What Bradley effect?
For the last couple of weeks media and academics have talked about the “Bradley Effect.” The fear is that white people who say they will support a black candidate cannot actually bring themselves to do it when alone with a ballot in a booth.
Like him or don’t, agree with him or don’t. Despise his politics and fight to get him out, but celebrate. Because a man born into a segregated America in which black people were systematically denied the vote in ten states today was elected president of them all.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:30 am
Whatever a person’s politics tonight was amazing. Our country came together and used the most essential part of a democracy and voted in record numbers. People crossed aisles, saw the potential for change, and willing game up excessive amounts of time to particpate in the vote. Senator McCain, although I don’t agree with his policies, was gracious and I respect him for that. He is a patriot, a war hero, and a man that does truely care about his country. He is a man to be admired and although I support Obama and am thrilled he won, I hope as a country we move past the partisan politics and come together to support this historical election and start to now focus on ways to move forward. As a mother of five children, I am thrilled that the passion has returned to politics and hope it continues. I also love that we live in a country where we can say “Anyone can grow up and be President.” Only today did that become true.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:38 am
I thought McCain’s speech was amazing. He’s the real deal. A true patriot and a statesman, a servant to his country.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:03 am
It’s amazing to live during this time, to see the end of a difficult era in American history. And now, even though the person I voted for did not reach his goal, I will pray diligently for the man elected to serve as the President of the United States.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:06 am
And today is a fabulous day. A day that will go down in history and I am lucky to be a part of it.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Amen. I’m so happy that I am here to see this.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Indeed.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:54 am
At the end of his acceptance speech, I looked over at my usually stoic husband and saw tears in his eyes.
“Holy shit, that’s our new president, and he just gave an amazing speech.”
“Yeah…it’s kind of nice.”
November 5th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Can you believe it? It’s been in my parents’ lifetimes that an African-American did not have equal rights.
I am so proud of my country tonight.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Liz. I am out of words. Can’t stop crying. My boys…will grow up seeing themselves reflected in their leadership. It is the most awesome thing.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:58 am
I thought of you, Ei. And Auntie’s grandbaby, and all the others. Yes, they can.
November 5th, 2008 at 2:08 am
[…] can’t say it better than Liz already has: Like him or don’t, agree with him or don’t. Despise his politics and fight to get him out, […]
November 5th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Congratulations on your new President.
I think the majority of your “northern” neighbours will agree that Obama will make a wonderful 44th President!
November 5th, 2008 at 8:34 am
From the as yet undeclared State of North Carolina - YES WE DID!
I actually heard the words “There will be a black President over my dead body” from the elders of my family growing up. Today that type of sediment is soundly put to rest! I am so thankful that I can share these historic days with my 3-year-old son.
I haven’t stopped crying yet!
November 5th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Today I am a proud American. Living abroad we see every day why America is so great…and also ways it isn’t…but at the end of the day the freedom that is on evidence in the U.S., this is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. O (bama) happy day!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I never expected to see this in my lifetime. I just pray that this is the start of a new era. My mother participated in a sit-in at a lunch counter, now she lives to see an African-American president. And John McCain’s confession speech was amazing. I am just happy that we didn’t have a repeat of 2000.
November 5th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Except let’s not forget he’s half white. He conveniently ignores this fact, but it is a fact nonetheless. I guess we’re still operating under the “one drop of black and you’re black” mentality?
November 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am
AMAZING! I couldn’t be more proud of this country. We are FINALLY on the right track. The people have spoken!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:28 am
And I can’t stop crying either…
November 5th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Now that we’ve made history by not noticing (hopefully that’s not the reason) skin color, perhaps we can work on gender?
I will happily and confidently cast my vote for MARY in 2048. (if I’m still around)
November 5th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Our country has been one big cluster funk for 8 years. Here’s hoping we get back on track to being the best we can be as a people, as a nation.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Will my beliefs as a conservative be protected, or will everything I have to say be considered hate speech and racist? I’m praying that we will join together and all voices be tolerated. My children are from India, I’m happy that they will see a person of color in the white house, but I’ll be happier if I am allowed to continue sending them to a school where some of my values are taught. I’ll be happy if my pastor’s voice isn’t squelched in the pulpit. There is room for everyone. All conservatives aren’t haters. We just want to be allowed to say and believe what we think is right as well. I’m keepigf Barack Obama in my prayers. God bless him. The proof is in the pudding.
