A Matter of Race

Could Attitudes On Skin Color, Not Issues Still Decide The Presidential Contest? Experts Debate What Voters May Truly Feel

(CBS)  Could a matter of race decide the Presidential election? Few voters are willing to say so out loud. But what are they thinking in private? Our cover story is reported now by Bill Whitaker:

---

It's the vexing issue hiding in plain sight.

"I know there are some people who won't vote for me because I'm black, and that's ok," said Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Even as the economy seems to be in freefall, as Americans grapple with whether to vote for Obama, the first African American presidential nominee, or his Republican opponent, John McCain, it's a decision unavoidably colored by race, whether we like it - whether we admit it - or not.

When asked if race will affect a voter's decision, some say it is unavoidable, and that there are some voters who - issues aside - just aren’t ready to cross that racial divide at the polling booth.

Barack Obama, the son of a white American mother and a black father from Kenya, says his race is not an issue for him.

"I self-identify as African American. That's how I'm treated and that's how I'm viewed, and I'm proud of it."

But his race is an issue for some Americans.

"I don't want to say I'm prejudiced or anything, but for one, I'm not going to, I don't want to vote for a colored man to be our president," said one voter.

"There are a group of people who will never, ever vote for Barack Obama," said Melissa Harris-Lacewell, a professor of politics and African American studies at Princeton University, and an Obama supporter.

"On the other extreme there are a group of white voters who are beside themselves with excitement about the idea of being in a multi-racial coalition led by a black candidate,' she said. "Then there is the vast middle. That group of voters are really the people that the Obama campaign is worried about making sure that the strategy is one about policy, about issues, about positions and not about questions of race."

Joe Trippi, a Democratic political consultant and an analyst for CBS News, says that Obama is running to be America's president, "not African-America's president or White-America's president, but everybody's president.

"And any time he gets sidetracked into defending or bringing up race, it doesn't help him."

In fact, race is a political hot potato that burns anyone who gets close. When Hillary Clinton said she more than Obama appealed to "hard-working Americans, white Americans," she was accused of exploiting the racial divide. When Sarah Palin tells her crowds Obama doesn't see America like they do, she says she means he's an elitist. Others hear racial code words.

… as when he is referred to at GOP rallies as "Barack Hussein Obama."

And when Obama said Republicans were trying to make voters afraid of him - remarking that the Democrat "doesn't look like all the other presidents on the dollar bill" - the McCain camp accused him of playing the race card.

Dan Bartlett, former counselor to President George W. Bush, now a CBS News political analyst, says the McCain campaign knows the boundaries.

"They've learned the lesson from the primary process with Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton," Bartlett said. "And I think it's a simple lesson, that nothing really good comes out of even going up to the line, so to speak."

"But many whites thought the lines was crossed by the blistering language of Obama's former minister, The Reverend Jeremiah Wright - comments Obama said were not only wrong but divisive.

It forced the Senator from Illinois to tackle race in America head-on, in a speech last March in Philadelphia where he said, " I have asserted a firm conviction - a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people - that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union."

But that might be easier said than done.

For 10 years University of Washington social psychologist Anthony Greenwald has been studying "implicit bias," or unconscious attitudes. They don't control behavior, but they lurk in all of us.

Greenwald teases them out of the mind's deep recesses with a test (left) measuring rapid responses to flashing images. When it comes to Americans' attitudes on race, he found a widespread preference for whites.

"We find that 75% or so have this preference for white relative to black," Greenwald said.

What does that mean for the election?

"When voters are undecided, our test can pick up something that will predict how they will vote," he said.

David Sears, who studies polls at UCLA, has seen something similar. He calls it racial resentment - the belief of some whites that blacks complain too much, or don't try hard enough - attitudes they take into the voting booth.

"It turns out to be one of the strongest predictors of preference between Obama and McCain," Sears said. "I think there's reason to believe that Obama's not doing as well as a comparable white Democrat would do."

Still, Obama is ahead in the polls.

To Californians with long memories, it all sounds familiar. When Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley ran for governor in 1982, it appeared he was certain to become California's first black chief executive; the last polls had him up 10 points. Yet, he lost.

Joe Trippi was Bradley's deputy campaign manager.

