He's Black. She's a Woman.

[Vercingetorix]

Is America progressive enough in 2008 to elect a President who is Black (Barrack) or is a woman (Hillary)? The scope of this discussion is NOT "do you approve of their politics". It is NOT Republican versus Democrat. It is not I hate Hillary because of Bill. And so on... For this discussion, the positions of the candidates are irrelevant.

As I grew up, we were told "Any boy can grow up to be president". Is this true? Can we now say "Any boy or girl can grow up to be president?"

Or, if the Democrats nominate Obama or Rodham-Clinton, will they hand the Whitehouse to the Republicans without a fight?

I anticipate strong opinions here. No name-calling. Fight fair.

Discuss.

[georoc01]

I think the right woman or black or hispanic could win, but they will have an uphill battle to pull it off. Given the breakdown of the electoral college, both sides know which states are the swing states and its down to a handful on either side that make a difference.

How about religion? It was a big deal when a Catholic won in John Kennedy. Do the Republicans have the same issue if they nominate a Morman in Romney?

And then you have the political background issue. Can a Senator finally break through and win? Its been a long time. As a country we prefer leaders that have had some executive position like a governorship. That may be a bigger issue for Clinton and Obama than their sex or color of their skin.

[Osprey]

It's hard to say for me. I'm more worried about the stupidity of "you didnt vote because you're racist" or "you didnt vote because you're sexist" instead of accepting that people like the candidate for WHO they are, not WHAT they are.

[Formerly 45yroldNewbie]

I think the country is ready for someone like Obama to be president. What I mean by "someone like" is a black non-raidical (Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton type). I also think it would go a long way to continue melting down some of the racial differences still alive and well in this country. I truly beleive that if Colin-Powell would have run, regardless of party, he would have won hands down.

However I don't think a woman would be able to get elected as president for quite a while yet. Not that I think a woman couldn't handle the job, I just don't think the country is ready for that step.

Just my humble opinion.

[Vercingetorix]

georoc01,

Your points are well made. I remember the Kennedy being a Catholic issue (yes, I'm that old). Romney being a Mormon would be an issue.

The Excutive issue, I'd also not thought of. But then, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Bush Sr. were not chief executives. Reagan, Carter, Clinton, and Bush Jr were.

[greyzen]

I am so torn on this argument.

Personally, I feel no preference based on race/sex (I'm white male) but I honestly don't think our country is ready to accept a non-white leader. I still firmly believe that there is a strong undercurrent of:
"They are good people, as long as they stick to their own"

While I don't personally agree with this opinion, I think it exists.

[creggur]

I think either could win (not that I would want either of them to)... I would hope that would be the case anyway... I'm 36, from the south, conservative, and I don't care about race or gender. I want someone who can do the job...Period.

[ReefHound]

I think America is ready for either a woman or a black President. I have not sensed any opposition to Hilary or Obama over these issues. More fuss has been made over Obama's name and presumed religion than anything else. And Hilary... well she's just polarizing.

[dallasdivergirl]

I hope America is ready for either.
I hope to be able to tell my nieces & nephews that I got to help elect someone who made a difference despite race or color.
But living here & where I grew up I do know neither state is ready.

[greyzen]

Originally Posted by dallasdivergirl

I hope America is ready for either.
I hope to be able to tell my nieces & nephews that I got to help elect someone who made a difference despite race or color.
But living here & where I grew up I do know neither state is ready.

Yeah Dallas, we're in the same boat

I would LOVE to be able to stand up and say "Yes we are ready" for a new kinda president, but unfortunately I don't think it is the case