Barack Obama the First Presidential Candidate to Receive Secret Service so Early

Barack Obama has already been put under secret service protection which makes him the only potential presidential candidate to get the secret service so early. Illinois senator Dick Durbin said that he received disturbing racial information that made him concerned for Barack Obama's safety. That coupled with the fact that Obama draws in thousands of people at his campaign events made Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff authorized Obama's protection.

Associated Press reported that Durbin said he approached Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., six to eight weeks ago and that Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., went to the Secret Service last week."I expressed concern because of my affection for Barack and his family. I've traveled with Obama. I've witnessed enormous crowds," Durbin said. "This is a relief."

This has many heads raised in concern for Obama and how he will do if he is elected as America's first president with an African heritage. (Barack Obama mother is Caucasian and father from Africa.) Many White supremicist websites that curse the senator and threaten his life has also been known to be a factor for his safety.

When asked by the Associated press have he had any direct threats Obama said, "I face the same security issues as anybody, we're comfortable with the steps we have taken."

Obama's campaign refused to comment and I believe that they are trying to avoid having people worry that if they elect Obama as president he won't be one for long. It's morbid to think about, but most prominent politicians who either helped out minorities or was a minorities has been assassinated. Marjorie Layfield a democratic voter and African-American says, "I would rather he become Vice President then President right now because he can still do some good but won't be out there to get harm done to him."

But Tawana Jones disagree and believes that Obama is favored by most people. "They don't see him as a Black politician but a man who wants to bring about change."