If it comes down to race and that is what your are presuming then it is the Obama's campaign to blame. They are the ones pushing the race card and of course like when thing go wrong with an African American they cry racism. The other minorities and caucasians are tired of this. Lets fight this battle with substance and issues not the color of someones skin like you democrats have been doing. If Obama loses and there are riots like a few have called for the damage and all blood will be on the democrats hands. What I see in this race showing that the democrats are liars, cheaters and what scares me is when someone ask Obama a question that shows his inadequacies they are investigated and torn to shreds. Is this how America will be if Obama gets into office. Free speech gone out the window. The power to destroy those who disagree. I see Hitler all over again in our own country. The democrats talk about a new constitution that will allow for more presidential terms (dictatorship). The mayor of NY is trying to get this passed for mayoral elections in NY. I fear talk radio and fox news will be taken off the air because of there verbal disagreement with the democrats. I am 53 and what I fear is the 60's radicals are trying and are real close to ruling this country (I mean Bill Ayers and Beverly Dohrn) who bombed their own country and killed innocent police in the process are trying again to bring in communism (socialism) and have government control our country. I like how rich was 250,000 then 200,000 and last time Biden was allowed to be in public announced 150,000. Is this what you really want for your country Susan. Free medical at the hard workers expense is national medicaid and we the hard workers will be paying for this. People would be better off not working and get taking care of then the government would dictate where you live, what you buy, where you travel our freedom that our soldiers have died for will be gone. PRAY FOR AMERICA we are on the verge of losing our democracy and freedom.

Susan, I usually like your balanced approach. You are about the only left winger I even read. You sadden me today. I am sick, sick, sick of the race thing. Could it be that McCain and others have finally got people seeing the things about Obama that bother us so much? It was Obama who let it slide when Clintons, who are not racist, were proclaimed as racist. We can't say anything without it being racist or a code word. Soccer mom, oh that a code, racist word because black kids don't play soccer. There is racism, but it is whites that are being "racisted" against. Blacks are now causing far more racism and bitterness than whites. I still hope Obama loses whether he is black, half-black, purple, a woman, a whatever. He is scary to me! You should apologize for your statements in this column.

An afterthought: is it racist for 98% of blacks to vote for the black candidate? Who's voting overwhelmingly based on skin color?

The only reason that "The One" is a candidate is that he is African American. If he were white with so little experience no one would have noticed him. I am sure many of your law students are good public speakers.
Getting an A in TOSTMASTERS IS NOT QUALIFATION FOR THE OVAL OFFICE.
You have been living in LA too long. This man has done nothing except hang with people who want to change what
makes this country work. That is a days pay for a days work. Your health care in LA is what we will have all over the US, lines of people who do not work, have no insurance while you who do cannot be served. All those illegals and people who should be in rentals who have purchased homes with no down sweep have depressed the housing market. Your state is bankrupt. Put "The One " in where he will raise taxes and throw us in a depression like Hoover.
Cordially, LU

Get in line Susan. You're not the first nor will you be the last to cry RACISM when Obama is not elected. You, and those like you, just don't get it. It's his liberal political, social, and economic views coupled with his many relationships with people who hate the United States, including his wife, that will cause most Americans to vote for McCain.
I'm not saying McCain is such a great candidate, but like the Obama campaign has preached when they've said, "A vote for John McCain is a vote for George Buch," I'd say, "A vote for John McCain is a vote against Barack Obama." He's just too liberal and too extreme!
Better luck next time, Susan.

Get a grip on reality Susan, or get over the 2000 loss.
Where is your comments on the Sarah Palin hanging by these two NUTS in Calif. If this was Obama instead of Sarah the Cops would have these two in jail, but no not mush if any word against this from the LEFT.
If all you left people have to talk about is her clothes you have nothing to contribute to the real issues facing this great nation.

Absolutely....if Obama loses it will have everything to do with race. It will have nothing to do with the fact that ,no thanks to the liberal media failing to do their job, we've slowly been finding out who this man really is and what he stands for. It will have nothing to do with his questionable (at the very least) associations with America-hating, white-hating, or Jew-hating "friends" such as Wright, Ayers, Khalidi, Rezko, Pfleger, ACORN, etc., etc, etc.

Has anyone asked themselves this: if Obama doesn't think like them, doesn't agree with them, condemns them and their acts, then why have they associated with him all these years and helped to advance his political career? HMMMMM?

Has anyone listened to his 2001 radio interview?

God help us all....if he is elected I fear it will be the beginning of the end of our great nation as we know it.

Ridiculous. Nonsensical. Judgemental. Condescending.

Or maybe race gets canceled out with the people voting against him only because of race being nullified by the people voting for him only because of race. Maybe the election will be decided on, oh, I don't know, the issues?

I cried when I realized that because of his policies I could not vote for Obama. There is nothing that would give me more pleasure than to elect an African American President. But I cannot elect an African American with the policies of Barack Obama. For one thing, I think his policies will not help African Americans; his policies on education will only hurt African Americans.
I have always read your columns because I considered you to be an astute political thinker. But in this case, you are only building up the Democratic Party's race card, to the detriment of democracy in this country.

The only reason that Obama is the nominee is his race. A white male candidate would not have bested Hillary Clinton with his experience/background/resume.

And it's time to stop pointing figures, as well. I t

It doesn't have to do with racism, it has to do with being forced to pay other people's mortgages. In using the Tax Calculator on Obama's web site, as a single individual, a $40,000 income, and a $20,000 mortage, I will receive a $622 tax cut. Yet a single, 40k individual with a $100,000 mortgage will receive $1,110. A single individual with a $50-75k income and a $100,000 mortgage will receive $859, and a single individual with a $50-75k income and a $200,000 mortgage will receive $1,300. So why does Obama's tax plan penalize people for paying down down their mortgage by, while still paying off their smaller mortgage, they also have to contribute to the mortgages of those who earn more than they do?

Got it.

Only racism can explain why the most left wing major party candidate in our nation's history is not elected.

Only racism can explain why the least experienced major party candidate in the modern era is not elected.

Susan, I'm tired of you and the democrats threatening riots in the streets if Obama isn't elected. This isn't about race, it's about ideology--stupid! Your candidate is being exposed for the socialist he his. If you want to follow in his path, be my guest; but I for one like capitalism. I guess I like being selfish with my own money.

Honest to God Susan, pull your head out. How about no executive experience? How about no foreign policy experience? How about less than 6 months sitting is his Senate seat conducting business? How about his less than savory associations? How about his weak-k needed responsse to Georgia? How about is desire to tax the hell out of profitable small business owners? How about his desire to let the Bush tax cuts expire?

Race is SO FAR DOWN THE LIST to even bring up the point is stupid and demeaning of the average American voter. He will loose because HE IS NOT QUALIFIED - not because he is black.

You blew tossed your best qualified candidate by shucking Hillary. Obama will flushed down the toilet bowl this time around!

Honest to God Susan, pull your head out. How about no executive experience? How about no foreign policy experience? How about less than 6 months sitting is his Senate seat conducting business? How about his less than savory associations? How about his weak-k needed responsse to Georgia? How about is desire to tax the hell out of profitable small business owners? How about his desire to let the Bush tax cuts expire?

Race is SO FAR DOWN THE LIST to even bring up the point is stupid and demeaning of the average American voter. He will loose because HE IS NOT QUALIFIED - not because he is black.

You blew tossed your best qualified candidate by shucking Hillary. Obama will flushed down the toilet bowl this time around!

Once again Susan has proven what a short sighted fool she is. I fear for the future of our country as many of our college kids continue to be indoctrinated by liberally blinded idiots like her.

You have it completely wrong... were it not for racism Obama would already be out of the race... do tell me why it is that over 95% of blacks are voting for Obama? Is that not entirely due to race? And if he didn't have that following in the over whelming numbers he does, would he even still be in the race? I think not!

>> What else could it possibly be?
Well, if McCain wins when the polls say he was behind one possibility is that a lot of people were -- purposely or not -- beyond reach; and those people may or may not have in common a preference for McCain. Here's an outstanding commentary on this possibility:
http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2008/10/balls-and-urns.html

This election absolutely comes down to race. And if Obama loses, it will be because he is a half white man with a thin resume, no demonstrable evidence of leadership, no major legislative achievements and no real record of reaching across the aisle to affect change. He has shown flip-flopping levels equal to John Kerry and a fluid stance on every issue, depending on who he audience is. After two years, Obama has failed to make the argument that he is fit to be CIC and has actually shown his lack of character and judgment by the company he keeps, including the low rating Democratic "leadership."

Nice try blaming on this on racism. Please. America deserves better than this garbage.

Holy cow, this law professor has no logic! If Obama loses despite the polls that doesn't mean people were racist...it means they weren't honest with the pollsters, perhaps because they don't like Obama --for non-racial reasons-- and were embarassed to tell the pollsters they were voting for McCain. Or because many McCain supporters weren't polled (Estrich denies that's a possibility, so in fairness that's not a logic error on her part). Estrich doesn't see she's setting up a clash between polls and results, not between racists and non-racists. How could a legal scholar be so unable to reason?

>> What else could it possibly be?
Well, if McCain wins when the polls say he was behind one possibility is that a lot of people were -- purposely or not -- beyond reach; and those people may or may not have in common a preference for McCain. Here's an outstanding commentary on this possibility:
http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2008/10/balls-and-urns.html

I cant help but be sad to see Susan fall from brilliant law professor and astute observer of all things political to a hack accusing others of racism and spreading self-hating sexism. It is beyond silly to suggest that the polls could not be way off. It a most unusual turn more than 50% of people are refusing to answer pollsters. Many young people have cell only households and many more people, like me, have caller ID and dont answer unless we know who is calling. The chance that these polls are way off is real. They may not be but they could be and it would not be racism. People have many good reasons not to vote for either candidate without ever getting to race. McCain seems to be a nut and Obama is clearly a wacky socialist whose tax plan is a fantasy. We can not add a trillion dollars in new programs, drop 10% of the tax payers off the rolls, give tax rebates to peopel who pay no taxes and limit tax increses to those making over 250k. It is IMPOSSIBLE. So if people dont fall for it then maybe they used their reason and not racism.

If voting against the most liberal socialist senator in the history of the presidency makes one a racist, I'm now happy to be called a racist.

I expect a lot more from the first woman President of the Harvard Law Review. When I see you on TV Ifind you to be reasonable, even though I don't often agree with you.
I am a white man who is a lifelong registered Democrat who is voting Republican for only the third time in my lfe. I greatly resent being branded a "racist" by people like you, who should know better. You were a big supporter of Hillary but I guess you disagree with Bill Clinton's statement that the Obama campaign used the race card against Hillary and him!
I guess the fact that almost all African Americans are voting for Obama is a mere coincidence and has nothing whatsoever to do with race.
Do you really think more of us are going to vote for Obama because you brand us racists for not doing so.Or perhaps we should vote for him because of the position taken by some that there will be riots in the streets if Obama loses?My reaction and the reaction of others I know is just the opposite- it hardens our resolve to vote for McCain. I would say -just keep it up but I truly resent being labelled a racist because I choose to votefor an American hero who I believe will be much better for our country than Obama.

I am sooooooooooooo disappointed Susan. Up until you wrote this article I have really enjoyed your commentary. Even though our politics are very different. I will endeavor to enlighten you as to why I think the poll numbers are so wrong.
For a very long time now most whites in this country have learned to shut up about race. For all of the pronouncements of some who say things like "we need a national dialogue on race;" the real message is that "they" want a oneway dialogue on race, where white people sit quietly like bobbleheads and nod in their collective agreement while they absorb the lecture. They have learned this in the workplace, in schools, in public places, and in just about every phase of American life. So white people in general are just careful not to say anything at all that might "offend" anyone for any reason. It is the life that they have learned to live.
But most of us don't agree with your Mr. Obama that we should be sharing our wealth with those who have not been as successful as we have been, for whatever reason(s). Or that America has lost it's status in the world, as many of us think it is the rest of the world, particularly Europe that has lost status and not the United States of America; we don't think the our military needs to be pared so that that money can be used on more social programs; we don't think that we should have to give up our health care system, the best in the world, so that everyone can stand in the same line; we are not ready to sit silently while another fifty million babies are ripped from their mother's wombs on our dime; most of all, we do not share your Mr. Obama's view of America. We think that we live in the most wonderful country on earth; that our greatest days are still ahead of us; we think that we will continue to overcome the obstacles that we find in front of us and more than that, that we will excell individually and collectively for many years to come. So many of us won't vote for your Mr. Obama and will vote for John McCain. While McCain is in truth a flawed candidate and a flawed man, he is much more like us, not because of the color of his skin, but because of his love and unbridled optimism for his country.

What an incredibly narrow, ignorant thing to say, Susan. Obama can lose because his views are the most liberal, anti-capitalistic, anti-American of any presidential candidate ever. Even a blind person who didn't know his race would be considered sensible for not drinking the kool-aide.

Noway this woman is a journalist, right?

What could explain poll numbers showing Obama so far ahead if actual votes don't reflect the same on election day? Could it be that so many journalists like Ms. Estrich are all but saying that anyone who votes against Obama is a racist? Could Susan Estrich and John Murtha be any less subtle in their contempt for people who disagree with them?

Thank you Ms. Estrich, for once again insulting the intelligence of the nation with this race card garbage. Thank you for trying to convince Americans that the first African-American nominee of a major political party, who has set fundraising records during this campaign is somehow a victim. God only knows it's a new argument.

Oh Susan! What a simplistic. holier-than-though, mean-spirited and irresponsible take on the election! Your article could have been written by Sarah Palin.

What you are saying is that only racists could vote for McCain over Obama. And if there are enough of them for McCain to win, it is proof that America is intractibly racist. Of course, if Obama wins by a tiny percentage point, than that will some how be proof that America is enlightened about race.

This is an election, not a moral test or intellectual one. It is possible to be very intelligent and non-racist and decent and not agree with you.

Get over yourself lady. What a creepy, reductionist, absurd and irresponsible take on the election. Get this: you actually can be a decent person and not vote Democrat. You actually can be a decent person and not vote Republican.

I for one am a Republican who will be voting for Obama. I am praying to God he wins over McCain and the know-nothing extremist Palin. But I am not morally or intellectually the better of those who wil vote for them.

You're just the same as Sean Hannity and Hugh Hewitt, but on the left.

What could explain the polls showing such a lead for Obama if actual votes do not match their results on election day? How about articles like this one? Susan Estrich now joins ranks with John Murtha: anyone who disagrees with their adoration of the new Messiah must be a racist. Why admit in advance you are a racist to some nameless pollster on the telephone? Tell them what you know they want to hear, then go and vote your real conscience.

Susan, if you want to talk race over the issuses, here's something you should pay attention to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCipmnYCKB0&feature=related

Get off it and get real. It's always been all about race where Obama is concerned. The 95% of blacks that admit Obama's their man say so for the obvious reason. Just ask Hillary Clinton if you need a back up on that point. In your book, whites voting for McCain are racists while blacks voting for Obama are enlightened. I will vote for experience and maturity and let's see if Obama can actually accomplish something........anything....as a senator over the next four years that could earn him some valid reasons for deserving the chair in the white house next time around.

Susan, I have respected your writing for quite some time - but not today. There are countless reasons not to vote for Barack Obama that have nothing to do with race. Surely you're intelligent enough to see that. Why would you want to contribute to the sense of entitlement so many of my fellow African-Americans seem to feel? Why would you want to imply that we must elect him now because he's come so close, even if we don't feel that this particular black man should be president?
I agree completely with Alma. As wonderful as it would be to see a black man as leader of the free world, it actually does matter who that man is, what his policies are, how he sees and feels about the country he wants to lead, how large and how deep the changes are that he wants to make to the U.S. I am truly stunned that none of these things crossed your mind. Go get your senses back, Susan - please.

No, Susan, did you ever go to college and get any kind of education whatsoever ? Do you ever read ANYTHING or do you, like so many liberals have an ego bigger than the planet and never do any INDEPENDENT thinking or INVESTIGATE anything before you blather on about it with such sheer idiocy as to embarrass any sentient being ?
NO, IT DOESN"T HAVE TO BE ABOUT RACISM. NO, IT DOESN"T HAVE TO BE ABOUT THE LYING BY PEOPLE POLLED. IT DOES HAVE TO DO WITH UNIVERSITY AND OTHER LIBERAL POLLSTERS MAKING ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE ELECTORATE THAT WEIGHTS THE POLLS VERY HEAVILY IN FAVOR OF OBAMA AND MANIPULATING THE POLLING SAMPLE AND THE POLLING QUESTIONS TO GET THE RESULTS THEY WANT. AS A RESULT, POLLS SHOW OBAMA WAY WAY UP WHEN IN FACT THE RACE IS MUCH CLOSER THAN THE POLLS ACTUALLY SHOW IT TO BE
Stupidity doesn't become you Susan, but I guess you can't help it, you're a liberal democrat over 40 and according to Winston Churchill, you don't have a brain.

What else could it be but racism? Maybe it's the fact that Obama has already reneged on two campaign promises, the one on campaign finance and the one on Fisa/Telecom immunity. Or that he's said one thing in public while his aides have reassured people privately that it's just campaign rhetoric on both NAFTA and the war in Iraq. Or that he's actually pretty hawkish on Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan? Could it be that people don't like the fact that he routinely blamed things on his campaign workers rather than taking responsibility for things himself, most notably in claiming an aide filled out a questionnaire on gun control (another issue on which he talks out of both sides of his mouth) which turned out to have notes in his own hand writing? How about the fact that he claims to be "ahead of the curve" that is, pro gay rights, while simultaneously denouncing gay marriage and embracing anti-gay entertainers? Or how about his voting for the Bush-Cheney energy bill that Kerry, Clinton, Kennedy, Dodd, lots of other liberal Dems and, yes, even McCain voted against? And, maybe people who have been fighting for civil rights for forty or more years are a little tired of being called racist every time they point out the slightest difference between what Obama says he is going to do and what he actually has done? Could it be that they see electing a candidate who wields misogyny and race baiting as campaign tactics as a step backwards in race relations? Or maybe they take exception to the caucus vote intimidation and outright stealing that went on during the primaires (I have a friend who experienced it first hand, so don't try to tell me those are just rumors). I was getting bottles thrown at me, being spat upon and called "N*****-lover" for being pro-civil rights before you were born, Susan, so take your insulting racism meme somewhere else. I was supportive of a black presidential candidate more than twenty years ago, and there are black leaders I would campaign for in a heartbeat. This Chicago thug aint' one of them, and it will not surprise me one bit if he goes down in defeat.

What other possible reason besides racism could there possibly be for an Obama win? Well lets see, besides the obvious ones like 1) This is still largely a Center Right country, or 2) Obama is the least experienced, most orthodox liberal, least bipartisan candidate in memory, perhaps it is because most people are tired of being told by condescending media types such as yourself and Jonathan Alter that the only possible reason for a thinking individual not to vote for Obama is because they are racist.

You people don't seem to understand that your condescension and assumption of intellectual superiority represent the Democrats biggest hurdle to success.

could you be that blind, you flaming liberal, it his radical left wing policies that has cost
him the election, and oh by the way he is black, just a coincidence, when will you liberals
learn, nominate a far left radical liberal, you loose elections, here endth the lesson

Well done Susan,
Way to take one for the team. ... Hillary's that is! Since there is a noticeable growing backlash against the Obama camp's use of the 'racist' label, I can only assume you intend to further fuel the fire. I have read your columns long enough to know where your true loyalties are ;)

Sensible political/media assessments at politicsandpunditry.com

It is racism. YOUR RACISM SUSAN. White people don't want to be called racists for not voting for this horrible human.

I'm voting for the better candidate, you work off your guilt, Susan.

No wonder Dukakis got smoked.

Susan, maybe as a Jew I don't trust someone whose friends and mentors are all ant-semites or Israel haters? SHOCKING!

One could make the same argument about him winning. He is a talented guy, but is there anyone out there who really believes that Obama would have gotten as far as he has, as fast, if he had been white?
Believe it or not, there are some of us out here who have qualms about him that have absolutely nothing to do with his skin color.

And if it isn't. If racism is not the reason? Will you, like rumplestiltskin, tear yourself in half in disbelief?

Your argument rings of dogma, not careful research. You have so much blind faith, that you haven't even searched for other possibilities.

Why would a racist lie to a pollster, it makes no sense? If I were racist, I would just say I was supporting the other guy. Even if the polls weren't all over the map, because no one knows how many of the youth are going to show up, there could be other reasons.

I've got some hypotheses that could explain it.

1) 1 out 7 voters are still persuadeable. After Obama's surge to the lead, the attention turned to him, so everyone is discussing his past and his associations, that might persuade some people that the polls haven't picked up on yet.

2) The most persuadeable groups of people are in groups that favor McCain, older working class white people.

3) The Bradley effect- in essence, people attracted to the historic excitement of electing the first Black President, may start to realize he is an actual person, and that they aren't all excited about his policy positions. (I fall in to this group) when this happens close to V-day, when people go through their final soul searching and moments of truth, it can counter the prediction of the polls. I expect this to happen a lot, in fact I'm counting on it.

So go and have your race riots, and feel robbed, and stamp your feet, and tear yourself in half, but at least remember somewhere in the back of your head, while you're stewing in the fumes of self-righteous fury, that you're probably wrong, and you really haven't made an honest attempt to understand what happened.

Come on folks, this isn't about Ayers, Acorn, or socialism! It's not about excuses either. Susan's talking about the *polls*. Whatever you think of Obama or McCain, there has not been a single national poll in a month that has had McCain even tied with Obama, let alone ahead. Obama's aggregate lead is beyond the margins in every Kerry state but New Hampshire (where he's still ahead in all the polls) as well as Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, and Nevada. His polling lead is above 50% in almost every one of these states (check realclearpolitics.com if you don't believe me). For a candidate to overcome such a deficit is unheard of in modern polling (yes...Truman beat Dewey, but this was at the dawn of polling and anyway, Gallup stopped taking data a WEEK before election day! So, this is a bad hook to hang an upset on).

There is some tightening going on, though much of it is McCain's numbers going up rather than Obama's going down. It's still possible that something will drag Obama down in a hurry to make the race a squeaker by Tuesday. If so, then it's anyone's game. That's not what Susan is talking about here.

She's asking what it means if all of the above polling stays on track with where it is now and somehow McCain wins on Tuesday. That's a different thing altogether. Keep in mind that modern polling has only gotten better with time. Keep in mind that the last two elections ended up with a couple of points of where they were in the polling on election eve. If a 6 pt lead in National polling, along with double digit leads in PA and IA, 5+ pt leads in VA, CO, OH, NV, and NM, and low single digit leads in FL, NC, and MO ALL SUDDENLY SWITCHED in under 24 hours to give a McCain victory, it would be unprecedented and mean that every polling firm in the country needs to shut their doors and find new lines of work. The only plausible explanation would be that the respondents systematically deceived the pollsters in the lead up to the election. Why would they do that?

-Because Obama is too liberal? Probably not. Dukakis was arguably more liberal and he landed right where the polls said he would. Kerry probably was more liberal as well. McCain has characterized Obama's plans and statements in a particularly sinister way, but not much more so than previous GOP nominees. This is all well trodden ground politically,

-Because Obama's character is flawed? Again, probably not. Kerry was painted as an effete, elitist, flip flopping, America hater who lied about his war record and HE still ended up where the polls said he would. Clinton was a womanizing cad and HE still ended up about where polls said he would. Hard to see how Obama's character 'flaws' are so much worse.

