Tristan, for the record, I agree with you. There is a different perception of light skin black men vs. darker skin ones. Just as there are different perceptions of taller people vs. short ones. Obama being a rather tall thin light complected black man gives him a huge edge over a shorter dark skinned one.

Well, after shitheads like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, it's no wonder that some people are squimish about a black president.

So, can a white candidate serve the black community as well as a black candidate? I think the black community feels like it has been left out in the cold for too long, as if it has no say. Whereas I realize that blacks only make up about 13-15% of the total population, I sincerely feel it is an important part of our society and culture. We would not be the nation we are today if not for the contributions of our black citizens. So I ask you, again, does race matter?

I think that it might - MIGHT - be an advantage. An advantage for a well-qualified candidate. I think that the majority of Americans will bend over backwards to NOT be racist. I think if there are two candidates of EQUAL qualifications, personality, etc., the black candidate might actually have a bit of an edge.

I also think it's important to have a black president for our society. I believe it will go a long way in making whites and hispanics and asians see black people from a different point of view.

Moreover, might it not also serve to prove that minorities really do have a strong chance to 'make it' in this country. I think a minority president would be a huge benefit, socially, for our nation. Although, it is hardly a good reason to vote for some one. I would never vote based solely on race...

They are going to continue to pound on Obama's "inexperience". I think it is a wise thing he is doing by taking a proactive stance to foreign policy. Democrats have been making the mistake of thinking that the republicans follies would be enough to sway people towards democrats when all they really want is a clear direction forward.

I consider Obama's inexperience to be his best asset... He's not yet completely corrupted by the system. We need fresh thought.

Tad, you're thinking reflects my own in regards to Obama.

It seems to me that if the old way isn't working, it's time to try something new...

Good point. I like the "outsider" factor as well but I fear that Obama will succumb to the old way of things in Washington. I fear this because I think the job that needs to be done is bigger than one man. It requires an entire 3rd party behind said man.