I am opposing Obama becasue he is black.

In my mind it is the same as not voting for someone because of gender, religion, ets... No one ever lost an eletion underestimating the taste of americans. Sorry the qoute is money not elections.

Gosh, this is a tough question! I absolutely detest racism and quite frankly will never understand it but I also know we all have every right to our own opinion. I don't know what I'd say, to be honest, because it would really upset me and infuriate me beyond words. NOT that they weren't supporting Obama, whom I do support, but because of the reason. However, I'd like to think I'd keep my cool enough to attempt to take their openness and honesty as an opportunity to have a hopefully mature and civil discussion on the subject. I would want to know what caused them to have that attitude - was it fear of someone who "looks different"? Simple hatred and intolerance for someone they really felt was inferior? I'd be curious as to their background and I'd be interested in knowing if there had been some even in their life that had led to their racism. I think racism is an ugly thing that can only be dealt with if it's faced head-on but in a respectful manner. None of us are born with any kind of prejudice so it has to start somewhere with the influence of other people and events. Thankfully, at least from what I've been hearing lately, it's becoming almost a non-issue with the younger generation. That's not good enough and won't be until we can drop the word "almost" from that last sentence. Annie

I agree with some of the others here, that we are all entitled to our own opinion, but I do think we have a responsibility to voice our opinion when it comes to racism. We may not talk everyone into being accepting and respectful of diversity, but we will never see an end to racism, if we don't speak out against it whenever we get a chance. I find it hard to accept that there are still people around who think a person's race should determine his ability to do a job. That is the kind of ignorance we need to get rid of through educating the ignorant. Of course you cannot bully someone into believing what you do, but sitting back with closed mouths, allows ignorance to perpetuate.

I'd tell them that I won't vote for McCain because Sarah Palin is brunette and I think we need a blonde in the White House. On a more serious note, I wouldn't argue because people have the right to make their decision based on any criteria that they want. I might be able to change the mind of someone who is deciding based on issues, since those are easy to misrepresent - but it's hard to misrepresent someone's skin color. If that's the basis on which someone makes their decision, arguing with them is foolish and a waste of energy. And my response would be the exact same to your other question. I'd cut and paste this there, but I haven't hit 500 posts yet so...

I think I do know people who are opposing Obama for this reason. I don't know for sure because I have not confronted them on this. I won't because family relationships are too important, but I fear it is what is happening. I am sorry that people feel that way, but I think some folks are just not there yet, and you can't force the issue.