Between now and 4 November, any criticism of Barack Obama, however gentle and on whatever topic, will be met with the accusation “Racist!” It is designed to intimidate. Don’t be intimidated. Practice saying this: “I don’t discriminate on the basis of race; I discriminate on the basis of values. I would be happy to vote for Thomas Sowell, Clarence Thomas, or Condoleezza Rice. Would you? If not, then you see why I’m not voting for Obama.” You might also point out that Sowell, Thomas, and Rice are all black, not merely half black. This will make your interlocutor’s head hurt. Progressives aren’t known for having supple minds.