More than fifteen thousand members weighed in, with Senator Barack Obama garnering 69.2% of the votes. Below are a per-candidate analyses of the results with perspectives provided by our members.
Results from the Edwards re-poll, where members indicated who they would vote for after Edwards ended his bid, are available here.
Below is a summary of the overall results.
The following are voting profile summaries for candidates who recieved at least 5% of the vote:
More than 85% of Black members who responded voted for Obama, as well as 54% of White members, and 58% of Latino members.
When Senator Edwards withdrew from the race, we asked members who voted for him who they would then support. 57% said they'd now vote for Obama as opposed to 9.6% for Clinton. Note that 76% of our members who planned to vote for Edwards and specified their race/ethnicity said they were white.
A few concrete themes emerged, as epitomized by the reasons specified by these members:
My 1st choice is Barack Obama because he's the only one that really represents my concerns not because he is black.
I'm fed up with the Clinton's underhanded methods of mis-leading their opponent's views. It's time to get rid of the old way of running our country and try to move forward in a positive manner.
A member from Chesterson, IN:
I believe that fundamental changes need to take place in Washington and how our politicians operate. I believe that Sen. Barack Obama represents that kind of change and that what he lacks in experience he makes up for in intelligence, knowledge and concern for our domestic and international needs. "Experience" is not the most important requirement especially if it leads to corruption or even the status quo. As Sen. Obama once said, "Dick Cheney has experience." We need fresh ideas and a new perspective on many of the serious problems facing our nation in today's world.
A member from Phoenix, AZ
I have truly felt something inspiring about Barack Obama. I have been voting for 30 years and never felt this level of excitement about voting. He makes me truly "hope" for change. I felt it to a certain extent previously with Bill Clinton, but not with this much intensity. I have truly been impressed with him.
[ In reflecting on the election in general, she says... ]
I feel like as a Black Woman, I have been patronized constantly in the media. I am insulted that they feel that I am unable to make a decision for a candidate without thinking about race. I have voted for many years and always voted for White male candidates and have never heard the media accuse white people of not voting their conscience. It is insulting on every level.
A member from Oxon Hill, MD
Please understand, it's not because he's black, BUT because he's qualified.
A member from Cranston, RI
Obama is an inspirational leader. People who claim that his high rhetoric is no evidence of his ability to bring people together as president need only look at the movement he's started. Young and old alike are engaged in the political process in a way that hasn't happened in a very long time. The only way to make real changes in government is to hold officials accountable, which takes an engaged citenzry.
A member who is a professor in Chicago, IL
I strongly favor Senator Obama and believe he would make the best candidate and president. As to his lack of experience we must remember that Abraham Lincoln had served only one term in Congress before being elected president.
A member from Philadelphia, PA
I'm voting for Barack because I feel he's repsenting what's good for all Americans, whether they're rich, middle-class or poor. He displays the moral character needed to represent the plights that we face as Black, White, Latino and Asian Americans and deal with these issues appropriately, realistically and sincerely.
A member from Los Angeles, CA
Hands down, pound for pound, he's the Roy Jones of politics. The best out there. And our only real hope for seeing any type of significant, impactful change in the US. Not to mention, I'd think he'd be great w/ our international affairs. America would be looked upon in a whole different light.
We are encouraging those members who want to see Obama as President, to volunteer with the Obama campaign or donate to the campaign.
76% of our members voting for Edwards who specified their race/ethnicity said they were White, 9.5% were Black. Overall, only 1.5% of our Black members voted for Edwards.
When Senator Edwards withdrew from the race, we asked members who voted for him who they would then support. 56% said they'd vote for Obama as opposed to 9% for Clinton (31% remain undecided).
He speaks directly to the issues that are important to me, unemployment, health care, corporate welfare, etc. The other candidates appear slick, always saying what they think the electorate WANTS to hear, but not what they SHOULD be hearing, which is the bad shape this country is in.
A member from St. Louis, MO:
Coming from inner city St. Louis, I know more than most people what it is like to fight for your life against vicious people who put their own greed and interests over those of the community. I see the same thing happening to this country, with corporate greed and the conservative movement. The only way to bring about change in this country is to take them on, to beat them, to fight on the side of justice and represent the American people, never negotiating our future in the hopes of cooperation from the "other side". John Edwards is the only candidate who embodies the spirit I fought with to survive and to excel.
A member from Georgetown, SC
I believe his issue positions directly benefit the AA community and all of America. He has been consistent in his stance and understands that poverty, the decline of the middle class are directly correlated with the Iraq War, education, health care and the environment.
A member from Cut Off, LA
There is a class war going on. For years the corporate oligarchy who control our political system have been feeding at the public trough at the expense of the common good. John Edwards is the candidate who seems most willing to directly address that problem and stand up for the common man.
A member from Evansville, IN
Although no one seems to be listening, Edwards is the one Democratic candidate that actually has something concrete to say. He's focused on issues that will make a real difference in peoples' lives and not just saying what he thinks will get him elected.
Only 7% of our members who self-identified as Black voted for Clinton.
I Believe this person has the best qualifications, along with experience to move our country forward. I think it's time out for us to stop voting on race or gender. I like both candidates and would like to see them become a team when this is all over, no matter which candidate wins.
A member from Detroit, MI:
I support Hillary Clinton because I thinks she's about business. I think she will do what needs to be done not only for black americans but for americans in general who from middle class to lower class. I also feel that Senator Clinton has a strong support system behind her. If she's good enough to become senator, has enough heart and courage to run for President considering she's a woman, then I feel she'll make a great President.
A member in Boulder, CO
Because I believe Hillary has proven over time long before this presidential election that she has our best interest at heart. The Clintons have been strongly involved in the Black community for a long time. I am concerned that in Barack Obama's struggle to prove that he is not just concerned with Black issues, he will turn his back on us.
A member in Soquel, CA
I beleve in the ideals that Obama stands for, however, Clinton has the experience. There's no time for a learning curve. Furthermore, Bill Clinton, by nearly all measures was one of the best presidents in tha last 60 years. His proximity to the White House is an added bonus. In some respects now it is a "no win" for the next president who is likely to be saddled with the legacy of the current administration. if Obama becomes the next president, he will only take the blame for the ills of Bush's administration.
A member in Dorchester, MA
She has the experience, the maturity and the knowledge to run against the Republican candidates and run the country with minority issues in the forefront.
We are encouraging those members who want to see Clinton as President, to volunteer with the Clinton campaign or donate to the campaign.
