Is it OK for African Americans to Vote for Obama Because He is Black?

Barack Obama is drawing the vast majority of the black vote in America. Some seem to have a problem with that. I don't. Those who have played the "race card" seem to assert that African Americans are voting for Obama simply for that reason. They fail to take into account the fact that he is just a great candidate. He is drawing support from all corners, and the more people hear about him the more support he draws. The more people find out about John McCain, the more they become wary of the "Straight talk express." Obama is a candidate that reaches across all boundaries.

But the question remains, is it OK to vote for him just because he is black? Of course voters should educate themselves and vote for the candidate who most appeals to them regardless of race or gender. But this is America, after all, and we have some work to do in regard to race and gender. Some ask if America is ready for a black president. I think America is ready for a good president that happens to be African American. Sadly, I don't think many in America are ready for a woman president, no matter how qualified.

Still, there are voters who will choose (or not) to vote for Obama strictly on race. For blacks, who could blame them? There is a great candidate who also happens to share race. It's a win-win. If the race gets more people to consider him, all the better. Personally, I don't consider race at all, but I do consider religion. If a candidate who professed to be an Atheist was running, I would be hard pressed to not support him or her, as long as the positions were acceptable.

There are some who support Hillary Clinton because she is a woman. It is sad that the first woman with a real chance is running against the first African American with a real chance. Both would be good for the country when it comes to moving forward in regard to race and gender. Both are held to a higher standard because of race and gender now, and to see that change would be a good thing indeed.