Race Issues Stay Below the Radar: WSJ
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 9:21AM Quoted via Wall Street Journal:
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More than any past president, Mr. Obama will continue to be scrutinized for his handling of race and issues important to minorities, not only because he's black, but for the pivotal role of nonwhite voters in his election. He won a significant number of whites, more than any Democratic nominee since Jimmy Carter. But blacks and Hispanics formed the foundation of his victory. By delivering roughly 40% of Mr. Obama's vote total -- and voting in record numbers -- minorities made their greatest impact ever on a presidential election.
Mr. Obama has consistently said talking about race isn't as productive as addressing problems, such as joblessness and failing schools, that affect minorities.
"In the midst of all that is going on with the economy, the war and the world, no one can think he should be Johnny One-Note, just focused on race," said Janet Langhart Cohen, who, with her husband, former Defense Secretary William Cohen, held a Washington conference on racial reconciliation last summer. more
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