Measuring White Racial Resentment ... Scientifically?

Barack Obama's campaign for the Presidency has been the catalyst for a whole lot of racial bigotry and anger gurgling up to the surface.

Anyone possessing a shred of honesty will acknowledge that Obama's color is a big turn-off for many white voters. But how do you measure racial resentment and can you determine its impact on how white people are voting or how they will vote in November?

Newsweek magazine believes it has an answer. They call it the "Racial Resentment Index." In its latest election poll, Newsweek categorized respondents according to where they fit on the "Racial Resentment Index." Measuring White Racial Resentment ... ScientificallyAmong white Democrats with a low Racial Resentment Index rating, Obama beat McCain in a hypothetical match-up 78 percent to 17 percent. That is virtually identical to Clinton's margin in the category, 79 percent to 13 percent. But among white Democrats with high scores on the Racial Resentment Index, the picture was very different: Obama led McCain by only 18 points (51 to 33) while Clinton maintained a much larger 59-point lead (78 to 18).

Who exactly are these high Racial Resentment Index voters? A majority, 61 percent, have less than a four-year college education, many are older (44 percent were over the age of 60 compared to just 18 percent under the age of 40) and nearly half (46 percent) live in the South.

But there is some optimistic news:

While the Newsweek Poll clearly suggests a lurking racial bias in the American electorate, the role of race in may be diminishing. In 2000, only 37 percent of voters thought the country was ready for a black president. Now, 70 percent of voters think a black candidate like Obama could win the White House.

Okay. So, 70 percent believe a black candidate could win the Presidency. But how many of those 70% feel good about that possibility?

Reader Comments

1. America is in the middle of a long ago begun major world-wide decline. Urgently, something has to happen in our leadership to begin to turn the country around. Someone inspirational like Senator Obama must lead. It is a monumental challenge to make this change happen and it is going to take all of us to bring the turnaround actually begin. I want to believe that people want the best for this country regardless of who is at the helm, even if its a black man! Only November 5th will tell. One thing for sure McClain is a bumbling idiot just like the one currently destroying America's value in the world and stomping on the U.S. Constitution. If those voters who select on the basis of color rule, we are all in serious trouble with no bright light in sight. America's total decline will be irreversible.The current Administration has given this country away to foreign interests and if what's left is to remain, we must insist on a change in policy, even if hope is left in the hands of a black President.

Cocoa Delight at 11:12PM on Jul 8th 2008

2. Racism is the "800-pound gorilla in the room". As much as people try to ignore it, it is still there in everybody's face. The real question is if white America can accept a Black man as President. Regardless of what the polls show, white America is still nervous. What will they do in that solitary voting booth on election day? Will they vote for the white guy who is represents the "same-old-stuff" or will they vote for the Black guy who represents a change from the "status quo". One thing for certain is that Senator Obama's Presidential campaign has brought out the "closet klansmen".

BufSolja at 3:35AM on Jul 9th 2008

3. If Obama does not win the Presidential race, does that mean that it will be because of racism?

Look, Blacks make up 12% of the total U.S. population. Obama has made it this far because of Whites voting for him.

If Obama loose the November election, it will be because of his left wing liberal stance on the many issues facing America. Not because of "RACISM".

If he is smart, he will move to the "CENTER" to get those Independent votes.

Jarvis at 3:48PM on Jul 11th 2008

Add your comments

Your comments:

Remember me

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.

Black Voices

Web

Measuring White Racial Resentment ... Scientifically?

Reader Comments

Add your comments

Comments

Most Recent Comments

Most Commented On

More on Black Voices

Hot Topics

More On AOL