Satya was referring to working-class, blue-collar whites, which are the demographic that Obama is going after right now.

You are right that a portion of the “white” American electorate is receptive to Obama, the “U of I” being a prime example because it is filled with young university students, a demographic that Obama has largely captured already.

Allan, ABC’s Terry Moran asked the question about black man vs. American.

Brian, good point mentioning his speeches after Iowa, NH, and SC. I also really loved his speech on March 4th. I was at the NH and SC speeches, but still I’m sticking with the Iowa JJ Dinner!

Katie, I saw the black vs. American question not driving at his supporter demographics, but questioning the self-definition of blacks in America. As for his support, both people involved in his campaign and his voters, I’m continually surprised by the breadth of the people he’s reaching.

Tom

Not to take the conversation too far off on a limb, but in that context I actually MEANT tolerance, not acceptance. Members of each religion obviously think members of the other religion are wrong, but they *tolerate* that wrongness, without necessarily accepting it. And that’s good.

Oops.

Thanks for that distinction between tolerance and acceptance. I think it’s unintentionally misused far too often.

Thanks for the post. I’d also be interested in hearing more about your experience working for Obama and how you think it compares to working for other candidates.

The black man/American quote does not seem to accurately describe “white” america’s reception of Obama. Maybe my perspective is tainted by the Obama love-fest that is the U of I, but some of his biggest supporters (especially among young people) are white. Has your experience been different?

Maybe this is misguided, but it seems to me that race has been made an issue by the media (ie the Reverend White controversy), perhaps out of disappointment by America’s embrace of Obama as a viable presidential candidate (at least on the Democratic side).

Twenty-five years ago, before political correctness made this kind of conversation dangerous, people discussed these issues openly and freely.

There are subcultures across the country, but I am much more likely to be understood by a poor black man due to my childhood poverty than I am by a non-geek because of his lack of technical education.

“White privilege” is a victim’s chant. It’s time for blacks people to be winners.

Brian, btw, I noticed you using the word “tolerance” a lot in your post earlier. Remember what I quoted before–”Tolerance implies that there’s something wrong with the person. Try acceptance instead.”

Tom

Quality post. You got me thinking about what my own personal favorite Obama speech is. Three that you didn’t mention are the ones that followed the first three major primaries: Iowa, NH, SC. Another is his speech on faith and politics. I don’t know which I’d pick, but I’m definitely looking forward to his convention acceptance. :-)

Countdown to Billy saying something inane and resentful b/c nobody is saying this sort of thing about McCain in 3…2…1…