America has set the standards for race. Sen Obama has chosen his path and states he is a black man. Is affilated with the black community and married a black woman So he is the first black man to achieve ranking in the politicial arena. He states loud and clear he is an african - American man. Thats why we say he is black. My fATHER WAS A LEBANESE MAN AND MY MOTHER A LIBERIAN WOMAN. iN AMERICAS EYES WHEN THEY SEE ME i AM A BLACK WOMAN.