Is Obama's race or Hillary's gender an issue in your part of the country?

[cloud75]

I'm from the south and race and gender come up about 90% of the time when talking about Obama and Hillary. What part of the country are you from and what are people saying privately?

[RBInMaine]

1. No. In Maine we voted for the best CANDIDATE: Obama !

[saltpoint]

2. No. And for me personally, it isn't an issue at all.

One or the other of these folks will be in the damn White House a year from this day.

That will be a better country to live in than the one we have under the current resident.

[XemaSab]

3. Race comes up here in California

n/t

[gateley]

4. Yes - both, I think.

I'm currently living in the South but it doesn't come up for discussion much because the people I know are aware of my liberal Seattle leanings.

A friend of mine was almost disgusted when I told her I was considering Obama - although she didn't come right out and say anything about race...

[Straight Shooter]

5. I'm in a predominantly red area of northeast Oregon.

Mention Obama and I get "rock star" snickers, mention Hillary and I get the "Republicans HATE her" response, but I haven't heard anything negative about her gender, probably because there are a lot of tough, well-respected women in these parts.

One woman in my neighborhood said she would never vote for Obama because "his people aren't from this country." I don't talk to her much anymore. I've got no time for that kind of attitude.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

6. Both

I am in central Ohio but spend a lot of time in Southeast Ohio - they are both an issue - both candidates need to spend time there - Bill Clinton is campaigning there - maybe that is why it is him instead of her?

But, yes, I am afraid it is going to be an issue for either candidate in SE Ohio.

[Island Blue]

7. I live in the South and haven't anyone

who feels that race or gender is an issue in this race. (Except for folks who are truly excited that Obama is drawing such diverse crowds at his rallies.) Of course the part of the South that I live in is a bit different than other parts, we have more Northern refugees here for example, but even among the native Southerners I haven't heard word one about race or gender as an issue.

[griffi94]

8. i live in texas

and while race or gender won't matter here in austin, i think it will be a factor in other parts of the state.

[Kermitt Gribble]

9. I used to live in rural PA.

Both are issues to many people there. Since I've relocated, I haven't heard much about either.

[Raven]

10. I have not heard one thing about either race or gender up here in

New Hampshire and, frankly, I'm surprised. I thought I would. People seem to be looking at the people, not the race or gender. Does everybody realize how wonderful that is!

[pdxmom]

11. I think the race/gender issues are individuals, more than regional. I've

heard the gender issue raised, and while I haven't heard the race issue raised here, I have heard the Muslim lie raised several times.

Mostly, though, I hear people actually talking about issues.

[cali]

12. Not here in Vemont. Obama will crush her here

but it's not sexism. In 1992 bill only got 17% of the vote here. No one I've talked to brings up race or gender in discussions about them.

[susanr516]

13. I live in Texas

Race comes up more than gender. One hopeful sign--almost everyone who brings up either issue is over 50. It really doesn't seem to be a big issue with younger voters.

[TexasObserver]

18. I concur with your opinion.

And it cuts both ways. There are people who will vote for Hillary because she's a woman, and people who won't for the same reason.

Younger voters are remarkably free of such notions, on gender and race.

Now age, that's another matter. I hear older people who think Obama is too young, and younger people who think Hillary is too old.

[ZinZen]

14. California? Hell no.

[cwood]

15. I'm from blue collar Green Bay, WI

From what I've seen, race and gender are only issues with people who have a problem with BOTH, and these people are the extreme minority of even Republicans... at least if people vote like they speak publicly. I really don't think race and/or gender make will a difference in most Democratic primaries.

[emilyg]

16. Yes. In the South.

[I Vote In Pittsburgh]

17. No. Rarely even mentioned here in urban PA. n/t

[I Vote In Pittsburgh]

19. Seems like it is an issue in the South, but not an issue in the North

Judging from the responses. Doesn't really surprise me.

[demosincebirth]

26. Don't know many African-Americans, do you.

Its a matter of pride to them.

[ErnestoG]

20. Fuck no.

But it sure appears to be an issue for some on this "progressive, Democratic" forum (as odd as that sounds).

[JerseygirlCT]

21. From what I've been hearing,

Clinton's gender is often a plus for her, but Obama's race is not a big issue.

Now, I'm white, and haven't spoken to a great many politically involved African Americans, so obviously, I'm getting just a slice of life here. So take it for whatever it's worth.

[MzShellG]

22. It's an issue of pride among afro-americans.

This is an anomoly for a non-white man to come this far in a presidential race. I don't understand why anyone would be upset that we feel this way as a group that has been denied this opportunity since black people first set foot in America. that's why we and Michelle O. are REALLY proud this time around.

[Rosemary2205]

23. Georgia - hell yeah.

Even in metro Atlanta. Some supporting specifically because of race or gender and some would not could not not ever support specifically because of race or gender.

[JohnnyLib2]

24. Yes, in Kentucky. Less so among youth, thankfully.

Sigh.

[Raine]

25. Not here in the Los Angeles area anyway

not that I'm aware of. I'm sure there are a few closet racists and sexiests but they stay in their holes and know they better hide their ugly selves.

[RememberWellstone]

27. Inexperience.

On Obama's part, he does not have experience this worries me greatly.

[LibraLiz1973]

28. Not much, but I have heard grumblings against both.

Not enough that I think it is a huge issue though.

For the record, I am in the Philadelphia burbs.

[Infinite Hope]

29. Minnesota. Neither matter. n/t

[Muzza]

30. NYC

Race and gender are the core issues in this campaign NATIONALLY. Race has helped Obama (FREE RIDE) and gender has harmed Clinton. Racism is not publicly acceptable but clearly sexism still is based on the way Clinton has been treated throughout this nomination process by both her opponent, the media and the voting public. Is it any wonder Clinton has faced such a battle!?! She is up against an entire institution of patriarchy. Any woman who can defeat that deserves to be the leader of the world!

NO MORE FREE RIDES FOR OBAMA!