-Because conservatives are don't like responding to (or like lying to) liberal elite pollsters? That was trotted out to explain EXIT polling in 2004, but doesn't seem to have affected traditional polling. No, that would again make no sense. Plus, the pollsters are hip to the idea and almost certainly are looking at it in their samples.

So, then, if the numbers hold for Obama and McCain wins, then what would be the reason? Susan says racism and people jump all over her. But what if she had called it the Bradley effect? I can't count the number of columnists and bloggers that have pegged the Bradley effect as equal to Obama's lead (whatever it is), plus one vote. Nobody seems to jump on these people as whiny racists who can't see the true fiber of McCain and the rightness of his policies. No, people just accept it as a unaccounted for factor (like new voters, GOTV, and the cell phone effect) that could possibly swing the election. However, the Bradley effect can have no cause other than racism! That's its WHOLE POINT. Personally, I don't think it exists, but I think we will have some soul searching to do if we find out it does on Nov. 5th.

So, before jumping on Susan for calling the effect what it really is, make sure you're clear what she's talking about. I think it's a fair question. If you all have a better explanation for why such a thing would happen in defiance of the entire body of work by professional pollsters (when it didn't happen to previous candidates), then please enlighten everyone.

Susan,

You are correct. If people are lying, it is all about race - but not because they are racist. It may be that people are lying to pollsters because they don't want others to think they are racist. Maybe the fact that so many people, you included, have said that it's so obvious that Obama should be president that if you don't vote for him, you're a racist. Maybe that's why they lie.

Maybe they are lying because they are not racist and are concerned that some my view them as such.

Get a grip.

This is a disappointing column by a normally sane and intelligent writer. I admire much of what Estrich has written; she is often a voice of sanity in a crazy time. But now she is giving way to the craziness. Why might Obama lose? Because he is the most left wing candidate ever nominated by an major American party. He is a liberal's liberal. He also has the thinnest resume of any candidate in years. The "embarassing" Gov. Palin is far more qualified then he is.
Look, I am a Republican, but I can recognize reality. This is not a good year for us. If you guys had had the brains to nominate Hillary Clinton, it would be all over. She would have killed us. But Obama is just too extreme and too untested. Frankly, I do not like Clinton, but she did not scare me. She is not a nut. Obama scares the hell out of me. And that is why the election stays close. If McCain wins, it will be because: (1) he is a fine, honorable, well suited to be President, and (2) Barack Obama is a young untested leader who gives off all kinds of signals of being a radical left-winger.

If Obama loses this election it will indeed be because of race, because race is the main consideration that most blacks and guilt ridden liberals have for voting for Obama and there may not be enough of them to sway the election.
Only in the minds of pompous moral relative liberals could racism be so evident in their midst and not see that they are the ones wallowing in it.

I so disagree with Susan's premise. I am a Republican that donated money to Obama early in the Primaries. Since then, I've learned more about his positions that frighten me. I'll sadly vote for McCain - mainly because I like Palin. Obama's race has nothing to do with anything - only the media makes it an issue.

Did she really just say that? At time Estrich has some rather profound statements when she is on shows like Hannity and Colmes; even working my way through her Carol Channing voice. However, it appears Ms. Estrich, has finally taken her last swig of kool aid and joined the marching orders of trying to shame people into voting against their true feelings.

Ms. Estrich - you really need to back up and beg forgiveness. To have the audicity of pulling a national version of Mr. Murtha's racist/redneck comments.

Good grief!

Press Effect is the New Bradley Effect
http://femisex.com/content/press-effect-new-bradley-effect

this will explain a lot i think

Susan
There have been many other reasons given in the previous comments.
Your remarks are inflammatory, obviously to the people who are making their decision to not vote for Senator Obama for all the above mentioned reasons.
I don't believe that people who have listened to the candidates, the media and have done their own research, deserve to have their decisions questioned by you or any other media type. You are not the judge of other people's thought process.
Should Senator Obama lose, accusations of racism is doubly inflammatory and someone with your intelligence should know enough not to make that accusation.
Why should you think your ability to make a decision is any better than any other voters.

Everyone here seems to be offended by this piece, and I was as well when I first read it. Then, I got to thinking about *why* she may have written the piece and not *what* she wrote. Bear with me a little bit, but I think that this is entirely plausible.

Fact One: Ms. Estrich is usually a calm, sensible face of the liberals in America. She generally makes logical sense, even if we may disagree with the postulates on which she bases her arguments. I would also be fairly confident in presuming that she is fairly well acquainted with, and well connected to, the people in power in the Democrat Party.

Fact Two: Ms. Estrich abandons all semblance of reason when she asserts that there is no other possible reason that Obama would lose, other than "racism." This observation has been well-observed by others in their comments so I will not rehash their arguments here.

Fact Three: The Obama campaign seems to be focusing a lot of energy on states that many in the media have considered to be safe for Obama for quite some time. This also runs contrary to the polling data that the media continues to report -- that Obama leads in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida.

Fact Four: Some pundits have begun to speculate openly that the Obama campaign may be privy to some polling data that is not being released to the general public indicating that McCain is gaining ground in some of these states.

Conclusions: It seems plausible that Ms. Estrich has written this column because she is privy to some information that things are not going as well for Obama as "He" would like for the general public to believe. If that is the case, then Ms. Estrich may have written this column to try and force those who would respond with the characterization of being "racist" by acting so as to remove that perjorative label. In the alternative, Ms. Estrich may have written this column in an effort to lay the foundation for decrying a McCain victory on Tuesday by stating that the United States is a "racist" country.

I'm not saying that I'm right, but it is food for thought . . . .



Oh, just for clarity -- the reason that I enclosed "racism" in quotes is that Ms. Estrich is using it in the improper, modern usage as a synonym of race-based bigotry but with more perjorative overtones. Racism, properly defined, is the belief that one race is inherently or genetically inferior than another race, usually that of the person holding the opinion.

Re: EarlyBird

Hi EarlyBird!! Gosh you sound just like one of those "trolls" Obama employs to pretend they are Republicans to bring down the morale of the other side, just like in the primaries. Try to be more subtle next time. Your tirade on Sarah Palin gives you away.

If Obama loses, it may well have to do with race and people lying to the pollsters. But that doesn't mean it is because they are racist -- it is just as likely because they didn't want to be PERCEIVED as racist by saying they are voting for McCain. I certainly know many who are voting McCain but won't put up a yard sign, etc, because they know they will be attacked for being racist. What I want to know is that if Obama wins, will the left finally shut up about race and treat everyone equally?

Re: webass
don't forget the many women who feel Obama is a man who is such a dirty pol by way of stealiing the caucauses by way of trucking in folks from out of state, stealing HRC ballots, and intimidating HRC voters into thinking the vote was over, etc.
Election and donor fraud!

i just send an article i very much liked at FemiSex.com that found that polls will be swayed by a media working in lockstep to insist that if you say nay to Obama ur a big fat racist.

http://femisex.com/content/press-effect-new-bradley-effect

Susan, Hello Dear. I feel so sorry for you, you need help. I promise you this I will not be reading anything you write from this day forward. But, I do agree that if Barack Obama wins it will be the result of race voting. The facts are that he got 96% of the black vote against Hillary. I expect he will get at least that against McCain. I must be honest your article was SICKNEN.

This is just more liberal Democrat Hypocrisy.

Liberal Democrat "political Correctness" sees to it that people are punished for 'not' voting for a Black - of course some might be intimidated by "PC thinking" to lie to pollsters. The real racists are those voting for Obama 'only' because he is black.

Obama/Pelosi/Reid = socialism for the American Middle Class.

so what you are telling me is that if I do not vote for a black candidate then i must be a racist regardless whether i agree with his policy or not? How about if I do not vote for white candidate since I am yellow? Dr. Deane P.

Oh, Susan. So much for new, and post-racial politics.
Clearly, despite the incessant mantra chants, *nothing* is going to change.

Susan, you said earlier that Hillary deserved the Presidency and if she doesn't get it it will be bacause of gender. I wrote you back that she should earn it like everyone else earns their jobs. Now you say that Barack deserves it and if he doesn't get it, it was race. Damn, woman, you are shooting in the dark. When you turn the lights on you will finally see that you shot all your friends and are all alone. Please use your scholarly brain for more than a hat rack..

How prejudiced can you get to say the only way Obama can lose is due to racism? That completely rules out disagreeing with him on every issue. I oppose abortion, embryonic stem cell research, large government, out of hand spending for entitlement programs that give handouts instead of training and encouraging people to work, weakening the military, and establishing a health program that will ration health care or bankrupt us to name just a few areas where we disagree. Those are my reasons for not voting for Obama. I am a conservative and a Republican. I didn't want Hilary Clinton either. I also happen to be a middle aged, white, Roman Catholic, woman living in the South.

Susan. Nice try. You say if Obama is not elected it will be due to racism. Did you ever consider that if Obama is elected it might be due to racism. By all estimates Blacks are voting for Obama as a block. If whites were to vote for McCain as a block, would it be racism as well. Maybe people are voting based on other factors, i.e. experience and work record. Pa

Susan, earlier during the primaries you wrote that Hillary deserved the Presidency and when she didn't get it it was gender bashing. Now you say Barack deserves it and if he doesn't get it it will be bacause of race bashing. After you get done shooting in the dark and turn the lights you will find that you have shot all your friends and are alone in the world. Please use your scholarly brain for more than a hat rack...

With all due respect to Ms. Estrich, this thinking is Bull$hit. I'm a white Virginian and play to vote for McCain - not that I'm a big McCain fan, but I really cannot imagine Obama as President. If running for President, I would certainly vote FOR Condi Rice, Michael Steele, J.C. Watts. etc. My vote for President is based on the candidate's character, not the color of his/her skin. Hmmmm.... now where have I heard that before? Obama's an extreme liberal touting Socialism. Socialism has NEVER been successful and never will. America is great because of its Constitution (as written) and its Capitalism, which allows freedom and incentive to succeed. Obama would send our country down the toilet. Race isn't a factor.

$150,000 Palin wardrobe. Susan must have awakened from her stupor. This is old news. I assume if
Palin were a Democrat, Susan would vote for her,"less enthusiastically" of course.

Well said, Susan. You are one of the very few commentators honest enough to state the obvious: that this election is a referendum for white Americans to decide if they are willing to renounce white supremacy. That it is alive and well may be discerned by reading many of the posts to this column.

What other possible explanation could there be? How about biased polls and pollsters, or at the very least, polling strategies that over-estimate Democratic affiliation? Exit polls in many states in the 2004 election pointed to very different results from actual experience. Did you blame that on racism? Polls have not been correct or accurate for the last 2 election cycles. Why are you so willing to decide in advance that incorrect polls this year could only be the result of racism?

Shame.

Susan has a point. A rather good one. Please read carefully what she is writing. She is not saying, not voting for Obama = racism. NO.,that isn't what she is saying. What she is saying is why should people say the opposite of what they actually think they will do? Call it Bradley effect, call it racism, call it what makes you happy.
Remmber polls have an error margin and Obama is leading well above these margins.
Many McCain supporter tell pollster, they will vote for mcCain. Why should the rest say Obama if they don't mean it? Susan is not saying Obama is experienced or have the best policies or what so ever. The vast majority of comments here seem to be driven by anger rather then trying to understand what Susan actually says.

"It could only be about race."
Thanks for clearing up that nagging thought about "Liberals" being tolerant and open-minded - you know, liberal. Appreciate it!
Seriously, though. You are a Demcorat for a reason. I assume that the reason you support Democrat policies is not due to race. Why should the reason that others don't support Democrat policies be "only about race"?
Are "Liberals' just congenitally unable to talk about policies? Is your world REALLY only about race? Is it REALLY that uni-dimensional?
How sad. Most of the Republicans I know - and even a few Democrats - prefer to view the country on the content of one's character rather than the color of one's skin. Who said that? Oh! I know I know! Dr, King -- a REPUBLICAN, in the event you may be interested. And easily the most important leader in race relations ever in any country at any time.
Maybe you ought to consider why he chose the GOP -- I doubt it was because of the color of anyone's skin.

Was is racism when 100% of black voted either for Bush or Kerry? Try and make sense of what Susan is writing.
Most folks here don't get Susan'point.
Someone has to explain why polling should deviate greatly from actual results far behond error margin.
Susan, this is very strong arguments.

Well articles don't get much dumber than this one.
Blacks all across the country are voting for Obama because he's black but that isn't racsim?!
Nobody with half a brain believes this kind of article any more. Look at this talk back from a few weeks back .,.
25. There is no "Bradley Effect"
because Bradley's race years ago is the ONLY extant example of it, it cannot be given a name. I call it "bad polling". But there's a very real fear out there, and it isn't of 'terrorist violence' as you lamely put it. It's a fear of telling someone you don't know, who HAS your phone number, that you WON"T be voting for Obama. In this age, that's enough to be worried about a future episode of someone calling you a racist publicly. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if people are not answering correctly, not because they're racist but they fear to be CALLED racist.
Dave - USA (10/19/2008 19:51)
Millions of Republicans are keeping their heads down because of things like the above but they will come out to vote.
America isn't ready for a confirmed Marxist
http://obamafarleft.notlong.com
and the article is based on fact and not about slurs etc.
The country doesn't want someone with top level connects to Jihad and the Muslim Brotherhood that gave him over1/3 of his campaign funds ..
http://jihadconnection.notlong.com/
The MSM media failed so far but today it's showing fear and remorse and there are more and more articles appearing that question Obamas past that he hid so carefully
http://nopapertrail.notlong.com/
If he loses it will be because he hid his past and the MSM didn't come clean.
Americans are stupid and won't by a cat in a sack.
Mike

Obama is more than a socialist. I know the Republican Voters are out there as a sleeping giant they all will pull McCain through. They don't forget the dirt brought up on Obama. They (know) he is a socialist. They know the democrats have a bill right at this moment in the senate trying to raise taxes of the middle income people that Bush vetoed. They know Obama does not have the experience needed to be a Strong President, one that will not be swayed by other Countries. In fact one that has Americas best interests in mind. Obama wants one world order. Very sad and scary times we live in if that goes through. Obama promises things he cannot give. We are in debt. How can he pay people that do not work a refund. How can he spread the wealth? With our hard earned money??? Come on undecided's he has charisma but he is not what we need. Not to be trusted. Vote Mc Cain!!! Mc Cain , Palin is the choice. " Put your Country First!! Stand with Mc Cain.
Posted by: Barrack_007 | October 31, 2008 5:55 PM

Nice try, Susan and I am disappointed in your assessment. Did it ever occur to you that many people see him as hypocritical, untruthful, inexperienced, and way too far left - if he were white, black, yellow, purple, red. If people aren't telling the truth it is because any time anyone questions or disagrees with "That One" they are scrutinized, criticized, and investigated. Then, they are called racists and stupid. Look at the attacks on Sarah Palin and her family as soon as she was named. He sent a team of 30 investigators to Alaska. Look at what happened to Joe the Plumber for asking a question. Look at what happened to reporters endorsing McCain on Obama's plan - they were kicked off. Look at what happened to that reporter in FL who asked tough questions to Biden. It goes on and on as to many reasons people do not support Obama and sometimes won't admit it. Hmmmm - what voters do behind close doors, however, may be too powerful for all your Kool-Aid Obama drinkers to handle. Go McCain-Palin!

Susan, People like you are the reason that People like me are telling pollsters, ad those who ask us that we know only casually, that we are "undecided".
I am not, I will be voting for John Mccain. But only those who know me well know that. I tell everyone else that Im "undecided". Becuase of people like you.
I suspect that I am not alone. I suspect that most of us "undecideds" feel the same way. I could be wrong, but Im no racist.

Your column today(10/31) Palin's $150,000 wardrobe is old news. You must have awakened from your stupor. I assume if Palin was a Democrat, you'd vote for her "less enthusiastically" of course.

"What else could it possibly be?" Good grief. Enough, please with the racism. I'll tell you what else it could be. It's called LYING intentionally to SCREW with the media! I am 100% fed up and sick and tired of the role polling has played in the media, especially in last 3 presidential elections. I am not alone in this. I know b/c I've asked other people. I hope the polls are toally screwed up this time b/c the big business of polling, along with the big business of polling reporting has reached a point in America where it controls way too much.

I think there's seriously wrong with someone's analysis skills when they can only see one conclusion for something that is so complicated on many different levels. Come on, give me a break!

I guess they let 3rd graders write weekly columns these days. If anything, Obama will win BECAUSE of his race. If he doesn't win, it will be because of a 3-10% national poll swing that has happened during the last week of many historical elections (maybe people might wake up and see Obama is an inexperienced pretender and McCain is someone proven that we can rely on--if there is any election to see a late poll shift, this is the one for that reason). People like you will be the cause of any social unrest resulting from a McCain win.

Susan's thesis is that if the polls are wrong then voters must be lying to the pollster becasue they don't want to admit that they won't vote for a black man. Holy Mackeral. Listen people, the pollster are assuming a huge shift to the Democrats and may be overpolling Democrats in their samples. Also, something like 1 in 7 voters say they are still willing to change their minds. McCain is finally hitting his message: Obama is a socialist. He is far left. And he is has no where near the experience to be President. Charges of racism should not be thrown around lightly. As Susan well knows, we have a terrible history of racism in this country. Please don't throw gasoline on the fire. I want to vote for Obama because he is African American. But someone this extreme with so little experience in public life? No way.

Re: Jeff

Polls: In my college statistics class years ago, our professor left me with 2 items, I'll always remember; and this is how I view polls:

"A poll can tell you anything you want, it's who & where you poll & how you ask the questions".

"Figures don't lie but liars can figure".

Nuff said

Maybe only white guilt could explain an Obama win? Honestly, after learning about black liberation theology as espoused by Obama's church of choice, I'm over it! Go McCain/Palin!

Poor Susan, you've unfortunately set yourself up for a lifetime of dissapointment. This country is far beyond the racist ideology that you fear may proliferate this election. But I suppose liberals like yourself may no longer have purpose in life unless you keep racism in the forefront of discussion. You have cleverly forgotten about the real issues that have hampered the Obama campaign (facade). Haven't you wondered why Barry hasn't been able to close the deal? People are finally calling his bluff and they know he can't possibly deliver on his promises. Universal health care? Tax breaks for people who make less than $250,000 or is it $200,000 or is it $120,000? Cash back for the 30% of citizens who pay no taxes? Blaming the republicans for our financial crisis when it was the democrats who forced the banks to provide loans to people who whould never qualify otherwise? Obama is a leftist charlatan who pretends to be a moderate. Our citizens are too smart to buy into the hype. I promise you that When John McCain wins this election, it will be a reflection of this nations common sense, not Obama's skin color.

Susan Estrich, as usual, is completely lost. Voted for Sarah Palin for VP and would never, even vote for Obama, under any circumstances. But I can name 4 black men that I would vote for for president in a heartbeat: Thomas Sowell (economist), Clarence Thomas (supreme court justice), Ward Connerly (successful businessman) or Walter Williams (economist). I would vote for any of these men over Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney or any other Republican I can think of, let alone a moderate Democrat like John McCain. But there is no way I could ever vote for a communist like Obama.

Man, I'm sick of reading these editorials screaming "racism!" Let me just say that I want Obama to lose because he's a socialist and because I do not care what reasons anyone else has for voting against him. The main point is that he lose. Now tell me how I'm any different from the millions of Obama worshippers. They want him to win, they don't care if blacks vote against McCain because he's white, they just want to win.

So this writer can blame it on race if Obama loses. Well, I'm going to blame a McCain loss on black racists. Anyone see any problem with that?

This is about as arrogant and condescending as it gets. Where do the liberal get off saying that if Obama loses, well it must be racism???? I'm voting against Obama and I'm not voting against him on account of race. As a matter of fact, many of those I know (the social conservative crowd) would eagerly vote for Alan Keyes if he had a realistic chance at being elected.

Or could it perhaps, maybe, turn out that there are REAL and SUBSTANTIAL reasons not to vote for Obama? For those of us with a philosophy far different than his very liberal philosophy (and he is the most liberal man to ever be nominated by one of the major parties for President), race doesn't factor in.

I could give you a hundred reasons to vote against Barack Obama, from his insane idea of raising taxes at a time of recession to his radical stand on abortion to his promised appointments of liberal activist judges. I could give you a hundred reasons to vote against Obama, and race isn't one of them.

I didn't vote for obama because he is a sleasy liar who has a history of hanging around with other sleazy people. He turns my stomach so I did not vote for him. Does that make me racist or an informed voter?

Well Susan you have disappointed me greatly. I thought of all the people writing columns that you were one of the best in explaining why you supported your candidate. I never thought you would pull the racial card like this. I guess one is never too old to learn.

However, just so you know - I have three very close friends that I have know and remained close too since 1964 - One is black, One is Jewish and One is Atheist. We have shared a lot of family, children and grandchildren over the years just so you know I am not racist. None of us four are voting for Obama as we judge the candidates on the issues and we compared their records to make our decisions. What we found on Obama was that he had no real record, his judgement was not the best in the world when it came to his friends and associations, and his U.S. Senate record of 143 days and voting Present 130 times did nothing to help clarify his beliefs.

Again I am extremely disappointed in your stance on saying it is now a racial issue, but, I wish you the best.

Really? How could any educated person assume race is an issue at this point? My gawd, how lame can this get? Has anyone not figured out that the FAR majority of America is somewhere in the middle, neither conservative nor liberal and are being presented with a candidate they WANT to vote for because of the message it would send but who has views that are so far left that he doesn't represent even most Democrats views. Nobody is saying that McCain is the answer either but when in doubt you leave the power and the money with the people. That's not racist, that's just smart. And all those screaming race are bringing their own ability to see past race into question, not the voters'.

The Juge, you miss the point entirely. This article is crap in part because of the assumption that if people don't bow down and tell the pollsters who they are really voting for, it must be racism. No, the reason is quite different than that. As someone else here said, it is because of brainless liberals (and I don't usually talk this harshly) who WILL CALL THESE GOOD PEOPLE RACISTS. Obama has become like a god to many people.. literally a replacement messiah for a bunch of people who have lost their ways. It is often dangerous to support McCain because of the atmosphere in which we live. I won't put a McCain sticker on my car for this reason.. I am almost 100% sure it would be vandalized in the community in which I live. So if people calling themselves "pollsters" call me and ask me who I'm voting for, I'm not going to tell them that. As a conservative, I have far less incentive to say who I'm voting for in this election than in any other that I remember. THAT is the effect you will see... and it has nothing to do with racism. It has to do with people like Susan who need a reality enema, who are so arrogant and so sure of their position that they think that anyone who disagrees with it must be irrational (as racism is). McCain has a great chance of pulling out a victory for this very reason. We Americans are TIRED of the media trying to brainwash us for a liberal, un-American agenda.

Assuming Susan's theory to be true, that means of course that the only possible racism she could be talking about is that of Democrats and Independents. The Republicans already have their candidate, and given the lack of qualifications and Marxist ideas of Obama, there is no reason for conservatives to switch allegiance. Accordingly, the only one's who could switch their votes because of racism are Democrats and Independents.

