There's little doubt that the race would not even be close were the Dem candidate white. There are still those who perceive Obama as Jackie Robinson in his first rough years in the majors rather than cheering him on in later years for his greatness. After these sixty years it will depend on the electorate  gradually coming around to Obama as a Jackie of later years to make the race not even close. I don't think that perception will happen unless Obama edges out this close one and later in office proves he's a legitimate player.