I’d say that Obama is bi-racial.  I think that whole debate among the pundit class a few moments ago about if Obama is “black enough” was absurd. 

I do think, however, that being black in America has historically meant you have at least one black parent or grandparent.  I think that notion was formed in a less tolerant era and I don’t think it really makes sense.  But still, it does exist today.

Maybe in this election, he is black. Because there are many voters whose votes will be influenced by that particular part of his heritage. Bi-racial is a term that carries far less weight - and thus might not emotionally sway people...."The first black president" has a very different ring than "the first bi-racial president." 

I too am bi-racial, African on my father's side and Latina on my mother's side. I think when I was growing up a lot of people did not know what to think I was and many did not ask at all even though I knew they wanted to. Like Obama I think a lot of people just assumed I was black. And that's fine. It's true but it's not the whole truth. I think Sen. Obama figured this out just like I did. (And in case it matters, I am a Hillary supporter)