What If Obama Loses?

The range of feelings in this situation is natural in light of the unfortunate history of the country. It is sad but valid that folks should feel concern that an intelligent Black leader may have to fear for his life in the face of both latent and overt racism and bigotry. That fear should NOT, however, deter the Black community from voting to afffirm the right of Obama to compete for the Presidency and the hope that exists for a better future. In reality, the ONLY hope for a brighter future that Black folks have at this point is to vote for the policies and sound judgment of Obama over the continuation of the failed policies and misjudgment of BUsh that would continue under McCain. That is not a "race" issues so much as a common sense issue.

The fear that Obama could lose for reasons other than merit are unfortunately valid as well. Some polls suggest that independent voters with less education are opposed to Obama because of his race and their inability or unwillingness to understand the fundamwental and increasingly complex challenges the nation faces. they are vulnerable to the lies, distortions and sloganeering of McCain and the GOP, a strategy being led by Rove protege Steve Schmidt. There may not be time to educate this group. In addition, we cannot forget the malicious strategy used by the GOP to steal elections in a variety of ways, ranging from fraudulent challenges to voting rights to manipulation of computerized voting machine systems. So fear of corruption is a legitimate issue. In the end, all that can be done is to go and vote, encourage others to do so and work to expose corruption.

I think black people should be insulted by this article. Basically, Mr. Obama should be elected just because he is black? That is an outrage. He should be elected because of his platforms and positions. The best canididate should win. Period. And the fact that people are talking about protesting if he doesn't win is also rediculous. Black America assumes that only blacks can elect a black president. Wake up people! There are PLENTY of white people that will vote for him too. Just as much as black people feel stereotyped, the favor is returned.

Oh poor blacks. You vote entirely on race and you think the rest of us are okay with that. Get over it you racists. If Obama loses it's because he's far too liberal and a socialist.

The article is not about voting for Obama so "ex-gang members and addicts and felons don't get their feelings hurt." It is about the African American community gaining hope that America has came such a long way, but yet, if he loses, it will be a backslide in their hope for America putting aside racist ideas. In that section, it was saying that Obama has instilled so much in those ex gang members and addicts that even they have started to care about voting and embracing their rights, that Obama running has been such a turn around for those who didn't care about politics.

What bothers me the most is that African Americans are so comfortable with the way the White's have been running our country,and comfortable with their way of thinking as well as living that they are afraid of change. What they feel to realize is that if we as a people pull together and vote for Obama, that it is a strong possibilitie he will win and make the necessary changes that this country needs. Please MY Brothers and please register to vote and go out and cast your vote. It does make a diiference and we could use good change for this country.Sisters please register to vote andfNA

Presidents with no military experience

* John Adams
* Thomas Jefferson
* John Quincy Adams
* Martin Van Buren
* Grover Cleveland
* William Taft
* Woodrow Wilson
* Warren Harding
* Calvin Coolidge
* Herbert Hoover
* Franklin Roosevelt
* Bill Clinton

I think that many reporters convey subliminal messages that are aimed at those who are undecided and independent voters. They repeat negative messages long enough for those who are not strong enough or wise enough to recognize their tactics, and discourage many (whites) from voting for Obama, and attempt to convince black voters that a black president is still not a possibiity in this country. The polls are close because of racism. If Obama loses it will be because of racism, and those millions of blacks who did not respect Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.'s and dare to make his "dream" a reallity. High props to those white who have helped to bring Sen. Obama to this point in history. They were there for Dr. King, and I believe they'll be there for Obama as well. He is just as much a part of them as he is a part of us. This time in History is so important, that I think everyone will do the right thing and bring this CHANGE that we so desperately need. Think about this: would you rather have someone who can look his friends and enemies in the eye and be diplomatic; or would you want someone (McCain) erratic, undisciplined, angry, unpredictable, temperamental, condescending, disrepectful (to list a few character flaws) dealing with the world, and a heartbeat away from that red phone?
LET'S NOT EVEN GET INTO HIS 11TH HOUR SELECTION OF SARAH PALIN!

