Polls: Obama's election and race relations

November 12, 2008
CNN/Opinion Research Corp.
Nov 6-9 1256 (oversample of blacks)

Obama’s election effect on race relations?
New era:
Blacks 51%
Whites 31%

Some improvement
Blacks 45%
Whites 44%

No real improvement
Blacks 3%
Whites 15%

Worsen
Blacks 1%
Whites 10%

How serious a problem is racial discrimination toward blacks?
Very
Blacks 38%
Whites 8%

Somewhat
Blacks 48%
Whites 41%

Not too
Blacks 9%
Whites 38%

Not at all
4%
Whites 12%

Do you think race relations between blacks & whites will be a problem?
Always
44%
Whites 41%

Solution will be worked out
Blacks 55%
Whites 57%

No opinion
Blacks 1%
Whites 2%

In 2004 did you think possible then that a black candidate be elected in your lifetime?
Yes
Blacks 29%
Whites 59%

No
Blacks 71%
Whites 39%

Overall reaction to the fact a black man is president?
Good
Blacks 60 %
Whites 48%

Bad
Blacks 0%
Whites 2%

Wait and see
40%
Whites 49%

Dream come true?
Yes
Blacks 80%
Whites 28%

No
Blacks 20%
Whites 70%

In general how do Americans feel about people of other races?
Few blacks dislike whites
Blacks 72%
Whites 60%

Many blacks dislike whites
Blacks 22%
Whites 33%

Almost all dislike whites
Blacks 2%
Whites 5%

No opinion
Blacks 4%
Whites 2%

Few whites dislike blacks
Blacks 57%
Whites 70%

Many whites dislike blacks
Blacks 36%
Whites 27%

Almost all dislike blacks
Blacks 5%
Whites 1%

No opinion
Blacks 2%
Whites 2%

The most important question was not asked: Did you vote?

And a question involving gender.

Whether Obama's race would matter (if it did), if he was able to turn around the economy? Iraq? Afghanistan?

Keep a single promise?

If his words lead to actions?