Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama: Can He Make White Men Jump?

Failure to woo subset turned key states to Hillary, pundits say

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 17, 2008 8:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – White men have become key swing voters in the Democratic race, the Washington Post reports, and Barack Obama has failed to woo them. His success with the subset in Wisconsin and Virginia was a major breakthrough, pundits say, but he couldn't make white men jump in Texas and Ohio—turning the crucial states to Hillary Clinton and reviving her campaign.

The Illinois senator wins fewer white votes in states with large minority populations, where racial tensions may be higher. An Obama adviser said he sees the split but is uncertain how concerned to be. "It bears some closer examination," he said. "I think for older voters, it's more of a leap than for younger voters. But I don't think it's an insuperable barrier."

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., holds a baby as he works the rope line following his address during a rally Monday, March 3, 2008, in Houston.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., holds a baby as he works the rope line following his address during a rally Monday, March 3, 2008, in Houston.   (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, addresses an audience during a campaign event as Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., left, and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, right, look on in Boston, late Monday, Feb. 4, 2008.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, addresses an audience during a campaign event as Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., left, and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President...   (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Supporters cheer Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., as he speaks at rally at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., Friday, March 7, 2008.
Supporters cheer Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., as he speaks at rally at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., Friday, March 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

McCain Needs Clinton-Style Rebranding

...And 5 in Oregon

Oregon Demographics Typify Dem Divide

Is Obama Playing It Too Safe? Is Clinton Really Finished?

Edwards' Endorsement Is No Game-Changer


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne