Lucy, I think he'd have been stupid NOT to let his race be a factor in his campaign. People hailed the fact that America had 'come so far' that a black man could even run, etc.

People milk whatever attributes they have that they think will warm the hearts of the voters. The idea that we are now more colorblind than we used to be is true, and the fact that we're colorblind enough that he was able to be on the ticket was worth some bonus points for him in the race.

I think he'd have won, anyway, as people were mad at Bush... but it sure didn't hurt him.