You're right on target, RU.
I find it hard to believe that any significant number of people would refuse to vote for a candidate because of African ancestry.
I think the opposite is true.
It seems to me that most Americans would like very much to have a Black President, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is its reaffirmation of the cherished American mythology of "rags-to-riches", the universal brotherhood of man, beauty-can-come-from-anywhere-when-it-is-free-to-come, etc.--i.e. The American Dream.
This is NOT to suggest that Obama came from "rags", mind you; he came from "riches" to "great riches" and took the easy route. But, of course, Obama is far from the ideal candidate for first Black President (go to hell, Toni Morrison, with your ridiculous and utter insulting "proclamation"!)
A Black candidate of true stature and greatness would be welcomed enthusiastically by the vast majority of Amerians.
Unfortunately, Barack Obama is no such candidate, but, to demonstrate my point, the biggest thing going for him is his African ancestry.
Come to think of it, that's about all he's got going for him!
I think the opposite is true.
(1) If you don't think a "significant number of people" would vote against Obama because he's black, you and I have completely different experiences in America.
(2) On the other hand, I agree that a well-qualified candidate who happens to be black would get even more votes for that reason.