Assuming Barack Obama captures the Democratic nomination, would a loss by him in the general election exacerbate racial tensions in this country? Unfortunately, this question is likely to come to the fore in the next few months, if not sooner.  The "conventional wisdom" answer I predict will be either possibly or probably, depending on how much the punditocracy and the media choose to influence the voting public.  We are already seeing suggestions by some in the blogosphere that a vote against Obama is evidence of racism.  Both Obama and McCain wish to avoid making this a race about race.  But at some point we are going to hear liberal talking-heads aplenty seek to portray the election in strictly black man vs white man terms.  At that point, of course, there won't be a need to do this as a means of mobilizing the black demographic.  They vote overwhelmingly for whoever is on the Democratic ticket anyway, and if it's Barack Obama they won't need any cajoling to show up on election day.  No, the racial rhetoric then, subtle or not so subtle, will be directed at white Americans.  Almost certainly this will include raising the specter of worsening racial discord, and possibly civil unrest, should Obama loose.  We may even get a sermon or two from Reverend Wright regarding dire consequences should the wrong color man win, complete with more videos to watch.  Polls may be conducted to assess the potential degree of disenchantment in black communities, and duly reported on CNN prior to the election.  It will be seen as  a given that electing Obama the first black president in this country's history will go a long way towards bridging the racial divide.  Rejecting him will be seen as entering uncharted socio-political terrain, thus risky and uncertain.  And if that kind of talk supplants normal political discourse, imagine what will happen if the election is as close as it was in 2000.

What to do about this?  I would suggest both candidates address this issue directly and forcefully when it first starts to surface in the mainstream media.   Like old fashion race-baiting, it should be despised and disavowed.  We should be able to vote our conscience without concern that the results could spark civil unrest.  After all, this is America and our history is notable for the lack of civil strife when we elect our national leader.  That shouldn't change just because one candidate is black.  If McCain is elected, we can be duly proud of having chosen a remarkable individual and a talented politician.  The exact same sentiment pertains if Obama is the winner.  I believe both these candidates would agree that the sanctity of our political process is more important than the skin color of our next president.