November 5th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Conveniently forgets that he’s half-white? Mmmmm…no, not really. It is the voters who decided to care (or not) about his race.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I woke my boys up last night, so that they could see Obama say, “Yes, we can”. In a world where events like 9/11 occur, in a world where sometimes a parent can feel guilty for the burden that might be placed on their children in the coming years, it was a wonderful moment. I just kept listening to Bobby Kennedy’s speech yesterday… “In 40 Years…” It was amazing.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Holy crap, I can’t believe it. I’m still pinching myself.
And from your twitter stream, sounds like you had a heck of a night yourself.
November 5th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I too am very happy for America. I am not happy however with the people on my local news who voted for him “because he’s black”.. how about you learn the issues people! Color shouldn’t be a deciding factor, his stance on the issues should be.
Regardless though, woot woot! Go Obama!
November 5th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I am so thrilled that we finally have leaders we can feel inspired by, that we can respect. I think America is ready to feel hopeful and dignified again.
Also, doesn’t Michelle make an awesome Jackie?
November 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Congratulations. The world has watched you successfully demonstrate the democratic process in a big way. We are all moved having witnessed the bloodless revolution. It’s been a long time coming. We are weeping in joy right along with you! Cheers to change! Cheers to Obama! Cheers to American people that recognized the need and followed through!
November 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Liz,
When I woke up today, it just felt like a GOOD day. Today just felt like a breath of fresh air. I am delighted that I voted for Obama and I am so proud that he is NOW our NEW President. Its a great day to be an american and I had a hand in it.
Rock on Obama ROCK ON !!!:)
November 5th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
On the notes of Jennboree & Amanda, many anglo expats abroad noted the same thing when we discussed the media coverage…how come all the focus is on the first ‘black’ president…when in fact he is actually only 1/2 black?? I’m a Norwegian-American and though I identify strongly with both parts (today I am especially proud of the American!) I also claim both publicly. I’m happy to see how far America has come and that there is someone in office now that can be a role model for black youth of today, but he is also an example for ALL youth…anyway, didn’t mean to go on, but I hope that in the future the focus is on his job as a President and not the colour of his skin, and that future media profiles are more clear on his actual heritage!
November 5th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Hopefully, people will be as excited and supportive when the next African American president is a Conservative!
November 5th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Fantastic. Your post captures how I feel about this issue wonderfully.
I voted for him because I think he will make a better President and do better for this country, its people and its international reputation than McCain would have. It wasn’t about race for me. But I am still pleased that the US as a country was able to unite behind Obama, as I take it as a sign that we are moving past race being an issue, and I think black Americans have a special right to be proud and celebrate this day, given how much they have had to fight for.
Amanda - In this country where racism has been a long, brutal struggle for people who do not have white skin, a man who does not have white skin has been voted leader by an overwhelming majority, and I think it’s disgusting to try to minimize our pride in this fact by calling him not black enough, or whatever point you were trying to make.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
It was amazing to watch the scen in Grant Park, last night. A couple friends of mine were lucky enough to be there, and a few more were in the crowd outside the White House.
I’m still overjoyed at the outcome, but I get a little twinge everytime people talk about how amazing this story of equality for all is, when 18,000 families in California were told they don’t matter with the passage of the utterly hateful Proposition 8.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
United, yes. But not because I voted for him. United because that is what red-blooded, patriotic Americans do. We should remember to have faith in the country and the system, and not any individual elected to office. They swear to protect and defend our Constitution — not a party, not a group, not an individual. And I have a lot of faith that my side, which is not his side, will treat him better than the other side treated my side’s guys — and girls — over the last few years.
Unfortunately, I think the only thing we know for sure about our new president is his skin color right now. The rest? Pretty much a toss-up.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
In 1961 when Obama was born, a man who looked like him — regardless of whether he had any white heritage– could be beaten to death for sitting in a “white’s only” section, and no one would ever be tried for murder.
Fifty years later a black man is the most powerful person in the country. An astonishingly short time for an almost bloodless revolution.
God bless us every one. Hate his politics all you want to. But be proud of America. It’s an extraordinary thing.
Verichel, I share your view on Prop 8. The only thing wrong with Obama from my perspective, is that he does not support gay marriage.
Southern Belle, I respect your views but would ask you please not to insult Amanda, a reader and a guest on my blog.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I will be the lone, defeated and worried one in the crowd, here.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Oh Lumpy you are so not alone, but all we can do now is hope and stand firm. Let’s show people how grown ups act when they don’t win. They don’t hate, they help to make things better. We all live here, it will be nicer if we work together. 8 years of moaning and groaning didn’t do anything but divide us. Lets take the good ,a black man is president. Yeah America!, and work with the not so good, He’s not our guy. Let’s work to unite.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
“a time when a man can be judged not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character.”