"It was probably the most crushing defeat I've been part of."

"It gave us the term "the Bradley Effect" - the assumption that when it comes to black candidates, polls (or rather people who talk to pollsters) lie, fearing they'll be seen as bigots.

When Douglas Wilder ran for governor of Virginia in 1989 he was up 9 points, but squeaked to victory by less than one point.

What about Obama?

"The country has come a hell of a long way," Trippi said. "I think it's a mistake to think that there'll be any kind of big surprise like there was in the Bradley campaign in 1982. But I also think it'd be a mistake to say, 'It's all gone.'"

CBS pollster Kathleen Frankovic doesn't see it any more. In recent elections with black candidates - Deval Patrick's winning governor's race in Massachusetts, in Tennessee, Harold Ford losing his run for the Senate, both in 2006 - the polls were right-on.

"I really do believe that the so-called Bradley effect is an artifact of a certain place and a certain time," she said. "It's an artifact of the 1980s."

What's new? Frankovic says high-ranking blacks in the Bush White House have gotten Americans used to blacks in positions of authority.

Even pop culture has helped Americans entertain the idea of a black commander-in-chief.

Strong, successful black presidents in movies (Morgan Freeman in "Deep Impact") and TV shows (Dennis Haysbert in "24") may have set the stage.

fictionalized media allow us to try things on for size.

UCLA sociology professor Darnell Hunt, who has done research on race and the media, says fictionalized media "allow us to try things on for size.

"The media are pretty good at normalizing things, and if people see it enough in the media, suddenly it seems like something that, yeah, this can happen."

But this is the real world, with real world issues: two foreign wars, and an economy in deep crisis.

So what do voters say?

"But we've never had a black president before, so … (shrugs her shoulders)"

"I hope that people will get past race and just figure out which one of these guys is most, would be the best candidate for this country. This should supersede race."

"I don't care if he's green, white, black or purple - it doesn't matter, if they can perform and do the job, it doesn't matter to me."

[darrren12000]

This is the 20,000,000,000 article on race written by the mainstream media. You want to know why? Studies show that if people are asked to examine whether they would view someone the same if he were not white, black, etc, then you can isolate the few in the pack who harbor racial prejudice and get them to rethink their position. The media are doing this to help Obama, yet again.

[hypnotoad72]

The fact Obama chose Biden, an old white guy, should quell those who think Obama will turn to the New Black Panthers, insane looney pastors, and others who hate America.

If Nixon could go to China (remember, that was the cold war, they financed the Viet Cong, and China sided with Enemy #1: the USSR) then Obama has the right to listen to anyone he wants. That''s part of the base concept OF diplomacy; to listen to many points of view. That doesn''t mean he''s a traitor or turncoat... oh, and if he was he''d have been imprisoned as such by now.

[maudetalk]

want to comment on the recent news yesterday in which McCain lambasted Lewis for connecting McCain''s action with Wallace and racism. First, I absolutely agree that McCain''s and Palin''s actions go beyond ugly, they are not veiled racism, they are blatant attempts at inciting hatred and violence. Their words were clear and the response from the crowd was a direct response to their tone. I just last week finished visiting the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis; the parallel to the code language, attempts to disenfranchise voters, and veiled and obvious threats are unmistakable. I was pleased that Lewis stood up and said what he did; it was an accurate and fair comment for reviewing a candidate''s action. For McCain to retaliate in an hysteric mode that he was the one "hurt" by the language was unacceptable. McCain''s very reaction reinforces his hegemonic ideas that he "as a while male" can say what ever he wants with no repercussions. It is unacceptable that the candidate for president would ascribe to such devisive, hate mongering behavior. I applaud Lewis for his comment and encourge others to take a stand--just like in Memphis. There is a time to stand together and stop racism. We are a country of diversity and we are richer for it.

[spareme07]

This IS about race. It is about African Americans voting for Obama simply because he IS black. Oprah said it, many many other have said it. But of course you won''t go there!! How staus quo.
I won''t vote for him simply because of the socialist values. Period. Now blame it on race!

[allypally91]

After watching this story this morning, my first thought is what about all of the people who are going to vote for Obama for the sheer fact that he is black!

