Obama Can Lose the Presidency

The racial factor emerges in the final stretch of the presidential elections in the United States (U.S.). According to a poll conducted by the AP and Yahoo News, in collaboration with Stanford University, racial prejudice among white voters could dash the dream of the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, of being the first black U.S. president

Of the 2,227 Americans surveyed, 40% of whites had a partially negative view of blacks. In addition, one in three Democrats defines African-Americans as violent, pessimistic, boastful, lazy and irresponsible. Of this group, only 58% admitted they will vote for Obama.

The survey indicates that 70% of the Democrats support Barack Obama unconditionally, while 85% of Republicans do so for McCain.

Analysts point out that this factor, especially among white Democrats, prevents Obama from leading in the polls definitively, and from cementing his stance during the economic and political malaise of the U.S. Besides the fact of being black could be a drag of 6 points in the elections next November 4.

According to the specialist internet site RealClearPolitics.com, Obama is still ahead of his Republican opponent with 47.6% versus 45.3%, respectively.

There is Still Racism

But these factors have an explanation. Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, Paul Sniderman, indicates that there are far fewer racists now than 50 years ago, but it does not mean that there are only a few left.

For his part, the Republican strategist, Todd Harris, speculates that the financial crisis will serve to increase racial tensions. “The tragic irony is that although the economic problems can help Obama with some voters, racism soars in the hard times,” he says. (Taken from El Mundo.)

There Will be a Dialogue

Obama has expressed interest in engaging in a respectful dialogue with leaders from Latin America, including Venezuelan Hugo Chávez. It also considers loosening restrictions on remittances sent by Cubans living in the U.S. to their relatives.