You are just another member of the MSM giving people the right to riot if Obama does lose. You guys have MADE it look as if the only reason he could lose is race. BECAUSE you, the MSM, have refused to question Obama, his past, his associations, his words/decisions/lack of decisions, his inexperience. You have made it about race. Plenty of Americans value our Consitution and our way of life. We want someone as President who loves this country and has proven that. If McCain were black and Obama were white, I would still be voting for McCain. It's not Obama's color or race, it's his arrogant personality, his total lack of experience, his lying and hiding of his past, his association with people who hate America, and his desire to turn us into a Socialist, reparations society. So just keep on writing pure sh-- like this....like you have done the entire campaign. And then when he loses they will say the riots are justified.

Wow! Susan - how dare you accuse people you DON'T EVEN KNOW of voting against Obama only because of race. I personally wouldn't vote for ANYONE - even if he/she were whiter than Wonder bread - that had his lack of experience/character and his extremely liberal/Marxist ideas (YES, I personally believe he is based on his background, associations, and writings and spoken words). I would, however seriously consider voting for a Bobby Jindal, Michael Steele, JC Watts, Lynn Swann etc. because I agree with them POLITICALLY! I am afraid I hear more racist comments coming from the left attempting to explain an Obama defeat. I have come to realize after following politics for the past 22 years, that one should look carefully at what the Democrats are screaming about because they are probably guilty of doing exactly that which they decry. Voter fraud? Yep. Vote supression? Yep (and military votes at that). Racism? Yep. Negative campaigning? Yep. Unqualitfied nominees? YEP. You all are busted and bankrupt - in every sense of the word. How sad. I actually feel quite sorry for you.

I started to post a comment but after reading many of the existing ones I figured many of them spoke for me. So why bother? Susan... narrow thinking.

Wait, Barack is African-American? Now I will have to vote for McCain! Susan, honestly? Because of racism? How about because he's the most liberal candidate to run for office since McGovern? America is a center-right country and not everyone lives in Cambridge, MA.

America has NEVER voted for a liberal in the mode of Barack Obama in its history, so why is it racism if America does not vote for this flaming liberal??!! I would not vote for a blue-eyed blonde that was liberal, and it has nothing to do with race!! I don't vote for liberals!!

Could it just pooooooossibly be that I cannot stand the things that BO bases his whole life on, socialism, Marxism, etc. We are heading down a slippery slope in this country and race has NOTHING to do with it!!!

Re: Alma

Precisely!!! I am absolutely steaming that Ms. Estrich would categorize me (and ALL of you) as racist if we disagree with the socialization of America and the re-writing of the Constitution. As a former supporter of Robert Kennedy I simply could not possibly vote for Obama who has been closely associated with Ayers (who dedicated his early book, Prairie Fire, to Sirhan-Sirhan who shot and killed Robert Kennedy. I just wonder how Ted Kennedy and his family really feel about all this?

______________

Susan, you should be ashamed of this insulting and clearly inflammatory statements. You are a disgrace. I have put up with some of your thoughts when you appeared on panels but I will turn the channel, call the station and it's advertisers each and every time I see you and inform them of THIS anti American attempt to demean the American citizen.

Susan ifa fraud. Why are 90% of black voters choosing Obama? That my friends is racism. Get a grip Susan. If Obama wins it is only BECAUSE of racism.

Susan, Here is what you wrote on Sept. 18:
"It does not mean that Barack Obama has a rightful claim on the White House that, if it is denied to him, will only be because of his race. This idea that race is the only thing that could cost Barack Obama the presidency is both dangerous and wrong.
"The polls may be wrong because of race: that is, McCain may actually be further ahead than he looks to be right now, because some voters are giving the politically correct rather than the honest answer. But it is not the reason that Barack Obama has not locked this one up, and those who suggest otherwise are fueling a backlash that could be vicious and ugly. And unjustified."

I couldn't even make myself read this, given the concept: only racism could bring about an Obama loss. Are we STILL talking about this? Are you STILL unable to believe that some people might simply see Barack Obama as under-experienced and over-hyped? Is it STILL to hard to believe that marketing doesn't solve everything?

I'm a Democrat. I placed my early vote for Barack Obama because I am a Democrat, and I want to accomplish something in the next four years. But I will tell you straight upfront I do not believe he is qualified for the job, and that there is FAR too much Joe Cool hype connected with him, and far too little real meat on the bone.

Please. Give people some credit, will you???

Susan,
This election is unique in several ways besides race. First, this is the first election since 1952 that there is not an incumbent running from one of the parties. Therefore, the polls the way they currently are configured may not be valid. Secondly, the primary was decided very early for the Republicans and this allowed Republicans to switch to Democrat to vote in the later primaries and cause Hillary to win. This switch could be causing the pollsters to think that the Democratic voter population is much larger than it really is. This is a sampling error and could be significant. Thirdly, with caller ID and cellphones, the sample group may not be truly representative of the whole group. Lastly, with more and more referendum on social issues on the ballot as well as elected office, this could cause some who focus on these issues to increase their turnout.
On the race issue, Obama wouldn't even be in this contest, if it were not for white people. Blacks are overwhelming in their support of Obama, with very few undecideds. Therefore, what will be interesting is to see how the remaining undecideds break.

I always enjoy your column, but this one is silly, if not stupid. Are all the polls wrong, don't know. Do know AP said today that 1 in 7 voters can still be persuaded. Or how about the trend in favor of McCain in the last week, his numbers go up every day. Is that because racists have some other reason to hang their hat? Donna Brazzaile said the racist vote would be about 2 1/2 to 3, republicans thought a little higher. But under your scenario, that's not enough points.
To the thrust, I voted for McGovern, Ford (never vote for a born again if from the south), Reagan, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Dole (throw away), Bush II, Kerry (Bush promised no nation building), and now McCain. I am a Republican, but moderate, and believe character counts.
What we don't know about Obama: why he sat in church for 20 years listening to the most vile language; how he made bad grades at Occidental, then transfer to Columbia, then to Chicago and then to Harvard Law, and has stated in years past no debt; why Percy Sutton, Manhattan Borough President stated that the Egyptian adviser (and unbelievable racist) to the Saudis called him, said he was financially supporting Obama with others and wanted help in getting him to Harvard; why keeps lying about his relationship with Ayres; how he got on the board and why; ditto, Woods; ditto, why Annenburg won't release records of meetings because no deed of gift signed by Ayres after they first said the files were open; why his student records are off-limits, but Bush II's were not; if true, why the continuing relationship with Ayres and his wife (including babysitting by children?), why diminishes it as just in the neighborhood, followed by "I thought he was rehabillitated", when at first he said he didn't know about his past; ditto, when the same two have never apologized for the killings, the pain to others; why he says selfish not to want to pay higher taxes to help those with less, when aunt lives in public housing and public assistance (and yet an immigrant with no means of support?); ditto, uncle in the past; ditto, uncle in Kenya living on $ 1 per month, and he does a book deal the month before joins the Senate (and avoid conflict rules on income?); ditto, why not call an increase in the earned income tax credit welfare, cuz that is what it is.
If McCain hung around people equally extreme on the right, they'd crucify him; this country remains polarized, people like you help it along, but the majority of voters still prefer center to center right, where everyone works save disability, or lay-offs with a temporary helping hand. Obama's proposal is open ended.
And quit blaming Bush for the economy; Graham put in the bill that hedge funds would not be regulated, Dodd and Frank supported it, Congress passed it and Clinton signed it. McCain and others at least wanted to reign in Fannie Mae, but not Frank and Dodd.
I still like you, but this time, you're either posturing or just old and bitter.

in all my years, i've never been polled. so, i don't know if they are anonymous or the pollsters do it in person.

if the polls are in person, there is a much simpler answer than estrich's conclusion that people will hide their intention to vote for mccain or against obama because they are racist--and in science, the simplest answer is the default correct answer.

it is more likely that people would say they are voting for obama but then not do so not because they ARE racist, but because they are concerned that if they say they are voting for mccain the questioner will or may THINK they are racist. articles like estrich's abound. so, anyone who says s/he is voting for mccain runs the danger of being perceived as racist. therefore, it is a societal risk to state one's true intentions because those intentions are subject to the PREJUDICED (in the true sense of a "pre-judgment") reaction of others.

there is racism enough in the united states, but estrich's argument is unconvincing.

keevan d. morgan, chicago

HAD A POLLSTER CALL ME -
FIGURED, IF THEY HAVE MY PH # THEY PROB HAVE MY ADDRESS. HAVE SEEN SOME UGLY THINGS DONE TO PROPERTY W/McCAIN SIGNS, BUMPER STICKERS., ETC.
FOR MORE THAN A FEW REASONS (NONE OF THEM RACIST!!!) ... I TOLD THEM WHAT I FIGURED THEY WANTED TO HEAR. LAST ELECTION, I WOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT, BUT "RADICAL" IS REARING ITS UGLY HEAD MORE THAN EVER.


BY THE WAY, FOLKS - THEY ARE SKEWERING THE POLLS ON PURPOSE - THIS IS BEING DONE IN ADVANCE
SO THAT WHEN MC CAIN D O E S W I N , THEY HAVE SET THE STAGE TO CLAIM A "STOLEN ELECTION".

There you go again Susan. It couldn't possibly have anything to do with Obama's policies or inexperience. Once again the Democrats throw the race flag. I am sick and tired of being told not voting for the Obaman is racist. I am not voting for this candidate because he has no experience, his associates are as slimy as they come and because he wants to spread my wealth around and your wealth around.

Go ahead and make this about race if it makes you feel better. You can also fan the flames of racism and help create unrest by taking this stance. I'm sure the Dems would love to have a race war so the government can step in and take even more control of our lives.

You and the rest of the race baiters are the useful idiots Barack and the socialists are looking for.

Thats full of sh**. Susan, you can only say that if Obama is the perfect candidate and McCain isn't. By the way, dont forget about the 90% black vote for obama. If you so much believes in polls, then why bother with an election?

There's a much more likely reason why the polls could be wrong. People may change their minds AFTER they've talked to a pollster, once the sobering reality of voting for an Obama presidency becomes clear.

Obamas Greek Columns cost more than Palin's wardrobe- hers goes to charity after the campaign --his Greek columns went back to a Hollywood lot. Yeah-this is real news, but she still looks better than he.

I had a friend who worked the polls in Boston- she said the pollsters laughed at how they skewed and twisted words to make them look favorable to Obama...she was formerly a statistician so she knows how to work numbers.

Here's why I won't vote for Obama- I'm from Chicago, I'm not white, ACORN equals dirty politics and yes they are tied to Obama and I hope they get prosecuted.

Other reasons, Ayers, Auchi, Axelrod, Blagoyevich, Daley, Dohrn, Giannoulias, Khalidi, Rezko, Stroger, Talbott, Tillman, Wright - and Odinga -

I Still haven't figured out how Obama was allowed to go and campaign for Odinga in 2006 in Kenya while a US Senator.

Wow. Judging by the majority of comments here, does it appear there's backlash against the Democrats playing the race card yet again?

You betcha!

And it warms my heart to see fellow Americans actually discussing issues that concern them aout Obama.

I'm a 30-year registered Democrat and Hillary supporter. I supported Hillary (and Bill) because I'm a centrist. But I have just voted early for McCain.

I was prepared to be a loyal Democrat and vote for him. But a funny thing happened on the way to election day -- I could not BELIEVE in the guy who asks me to BELIEVE.

Why? One word (and it isn't racism): FISA

After he flipflopped on FISA (which Hillary voted against), that was it for me.

Because this particular Obama flipflop (among many others) led me to BELIEVE I can't rust his promises on any issues.

To see him assure those of us outraged by FISA that he would support a filibuster then watch him so completely roll over on such an important issue... that was it for me.

And since then Obama has flipflopped and swung right on so many things - drilling, withdrawal from Iraq, guns, capital punishment ... the list goes on.

Oh - and recently - as shown inhis informercial -- he says he's going to suspend foreclosures for 90 days. This is something Hillary promised to do and Obama and his legions of "financial experts" crucified her, swearing on a stack of wall street bibles thatto do such a thing would bring finincial ruin to all.

Yet here he is -- with a straight face, telling us from his Oval Office set that he will suspend foreclosures for 90 days. Gee -- what happened to all those experts who assured him Hillary's idea was a death knell?

The particular issue isn't the issue -- it's his unmitigated ability to change his tune that leads me to BELIEVE he will NOT honor any of his promises and voting for him is voting for a complete unknown.

As for McCain -- let's not forget that John Kerry asked McCain to be his VP in 2004. Asked him more than once.

If McCain was good enough for Kerry -- he's good enough for me.

Thats full of sh**. Susan, you can only say that if Obama is the perfect candidate and McCain isn't. By the way, dont forget about the 90% black vote for obama. If you so much believes in polls, then why bother with an election?

Well, if people are lying in the polls, it's not because they are racist, but because they are afraid of appearing racist. That's not the same thing. In fact, fear of appearing racist may be one of the reasons the media have failed to pursue any of the troubling stories about Obama's past.

Wow... Susan really touch the nerves with her article. Look at all these racist people who showing their identity by replying to her column.

yes Susan is right.
Democrats are racist.
2 kinds of racists in the democrat party are:
Democrats who will not vote for Obama based on skin color.
Liberal democrats who think that slavery and racism have renderd people of color unable to take care of themselves.
If Obama loses it will be because of democrats, if he wins it will be because of crossover republicans.

Oh Susan,
What nonsense. Racism is not the factor. First, the pollsters were terribly wrong in 2004. They had Kerry way ahead of Bush. Remember? That wasn't racism. Every Demo is promising blood in the streets. Why are they trying to threaten and scare Americans who have a different political philosophy than them? It's outrageous. All these claims are coming from the left. You hear John McCain talking about Race? I heard Barack tell a group at a rally that he was black. Come on. Who is injecting race? Even you, Susan. Shame on you. I don't want to vote for him because he's inexperienced, he hasn't made his case to me why I should and I don't agree with his social "spread the wealth around" policy. Period. So take your racist comment and stick it. It's the left that is so intolerant, sexist(hello Hillary and Sarah Palin), Rich (thank you Mrs. Speaker and Barack for your wads of money), and ready to step on our constitution and our rights (the fairness doctrine? Legislating from the bench) It's a good thing Scoop Jackson isn't around to see what a mess you people have made of the party.

What a shameful article. No thinking person could write such tripe.

Maybe I'm racist because I don't like communist reds...

Susan you are an idiot. Worse yet it is people like you who have chosen to vote for Obama because of his race, primarily to make a statement on race, as opposed to examining the candidates and their positions without considering their race. The one upside I see to Obama getting elected is that possibly this may remove the excuse of race as a barrier to success in America. Good Luck and enjoy your extra large helping of liberalism!

Or maybe, just maybe Barack will lose because he's too socialist for mainstream America?

Let's face it. Obama got where he is BECAUSE of his race, not in spite of it.

So we should vote for a man that is only 12.75% African American so the rest of the people that share the same ethnic heritage don't riot, burn, loot and cause chaos in our cities. Nice solution! WE should vote based on the capabilities of the nominee to run our country. To say that the African American community is going to react with violence if they do not get they want is an insult to them as a people. So what you saying is. If McCain is not elected we as Caucasians should loot and riot because a white man wasn't elected. Grow up! I think you need to question your own racist perspective before you writ articles telling us what we should think!

Sorry, Susan. I completely disagree with this. Let me start by saying that I once argued in the Obama's race would keep him from winning -- but I never said that ONLY his race would do that. In order to make this gigantic leap, you have to overlook the fact that since 1964, the Democrats have only won the White House three times, but only two men were victorious. Each of the candidates who ran during this period was and remains a white heterosexual male. The country is center-right, and it paid the Democrats back for its liberal policies of the 70s.

The most troubling apsect of your article from my perspective as a black progressive, is that it implies that if Obama wins, race lacks social relevance. If "only" racism can cause Obama to lose, then antiracism will cause him to win. This is a dangerous assumption to accept in a society with huge and very visible gaps in substantive well being among the races. So let's cut out all of the drama that has overtaken Democrats the last couple of weeks and get ready to watch the returns.

Susan, I disagree but not for the reasons cited in many of the comments posted here. Research the Bradley Effect and you'll find it to be bogus. In fact, a reverse Bradley effect is probable in this election. Further, the polls likely underestimate Obama's lead since cell-phone-only users and newly registered voters are typically excluded -- groups that overwhelmingly support Obama.

No, the only reason Obama would lose despite being ahead in the polls is because of rigged vote machines. CNN.com has an excellent analysis of how easily American democracy has been undermined. Any state without a paper trail is suspect. Fraud in states with paper trails would only be detected through a recount.

I used to have a little admiration for your views as a lawyer, a professor, and a commentator; however, your conclusions concerning race are totally unfounded and stupid. You fail to consider the real issue: that some of us just don't want to vote for a marxist, in everything but title. Obama will change the core views some Americans hold firm. Independence is dear to some of our hearts, achievement is a goal of some of us, performance is still a desire in some of our lives. To the rest, socialism, marxsim, and leninism are acceptable because performance meens little, and collectivism means everything. Race means nothing more than a worthless talking point in this election. Free loving people will not quietly vote for this vile junior Senator, who hates everything our founding fathers stood for. Wake up Susan - get real. Start loving this country again, and forget the "great social experiment that makes slaves of all of us."

Susan, I disagree but not for the reasons cited in many of the comments posted here. Research the Bradley Effect and you'll find it to be bogus. In fact, a reverse Bradley effect is probable in this election. Further, the polls likely underestimate Obama's lead since cell-phone-only users and newly registered voters are typically excluded -- groups that overwhelmingly support Obama.

No, the only reason Obama would lose despite being ahead in the polls is because of rigged vote machines. CNN.com has an excellent analysis of how easily American democracy has been undermined. Any state without a paper trail is suspect. Fraud in states with paper trails would only be detected through a recount.

Susan, I disagree but not for the reasons cited in many of the comments posted here. Research the Bradley Effect and you'll find it to be bogus. In fact, a reverse Bradley effect is probable in this election. Further, the polls likely underestimate Obama's lead since cell-phone-only users and newly registered voters are typically excluded -- groups that overwhelmingly support Obama.

No, the only reason Obama would lose despite being ahead in the polls is because of rigged vote machines. CNN.com has an excellent analysis of how easily American democracy has been undermined. Any state without a paper trail is suspect. Fraud in states with paper trails would only be detected through a recount.

OK Susan I at least find your article reasonable.
I do not however think that is McCain wins and there is no obvious fraud that there will be any "race riots."
Those who think there will be do not understand African Americans - this is the one group in America that does not kid itself with regard to what others think of them. Sure there will bve deep disappointment but man - African Americans have been through a lot and not winning an election is not going to make anyone flip.
The real question is why some white people are so defensive and angry. No one has called you a racist and you will be voting secret ballot. If you dont want to you can keep your vote a secret forever. If people choose to think you are a racist because you didnt vote for a black man - why should it bother you at all - unless you really are a racist and the truth hurts?

Maybe Democrats have lost in the past because the American voters spoke and said "NO"
Thank you for a perfect example of a pompous elitist "I am owed" twit.
With columnist like this, it is no wonder newspapers are dying a quick death. They will not be missed.

and if it had been hillary, you would blame the loss on sexism.

sorry, but most of us vote for policies not race or sex.

Obama is a socialist. most democrats are socialists.

I won't vote for socialists. I don't care what else there is about himor her.

socialism is the ruin of economies, and the enemy of freedom.

beware the tyranny of good intentions. it is the most invasive and the worst abuser of liberties.

OK Susan I at least find your article reasonable.
I do not however think that is McCain wins and there is no obvious fraud that there will be any "race riots."
Those who think there will be do not understand African Americans - this is the one group in America that does not kid itself with regard to what others think of them. Sure there will bve deep disappointment but man - African Americans have been through a lot and not winning an election is not going to make anyone flip.
The real question is why some white people are so defensive and angry. No one has called you a racist and you will be voting secret ballot. If you dont want to you can keep your vote a secret forever. If people choose to think you are a racist because you didnt vote for a black man - why should it bother you at all - unless you really are a racist and the truth hurts?

As usual, Susan is speaking from the orifice that she sits on. Actually, if Obama WINS it would only be because of racists. Those racists who aren't white. You surely can't argue that 96% of the African-American population is voting for Obama based on an intelligent, thoughtful discourse. If we look at countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Iraq under Hussein, and we see a 96% voter approval for a particular person we know that the vote is rigged. In this case, it's just because of his color, he's a Democrat, and they're looking for another Lyndon Johnson type handout. Let's get real here.

I've never voted for a lefty, so should I start now just to prove I'm not a racist? I hope everyone is listening up. If "The One" is elected, it's going to be 4 to 8 years of having the "R" word thrown at your head every time you disagree with him or his policies.

Leave it to a operative of the dempcrats to raise the specter of racism when there is no evidence thereof.
Let's see... what you are saying is that if you don't vote for Obama, you are a racist. Keen insight Susan.
Mr. King jr. must be rolling over in his grave. Keep it up Susan, you and every other one of your race bating kind. Funny,,, you all seem to be ... democrats.

It was interesting to see which of your identify politics was going to win out - you had to chose betweem a black and a woman. Gosh... maybe you picked him so you couldn't be accused of being a racist. And now... if others don't vote for him they are racists. Are there any adults left in your party?

Did I really just read that?? If this is true why has Obama made it this far. I do believe if Racism was a factor he would have never even been to this point. I may be a young voter however I do believe that it is not the color of your skin that makes you a good person or the right person to run a country that so many people love and defend. I believe it is all about your charcter. I will not be vothing for Obama because of his charcter. I can not vote for someone who lies to his country, I can not vote for someone who will not wear a pin of the american flag. I can not vote for someone who associates with some of the people he associates with and I will not vote for someone who wants to take my hard earned money to help someone who makes more money than I do pay off their mortgage.

Why are you pulling the race card? Did you know that Barry Obama is more Caucasion than African American? It's Barry who is pulling the race card. See, he's no more black than Tiger Woods (Woods lineage is Thai and Chinese). But he plays it up real nice to get the black vote. It's a mockery of America's minorities. Barry, and the rest of the bigots, should be ashamed of himself.

Leave it to a operative of the dempcrats to raise the specter of racism when there is no evidence thereof.
Let's see... what you are saying is that if you don't vote for Obama, you are a racist. Keen insight Susan.
Mr. King jr. must be rolling over in his grave. Keep it up Susan, you and every other one of your race bating kind. Funny,,, you all seem to be ... democrats.
It was interesting to see which of your identify politics was going to win out - you had to chose betweem a black and a woman. Gosh... maybe you picked him so you couldn't be accused of being a racist. And now... if others don't vote for him they are racists. Are there any adults left in your party?

Typical Obama supporter already crying "race". Did race have anything to do with Colin Powell supporting Obama? It had everything to do with it. I am NOT a racist although I will wear the tag because I do not support Reverend Wright's sidekick. A man who claims we know where he stands has voted present 122 times instead of taking a stand. Label me as you will, but Dean/Obama stole this race from Hillary. Sarah Palin has more experience than Obama.