[allypally91]

After watching this story this morning, my first thought is what about all of the people who are going to vote for Obama for the sheer fact that he is black!

[allypally91]

After watching this story this morning, my first thought is what about all of the people who are going to vote for Obama for the sheer fact that he is black!

[openmind4us]

Interesting topic.

I sadly agree that some people will not vote for Obama simply because of the color of his skin. There is another question, however, that I haven''t heard anyone mention.....how many people will vote FOR Obama SOLELY because of the color of his skin?

In my opinion, both stances are equally wrong, yet for some reason only one of them is being discussed. Why?

[mgpm-2009]

I''m not proud of it, but I have relatives and know people who will not vote for Obama because he is black. The same ones didn''t like Hillary because she was a woman. These attitudes do exist in our culture and talking about them isn''t "racist" or playing the race card.

Darren, and Charlie---Obama doesn''t need any help from the media. Just like when Bill Clinton won, "It''s the economy, stupid!" Obama will win because McCain is saddled with this economy his party had a large measure in creating, and the totally disasterous presidency of George W Bush. It would be nearly impossible for a Republican to win, in fact I find it hard to believe anyone of conscience would or could vote republican this time. Unbridled corporate greed, an unjustified war that has killed more Americans than the 9/11 attacks, no significant action on Roe V Wade---if I were a republican I''d be looking to start a new party.

[allypally91]

After watching this story this morning, my first thought is what about all of the people who are going to vote for Obama for the sheer fact that he is black!

[soremeat]

How do you settle the "financial crisis" ? We could throw 100s of BILLIONS at the rich and hope the big companies pull through with $400,000 massages at resorts.

Or we could for about 200MILLION give every adult American a million dollars, require they pay off their home loan first, buy a new American made car, pay off one credit card, and eat out at least one night a week for a month. That would take about 200 million bucks, solve the housing problems of every one but those who thought they need to live in a house that cost over a million. Save GM, Ford, and Chrysler from failure. Put college kids to work as waiters. And leave a few bucks left over to put in the bank for middle class people.


Problems solved, every one happy, except Washington politicians and super rich, stuff shirts, whose passed down family fortunes will lose value.

Dang that was easy.

[thomderr]

Yes, I am still undecided.

Obama will most certainly tax big corporations however, can they now afford that tax?

How much of the downfall in the stock markets is due to funding housing to low income families that couldn''t afford the inflated rates anyway?

Will McCain continue the irreverant spending the president has proven over the last eight years? We can''t get an honest answer.

Race has no issue with me.

I think that I have to find an unbiased Washington economist.

Whish me luck!

[wolf8den8]

I agree that race is playing and will play a big part in the presidential election, but it is not in the way most people think. I think ALOT of people are going to vote for him because he is black, not the other way around. I know alot of people, in particular african americans that I know, who are conservative on social issues, but are voting for Obama because he is black despite his liberal ideas. So race is an issue, just not in a negative way like the media is portraying it.

[allypally91]

After watching this story this morning, my first thought is what about all of the people who are going to vote for Obama for the sheer fact that he is black!

[gyokie]

The segment of the story where the narrator said,"It gave us the term "the Bradley Effect" - the assumption that when it comes to black candidates, polls (or rather people who talk to pollsters) lie, fearing they''ll be seen as bigots," should have ended with the clause, "...fearing they''ll be seen for the bigots they are."

[creeper00]

R@cism in this campaign cuts both ways.

I''ve gone from an enthusiastic Obama supporter in 2004 to praying he does not win. That change in support has nothing to do with the color of Barack Obama''s skin and everything to do with the content of his character. Now I''m labeled a "r@cist" by online supporters who can''t tolerate the idea that any Democrat would vote against him.

If whites are "r@cist" because they will not vote for Barack Obama, what are blacks...who support him to the tune of 94%?

[davidy007]

Interesting topic.

I sadly agree that some people will not vote for Obama simply because of the color of his skin. There is another question, however, that I haven''''t heard anyone mention.....how many people will vote FOR Obama SOLELY because of the color of his skin?

In my opinion, both stances are equally wrong, yet for some reason only one of them is being discussed. Why?


