'Race' a factor for some Tennessee voters

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Posted: 1:43 AM Nov 6, 2008 'Race' a factor for some Tennessee voters Race was on the minds of many Tennesseans when they went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly for Republican John McCain over Democrat Barack Obama, the nation's first black president-elect. Reporter: DUNCAN MANSFIELD

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Race was on the minds of many Tennesseans when they went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly for Republican John McCain over Democrat Barack Obama, the nation's first black president-elect.

According to exit polls, about a quarter of Tennessee voters said the candidate's race was a factor in how they voted -- 16 percent calling it important and 6 percent saying it was their single most important factor.

Those numbers are all higher than the nation as a whole.

But this can be a good thing or a bad thing; an indication of racial pride or fear.

It doesn't explain why Tennesseans, particularly white independents, voted in such large numbers for McCain over Obama. Most said they sided with McCain on fixing the economy and felt he shared their values.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Wes Location: Knoxville on Nov 12, 2008 at 01:05 PM

The poeple who voted for Obama are just plain idiots. There is no other word I can think of to describe them. I wonder why it is ok for a black person to vote for a person because of the color of his skin but when a white person votes for the opposite for not other reason but he likes the other candidate better we are racist. I am so sick of the reverse racism in this country and noone seems to give a crap. I guess we deserve it though since out great great great grandfathers were so mean. Get over it, get a job and try to make a difference instead of hoping the government will take care of all of your woes. Time to step up and be productive citizens. For all you white liberals...you will be the downfall of all this country was founded on and all that we stand for. I fear that my daughter will live in a world where nothing is sacred and noone stands for anything.

Posted by: Jenn Location: knoxville on Nov 10, 2008 at 01:54 PM

Moving here from a more liberal and race tolerant state I have noticed far too much racism here in East Tennessee. It really opened my eyes to the fact that there are still plenty of racist--raising their kids to be racist as well. When will this stupidity end?

Posted by: Dawn Walters Location: knoxville on Nov 10, 2008 at 12:45 PM

Congratulations everyone they have just elected the anti-christ!

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