I very much second this.

The GOP simply isn't into America's diversity. And as the nation is getting more diverse, they'll increasingly be less competitive.

What really makes me upset is how the media often speaks of those "for whom race is an issue". Most of these are plain racists. I think you gotta call it what it is and not be all pussyfooted about it.

Ok, I'm not an American, but having followed this campaign as close as one can, it's all too apparent to me that racism is alive and well in the US. Most of McCain's voters harbour to some degree or other bigotted racial prejudices AND vote accordingly. 

That's why this election - despite the trainwreck of McCain's campaign - is more of a single-digit affair than a 20% affair.

The media really bears responsibility for people feeling free to vote on and voice their racial prejudices. That's what draws such voters magnetically to Palin's rallies. There they can cast aside the inhibitions of the "political correctness" they so despise (and in doing so casting aside also simple decency).

It's a sad spectacle. Racism is decreasing, but it's still a powerful factor and holds sway over a sizable chunk of the electorate.

Obama's victory will present a victory of racism, but it's not gonna go away anytime soon. Not be a long shot.