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Posted by OpenMInd4US


Totally agree...its going both ways....

[gyokie]

The segment of the story where the narrator said,"It gave us the term "the Bradley Effect" - the assumption that when it comes to black candidates, polls (or rather people who talk to pollsters) lie, fearing they''ll be seen as bigots," should have ended with the clause, "...fearing they''ll be seen for the bigots they are."

[wolf8den8]

mgpm:
So your view is vote for him because he''s a democrat, I really hate it when people stick so firmly to party lines that they refuse to see the specific issues a candidate represents. Also let''s not forget to mention that for 2 years now we have had a democratic Congress, who have done nothing about the big issues they complained so much about. Also, just because George W. Bush was republican, doesn;t mean McCain will follow the Bush doctrine and it doesn''t mean Obama will completely change everything either. I think everyone needs to quit looking at parties and look at issues, then make a decision.

[america336]

The comments have been made, now it is up to the liberal media, if they are really trying to get to the "truth" to find out and report on the people that are going to vote for Obama because he is black. That black person, of which I''m sure there are millions, is a racist if that is there sole reason for casting their ballot for Obama. Why can countless black people get on the air and call McCain a racist, and that they are proud to support Obama and anyone that is white and supports McCain, even if not overtly, is considered a racist?

[jimesmith2]

I''m a native Southerner and a staunch Republican -- at least I thought I was. But, watching Palin and McCain this past week has been an eye-opening experience for me -- and not one I am proud of. I took solace that McCain finally spoke up. Up until then, if they were not being racists, they were certainly getting close to "talking the talk".

Let''s be honest, there is racism happening here in our midst. I grew up surrounded in racism. As much as I wish I wasn''t, I''m probably a racist myself, albeit an uncomfortable one at best. I email and forward all of the racial jokes and have no problem talking about my racism and fears and loathing of people of color within my own family.

Even with my racism, I understand that hate-filled langauge or race bating in the 21st century is dishonest and lowly and has no place in the public discourse or government. I want my government and officials to be bigger-minded than me. Plus, I don''t like these lines being crossed and played out by my own party. If we are not a racist party, we are exhibiting a reckless disregard with our acceptance of such race-bating speech. I''m not ready to sacrifice the Republican brand on the behalf of Governor Palin or using racism to extract a win in this election. The means do not justify the end in this case. We should be careful not to quack like a duck if we don''t want to be seen as one.

[surf723]

Nice plug for Obama, even ahead in the polls he continue to be assisted by the media.

I will not vote for Obama because he is far too left and inexperience. Not his race. But how many will vote for him because of his race?

How many will not vote for McCain because of his race that he is not black but white? How many will not vote for McCain because Palin is a woman and good looking? I guess she can''t be intelligent and good looking or maybe she it is because she is not part of the Washington group.

There is so much more prejudice than just race.

[hawksprings]

soremeat
You must have gone to public skool. Your math is way off.


But back to the story...
So it just CAN"T be that some of us would never support Obama because he''s a flaming liberal? One of the most liberal senators in the senate.
It just CAN''T be that reason, can it.

[surf723]

Nice plug for Obama, even ahead in the polls he continue to be assisted by the media.

I will not vote for Obama because he is far too left and inexperience. Not his race. But how many will vote for him because of his race?

How many will not vote for McCain because of his race that he is not black but white? How many will not vote for McCain because Palin is a woman and good looking? I guess she can''t be intelligent and good looking or maybe she it is because she is not part of the Washington group.

There is so much more prejudice than just race.

[jimesmith2]

In reading all these comments made by fellow Republicans, it is saddening. As I said in my original post, I want my government to be bigger than me -- to be devoid of racism or bias. I do not want my government to reflect any of the nasty things posted on here. I also feel that the Republican party is tarnished by such blatant racism and feel that millions of us feel left out in the cold by a party that has been hijacked by extremism.

[bobbyfletch]

Racism? During the Democratic Primary, 90% of black voters voted against the white candidate (i.e. 90% of black voters voted for Obama), while about half of white voters supported the black candidate . . .

Your piece talked all about white racism. Given the facts of the above voting statistics, let''s have a conversation about where the REAL racism lies here . . .