Hey Susan! Can I be a racist? Let's see: I'm white, over 40, male and make less than $30k a year. Oops! I've already voted for a black man for President - that would be Alan Keyes, over ten years ago. I think he was running against Bush I at the time ,as Reagan's former ambassador to the UN and a black intellectual who refused to be a victim. I voted for a black man for President when your candidate Obama was still running around with Bill Ayers and possibly that communist Frank Marshall Davis(?) in Hawaii - but because I won't vote for YOUR socialist, I'm a racist? Wonder how many more like me there are out there - after all, I haven't been polled ONCE in this entire campaign, by either side. Don't worry, I'll find out how many there are like me on Nov. 4 - when we all come out and VOTE! McCain, Barr, whoever's running from the Constitution party, it doesn't really matter - anyone but Barack Hussein Obama, because as bad as the economy, foreign wars, inflation, GDP and all the rest are now - it still can get worse. Reed, Pelosi, Frank, Dodd, Murtha & Co. will see that it does.

One more time: It's not his pigment, it's his pigmentality! First, the polls are being intentionally slanted to make people think that Obama is far ahead. The only true polls have just a 3-4 pt gap. Obama has run a campaign that has agitated racial tensions purposely. He has done his best to drive away moderate democrats by holding a mock convention. There are 99 reasons Obama could lose and race ain't one!!

Susan If he loses he wont be able to talk for a month it will take that long to pry him out from under his bed this guy will look like a snail it will take for men and ccow bars to get him right . Hell he will be in speach therapy for months.lots off luck with your theory.

Of course, not liking Sen Obama's policies and his refusal to adhere to anything for any length of time has nothing to do with voting for John Mc Cain, it has to be racism. This tactic will eventually wear thin, and soon it is to be hoped. I suppose there are white people who will ignore their gut feelings and reasoned judgment for fear of being called racist. After two years of hearing how this self labeled *Black man* pulls out race at every turn, it may be that white folks are realizing where real racism lies in our society.

As a lawyer, Susan, you should be able to evaluate the common problems of all polls. Those problems begin with the inability to reliably establish the necessary 50 populations of voters in the 2008 election., one for each state. The second common problem is finding and using a reliable method of eliciting from 50 random samples, answers to the question of actual voter preference. This is the point of most significant breakdown in the process. Many in the target samples are simply not contacted, many refuse to participate, many will change their minds, some are legitimately undecided, some feign indecision, some lie, some merely want to talk. Some don't like the caller's voice, some callers are unreliable (see ACORN about this). After the mixed bag of responses are assembled, polling gurus, of uncertain ideology or competence, decide, ex post facto, how the results should be weighted based on extrinsic considerations such as known new voter registration statistics of uncertain reliability (see ACORN for this again). Need I go on? As a prosecuting attorney, would you be able to convict either John McCain or Barack Obama, of having won the election based on this circumstantial evidence? As a defense attorney, would you feel comfortable that your case has been lost based on the evidence presented. As a judge, would you be tempted to dismiss the charges based on a farcical prosecution, no matter who was charged?
More to the point, based on the lack of established reliability and validity of the polling data, evaluated historically, would you be comfortable convicting an entire population of people whom you have never met, of racist motives for the hate crime of voting their preference in a national election? If you can honestly say 'yes' then you have deservedly lost all respect I have had for you.
If you cannot say 'yes' then you should withdraw this essay and retire into well earned academic obscurity.

Susan, you are too smart to be this oblivious. Gallup has said that if anything, the Bradley effect actually helps Obama by as much as three points. If McCain wins, it will be because of the PUMA's. As a female, you of all people, should understand how totally turned off a lot of Democrats are at the treatment Hillary received. They are determined to teach the Democratic Party a lesson. If Obama had chosen Hillary as his vice-president, this election would be a total blowout and we both know it. Just because you detest Sarah Palin's political philosophy, does not mean that every female Democrat is not holding her nose and voting for McCain-Palin. That says nothing about the blue collar males who have no problem voting for an accomplished female hunter. Western Pennsylvania is not racist, it is socially conservative and that is a huge difference and the only reason why Obama might lose.

Re: "You tell me it has nothing to do with race. I'll laugh. What else could it possibly be?"

Susan, Look at past elections. Polling is not a perfect science and is not always reflective of a perfect sampling of the real voters. Just because I exist, I am white and I plan on voting for McCain does not mean I am racist. Use your common sense. Somehow, those who accuse all of us of being racist if we dare not to vote for the black candidate are the ones who are willing to jump to conclusions, pretend to understand the motives of all, and are too anxious to put this negative spin on my right to decide who I want to vote for in this election. The opinion you have expressed is unfounded and dangerous.

susan, you sound hysterical...which i expect will be the reaction of many when Obama loses...since you are throwing out "conspiracy theories"...how about this one? if obama loses, perhaps the reason is because Americans are not as dumb as MSM thinks they are...maybe the american public can actually see through the medias slant for Obama. maybe the public has actually learned to read between the lines regarding the information that the media is throwing at them and learned to distill truth from fiction... maybe, just maybe, knowing that they are being "played for fools" the american public has learned to "game the system" by telling the pollsters just what they think they want to hear and THEN voting the way they really want to in the booth...now THAT would be a sweet irony, wouldn't it Susan????

That's the problem right there --- you Liberals always think you SHOULD win, and when the actual country gets in your way, you plot to change it by whatever means necessary to implement your socialistic, anti-Western agenda: open borders, voter fraud, votes for convicts, White guilt, brainwashing youth in our universities, brainwashing the populace at large through your wholly owned subsidiary --- the MSM. And now you think you have a chance to take over all three branches of government, eviscerate talk radio via your proposed Fairness Doctrine, thugishly suppress all criticism of your Sainted Kenyan Redistributor in Chief, and destroy everything this country ever stood for.
Here is a warning. You will not succeed, and the true America will reclaim the culture, language, academia, media, executive branch, legislature, and courts. America-haters will have no way to make a living and will be reduced to standing in soup lines.

If Obama wins or loses, it will be for the same reason. If he wins, it will be because the press has ignored people like the Reverend Wright and Bill Ayres. We all know that, if McCain had these associations that were right wing and hated blacks, etc. they would have been mercilessly exposed and the press would have kept going and going until he renounced them. Not so, with Senator Obama. If he loses, it will be because Americans had many questions about these same relationships, and they picked up information about them from other sources, and the media refused to vet him and remove these doubts. You see, Susan, no prejudice here. No racism here. Just old fashioned politics.

As an African American, let me say that first of all yes, I am an Obama supporter, but my support for him has little to do with race and more to do with the dire need for change. That being said, I would like to think that this so-called Bradley effect that you guys speak of will be less of a factor than it was 20 years ago. I would hope the racial attitiudes of both black and white would have moved foward with the times. You know, I would really like to be proud of you guys for voting issues instead of skin color. I would really like to puff out my chest with pride and say "look at what the country I live in has done". I would really like to see attitiudes in this country begin to change in ways that I never thought I would see in my lifetime. The world is watching. Let's show them all what America is made of. What America can be when the chips are down. That we are even better than them. If you are voting for Obama or McCain, do it not for their skin color, but as MLK says for the content of their character.

Susie, Susie, Susie. Will some racists not vote for Obama just because he's black? Of course. But let's be fair here. What percentage of voting blacks will vote for Obama? 95 percent? What percentage of voting whites will vote for McCain? 55 percent?
Now, really - how many votes will white racism cost Obama? Maybe 1 million tops? I mean, face it - many whites would vote against Obama ANYWAY for nothing having to do with race, right? How many votes is Obama gaining from blacks voting for him by a likely 14- or 15-1 margin? A lot more than he's losing to white racism, right? So actually, rather than being DEFEATED because he's black (as you liberals like to paint the presumably oppressed of our society), he's very likely to be ELECTED because he's black. Honestly, do you think he even would have had a prayer to beat Hillary in the primaries if he were white? He won 93 PERCENT of black votes in the DEMOCRAT primaries? That's not black racism? PUH-LEEZE!

Susan Estrich, I'm so disappointed with you
To suggest that only race could cause Obama to lose lacks everything - reason, sense, intelligence, and above all, class. I never miss your articles. I rarely agree with you, but usually you show intelligence and class. Not today. Today you overlook the fact that Obama is far-far-left and the country is not. You overlook the secretiveness and lying that has characterized him as a candidate. You overlook the fact that Democrats always out-poll Republicans just before they lose. You overlook the election year negatives associated with a monstrous spend-and-tax mentality. You overlook the fact that Obama supports taking away worker's secret ballots in the workplace. You overlook Obama's devotion to abortion. You overlook Obama's arrogance and the downright scary responses to criticism and investigation. There are many, many reasons to vote against Obama. Obama's race explains how he got this far - the unwillingness of the national media to investigate and report on him and the over-eager acceptance of him by the liberals. But Obama's race is not enough to get him elected. He's not a viable candidate. Period. Normally, Susan, I would include a link in my blog to your article, but it's so embarrassing that I'm not doing it this time.
http://rweston.stumbleupon.com/

"The only way all these polls could be that far off is if people are lying in numbers never before seen in American politics.

Why would they do that?"

It's called FEAR. We have all seen what happens to people who dare to question or oppose the mighty Obama. Look what the media did to Joe the plumber. How about those reporters tossed off the Obama plane, whose organizations support McCain. Or that woman who made some less than kind remarks to an Obama pollster and found the Secret Service at her door. People are lying to pollsters because they don't want to suddenly be subjected to searches of their personal records or IRS audits just in case this piece of work wins. Vindictiveness seems to be directly proportional to the power that a person wields.

Do you want a tissue, Susan? The far left is about to get four years to bury the country in an avalanche of progressivism, and you're crying about "racism."

You think maybe some of the voters might not go for Obama because he's a committed leftist who has exactly ZERO accomplishments to his name? What a joke...

If Obama was a lame-a$$ white guy (see John Kerry) with the same level of experience and anti-human leftist views, he'd be losing this race by 5-10 points right now. The ONLY reason he's even in it is because of the color of his skin.

So I am a racist if Obama doesn't win. Like most liberals you have taken one too many hits or sniffs. I think the whole race card is about to come back twice fold on the liberals. See most of the undecided voters are not undecided and don't want the liberal's to label them as racist. What are you worried about he is the "ONE". He has spent 700 million to buy the election, 200 million already on a stage to say he won and making announcements of what he would do when he wins. Liberals, need to ask themselves why is it with all this and the negative press focus all on the Right is it that the race is tight. Well, I tell you what he will do when he loses eat "Moose" and his expression will be "PriceLess".

So I am a racist if Obama doesn't win. Like most liberals you have taken one too many hits or sniffs. I think the whole race card is about to come back twice fold on the liberals. See most of the undecided voters are not undecided and don't want the liberal's to label them as racist. What are you worried about he is the "ONE". He has spent 700 million to buy the election, 200 million already on a stage to say he won and making announcements of what he would do when he wins. Liberals, need to ask themselves why is it with all this and the negative press focus all on the Right is it that the race is tight. Well, I tell you what he will do when he loses eat "Moose" and his expression will be "PriceLess".

I'm from Westeren PA, and now live in FL. I'm already labeled a racist and a redneck by one of the finest leftwing nut jobs. Susan, your logic falls right in line with Mr. Murtha. Kepp up the great work! You make it easy for us, thanks.

YOU, Dear Susan, ARE the RACIST...just because you decided to make it an issue.

Obama did the same thing when he started talking about his name, the fact that he did not look like the guys on the currency, etc. And many, not all, of the 95%+ blacks that will vote for Obama are also in your group.

Any student of history or government will tell you that an 'Obama regime' would be disasterous for America for many years to come.
Theo6

Estrich is the idiot who couldnt restrain herself and gleefully declared Kerry a victor in the middle of the afternoon on election day before any polss were closed, which was in violation of every rule in the book. Given her track record, with this and as Dukakis' campaign manager, who cares that she thinks that we should rely on the polls to declare that Obama would be the victor in a non-racist america? The polls are flawed. Republicans and conservatives, unlike dems and libs, dont like to respond to pollsters and when they do respond more frequently will say they are undecided when they arent, because they dont want to deal with this kind of innuendo and overt racism by libs.
Susan, why dont you comment on something you know about, like how Obama got one of the 7-8 minority set aside spots on the Harvard Law Review and why it is that he is the only editor in chief who never actually published anything or why the year that he "edited" is the least cited in the history of the review?

I have watched you on Fox for years. I couldn't disagree with you more most of the time, but I respect you. This time you are dead wrong. I couldn't care less if Obama had pink polka dots -- in fact I would LOVE to vote for an african American if the candidate held the right positions -- PERIOD. Obama is so far to the left there isn't a chance that I would vote for him, and neither will anyone in my family. However to tell us we are racist is utterly foolish and won't help the nation. You can tell yourself that's why, but it won't be.

Obama is arrogant, he has a terrible view of the constitution, he holds to socialist idealogy and fundamentally wants to remake America. I happen to think America is a pretty awesome place as it is.

He is half black and half white. Isn't it you who is being racist?

YOU, dear Susan, ARE the RACIST...just because you wrote this article.

Obama became a Racist also when he said that we would not vote for him because he did not look like the other guys on the currency, and that he had a funny name, etc...all very subtle RACIST comments.

And the blacks, many of the 95%+ black group that will vote just because Obama is the candidate, are also part of your group.

An Obama regime would be disasterous for America for many years to come.
Theo6

Reliable polls show a 3-5 point lead for Obama and tightening. That's hardly clobbered to a landslide. The......you're a racist if you don't vote for Obama....mantra is something we've been hearing for months, but I did not expect to hear it from Susan Estrich. I voted absentee weeks ago and I did not vote for Obama. If that makes me a racist so be it. And the reason Hillary lost the nomination to Obama in the first place can be summed up in one word "sexism". Sexism that Obama aided and abetted! So if a man who won the nomination through SEXISM loses because of racism.....that sounds like justice to me. The question for all Americans is will you let the Obama campaign, and the main stream media, intimidate you into voting for a man with the worst character of any nominee in the history of Presidential elections, as well as the least experience.......because they will call you a racist if he loses. My answer is Hell NO!!! I voted for and American Hero and the man best able to lead this country, and it is certainly was not Barack Hussein Obama!

You disappoint me Susan. Saying the only reason Obama loses is because of race - his ideology is so out of touch with America even when he tries to convince us he is "mainstream" he is far from it. From abortion, to healthcare, to taxes, to the constitution, to individual liberties - he is on the very left side of a middle-driven country.

The very sad thing about your commentary is you cannot scare us into thinking America is a racist country if we don't vote for Obama since we don't agree with any of his policies. If, by chance, he becomes president, I will remind all of my democratic friends of all his promises when one by one they start being broken.

Susan, hang it up. Your brain is incapable of critical thinking and devoid of patriotism.
It is not racism, it is the rejection of Communism.
Futher, a large percentage of Obama supporters are proving that Martin Luther King Jr. died in vain -- they are no longer considering the content of Obama's character.

"If Obama loses, what else could it possibly be but racism?" Um, a thoughtful rejection of his policies, perhaps - or what I believe will be his policies, his pretend moderation notwithstanding? This inane column explains exactly what is wrong with liberals: when people disagree with you, it's always because they were tricked, or they're racists, or they're gun-toting hicks. It's never because they have a legitimate difference of opinion.

To say that an Obama loss can only be due to race undermines the votes of the tens of millions who will vote for John McCain for any number of reasons. These voters will be Democrats and Republicans, whites, blacks, hispanics, and Asians.

Yes, some votes will be solely due to race. In both directions. But the reality is that very, very few voters are single-issue voters.

Until as recently as 2 months ago, I supported Obama. I liked the message of hope, and was frustrated with the GOP's failure over the past 8 years. But at the end of the day, Obama has not communicated a clear message or program to explain precisely the sorts of "change" he seeks. It's great to speak in generalities, if you have the details to back it up. However, Obama has been coasting on his rockstar status, and his "play it safe" attitude has undermined the political discourse during this campaign.

I cannot, in good conscience, vote for a man who hopes to be president solely as a protest against the past 8 years.

So, when you finish laughing about Obama's loss not being about race, think about the value of discourse, and consider how Obama and the media have undermined our democracy by reducing the discussion down to a few minor talking points and a lot of empty rhetoric.

What else could it be?

1) He says the Constitution is fundamentally flawed.
2) He regrets that it is "unfortunately" difficult to use the Court to redistribute wealth.
3) He says, opposite to Kennedy, that the Constitution should instruct the governments what they MUST do for YOU. ("Ask not what your country can do for you, ask rather what you can do for your country" Remember that, Democrats? Remember those moving patriotic words? Obama's words are diametrically opposite! He is the Anti-Kennedy)
4) He said that Exxon Mobile's profits are "your money!" to an approving crowd who seem to be more infantile than a 7 year old who knows that you either get the candy or you get to keep your money, not both.
5) He says we should spread the wealth around while his beloved aunt lives in a tenement: she was beloved enough to use in his book, not beloved enough to help financially
6) He belonged to a church whose moral code was "by any means necessary" which is the OPPOSITE of a moral code.
7) He says he's for the middle class but derides "middle classness" in his book, Dreams from My Father.
8) He wants to talk to the head of Iran, a state that invaded America when it went on to the Ambassadorial compound in Tehran (officially US territory by international law) and kidnapped its staff, which it held for ransom for more than a year - an act of war, a nation which has officially called itself at war with the United States ever since, a nation that has myriad marches with people chanting "Death to America!" He wants to visit without preconditions and thus lose a war without ever firing a shot - that's the propaganda victory to the extremist Mullahs, that's the message to foreign terrorists and to foreign hostile governments alike.
9) He seems to like a lot of foreign America haters and they seem to like him.
10) He is dishonest. He isn't a communist because he wanted to share his peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a boy in kindergarten but because he wants to share YOUR peanut butter and jelly sandwich with whomever he decides whether or not you consent, dear reader.
11) He has unsavory ties with dubious, racist and anti-Semitic figures.
12) Much of his past is shrouded in mystery and the voter has the right to interview the applicant for the job and the media have failed miserably. He is an unknown quantity.
13) He has no executive experience whatsoever.
14) He went to expensive schools and has no apparent source of income and a huge mansion and lots of money. From where?
15) His speeches consistently paint a negative picture of America.
16) He thinks wanting to keep one's own money is greedy and selfish.
17) He is the farthest left candidate ever.
18) Though he said that his appointment to the Chicago Annenberg Challenge was a reason he was qualified to be am Illinois State Senator, he suddenly denied knowing who gave him the job, Bill Ayers, an unrepentant Communist terrorist, then fell back on "we worked on a couple of neighborhood projects," then "I assumed I had rehabilitated himself by the time we met.
19) He is profoundly irresponsible and sloppy in his thinking about every issue you choose to name.
20) He has a Veep who thinks the US kicked Hiz'b'allah out of Lebanon when in fact Hiz'b'allah kicked the US out in 1983 with a bomb attack on the marines barracks.

Well, I have other things to do right now. But I think you can start chewing on the first 20 reasons.

Susan, Susan, Susan! I love you darlin' but that story was the biggest pile of crap I've ever seen!

PEOPLE WON'T VOTE FOR OBAMA BECAUSE HE'S A RADICAL SOCIALIST AND ALL OF HIS FRIENDS
ARE SOCIALISTS OR TERRORISTS!

Barack Obama should be sent back to Illinois where he belongs....or back to Africa where he was born!
YOU KNOW KNOW HE DOES NOT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE QUALIFIED FOR PRESIDENT!
HE'S OLD ENOUGH, BUT HE'S NOT A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN!

SEND THE BOY HOME!

Susan Estrich is an idiot. She is a poor excuse for a so-called "expert" and should be flipping burgers in a McDonalds somewhere.

Susan Estrich is a buffoon and a waste of internet space.

I do not have a problem with race. I have a big problem with Obama's discourse and his past and present relationships - of which he does not talk about. He seems to have some empathy with individuals who, for whatever reason, hate this country and its values. I have a big problem because the cohort that surrounds him does not allow journalists critical to him to travel in his airplane and suspend interviews with his vipe ...
I do not want to sound paranoid, but I grew up in a totalitarian regime that did not tolerated criticism. I'm scared to death with what seems to be the outcome of this election. Maybe the world is right: Americans are naive. And are paving the way for this Trojan Horse to destroy this democracy.

or maybe its not about obama being black but about him being a socialist, and maybe while the economy is in the tank now, maybe voters thing there is someone else that can fix it

I don't necessarily disagree with your premise, although I think Americans, at least those that think and actually vote, are a lot more ethical, moral and intelligent than are the closet, and the ones I wish would stay in their closets and not grace us with their unintelligible, ignorant rants, racists. My big issue with your article is that Obama isn't going to lose.

test

I don't think people are lying to pollsters. The Republicans are trying to suppress votes. And enough with the if if if. "If Obama were white...If the economy hadn't collapsed..." All ifs are big ifs. Obama is not the messiah, but he is a prodigy. We'd be lucky to get him.

Ms. Estrich,
There are many voters in the United States who say that they are voting for Mr. Obama in public, but are actually voting for Mr. McCain. This has nothing to do with the fact that these people are racist, merely that they are afraid of being thought of as racist. Many people in the media, and I am sad to say you have portrayed yourself as one such person, make claims and have at least half of America convinced that if you are not voting for Mr. Obama then you are a racist person. Educated voters who have analyzed Mr. Obama's proposed policies find they disagree with him on many issues (redistribution of wealth, universal healthcare, abortion, etc.) but do not want to seem like a racist to their coworkers or friends. I sincerely hope you and your readers will bear in mind the stigmatism the media and "celebraties" in this country have placed on people voting for Mr. McCain before you jump to the conclusion that these thoughtful voters are merely racist.

I chose not to vote for Barack Obama because I disagree on his stance on abortion. To me human life is the most important issue, more important than the economy. If someone is willing to offer protection to the unborn they have my vote. I cannot in good moral conscience vote for someone who will not stand up for the rights of our most vulnerable ~ the unborn.

UPDATE: According to Drudge Report a one-day Zogby Poll announces McCain +1. Obama's 2001 statements on the Constitution and redistribution may really be hurting him, They certainly should. Anyone who says he wants to bring "fundamental change" to a country whose Constitution is "fundamentally flawed" without telling anyone the nature of the change he envisions deserves to lose.

Susan - How disappointing. I'm an unapologetic conservative, "used to be" partisan Republican (until they lost they way, their minds, their balls and everything else that Reagan created), but I love Truth and I love people who confidently speak it - no matter what side of the aisle they're on.
And so when I see you on Fox - I listen. I respect(ed) you. And that puts you in a vast minority in my book - a liberal who is not intellectually dishonest, who's not a whiner, who doesn't act like a little kid who just got their ass kicked on the playground, who doesn't make excuses for the loses you've endured polically for many, many cycles.
But now this? You actually are on record as being so miopic as to say that the ONLY reason Obama will lose is because he's (half) black? That is so sad. That the only way you would be able to comfort yourself in an Obama loss is to go to the lowest common denominator - the race card.
So sad.

Re: Jim T

What about McCain's relationships with Gordon Liddy and Khalidid? Obama has refused to go negative about these, so they get less press than they should. All politicians have not-so-clean acquaintances; they know a lot of people! As for Wright, what conclusions do you draw? That Obama hates white people, or America? Is absurd.

Wow - what an incredibly asinine article. I guarantee that if McCain was black and lost an election he seemed to be leading, this issue would never be brought up.

