Obama seeks to settle racial doubts

Transcending race?
Michael Fauntroy, who teaches political science at George Mason University in Virginia and is the author of the new book, Republicans and the Black Vote, said, “In the wider American society, there are some African-Americans, Michael Jordan for example, who are seen as transcending race and, for lack of better phrase, ‘don’t scare white people.’”

Obama fits in that category, he said.

Apart from the color of skin, Obama also is distinguished by his name. Republican operative Ed Rogers recently caused a stir on MSNBC’s Hardball by mentioning Obama’s middle name, “Hussein.”

In every speech Obama brings up his membership in the United Church of Christ. He explains that he borrowed the title of his book “the audacity of hope” from his UCC pastor in Chicago. Could he be doing this partly to dispel any mistaken notion some people might have that he’s a Muslim?

Yes, said Fauntroy, adding, “The United Church of Christ is among the more liberal churches in America. Obama is saying that he’s a member of that church to make it known that he’s a Christian. And he is also sending a message to Democrats and leftward people that his policies are guided by a leftward interpretation of faith.”

Obama’s race could be an advantage as much as a hindrance.

There is some evidence a black candidate on the ballot increases black voter turnout.

After Jesse Jackson mobilized black voters with his 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, an increase in black turnout helped elect black mayors in Denver, Dallas, Seattle and Baltimore.

Effect on black voter turnout
If he were the first major-party African-American presidential candidate, Obama could increase black Democratic turnout in states such as Missouri, Tennessee, Ohio, and Virginia, all of which have significant black populations and all of which Bush carried in 2004.

In theory, Obama could put in play a few states that haven’t been competitive for Democrats in the last two presidential elections.

“If Obama were the presidential nominee, it would undoubtedly push up black turnout in many states, the question is how much?” asked University of Maryland political scientist Tom Schaller, the author of the new book "Whistling Past Dixie: How Democrats Can Win Without the South".

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“In 2004, according to Census estimates, blacks in the South were 17.9 percent of age-eligible voters and 17.9 percent of actual voters," Schaller said. "Blacks actually turn out at higher rates than whites of comparable demographic backgrounds. And that means that black turnout is already relatively high in the blackest region of the country.”

Schaller pointed out that “Obama's candidacy could also increase white voter turnout as a counterbalance. Poor whites became mobilized after the civil rights movement precisely to counterbalance the then-unprecedented levels of black participation.”

As Obama acknowledges, his racial identity will be a factor, if he runs for president. How decisive a factor is in the hands of the voters.

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