I appreciate what you have said, and I understand your valuing your relationship with your racist friend. I do not, however, agree that most Americans vote their “prejudices.” In fact, i think most Americans eschew their prejudices in deference to their sacred duty to protect and defend our Constitution.
Unfortunately, that is not the case today with the vast majority of black Americans.
Take Lovee Smith for instance, the coach of the Chicago Bears. He has openly called upon all blacks to vote for Barack Obama solely because Obama is a fellow black. Now, can you imagine what would happen if John Harbaugh called upon all whites to vote for Mitt Romney solely because Mitt is white?
Lovee Smith — like far too many blacks today — is a bigoted racist. He is voting his prejudice and encouraging other black racists to do the same.
I know of no white person in a position of leadership is who doing the same.
So, no, everyone does not vote his or her prejudices. Some still make rational decisions.