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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
3

White Obama Support Defies Doubters

44% of white voters swing to Obama

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(Newser) – A minority of white voters—44%—are now supporting Barack Obama, but he trails by less than previous Democratic presidential candidates, reports the New York Times, including Bill Clinton. Both the impact of racial attitudes and the proportion of white voters in the electorate have diminished, analysts say. In a recent poll, 80% of whites said an Obama administration would not favor the interests of minorities.

And the Los Angeles Times notes that some white Americans say they're voting for Obama in part because of, not in spite of, his race—seeing it as a vote for diversity, atonement for past treatment of African Americans, and racial healing. It's identity politics, but in reverse, and some conservatives call it a betrayal of the ideal of a colorblind society.

Two supporters join hands as Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Cincinnati.
Two supporters join hands as Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Barack Obama has greater support among white voters than previous Democratic candidates, but that still represents a minority of white voters.
Barack Obama has greater support among white voters than previous Democratic candidates, but that still represents a minority of white voters.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
John McCain takes questions during a town hall event in Peterborough, NH.
John McCain takes questions during a town hall event in Peterborough, NH.   (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
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The most important color is green. When Lehman Bros.  went under, this thing changed dramatically. People are just terrified about their financial futures. - Political reporter Peter Brown

He’s managed to campaign in ways that may not have changed their world view but have allowed them to put those feelings aside. Maybe he has crossed over into Tiger Woods territory. - Pollster Stan Greenberg

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3 comments
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Lula
Nov 3, 08 8:14 AM CST
What difference does the color of his skin make?? I am white and I only see Obama as an honest person who will fight for the middle class, niot the color of his skin. The GOP is racist and bigots. Go vote and make sure it is for the right person. Reply
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Shannonals
Nov 3, 08 6:45 PM CST
Why is it when you have two people of different color runningh for an office it becomes a race issue? Reply
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Fondue
Nov 3, 08 9:33 PM CST
HOPEfully this election will CHANGE all of that. Reply
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