Obama's Victory Could Signal End of Racial-Identity Politics

Mr. Truell said he was disappointed that Obama did not run stronger in the South. But like the rest of the group, he carried on a warm but subdued celebration. "I wish Martin Luther King could be alive to see this happen," he said. "I pray it will be a positive thing in the lives of everyone."

The Rev. Wesley Roberts said that for all its significance to American blacks, Obama's victory was particularly meaningful for the way it transcended race, stepping beyond the necessarily more narrow vision of the civil rights movement leaders and for the Christian values it brought to the fore.

"We can say we knew where we were when history was made," he said as he bade the group good night. "Right here in church."

According to exit polls, Obama showed that an African-American candidate can appeal to black voters without losing large numbers of whites. Obama took some 95 percent of the black vote. At the same time, he won 41 percent of white men – higher than the last five Democratic presidential nominees. He won nearly half of white independents.

Exit polls showed that, overall, any racial backlash was overwhelmed by voters who said that they punched their ticket for Obama precisely because of the historical nature of his candidacy.

"People were making a statement," said Dr. Nteta of the University of Massachusetts.

African-American politicians such as Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker have shown it is possible to win office with a colorblind campaign. Obama has now shown that works on the national level, too, Nteta says. "The political legacy of Obama is going to be one of more minority candidates taking the same approach."

On Chicago's South Side, Kent Dowden purchased fast food at a corner hot-dog stand for his family early Wednesday morning after a tense night watching election results.

"We preach to kids, 'Go to school and doors will open for you‚' and now we can actually show that it's true," he said. "It's a beautiful thing."

He said Obama didn't win because of his race. "An African-American on a Republican ticket wouldn't have won," he said. Obama "was the most qualified – bottom line."