Of course, we don’t know for sure what the turnout levels will be for minority and young voters, but in any examination of race on the campaign trail they must be factored into consideration. However, when Mr. Obama’s race is discussed, the positive political aspects of his background never seem to receive the same level of attention as the supposedly negative aspects…

In the end, we don’t know how the race factor will play out on Election Day. No pollster can look into the soul of a voter; and the verdict cast in the voting booth is a highly personal decision where a whole series of political and social factors have an impact on the final choice. But examining what we do know about voting patterns suggests that fears of racial animus determining the presidential election are wildly overstated. Race may play a factor on Election Day; but then again it may not. And even if it does, it may provide more, not less benefit to Barack Obama.