I do think there is a segment of the population who will not vote for Barack Obama because he’s black.

I do not think not voting for Barack Obama makes a person a racist.

I do not think an African-American not voting for Barack Obama makes him or her an Uncle Tom, anymore than a Caucasian voting for McCain makes them a race traitor.

I do think stressing that Obama’s middle name is Hussein — a Muslim name on a Christian — is nothing more than fear mongering. They know Obama isn’t a terrorist. They know he’s not Muslim. But when you know your candidate is going to flame out, whether you’re supporting him because you think George W. Bush has done a great job, or think he’s done a lousy job but McCain will put it right, or because you were a Hillary supporter and want your revenge, and all you have left is stir hate and fear, that’s what you do. Because it’s easier to tell people who to hate than to tell people that they’re going to have some tough times ahead. It’s easier to scare folks than to talk policy.

I think that goes for everyone, though.

And in the interests of full disclosure: I’m a white guy voting for Barack Obama. I don’t think he’s perfect. But I do think, even alone on his ticket, he’s a far sight better than John McCain and Sarah Palin. Yes, he is.