The first-in-the-South Democratic presidential primary will be held in South Carolina on Saturday. Polls show that Sen. Barack Obama has a double digit lead over Sen. Hillary Clinton. African Americans, who make up half of Democratic voters, overwhelmingly support Obama, 65 percent to Clinton's 16 percent.
There is, however, a racial divide in voters' preferences. Obama trails both Clinton and John Edwards among white voters. While Obama will likely win the primary without significant white support, it will be a Pyrrhic victory. He will have won the battle but lost the war against morphing into the "black presidential candidate."
Obama would follow in the path blazed by another black presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson, who won the South Carolina primary in 1984 and 1988. And like Obama in Iowa, Jackson won caucuses in a virtually all-white state, Vermont.
So, get ready.
I'm on my way to Columbia, where I'll be blogging from the Bad As* Coffee Company. It seems like an appropriate venue since most of my posts will focus on a bad brother.
More Elections Coverage+
Sweet Dreams: Clinton Snoozes During MLK Speech+
Say It Loud: I'm a Proud Black Voter
For more political commentary, please check out my blog, Anderson@Large.
Comments: (43)
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By: JOE on 1/24/2008 4:19PM
THERE IS NO WAY WHITE AMERICAN WILL VOTE FOR A BLACK IN....
GREAT NUMBERS THIS IS AMERICA FOLKS WAKE-UP AND SMELL
THE COFFEE
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By: Natalia on 1/24/2008 5:13PM
Obama represents change in America.
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By: Michelle on 1/24/2008 5:13PM
We are our on worse enemies!!! The reason I say this is because out of all the issues that need to be addressed in the world, or all of important facts to consider when selecting a president to run this country, WE, (black America, minority,...) have fallen right into White America's trap. We are so busy over reacting about whom is black enough, Hillary disrespected MLK, Bill is sleeping, .... and the two leading candidates are just showing there black and white ass during debates. With all of this drama, tell me where do you see true qualities of a real leader?
And who ever win the nomination will be made a mockery of by the republicans. I can see the republican party going on and on about how immature our candidates behave, (retaliating against each other), and this will show how unworthy they are to run this country. We better get it right, and leave the soap opera's for daytime television. Stop feeding into all the hype. This is politics!!!
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By: Renee on 1/24/2008 10:36PM
Wake up People! Bill Clinton is on a guilt trip. He's trying to make-up to his wife the only way he can by campaigning for her after cheating on her with Monica. You can tell a racist because they gang up on you,and how are you going to fight two Clintons?, when only one is running for president. So let's come together people we have more in common with Obama then any of the people running for president because he is black & white. We are the human race!
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By: Gordon on 1/24/2008 11:16PM
I'm really tired of the political whining of both candidates and those connected with same. Everything they do is all part of a political effort however desperate. I like both Hillary and Barak...both very smart, informed and capable. Now if both would display that side to dominate and attract in talking about issues, it would be appreciated! Personally, I'm not listening anymore. I've already made my choice based on relevant information and mindful thought.
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By: taylor on 1/25/2008 11:59AM
youre right joe and i agree, so are you renee, but i do not think we should bash obama he may not be as experienced as clinton, but he is an educated lawyer as clinton is - he has my vote
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By: Mike on 1/25/2008 6:49AM
Come on Bill Clinton was the first Black Presedent.Both Hillary and Obama talk all of the stuff but they get in office neither would do anything.It will take so many years to get this country back where it suppose to be because of bush.But overall I think Hillary would do a better job.
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By: Wanda on 1/25/2008 8:32AM
We keep voting the same people in office, always getting the same results. It's time for a change. Vote for Obama.
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By: ellen on 1/25/2008 10:08AM
CHANGE IS COMMING, WE MIGHT AS WELL GET READY FOR IT. VOTE FOR OBAMA.
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By: Mama on 1/25/2008 10:29AM
BILL CLINTON IS ENJOYING THE MESS THAT GOING ON IN SOUTH CAROLINE HE WANT PEOPLES TO THINK BLACK ARE VOTING FOR OBAMA BECAUSE OF RACE SO WHITE CAN TURN ON HIM AND VOTE FOR HILLARY HE FULL OF HIS OLD TRICK AGAIN
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