Does Race Matter?

[FunkHouse9]

It's a topic that seems almost taboo to discuss, but nontheless, it will be a factor in this election.

There is talk of the Bradley Effect where people are vocal in their support for a black or other minority candidate, but when it comes time to cast their vote, they can't bring themselves to vote for a black, a woman or whatever. Conversely, there are people who never pretend to support a candidate, but perhaps never make it known that it is because of the individual's race. Also, some people will vote for a candidate strictly because of their race. I'd like to know how many people are personally taking race into consideration for next Tuesday.

This is meant to be an anonymous poll. I'd rather people not vote than lie. Nobody will know you voted unless you choose to add a comment. Since I'm starting the poll, I welcome discussion on the Bradley Effect, etc., but we may as well keep political talk about the candidates in the threads that are already focused on that. I especially don't want any criticism that is race related. I am also not looking for whether people think others will take it into account. This is all about your personal stance.

[Wino you know]

NO.
But there are people who WON'T vote for a candidate because he/she is black, and there are those who WILL only vote for a black person-call it "race guilt", I guess.
Trust me. It exists. Right here on Buffett News.
When ANY candidate says they'll let me keep more of my money, won't appoint any more Ruth Buzzi Ginsbergs to the supreme court, and keep my country safe, there's probably a 99% chance they'll get my vote, I don't care if they're black, white, purple, green, or checkered.

[Cubbie Bear]

Personally, no.

But having lived all over the country while working in baseball I was astounded at how prevelent racism and religious hate still is. A very dear friend of mine from Tennessee said to me after Gore was beaten, having lost his home state, "Honey, you know we love Albert here, but we just couldn't vote for that jew-boy". So bigotry thrives in the land ofthe Free

[alphabits]

How far are they gonna race?

[ph4ever]

Personally, no.

But having lived all over the country while working in baseball I was astounded at how prevelent racism and religious hate still is. A very dear friend of mine from Tennessee said to me after Gore was beaten, having lost his home state, "Honey, you know we love Albert here, but we just couldn't vote for that jew-boy". So bigotry thrives in the land ofthe Free

I have been so shocked at how racist some people up here in the Seattle area are. I always thought of the PNW to be full of liberal opened minded people.

[Capt.Flock]

wonder who is ***ANONYMOUS***

[FunkHouse9]

wonder who is ***ANONYMOUS***

Her real name Anne O. Nymous and here's her photo:

[drunkpirate66]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

[FunkHouse9]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

[alphabits]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

The question isn't a general "does race matter?". It's a personal question ..... is it an influencing factor for YOU when YOU cast your vote.

[Frank4]

A definite no for me on that one....

Although, I do know people who it does play a role for. And it really is rather upsetting. I subscribe to the quote by MLK about his children not being judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Something to be said for that in the year 2008. Unfortunately, for as far as we have come as a society, we still have a long way to go.

[Tiki Bar]

Of course race matters! If there wasn't a race, no one would win!

For me, no.

One of the reasons my 10 year old wants Obama is so we'll have our first black president, though.

Of the people it will affect, I wonder if there will be more for or against?

[drunkpirate66]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

Race influences everything. Whether we choose to admit it or not. If I like the candidate I would vote for an African American so there is your answer but I bet that there are many influenced who don't even realize it.

[Lightning Bolt]

This is an inflammatory question, Funky

I'd challenge anyone who votes YES to have the guts to post on why they use race as a factor.
Or would that simply expose those persons as racists?

...from a few I've read here on BN, over the course of this campaign, it wouldn't surprise me.

[buffettbride]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

Race influences everything. Whether we choose to admit it or not. If I like the candidate I would vote for an African American so there is your answer but I bet that there are many influenced who don't even realize it.

I agree with that. Race isn't determining how I vote, but it is certainly influencing the race. In both ways, because of negative racism and in positive ways by getting populations who might not otherwise be voting, to vote.

Regardless, it's one of those elections people really have to think about what their core values are--even if those core values mean not wanting a black man in the white house. I can't say I agree with that, but this election is providing an opportunity for people to tell us how they really feel.

[TommyBahama]

not to me...but to a lot it will!!....i just don't trust the guy!!!

[krusin1]

anyone who thinks race (or gender) doesn't matter is lying to themself. if the question was "should race matter" I would answer "no". But "does race matter" hell f'n yeah it does all over the world. don't kid or lie to yourself.

Obviously race is going to play a role. I was trying to find a pretty clear way to ask if the racial factor is enough to sway someone's vote this time around.

Race influences everything. Whether we choose to admit it or not. If I like the candidate I would vote for an African American so there is your answer but I bet that there are many influenced who don't even realize it.

From my experience/perspective, this is largely a generational thing...

In my (limited) experience, those who think race does matter are usually Boomer generation or older. Please know - I am NOT saying that race matters to all, or even many, Boomers. Just that when somebody says it matters, they're usually from the older generations.

On the flip side, for Gen X and Millennials, race seems pretty much irrelevant.

(I KNOW - there are ALWAYS exceptions.)

Again, in my (limited) experience, there seems to be a line drawn at whether or not you're old enough to remember the major actions of the civil rights movements (1960s.)

Something to think about... maybe hope for the future?

[spartan1979]

I've already voted for Obama, so I guess the answer is no.

But I'm disappointed the Democrats gave me a choice between two polarizing candidates in an election that should have been a slam-dunk. Both Democratic candidates carried baggage (through no fault of their own) that alienates part of the populace. So I guess I'm saying that I would have preferred a white, male Democratic candidate. So maybe race is an issue, but for pragmatic (hopefully) reasons rather than prejudice.

But two of my neighbors openly say they won't vote for Obama because he is black (although that's not how they put it). If Hillary was running, they probably would have voted for her. I refuse to discuss politics with them because there is no way you can change someone's mind when their decision is made on such basis.

[TommyBahama]

I've already voted for Obama, so I guess the answer is no.

But I'm disappointed the Democrats gave me a choice between two polarizing candidates in an election that should have been a slam-dunk. Both Democratic candidates carried baggage (through no fault of their own) that alienates part of the populace. So I guess I'm saying that I would have preferred a white, male Democratic candidate. So maybe race is an issue, but for pragmatic (hopefully) reasons rather than prejudice.

But two of my neighbors openly say they won't vote for Obama because he is black (although that's not how they put it). If Hillary was running, they probably would have voted for her. I refuse to discuss politics with them because there is no way you can change someone's mind when their decision is made on such basis.

i had 2 people say that to me today also!!!....he also said don't you think the blacks are thinking the same way!!!....it's a shame thats how someone would vote!!

[Tiki Bar]

This is an inflammatory question, Funky

I'd challenge anyone who votes YES to have the guts to post on why they use race as a factor.

Is it inflammatory and racist if you were undecided, so you think it would be cool to see the 1st black US president?