Obama Success Rewrites the Rules on Race

In the fact of Barack's campaign, some already see a victory

By Zach Samalin, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2007 9:30 AM CST

(Newser) – With only three black US Senators and two black governors elected since Reconstruction, and the vast majority of black politicians representing predominately black communities, veteran race watchers anticipated another decade before a candidate of color could be a top contender for the Oval Office. But that was before Obama. The Washington Post examines how Barack's unprecedented crossover success has changed thinking among black political leaders.

Jesse Jackson, who carried 13 primaries and caucuses when he ran in 1988, says Obama's success reveals more about white Americans than black: "We have not changed, African Americans. White America is changing, in many ways. There is, in a real sense today, a new generation of possibilities."

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks at a campaign event Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, in Mason City, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson are seen at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Awards Breakfast in Chicago in this Jan. 15, 2007 photo.... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., shows reporters that he is paying cash at a Hy_Vee grocery story, while checking out after buying fruit and cookies Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007,... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., acknowledges applause as he arrives for a campaign event in Mason City, Iowa, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

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Obama Success Rewrites the Rules on Race

In the fact of Barack's campaign, some already see a victory

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The Civil War Ended Last Night; Time for Reconstruction

Already a historic prez, Obama can be great

An Obama Win Would Belong to LBJ

Run is confirmation of slow change since Civil Rights Act

Jesse to Hill, Barack: Make Nice

Get ready to come together in November—or else, he warns

Obama's Race a Plus, for White Voters

Yet black voters prefer Hillary by almost 10 points, suspicious of his white appeal

Democrats Lead the Way in Voter Registration

Obama's 2008 effort gives party an edge in 2010 Senate races

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Obama Success Rewrites the Rules on Race

In the fact of Barack's campaign, some already see a victory

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Jesse Jackson • race relations • Obama 2008 • Election 2008

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

The Civil War Ended Last Night; Time for Reconstruction

Already a historic prez, Obama can be great

An Obama Win Would Belong to LBJ

Run is confirmation of slow change since Civil Rights Act

Jesse to Hill, Barack: Make Nice

Get ready to come together in November—or else, he warns

Obama's Race a Plus, for White Voters

Yet black voters prefer Hillary by almost 10 points, suspicious of his white appeal

Democrats Lead the Way in Voter Registration

Obama's 2008 effort gives party an edge in 2010 Senate races

About Us

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Newser By Users

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More News

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