The conversation continues about whether racism is playing a part in the criticism aimed at President Barack Obama by some conservatives.

On Morning Edition, NPR news analyst Juan Williams told host Renee Montagne that many in the black and Hispanic communities see what they think is a pattern that adds up to a "lack of basic acceptance of the stature that's to be accorded any president."

Among the elements of that perceived pattern:

— Questions from so-called birthers about whether the president was actually born in the USA (he was; in Hawaii).

— Objections from some to having the president address schoolchildren.

— Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's shout of "you lie!" during Obama's address to a joint session of Congress last week.

Juan adds, though, that many conservatives say that liberals are trying to stifle legitimate criticism with accusations of racism any time they raise questions about the policies being pursued by the nation's first African-American president.

Here is Juan's conversation with Renee:

We'll ask again, with this poll that we started yesterday: