VERY long, it is also well written and thoughtful. I have seen some of the sentiments expressed in this piece myself. A black woman delegate at the last state Democratic convention yelled at me for not supporting Clinton. She said Obama had to "wait his turn" and that it was time for a woman to win. I can't disagree with her there. But, in a way, what Bai explores here is the possibility of a post-racial political environment in which candidates gain support for their policies, not their race. As an older woman, I have been as horrified as some of the older black leaders that young women don't seem to realize how hard it was--and could be again if they don't guard the rights we fought for. But maybe Bai is showing us another possibility. One in which we assume our rights and are rewarded for our ideas, intelligence, and skills--no matter what our age, gender, disability or medical condition, race, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. This is the true promise of America, and I hope we're finally ready for it. If so, we can finally move past the politics of victimization and work towards the level playing field Obama envisions.