructure, exported professional jobs, lack of medical insurance for many Americans, homelessness, and over burdened borrowing from other nations. Who best understands these issues? Obama.

This is just part of the total answer. The major part is whether many older blue-colored workers, older under-educated women, and fundamentalists Christians can accept a highly qualified part black American as their president.

Since 1950, we Americans have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go to free ourselves from the yoke of our prejudices. If Senator McCain wins this election, it would be greatly the result of our prejudice. If then, we should stop calling ourselves the leader of the free world, when we still have subjugated a major part of our society?

[jeannedlgt]

CBS: You have set up a false choice and your premise is reprehensible. Economic judgment has nothing to do with race. I would vote for Obama in a heartbeat were it not for his economic policies.

The very fact that Wall Street''s political contributors have financially supported Obama''s campaign two-to-one over McCain reflects the heart of our economic crisis.

Why should we trust the judgment of those whose "innovative thinking" got us into this mess, with their insistence that ours is a new economic world in which old cautions don''t apply?

I have no confidence in the judgment of those whose chicanery, rapacity, and lack of common sense created our crisis. Those they favor will get no vote of mine.

[broncfan1661]

As I see it, race is not the main problem that Obama has. It''s his arrogant attitude.
Before the primaries when Hillary was the hands down favorite to become President, The Obama people figured that if the could destroy her as a candidate and win the nomination, he would then be a shoe-in to win the election. What they didn''t take into consideration was that in the process he gained the reputation of being an elitist. With statements like "The uneducated white people" and that they "cling to their guns and religion" he made a bad first impression that is still engraved in peoples minds.
They also didn''t figure on McCain being the formidable opponent that he is.

[missingamerica]

Makes you wonder, when you see posters on CBS using names like "negrovote-".

If that is not an utterly transparent way to say "Subtract/Take the vote away from African-Americans", then CBS and I are both wrong and there IS no prejudice in America.

[ubrew12]

NObama_SUX said: ''Why can''t liberals say: "If you are white and you don''t vote for the black guy, you are a racist POS!!!" Stop the pussyfooting!! "

Because that wouldn''t be true. However, if McCain wins, my opinion is that it''ll be in no small measure because a substantial fraction of the white (and asian and latino) population won''t vote for a black man.... period.

[pastdue1]

People who vote for a person merely because of race, ***, or religion are bigoted. Out of the three reasons, be most afraid of those who vote for a person because of their religion. Faith based politicians have proven to be particularly harmful in a democracy; however, they are particularly valued in a theocracy and often in a dictatorship.

[ubrew12]

dhutch88 said: "my support and my vote is also non-transferable [from Hillary]....I am supporting John McCain and Governor Palin because John McCain has spent his whole life standing up for his country. He has a record of fairness, compassion, responsibility, and giving back. "

Do you think Hillary herself is voting for McCain? And, if you trusted her integrity in these matters, why diss her now??

[jeffrey_schf]

Whoever votes for President because of the color of his or her skin or *** is as American as Osama bin Laden.Sure,it''s a free country and you can vote as you please ,but please vote on the issues, not on some deep-rooted prejudices you''ve may have carried most of your life.Vote for the best candidate,period!