I voted for his character, and I could not be prouder.
When I was my son’s age, Nixon was President and Watergate was underway. Took me years to get over that cynicism. I am so glad my kids have a leader they can be proud of.
Well said Liz, I knew you would say it well today.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Sorry, Elizabeth. I’ll behave better next time.
November 5th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I agree with Laura Shultz. I may not have voted for him, but I will stand by him now that he’s been elected. I will pray hard for him and do my part to as an American to help unite this country. Bitterness and pouting do no good. Working together is the only way to go now.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
It is the content of his character that carried Obama, I believe. McCain is a decent, honorable man, but Obama is the future. And after 8 years with a president who couldn’t string a coherent sentence together, isn’t it lovely to have a president who really knows how to bring the house down?!
On a more serious note, as a non-American I do not fully understand that deep racial divisions that have poisoned your country for so long. However, I am somewhat amused that all of you — not just the posters here but the broader culture including the news media too — have overlooked the obvious, Obama is BOTH black and white. What stronger, more beautiful metaphor for a united America could you have than that?
November 5th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Lee…..you put it perfectly!! Well done :o) …I’m going to use that catch phrase from you if you don’t mind. A great end to a great day.
Merci.
November 5th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
High five to you Lee. HIGH FIVE!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I am so happy and excited for you all - I just wish I could have voted, and been in the US to share in the excitement!
November 5th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Upon learning tonight that Obama is half black, half white my six years old said:
“COOOOOLLL!!! Which half is which?”
November 6th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Electing a man of color - whether he is from multiple ethnic groups or not - is something that American’s are proud of. Not just African Americans, although I can see why this is such an amazing moment for those people whose families or themselves were effected by the predjudice and the civil rights movement. I recognize that as my children now grow up and they are 10,6,5,3, and 2, that they will never have to question whether it is possible for anyone to become President. I can imagine that people who lived through Martin Luther Kings amazing movements and vision, this was something they may not have though they would see in their lifetime. In the same token, I don’t believe Obama was elected because of his race - I think he was elected because American’s saw the potential for change and the character of the man. One sight that amazed me last night was the reaction of his election from countries around the world. I think it reminded people around the globe of what America is when it is at its best.
November 6th, 2008 at 12:22 am
great speeches by them both! i love mccain, and was a life-long republican, and still consider myself one, but barack is incredible. anyone who can get that many people excited about voting, raise that much money in any economy (but specifically this one) is a man that can lead and inspire, which is what we need. i hope things get better, and i know in time that they will, but even so, i can’t wait to see him over the next 4-8 years. and what a pretty family for whitehouse pictures and such. liz you totally need to get a birth contrats announcement from them.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:31 am
Verchiel- I completely agree with you. My hope for our future slightly dimmed as we finally did vote based on the content of character, and yet California went backwards. RIGHTS! How can we be so blind?!?
November 6th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
To kgirly:
At least it looks like they fight isn’t over, yet:
Lambda Legal, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) have urged the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8 if it passes. The groups argue that Prop. 8 is invalid because it was improperly attempts to undo the constitution’s core commitment to equality and deprives the courts of their essential role of protecting the rights of minorities. According to the California Constitution, such a radical change in the way the courts and state government work cannot be decided by a simple ballot measure. The legal groups filed the writ petition on behalf of Equality California and six same-sex couples.
The California Constitution makes clear that a major change in the roles played by the different branches of government cannot be made by a simple majority vote through the initiative process, but at the very least must first go through the state legislature. Changes to the underlying principles of the constitution must be approved by two-thirds of both houses of the legislature before going to voters. That didn’t happen with Proposition 8, and that’s why it’s invalid.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/articles/proposition-8-challenged.html
November 7th, 2008 at 8:44 am
A few weeks before the election I was sitting in a McDonalds play area with my 3 kids. Me and my kids are white. I started talking with a grandfather who is black. We started talking about Obama. Towards the end of the conversation he gestured to his grandchildren and to my children who were playing together. He said, “While it’s important to me that my grandchildren see a black man in the white house, it is more important to me that YOUR children see a black man in the white house.” That really struck me and I’m so happy that he got his wish.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I have never been prouder of my fellow Americans. Finally the biggest color barrier of all was broken and I was sitting on the couch a single mom of a brown little girl who can now see that ANYTHING REALLY IS POSSIBLE! Thank you America! And Thank You Barack Obama!
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