Do you think america is ready for this?

With the Democratic Primary going on, there is a lot of conflict coming up that includes racism and sexism. I think most American's thought we had came further then we have on these issues. Yet I see it all being brought up in questions, answers and news stories. So we have two candidates running for the democratic presidential seat. One is a black man, the other a white woman. It is history and change in the making. Do you think America is ready for this? I would really love to hear your opinion. I am not asking if anyone is racist or sexist. Please answer unbiased.

Several months ago, the comedian D.L. Hughley said he does not believe that this country will elect a man named Barack Hussein Obama.

I disagree.

This country is ready for anyone capable and competent to serve as president, after eight years of the Bush administration. Both Clinton and Obama are capable and competent leaders.

The issue of their race and gender was bound to come up. It's not because most Americans would have problems with a black or female president. It's because during a presidential campaign, ANY issue that can be exploited will be. If they can't exploit ethnicity or gender, they'll exploit educational background, marital problems, legal troubles, financial deals...really anything that they can make a big deal out of to weaken confidence in a person. It's part of the game this country plays called the presidential campaign.

Both Clinton and Obama are receiving millions of votes, and both have an energized network of supporters who are rallying behind them strongly. The very fact that this primary is happening shows how much progress we've made. Can you imagine an African-American and female candidate running, even for the Democrats, with this much success in the 1960s? Of course not.

And it's not party specific. I also remember the example of Alan Keyes. Although I don't share many of his views, I thought it was interesting that he received widespread support from the conservative wing of the Republican Party. The only reason he never made it beyond the primaries was because he didn't appeal to the center right Republicans or libertarians.

Did people really think American's had gone a lot further with these issues? Women still earn something like 70 or 80 cents to every dollar men make, and minorities still earn less than caucasians, (making you doubly screwed if you're a woman and a minority). Women who have a bachelors don't make much more than men who have only graduated from college. There is inherent sexism and racism built into the institutions. Ofcourse race and gender were going to come up. A few months ago I didnt think Barack Obama would get anywhere, and I think some people agreed, it would be safer to vote for Hillary (even if you didnt like her all that much) because she has a greater chance of winning. I'm glad to see that it isn't the case and as far as racial tolerance goes thing's are apparently getting better... Right now he is in the lead, and he has every chance of winning the elections (unless Hillary continues with the attacks, she could end up losing the elections for the democrats). What color he is shouldn't even matter (I mean everyone keeps on going on about how he's black, he's only half black! he's as much white as he is black, and at the end of the day what difference does it make)

Well said semi and ty...

The short answer... Yes, America is ready for either.

I think it's simple: yes, America is ready for the Right black or woman - if there a candidate of demonstrated integrity, good judgement, love of this country, and have a good moral compass, they would get my vote - sadly, none are on the scene at this time.

amblessed, do you think McCain has demonstrated any integrity, good judgement, love of this country, or a good moral compass?

I think McCain is lacking in some areas.

But he'll get your vote nonetheless?

Undecided at this time.

Well I doubt amblessed is going to vote for Obama, so he will either vote for McCain or stay home..

Lets hope it is the latter...