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Perhaps part of Barack Obama's problem with white middle-class Americans is the "one-drop" rule, which has traditionally labeled anyone having any African blood as "black" or "African-American." People of African descent seem to have embraced this nomenclature and proudly call themselves African-Americans. However, most of these people also have genes that came to them from other racial groups. In many cases, due primarily to the lack of records from pre-Civil War days, they cannot pin down their exact racial makeup. In Obama's case, he appears to be exactly 1/2 African and 1/2 European. Perhaps it would help him develop a deeper connection (and consequently more rapport and trust) with potential white voters/constituents if he would honor his white heritage equally with his African and refer to himself as an Afro-European American. Maybe he should make a "Racial Rapprochement" speech to explain why he has decided to change his racial auto-designation and to urge others to honor their complete genetic profile, as well.
