George Maidrand

With less than three weeks remaining before Americans choose another resident of the White House, there seems to be a growing consensus that Sen. Barack Obama has hugely beneffited from the economic crisis and is a solid favorite to edge Sen. John McCain. But several key states remain winnable battlegrounds for either candidate and it is possible to discern uneasiness among Obama supporters and flickering hope among McCain stalwarts that something may be going on which is not reliably reflected in the polls.
That something may not admirably reflect upon the electorate, but the truth is that Obama has over-polled in many of the primary elections leading up to the November face-off. In New Hampshire primary polls he was a solid favorite, yet was soundly beaten by Hillary Clinton. Democrats expect racial prejudice to alter the poll figures by at least five points.
It is possible that as many citizens (non African Americans) will vote for Obama because of his race as will vote against him because of his race. However, neither factor should be a valid reason for choosing our next president. Making a social statement one way or the other is a weak position in dangerous times.
Obama is an eloquent speaker, but Americans may not choose eloquence over experience. If the life-long patriot McCain wins this election, pray that it be because of his service rather than Obama's race.