the vast majority of Americans are still bigoted and racism is rampant.
Perhaps, but do they want to be branded as bigoted and racist by the whole world? What people are, and how thy like to be perceived, are two different things. It is possible that Obama will be elected even by people who are covert racists but who want to be seen as open minded. "It's a mystery to me - the game commences, For the usual fee - plus expenses, Confidential information - it's in my diary..."
