I didn't know that! Couple it with Bill Clinton's ambiguous remark that "anybody who is constitutionally qualified" can run for President, and I think we have some indication that even Dems are a little freaked out.
Incidentally, I don't think there'd be riots over this. I think a lot of black people would feel very betrayed - by Obama. I don't think they'd like the fact that he used them.
I guess Reginald Denny would agree with you.