I don’t know why so many people keep referring to the concept of “affirmative action” here. That has nothing to do with it. The guy is well educated, has shown pretty good judgement regarding the war, and is one of the best political speakers out there. Given the current environment, I would say timing was on his side too. It seems like the American people are so sick of the current regime, that they are willing to look at some fresh new person, even if they are underqualified. No one stepped aside or GAVE it to him because he was part black. He fought a long hard primary and beat the competition. The people came out in record numbers to vote & he is the person with the most votes. That is not affirmative action, that is democracy.

btw, I have not voted for the guy & there is a good chance I will not vote for him in the general, but I think it’s lame to keep dismissing him like that.

Palin vs Obama in experience really seems like a wash. A couple years as the governor of a state w/ <700k people does not make her any more qualified for president.