Presidential "Race"

The election on November 4, 2008 will be a historical election. Since the beginning the stars of the show have been Hillary Clinton, a woman, and Barack Obama, a black man. From the very beginning race and gender has played a major factor in this election. The media has been consumed with coverage fueled by racial epithets made about or in some cases by the candidates. Many times the media has even been accused of neglecting the important facts and sensationalizing on the race factor.

Many have even said that Barak will win the vote of many blacks simply due to the fact that he is black. This is a pretty harsh generalization. And while I don't fully agree with that statement, I must admit that I myself have heard people admit to voting for Obama because he is black with no recollection at all of his policies.

However, the astounding fact is that for the first time in history, an African American has clinched the democratic nomination and actually stands a chance of becoming America's next president. This in itself shows how far we have come as a nation. Or have we? Just last year we were dealing with the Don Imus issue and this year we could potentially have a black president.

While many are embracing Barack and his rhetoric for change, there are still those who can not quite come to qualms with the idea of having a black president.

At times however, it seems that the news media has become obsessed with the race factor in the election and neglect to report on the race itself. Its became a race about "race."
Back in March, Obama delivered a powerful speech confronting Americans about their racial issues. We should be able to look past color and gender issue and accept the candidates for what they have to offer.