Sadly, I was joking with a friend that we had to vote Obama else be branded racists and ostracized by society. Little did I know that there are such half-wits publishing articles about this crap.

Sadly, people who are first to decry racism know so little about it...

Susan, really. The race card is stale. Trying to use it preemptively demonstrates the left's complete bankruptcy of substantive ideas. Nondescript "change" and race is all you've got.

You are speculating the Bradley Effect is in play if Obama loses and you may be partially right. I call it the Obamania Effect. Named for Obama ardent supporters, the Obamania Effect has created an environment where voters feel they do not have the freedom to openly express their support for the opposing candidate in fear of being labeled a racist, verbally attacked and now investigated. Over the last nine months, Americans have seen what happens to those who criticize Obama and support Clinton or McCain. Voters are scared to engage in political discussions about Obama because seeking to understand Obama's political philosophy, influences, experiences and voting records are met with immediate accusations of bigotry. Passionate Obama supporters are unable to look beyond the possibility that someone would choose a candidate over Obama. They can not imagine personal religious beliefs, political views and differing perspectives on the economy have a determining factor on how people vote. I hope the poll numbers are accurate because yesterday I voted for Obama. If they are skewed, then vilifying the opposition may not have been the best strategy to win.

I don't know why we have erections. Why are commentators so easily aroused. Some of these comments are unneccisarily offensive. It's obvious you have touched a prickly American nerve. You're very game. Voters queue for hours in extreme weather conditions. Their votes may never be counted. If polls are reliable why do we need to vote at all. Democrats have a lot of obstacles to overcome; chads, cads & bads are only a sample of the hurdles they face. And now race. If race is a problem why did the Democrats put Barack up as their choice. Hillary would have romped home as well. Was Barack chosen because of the grass roots groundswell of new supporters he is bringing to the party? Barack should win by overwhelming demand next Tuesday but if he is cheated just think what a McCain/Palin era will bring to the world. It will be a hilarious 4 years.

As a professional statistician in industry, I realize (1) that ~1,000 people can be sampled to provide the opinion estimate for 200 million (or for six billion for that matter) to within +/- 3% of the true value and (2) that the most important component of the estimate's accuracy is the quality of the sample. Unfortunately, this quality is why all these sample estimates provide different answers. In political sampling, it's more artsy than science. The reason Obama will lose the election is not because he's black; it's because: (1) he has limited experience; (2) he's the most liberal member of congress and out of touch with most Americans; (3) his ideas and associations are radical; (4) his economic ideas will deepen the recession; (5) he's anti American in his ideals; (6) he'll put America at risk. Because he's black, I don't think so. I wouldn't hesitate to vote for Rice or Steele.

Susan is partially right (excuse the pun) The reason Obama got as far as he did is race. The democratic machine would never have elevated a white man or woman to this level if they possessed similar anti-American sentiments and extreme left attitudes and alliances. Lithmus test: other than race, what could be the reason people don't vote for Obama? Duh. Democrats cocoon themselves with like minded thinkers so they don't have a clue why Obama is missing some voters. You say it is race out of laziness or desperation or for drama. It is condescending of anyone to think Americans won't vote for a black man. Seriously, who do you know in any of your circles that is still so backwards? Yes, you will find some over the hill, close minded jerks who won't vote for a black man. For every one of them there are a thousand routing for him and hoping he will be the one. Cleary I, a Conservative Republican think more highly of my fellow American than Susan does. The ultimate irony is that it will be the democrats who are the racists if they fail to elect him. It will democats who turned tail. He wasn't getting many Republicans on board. I think Obama is eloquent and reaches people on an emotional level. All the same, I and most of my fellow conservatives ain't voting for the guy because his policies stink. Consider this - I would have crossed the aisle if he were just a bit more center.

How incredibly, unbelievably, astoundingly offensive and simply stupid this article is! I am sick of being offended by all of those writhing in their own liberal, white, guilt! Get over it! Stop projecting your illness onto the rest of us. You fail to recognize that these kinds of condescending charges actually put down your own candidate. How insulting that the only reason Obama would win is due to his skin color! I don't even support the man and I'm insulted for him, and ashamed of you and the others like you who foster such blather. Wake up and smell the coffee -- most of us have evolved well beyond the point of discomfort about an African American in a leadership position. Unlike you, we DON'T support -- or choose not to support -- candidates because of their race. How simplistic an outlook! What an infinitesimally tiny world you must exist in! If such irresponsible articles like this didn't make me so angry, I would pity you and those like you. I sincerely hope that you some day receive the psychological counseling that you so desperately need, so that you can become a well-adjusted individual who shares a healthy respect for the opinions of others, and stop participating in this harmful negativity. In the interim, calm down. This hysteria will not help anyone.

That's it?! That's the brilliant legal mind of Susan Estrich?! That's the presently poignant to the point of Susan Estrich?! That's the usually adroit talking head, Susan Estrich. Please!!!???
Let me see if I have this straight? A law professor from a prestigious institution is arguing that if she and those of her persuasion don't get their way they're biggest worry is, “how bad things would be?”
Why are the liberals pointing out how bad things are? Why are the liberals always trying to show how bad things could be? Why are the liberals always worried to the point of incapacity?
Worry no more Dear Susan, “the sun will come up tomorrow.” Until then, I'll be busy working on making life better for everyone around me and you'll still be constrained by all those distasteful premonitions.

Are you kidding? There are so many reasons to NOT vote for Obama, his race isn't even a factor. I will confess to you, I am not voting for him because of his color - he's too RED.
I don't like the "spreading the wealth" socialist foundation he advocates. I do not believe in "economic equality" or any other Marxist tenet. Obama's tax plan is a joke, his spending plans are terrifying, and his foreign policy experience is nonexistent - with flare ups of incompetence and immaturity in recent events.
I love this country way too much to vote for Obama.
I believe too many people are voting FOR Obama because of his race [cough . . cough . .Colin Powell . .. ]. Seriously - if a white guy with his flimsy resume began a campaign for the POTUS he would be laughed off the primaries. I do not believe race is so important you overlook qualifications - ESPECIALLY not for POTUS.
I am voting for John McCain because I believe this country has grown to the superpower it is by creating wealth through free enterprise and individual gumption and opportunity to manifest it. McCain is definitely not my first choice to represent those ideals in the office POTUS, but Obama is so far left of them I could never vote for him, I don't care if he was Jesus reincarnate, no. No. NO.

Could be racism, it will probably be socialism. The Dems have a guy that ripped on the constitution and believes we need government to spread the wealth. Even if you make less than a quarter of a million - it makes you a little nervous.

That's it? Really? The best Estrich can come up with is "vote for Obama or you're a racist?" That's exactly WHY the undecideds are breaking toward McCain. Thanks Susan - keep up the good work on behalf of the GOP!

Only racism would explain an Obama win

so far obama is the best man for the job for what we have to pick from this year. i believe him anyday over mccain. mccain has acted like a tattletailing, two faced, blaming, liar just like my 6 year old son acts, i'm sorry but that is the lord's honest truth!!! if a man doesn't have any more intelligence than to bash someone one with"choicy words" with everything he says i don't trust them and sure as hell don't wanna put my childrens future in their hands!!! obama keeps it real, and that is what america needs!!!

Only racism would explain an Obama win

I am tired of the racism remarks. I am not a racist and have been told that by Democrats for the last time. Democrats have used race for years to keep balck people down and out and you would think they could see it for what it is. Here is a check for 500 bucks lets see how long it last you. Here is a check for 1000 bucks can you feed your family for that all year long. Not much money for the most precious right you have as an American. Your Vote. Don't sell your self or your vote short. Vote McCain

This will be the liberal excuse when Obama goes down. Sorry Susan, Obama will not win, but not because of his color, because of his Marxist beliefs.

I've read some really, profoundly divisive and mean things said about the Democratic nominee. Some of what is said has been proven to be untrue...and not just by "liberal" media. Is the anti Obama crowd so angry, and hateful that they are willing to ignore the facts? The responses here are evidence that what Susan says is true. Anyone who has paid attention recognizes that many experts believe that he will be centrist leader. It's profoundly confusing and sad that people will vote against their own interests just because they don't want to vote for a Black man. If Obama were not just half white (remember he is biracial)....if he were fully white and McCain ran this type of campaign, this thing would be so over...and anyone who is honest with themselves knows that.

i think webass don't need to post no more comments from what i can read. yeah, blame te other guy thats a good cop out you are as hopeless as mccain!! and as far as anyone one should be concerned just as FAKE AS MCCAIN AND HIS PUT ON A SHOW WIFE!! someone needs to tell her tyhe soap opera chennel!!!

Lets be brutally honest here, liberals and conservatives all want the same things; a good economy, affordable and a quality education for their children, affordable healthcare, security against those who wish to harm them, to have our brave soldiers return home safe and hopefully victorious in their mission, lower taxes. Who wants higher taxes? No one, regardless of what your political affiliation is.

However, the one difference that separates liberals and conservatives is the same thing that binds all true blooded conservatives together...the little thread that ties them all together...RACISM. Sure, there might be other differences, but none as absolute as this.

ABC News had a clip from the Aljazeera English news organization of a woman being interviewed at a McCain rally. I praise her for her honesty; quote: "If Obama gets elected, I'm afraid blacks will take over." At least she says what she feels in her heart, something most conservatives aren't willing to do.

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/mccainpalin-supporters-let-their-rac

Every voter the GOP is trying to court in Ohio and every other rust belt state that's been systematically decimated since Reagan's failed trickle down economics - the white, blue collar, middle class worker - would actually benefit from a liberal economic agenda and not what's going to be served up by another conservative administration. Yet, the real Joe the Plumbers and their dislike of people of color is so profound, that they'll allow themselves to be deceived by whatever lies or poison the Right-wing establishment feeds them so they can silently ignore the bigotry that screams from within.

Sadly, the Right-wing establishment understands this, thus it continues to feed its minions the hate crazed rhetoric they crave so its elite leaders; the Halliburton's of the world, can stuff their pockets with more greed and power. The elite that controls the GOP aren't racist, rather they're about power and massive amounts wealth, all at the expense of everyone else. I guess it's a win - win for the GOP and its followers. The establishment can get richer and the white blue collar worker that supports them can protect their side of the tracks from those with a different skin tone.

Many blue collar GOP'ers truly believe they're not racist, but they are. Ask them why we're in economic trouble and you'll get basically the same ignorant answer, "It's because my tax dollars are spent on welfare and helping the lazy." And they believe that. They're correct in one sense; it is because of welfare, but not the welfare to the blacks or so-called lazy, rather it's welfare to big corporate America and their friends.

As a white married man who makes over 250K, and I pray that God blesses this country November 4th, so that it may it rise above the ignorance, racism and bigotry that's been disguised as compassionate conservatism.

Re: grannie no only racism would explain mccain and his put on a show fake ass wife winning!!!

Pro-lifers; do you ever consider there are people who'd rather not be born at all? Don't want to be born into an unwelcome world? Do you ever consider the world is over populated? Do you ever consider humans' are not god's creatures but just a blight on planet earth & it's surrounding environs? Do you ever consider we can't abort fast enough to stem the tide of pestilance? Get a grip. Human life may have no purpose except to procreate the species and the species is killing everything in it's wake. Doomed to multiply itself into extinction. A vote for Republican extremism is a nail in the coffin of planet earth.

It really has nothing to do with racism. It seems to be about personal responsibility. Americans aren't ready for a nanny state. If we go that way, we'll be like Zimbabwe or Haiti in eight years. It's all about economics and making good choices for a capitalist country.

Whatever.

Estrich is right but she has no "balls" and besides is in Fox's pocket. it's just talk here.

But to all you throwback creeps... This "white" guy will be on the other side... We fought one war to put down your retrograde attitudes a long time ago. If it's time for another, OK.

Only this time we'll have help. I think we need to bring the UN into this right away - if the election is STOLEN from Obama - and ask for foreign troops... Preferably Russian and Chinese, since that will piss you off...

I AM A DISABLED VET OF THE GULF WAR THE LAST 10 YEARS OF MY LIFE. I COULD CARE LESS IF MCCAIN WAS IN THE MILITARY AND OBAMA WASN'T. WHO CARES!!! AT LEAST HE HAS KEPT IT REAL IN HIS DEBATES AND HASN'T BASHED HIS OPPONET LIKE A 5 YEAR OLD SPOILED ROTTEN KID. THAT IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT MCCAIN AND HIS WIFE, SOMEONE NEEDS TO POINT THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WHICH WOULD BE THE SOAP OPERA CHANNEL INSTEAD OF CNN AND THE LIKE!!! I WOULD FEEL MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE WITH ARNOLD SWARZENEGAR OR JESSE "THE BODY" VENTURA AS PRESIDENT THAN MCCAIN. I DON'T LIKE FAKE ASS PEOPLE RUNNIN MY LIFE!!!

"You tell me it has nothing to do with race. I'll laugh. What else could it possibly be?"
-------------------
WOW. I think this article says more about you than about Americans in general. "What else could it be?" It could be that conservatives have genuine disagreements with Obama's liberal socialist politics. But in this atmosphere of all-encompassing, oppressive Obama-love, we don't feel like telling people that for fear that someone like YOU will yell (or at least think) racism. It could be that.

what??? "disciplined and well-financed campaign"

try "fraudulent and illegally-financed campaign".

Wait until the Feds trace the untraceable, and we will see where the billions have come from.

My mistrust of Obama has nothing to do with the color of his skin; more the Chicago-thug style of his campaign.

YEP ABOUT ALL I SEE ON THIS BLOG IS RACISM. RACISM AGAINST OBAMA. TOO BAD THE WORLD ISN'T FOR BLIND "TASTE" TEST. OBAMA WOULD WIN HANDS DOWN!!!

Re: AlphaBeach OH OK JUST BECAUSE HE IS FOM SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO!! WHO IS FRAUDULENT NOW?

Re: AlphaBeach HAVE YOU EVEN BEEN PAYING ATTENTION? OR YOU JUST PICK UP ON WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY TO PUT YOUR 2 CNTS IN. LOOK , I GREW UP IN A ROUGH CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD AND I WAS IN THE MILITARY, AND I AM EVEN MARRIED TO A MAN THAT HAS RACIST PARENTS. THEY ARE APALACHIAN AMERICANS!!! (FROM WEST VIRGINIA). AND ALL I AM TRYING TO SAY IS WITH WHAT I HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM THIS YEAR IT AIN'T THE GREATEST CHOICES BY FAR, BUT I CAN TELL "GOOD" PEOPLE, TO ME OBAMA IS THE BEST CHOICE BY FAR. IS THAT MY OPINION, YES. IS MCCAIN A FAKE ASS, SPOILED ROTTEN , ACTING LIKE A 5 YEAR OLD MOST THE TIME? YES. THAT IS A FACT!!! AND HE ALWAYS LOOKS SO PUZZLED, AND HIS WIFE WELL, VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER, THEY NEED JESUS. NOT THE WHITE HOUSE!!!

I'm sorry to see Susan go over to the dark side because I do respect her. OF COURSE race is a factor. But it's a factor both both for and against Obama. But it's only ONE factor. Susan knows better.

So the predominance of African Americans voting for Senator Obama just because of his biracial heritage isn't racism, but anybody else choosing to avoid having their 401K's ripped away to "redistribute the wealth" is racism. I guess having a comfy job as a writer is enough economic insulation that you don't have to worry about such things as paying for groceries. For those of us who do real work, I teach, the idea of involuntarily contributing to pay for people that don't work, won't work or who may be here illegally, is insulting. Maybe I don't like the fact that he's repeatedly espoused socialism. Maybe I don't want to see Al Gore as the Secretary of the Interior-which will halt domestic oil drilling permanently. Maybe I simply don't trust a guy who has this pat written personal story, but has none of the law journal articles, documents or witnesses to back him up. And I still believe that the economic fall was arranged by Soros for the benefit of Obama's campaign. And if Obama is elected and the stock market soars to 12000 the next day, we will all know this election was bought, our futures were sold and the media is to blame. Where will you be then, Susan?

Estrich is just another elitist Palin basher. I wonder what the elitists would say if Palin called Iran a tiny country that poses no serious threat. They would all sit around at their cocktail parties calling her an airhead. Obama says it and he gets a complete pass. Her ideology makes her a threat to them so they constantly attack her the way they did Reagan. In the end it didn't work against Reagan and it won't against her.

If Obama loses it will have nothing to do with race. It will be because the country isn't ready for marxism. Barack Obama, in a taped interview, criticized the Supreme Court for not redistributing the wealth. 40 percent of the country pays no income tax yet Obama will give them an income tax cut. The only way to do that is to take from a higher income group and issue a "refund" check to those who paid no income tax to begin with. That is taking from the Rich and directly giving to the poor. It is a great way to get some votes, but a bad economic theory.

The idea that you take from people who create wealth and simply give to those who don't and expect the people in the higher bracket to keep creating wealth is absurd. It isn't change, it is Socialism. It is an outdated economic theory that is a proven failure. You have to create wealth first. Then you have more wealth to draw your tax revenue from. Then you can fund the things the people want the government to do. But it starts with creating wealth in the first place. You do that by cutting taxes that are anti-growth, not raising them out of some idealistic sense of "fairness."

McCain and Palin understand those basic concepts. Obama and Biden just don't get it. Biden was offended by having their policies compared to Marxism. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Vote McCain/Palin on Tuesday and keep America capitalist.

Re: b no YOU!!! good one on the "REVERSE SCICOLOGY" TIP!! THANX FOR YOUR INPUT. NOT

Stephanie. Chill. Not because of where he is "from". Because of the fraudulent money coming in through his website! If you spent any time online reading broadly, you would know about this by now! The site administrators collecting donations for BO have set up a system where one credit card can be used with numerous names. "Gift cards" which are untraceable to the donor, bring in millions of dollars. There is NO security check for nationals living abroad. (Clinton and McCain both put a hold on donations from Americans living abroad until verification occurs). There are MANY established protocols in place that online retailers have been using FOR YEARS to make sure the credit card holder *is* the person claimed, etc. WAKE UP!!!!

SUSAN.....GET A GRIP.

I find it incredible that the news stations actually allow Susan to participate. She is totally out of line with her snide remarks and shallow thinking. For obvious reasons, I am not a racist, and I am voting for McCain-Palin. These candidates have HISTORIES and Obama does not. I know what I'm getting with them - and with Obama I don't. Obama's programs, ie, health plan will create long lines and insufficient health care than we are getting now. He doesn't care what he promises as long as he is elected. McCain has experience, know-how and the ability to lead this country; Obama does not.

Typical liberal blah, blah, blah. Of course only white people are racists, right? It is far more likely that a black person will vote for Obama because he is black than for a white person to vote for McCain because he is white. Did you just crawl out from under a rock, Susan? I mean, really. Where have you been for the last forty years?

The main reason I will vote for McCain is because he supports life for all unborn babies. He knows, as Senator Ob ama does, that life begins at conception. Obama knows too, as any educated person does. He's just willing to sacrifice the lives of millions of unborn babies for the votes of the misinformed and to promote his own selfish agenda. I mean, to say he is a Christian and not follow what the bible clearly tells us in Psalm 139 is hypocritical. His salvation is between God and himself. But, he is not a practicing Christian when he promotes all the things that God's word is clearly against.

I figure you are just writing this to have something to fall back on when Obama loses. Bush was behind in both of his campaign victories, and fortunately for all of us, he made dramatic comebacks. The liberal media even had crowned his opponent the victor and had to retract in one election. So, despite liberal media members like yourself, and an all-out blitz from the entertainment industry/ media mainstream, McCain will be our President come January.

Re: Ellen K LOOK ELLEN YOU KNEW THAT WITH A 401 K YOU WOULN'T SEE YOUR MONEY UNLESS AN EMERGENCY HIT!! PLEASE, JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE PROBLY NOT MORE CONSERVATIVE WITH MONEY YOURSELF DOESN'T MEAN YOU NEED TO BLAME OBAMA, YOU SAID YOU WERE A TEACHER YOU WOULD THINK YOU WOULD KNOW THAT IT WILL BE MCCAIN WHO CONTINUES TO "KEEP DRILLING" NOT OBAMA. PAY ATTENTION JUST SO YOU KNOW NOT ALL NON WORKING PEOPLE ARE WORTHLESS. I SERVED AND GAVE MY LIFE FOR MY UNGRATEFUL COUNTRY AND WHEN I SAY THAT IT IS POINTED DIRECTLY TO OUR GOVERNMENT NOT THE "PEOPLE". PEOPLE CARE THE GOVERNMENT DOESN'T. I GET 100% SOCIAL SECURITY YET I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR THREE YEARS TO GET MORE THAN THE MYNUTE 30%/450.00 MONTH FROM THE V.A. AND I AM A 100% DISABLED!?!? FIGURE THAT ONE OUT. I ALSO HAVE A HUSBAND WHO IS MY "CAREGIVER" WHO HAS YET TO RECEIVE A PENNY IN THE LAST 3 YEARS WHICH THE V.A. TOOK HIM OFF OF WORK TO TAKE CARE OF ME!!! AND 2 CHILDREN AGES 3 & 6. SO IF YOU THINK PEOPLE WHO DON'T WORK ARE ,WHAT? SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE IN THE CRAPPY HAND LIFE HAS DEALT WE JUST LIVE WITH IT. BLAME THE GOVERNMENT. AND PRAY TO GOD EVERYDAY!

Uh, Susan? I'll give you a clue, ok? The Republicans are voting for John McCain! When Obama gets beat on the 4th it will have been your own party that defeated him! Sorry lady, don't see many conservatives lining up to vote for the "Messiah"! Could it be that some of your liberal friends also have a few problems with this guy? McCain\Palin '08

Re: Doug I DON' KNOW ABOUT THAT DOUG. IT IS CLEAR YOU NEED TO READ THE BIBLE FIRST THEN WATCH THE NEWS. THE ANSWER HAS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN. YOU'LL FIND IT IF YOU LOOK.

I find it incredible that the news stations actually allow Susan to participate. She is totally out of line with her snide remarks and shallow thinking. For obvious reasons, I am not a racist, and I am voting for McCain-Palin. These candidates have HISTORIES and Obama does not. I know what I'm getting with them - and with Obama I don't. Obama's programs, ie, health plan will create long lines and insufficient health care than we are getting now. He doesn't care what he promises as long as he is elected. McCain has experience, know-how and the ability to lead this country; Obama does not.

If Obama were to win next week, it would rank right up there with the OJ Simpson not guilty verdict in my book! It's a shame the first black nominee for President of the United States had to be a radical left wing Marxist! It will be a sad day in America and will probably set the next black nominee for president back a couple of decades.

Your a writer? Clearly not a reporter.. You seem to want to spread hate. I am voting for McCain and that has nothing to do with his race. And yes he will probably lose. But with Acorn and overseas donations, we all know it wont be a fair win but I guess a writer of fiction shouldnt be expected to write about that.

I'm a conservative, but I actually enjoy seeing Estrich on Fox News and other shows. She is a tough lady who often has interesting insights.

