Would Black voters support a candidate for president who they perceive as the “White”: candidate, rather then a candidate who is White? That is a distinction being build around Obama. Republicans, and now the Clinton campaign, are building the perception around Obama that he is a “Black” candidate, rather than just being Black. Being a smart articulate Black man has been the foundation of his support. A man who is part of the society we all live, who is Black.

If Obama does get the nomination the Republicans will go after him in two ways. He will be portrayed as the Third World candidate. The man whose father is from Kenya, and connection to Kenya will be build, true or not. Then there is his schooling, however meaningless, in Indonesia. Obama will also portrayed as the “Black” candidate representing Black interests, only. We already see Obama being call just another Jesse Jackson, who does not talk in rhyme (already a Republican talking point).

This year we could see the Republican Party launch the most divisive campaign in history, a campaign that could set back the country a generation or more. If Obama is the Democratic Party nominee, it will be important that he win, and do so with substantial White support. Obama’s so-called pandering to Republicans is understandable, even if not laudable.