[kristk68]

you not dont really need a any massive sense to reason this out. some white will not and will not vote for Obama simply beasue he is not white enough. simple. That is the fact live with it.Racism will still live with us just like sin. They could christian pastor but still racist. that is the fact.get on with your life.

[gyokie]

White folks gettin'' a real warm glow being able to call someone ELSE a racist. Must have been absent from school the day they discussed dominant culture or white privilege.

[marshall65]

I''m white and voting for Obama. I think the media is hyping this just to get a rise and very few people will actually say they''re voting for one person and vote for another on a race basis. They may do so to avoid family conflicts politically, but not race. But a number of people are correct when they write that the reverse will occur in terms of Blacks not voting for McCain. That seemed apparent during the primaries when the majority of Blacks who had supported Clinton suddenly swung to Obama. That had nothing to do with politics. However, it was understandable. How long have Blacks waited for one of their own to have an opportunity to run for president? Moreover, there are a considerable number of Whites who will for for McCain for no other reason than he is White.

[bobbyfletch]

Racism? During the Democratic Primary, 90% of black voters voted against the white candidate (i.e. 90% of black voters voted for Obama), while about half of white voters supported the black candidate . . .

Your piece talked all about white racism. Given the facts of the above voting statistics, let''s have a conversation about where the REAL racism lies here . . .

[jimesmith2]

This isn''t intellectual discourse, it''s vile and disgusting -- and boring. Ignorance is not a trait that you should be so proud to exhibit in public as many of you are doing.

[marshall65]

"Im Barack Hussein Obama, and I will talk, if elected, with a lot of fanatical terrorists and I approved this message."........Whoever put this up is scary. A remnant of the KKK mindset-NAZI skinhead type. You''re not American. People like you lived in Nazi Germany and turned their Jewish neighbors in to the Gestapo. Sick in the head chump!

[cjf1960]

I am an Ohio conservative. I voted for Ken Blackwell, who is African-American, to be my governor because he is a conservative. Unfortunately, he lost.
Our local newspaper, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, published a poll a couple of weeks ago that showed that 0% (that''s zero %!) of African-Americans are planning to vote for Senator McCain.
Tell me who''s racist now?!?

[kristk68]

you not dont really need a any massive sense to reason this out. It is simply in the blood.some white will not and will not vote for Obama simply beasue he is not white enough. simple. That is the fact live with it.Racism will still live with us just like sin. They could christian pastor but still racist. that is the fact.get on with your life.

[charpayton]

If Obama weren''t a racist, I wouldn''t hate him so badly. But because he has a deep and outspoken hatred for anyone who isn''t black disqualifies him as a candidate to lead our diverse country.

[jckbrn-2009]

Another carefully crafted media piece - - - slanted and biased ! ! ! !
No comment, no consideraton, no analysis about "black for black sake" or "black against white" without merit. Racism is alive and well because of those "hyphenated American" attitudes and behaviors.
This financial crisis is based on "giving" unearned credit to "minorities" - check the statements in law ! !
Never has so much been "given" to so many with so little appreciation and gratitude. The civil rights movement started with the effort to achieve equal opportunity and has become an effort for control and superiority. And the process is "by any means available" whether legal and proper or not. It''s taught in the churches and schools and on the streets.
But then - - who needs to know the ramifications - let the fools who pay the taxes fund the bailout later. Vote for "MY MAN" regardless of qualifications - - "he''s got great new ideas"
And there is no end to it - -

[surf723]

Very interesting that we need to announce our own race when stating who we vote for....hmmmm

I am white and voting for......

It should not matter. Issues matter. Do you know what your candidate has accomplished as your senator? What he has voted on or opposed? What are his political accomplishments? Does he have a track record of being a leader or a follower. Who are his friends and associates? Look there.

[nativewoman]

you not dont really need a any massive sense to reason this out. some white will not and will not vote for Obama simply beasue he is not white enough. Posted by kristk68 at 09:42 AM : Oct 12, 2008

What???

[ljb6599]

look---....You really like enphasize his middle name!Interesting???