Nevertheless, I think she misses the mark here. While it is true that Obama won't get a few votes due to racism, he actually probably wins more due to positive-racism - people who are just excited and pleased that a black man, finally, has a shot at the Presidency. however, some people are lying to pollsters, but it's not due to racism - it's due to the "cool" factor. it's just so cool to like Obama, so some people who support McCain pretend they are undecided or are supporting Obama so they don't seem uncool.

I am supporting McCain because he is closer to my position on the issue. That's it. Obama's skin color has nothing to do with my decision. I'd vote for Condi Rice or Michael Steele for President. I just don't like Obama on the issues. However, if he does get elected, I will pray he will govern wisely and do my best to respect him.

Re: B.G.JOHNSON YES!!! MORE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD NEED JESUS THEN THEY WOULDN'T ACT LIKE YOU!!! SO HORRIBLE!!! IF MORE PEOPLE "VOTED " TO HAVE JESUS IN THEIR LIFE THEN THEY WOULDN'T WASTE THEIR TIME BLABLING ON THE INTERNET. ITS ALL IN GODS WORD, READ IT !! THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHO THE PRESIDENT WILL BE, IT IS FORTOLD IN SCRIPTURE. ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE THAT HAPPENS IN THIS WORLD!!!

No Susan, if McCain wins when the polls say he should it is not because white people are all a bunch of liars... it would be more likely that it has something to do with vote stealing which you oddly enough didn't even mention in your article. What passes for journalism these days.... geez

Susan, here's what else it could possibly be:
It could be that people are being intimidated into not saying what they think of Obama, by the constant harping--by the Obama campaign--on race.
And the constant threats of race war if Obama doesn't win, as exemplified by Erica Jong's idiotic remark about the streets running with blood, and your own rather ominous remarks.
Personally, I dislike Obama's policies and his past associations, his fascination with himself (see Dreams From My Father) and his hubris, and in general, I dislike the left.
So how am I a racist?
I know African-Americans who are voting for McCain and are getting endless grief from their friends and families.
Are they racists?
Here's the thing--I would have voted for Condi Rice or J.C. Watts for President. I might have voted for Harold Ford. I'm not voting for Obama.
How am I a racist?

Ughh.. totally botched my point be leaving out one important word: LOSE. Let's try again:

No Susan, if McCain wins when the polls say he should LOSE it is not because white people are all a bunch of liars... it would be more likely that it has something to do with vote stealing which you oddly enough didn't even mention in your article. What passes for journalism these days.... geez

I couldn't even read past the title. This is just such garbage. I voted early for McCain/Palin. I am NOT a racist. I didn't vote for Obama because he is a dangerous socialist (by his own admission - read or listen to his memoirs!) and I don't support anything he stands for. I would NEVER vote for Obama if his skin was white, brown, or green. If the Republican canditate was black, and if he or she shared my political views and philosophy, I would vote for him or her without hesitation.
I am so tired of limousine liberals like Susan Estritch telling me that I am a racist bigoted hateful person because I don't support Obama/Biden. If the ticket were reversed I still wouldn't vote for them. It has NOTHING to do with race. It has EVERYTHING to do with Ayers, Wright, Rezko, Khalidi, etc., etc., etc. It has NOTHING to do with race. It has EVERYTHING to do with spreading the weath, cutting off media access to those who disagree, and raising my taxes. It has NOTHING to do with race. It has EVERYTHING to do with pulling out of Iraq prematurely, meeting with Iran with no preconditions, and not standing in full solidarity with Israel. It has NOTHING to do with race. It has EVERYTHING to do with freedom, liberty, and pursuing the American dream. It has NOTHING to do with race. It has EVERYTHING to do with letting my husband and me decide what we should do with our money, not the government. It has EVERYTHING to do with not taking our hard earned money and giving it to some lazy slob who is waiting for the government to pay for her gas and her mortgage payment, and probably her welfare check. SHUT UP about the racism already.

Re: marie YEAH, MCCAIN IS EXPERIENCED AS YOU ARE BEING FAKE!!!WE NEED CHANGE, NOT MCCAIN. SAME OLD SAME OLD IS NOT WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS ABOUT. AND WE CANNOT SURVIVE WITHA REPUBLICAN IN OFFICE ANOTHER YEAR. WE CAN'T AFFORD IT!!!!!

If BHO loses, it's because America has woke-up and doesn't want to be a socialist nation.

I am encouraged by your concern Susan. My gut feeling is that John McCain will win. Your article gives me the impression that you have the same gut feeling. If John McCain wins, it will be fun to watch the folks in the media and Democrats go berserk.

Maybe it is that Obama and his party's platform reflect a radical prochoice agenda, far beyond where the American people are. Leaving babies to die in a closet, reversing the partial birth abortion ban and using federal tax dollars to fund abortion are all on the Obama agenda. No Catholic Democrat can in good conscience vote Obama.

I'm a liberal and even I find the idea of racism causing Obama to lose incredulous. I don't believe the polls are lying. But I do believe it is possible that those people who say they are going to vote for Obama don't vote either because lines are too long or they have seen the polls and think him winning is a foregone conclusion.

I do find it interesting that the only poll in the last few days that has this race even close was the Fox News poll. Not surprising. Just interesting.

I guess Susan has never met Geraldine. In any case, Obama being black has been a huge ASSET to his campaign, not a liability. White suburban males and college kids are all over Obama, the same way all-white high schools elect one of the four black guys to be homecoming king. White people everywhere want to show compassion and solidarity with someone whose life experience is so much different than theirs because of ugly racism. They'll even support an historic candidacy like Obama's all through the horse race. Then you get in the voting booth and think, "Man, this guy is going to ruin our country" and there's the REAL Bradley effect.

Oh, Susan. There are times you've had me standing up and screaming at my television calling you names. I admired that. Very, very, VERY few people have ever been able to get under my skin like that. The only other one that comes to mind is Randi Rhodes once when she was being interviewed by a cable network.

But you've come unglued now. You must know something I don't about this election, and it must look very, very bad indeed for you to splatter yourself with the race card this wildly.

"You tell me it has nothing to do with race. I'll laugh. What else could it possibly be?"

It could just be that in every way I can think of with the notable exceptions of speaking skill and charisma, Barack Obama is the single most pathetic major candidate for president that has graced my political consciousness, which goes back to some time during the Nixon administration.

Seriously, we're supposed to vote for a guy that has, what, TWO YEARS of national political experience? That has never held any job in his life for more than the length of a presidential term? That willingly subjected himself and his family to 20 YEARS of Jeremiah Wright? That launched his political career from the house of an unrepentant terrorist?

I'm a conservative by nature. Obama is the exact opposite. It makes my eyeballs itch when he says "spread the wealth" or calls me "selfish". You'd think an ivy-leaguer would know the difference between selfishness and recognizing self-interest when it bites me in the behid. On the other hand, neither is McCain much of a conservative...but Obama makes him look like Pat Buchanan.

Given the questions I have about McCain and the fact that while Hillary has socialist tendencies (see health care fiasco in the 90s) I could actually have at least CONSIDERED voting for her (not so much with Edwards, though) over McCain. But Obama? I'd rather floss with barbed wire.

I'm not voting for McCain. I'm voting against Obama. For just about every reason EXCEPT his race.

There is another reason Obama can lose.

Peer pressure run amuck.

It wont ne raciet Republican that cost Obama the election it will be Dems and Indy's who lie.

Its is they who are expected to vote Obama and it is they who feel the pressure.

And it is they who may have a gut check and say.

This guy just aint ready...yet.

You filthy race-bater. You lefties just can't get it through your head that we oppose him becasuse of his Marxist tendancies, his terrorist friends, his shady dealings, and his hate-filled pastor. If it makes you feel better to think it's about race, then go ahead and believe it. You are dead wrong, but we're tired of trying to explain this to you.
Keep on believing we are rednecks who bitterly cling to religeon and guns...and keep on losing elections. We don't much care about you elitist city folk anyway. You don't have a clue.

Has the Democratic Party reached a new low? Instead of relying on facts and issues now they are relying on thinly veiled threats. Now we are supposed to vote for Obama because if he loses there will be terrible repercussions to pay? What might these repercussions be? Would these repercussions be a crushed economy, or perhaps decreased support overseas? Surely you could not be talking about any repercussions from the peaceful supporters of Senator Obama, who has condemned violence in Iraq, condemned the violent actions of the current administration all over the world and who has dubbed himself the Candidate of Hope. I don't support Senator Obama because I don't agree with his policies, but if having an African-American on the ticket for a major political party means we have to worry about riots and murders if he loses- then I suggest you ask the people who have loved ones killed and property destroyed if it was "worth it".

Re: Keith If Susan were to be completely honest and givr this theory of hers any credibility she would have added that she is sad because it is the racism among Dems and Indys that didObama in.
Republicans have no reason to lie to polsters as they are concervatives.
Obama is a liberal so if he loses it will be liberals and "moderates" that werent truthfull.

I have read thousands of articles over the last few months about this election. Some Good. Some Bad. Some Ridiculous. This one takes the cake. I have never read such a misguided and uninformed "article." Before you write an article you need to do better research. Look at ALL the poll numbers, look at internal numbers, look at the game Obama's campaign is so intelligently playing. Makeing it appear as if they have already won in hopes to keep the McCain voters at home thinking it is pointless to vote. Obamas camp is running scared for some reason...maybe because they know the internal numbers that we don't. Do the research. This is a very close race and maybe it has nothing to do with Racism, maybe it has everything to do with Democrats voting for McCain.
I Vote For McCain and I Am Not Racist.

I for one cannot tell you how heartend I am by the responses here!

I had for a moment thought the Nation had gone mad.

But from the theme of these responses one can see, we get it!

WOW!

Susan...

To put it so simply in that a Dem could understand... "go pound sand"...

You filthy race-bater. You lefties just can't get it through your head that we oppose him becasuse of his Marxist tendancies, his terrorist friends, his shady dealings, and his hate-filled pastor. If it makes you feel better to think it's about race, then go ahead and believe it. You are dead wrong, but we're tired of trying to explain this to you. Keep on believing we are rednecks who bitterly cling to religeon and guns...and keep on losing elections. We don't much care about you elitist city folk anyway. You don't have a clue. Well said sir...

Only racism could explain an Obama loss?
Only idiocy could explain this column. Most people vote based on things like policies, genius. And they don't all think like you, thank god.

"After Tuesday, hopefully we will." Uh, Susie? Don't count on it. If McCain is elected, expect at least four years of increased venom from the Left, quite possibly rioting, who knows what. If Obama is elected, expect four years of "we told you so" to all the moderates who didn't believe that Obama is not really an extreme, hard-left divider--far from the uniter he claims to be.

Wow. You are a total moron. Total and complete moron.

You are right, racism will do the guy in. Obama's every action screams out his racist attitude. The man is worst than a racist. He is a racist and an elitist. I will never understand why the Dem's chose him over Hilary. She was a shoe-in.
Susan, you presented a false claim. Your attempt at an attention grabbing headline worked well but I will bet it does not garner support or sympathy, just shame.
The race card is due in quite a few places in America. It is not due for Barrack Obama. He has more influence, more money and more people. That makes his party the majority. The major group does not get to cry racism.
The guy has lied more than any other candidate. He has real ties to radical political groups. His cocky attitude spoils any positive traits he has. He obviously hasn't any of the qualities we need.
I will not vote for the wrong guy and I hope more people will realize this. The Dems will lose for alot of other reasons but not racism against Obama.

1) What about last 2004 exit polls they couldnt even get that right and miss-called the election, so all the polls could be wrong, dispite your hysterical ranting.
2) And if Majority of Citizens are not ready for a black president, why is that a tragedy? Maybe next time. The people vote.
3) And if Obama looses maybe it is his arrogance, rather than addressing serious questions about socialism he jokes about peanut butter sandwiches, ever thonk that might agravate some sitizens?
4) Maybe it just isnt time for the color of Obama's politics.
5) You need to recognize the country is conservative and not into any constitutional experiments. Your environment and local habitant isnt mainstream USA. The press/acedemic segment dosnt represent what most of us think is righteous.
6) Just keep Klonsky, Khalidi, Ayers and radical groups indoctrinating our school children and keep building corrupt institutions like Obama's campaign financing and ACORN get out the vote, and you'll win eventually... then you can have a Chicago style government with 10% sales taxes//high property taxes...enslaved citizens...MACHINE POLITICS that's what Obama tastes and smells and ACTS like...how does that help your middle-lower class? Sales and Property taxes to distribute it's wealth to the final destination, the POLITICAL MACHINE.

Susan-There may be another answer-I have not liked or trusted Obama since he first arrived on the scene. I thought he and the DNC stole the nomination from Hilary and that was as low as it gets. I don't care about his race I care about his character-I think his is simply a convient one he puts on and takes off like a sweater. No one has polled me or anyone I know-or anyone they know. If we are taking the word of the east and west coasts for our outcome of polls they will not reflect the opinions of the rest of the country. I think the professionals spend too much time talking to each other and forget we all have a vote. We shocked them in 2000 and really shocked them in 2004 so this year they have raised the anty by threatening race riots if the great unwashed don't toe the line. I will vote for the candidate of my choice and face the consequences that come. Everyone else should do the same and be an adult about it. If my guy doesn't win- the next day is just the next day and I will put the best face on it I can. If the Democrats cannot win with Obama and their strange platform perhaps they should consider what is wrong with either him or their platform that it is constantly being rejected and stop calling names.

Susan is right - Just saw my first GOP sponsored commercial attacking Obama in regards to his Rev Jerimiah Wright church attendance tonight. The GOP, who always considered themselves as Christian (turn the other cheek) who have vowed to be the candidate with a the higher principle, have sold their soul to the devil to get MaCain /Palin elected. I can't believe the GOP would play the race card to win the election.
The GOP is the party that:
- Sent our young men and women to death in Iraq to settle some vindictive score when their Daddy was President – there been more troop deaths in Iraq than those who died on 9/11
- McCain says we have to win the war in Iraq, but President Bush has already stated that “Mission Accomplished”
- Drove our country from budget surplus to record deficits and near bankruptcy, because cutting taxes would lead to ever more surpluses because of trickle down economics
- Failed the American Middle Class by shipping the economic expansion opportunities to China to improve the Corporate profit line
- Allowed medical cost to soar through uncontrolled bureaucracy and meddling by insurance companies. When was the last time you went in for a simple procedure, only to have a barrage of tests performed, with pre-approval requirements, then later spent hours on the phone to resolves issues related to out of sequence process - only then to find out you were later denied by another department in another state. A simple $200 procedure now cost $5000 and unless you are preferred patient – then you get billed twice the amount. What happened to uniform billing practices? This is nothing but a scam to increase profit.
- Greed, greed, and more greed – all bought to you by GOP deregulations.
Deregulation of the credit markets that McCain champions, created the financial leveraging not seen since the last Great Depression with the help of the housing boom/bust cycle precipitated a Global Financial Tsunami. Had we addressed the financial problems last spring, the damage could have been minimized - but it wasn't the Conservative thing to do.
The week before the financial meltdown occurred, McCain stated that the American economy was fundamentally sound. With McCain suffering from “Hero Syndrome”, he sidetracked his election bid to return to Congress in an effort to create a bipartisanship solution to the Financial System Debt Restructuring Plan. With the introduction of a controversial “Hail Mary” solution that even the Treasury Secretary from his own party said was not feasible - then his hand picked entourage failed to deliver– ensuring bill defeat during its initial passage. McCain is indeed a true Maverick – “a person who thinks independently, a lone dissenter, a non-conformist or rebel”, which is contrary to the definition of “consensus” or “bipartisanship” that is required to get a bill passed.
Just think, had we not implemented the massive tax cuts of the Bush Administration, wasted money for a mistaken war, then invested all that money into a new and modern energy infrastructure – just think where we would be today. Oil wouldn't have been $150 a barrel last Summer. The Democrats didn't lose the election in 2000, the country did - with the help of the Supreme Court.
The process is broke and it is time that we begin to fix it. We cannot continue increase the rate of debt and transfer these debts on the backs of future generations to pay off. Some tax cuts are beneficial, but not all and we need to be selective to get the best rate of return for the dollar spent. We are a broke nation and our financial cushion is gone. Somebody will have to pay more taxes to fix the sins of the Bush Administration and Republican Controlled Congress at the start of this Millennium; however, the burden on the poor and middle class needs to be minimal.
I never though I'd vote for Obama for President, but the time has come to do what is right for this country. It will be a difficult to repair 8 years of misguided policies, but we have the opportunity, not to make it 12 years of misguided policies.

Oh no, if Obama loses, what hell will break loose.....
There will be rapes and murders in the slums of Chicago, oh wait...., that happens on any other given day, Well there will be riots and buildings on fire in Detriot, oh wait...., they burn their town down when they win an NBA championship, Maybe LA will burn....I just don't think that will happen, even Rodney King isn't stupid enough to vote for Obama just because he is black. You're an idiot Susan if you truly think he simply deserves to win. You have so little faith in your fellow human beings of all stripes and lots in life. He wants to redistribute other peoples money. He's not inspiring people to help out the poor, or less fortunate on their own accord using his soaring rhetoric, he is going to take more money from all of us by force, and refund the withholding taxes for Social Security and Medicare for low income folks. That used to be called WELFARE. Some people don't take responsibility for the choices they make in life, so the Savior Obama will be there to make them feel better about themselves at the expense of others. He will also strip away every pro-life initiative out there, so that there is absolutely NO impediment to Abortion at any stage in an unborn child's developement. But step on a Bald Eagle Egg while hiking in some forest and you can go to jail and expect to pay heavy fines. His affinity to seek out known terrorists (practicing or not), or hate mongers who hide behind their religious robes, or enemies of Israel, and call them friends one moment, and then just people who be barely knows once he realizes his close association can hurt him in the polls is worth further scrutiny. Is there a Black man or women worthy to be President in our future, I HOPE SO. I just hope it isn't this loser. He has run a terrible campaign from the point of view of that part of the electorate not clinging to his "hopey and changie turn of phrase". He won't answer any questions directly, and if McCain calls him on a past association as a potential indicator of character and challenge him to answer his critics, his campaign quickly responds by crying that McCain is attacking Obama, and that people only want to discuss the issues. WELL SUSAN these are the issues. How shallow is this emtpy suit you worship? How shallow do you think the American people are, that they might fall for your spreading of the fear of "what might happen" if we all don't get on with the plan and elect this misfit. I think Arnold said it best today, something along the lines of....McCain did more for his country in 5 years in a tiny hellhole in Hanoi, then your skinny, chain smoking, narcisist has accomplished in his whole career.

Nice try, but judging from the majority of other responses, you failed brilliantly.

Susan and the other Obama supporters don't accept the possibility that they aren't ENTITLED to rule; that anyone can have a mind that holds different beliefs. Susan doesn't accept the idea that there is a difference between Tolerance and Embracing or 'Accepting' Something. For example, I can easily tolerate "gay people" but I need not Accept or Embtace them in my beliefs. Ellen deGeneres can go and play 'footsy' all she wants in her own home. Do I tolerate her--Yes. Do I embrace and accept anything about her chosen lifestyle---NO. Therefore, I am a bigot according to Susan & her ilk .
Susan & Co. have no toleration for anyone who doesn't think like them. We are just too stupid or backward--Even if we have Ph.D. degrees in scientific disciplines or are astrophysicists or Nuerosurgeons and even if we are worldly and have earned our fortunes; even if we travel now and then, etc. We are STILL Stupid, Ignorant, and Backward because we don't just goose step to her tune.
I suspect that Ms. Estrich's boogeymen comes from her own failure to be tolerant. Her column is so thoughtless and trite and was probably only written to fill space and get a paycheck. After all, she & Obama want to tell us what to think and WHY (sounds like Ayn Rand & The Fountainhead). From the "old country", we might all say: A pox on your house, purveyor of hot air.

How dare you accuse the American people who are voting for John McCain, an Honorable man, racists??? Maybe you should ask yourself if Obama's associations with questionable people who are a bunch of Anti-Semites, racists, Marxists, domestic terrorists, etc. have something to do with it. Ask yourself, who are these people that Obama associates himself with??? They are all people who are blame the silent majority of America for all of their problems. They are the "blame America first" crowd. Also, Obama went to prestigious Universities such as Columbia and Harvard, but the people he chose to associate with are the dregs of society. Where are his friends from his college days????? He has no friends....don't you find this odd?????

1) What about last 2004 exit polls they couldnt even get that right and miss-called the election, so all the polls could be wrong, dispite your hysterical ranting.
2) And if Majority of Citizens are not ready for a black president, why is that a tragedy? Maybe next time. The people vote.
3) And if Obama looses maybe it is his arrogance, rather than addressing serious questions about socialism he jokes about peanut butter sandwiches, ever thonk that might agravate some sitizens?
4) Maybe it just isnt time for the color of Obama's politics.
5) You need to recognize the country is conservative and not into any constitutional experiments. Your environment and local habitant isnt mainstream USA. The press/acedemic segment dosnt represent what most of us think is righteous.
6) Just keep Klonsky, Khalidi, Ayers and radical groups indoctrinating our school children and keep building corrupt institutions like Obama's campaign financing and ACORN get out the vote, and you'll win eventually... then you can have a Chicago style government with 10% sales taxes//high property taxes...enslaved citizens...MACHINE POLITICS that's what Obama tastes and smells and ACTS like...how does that help your middle-lower class? Sales and Property taxes to distribute it's wealth to the final destination, the POLITICAL MACHINE.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But the real reason Obama looses is supporters like you Susan, Elitests journalists that look down on Mainstream Amercas right to vote as they choose. He looses by his associations, and we just don't like them,

Susan: Coinsider this. In 2004, just as in 2008, conditions were tailor made for a democrat victory. We had a very unpopular president fighiting a very unpopular war. All the indicators were that it should have been a cakewalk for any reasonably moderate democrat. But, who did the democrats come up with -- the most liberal senator in Washington.
Advance four years to 2008. We have a very unpopular president fighting a very unpopular war (one that, unlike in 2004, we are actually winning). All the indicators are that it should be a cakewalk for any reasonably moderate democrat. But, who did the democrats nominate -- the most liberal senator in Washington.
When the Democrats lost in 2004 a race that they should have won going away, they came up with all kinds of excuses, but never really faced the real reason. They lost because they nominated someone who was unelectable. If Democrats lose in 2008, they'll have all the usual excuses: we never got our message out, the republicans stole the election, the American people are stupid. Plus, they'll have the added bonus of being able to claim racism.
In fact, while the Dems will dredge up many excuses for losing what should have been a cakewalk, the one reason they won't bring up is the main reason -- because their nominee is too liberal. No, that would require taking responsibility for their failed choices. It's just a lot easier to blame racism.

Nice job Ms. Estrich. Silly me thinking your candidates lack of ANY experience. His past intellectual romps with Marxist's and race baiting filth. His affinity for thug politics. His unbridled love of spending other peoples money and pandering to anyone with a pulse. Not to mention his threats to my 1st and 2nd amendment rights. All this time I thought I had valid reasons for opposing "The Messiah", now I find it's simply because I'm a racist. Well sorry Ms. Estrich but you may blow it out your ear. Your intellectual laziness is tiresome. If you can't debate the issues don't but your ham fisted attempt to silence the right is going to get people killed on election night. Already not so veiled threats are being made about "blood running in the streets". There may be blood on my street, but it won't be mine or those I love. You see I'll not knuckle under to people like you. Stupid comments like yours only fuel the belief that the election will have been stolen. If the rioters want to come let them, I'm armed and ready.

just judging by the tenor of many of these responses, the country has a hell of a lot of problems besides the war and the economy. bitterness, distrust, anger and yes racism still exist in bucket loads in this country. this idea that obama is some sort of socialist is ludicrous. the government already has plenty of experience is socialist type programs, many of which have benefitted us just fine, such as social security, medicare, job corp and the like. there are certain things big government can do and do well. and if you arent convinced about socialist initiatives what about the 700 billion bank bailout... the us government owns a heck of a lot of AIG, and chrysler, and other firms too. so dont tell me that barack obama is going to destroy the american free market system and lead us down the road to socialism..... were already there guys, and its not so bad, is it, especially if youre one of those folks who overextended yourself and now are looking for loan and mortgage or credit card forgiveness.......and as for elitism, what do you call john mccain, annapolis educated son and grandson of two admirals? some of you people out there need to read something besides the post and listen to something else besides fox news. ill take my chances with obama any day of the week given the pathetic angry old mans outbursts and sweeping condemnation of anyone who disagrees with him and his concubine.

Susan,
I've watched you as a panelist on Fox News many times and I'm stunned to think you would actually believe that if Barack Obama doesn't win the presidency it could only be because people somehow decided to lie to pollsters and that they would only lie because Obama is a black man. I live in the very liberal or progressive Pacific Northwest and I know a lot of people who wouldn't vote for Obama solely because of his policies. Hell, people from this part of the country know so few black people they wouldn't have any idea of how to be racists. Unless you were just trying to be provocative this was a really poor theory.

Susan, you're supposed to be a political genius, so let's see if you know the answer to one simple question: Since World War II the Democrats have run Northern Liberals for President eight times; what was the average vote they received?
*....... crickets chirping .......*
It was 43.8%. I'd say that means that if Obama -- a Northern Liberal -- wins this year, the only explanation is that voters were racist against WHITE Northern Liberals for the past 60 years. On the facts, that explanation makes more sense than anything you've said recently.

How dare you call Americans voting for John McCain racist......maybe we are voting against Obama because of his lousy associations with Wright, Ayers, Dohrn, Khalidi, ACORN, Farrakhan, etc, etc...... These are the people that Obama is friends with???? There is something seriously wrong with this man.....all of his "friends" are racists, anti-semites, America bashers..... Also, he went to very prestigious schools (Columbia and Harvard). Where are his friends from his college days.....He has no friends....his college records are sealed.....his transcripts are sealed.....something is very wrong with this picture.......Also, I have gone to a lot of trouble researching who exactly this man is....he is a calculating chameleon.....The Media should have done their job, I could have voted for Hillary Clinton....I cannot vote for this man. At least John McCain loves his country. Who knows what Obama believes.....

And what executive experience does McCain have? He's never managed anything. Being a maverick fighter pilot is hardly a recommendation for executive leadership. McCain's history within his own party of being completely unable to lead it anywhere, and alienating his own colleagues, is a sad but accurate predictor of how unsuccessful a McCain presidency would be.

Perhaps the greater issue is not so much race as philosophy. Today race is largely a Red Herring used to obfuscate efforts to push Socialism. Socialism not so much to establish Marxist concepts but to establish political power. Using the demogoguery of race, wealth and status to access power. Making choices out of fear is what leads to dictatorships. For us today it's the economy. The Germans opted for the National Socialist Party in the '30s because of the economy along with the insane propaganda about the "Jewish problem". When the U.S., which is truly the last stand against Communism/Socialism , finally succumbs; the last domino will have fallen. Perhaps Joseph McCarthy should be considered a seer more than a pariah. It's all becoming quite surreal.

this country has big problems, and its not just the war or the economy. these postings are full of anger and mistrust, and it makes me very sad. the idea that obama is a socialist is ludicrous. whether you realize it or not, this country already has an extensive list of socialist type programs- the new deal, the great society, medicare, social security, and not all of them are bad. social security is a well run program, provides security to many, and is redistribution in my opinion, and it makes a better country. even with its shortcomings, medicare is a reasonable big government program. i like ronald reagan, but he messed up pretty badly by labeling government programs as entitlements. the reagan revolution made people cynical about government. there are some things that big government does very well besides national defense, and so what if they may be somewhat redistributional. capitalism and freemarket abuses have caused a lot of trouble for a lot of us. you dont think the 700 billion dollar bailout is socialist? you dont think asking the government to bailout chrysler is socialist? or that conrail and amtrak smacked of socialism? you guys need to read something besides the post and watch something besides fox. even the economist endorsed obama and william buckleys son also did. the fact of the matter is, the richest man in the world is from sweden, which is a socialist country, and it sure didnt curb his incentives or ambition or entrepreneurial spirit when he founded IKEA. so dont put it all on senator obama. instead of thinking about the end of capitalism, think about an addled 72 year old man with poor judgement and a worse temper sitting in the white house. that should scare you.

So now the Dems are already citing race riots. Does that fall under the category of fear-mongering?? Get a grip Estrich and think REALITY. This kind of talk only perpetuates hysteria and rioting. SORE LOSER! If Obama loses it's because he's a RADICAL and pals around with radicals of the worst kind. Obama is arrogant, out of touch and a liar to boot.

Against all odds of BIG money, over-the-top advertising and campaigning, scurilous slurs against Palin and the mainstream media "in the tank" for Obama, your candidate should be 20 points ahead. WHY ISN'T HE? See above.

Grow up. If McCain wins, he won because the PEOPLE believe in him and trust him. If he loses, May God help us all.

Keta

Susan has been drinking too much Democrat koolaid and smokin' too much Liberal crack. If Obama loses, it will be due to his lying and deceit and the stupid way his campaign has been blowing smoke up his ......That is the only reason he will lose and when he does there will probably be riots in the streets by all of those culturally diverse and tolerant minorities, who just can't understand that this country is a conservative one and will not be railroaded into socialism by a loud-mouthed idiot from Illinois.

You are right Susan. The only reason I am voting for McCain is because I am a redneck racist. Hoping that the country is full of racist like me so McCain can win. Susan, I'll be ready for the riots so don't worry about me. Just think Susan, if McCain wins all you democrats will be able to see again since your heads will be released from Obama's _ _ _.

Susan, this article is a national disgrace. I'm Black, a lifelong democrat, and I early voted for John McCain today. What do you call me? Surely, I can't be a racist. What I can be and what I am is a woman who has watched the democratic party discount, discriminate against and destroy Hillary Clinton's run for the presidency even though she received more votes than her opponent, Obama. Obama even cheated in the caucases and nothing was done about it. Instead, the party selected him, the weaker candidate, soley because he is Black. John Kerry had the nerve to go on tape and say that Obama should the president because he is black. Imagine that! I refused to vote for Obama because he has a paper thin resume, has never run anything except for president for 2 of the 4 years he has been in the senate as the freshman, junior senator from Ill. So stop trying to foment chaos by accusing honest Americans who have enough sense to know a charleton when they see one. Susan, stop and think about it. Why would anyone vote for Obama, a shady politician on a quest to achieve a personal ambition over John McCain, a true American hero? It's not because they are racist--it's because America deserves the best we have to offer. And in this election, John McCain is the best man for the job PERIOD.

Et Tu Sue? Racism? That's all it could be, not his racist minister, or more than questionable associations with the hate America crowd, or his far left rob Peter to buy Paul's vote economic philosophy. Nor could it be his wave the white flag and let the terrorists win if they'll love us defense plan. It certainly couldn't be his thin resume could it? His lack of judgement in picking Biden instead of Hillary? It wasn't the drippy lovefest Obama is the messiah goo goo ga ga drool. Of course it couldn't be any of that, he's going to lose because he's black. Sue please continue to take your meds as directed. You don't have any firearms at home do you? We wouldn't want you to hurt yourself when Obama loses.

Its seems the only way for John to win is an October Surprise!
Well the Surprise may have arrived with the latest ridiculing of Sarah and women by Obama: after the many nonsense heap on her as being unqualified - being a woman.
From her background and experiences most women in the US would consider her to be the most qualified among the 4 runners. The backlash may come soon enough when they put their foot down and decided enough is enough with their votes!
Bashing two outstanding women in one election is not acceptable to the females of America.

I notice that the Creators Syndicate is a syndicate of talent; then, Susan,how did you get in? Affirmative action? Liberals seem to need to create some vile, unreasoning reason for shit happens. It has been ever so since the liberal use of the guillotine in devouring its own as the revolution descended into meaningless drivel.

Another in a series of excuses for an Obama loss...this being chief excuse. This just might be the stupidest article yet. I live where the riots (win or lose) likely won't reach me, but I still don't like being threatened by pathetic sycophants with all the rational analysis of a follower of the Pied Piper or Adolf Hitler.

I went to an Ivy League school too, but don't remember getting it in my head that it qualifed me for President. This is an easy decision for anyone who has ever had a real job or had to make important decisions that might risk your life or liberty or employment, or those whom you might employ. Obama of course, has no such experience. Obama has a grand total of 143 days in the Senate, during which he did exactly zero for anyone and voted "present" 130 times, obviously not wanting to take a stand that he might regret during the campaign. Put another way:

You couldn't get a job at McDonalds and become district manager after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't become chief of surgery after 143 days of experience of being a surgeon.

You couldn't get a job as a teacher and be the superintendent after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't join the military and become a colonel after 143 days of experience.

You couldn't get a job as a reporter and become the nightly news anchor after 143 days of experience.


BUT....


'From the time Barack Obama was sworn in as a United State Senator, to the time he announced he was forming a Presidential exploratory committee, he logged 143 days of experience in the Senate. That's how many days the Senate was actually in session and working.

After 143 days of work experience, Obama believed he was ready to be Commander In Chief, Leader of the Free World .... 143 days.

We all have to start somewhere. The senate is a good start, but after 143 days, that's all it is - a start.

AND, strangely, a large sector of the American public is okay with this and is campaigning for him. We wouldn't accept this in our own line of work, yet some are okay with this for the President of the United States of America ? Come on folks, we are not voting for the next American Idol!

Where does this kind of arrogance come from? Where does the lunacy to write this article come from?

Wow... Susan! Thank you for opening my eyes! I was under the impression that I didn't like Barack Obama because he's a redistributionist with no important accomplishments or experience who has changed virtually all his positions in the last twelve months! (Sometimes within 24 hour periods!)

Thanks to your insightful column I'm realizing that my, and everyone else's reticence about him, is actually because he's black and I am helplessly bigoted. Wow! What a relief! I am sooooo on my way to a counselor to work out these issues that you've helped me discover. God bless you.

Um... only racism? How about socialism. Some people still don't want the United States to become a 3rd world socialist nation. These are the people who will be voting against Obama on November 4th.

Holy crap! You've changed my mind! Here I was, all prepared to vote for McCain because I trust him but not Obama, I know McCain's actual positions on issues and agree with him on most but not so on either with Obama, McCain is qualified by experience unlike Obama, and also because Obama has been consistently dishonest when questioned about his radical friends, but now I realize I'd be a racist if I checked the box for McCain at the polls. Thank you ever so much for saving me! This is THE most persuasive column I've ever read. Pulitzer Prize quality, quite frankly.

P.S. My wife, an Ivy-League alum and a graduate of a leading West Coast law school, has never voted for the Republican presidential candidate. She's voting for McCain, though, because she likes him whereas, she says, "Obama creeps me out."

This was satire, right? I mean, REALLY, NO one could have written this op-ed with a straight face!

Unless, of course, it's a last-ditch effort to so offend conservatives, Indies and PUMAS that we hurriedly post our rebuttals. Then the author takes a tally to see why we're really not voting for Obama (ACORN votes notwithstanding), and THEN Obama can -- wait for it -- CHANGE HIS MIND AGAIN, just one more time before election day, thinking if he just says the right things in the right way, we'll actually vote for him.

He gets my vote when those ocean waters recede.

Re: Randall Morgan

Yes, the media will go berserk - but don't anyone go back to reading, let along BUYING, the New York Times! Since their stock has now been reduced to junk status, let it stay there where it belongs.

I'm Racist if I don't vote for Obama, so that means the 98% of the blacks voteing for Obama are Racist?

what a crock of s***t... racist if he doesn't win?!!! what about him being outright a left winger, the most liberal voting record, changes position depending on who is listening as in lying to get votes, who has the worst friends on earth and is a socialist by definition and gives very little of his own money to the causes he speaks of. he also trumps freedom of speech, thinks the constitution is flawed and ails to disclose relevant information on questionable things such as his birth and the money from people overseas who BO camp says are people in US living abroad but with no SS#, emploers as 'Employer' and 'asdf asdf" and why would Obama for America ask the the CC vendor remove a verification tool to limit fraud. I must be racist if i think any of these to be true. how can you sleep at night thinking this? do they really pay you enough for your soul and write trash? stop pulling the race card and actually recognize that some people can actually do some critical thinking rather that look at skin color like you do. i side with all the reasons why Huntley Brown, a black man won't vote for Obama http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp. I guess you would call him a racist too but you can't because he is black. Then you rationalize and say to yourself... he must be racist too but in his previous life when he was white. Get over yourself please.

Re: mel

Extremely well-stated. May I add the danger of a single party dominating all branches of our Government? And let's not forget the Dems' plan to nationalize our 401(k)'s. Doesn't matter whether you've got ten grand or a hundred grand sitting in your 401(k) - a Dem-controlled Government is already eyeing YOUR hard-earned cash for THEIR welfare programs. Last but certainly not least is that winner-take-all legislation sitting before the Senate - The Global Poverty Act, authored by none other than Senator Government himself, Obama. Think our own nation will benefit from that roughly $585 billion over the course of a dozen years? Nope. Try Kenya. Trust me - if I wanted to donate $2000 a year to Kenya, I'd already be doing it. Is that a racist remark, Susan? Nope. It's a remark from a widow helping her children through college. And they will pay their way through college, NOT give 100 hours per year to unspecified "community service." I could go on, but the Nobama territory seems to have been pretty well covered by several hundred other remarks.

Re: stephanie

Check back with us in a year's time if McCain wins. Got a feeling you won't have to use caps and so many exclamation points.

"Why would they do that?
You tell me it has nothing to do with race. I'll laugh. What else could it possibly be?"
Yes, we know you'll laugh. And you've answered your own question. People are tired of being called racist. There are a lot of reasons to detest Obama, starting with the fact he's a fraud and con man whose only demonstrated skill is gaming elections.

Sad, but true for some. To make it all-inclusive would be to insult the majority, but, yes, there are those who cloak their racism in platitudes of self-righteousness.

Why can't we say Barry's middle name?

Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...
Hussain, Hussain, Hussain, Hussain...

I know how to spell Joe, John and Jesus. But this name seems strangly familiar to one I heard about the former dictator of Babylonian empire. (Erica, you would need to know some history to get the historical reference.)

The brave souls who left Europe and formed this greatest nation on earth left their blood upon this land. It flows in our veins, with strength, power and determination...................

We are the ones who had the guts to travel the ocean in a tiny little wooden boat and clear this land with our bare hands......................

Our fathers laid down their lives for our freedom, we too shall answer the call. We fear not because our hearts are pure.....................

The left fears the pure hearted and moral. They know we answer to the God of this Land. Our fathers undertsood that, and we do as well......................

We are the ones we've been waiting for because we shall stand and fight for freedom. Everyone must face death in this life, so make peace old gal, the terrors of the night are upon you.....................

Is your heart pure? Are your hands clean?.......................

Death, were is thy sting? The grave shall have no victory over the pure in heart!

Susan, I had you down as one of the smart ones. And I still think you generally are a good strategist and political analyst, but this article is all wrong. First of all, the premise is wrong. Most polls show Obama in the lead, but not by landslide numbers. Many have tightened in recent days to show a 4 or 5 point lead, barely outside the margin of error. The Real Clear Politics averages show him at 50%, and ahead by an average of 6.5%

In order to have a true landslide, Obama needs to win by at least 10% in the popular vote. Now, by the same token many estimates do see a wider margin of victory, but several swing states are too close to be certain of an Obama victory. If McCain really is experiencing something of a surge in support, as several polls indicate, he may end up winning enough swing states to win. That won't be because of racism.

Racism does exist in this country, unfortunately, but there have been surveys conducted that indicate that voters who want to choose Obama because of his race are almost as numerous as those who would vote against him based on his race. I don't know if those numbers will actually cancel each other out, but it hardly is evidence that racism would be the cause of Obama's loss. There are still many nagging questions about this man that may cause voters not to give him the benefit of the doubt. And John McCain is not a bad campaigner. The campaign isn't nearly as well-oiled as Obama's, but if the message resonates it won't matter.

It's interesting that Ms. Estrich doesn't see the point of view of many conservative voters like me. I wish I could support this man specifically because he is an African American. Oh how happy I would be if I could vote for him because I agreed with his policies. I cannot, however, even though I would badly like to prove that I am not a racist and that I think anyone, no matter their race, can be an American President. This is all about idealogy and political and economic policy to most of those on the right, not about race. It would be so good for our country to throw off the idea that black people are being held down by white people. But I will not vote for a person whose idealogy I cannot support, no matter his race. It makes me crazy when the Democrats don't get it every single election - they claim it's racism, or negative campaigning or many other reasons when it's really this - the conservative base has a set of beliefs that directs their voting. We will continue to be solidly behind those with whom we agree, no matter their race. That's what we want in politics, isn't it? To be judged by our ideas and not by our color. My only consolation if Obama wins is this - maybe there are some kids out there that need to see a black man as president. I just wish is didn't have to be this man.

Susan,

I have serious ideological problems with Obama and most every other democrat! It has NOTHING to do with his race. I have never voted for a liberal white candidate so what reason has Obama given me to vote for an African American one? He is the most liberal member of the senate, I am a conservative. There is no conservative in the race so McCain is my default vote, not because he is white, but because he is less liberal than Obama. Grow up. People actually have differences of opinion not related to race. You liberals have resorted to the most disgusting threat I have ever seen in US politics,,,basically threatening to unleash violence if your guy doesn't win. Absolutely disgusting!

It's astonishing to me that liberals are completely blind to racial bigotry when it favors their candidate. Tell me that 96% of African Americans support Barack Obama because of his policies, and I'll be the one laughing.

Only Susan's own racism could allow her to make such an outrageous claim. If Americans reject Obama, it will be due to his socialism and have nothing to do with the color of his skin. Conservatives would love to support a black presidential candidate (we once had high hopes for Colin Powell, who seems to have shifted to the far left, and Condi Rice, who just doesn't seem interested) but not Barack. Give us a serious candidate and we'll consider him or her, but don't give us the most liberal member of the Senate and then preach unity.

Susan,

What about the fact that he is a one term Senator who has spent the majority of his time in office on the Stump? Yes, he has run the most brilliant campaign in History...and needed to do so just to drown out the naysayers, but some times a deeper resume does matter.

Senator Obama has done all he can to transcend race. It is time to stop using that as an excuse. The real issue is that for years Republicans have been able to mobilize a solid base over core issues. Democrats spent too much time with no cohesive message.

For the first time in a generation (or two) Democrats have a cohesive message. But in any movement, you have to win over converts. Senator Obama has been working for two years to mobilize a new base. Winning over converts has taken time. If he does not prevail, it is a testament to the work that still needs to be done to solidify this new base, this new core demographic.

This may be the moment. But if the efforts do not yield fruit on Tuesday, don't blame Race. Accept that Senator Obama has done a miracle in rejuvenating a party that truly lost it's way after 2000.

You know things are getting tight when the "racism" talking point comes out. They did it in the primaries and now atleast 2 go arounds in the general. The surrogates got a new talking points list yesterday. If Obama wins it will be only about race how about that for a turnaround! Certainly a white 1 term Senator and former community organizer with outrageous lefty views and despicable personal associations who openly promotes wealth redistribution could not get out of the Iowa caucuses. The victory tour this week was not smart, people dont like that crap. But hey they got alot of blacks voting early so they are all set. Early voting is more dumbing down of America, giving Obamas minority base a week to vote works better then expecting them to be somewhere on a specific date and time (like a job).

Ms.Esrich, I have watched you many times, and have always viewed you as intelligent, and reasonable in regards to politics. As a Hillary supporter, I will not support Obama, not because of his race, but because of his positions, inexperience, character issues, associations, and the fact that the party, the media, and the pollsters are all telling me that I must vote for Obama or else I am a racist. I feel that the party has been hijacked by an imposter only using our party to further advance his own agenda, which is far more left than any other Democratic platform of recent years. Had the primaries not turned into a complete fraud, and Clinton had been nominated as she should have been, then I would have been proudly voting for Clinton, but I will not vote for Obama, and you can blame race if it makes you feel good, but I suggest that you take the blinders off, and do some soul searching, and I think that you will understand why if he looses, which I hope he does, that it wasn't his race (maybe for a few, but not the majority) but his lack of substance, and other things that are a bit "creepy". If he wins, I wouldn't be surprised to see the introduction of the Obama Re-Education camps, along with other programs instituted in other countries whose leaders Obama seems to share the same philosophy's, with like Cuba, Venezuala, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and the other great bastions of Freedom.

Susan, Susan, Susan....check your coffee cup. Someone has been lacing it with Kool Aid for a long time now.
Like Arnold said in Columbus, Ohio yesterday, John McCain was a POW longer than Obama was "serving" in the Senate....maybe people are developing DISCERNMENT at the 11th hour.

Sorry, Susan! I won't trust my broken bodyand soul to a well-being to a surgeon who has yet to perform his first surgery? Would you? Doubt it!!!!

The whole premise of this article is a sore point for any former HRC supporter. We were told during the primaries that the only reason we liked Hillary was because we were racist. Putting that argument out there again just re-opens old wounds for me. Look: Obama will be the least experienced modern President. There is no doubt about that.

GWB - Governor of Texas 5 years
B. Clinton - 2 term Governor of Arkansas
G. Bush - VP, Director of CIA, Ambassador to UN, US House
Reagan - Governor of CA
Carter - Governor Georgia
Nixon - VP, US Senate, US House
LBJ - VP, US Senate Majority Leader, US House
Kennedy - US Senate (7years), US House (6 years)

Obama ? - 3 years US Senate (2 years in Senate, 1 year running for President).

We are taking a huge gamble on Obama, no question. Obama supporters should realize that rational people can have doubts about him, not just raving lunatics like the woman at the McCain rally.

It is this adolescent,whiny way of thinking that has kept me out of the Democratic Party the last few years. I don't think I can ever go back. Get a grip!

I am totally amazed how the liberal elite will scream prejudice, racism, sexism whenever a candidate they favor might not be embraced by the majority of the population. It doesn't matter if Barak Obama is black, white, green, purple, or pink. His view of America is not the view of the majority of Americans. Obama simply doesn't meet the intellectual, moral, ethical, and principles that the United States needs at this point in history. Beneath the smooth and polished exterior lies the heart of a coward, a socialist, and a racist terrorist. This country doesn't need a person of such questionable moral character. This country does not need someone as ignorant on the world stage as Obama is. This country does not need "cradle to grave" government interference. This country does not need someone who supports government funded "abortion on demand". This country does not need Orwell's "Big Brother".

