DENVER — When Barack Obama accepts the nomination tonight, it will be a powerful moment for many black Democrats.
While most now support Obama's candidacy, they traveled different paths to get there. A Congressman, a state legislator and a delegate highlight how expectations of black people may depend on when they grew up.
Many older people were initially cautious, skeptical that the country was ready. For many younger blacks, Obama represented a generation more optimistic about the possibility of biracial politics.
Veteran North Carolina black leaders such as U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield and U.S. Rep. Mel Watt of Charlotte initially endorsed former Sen. John Edwards. Younger blacks, such as state Rep. Ty Harrell of Raleigh and Sidney Echevarria, a Bank of America worker from Belmont, were more likely to sign on early with Obama. (N&O)
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Re: Obama supporters followed different paths
If a white guy with Obama's experience had tried to run aginst Clinton we would never have heard of him. Biden and Dod who do have real experience each got only a tiny number of votes in the primary. As a candidate for President Obama is totally a creation of the liberal big media. The numbers show Obama has gotten more and better coverage in the big media.
What does it tell us about voters when they support Obama because he is black? Is that different from voters who don't support Obama because he is black?