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The current presidential election is almost certainly to be written in history as ground-breaking. It can also be a forum for some of the most divisive issues in history to come to the forefront. The first man of African-American descent and the first viable female candidate for vice-president are on the ticket. Is it safe to say that race and gender are major issues in both campaigns? As much as both campaigns would like you to think they are not the record will show they very much are. Does this over-shadow real issues that each candidate stands for? Let's ask some tough questions and see if you are ready to face the real issues or are instead voting based on a candidate's skin color or gender. Be honest with yourself.

- Would you vote for and support Barrack Obama if he was white?

It is amazing to me how many people answer this question without a second thought. It really shows that racism and the scars have not healed. Some black people I asked this question either assumed I was a bigot or did not answer. I got the feeling they felt insulted I could ask such a thing. Unfortunately, when questioned further many also had very little idea of the specific platform Senator Obama has campaigned on other than the buzzwords of change and ending the war. They were caught up more in "making history". Some whites asked the same question seemed more cognizant of the Obama platform but nevertheless were also voting along racial lines for the most part.

- Did you support Hillary Clinton in the primaries because she was a woman?

This question is every bit as important as the race question. Again it had a lot to do with trying to make history and not with her specific platform. Would she have carried many states without the female vote?

- If you did would you swing your vote to the McCain/Palin ticket for likewise reasons?

The media is having a field day with this question right now. This more than anything will show how much female voters stand by the issues and platform. How many will cut across the aisle for gender reasons remains to be seen. It will make an interesting study when the exit polls come out.

- How can we as Americans move beyond the demographics and labels the media have created?

By voting based on which candidate you feel would be the best president and by looking at the issues they stand for and not the color of their skin or their gender. There is a reason the candidates downplay the race and gender issue. They want your vote of confidence based on their ability. Break the stereotypes and vote with your mind and not your heart.

Learn more about this author, Chris Nycum.
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