Barak Obama is making promises, just like Jimmy Carter did. Most people who read, respond, and blog on the internet aren't old enough, or cannot remember those days. The term "stagflation" was coined to describe Carter's legacy on the economy. America's inflation rate was well above ten percent. The unemployment rate hovered around that level as well. As our "Good ol' boy" president raised taxes and told told the citizens of this great nation that they needed to "share the suffering", the Iranians took Americans hostage at the American embassy in Tehran. The crime rates soared in major cities and in rural areas. The use of illegal narcotics and alcohol abuse were means by which many Americans chose to cope with the situation. Lines at gasoline stations were common, as small to large companies closed their doors and went out of business.

America, is that what you want? Ronald Reagan ushered in the dream of a "better America", the "snining city on a hill". Obama offers a "divided America", and a "rat infested ghetto in the projects". Ronald Reagan ended communism. Obama will end democracy. Ronald Reagan motivated Americans to take pride, and to use their talents to raise this nation to its pinnacle and beyond. Obama offers class warfare, welfare checks to the lazy and disenfranchased, and to dig a deeper financial hole for this country than was ever imaginable.

Welcome to the Obama world

Susie,
Soon I hope your team will be sore losers. This is not a communist country. Obama is a communist. The nice term for Obama is socialist. However, I believe communist better reflects Obama. Propaganda for this communist is what your writing boils down to.



Barry

Should McCain prevail (Lord, hear our prayer) it will be becasue of ideology, not race. Is there some minute percentage of quack white supremecists who vote based on race? Sure. But it looks like well over 90% of African-Americans are voting for Obama. I have a hard time believing that their doing so is not influenced more by racial identification than by considered anaysis o policy. That is their prerogative. But this conservative and veteran is voting for McCain-Palin based on their record and their platform, not their race. My choice would be the same were McCain and Palin black, and Obama white. Personally, I'd love tosee a black president, provided he or she was conservative. My own first choice was Condi Rice. Lynn Swann would be a GREAT GOP candidate. Ms. Estrich, your kind of race-baiting suggestions could well result in very disturbing reactions after the election should McCain-Palin prevail. You should think considerably more clearly, and reflect more deeply, before claiming clairvoyance on such an inflammatory allegation.

Why is it that as soon as a black individual doesn't get what they want it will automatically be consider based on race and is racism. Basically they are saying they should get it because they are black therefore maybe all the white people when they don't get something and a black individual does maybe they should claim racism because they didn't get it because they are white.

they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character-
Are Ayers, Wright, Rezko, Khalidi,the attack on Joe the Plumber, redistributive policies, etc about skin color or character?
I have a dream that one day we will stop all this demagoguery and have a real discussion about policies that support the long term health of the nation and how to eliminate practices that are corrosive. Redistributive economics merely conscript the poor, working or not, to generations of poverty. Unfortunately, that would take thinking and real accountability, something that neither the demagogue nor politician are favor.

Susan:
Being a bit of a fan of yours...I know subtlty is NOT your M.O. Why are you being so delicate? You suggest racism is the cause for not voting for Obama. Many of us think McCain is the best DEM on the ticket...Experienced ...Hawk...Socially responsible...Thinker. Obama is so far left, he's a part of the democratic party I can hardly recognize. I don't care what color a man or woman is, if they don't represent how I feel about my country, its people & its troops..then forget them with a capital F.
I think race-baiting is the thing that angers more EURO-AMERICANS more than any direct idiotic socialist argument that the New Dems can come-up with. If you (and I've seen some suggestion in the Philly Inquirer too) think an all-out race war will be waged against White People. when Obama loses..say it.
Even suggesting that Blacks will be up-in-arms if Obama loses is an outright insult to all African Americans. Just as if someone of your stature & informed opinion would suggest that Whites will wage war on Blacks if McCain Loses. Of course, this can only happen if EITHER SIDE actually voted strictly along racial attributes.
It's going to take a lot of whites to elect Obama...but if McCain wins, it appears only 5% of Blacks would have helped him win. So, for real, which group is voting based soley on race?
I'll admit, we all pray that the people of both parties will be more "Americans" than white or black following the election, & there may be cause for fear due to the uncertainty of fringe behaviors. But to suggest that such a thing is likely to happen in the mainstream is outrageous.

Re: DJMELFI

Nice try Susan. I am an independent and this article made me go into the McCain camp. Do you think the American people are as stupid as you portend? Why would we not vote for a person like Obama? Well the answer is everything but his color. HOw about I attaned an all black church in Joliet, Ill, and nobody there is voiting for him cause we want a guy with strong ethics and morals. You are judged by the company you keep. Yes, you are. If you walked into your classroom every morning with Castro and the likes people would wonder about you Susan. Well guess what? America is not only wondering but we aint voting for Obama cause we are very scared of him. Yes, the key word is scared, scared, scared of what he will do to destroy my Belovede America.

Re: Brad

Susan- For an extremely bright lady for you to make "race" an issue if John McCain wins this election why don't you make "Race" an issue right now, benefiting Obama. Why don't you come forward and say that probably well over 90% of all Black voters are going to vote for Obama. I guess it.s understandable that Obama is for sure going to get all of these voters. Also Susan, in the last few weeks I see Obama for what he is. I've never seen a person that only has friends and acquaintances that are anti American. Obama is not truthful or forthright when it comes to his platforms. Obama is changing his his platform by the hour and now he says he won't announce how much he'll screw you until he gets into office. The only thing that I know about Obama is he's a great salesmen. He puts everyone listening to him and puts them under the ether. I guess he's like Jim Jones. Soon Obama will be handing out the "Kool Aid". To sum it up I think that Obama is a fake, phony, and a fraud. If Obama gets elected God help America. He's a disgrace and so are you for supporting him.

Don't even go there, Susan! If Obama were WHITE I and millions of other Americans would NOT vote for him because: 1) we don't KNOW OR TRUST him and 2) he's lying and 3) he has so many characters in his background who are shady and 3) he's TOO LIBERAL and 4) he's not just pro-choice, he is PRO-ABORTION, to the EXTREME (i.e. partial birth abortion) and 5) he's a SOCIALIST (spread OUR wealth around [wealth???...just OUR money!]) and 6) he wants to CUT the military in TIME Of WAR! (God forbid!), and 7) he has NO experience for this job (probably most important of all!), AND, AND, AND (the list goes on and on). DO NOT PUT A GUILT TRIP ON AMERICA ABOUT RACE. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE CHARACTER AND JUDGMENT OF OBAMA, WHICH IS VERY QUESTIONABLE. AMERICANS ARE WAKING UP, THEY DON'T ELECT EXTREME LIBERALS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB IN THE WORLD (WHO DON'T DESERVE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!), ESP. IN TIME OF WAR. Get a grip, Susan, shame on YOU!

Susan- For an extremely bright lady for you to make "race" an issue if John McCain wins this election why don't you make "Race" an issue right now, benefiting Obama. Why don't you come forward and say that probably well over 90% of all Black voters are going to vote for Obama. I guess it.s understandable that Obama is for sure going to get all of these voters. Also Susan, in the last few weeks I see Obama for what he is. I've never seen a person that only has friends and acquaintances that are anti American. Obama is not truthful or forthright when it comes to his platforms. Obama is changing his his platform by the hour and now he says he won't announce how much he'll screw you until he gets into office. The only thing that I know about Obama is he's a great salesmen. He puts everyone listening to him and puts them under the ether. I guess he's like Jim Jones. Soon Obama will be handing out the "Kool Aid". To sum it up I think that Obama is a fake, phony, and a fraud. If Obama gets elected God help America. He's a disgrace and so are you for supporting him.

How could the pollsters be this wrong? Well the one little fact that Susan and all her race mongering friends leave out is that 60% of people contacted by pollsters decline to participate. "What else could it be?" they ask. Well maybe its the miles between these candidates idealogically. I only pray that these white democrats that seem to be stoking the fires of race, don't get what they wish for. If they do, I believe it will be because they sat in their posh downtown lofts and "intelectual" hangouts and created it so they did'nt have to come to the realization that America is not like them...We're NOT liberal. Not liberal, but not racists either.

Thank you for your article. Don't worry about those in the repub side. They're still supporting liars and crooks. That's how they make all that money and that's how they control our country. We just need to know that we will prevail to put them in jail. Vote for Senator Obama for President, Harvard CONSTITUTIONAL Law Professor. will restore the Constitution from the shreds left by the Republican party. And the "community organizers" that repubs have tried to make a dirty word, will restore our communities. Thank you.

Shame on you Susan to insult the Great American people,,, I always gave you the benefit of the doubt, NO MORE.

and the 95% Obama vote in the African American community is based on something other that color?

so if 3-4-5% of the white vote is based on color, then 95% of the black vote is too...

Estrich is right. There is some racism involved. There is stupidity involved too.

If I compare the rigor of politcal polls to scientific studies, it makes me wonder that they are published at all. What may be a good internal indicator for politicians to apply their resources, is not a substitue for the only poll that counts. It is just laziness that has brought us to where the headline news is yesterdays poll resuls. If there were more effort to ask questions about who BHO is then we might not have Charlie Rose and Tom Brokaw making the comments that we really don't know who this man is, or what people really influenced him. Pretty pathetic - it shows a Goerge W. Bush level of intellectual curiosity in the media.

I wish the importance of the election process wouldn't be so discounted.

Susan I wish you wouldn't discount Sarah Palin without mentioning Joe Biden in the same breath. Sarah probably isn't ready for prime time, but Joe does no better. When he has presented his credentials twice to voters in 1988 and 2008 he has been quickly and resoundingly rejected. I haven't seen much of him lately, perhaps he is busy searching YouTube for FDR's televised presidential address to the nation when the stock market crashed in 1929

Typical liberal thinking: making ad hominen attacks when outcomes do not go their way! Americans could not possibly be worried about lack of experience, close relations with shady characters, tax plans that are not right in a bad economy, a stand against new-born babies (as his votes in Illinois demonstrate), a nationalized health care plan, a Marxist idealogy that is being passed off as "charity and sharing." No, these things will not count. Only the fact that the man is HALF Kenyan, which is not the typical African American. Geez! I get so sick of the spin I could vomit!

Great replies to this article. No Susan we are not robots and still can think for ourselves. This is what happens at the colleges today. They tell ya what to think and you lose your creativity. How hard is it to believe in freedom, character and morals. Not very hard. We can see right thru Obama and its not pretty.

I find it interesting that a black voter that votes for Obama is not a racist, yet for a white voter to vote against Obama for the same reason is considered one.
I would put your article a different way:
There is most definitely racism in this election and it is being exercised like never before by black citizens (> 95% of the black vote is for Obama).
If Obama wins, you cansay that the non-black population was not racist as Obama would most certainly not win if non-blacks came out and voted strictly based on color.
Go Figure !

Susan,until you learn about politics,you need to write on something you do.know. This article is the first and LAST I will read of yours! If Obama wins we will all go to hell in a hand basket and he will carry it.

So if Obama loses the only explanation is "racism." And if his loss is followed by riots (now who would do such a thing?), we should know that if we voted for Obama all this wouldn't have happened. But who do we blame if Obama wins and there are (celebratory) riots? Maybe the only answer is to cancel the election and annoint The One.

Susan, So are we "really" to believe that if Obama was a the exact same person
and was "all" white not just partial, that he would be where he is today ?
Really ????

I would propose to you that he is at this point because he is considered to be "black".
It is because he is considered to be "black" that so much controversy is overlooked.

If Obama was a republican, you and all the leftists would be out hanging a sign around
his neck of "Uncle Tom".

It is the left that live in a racist world.

I'm a conservative and have yet to hear "any" of my conservative friends ONCE mention
Obama's race or make ANY remarks about him being "black".

Your views are rather laughable and show how small minded you really are.

But go right ahead and keep believing this false belief. You are no better than
Skin Heads who harbor false views.

Re: stephaniePosted by: stephanie
Comment: #253
Fri Oct 31, 2008 9:04 PM

Re: B.G.JOHNSON YES!!! MORE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD NEED JESUS THEN THEY WOULDN'T ACT LIKE YOU!!! SO HORRIBLE!!! IF MORE PEOPLE "VOTED " TO HAVE JESUS IN THEIR LIFE THEN THEY WOULDN'T WASTE THEIR TIME BLABLING ON THE INTERNET. ITS ALL IN GODS WORD, READ IT !! THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHO THE PRESIDENT WILL BE, IT IS FORTOLD IN SCRIPTURE. ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE THAT HAPPENS IN THIS WORLD!!!

I hate to be the one to have to tell you this Stephanie, but in spite of "Hussein's" (that is his name, isn't it?) continual attempts, he's yet to "walk on water" which can only lead me to believe that he's a "false prophet". Be sure to share the video of that event if it happens though, ok? As a God fearing christian Stephanie, one "Messiah" is plenty for me. You, frankly, sound more like a seriously misguided "Hare Krishna" freak whose idea of "spreading the word of God" consists of standing on street corners and "begging for change"! Kind of like what Obama does!!!

Susan,
If you're not fired after an insulting, degrading, devisive article like this, your employers (all of them) need some serious psychoanalysis. This is offensive to me, as a Jewish woman, who has had anti-semitic remarks thrown at her, and a family Hitler basically wiped off the face of the earth. Do NOT preach racism to me. The Jews have asked for NOTHING in return for what has been done to them just 60 years ago. I am surprised that YOU do not get it. If anyone used racism as a tool and a threat, Obama and his supporters have. How dare James Carville say there will be riots if Obama loses. Does he think all blacks are violent, unruly people who will set fire to their communities because they didn't get Obama elected?? Talk about a racist viewpoint! Where on earth is your brain, Susan?

So Susan, now that you've let the "cat out of the bag", just how long have you been a racist? You won't be able to blame Republicans for Obama's defeat. We aren't voting for him!!! The liberal hypocrisy in regards to "race baiting" is just simply "amazing"!

Re: Tim
Susan Estrich has it wrong. If Obama doesn't win, it won't be the "Bradley Effect." It wil be the "Carter Effect." I wanted to like Obama, and the best thing he had going for him was the fact he was black. Carter's economic and foreign policy views broke us and humiliated us. Never again.

You are right, it is time for this election to be over; however, instead of worrying about what could go wrong (which is a P/C way of saying, "yes, racism is alive and well, working in America") let's focus and celebrate on the simply fact, of which I'm sure most African Americans know, oh so well - The only way a Black person in America can get ahead (or compete to win fairly, etc. etc.) is to be twice as good in everything! I am proud of this African American Man for not only saying what, how and why he has done what he has done and is doing, and all along the way, no matter what obstacles, challenges, brick walls, heartaches or trials he has remained focused and dedicated to all that was and is good to be and to have (like behave) twice as well as anyone else. Why? To be able to give as much of everything he has to US, his brothers and sisters (i.e. "fellow friends" as his opponent Sen John McCain would say). By US I mean the United States citizens, as he says, "there are no 'blue states' and no 'red states' only the United States! God bless him and his family now and always. Believe in the power of CHANGE!

No wonder Dukakis lost (with Susan Estrich as his campaign manager). She's more delusional than Donna Brazile. Barack Obama is the leat experienced and most liberal member of the US Senate. He has been completely ineffective as a Senator. He was a mediocre Illinois Senator. The only bills he "co-sponsored" and "managed" were the ones the Chicago Machine portioned out to him. In his only election against a real opponent, he lost a Democratic primary for US House.
The only reasons to vote for Obama are: he's black and a socialist. He's not even Afro-American. Afro-Americans are descendents of African slaves from West Africa. Obama's father is from East Africa, and his name indicates descent from Somali or Sudanese slave buyers.
Obama's campaign peaked the last day of the DEM convention, if not the day before. Any thought the bank crash would help him faded when it turned out the largest recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac was ... Sen Barack H Obama Jr. (D-Il) Oops!

Susan! You are race baiting! Your premise that if Obama loses it's because of his race is absurd. Living in the very heart of the South, I've heard NO ONE say they wouldn't vote for Obama because of his race! And may I remind you that he is half WHITE??? YOU seem to have forgotten this fact. Furthermore, your words and the words of those who think like you, are trying to incite anger and violence through your ridiculous accusations. Give me a break and please grow up. If Obama loses, it's because Americans - of all colors - have found him to be the very antithesis of all they believe in.

SUSAN USED TO BE MY FAVORITE COMMENTATOR...NO LONGER

I AM A DEMOCRAT VOTING FOR MCCAIN BECAUSE, AS I SEE IT

OBAMA'S FIRST 100 DAYS?

1. All illegal immigrants will be granted citizenship
2. The doors to our prisons will be flung open
3...The American Flag will be replaced with the Muslim "Rising Sun" logo
4. The "Work" part of "Welfare to Work" will be removed.
5. "Faith based initiatives" will provide large grants to black radical churches
6. The Obama "truth squad" will be the core of the new American Gestapo.
7. There will be abortion on demand.
8. There will be lots of turbans at Cabinet meetings.
9. Newspapers will be censored to eliminate anti-"the one" rhetoric.
10.Google will become a government entity
11.All campaign finance laws will be abolished
12.There will be an immediate invastion of Israel
13.We will be required to address the President as "Heil Obama"
14. Muslims will be screaming.."Allah has arisen"
15. The National Anthem will be forbidden
16. It will be against the law to file criminal proceedings against any Obama associate.
17. The Department of Defense's new mission will be "Welcome all".
18..Background checks will no longer be required for government employees

SOUND GOOD? THAT'S JUST A START

WE ALL KNOW THAT THE "racism" claaim is simply an overrated excuse for a VERY FLAWED CANDIDATE, SHOVED DOWN OUR THROATS BY THE DNC WHO HAS SOLD THE PARTY TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.

Democratic Campaign PlayBook for Obama

Attention: All Obama supporters.

There will be times when you encounter those who would choose to reveal information about me that knocks me off my pedestal. There is some vinegar in the kool-aid I tell you, but pay no attention.

Never fear help is near...Here are the recommended responses to such blasphemy....

1...You are a racist. Of course the only reason someone would not love me is because I'm black..Play the race card often.

2...You are a liar. Of course there is no foundation for any negative remarks about me. The millions who do not see my brilliance are, of course, liars. We have taken care of the bad stuff on google

3. You hate Obama. What other reason could there be that there are millions who will vote Hillary or McCain.

4.. You are ill-informed. Perhaps they don't buy the garbage I give you on my web-site. The only source for Obama information. Do not look elsewhere..

5... If none of the above work...stupid, idiot, moron are words that should be used often when you are unable to defend me.

6...If all else fails and if they continue to call me a rookie, ultra-liberal, black radical, white-hating, terrorist-loving, liar; and a corrupt pawn of the Chicago Political Machine..you can always
pass it off that they are Republican plants.

Keep the Kool-aid alive even if it is filled with vinegar.

SUSAN IS THE VERY LAST PERSON I WOULD EXPECT TO "FOLLOW THE LEADER" AND PLAY THE RACE CARD. The kool aid has performed a chemical lobotomy on her and her objectivity has gone out the window.

Letter to the Editor

Barack Hussein Obama, NO MATTER WHAT?.

We as Americans have been exposed to the most corrupt and inept government in history for the last eight years, and yes, it is time for a change in our President.. We have seen the "no matter what" Republicans give us a second term to the man who lead us into a useless and expensive war that has bankrupt our country; a man who has lead us into economic disaster, and who's (some consider) every policy can be deemed a failure.

Now "no matter what" Democrats (and media) are about to give us more by voting for Obama. The mainstream media have chosen to HIDE stories of: his radical white-hating religious background; his total lack of experience: charges of money laundering, lack of American citizenship; his corrupt, radical and felonious friends: his ultra-liberal voting record: his use of voter intimidation and association with groups convicted of voter fraud: his association with terrorist groups throughout the world and Palestinian connections; the censorship and intimidation of those exercising their first amendment right to oppose him: his acceptance of illegal foreign contributions; his status as a pawn of the most corrupt Political Machine in the country. Yes,there is information out there that speaks these claims, in spite of the media and the campaigns efforts to hide it. Do we DARE TAKE A CHANCE?

I knew it!!! I just knew it... if Obama loses, we are all racist. I just knew it. To the left, everything is about race, nothing is about the issues. It's identity politics to the max. All symbolism and no substance. Maybe, just maybe, Obama loses because 7-10% of the folks haven't made up their minds, and in the end might tilt towards McCain because he has actually achieved something of substance. In short, he actually knows something about the issues. Obama is a slick talker, McCain is a mechanic. If I was buying a car, I'd listen to the mechanic before paying any attention to the saleman any day of the week.

I don't get it. Is this strategy and you're trying to guilt undecideds into voting Obama by labeling them possible racists? Or do you really believe that Obama is so good, people would only disagree with him because of his race? Either way, your theory stinks.

All this kind of talk will accomplish is stir up division should Obama not be elected. You're fear-mongering. I truely believe no matter who is elected, they deserve the prayers and well-wishes of the American people, not more hate and division. More unites us than divides us.... though you'd never know it listening to the left lately.

Democrats lately (8 years) seem insistent that it's gonna be either their way or there will be hell to pay. This kind of rhetoric is expected from the fanatical left or right, but not from intelligent Democrats and Republicans. When are Democrats going to stop with the tantrums and start contributing? Only when they have the presidency? It's the United States of America ALL THE TIME, not just when we have a Dem in office.

Our country needs EVERYONE helping right now... we can't afford to ostricize half the population all because one guy loses and another guy wins. Where's the hope of healing, when you write an article like this?

Susan, did it ever occur to you that if Obama loses its because some of us will no longer pander to the sexism and hatefulness that Obama and his "feminist" sisters foster.... Quite frankly I hope he loses and loses big....hope and dreams...you see, we can all have them.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Obama's directives to his shills is to cry RACIST when confronted with skepticism. How else can he assure that he will be remembered if, for nothing else, the RIOTS that this claim will incite should he lose. He will be content to be remembered as the man, or boy, who took CIVIL RIGHTS BACK 100 YEARS...

I REALLY THOUGHT SUSAN HAS MORE CLASS THAN TO SIMPLY ECHO THE PATHETIC RHETORIC OF THE CAMPAIGN

From reading all these comments I am starting to believe Susan did not really believe anyone is rascist not to vote for Obama but only said that to throw more guilt crap around. Once again when you are trying to brainwash your students all day you think you can do the same thing to the folks outside the classroom. Nice try but we still have our creativity in tact and aint falling for your tactics. Aint votin for him case we dont like him period. He is mean and controlling and not what America digs. Get that?

Senator Barack Obama says he will take care of the poor, yet he has no interest in his own poor relatives.
He says he is going to change the world, yet he won't change his vote to protect an infant born alive after a botched abortion.
Senator Obama said he will sit down and talk with terrorists without conditions, yet he didn't sit down with Senator McCain and discuss campaign financing as he promised
Senator Obama sits with his family in a hate white church for 20 years, yet he says he will bring racial harmony.
Senator Obama says he won't tax the middle class, yet he will turn our government into a welfare state.
Senator Obama promises to bring peace to the world, yet he plans to cut military spending which will invite others to attack us (Carter, Clinton). He like President Carter believes that “total unilateral disarmament is an imperative of our time”.
Senator Obama has given this nation nothing but rhetoric, yet now he promises “TO CHANGE THE WORLD”.
Senator Obama promises to give, yet history has shown many cases of tyrants who promised to give and all they did was take and kill.
This man is a megalomaniac.