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Poll: President Obama has had only a minimal impact on race relations

By Eric Zimmermann - 10/29/09 01:29 PM ET

Barack Obama's presidency hasn't notably changed views on race relations in America, according to the results of a new Gallup poll.

Fifty-six percent of Americans believe that a solution to America's race problems will eventually be worked out. That's roughly the same result that Gallup found in the years leading up to 2008.

In short, despite a brief and notable bump after Obama won the election, optimism (or lack thereof) about U.S. race relations is back to its previous level.

(Gallup interpets the drastic fluctuation in 1995 as a response to the O.J. Simpson trial.)

alt

Source:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/65449-poll-obamas-minimal-effect-on-race-relations

Comments (440)

I believe relations are worse now then they were - due to the constant use of "the race card" by politicians, media, and political hacks since Obama has been elected.BY Darrel on 10/29/2009 at 15:15
Yes he has brought race relations to the forefront… No it has NOT been for the better since it has now exposed all the reverse discrimination pent up within the Black Community.If anything, he has SET BACK relations by about 40 years…BY Yawn on 10/29/2009 at 15:17
It is interesting that the only period of notable increase in optimism was during the George W. Bush presidency. And now it is relatively unchanged in President Obama's first year. That is surprising. Perhaps presidential politics is irrelevant to this? That certainly seems to be the case with regard to President Obama anyway.BY James on 10/29/2009 at 15:17
I think President Obama has had a pretty significant effect on race relations, and it has been in a very negative way. He and his supporters seem to pull the race card everytime someone disagrees with him. I could care a less what color the president is, but there are very few things that President Obama has done or tried to do that I agree with.BY Mike Miller on 10/29/2009 at 15:17
It may have something to do with every time you disagree with this administration you are called a racist.BY JLC on 10/29/2009 at 15:19
I agree with Darrel, if you continually cry wolf, people get very tired of hearing it!!!BY Tom on 10/29/2009 at 15:19
Race relations went in the toilet when 95% of blacks demonstrated their racism by voting for the least qualified individual to be President of the United States!!!BY Jim Jones on 10/29/2009 at 15:21
After the OJ Simpson trial and the racism shown by 98% of blacks, and then the racism shown by 98% of blacks voting for Obama based on his skin color (against Hillary), I have decided I could care less whether or not "race relations" ever get better. I just prefer to stay in my neighborhood, stores, restaurants, and have blacks stay in theirs. Things seem to be much better when things are segregated and not "diversified". Countries that have one race are always much better off socially. The weird thing is that "African-Americans" are always complaining about America, but you never see any move to Africa. Weird huh?BY Obamunism on 10/29/2009 at 15:23
I agree that the current administration has set race relations back 10 years at least. I'm tird of this president and his cronies calling me a 'racist' simply because I oopose his policies.I now am immune to the charge of racism. It holds no meaning whatsoever for me after the racebaiting whores like Sharpton and Jesse Jackson level it at the drop of a hat.Besides, Walter E. Williams has officially absolved me of any white guilt. I have a certficate from him proclaiming my freedom. It's almost like an Emacipation Proclamation for those affected with massive white guilt. I have no such guilt. I have never been in a position to discriminate nor have I witnessed nor have been privy to such an act. The REAL racists are DEMOCRATS in the house and Senate, like KKK Grand-Poobah "Sheets" Byrd.BY Bogeman on 10/29/2009 at 15:25
Sorry, these results do not reflect the increased animosity I see in my every day experiences. Blacks are emboldened by the BO victory and cries of racism are everywhere every day. High school students of color believe that BO will provide for them and theirs and that "whitey" has finally been put in his place. Sad, but true! What's more disturbing is the effect I see in myself. Sorry, BO has made it worse, not better!BY Debbie on 10/29/2009 at 15:26

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