Would Barack Obama be as strong a contender if he was white?

[TheJudge]

Ok, I wasn't sure whether or not to post this topic so I want to make it really clear that I am not saying the race of a candidate should be an issue at all. My point is I'm not so sure why Obama has emerged as the main challenger to Clinton and now front-runner ahead of John Edwards. Was his race a key factor in getting him more media attention and did it play a big role in his brilliant fundraising ability? Once again I am not doubting his talent as an inspirational public speaker and his other qualities, I am just curious as to what other posters think about this issue.

[White Horse]

I think he would. His oratory and personal appearance are the real attributes that set him apart.

[myk]

Would Hillary Clinton be a strong contender if she wasn't Bill's wife? If she was a man?

[scotusone]

he wouldnt be who he is if he were white .

[Kerrygold]

Would Hillary Clinton be a strong contender if she wasn't Bill's wife? If she was a man?

I think thats the more pertinent question?

[A_man_about_a_dog]

he wouldnt be who he is if he were white .

Thats an excellent point. Obama is who he is because of his colour, his background and the persona which he has developed out of those two things combined. Plus, a white Democratic candidate standing on a pulpit saying "change" every 15/20 seconds just wouldn't have the same appeal as a black Democratic candidate doing it.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know how Obama has become the main contender myself. He has done nothing with regard to policy. He effectively seems to have no policies other than to "change".

In my mind I have begun comparing Obama and his campaign to a meal in a nice restaurant. This 'change' we keep hearing about is like a lovely starter, it raises your expectation. His inspirational style of speaking is like the nice homemade brown bread on your side plate and the lovely bowl of salad in the middle of the table. But unfortunately, his glaring lack of attention to policy is like being served some sort of cold, undercooked meat as part of your main course. Of course that can be ignored if you still have your brown bread and side salad to distract you.

I don't buy it. He needs to come out with some solid policies of his own before I will be anywhere near convinced by him. That said, his speaking ability is quite impressive in spite of the fact that "change" is becoming the most over-used word of the last 100 years.

[mr_anderson]

Would Barack Obama be as strong a contender if he was white?
No.

Bottom line is, the electorate are sick of Bush.
And Bush personifies the same 'rich white men' who have come to dominate US politics.

If Obama was white, then he would just be yet another rich white man and would have little to distinguish himself from the rest of the pack. In such circumstances, Hillary would romp home. The electorate is out for something different, they are sick of the status quo and they are willing to look beyond experience to achieve it.

[Kerrygold]

he wouldnt be who he is if he were white .

I don't buy it. He needs to come out with some solid policies of his own before I will be anywhere near convinced by him. That said, his speaking ability is quite impressive in spite of the fact that "change" is becoming the most over-used word of the last 100 years.

Have a look here: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Its amazing that Clinton's cheerleaders have been saying that Obama has no policies when he clearly has.

If you don't agree with them fine, but please give up the claim that he has no policies.

[fergalr]

I think the zeitgeist has caught on of electing an intelligent young black man who is, in my opinion, the greatest orator in American politics since..well since God knows when. Lincoln? And apparently he had a terrible accent. Certainly since the Kennedy brothers and Dr King.

I think if he was a white man he would still be doing well, but to be frank those black votes were especially attracted to him for a reason.

[farnaby]

A contender for what - the Democratic nomination or the presidency? His non-whiteness is a boosting factor within the Democrat party but on the national stage will still, unfortunately, be seen as an electoral liability.