yes, very interesting dowd article and point...and here's the problem...it is so sadly dangerous for "us" to make this the Point...while i could probably make the case that racism has been a more devastating and brutal force in our history, it is a shame that we are so quick to "bipolarize" every issue...it of course is never just one element and i hope the dems don't wind up playing the role of the hare while the old tortise plods along and wins! wake up!

Sent by jayn | 11:01 AM ET | 03-07-2008

or people could choose which candidate they think would be the better chief executive of our government. but that's not nearly as fun as arguing about who's more oppressed. that's why i'm voting for the transgendered half-black half-jewish armenian gypsy. victimization is so hot right now.

MoDo sucks. she should be covering hollywood for us weekly.

Sent by matty | 11:22 AM ET | 03-07-2008

Racism and sexism are both evil and we don't have to fight one or the other, we can choose to fight both. This one election isn't going to completely remove the "stain" of racism or sexism and I don't like it being boiled down to this issue.

I think it's insulting to expect women to vote for Clinton because she's a woman or to expect African-Americans to vote for Obama because he's black. It's basically telling Americans not to think about the policies and leadership qualities of a candidate, but to vote based on gender and race. One thing I like about Obama is that he was a community organizer- a job that requires hard work, dedication, and the belief that you can make a difference. Most politicians don't have this type of experience. What does that have to do with Obama's race? Nada.

Is it exciting to see an African-American candidate and a woman candidate get so close to the White House? Yes, but I don't vote by using my ovaries or my skin, I vote by using my brain and I wish the media would stop insulting my intelligence.

Sent by April | 1:25 PM ET | 03-07-2008

Amem, April

Sent by average joe | 1:33 PM ET | 03-07-2008

Picking between Obama and Clinton on the basis of which wrong needs to be righted first is, I am very happy to observe, NOT how most people are voting. Wrap around the ideas of looking forward, not back, of building on what has already healed, not arguing over whos scars are scarier. The real contest for America comes after the conventions, when we see how the country responds to veiled racist and sexist campaigning in the main event.

Meanwhile, as we cross these great divides for the first time, where is the candidate who says "On January 21 I stop all questionable interrogation practices. THAT is how we start." I would vote for that candidate male or female, black or white, Republican or Democrat, and no "we were the bigger victims" argument could ever make me feel bad about that choice.

Sent by Michael Wengler | 1:38 PM ET | 03-07-2008