How Did Race Affect the 2008 Presidential Election?

Now that we have the polling results and US Census statistics on voter turnout from the 2008 elections, we can begin to address the question: How did race -- as well as race and geography -- affect the election of Barack Obama as President? To shed light on this, I am going to discuss the following: First, I will look at the minority turnout and voting changes between 2004 and 2008. Second, I will examine the race demographics of the “fast growing” and “slow growing” purple states. Third, I will examine where minorities won the election for Obama. And finally, I will say a few words about the role race will play in future elections.