I disagree completely. It's not skin color that is a turnoff, it's people who constantly play the victim (that is not limited to one race or gender-- see Cindy Sheehan). Americans don't want to elect a person president who does nothing but whine or divide people along racial lines in a game of political opportunism. They seek men or women of action - people who simply 'deal with it'.
In that light, people wouldn't elect a Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton, but they would elect a Colin Powell or a Rod Paige.
I respect your argument, but can't abide by it.
I ask folks all the time, people of different color, economic status, political persuasion etc. And I have to report that my assessment is correct. And the most critical (to put it very politely) remarks I get regarding Miss Rice are from blacks.
Besides that, I think most white Republicans are vocalizing their support for Rice only because she is black, and a female to boot.
Black folks see right thru this charade. "Well, that all sounds good, Mr. 'n Mrs. Smith, you liking Condi Rice and all, but how come you've never invited us to one of your cook-outs, out for dinner, or to a ball game together?"
I'm of the opinion, cchandler, that America is very much a racist country.
And I'm equally vehement in my opinion that as God is further ostracized from society, things will not improve.