geekyObama lost among whites, 43% to 55%. But this is actually normal for Democratic candidates - Clinton also got 43% in 1996, and only 39% in 1992, although Ross Perot was in that one. Man, I was rooting for Perot. Having a ridiculously rich apolitical leader isn't necessarily bad - in the best situation, it could mean that nobody could buy him off!
Obama won among blacks, 95% to 4%. But Gore and Mondale each got 90%, too. Still, being a black Republican in this election must have been a lonely person to be. I am simultaneously gratified to see African-USAmericans celebrating and also glad that there were a few proud and - let's face it - gutsy McCain supporters.
The Asians didn't really get behind Clinton, yet the numbers have been trending Democrat since 1992 (starting at 31% for Clinton), and now 62% have voted for Obama. The Hispanics have been holding steadyish in the 50%-60% range.
But where Obama really cleaned up wasn't a race category at all - he got a whopping 69% of first-time voters, by far the most ever since data was kept for that category. They make up 11% of all voters, as they did in 2004. This could be the group that put Obama in the White House.
Oh, and we Canadians have to eat some crow - our turnout at our own election was 59%. For the USAmericans'? 64%! Their highest turnout in more than 50 years, and the first turnout greater than ours for perhaps the first time in living memory.
Diversions:
Obama Grabs Headlines - Images of front pages of newspapers from around the US and around the world.
Kobe Bryant Scores 25 In Holy Shit We Elected A Black President (The Onion)