Obama - Not supporting him makes me racist?

Question

Why do I keep hearing that Obama can't be elected because the US is too racist? Isn't it possible that a lot of us just don't agree with his policies? His color means nothing to me, yet when he loses, it will be because people like me just aren't ready for a black president?

And the same goes for Hillary. I don't hate her because she's a woman, I hate her because she's Hillary.

Answer 1

Not supporting him because of his policies is different from not supporting him because he's black.

Some people suggest that he can't win because he's black, but even if that were true, that doesn't mean that everyone who voted against him is racist.

I'm a full fledged Obamaniac and even I know that.

It's not people like you specifically, but there are people who won't vote for a black president. Like it or not there is racism in this country. And there will be plenty of people who don't vote for him because of his policies, but there will be some that don't vote for him because he's black. When people say that he won't win because the US is too racist, they don't mean to imply that everyone who doesn't vote for him is racist. Look at the last couple of elections. They've been really really close, and if a small minority of racists get out to vote just to vote against Obama, then they could conceivably cost him the race.

It's not everybody, but in the neck and neck world of national politics, it could be enough to stop him from getting elected.

Answer 2

From an old 50 year old woman I say "Here-here!" to you, (which is a good thing.) I believe the pendulum has swung to far the other way from what it was in my youth. I completely agree with you. I'm NOT racist. I love that Obama is a fresh voice with new ideas. I like that he has interested the younger generation with his views. He is not a candidate for me, but it is NOT due to the color of his skin. I just don't agree with his views. The same with Hillary. Her views are not mine. (I wonder how she could be so oblivious to her husbands 'indiscretions) I would consider voting for Condoleeza Rice, because she seems level headed and has experience as politician ... and ... OMG ... she's a woman and ... BLACK. I feel Americans need to be able to get back to the basics, say what we feel, and not worry about every tiny thing we do offending someone.

Answer 3

I agree with what you're saying, not supporting Obama doesn't mean you're a racist by any means. But many who say that Obama may have difficulty being elected due to his race are not insulting those who don't support him, but merely pointing out the extremely sad fact that America may not be ready for a black president, as racism still exists to a large degree. This isn't casting any aspersions onto those who are against him due to his policies, though. And anyone who tries to use your lack of support for him as a means to mark you as a racist are only displaying their own racist tendencies.

Answer 4

You don't, but some do. The idea is that maybe about 5% of the population wouldn't vote for a black person or a woman just because of those facts, and not based on the person. And as evidence by the last two elections (very close), if 5% of the population won't vote for them for those reasons, basically they can't get elected.

I just made up that 5% figure for an example purpose.

Answer 5

If you attended public schools in the United States between 1920 and 2007 and you are white, then you are a racist. Admitting it is the first step. It's not your fault, and you can work and strive your entire life to get over it, but racism is indoctrinated into us in this country by the way we are educated.
To answer your specific question: of course you can not support Obama just because you don't like his politics, but you're probably right: if he loses everyone will say "it's because he's black" or "America's not ready for a black president". Again, an example of racism in America. The media can't think of anything substantive to say about the man other than "he's black".

Answer 6

His color means nothing to you, but that doesn't mean the country isn't too racist. If there is a sufficient number of racist voters, then he can't get voted in.

However if people use it to imply that any normal person would vote for him then they are just being unfair, trying to use guilt to influence you. That is what politicians always do.

If you look closely, you'll see that all politicians are the same, they use the same tricks.

Answer 7

Why non support would make me a racist. For crying out loud this is 2007, not 1860, the war is over, we try and try to judge men as men but the Al Sharptons and the Jesse Jacksons will not allow it as soon as you say anything you are a racist.

The MAN Obama is ultra liberal, he will be BAD for you, me and the rest of the country

Answer 8

It's a double edge sword...no matter how you look at it, if he doesn't win, the NAACP will say because he's black. I could care less; to me, all politicians are lying crooks who want nothing better than the 6 figure income and retirement package that comes with serving one term...not to mention working less than 6 months of the year. The US is racist because people are to arrogant and idioic to accept change and learn to live with one another. If you want to see racist, go to Iraq. At least in the US, I won't be assassinated for my beliefs.

Answer 9

I don't think so. Not supporting him doesn't makes you a racist. It means that there is much better candidate for the president. I think America is not ready to have a black president.

Answer 10

you are not racist but here is the comment of thewilds01:

Do you support Barack Obama for the Democratic candidacy?:

I'm white and I vote white only.


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It is people like this that makes one believe that it may not happen. But the truth is secretly I believe in the impossible happening.