[tfheringer]

"Joe Trippi, a Democratic political consultant and an analyst for CBS News, says that Obama is running to be America''s president, "not African-America''s president or White-America''s president, but everybody''s president." He says he wants to be everybody''s president problem is that is near to impossible and not just because of race. This country is in such of a termoil today, that it is impossible to unite America. In fact, it not only is impossible to unite America completely right now, but Obama will divide America. He will divide it not only because of race, but because of his over riding social views. Obama is a socialist and a baby killer anyone with their minds intact will not vote for him. He is 100% pure Democrat that by itself is reason enough for me to not vote for him. However, I am not going to vote for him, but will not consider him as my president if he wins. If I were to make a prophecy in this area it would be that Obama will cause a second American Civil War one that will make the first one seem like a walk in the park. Personally, I do not know what I will do if this happens, but at the very least I will be neutral.

[chalres-2009]

I give! Why vote for a smart Black guy? No, let''s vote for a white guy just because he is white. Just think we can get more of the same republican philosophy, since that is working so well for you.

[republic1776]

Why don''t we just get this race stuff over with.
Let''s run a redneck pig against a black man.
The black man will win.
Blacks are more racist than whites.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Tell me who''''s racist now?!?" Posted by cjf1960

If you can first explain why any self respecting "Black" American should vote for the party that has been the home of the kkk, aryan nations, Pat Robertson, Pat Buchanan, David Duke, Novak, Bush, Cheney, and so many others who advocate intolerance, and otherwise have demonstrated a clear, baseless and unshakeable hatred towards us, and how refusing to support such people is racist.

[kristk68]

you not dont really need a any massive sense to reason this out. It is simply in the blood.some white will not and will not vote for Obama simply beasue he is not white enough. simple. That is the fact live with it.Racism will still live with us just like sin. They could christian pastor but still racist. that is the fact.get on with your life.

Some of these guys talking Obama not experience is a cover up. This is they say, I am not racist, i respect Obama.I am not against blacks, white or what ever race on erath but i think Obama is not qualified.Who is qualified? If Obama is not qulaified Mccain is not anyway near the post of the president.

[timesupreps]

Hitler came to power under the same fear and disguise as Bush did and McSame and Palin are trying to do. Hitler came as the savior for the Christian faith and white race and said they were all in danger of being forced out. The masses believed he was right, he convinced them they were in danger. The scary thing is, the people supporting McSAME are saying the exact same things that Hitler said to his followers. He fed into fear, racism, hatred and religious beliefs to gain power.. SOUND FAMILIAR. Hitler is alive in the US and they call themselves Republicans!

[kristk68]

you not dont really need a any massive sense to reason this out. It is simply in the blood.some white will not and will not vote for Obama simply beasue he is not white enough. simple. That is the fact live with it.Racism will still live with us just like sin. They could christian pastor but still racist. that is the fact.get on with your life.
Ask any white preacher and will tell you the truth.They simply not comfortable about Obama presidency. If they could they will smear Obama as the anti Christ

[brianbwb-2009]

"Obamas own words America!" Posted by LOOK---

Your lie is challenged, if you cannot reference the exact quote in which the words you posted appear, then you prove yourself to be a liar, as they are not Mr. Obama''s words, but your own.

[ljb6599]

look----Hussein!You really love saying his last name.What does that do for you???He is an Arab right???McCain told a woman in his audience that she was flat wrong! Where does that leave you??

[jckbrn-2009]

AMEN jimesmith2 - - you are absolutely on the mark ! !

This isn''''t intellectual discourse, it''''s vile and disgusting -- and boring. Ignorance is not a trait that you should be so proud to exhibit in public as many of you are doing.


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Posted by jimesmith2 at 09:45 AM : Oct 12, 2

[bogusbones]

it is doubtful we will ever truly escape racism. unfortnately it is truly ingrained into the American culture (or lack thereof.) when racism is brought to the forefront by political operatives, that is when it becomes a more prominent issue. the times we are facing are the worst since the depression, wwII era. we need a leader, black, white or green, who cares.

we still have three weeks until the election. the hate will continue to spew forth. for those who think obama is a radical muslim, please learn to read. wasn''t mccain in a COMMUNIST prison for five years? couldn''t he have been brainwashed? these two statements lend themselves to the preposterous accusations made by hate mongering racists.