I think it should be noted that when Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton ran for President, large majorities of black people did not vote for them.
But, when a candidate comes along of the quality of Barack Obama, AND he is also black, if you were black, what would you do? Even though you might have great respect for Hillary Clinton. If she doesn't recognize it, she's got a tin ear.
I think it's kind of like when Joe Louis fought, or when Jackie Robinson took the field in a big league game. When you're looking at a champion AND he's one of yours, why wouldn't you vote for him? Not just because he's black, but because he is a great candidate that you feel inspires you and would be a good President, AND he's black.
A different thing entirely. With a group of people who have experienced racism all of their lives, who can blame them if they want to see one of their own as President? Especially one of their own who is a top quality contender.
I gotta say.....two Texans here in California at the moment, waiting on our absentee ballots so that we can both vote for Obama in the Texas primary.....already sent in two campaign donations, and we are about as white as white can be.
Another thought....couldn't it be just as accurate to say, if whites are voting 50/50 and blacks 90/10....maybe he's just a 90/10 candidate, and it's possible that lots of whites are still practicing racism.
LooseChickens