As for blacks, they've been loyal Dems not since the 1960s but since the 1930s, when Roosevelt's underdog-and ["social"] “justice” oriented policies appealed to them (in the 1960s, the Dems, the party of liberals, exploited the Civil Rights revolution as the Party of Inclusion much more than any blatant Party of Welfare acts added to the party's reputation). “Inclusion” (though it's far from the ideal that is often claimed, just as the GOP is not the mythical closed club) is why the Dems appeal to minority groups going back to the 1930s, such as Jewish Americans, in addition to modern groups like Hispanics (inclusion and multiculturalism count as much as welfare and amnesty for aliens).

Now blacks have (as the Dem candidate) a black candidate for President. They'd have to be truly blind (beyond “color-blind”) not to desire this. And they're voting their minds. That includes many who are older and have horror stories they could tell.

“Lorene Smith was in her twenties when she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. She witnessed first-hand all kinds of history-book images — the fire hoses, police dogs and flailing billy clubs.

Now, at 65, she has graying hair and a bad back that prevents her from standing too long. She is taking no chances with a ballot she once believed could never be cast — a vote for an African-American presidential candidate. …”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122463439049156…

On the opposite side of the coin, no Republican Presidential candidate has even achieved 15% of the Black vote, and none have received even 20% since the 1960 election.

However, the total black participation in the general election runs about 7.5 – 8 million or so in the past 4 Presidential contests, and surprisingly 10 – 11 million in off-year elections, although all voter turnout is higher in off-years, as compared to 70 – 75 million Whites.

So, assuming a 50/50 male/female split (not complete accurate, but close enough for now), there are about 3.5 – 4 million Black males, and 35 – 37.5 million White males as likely voters.

Given that 20% of Black male voters would be a miracle for McCain, and would only provide about 800,000 votes, as compared to say 55% of the White male vote being about 20.5 million votes, then the logic for the McCain campaign, ensuring they try to keep that core White male vote, becomes a little more self-evident.

Data source: http://www.eagleton.rutgers.edu/News-Research/N…