Americans sensitive about potential president’s colour
Published 27 September, 2008, 06:32
The University of Mississippi, which hosted the first debate of U.S. presidential candidates, has a historical significance for this particular race. Two people were killed in 1962 when white students rioted in protest at the enrolment of the first black student. And today a recent poll suggests that racial prejudice is still an issue that could cost Barack Obama the White House.
The poll conducted in partnership with Stanford University claims 40 per cent of all white Americans hold at least a partly negative view towards blacks. This does not surprise African Americans, many of who say they face racial discrimination this or that way.
RT spoke to some people in the streets. Most of those who support McCain say their position has nothing to do with race and that they back his political views.
But experts say the reason for the discrepancy is that most people are reluctant to admit openly they have a negative feeling towards a black candidate. Studies show that people are more likely to report their real opinion on an issue when answering questions anonymously.
In the on-line world it's not all love for Obama. The leader of the white supremacist group the “Klu Klux Clan”, Ray Larsen, had this to say about Obama:
“I am not gonna worry about him because someone down in the South will take him out. If that man is elected president he'll be shot sure as hell”.
Also, during the Democratic nomination, the Denver police arrested four people on suspicion of plotting to assassinate Obama. The men were linked to a white supremacist group. The Democratic nominee was placed under Secret Service protection, the earliest ever for a presidential candidate.
And back in April, former Minnesota Senator Jesse Ventura said the U.S. government would try to kill Obama should he gets close to winning the White House.
It appears that this presidential race is not only about the economy or foreign policy but also a black-and-white contest which reflects the divided state of America.
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