The author of this article obviously intended to stir up the race issue. Obama does not have to play the race card because the media that follow him like lemmings will do it for him.

I'm really so tired of hearing hte "African American" phrase. Sorry, most of you have never even been there and were born here in the US. That makes you "American"!! Yes you are black..not African! Don't overlook the fact that Obama's mother was white! Neither he nor McCain deserves the post of president. Stop whining about the plight of the blacks..you've not even half suffered the indignities that our Jewish and American Indian brethern have suffered! Read all the facts about each candidate, don't vote because he's black or because the other is more experienced. Look, listen and learn!

I am amazed at the amount of extreme racism expressed in this article. In a democratic election it is the responsibility of all Americans to evaluate and then vote for the candidate who will best serve our national interest. To advocate that black voters vote for Obama based on the fact that he is black is not helpful in the eradication of racism. This is not about black pride and the desire of Americans of Negro descent to elect the first black president to represent them. It is about election of a president who represents all Americans and has the ability to manage and lead the government in a fair and efficient manner. Vote for America, not a candidate because of skin color. Consider not only what the candidates say, but look at how they have performed in the past. To be critical of White against Black racism and then practice Black against White racism does nothing to relieve the issues. KEEP AMERICA STRONG by voting for the candidate most qualified to provide leadership in security, economic and social issues.

I can't wait to see how Condoleeza and Barack will interact. It will be an intelligence meltdow! No pun intended....Haha How cute would they be together? The reason I am talking ahead about how Barack will be in the Oval office, is because I think he will win. I vote Republican, but I am still not sure which way I will go. If anybody appeals to me at all it's JOE BIDEN.

I find it interesting that with "98%" of blacks allegedly planning to vote for Obama, that the discussion is the alleged (white) "racism" that might "cost" HIM the election (as if it was HIS to lose). How is it that blacks can overwhelmingly support a black candidate it questions of THEIR racism are not raised?

We may have a holiday honoring MLK, but in my view we have never been farther from "the day when a man is judged by the content of his character than by the color of his skin." In fact, we've perverted that notion with (perhaps well meaning) reverse racism. The tail is certainly wagging the dog in the USA. This does not bode well for the republic...

It's OK to fear defeat, because at the end that's what going to happen. Nobody knows Obama, they are gaps in his life that nobody knows about. He's friend with people that hate the US. He didn't feel like touching his chest when they played the national anthem. He refused to use the Us pin. I recommend to all of you to go tu you tube and watch all his videos. He's going to lose because of his anti-american roots and his radical thinking, not because he's black! He now is changing most of his real believe because he's running for president, but we are americans and we are not stupid....when you go to vote do it after you know all the facts, don't follow this guy like he is a rock star, educated yourself, aur future depends on it. Don't be another one of the Obamamania clan that they don't know why they are voting for Obama (all they know is that they hate Bush and change, change, change)

I am a 37 year old white female who lives in a rural area of north eastern Pennsylvania.. We are considered to be in the middle class by Obama's standards. And believe me if Barack Obama does not win this election I will be crying my eyes out. I have followed this man since I heard one of his speaches back in 2004. When I heard him speak back then I said," wow this man needs to run for president. " I am so greatful that he is running and both my husband and I will certainly cast our votes for him in November. So, the black community will not be the only ones who feel like protesting a corrupt government if he loses in November. And by the way, I think that the presidential debate was actually a free commercial for Barack Obama! He couldn't have asked for better publicity!

wow ... people! Focus on the positive, which is hope and unwavering belief! The Bible tells us ... that which I feared has come upon me. Don't 'feed' negativity!
No color barrier here for me, I'm an Obama supporter -- white and female, able to see inside a person's character, and I'm staying in strong belief and actually visualizing Obama with one hand on the Bible as he takes the oath of office! Try it ...